Monday, September 10, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Finding a dad and losing him again
The call came when i was too busy preparing for a seminar-workshop we will handle the next day (Saturday). My dad's dead? The stocky man i've known as my dad is dead, one that i never really came to know much since he left us when i was just about 10 years old. The way he died is not clear. There were just some mention of gunshot but the other things were fuzzy.
I left everything, went to the bank and took the last trip to baguio from bontoc. I planned to take my brother Chris or Mng. Ming to accompany me so we could reach Masbate earlier especially so that there was no one in there to check on what's going on. But,Chris was nowhere and Mng. ming has to do some emergency arrangements in his work place. So, we got a van that took 11 of us (Uncle Ab, Mama, Mng Ming, Mng Med, Gaud, Chris, Uncle Tanong, Uncle Esteron, Uncle Gol, Lolo Baclangen and I) to Daet, Camarines norte to pick Uncle Felix Degyawi. From Daet, we proceeded to Legazpi City where we spent the night in Camp Ola as visitors of Inspector Arauco, a batchmate of Uncle Gol.
At 3:00 AM we drove to Pilar, Sorsogon where we took the 5:30 trip to Aroroy, Masbate. The trip was uneventful except that my eyes got blurry - sore eyes which i might have caught from Km 3 from my cousins who were suffering such. Well, the flying fishes were a beautiful sight to behold everytime they spread their wings and fly.
We reached Goldbug Syndicate (even the name has a sinister sound) after about 20 minutes ride on tricycle. There i saw my pa in his coffin. though he left us when we were still kids, still his dying seems to break my heart. Not that he died, but the way he died. He was a victim of hold-up. They tied his hand at his back, and maybe to get information from him had to knife his chest with x's until he gave up and showed them where he kept his money. But, they did not spare him and so they shot him on his eyebrow and the bullet passed through his cheek. It really made me cry to think that people would do anything just for a small amount of money.
When i sat down and talked with the people i found out another side of our dad, he at least at the very least had done something good before his death. He has a neighbor named Walter Bagtang, who had been crippled for about 8-9 years already who testified that it was dad who helped feed him in all his years there since he was crippled since he cannot do much work. Another family who lives on the other room testified that he also helped his children. And, he tried his best to help one man who was returned to his family after he cannot work anymore. It makes me happy to think that really even if he did not feed us or let's say he was afraid to feed us before so he left us, he at least did something good for others.
One thing more, accordingly, he was planning to come home so he was keeping his money. But, home to him was not with us anymore but somewhere beyond what eyes can see.
When i was working for his death certificate, i chanced on someone named Bella who was also taking the birth certificates of her children. Why? so they could leave the place.... Almost everybody in the place is afraid. In fact as one confided, or when night time comes, she does not feel at ease and she's so afraid that she is always shivering of fright; another confided that she goes to sleep with other neighbors at night. It was made so clear when it was still five o'clock but my companions who went down to town were so afraid that even if it is only 20 minutes from town to goldbug, we already need to go home.
But, i also found out that the perpetrators are being cuddled by a stronger force that it is hard to pin them down. The neighbors cannot even open their mouth to tell what they know to the police and the police easily accepted reasons as they were dead drunk and that they did not hear anything. Knowing the place of the crime, it is really hard to believe their alibi but the police just accepted it as is. The people are so afraid but the witnesses are even more afraid to testify.
The only witness who was not so afraid to testify was one who was not really from the place, Walter. But, Walter cannot just testify there and though he gave leads as the last words of my dad before his death, he did not give it in full - he ommitted the name knowing that it will be too dangerous for all of us if he will tell the name. So, it was only after we were already on our way (we have to bring him with us coz we know that if we will leave him there, they will kill him), he told us the full words which are, "Minye, akala ko ba magkakapatid tayo?" The full impact even caught us by surprise coz Minye, whose full name is Herminio Abunda, is the kagawad who tried helping us. He was there trying to help but i found out that his aim was not really to help but to make sure that his plot will work according to his direction. It's so frustrating.
My pa's case is not the first but no one was ever caught. Will it be the last? We were thinking of filing a case but will it be worth it? As of now, we are still on the process of contemplating our next action.
I left everything, went to the bank and took the last trip to baguio from bontoc. I planned to take my brother Chris or Mng. Ming to accompany me so we could reach Masbate earlier especially so that there was no one in there to check on what's going on. But,Chris was nowhere and Mng. ming has to do some emergency arrangements in his work place. So, we got a van that took 11 of us (Uncle Ab, Mama, Mng Ming, Mng Med, Gaud, Chris, Uncle Tanong, Uncle Esteron, Uncle Gol, Lolo Baclangen and I) to Daet, Camarines norte to pick Uncle Felix Degyawi. From Daet, we proceeded to Legazpi City where we spent the night in Camp Ola as visitors of Inspector Arauco, a batchmate of Uncle Gol.
At 3:00 AM we drove to Pilar, Sorsogon where we took the 5:30 trip to Aroroy, Masbate. The trip was uneventful except that my eyes got blurry - sore eyes which i might have caught from Km 3 from my cousins who were suffering such. Well, the flying fishes were a beautiful sight to behold everytime they spread their wings and fly.
We reached Goldbug Syndicate (even the name has a sinister sound) after about 20 minutes ride on tricycle. There i saw my pa in his coffin. though he left us when we were still kids, still his dying seems to break my heart. Not that he died, but the way he died. He was a victim of hold-up. They tied his hand at his back, and maybe to get information from him had to knife his chest with x's until he gave up and showed them where he kept his money. But, they did not spare him and so they shot him on his eyebrow and the bullet passed through his cheek. It really made me cry to think that people would do anything just for a small amount of money.
When i sat down and talked with the people i found out another side of our dad, he at least at the very least had done something good before his death. He has a neighbor named Walter Bagtang, who had been crippled for about 8-9 years already who testified that it was dad who helped feed him in all his years there since he was crippled since he cannot do much work. Another family who lives on the other room testified that he also helped his children. And, he tried his best to help one man who was returned to his family after he cannot work anymore. It makes me happy to think that really even if he did not feed us or let's say he was afraid to feed us before so he left us, he at least did something good for others.
