Teacher's teacher

This is our beloved doggie, Michael. My family: Ayeng, Ben, Bon, Chevy, Malaybalayan and Michael wish you my very important readers . .

To: GSP Bukidnon Council Board Members

From: GSP Bukidnon Council

In Australia, Koalas die because of Koala Aids. In addition to this killer disease is something man can do something about: loss of habitat.


While this is painful to know, it is even more painful to note that even men are being killed because of aids and because they do not have any shelter to protect themselves from natural phenomena like strong rain, excessive heat- loss of their "habitat".

This is more heightened when we hear of the Ampatuans having 20 plus mansions and in every mansion, vaults to keep their cash and weapons. How do we call this inequality?

Challenge to Education 138 students: What is your comment when scenarios, such as those indicated, come to your knowledge? Your insights will be published in this blogspot when Teacher's teacher receives your ideas and/or feedback.

News Patrol of ABS-CBN and Top Story of ANC announced the latest about the hostages taken by Ondo Perez group in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur: 46 captives are released. This was done amidst demands by Ondo Perez himself.

Situations, like this, are soothing to everybody's sanity but the other side of the story is what is disturbing. Demands of the hostage takers versus the safety of many hostages, children, women at that, is it moral? Perhaps the so-called demands will be granted but how about the traumas experienced by the hostages? Can Perez ever give to the victims their own demands of returning to them their peace of mind? Why did he include so many children and elderly women all to pressure the government to hear his side? Are the lives of the hostages less important?

On our part, this is one reason why we prefer Martial Law to be declared in places where lawlessness prevails. Did we not hear one Basilan bishop, Bishop Martin Jumoad who, is a religious leader and bishop in Basilan since 1983 and is supposed to promote peace, entertain the idea of Martial Law being declared? Ironically, the intention of suggesting it is to restore peace and order in Basilan.

Still in Basilan, 31 high-risk prisoners escaped from Basilan Provincial jail and so again, we ask: why do these things happen? Wy do we have unresolved cases one after another? Thirteen (13) days before Christmas and yet chaos still reigns. Lord, we need your miracles.

As if the aforementioned situations are not enough, the Vice-President of Basilan State College, Orlando Fajardo, is abducted. Another family is left grieving as to the uncertainty of their loved ones' lives. The hostage takers are asking for P20 million ransom.

Providentially, we caught Lea Andanar -Yu, anchor of Top Story this Sunday interview the good bishop. Bishop Martin Jumoad explains his side and why he prefers Martial Law to be declared in Basilan. The other visitor happened to be the good Senator, Rodolfo Biazon who clarifies that Martial Law is not the answer - and if there is one - it is the strong will power of the government to truly solve the problems.

Fellow bloggers, let us share insights: How can we "breathe the air of freedom"? How can we have peace and order in our communities? Teacher's teacher awaits your comments, suggestions and analysis.

Save a personal appearance on any credible talk show, Tiger Woods wrote in his blog to the effect that after much thought, he has decided to go on indefinite leave from professional golf and devote more of his time to become a better husband, father and person. We are not sure whether Tiger personally wrote this but it is enough for now to know that he is trying to prioritize and he is ordering it accordingly: as a husband, then as a father and finally as a person.

For us teachers, we usually say: become the best person you can be and the rest falls into its proper places: if married, become the best husband/wife you can be and with children as fruits of such a beautiful and committed union, become the best parent. Still we realize it is not us but Tiger who likes to move on after admitting to infidelities. We are aware of many more personalities who fall from grace and resolve their problems their own way.

We were witnesses to the squirmish between Jinkee Pacquiao and Manny Pacquiao when it was rumored that Krista Ranillo had something going on with the boxer. Nowadays, talk is fast losing its sting because Manny went public about asking apology from Jinkee for the pain the rumor had caused.

Certainly, Tiger Woods can learn from Manny Pacquiao. But if the revealations are to be believed, it seems Tiger's case is very complex with so many girls eager to go on public about their unique relationship with him. So Tiger, you are on your own how to save your marriage, your relationship with your children and experience peace of mind and peace with your conscience.

Remember, we can only pray for you and hope that you will emerge the Tiger Woods, a committed human husband, a more loving human father and a renewed, more humane human being, facing the world with clearly different zest and perspective, making the world better as well..

Tiger, we your fans, will wait for that day when once again we watch you play, your eyes focused on things that truly matter. Without you, we will never be happy to follow golf but with you, knowing your family is with you, we will thank God for giving Tiger back to us.