One thing more, accordingly, he was planning to come home so he was keeping his money. But, home to him was not with us anymore but somewhere beyond what eyes can see.
When i was working for his death certificate, i chanced on someone named Bella who was also taking the birth certificates of her children. Why? so they could leave the place.... Almost everybody in the place is afraid. In fact as one confided, or when night time comes, she does not feel at ease and she's so afraid that she is always shivering of fright; another confided that she goes to sleep with other neighbors at night. It was made so clear when it was still five o'clock but my companions who went down to town were so afraid that even if it is only 20 minutes from town to goldbug, we already need to go home.
But, i also found out that the perpetrators are being cuddled by a stronger force that it is hard to pin them down. The neighbors cannot even open their mouth to tell what they know to the police and the police easily accepted reasons as they were dead drunk and that they did not hear anything. Knowing the place of the crime, it is really hard to believe their alibi but the police just accepted it as is. The people are so afraid but the witnesses are even more afraid to testify.
The only witness who was not so afraid to testify was one who was not really from the place, Walter. But, Walter cannot just testify there and though he gave leads as the last words of my dad before his death, he did not give it in full - he ommitted the name knowing that it will be too dangerous for all of us if he will tell the name. So, it was only after we were already on our way (we have to bring him with us coz we know that if we will leave him there, they will kill him), he told us the full words which are, "Minye, akala ko ba magkakapatid tayo?" The full impact even caught us by surprise coz Minye, whose full name is Herminio Abunda, is the kagawad who tried helping us. He was there trying to help but i found out that his aim was not really to help but to make sure that his plot will work according to his direction. It's so frustrating.
My pa's case is not the first but no one was ever caught. Will it be the last? We were thinking of filing a case but will it be worth it? As of now, we are still on the process of contemplating our next action.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Why on earth am i teaching???
I entered college at a time when most high school graduates were lured into the medical professions as Physical Therapists and Nursing. I always remembered one of my teachers who asked me why I did not also take up Physical Therapy or Nursing.
Looking back, I have several reasons for taking up Teaching though it was not my first love until the last months of my fourth year class in high school.
First, I came from a “hand-to-mouth” family with my mom as the only one fending for us. Without a dad to help my mom in raising us and with seven children in the family, we learned to help our mom in all ways we can. Of course, one thing is always to consider our financial situation and to look after our means in making decisions. I enjoyed a scholarship when I was in college but all the expenses a “pensionada” incurs will greatly bury my mom in debt if I would have chosen courses out of my mom’s financial economic range.
At first, I enrolled at a private school where I needed a ride or two to reach. I computed how much I am spending and so for the second semester of my first year in college, I transferred to Benguet State University and opted to stay at the dormitory. At that time, the dormitory was not a first rate choice to us who came from Sagada since they would rather prefer to stay at boarding houses. I think with all those who stayed in the dormitory, I was the only one who came from our town who was able to endure for three years. But, I considered it as my way of helping my mom.
Moreover, when I came to the city, I entered it with guts. I did not ask my mom to come with me for I know that it will mean more spending for her yet she could use the money for more useful things like buying my other brother and sisters’ needs. So, I employed the help of one senior student of the private school where I first enrolled to help me. I did not even know what course I am really to take, if it is Elementary or Secondary Education. It makes me laugh to recall that we enrolled in Elementary Education without me taking its full implication. But, when I transferred, I had to fend for myself again and single-handedly worked on all necessary papers for my transfer. Sometimes, when my classmates asked me how I transferred, I cannot even tell them in detail since when I did it, I was so engrossed with all the necessary papers that I did not even have time to reflect on what I was doing. I also shifted from Elementary Education to Secondary when I transferred to BSU.
Secondly, I found out that teaching is one way of molding the younger generation. I started teaching Sunday School for Children when I was in high school. And, I am so thrilled to see their reactions to whatever we are discussing. Moreover, I had smaller brothers and sisters (I am the third of the seven brood.) whom I always teach.
Thirdly, I have a goal. The goal was to finish my studies at the appointed time and help my mom with my brothers and sisters. I know she is hard-up but I never heard or saw her complain. That goal to finish in time drove me to take teaching since I believe that I can finish it in time unlike when I take other courses such as Accounting.
Fourthly, I came to admire the potentials of each person. I found out that each one has his own potentials and the teacher is always the one who is able to bring out such potential in any person. He/she has the power which he/she does not even know of. Proof? I had some teachers in high school and elementary who were able to influence me without even telling me to take up education. I remember one batch of graduates we had. I always admonish them in jest never to take up teaching if they believe that “what they are doing will come back to them.” They were not really a “naughty” batch but they were full of pranks. I considered them my “sons and daughters” for most of them had belonged to my advisory class from first to third year and all them in fourth year. However, I found out that many of them took teaching. And, to top it all, two of them came back to our school to teach. So, I asked them in jest why they took teaching after all that I told them, and they said, “Well, there was somebody who told us not to take teaching in high school but unknowingly, that somebody did the other way around for she inspired us to take it.”
Fifth, I never really understood why they always say that teaching is such a noble profession until I entered it but at that time I knew no other way to be noble (He He). However, I could say that those words did their magic before so I enrolled and learned to love the noblest profession of all – teaching.
There are more reasons, but as of now, I can say that those are the most influential reasons to me.
Looking back, I have several reasons for taking up Teaching though it was not my first love until the last months of my fourth year class in high school.
First, I came from a “hand-to-mouth” family with my mom as the only one fending for us. Without a dad to help my mom in raising us and with seven children in the family, we learned to help our mom in all ways we can. Of course, one thing is always to consider our financial situation and to look after our means in making decisions. I enjoyed a scholarship when I was in college but all the expenses a “pensionada” incurs will greatly bury my mom in debt if I would have chosen courses out of my mom’s financial economic range.