Sometimes, it is difficult to catch up with updates that come from the government since Martial Law was declared in Maguindanao, Philippines. Especially so, when the historical joint session of the House of the Senate and Congress was convened precisely to find out the validity of such declaration. Just when the senators and congressmen showed off their expertise and usual bickerings, and they just began; we hear Martial Law would be lifted tonight at 9:00 o'clock.

With all the depressing news that dominates nowadays, it is uplifting to hear that Nobel Prize is given to President Barack Obama which providentially happens on the day when it is International Human Rights Day. While, as ever, critics question why Obama is the choice, we beg to disagree. Obama symbolizes newness of leadership and possibilities.

Were you once upon a time a Girl Scout? Were you a "brownie"? a twinkler?a junior?a senior scout? a cadet? a Girl Scout Volunteer as an officer, member of any Committee? a community leader in the barangay? in your district? A Girl Scout volunteer in any capacity? If you were:

Have you contacted the headquarters of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Bukidnon Council? Did you call (088) 8134332? or cell number 09194047034? Please do- especially because the Bukidnon Council will turn 57 years old! and also because as we always say: Once a Girl Scout Forever A Girl Scout.

Reserve the date: December 30, 2009, Wedneday, 1:00-5:00 in the afternoon, Bukidnon State University Auditorium, Malaybalay,Bukidnon.

Let us renew friendships. Relive the patrol system. Rekindle the girl scout spirit. Reminisce the unforgettable camping and training moments. Revisit the good old days as a girl scout.

20 plus mansions owned by the Ampatuans, huge amounts of cash owned by the Ampatuan dynasty, 161 suspects responsible in the most gruesome, heinous crimes committed against 57 victims in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines; many more witnesses come out to let truth and justice prevail yet the families of the victims continue grieving and will forever ask why?

The Philippines, sad to say, has been declared the most dangerous country for journalists. Imagine more than 10 of them died because they decided to cover a supposed to be matter of course: to file one's candidacy. Now this so-called ordinary exercise of one's right will forever be known the saddest moment of disrespect against human lives. Imagine again, dead bodies shot again and again when they are already dead. Others were shot in the most private parts of their bodies. Some of the dead bodies got buried together with their vehicles. Tapes that are played again and again should remind us that we are all equal - in the eyes of God and no one - Ampatuan or not - ever has the right to take away a person's life.

It is therefore painful to hear residents from Shariff Aguak who do not mind their poverty while the Ampatuans have all the wealth. They say:"the Ampatuans are rich for their politics while we just need a little space for our farm and if the Ampatuans give us rice or food, we are happy to accept."

Now we know why there are monsters as there are good people. Only God knows who we truly are. "Hudas not pay" is the indirect way of the jeepney driver reminding commuters to pay their fares: "Hudas not pay".

Educators are always awed at scenarios like this: joint session of filipino congressmen and senators to find out why Martial Law was declared in Maguindanao, Mindanao Philippines. This situation somehow gives the Filipino people the unique facet of this Martial Rule since the Houses of Senate and Congress can still determine whether or not there is validity in declaring Martial Law. This night will surely be a long night for all concerned filipinos.

After the introduction given by Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the PNP began narrating the events that led to Martial Law. Those who religiously followed the events even before the joint session would find this almost a repetition but it had to be done to lay down the facts and in the process find out if there are discrepancies. It was amazing to note the firearms that were confiscated, camouflage uniforms and armored vehicles included. "Indeed there was armed uprising in the making and yet the government could not freely move if Martial Law was not declared. Public safety requires continued implementation of Martial Law."

Was it not too long ago when November came and before we could fully realize November went and December took over. Then before we could finally accept it is December, 8 days passed and 17 days more and Christmas will be upon us.

Christmas is supposed to be a celebration all year round but December 25 is a day unto itself-a very special day when Jesus is born and love envelops us all. What are your plans this Christmas, year 2009?

Cebu City, Philippines will be a great place to spend Christmas. For us, it is because we miss Tennis Guru, Nathan. Another beautiful place is Bohol, Philippines especially because Ma'am Pinky will give 6 free tickets via Trans Asia. Thank you very much Trans Asia and Ma'am Pinky.

At the end of the day, it does not matter whether you will travel or not; celebrate lavishly or simply for as in the days of old to this day, only the most important think matters: the family stays together, treasure each other's presence. All others are just trimmings.

To you my beloved followers and friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

No wonder some people prefer to stay passive about all things that happen: the case of Martial Law in Maguindanao; "Climategate" an illegal attempt to discredit Climate scientists who are now in Copenhagen for the Climate Change Summit; Suicide attacks in Pakistan; Tiger Woods' woes over alleged mistresses; 18 days before Christmas . . . Whatever is your attitude about issues which are overwhelming even as everyday financial problems get one's overall attention, only one solution is best: Amen.

What are implications of Amen? One: Amen means "let it be" or "so be it" so whatever issue there is, let it be- so that it might even resolve itself in time. Two, there will always be issues so let it be and issues as it usually is, some can still be magnified while others die its natural death. Three, passivity may just be a facade but deep down in one's gut is man's stamina for caring, though more inward than outward. Fourth, in every thing, openness should never be ruled out, man is born wondering and wandering so never underestimate his capacity to go beyond himself.

Teacher's teacher feedback? Amen!

To formalize our cooperation and interest in the Climate Change Conference, we referred to UN's Cop 15 through Google's help and voted for the need to do something and tell the leaders to" seal a fair and effective climate deal".

We are not yet sure to join the You Tube questions pool but at the moment our question goes like this: With all the plans of United States of America to add more troops to Afghanistan and all the unemployment among Americans and in the rest of the world, even worse financial challenges, how can Climate Change initiatives take off much less sustain it?

Back here in Malaybalay City where Bukidnon State University is, Accreditation begins tomorrow, December 7 up to December 10. Like "Climate Change Conference", the university will have four full days to prove its "level three" preparedness in giving quality education.


This tells us that life goes on and the challenge to do something with our environment is as important as ever, notwithstanding the many other points of interest that go with well-rounded education.

As an instructor of Peace Education, the upcoming Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen is supposed to be a gathering I would like to be in. This is wishful thinking and so from where I am based, I will give it my all to follow. With CNN's plan to hear your question through You tube, consider me as one of your listeners and viewers.

Do share with Teacher's teacher your own view about Climate Change. The succeeding blogs will revolve around this most relevant and timely Key Issue that affects all of us here and now and in the future.

Climate Change? Change of Weather condition that surprises everyone. It is not usual to have very warm day one moment then rain after few hours and early in the morning, very cool one trembles and hides under a warm big blanket. Morning comes and while it does not rain, the temperature makes those people with sinusitis, yours truly as one of them, sneezing most of the time.

So many factors cause this phenomenon called Climate Change but am sure, man's disregard for proper garbage disposal and burning of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials and cutting of trees without planning for re-planting have to have repercussions sooner or later. The time for repercussions has finally arrived. This summit may be a little late but anything for Mother Nature nothing can ever be too late.

"Once a Girl Scout Forever a Girl Scout" is the mantra of every registered girl scout. Now that the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Bukidnon Council is 57 years old, it is time once again to come home . . . "Balik Scouting"!!!
Let the countdown begin up to December 30 - our "Balik Scouting" Day Celeb. Let us renew friendships; relive the patrol system; rekindle the Girl Scout spirit; reminisce the unforgettable camping, training moments; revisit the good, old days.
So, titas, call GSP Office phone number: (088)8134332 or cell number 09194047034 for all the details. Reserve December 30, Wednesday, for your fellow Girl Scouts, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.This early, overhaul your memory boxes/bags and look for those photos, mementos and bring them all on December 30. Remember you will be grouped by patrols. Contests will range from yells to cherished pictures etcetera. Door prizes are at stake too!
57 yells and cheers to Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Bukidnon Council. Bukidnon, Bukidnon, Bukidnon Council, 57 more years or more to come!!!

 While there was a Teachers' Month Campaign, that began in September and ended on  October 5, 2009, the College of Teacher Education in Bukidnon State University, City of Malaybalay, still celebrates Education Week every first or second week of December every year. For this school year 2009-2010, our theme is inspired by ABS-CBN's "boto patroller": Ako ang Simula so ours is: "Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Simula". 

Some of the Education students were encouraged to write their insights on the theme. Some excerpts are worth noting:" While we can urge others to do his or her share to choose the right leaders this coming 2010 election, we can already do something now by throwing one's garbage in the garbage bin or studying one's lesson to come to class more prepared and participate more actively during class discussion. . ."With Peace as the main topic in our subject, the song, Let There be Peace On Earth And Let It Begin With Me, jibes with the theme that one does not impose peace to be given by others but that it begins with me."