At first, I enrolled at a private school where I needed a ride or two to reach. I computed how much I am spending and so for the second semester of my first year in college, I transferred to Benguet State University and opted to stay at the dormitory. At that time, the dormitory was not a first rate choice to us who came from Sagada since they would rather prefer to stay at boarding houses. I think with all those who stayed in the dormitory, I was the only one who came from our town who was able to endure for three years. But, I considered it as my way of helping my mom.
Moreover, when I came to the city, I entered it with guts. I did not ask my mom to come with me for I know that it will mean more spending for her yet she could use the money for more useful things like buying my other brother and sisters’ needs. So, I employed the help of one senior student of the private school where I first enrolled to help me. I did not even know what course I am really to take, if it is Elementary or Secondary Education. It makes me laugh to recall that we enrolled in Elementary Education without me taking its full implication. But, when I transferred, I had to fend for myself again and single-handedly worked on all necessary papers for my transfer. Sometimes, when my classmates asked me how I transferred, I cannot even tell them in detail since when I did it, I was so engrossed with all the necessary papers that I did not even have time to reflect on what I was doing. I also shifted from Elementary Education to Secondary when I transferred to BSU.
Secondly, I found out that teaching is one way of molding the younger generation. I started teaching Sunday School for Children when I was in high school. And, I am so thrilled to see their reactions to whatever we are discussing. Moreover, I had smaller brothers and sisters (I am the third of the seven brood.) whom I always teach.
Thirdly, I have a goal. The goal was to finish my studies at the appointed time and help my mom with my brothers and sisters. I know she is hard-up but I never heard or saw her complain. That goal to finish in time drove me to take teaching since I believe that I can finish it in time unlike when I take other courses such as Accounting.
Fourthly, I came to admire the potentials of each person. I found out that each one has his own potentials and the teacher is always the one who is able to bring out such potential in any person. He/she has the power which he/she does not even know of. Proof? I had some teachers in high school and elementary who were able to influence me without even telling me to take up education. I remember one batch of graduates we had. I always admonish them in jest never to take up teaching if they believe that “what they are doing will come back to them.” They were not really a “naughty” batch but they were full of pranks. I considered them my “sons and daughters” for most of them had belonged to my advisory class from first to third year and all them in fourth year. However, I found out that many of them took teaching. And, to top it all, two of them came back to our school to teach. So, I asked them in jest why they took teaching after all that I told them, and they said, “Well, there was somebody who told us not to take teaching in high school but unknowingly, that somebody did the other way around for she inspired us to take it.”
Fifth, I never really understood why they always say that teaching is such a noble profession until I entered it but at that time I knew no other way to be noble (He He). However, I could say that those words did their magic before so I enrolled and learned to love the noblest profession of all – teaching.
There are more reasons, but as of now, I can say that those are the most influential reasons to me.
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Philippines...
I just read an email about the Philippines being a host to pussy ladies who purr and treat the whites as kings. Of course, usually with the hope that these white men would look at them not just at a glance but as potential wives.
Well, I am a person who have some foreigner as friends. I really observed that when i am with them and we go around like in Baguio City or Olongapo City, people would look at me queerly. Their eyes have a slit that i can hardly understand. Sometimes, it occurs to me that maybe it is because i am with a foreigner. judging though from their looks, i see that some see me with the eyes of admiration as if i caught a big fish (i saw that look in olongapo) but others would look at me with (if i would be allowed to interpret their looks) "how were you able to hook him?" or looks like i am with a king. Of course, i'm irritated with it especially with the fact that i am already married to a Filipino who is more gorgeous than any foreigner.
In Baguio, after eating in a restaurant, i opened my wallet and made the waitress bring a question of "why you?" in her eyes. Of course, my foreign friend brought out a bigger bill but i paid the extra.
One time, i have to get boxes of books from an office. It so happened that my American friend who was with other Americans at that time was with me. They offered to help so i said of course since i really needed their help. The people in that office looked with awe at my friends and even scolded me a little for having them carry the heavy boxes.
So many times have i been with my American, German, Korean friends around. In all those trips i tried to show that we need not treat them as kings for they are but normal people like us. They need not be treated with royalty. Of course, we can always do that if that is how we treat all people. I tried to show to all kababayans who see us that foreigners are not royalty in our own country. They are also people like us. We don't look down to them but we also don't need to strain our necks to reach and show them what we are not if we know our own selves.
That is one thing that i like with Sagada, Mountain Province. Locals and foreigners are treated equally. If there are treatments which are otherwise, they are isolated cases. You don't see girls parading around foreigners even if the foreigner is known to be a very eligible bachelor. Nor do you see foreigners treated as royalty. It is in this small town where it is the foreigners who will adjust to the local ways not the other way around. As visitors usually hear from the locals, "if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do," not the Romans to do what the foreigner does. Of course, due to the natural ability of influence, there are some positive and negative changes that they bring.
But i am proud to say that Sagada is still free from negative influences as prostitution which are very common on places where the foreigners usually go.
Well, I am a person who have some foreigner as friends. I really observed that when i am with them and we go around like in Baguio City or Olongapo City, people would look at me queerly. Their eyes have a slit that i can hardly understand. Sometimes, it occurs to me that maybe it is because i am with a foreigner. judging though from their looks, i see that some see me with the eyes of admiration as if i caught a big fish (i saw that look in olongapo) but others would look at me with (if i would be allowed to interpret their looks) "how were you able to hook him?" or looks like i am with a king. Of course, i'm irritated with it especially with the fact that i am already married to a Filipino who is more gorgeous than any foreigner.
In Baguio, after eating in a restaurant, i opened my wallet and made the waitress bring a question of "why you?" in her eyes. Of course, my foreign friend brought out a bigger bill but i paid the extra.
One time, i have to get boxes of books from an office. It so happened that my American friend who was with other Americans at that time was with me. They offered to help so i said of course since i really needed their help. The people in that office looked with awe at my friends and even scolded me a little for having them carry the heavy boxes.
So many times have i been with my American, German, Korean friends around. In all those trips i tried to show that we need not treat them as kings for they are but normal people like us. They need not be treated with royalty. Of course, we can always do that if that is how we treat all people. I tried to show to all kababayans who see us that foreigners are not royalty in our own country. They are also people like us. We don't look down to them but we also don't need to strain our necks to reach and show them what we are not if we know our own selves.
That is one thing that i like with Sagada, Mountain Province. Locals and foreigners are treated equally. If there are treatments which are otherwise, they are isolated cases. You don't see girls parading around foreigners even if the foreigner is known to be a very eligible bachelor. Nor do you see foreigners treated as royalty. It is in this small town where it is the foreigners who will adjust to the local ways not the other way around. As visitors usually hear from the locals, "if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do," not the Romans to do what the foreigner does. Of course, due to the natural ability of influence, there are some positive and negative changes that they bring.
But i am proud to say that Sagada is still free from negative influences as prostitution which are very common on places where the foreigners usually go.
Friday, June 22, 2007
My stay at Sagada National High School
If there will be a school that i feel i will always belong to, it will be Sagada National High School. I have passed through other schools from my elementary to my graduate studies but those schools cannot supersede my love for this growing Sagada NHS.
Sagada NHS was just established in 1996. I entered the school as a teacher in 1997 just fresh from college. Since then, it became an inseparable part of me. I am part of its past and its present and that thought alone jerks me to reality that together with my co-teachers, parents, students and the alumni, we have gone a long way.
And though, until now, Sagada NHS can only be proud and yet humbled by the fact that there are only two buildings that they can call as their very own. One is a two-storey building which was built jointly by the 1st two batches of students (BAtches 2000 and 2001), teachers, parents and lately for finishing with the aid of the municipal government. It is now being utilized as a faculty room (upstairs) and a computer laboratory (downstairs). The other one is still unfinished which hopefully will finally be finished within this year. It had been a project which was started in 1997 (or 1998? - i am not yet so sure) but was stopped due to lack of funds (accordingly). It is only last year that the provincial government, DepEd and now the Municipal government all joined hands to finish it.
Sometimes, it grieves us that millions and millions of pesos were budgeted but we are only realizing the building as something to be used now. Jokingly, we would sometimes say that if only they will give the money directly to the school so the school and not the DPWH will work it out, we're sure that we're already using a first class building. But, trying to examine and critically think about it will just make my head ache and make me hate the system we are in. What consoles us, however, is the fact that the provincial as well as the municipal LGU's heard our plea. Now, hopefully before the end of this year, the new building will be ready to use.
Since its second year, i have been a part of this school's ups and downs, including how it grew to become one of the schools which other people look up and recognize. Until now, what infrastructure we have is nothing compared to what established schools have but we are proud to say that what we have are things we really worked for. They are symbols of how we worked as a team - all the teachers, parents, students, alumni and the community.
Yet, one factor could also be attributed to the very fact that all the teachers in this school never stops to learn. they are always willing to learn something new. They always want to try something new. They are an epitome of what we call, "educators are forever learners."
I entered this school when it was still an annex of Bangaan National High School. It had nothing then. I was honed in this school and whoever am i as a teacher will forever be because of this school and my co-teachers whom i worked with. I will not move out from this school without my own contributions whether those contributions will be recognized or not and even if those contributions will not be seen nor sensed by the normal eye.
Sagada National High School, you will forever be a part of me.
Parents, teachers, students, alumni and the community, let us continue to support Sagada National High School. It is still a very young school but like a person, whether young or old, it needs people to support it. And, with that i guarantee you that Sagada National High School will always give its best to serve you.
MABIAMABIAG NAN SAGADA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL. Matago-tago tako am-in. WITH YOU SNHS WILL ALWAYS FLY LIKE AN EAGLE.
Sagada NHS was just established in 1996. I entered the school as a teacher in 1997 just fresh from college. Since then, it became an inseparable part of me. I am part of its past and its present and that thought alone jerks me to reality that together with my co-teachers, parents, students and the alumni, we have gone a long way.
And though, until now, Sagada NHS can only be proud and yet humbled by the fact that there are only two buildings that they can call as their very own. One is a two-storey building which was built jointly by the 1st two batches of students (BAtches 2000 and 2001), teachers, parents and lately for finishing with the aid of the municipal government. It is now being utilized as a faculty room (upstairs) and a computer laboratory (downstairs). The other one is still unfinished which hopefully will finally be finished within this year. It had been a project which was started in 1997 (or 1998? - i am not yet so sure) but was stopped due to lack of funds (accordingly). It is only last year that the provincial government, DepEd and now the Municipal government all joined hands to finish it.
Sometimes, it grieves us that millions and millions of pesos were budgeted but we are only realizing the building as something to be used now. Jokingly, we would sometimes say that if only they will give the money directly to the school so the school and not the DPWH will work it out, we're sure that we're already using a first class building. But, trying to examine and critically think about it will just make my head ache and make me hate the system we are in. What consoles us, however, is the fact that the provincial as well as the municipal LGU's heard our plea. Now, hopefully before the end of this year, the new building will be ready to use.
Since its second year, i have been a part of this school's ups and downs, including how it grew to become one of the schools which other people look up and recognize. Until now, what infrastructure we have is nothing compared to what established schools have but we are proud to say that what we have are things we really worked for. They are symbols of how we worked as a team - all the teachers, parents, students, alumni and the community.
Yet, one factor could also be attributed to the very fact that all the teachers in this school never stops to learn. they are always willing to learn something new. They always want to try something new. They are an epitome of what we call, "educators are forever learners."
I entered this school when it was still an annex of Bangaan National High School. It had nothing then. I was honed in this school and whoever am i as a teacher will forever be because of this school and my co-teachers whom i worked with. I will not move out from this school without my own contributions whether those contributions will be recognized or not and even if those contributions will not be seen nor sensed by the normal eye.
Sagada National High School, you will forever be a part of me.