As teachers who belong to the College, we made the celebration  more meaningful by giving tribute to one of our colleagues who died last May 2, 2009. Dr. Genoveva Melendez Ablanque was awarded the Most Outstanding Teacher. She touched many lives and her students shared how she changed their lives for the better. Tears were shed but as one of those who paid tribute to her we focused on our faith that she is now with Our Creator and that we are the ones who need her guidance. Ma'am Bebang, our prayers for your eternal happiness with the Lord.

Tomorrow, Thursday, Teacher's teacher will be the chairperson of the Board of Judges in DHABS contest:: Dancing, Hosting, Acting, Band Instrument Playing and Singing talents in one person. More info about the results of the contest in the succeeding blogs.
So to all Education students, say it with conviction: "Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Simula.". Three cheers for CTE: Hep, hep, hurray! Three Cheers for CTE ( College of Teacher Education) declared Champion during Intrams 2009, Hep,hep,hurray!! Three Cheers for CTE, Education being the flagship of Bukidnon State University, Hep,hep,hurray!!!

BukidnonOnLine/Mindanaoan accompanied Malaybalayan and Teacher's teacher to Davao City to begin their Christmas "spotting" shopping. Gaisano Bajada was their first stop but sad to say, not a thing was spotted enough to merit a second and  last visit for a "final buy".  So they proceeded to Unitop San Pedro and voila! choices were made: they bought christmas lights not more than 200 pesos and decors below 20 pesos. Definitely there would be another visit before Christmas Day for more christmas "buys".
 The customers today are very choosy because of the financial crisis. It is not enough for them to see nice things as it used to be. Now, they think and re-think such that they already justify why they finally bought such things.
 
 Many still believe that  the best gift is one that comes from the heart and anything that comes with it is just "icing on the cake." This perspective is so Filipino that Teacher's teacher encourages this to be the  criterion in giving a gift.

Why is there need to clarify where the massacre actually happened is really not the issue knowing that 57 people have lost their lives even before their time, but for the sake of sanity, let it be known  that Ampatuan is not the whole of Maguindanao, Philippines. Certainly there are still good and moral people. Even those who massacred the 57 helpless victims may not represent the greater number of Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Lord, will you save us if there are 100 good people?

Teacher'steacher is still not herself even when Mayor Andal Ampatuan allegedly came out not out of hiding but out of showing to the people he was not really hiding. How can such an outrageous scenario like many vehicles filled with people, be strafed causing all its riders to die and then a backhoe was on hand to hide the "deed" just happened to be there with no one knowing is beyond anybody's capacity to fathom. Lord, will you ave us if there are 50 good people?

Let us for a moment - ponder on what the government is doing if they are doing something substantial at all .  Our officials wear black  dress or black bands - as though it is enough. Words uttered that the perpetrators will not escape the hands of justice and a promise was specified, the case will be resolved within 36 hours. Lord, will you save us if there are 10 good people?

Malaybalayan joins Teacherallherlife in praying that all the aforementioned will take its course with the 57 victims uppermost in their minds before the wrath  of God will haunt them till their consciences gnaw on them every moment of their remaining lives. Lord, will you save us if there at least 5 people? four?three?two?one?

If in an earlier blog we made mention of the Maguindanao massacre where around 47 became the victims of such heinous, ungodly  acts, now the number has risen to 57! Also, the number of mediamen who were there to cover the event and were also murdered reached 13. God, have mercy, what is happening to our country especially Mindanao?

ABS-CBN news covereage, TV Patrol today, Wednesday, shows horrible pictures - of buried vehicles together with the dead bodies of the victims - of a pregnant woman mercilessly killed. I am sure the heavens are dumbfounded what men can do to their fellowmen all because of power or just plain money or blind obedience. If the heavens were to strike and punish these people, would they  understand- if at all - why they were punished?

Father God, please forgive us for the desecration of the image and likeness you have accorded man.

Day in and day out we go about our activities nary a glance what the weather has to say. Then, rain comes or extreme heat disturbs our comfort, still we do not allow ourselves to be sidetracked by weather. Finally, typhoons announce the gravity of its destruction and finally too it got your attention.

Indeed, the weather teaches us things we take for granted. For one, man, the steward has not been very good in his job at taking care of the environment. This negligence accrues and manifests itself in the weather which does not function as scheduled. Experts charge it to climate change.

Secondly, the weather makes man grateful. After all, weather can refer to good days which go our way. There is "manna from heaven" so to speak.

Thirdly and lastly, the weather announces ahead of time what good or bad tiding is to come. It advises us to be ready before it is too late.

Thus, let us give more attention to the weather.  Find out what it wants to say. Acknowledge it and pray it will make your day.