Parents, teachers, students, alumni and the community, let us continue to support Sagada National High School. It is still a very young school but like a person, whether young or old, it needs people to support it. And, with that i guarantee you that Sagada National High School will always give its best to serve you.
MABIAMABIAG NAN SAGADA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL. Matago-tago tako am-in. WITH YOU SNHS WILL ALWAYS FLY LIKE AN EAGLE.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Yoghurt and start of school
One of the visitors who came to Sagada (he knew me through another friend) last Monday told me, "Let's go out and have coffee so we can talk." I was about to say, "why not?" when he said, "Ay, di pala uso kape dito, yoghurt pala uso." So, he amended it to "Let's go out and have yoghurt so we can talk." Yes, in fact about 70% of my friends here all know how make yoghurt with their own way - with flavor or without.
Enrolment is almost over and the start of school is here. By Monday, every teacher and student all over the country will be busy with the usual stuff. However, i pray that the usual stuff should be an improvement of the past not just a repetition of what happened, including the mistakes. Though, in truth, i am not yet ready for the new school year since my mind is still on vacation and my body longs for the beach, the mountains and the sunshine, i have no other choice but to put my feet on the ground again. And, whether i like it or not, condition myself for monday and the rest of the year.
WORK... WORK... WORK... and no play - play will be during the vacations only (he he) but even if that is the case, when we enjoy what we are doing, we are already playing. That is, make work a play.
Enrolment is almost over and the start of school is here. By Monday, every teacher and student all over the country will be busy with the usual stuff. However, i pray that the usual stuff should be an improvement of the past not just a repetition of what happened, including the mistakes. Though, in truth, i am not yet ready for the new school year since my mind is still on vacation and my body longs for the beach, the mountains and the sunshine, i have no other choice but to put my feet on the ground again. And, whether i like it or not, condition myself for monday and the rest of the year.
WORK... WORK... WORK... and no play - play will be during the vacations only (he he) but even if that is the case, when we enjoy what we are doing, we are already playing. That is, make work a play.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
ict integration and webpage designing
I'm here in a training in baguio again. at last, kasi we (that includes my computer buddy at school) have been looking for a training like this for the past year. we already have a website but it was only through the help of Mr. Kent Sinkey, an American who opted to stay in Sagada, that our dream came to reality. But, we have been trying to look for a seminar like this kasi we do not know how to update our own web. It is not good if we will always be a parasite when we can be the host ( he he). now, our wish came true. i hope we can finally produce a 100% web of sagadanh'ers. i know and i believe that this training will bring us a hundred steps forward and we can really make our web the best that we can make it, with our own tastes and with our own flavor.
i met rossana valdez, ms. olongapocnhs (bastos ko ano pero this i think is a sign of pagtanda), marinella, zenaida, vernice which i have already met in other trainings sponsored by smart before. i met new faces again to add to my growing lists of contacts all over the philippines - my room mates lorna and juvy ann all from la union. ms mildred dapliyan who came all the way from olongapo city national high school though she is from pingad and married to ernesto dapliyan of sagada.
my gosh, i arrived late yesterday. i came all the way from tabuk, kalinga. we started in tabuk at 9:00 am and reached bontoc at 3:30 so i have to board the last trip from bontoc. i stayed in two different vehicles for 13 hours. i opted to go to bontoc instead of boarding straight from tabuk coz their first trip is at 1:00pm and i will stay in the bus for 12 hours so that means to say, i will reach baguio by 1:00 am. that's why i did what i did. new routes, new experiences, new experiences, new learning. way to go, irene.
by the way, i met my "twin" again. though she is a little older than i am, how can i not say that. so many people have mistaken me for her and her for me. just at breakfast i was greeted by stories of how they have mistaken me for her last night, calling her my name and she gamely let them think of what they are already thinking. that's soraya and she's our project manager.
i came to note that joretze, cesar and lauren are together at lipa. go, go, go the smart mentors.
i met rossana valdez, ms. olongapocnhs (bastos ko ano pero this i think is a sign of pagtanda), marinella, zenaida, vernice which i have already met in other trainings sponsored by smart before. i met new faces again to add to my growing lists of contacts all over the philippines - my room mates lorna and juvy ann all from la union. ms mildred dapliyan who came all the way from olongapo city national high school though she is from pingad and married to ernesto dapliyan of sagada.
my gosh, i arrived late yesterday. i came all the way from tabuk, kalinga. we started in tabuk at 9:00 am and reached bontoc at 3:30 so i have to board the last trip from bontoc. i stayed in two different vehicles for 13 hours. i opted to go to bontoc instead of boarding straight from tabuk coz their first trip is at 1:00pm and i will stay in the bus for 12 hours so that means to say, i will reach baguio by 1:00 am. that's why i did what i did. new routes, new experiences, new experiences, new learning. way to go, irene.
by the way, i met my "twin" again. though she is a little older than i am, how can i not say that. so many people have mistaken me for her and her for me. just at breakfast i was greeted by stories of how they have mistaken me for her last night, calling her my name and she gamely let them think of what they are already thinking. that's soraya and she's our project manager.
i came to note that joretze, cesar and lauren are together at lipa. go, go, go the smart mentors.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Election Fever
Election fever. Have you caught it already? I am still proud to say that election in Sagada had always been cool. (I don't know if it is a proof to Montesquieu's (?) climate theory.) But, though there are many people killed due to politics, no one in Sagada is ever known to have died due to the "dirty" game.