In the United Kingdom ,  floods greeted them as the morning came and unwanted rain is still falling; in Australia, bushfire ate their forest and fire is still burning and expanding its extent of destruction; in Sumatra, Indonesia, a ferry boat sank. CNN reports, of the 225 passengers, around 200 are rescued but 25 died. For more details, see CNN.com.

Just when we cannot help but be so saddened, we begin asking: what is happening to our world? good news crop up: Efren Penaflorida, our very own kababayan, was declared hero of the year 2009-not because he did something light but he spent more than 12 years of his life, with the help of his fellow workers of the same calling to teach children while they stay in their pushcarts (kariton). Nine other finalists in CNN Heroes all spent much time serving the less fortunate.

So, once again, what is happening to our world? We can say, it is telling us the world is bound to become even worse if we do not "clean our act" by taking care of our environment, making it more green. It will also become better if all persons work together to make a difference in the lives of others.As always we should remember, we have only one world and we affect each other more than we realize.

It is not long time ago when Manny Pacquiao made the Philippines, land of brave boxers - Champion - and now, an Efren Penaflorida made our country a land of heroes as well. Teacher's teacher is teary eyed at the thought of these young people telling the whole world what and who Filipinos are!

Was it not long ago when we admitted voting for Efren and was not sure if her vote was counted. It is now water under the bridge but am really thrilled for Efren - imagine, a hero among us.

For us, ordinary mortals, don't worry we are heroes too everytime we do our household chores, study our lessons, accept the everyday challenges that come our way. But for now let us just be happy for Efren, a fellow Filipino.Thank you CNN! May I link with CNN heroes.com?

Allow Teacher's teacher to pay tribute to peace through a reflection . . .

For a long time the common notion of peace is "absence of conflict", quiet surrounding. It may still be today but there has to be more to this description. After all, one can be going through a conflict and in the middle of the turmoil realize that the other side of it is peace.

Problems that beset man and society are so complex yet deep into its basic cause is man's selfishness which we prefer to be the more apt explanation why peace never seems to happen easily.

So my dear Students, look deep into your hearts just as we do too. Peace comes when our hearts are ready to minimize our selfishness.

Oprah Network is now the "baby" that wil be the focus of Oprah's time. This will have to be if the plan of Oprah to finally put to an end her Oprah show at CBS will really push through on September 2011.TV commentators are busy giving their forecasts but in the meantime, the show will become more watched than ever as the countdown begins.Oprah will then become richer than ever too.
 
How Teacher's teacher wishes that before Oprah goes to better and bigger things, she will by accident come across Malaybalayan.blogspot.com where two blogs: Blogs at Fifty and Teacher's teacher.blogspot.com are just raring to meet her. We can dream, can't we?

Oprah, Teacher's teacher is from Malaybalay and Malaybalay is the niche of Malaybalayan. We dare you, you have been anywhere or everywhere but unless and until you see Malaybalay, you haven't seen it all. How  about it? May we give you a timetable to grace us with your presence on or before September 2011?

November 16, 2009, Monday, Malaybalay City, the birthplace of Malaybalayan received its visitor from Rome: His Excellency, Most Reverend Edward Joseph Adams, D.D. His visit was in line with the 40th  anniversary of the Local Church of Malaybalay, from April 22, 2009 to April 22, 2010. 

This visit reminds Malaybalayan of her experience of seeing in person a Pope! All catechists received, Malaybalayan included, the Apostolic Blessing. Without undermining the significance of the blessing, the momentous opportunity to be in the presence of the Pope, the Vicar of Christ, is like being in the presence of  the Most Holy One, you feel unworthy yet honored and humbled for being chosen to be there.

This visit of the Nuncio is also, in spirit, the visit of Pope Benedict XVI and this is very comforting to all the catholics all over Malaybalay - all over Bukidnon - all over the Philippines. Viva il Papa!

According to Webster, a hero is a man  of exceptional quality who wins admiration by noble deeds especially deeds of courage. Using this description, can you quietly say you have been a hero sometime in your life? Teacher's teacher says, why not? Since man is made in the image and likeness of God, a person has the inherent quality to do good - to become a hero.

If you are hesitant to claim you are a hero, let us move on and ask: have you met a hero in your life? The first persons who come to mind are our beloved parents. Then, we think of our other loved ones. Then, our teachers and all other people who express concern for our good development.