Tomorrow will be election in the Philippines. They say that there is a raise for the honorarium of the BEI's who will be serving. Others say it is too much, others complain. Looking at it though, i could say that the amount is fine if you are here in Sagada or in places where politics is not a dirty game but, it is too little for those who are going to serve in the "hot" areas for their lives are also at stake. Yet, i greatly hope that this year's election will be as cool as the climate here in our place though it had already started with a lot of killings. May the election fever in other places subside and may the wisdom that comes from God and the wisdom of the election overrule the fever that had attacked others to the extent of killing and even destroying others morally, spiritually or even physically. This is my prayer, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Tomorrow will be election in the Philippines. They say that there is a raise for the honorarium of the BEI's who will be serving. Others say it is too much, others complain. Looking at it though, i could say that the amount is fine if you are here in Sagada or in places where politics is not a dirty game but, it is too little for those who are going to serve in the "hot" areas for their lives are also at stake. Yet, i greatly hope that this year's election will be as cool as the climate here in our place though it had already started with a lot of killings. May the election fever in other places subside and may the wisdom that comes from God and the wisdom of the election overrule the fever that had attacked others to the extent of killing and even destroying others morally, spiritually or even physically. This is my prayer, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
So, back to business again
It's been more than a week since we separated ways with the other smart mentors. my plan then was to take a very deep rest (not really sleep but do things which does not need my mental processors, physical maybe, but for sure not mental) so, when i went back to baguio, i took my kids (Manev & Sab) gallivanting - the malls and Asin Hot spring before we finally came home to sagada. Again, i refused to see the computer for some time - then slowly i started reading the past lessons and those that we have done. i had to pick the diamond nuggets i dropped along the way when my mind refused to take anything anymore. so far, i had picked some but not all. i know, i have left even some bigger nuggets somewhere.
when i was ready to face the computer again, i was too disappointed for the MOPRECO (Mountain Province Electric Cooperative) was not ready for me - WALANG ILAW. too bad. the next day, the light came when it was already high noon. i have to go to school kasi walang internet sa bahay. hapssss, another disappointment walang internet. it took me (and some helpful hands through the phone) the whole afternoon (and we even continued it the next day) to diagnose the problem. Until - taraaan- i can now post again.
i came to realize how blessed we are again to be in that training that we had. it was in fact, the most comprehensive, mind and stomach fulfilling and even the most luxurious training i've ever been. it will forever put a mark in my life. just to have our closing program away from the venue of our training is already a luxury and to have it in tagaytay adds to the imprint. i am too overwhelmed. WHOA SMART.
i just had a nice chat with my colleague yesterday. i shared to him what happened and encouraged him to join the next screening if there will be (of course, there will be. this is too good a program to stop). i know he will grab the next opportunity and if he will not grab it, i will grab it for whoever is interested but i know basing from experience that he will be one of those who is the most interested.
there are other things i need to sort out but that training already gave me a headstart on whatever direction i need to take.
to our benefactors and to all those behind this, be assured that what i learned will not only be head knowledge and that it will not just stay within me. in fact, we already had an initial plan of when to have the 1st mentoring for a few teachers - yes, that will be before the end of May.
congratulations to all my co-smart mentors. let's live to what we have bitten.
when i was ready to face the computer again, i was too disappointed for the MOPRECO (Mountain Province Electric Cooperative) was not ready for me - WALANG ILAW. too bad. the next day, the light came when it was already high noon. i have to go to school kasi walang internet sa bahay. hapssss, another disappointment walang internet. it took me (and some helpful hands through the phone) the whole afternoon (and we even continued it the next day) to diagnose the problem. Until - taraaan- i can now post again.
i came to realize how blessed we are again to be in that training that we had. it was in fact, the most comprehensive, mind and stomach fulfilling and even the most luxurious training i've ever been. it will forever put a mark in my life. just to have our closing program away from the venue of our training is already a luxury and to have it in tagaytay adds to the imprint. i am too overwhelmed. WHOA SMART.
i just had a nice chat with my colleague yesterday. i shared to him what happened and encouraged him to join the next screening if there will be (of course, there will be. this is too good a program to stop). i know he will grab the next opportunity and if he will not grab it, i will grab it for whoever is interested but i know basing from experience that he will be one of those who is the most interested.
there are other things i need to sort out but that training already gave me a headstart on whatever direction i need to take.
to our benefactors and to all those behind this, be assured that what i learned will not only be head knowledge and that it will not just stay within me. in fact, we already had an initial plan of when to have the 1st mentoring for a few teachers - yes, that will be before the end of May.
congratulations to all my co-smart mentors. let's live to what we have bitten.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Research
Super men is what i call this group. we took methods of research and statistics in just a half day. then made our thesis title and chapter 1 in the afternoon. tapos nagdefend sa gabi. wowoweeee. talagang supermen sila. (nakalimutan lang ilabas ang mga undies nila)
but i congratulate all of you people. galing niyo. sana totoo iyan forever para graduate tayo lahat sa Cebu next year. I really admire all of you. Be the best of who you are.
i learned a lot from this and i hope you did, too.
but i congratulate all of you people. galing niyo. sana totoo iyan forever para graduate tayo lahat sa Cebu next year. I really admire all of you. Be the best of who you are.
i learned a lot from this and i hope you did, too.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Day 9
Peer Mentoring and Conflict Management is a very needed topic which not only Smart Mentors will use but is applicable to everybody. I'm glad i had more time to be with myself a while ago. i had been in touch with myself, then with others. now, i realized i have more in my hands than just being a Smart Mentor.
Now, other things are cropping up. i'm worried about my action research but i know that with people who are willing to teach, i will be able to do it.
Now, other things are cropping up. i'm worried about my action research but i know that with people who are willing to teach, i will be able to do it.
Day 8
Technology of Participation - It seems something foreign but looking at it deeply it had been a practice perfected by some in the earlier years but was given a name that seems so foreign to understand. I have nothing against what it is but i was not cleared on the fact of why it was called a technology of participation. What is clear to me though is its use - in fact, it's very flexible use.
it's only my second week of using a blog (thanks to Fr. Jomar for introducing it to us) and i am now enjoying its use. i am now starting some concrete plans on how to use it in my classes this school year and the years to come.
ORID and workshop methods are really needed not only by facilitators. It can also be applied in everyday life.
My mind is starting to digest most of the info that were able to be retained in my mind and now, things are becoming clearer. i hope then that i will be able to successfully finish all the requirements before i go home.
it's only my second week of using a blog (thanks to Fr. Jomar for introducing it to us) and i am now enjoying its use. i am now starting some concrete plans on how to use it in my classes this school year and the years to come.