Teacher's teacher believes there is no end to do what is good to others for it comes back to one's self.  This is the beauty of man's aspirations, that as we do what is good, there is the temptation to do the opposite. The constant struggle of the "yin and the yang", the white and the black, the good and the bad is a person's mission to handle. To overcome evil and do good makes every person a hero. 

There are meetings and THERE ARE MEETINGS. The meeting between Barack Obama, the President of the United States and Hu Jintao, the Prime Minister of China is what is referred in the latter type of meeting. It  implies the  meeting of two leaders of the two most powerful countries which is in fact vital for other countries. For Obama, it is his first visit to Beijing, China as president. This meeting is held at a time when there is economic recession so the key global issues that they have to discuss include trade, climate change and nuclear proliferation. The followers are left asking, so?

Indeed, countries which are developed are worried for while they claim that they must do something to protect the world for the sake of humanity, others already know they are doing it to protect their interests. Notwithstanding this observation, we are still happy the two leaders meet and from their initiatives, other countries can also engage in collaborative ventures where a multiplier effect can take place.

For us teachers, meetings are vehicles to bring people together to plan, discuss, decide, celebrate, learn together.  Let us join the two leaders if only in the spirit of oneness with their desire to take care of this one world, mankind is in-charge of - for the present and future generations.

US-China Meeting: November 2009 in Beijing China: A Beginning for better things ahead.

One views CNN and we read about Iran's nuclear power. Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt say they also have plans to build their own nuclear weapons. Ordinary mortals are left tongue-tied and as a teacher, this information must be disseminated to young people for further deliberation.

Some points to share: With all the calamities and crises that beset mankind, is the nuclear program the best course of action? We have only one earth so we only have to put on the tv to see for ourselves how interconnected we are with each other. It is not too long nor too difficult to come to a realization that should the nuclear weapons fall into the wrong hands or a certain power-hungry prime minister or president decide to dominate another country, destruction would be unforgivable.

This leaves the ordinary mortal to what he/.she alone can do from his/her end: Pray, pray and pray for all the world leaders to be enlightened and wake up to the reality that they too are ordinary mortals. To put it
plainly: each of us will be accountable to the Creator who appointed us stewards not destroyers of His creation.

Did you listen attentively to our Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, being sung during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight in MGM, Las Vegas? If before it was Martin Nievera's attempt at giving zest and creativity, this time it was lack of both. It was painful that the singers were divas (kuno) in their own right yet their voices did not "click"- jibe-blend at all. We cannot help but ask, did they practise? and if they did, why did they not "do something at all" up to the end of the song? How we wished Lea Salonga, the singer, sang it. After all,she volunteered. Please give this attention. Especially because Manny Pacquiao won so once again our country won. Sorry, ladies, back to the basic: plain, simple correct blend of correct

As a teacher, all signs of submission to a higher power, we call God or Yahweh or Allah or Bathala, are marks of a humble person, a deeply religious one.

As a teacher, Secretary Clinton inspires women teachers of today: to express oneself with oozing confidence. Her awareness of big issues makes us understand why she wanted to become President of the United States and when she did not make it, President Barack Obama did not mind appointing her as Secretary of State.

What a day at The Peak where Malaybalayan met Michael Jackson and availed of imaginary "golf lesson" from Tiger Woods. See for yourself. We can dream, can't we?

This week (November 8-15,2009) is a most momentous week.Today, November 12-Fr. Sinnott was released by his captors. It is so painful to listen to Father. He slept in a hammock for a month according to him so for someone of his age, it must have been physically uncomfortable. He was not able to take his medicine for ten days so only God knows what its after effects on his health would be. To Father Sinnott: God has kept you in his care and am sure you will find in your heart to forgive the hostage- takers.

Today also, Hillary Clinton visits the Philippines. Others say it is one reason why Fr. Sinnott was released. Never mind if we will never know if it is so or not. Things happen for a reason. In the meantime, Clinton's presence is most welcome notwithstanding the protests. Let us wait how her visit to Zamboanga, Mindanao will fair. So what is your take on the Visiting Forces Agreement? This is one issue that has many facets. Teachers usually just allow the students to come up with his/her own reflection and somehow offer a more proactive course of action.

This coming Sunday, November 15 in the Philippines . . . Filipinos will be huddled together in a room-sala, bedroom, restaurant, theatre, classroom, carenderia and all other nooks - with the sole objective: to watch Pacquiao fight. Perhaps it is the Filipino in me that is coloring my forecast but in my gut, am sure Pacquiao will win. Let us accompany our intense wish for Pacquiao's triumph with prayers. Manny, our prayers are with you.