ORID and workshop methods are really needed not only by facilitators. It can also be applied in everyday life.
My mind is starting to digest most of the info that were able to be retained in my mind and now, things are becoming clearer. i hope then that i will be able to successfully finish all the requirements before i go home.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Day 7
Yesterday, we had our teambuilding. It's nice to be a child again. Though there were prizes at stake, we joined the activity as if we don't have any cares at all. It renewed our strength as a team. Thanks to all.
Today, the work and the lecture was not too gruelling but as usual, Fr. Jomar gave us enough food to chew and enough time to digest. That's the way to go father.
Realizing it, what have i been? Was i a behaviorist, cognitivist or constructivist teacher? I think i have been a little of each. But now, i have to start working more to be a constructivist. Of course, i have to be a behaviorist teacher if the competency and the tasks calls for it but i will really try my best to be more of a constructivist.
Today, the work and the lecture was not too gruelling but as usual, Fr. Jomar gave us enough food to chew and enough time to digest. That's the way to go father.
Realizing it, what have i been? Was i a behaviorist, cognitivist or constructivist teacher? I think i have been a little of each. But now, i have to start working more to be a constructivist. Of course, i have to be a behaviorist teacher if the competency and the tasks calls for it but i will really try my best to be more of a constructivist.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Telecollaborative Project
At last, my mind was unclogged after i took a nap (at a seat somewhere up there), ate lunch, and after listening to Ms. Estoque. So, i was more receptive on the next sessions.
Ms. Estoque's story is really inspirational - it really inspires me to really give my best given the scarce resources that we have. i was inspired enough to finish my activity for the day.
thanks a lot ms estoque.
Ms. Estoque's story is really inspirational - it really inspires me to really give my best given the scarce resources that we have. i was inspired enough to finish my activity for the day.
thanks a lot ms estoque.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Day 6
The session on Telecollaboration is finished but my mind was unable to process even half of what i heard a while ago. I realized in the end that i had been too busy trying to digest what is being brought out by our speaker that in the end i got indigestion of the mind - or is it mental constipation. i do not know if my processor is too weak or that i should have taken things in bits but i took it in chunks.
I even have a hard time realizing what we are doing. the activity is finished but i cannot yet place the use of it in the classroom. Maybe i have an idea but the idea is not yet concretized.
i hope i will really learn this again and by that time appreciate it. how i wish the speaker had been more logical in the presentation of the topic - or maybe, she had but i was unable to follow. poor me.... as selalyn,of Baguio City NHS says, "di ako makarelate," in my case, kanina.
I even have a hard time realizing what we are doing. the activity is finished but i cannot yet place the use of it in the classroom. Maybe i have an idea but the idea is not yet concretized.
i hope i will really learn this again and by that time appreciate it. how i wish the speaker had been more logical in the presentation of the topic - or maybe, she had but i was unable to follow. poor me.... as selalyn,of Baguio City NHS says, "di ako makarelate," in my case, kanina.
Day 5
My mind seems to have been clogged with too much information that i can hardly comprehend the rest of the lessons in the afternoon. but one thing is clear, i learned so much on rubric preparation and use. i have been using rubrics for some time already but the discussion a while ago cleared me of my several questions regarding the use of it.
though we were not given enough time to make our rubric in the afternoon, still i cannot count all those things that i have learned on authentic assessment. AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT - as if there are assessments which are not authentic - but whether we accept it or not, we have been using unauthenticated (he he if there is such a word) assessments in most of our classroom teacher life.
Being a teacher, i think i have to start compiling my prepared rubrics so that it will be easier to revise and refer to in the coming days. I also need my own portfolio so i could also assess my own self. I still believe that before i will require it from my students i need to be an example.
thus, i have to end this so i could finish my rubric. but before that, i really thank the people who had been behind me so i could come to this training, our trainers who had effectively and efficiently imparted to us their topics, to Smart for giving us this chance and to our families who is behind us despite the fact that we are not with them even if it is vacation time. And, to the Lord Almighty who gave us a chance to grab this opportunity and who, despite the fact that we cannot understand some things in our life, He encompasses all understandings and so i am assured that everything will be alright. i love you all.
though we were not given enough time to make our rubric in the afternoon, still i cannot count all those things that i have learned on authentic assessment. AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT - as if there are assessments which are not authentic - but whether we accept it or not, we have been using unauthenticated (he he if there is such a word) assessments in most of our classroom teacher life.
Being a teacher, i think i have to start compiling my prepared rubrics so that it will be easier to revise and refer to in the coming days. I also need my own portfolio so i could also assess my own self. I still believe that before i will require it from my students i need to be an example.
thus, i have to end this so i could finish my rubric. but before that, i really thank the people who had been behind me so i could come to this training, our trainers who had effectively and efficiently imparted to us their topics, to Smart for giving us this chance and to our families who is behind us despite the fact that we are not with them even if it is vacation time. And, to the Lord Almighty who gave us a chance to grab this opportunity and who, despite the fact that we cannot understand some things in our life, He encompasses all understandings and so i am assured that everything will be alright. i love you all.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Day 4
Problem based learning can truly be an alternative component to the traditional classroom learning situation. It is student-centered, thus, eliminates boring situations in the teaching-learning scenario. I had been using a somewhat similar strategy in some of my classes but learning this gives me a better direction of where i am leading.
i just realized that yesterday and today, i enjoyed being a part of people who are willing to disagree to agree. And though, we may not have made something perfect, the output is still a product of the whole group who had disagreed on some points but ended up cooperating and helping one another to produce an output.
So, to my group mates yesterday: Dave, Alfred, Zhen, Daylin, Evelyn and Cezar; and today, Cezar, Daylin, Joretz I do believe that what we did is a very good example of what we are preaching - cooperative learning. Disagreements are but spices to make our work better. Keep up.
Aha, and i ended the day laughing my heart out. Thanksd to laurenza, and my room mates Daylin and Virgie, the tensions of the days were released. He he heeee
i just realized that yesterday and today, i enjoyed being a part of people who are willing to disagree to agree. And though, we may not have made something perfect, the output is still a product of the whole group who had disagreed on some points but ended up cooperating and helping one another to produce an output.
So, to my group mates yesterday: Dave, Alfred, Zhen, Daylin, Evelyn and Cezar; and today, Cezar, Daylin, Joretz I do believe that what we did is a very good example of what we are preaching - cooperative learning. Disagreements are but spices to make our work better. Keep up.
Aha, and i ended the day laughing my heart out. Thanksd to laurenza, and my room mates Daylin and Virgie, the tensions of the days were released. He he heeee
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Day 3
Things are getting better. First, i woke up refreshed and ready to face another day. The nauseatic feeling yesterday is history and today i am determined to learn as much as i can while i still have the chance.
Father Jomar again opened a closed door in my mind and i really realized that i have been so busy teaching so many details that i forget to focus on the competencies the students will meet along the way. 10 questions/problems? wow, i once had a professor who talked to me that way years ago but i realized that i only applied it for a few weeks then i forgot (or was just unconsciously immersed into the traditional teachings again) all about it. Now, it's hitting me again. i hope i will not be caught up with traditions again so as to be hit harder the next time this reminder will come. By the time (i hope) that this reminder will come again, it will not hit me flat-footed again but it will make me a better teacher improving in my teaching skills.
integrating ict in our learning competencies is not that hard now and though we were the first group to finish, we found out through casual sharing with friends each group had a unique way of approaching their own activity in their own field. our group was the jolly one where we came to ralize that social studies can perfectly and seamlessly join hands with technology and livelihood education to harmonize teaching competencies. WOW - making thematic teaching a reality not just a dream.
i know the day is hardly over but we were already able to accomplish much. thanks again to all our sponsors, especially smart and our speaker, Fr. Jomar.
Father Jomar again opened a closed door in my mind and i really realized that i have been so busy teaching so many details that i forget to focus on the competencies the students will meet along the way. 10 questions/problems? wow, i once had a professor who talked to me that way years ago but i realized that i only applied it for a few weeks then i forgot (or was just unconsciously immersed into the traditional teachings again) all about it. Now, it's hitting me again. i hope i will not be caught up with traditions again so as to be hit harder the next time this reminder will come. By the time (i hope) that this reminder will come again, it will not hit me flat-footed again but it will make me a better teacher improving in my teaching skills.
integrating ict in our learning competencies is not that hard now and though we were the first group to finish, we found out through casual sharing with friends each group had a unique way of approaching their own activity in their own field. our group was the jolly one where we came to ralize that social studies can perfectly and seamlessly join hands with technology and livelihood education to harmonize teaching competencies. WOW - making thematic teaching a reality not just a dream.
i know the day is hardly over but we were already able to accomplish much. thanks again to all our sponsors, especially smart and our speaker, Fr. Jomar.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Day 2
It humors me to think that i never got sick in my hometown when it was near freezing point. But this day, i feel, i am really sick. yet, i know that whole night of rest will make me very much alive and kicking tomorrow.
yet, sick or not, i awakened from my deep slumber a while ago. Though most of what was discussed a while ago was not completely new to me, i was struck by the very thought that i have forgotten taken the focus of learning away from the students. this realization makes me excited to start a new school year.
busy or not, i will try my very best to be more effective aided by the technology we have. Furthermore, it makes me laugh to note that sometimes we are so engrossed on updating our technology without perfecting its use in learning competencies. We focus more on the outside appearance not on the inside.
starting today, however, awaking from my slumber, i will not allow myself again to forget the fundamentals of the learning environment.
yet, sick or not, i awakened from my deep slumber a while ago. Though most of what was discussed a while ago was not completely new to me, i was struck by the very thought that i have forgotten taken the focus of learning away from the students. this realization makes me excited to start a new school year.
busy or not, i will try my very best to be more effective aided by the technology we have. Furthermore, it makes me laugh to note that sometimes we are so engrossed on updating our technology without perfecting its use in learning competencies. We focus more on the outside appearance not on the inside.
starting today, however, awaking from my slumber, i will not allow myself again to forget the fundamentals of the learning environment.
Day 2
It humors me to think that i never got sick in my hometown when it was near freezing point. But this day, i feel, i am really sick. yet, i know that whole night of rest will make me very much alive and kicking tomorrow.
yet, sick or not, i awakened from my deep slumber a while ago. Though most of what was discussed a while ago was not completely new to me, i was struck by the very thought that i have forgotten taken the focus of learning away from the students. this realization makes me excited to start a new school year.
busy or not, i will try my very best to be more effective aided by the technology we have. Furthermore, it makes me laugh to note that sometimes we are so engrossed on updating our technology without perfecting its use in learning competencies. We focus more on the outside appearance not on the inside.
starting today, however, awaking from my slumber, i will not allow myself again to forget the fundamentals of the learning environment.
yet, sick or not, i awakened from my deep slumber a while ago. Though most of what was discussed a while ago was not completely new to me, i was struck by the very thought that i have forgotten taken the focus of learning away from the students. this realization makes me excited to start a new school year.
busy or not, i will try my very best to be more effective aided by the technology we have. Furthermore, it makes me laugh to note that sometimes we are so engrossed on updating our technology without perfecting its use in learning competencies. We focus more on the outside appearance not on the inside.
starting today, however, awaking from my slumber, i will not allow myself again to forget the fundamentals of the learning environment.
Day 1
Today is our first day as student Smart Mentors. I was really grilled knowing i know nothing. I have learned things i would never have if i have stayed inside the classroom. But, the most important thing i learned is how to filter throuhg the millions of information in the net and how to critically analyze the credibility of each article. This, for sure, will not only be for my own consumption but which for sure will benefit all my students this coming school year (which, by the way is making me excited to meet them).
as i move on, i know that there will always be people to support and institutions to help me bridge the gap of ignorance of the students and most especially myself.
as i move on, i know that there will always be people to support and institutions to help me bridge the gap of ignorance of the students and most especially myself.
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