Teacher's teacher

Like any reality it comes as a surprise when finally a year ends only because another year begins. So out 2012 until December 31, one day more here in the Philippines, today being December 30 and come Wednesday, January 1, it is the first day of the New Year, 2013. Imagine 2013, barely two years more before my retirement come July 1, 2015!

So let the New Year come into our lives. May all the luck and good vibes come to each of us fellow teachers. Happy, happy New Year 2013 guys and gals! We are ending one year and starting another, a huge beginning. Let us own it.

Whether you are young or old, Christmas always brings a colorful ring to it. How much more if you add to it, a new year. This Christmas 2012 plus the New Year of 2013 are indeed huge events therefore huge teaching moments.

You just have to trace back as far as you can to what Christmases bring to every person's life. It offers teaching and learning insights for Christmas makes each one of us a believer of love. However little, we try to share in some way especially to a stranger. Then few days later come the celebration of the end of the year and the beginning of a new year. So resolutions to change for the better are the order of the day . Then little by little we teach ourselves the reality that resolutions are not commandments but only pleas for some kind of desire or motivation  to change for its sake for if one does not no one will be most affected except the person concerned.

So this Christmas of 2012 is a prelude to the epiphany of a New Year that can only become better as each heart teaches another to hold on for better things to come.

Followers and readers of Malaybalayan through Teacherallherlife and Elderly Blues & Blows, a very Merry Christmas 2012 and a very prosperous New Year, 2013!

Imagine the gift of time that by now we, teachers all over the world can only attribute to Providence. December 21 was predicted as the end of the world and now it is Christmas Day and few days from now,God we welcome the New Year - 2013! If it is not Divine Intervention then what is. . .

Time is a teaching moment for each person. Like yours truly, I am running out of time since I am already 62 and everything else falls within god's territory as to its extension. Another year, another teaching and gratifying moment from God Almighty.

So young folks out there. Never take for granted the time that seems so long for you to become an adult. Only to realize coming from our perspective that you are the best recipient of a gift of time. Do not hurry up to grow old or become an adult. Savor the time that the elderly keeps on hopingn to have more of. Enjoy your being young.

I am now looking at my children who have grown and I cannot help but cry of gratitude and happiness. I am now enjoying Christmas with them - at 62 years old! Still a teacher but will never be this age ever for few days from now - another year will be upon us, another year for me to be grateful. 

Fellow mentors and/teachers alike whoever and wherever you are: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It is not all the time we hear of teachers easily acknowledged as heroes. The heinous crime against the 5-10 year old children attending pre-school  in Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut: 20 beautiful children massacred by a lone gunman, Adam Lanza, is one for the books. It is in the sense that most of the children who were killed were 5-6 years old. Then three (3) teachers were killed. A certain Victoria Soto was one of the first teachers shot while one of her pupils was able to escape due to her heroism. She used her body to shield her pupils which allowed the lone survivor, one of Miss Soto's pupils to run and scape sure death.

CNN narrates in various ways how the massacre happened. In all instances you are left wondering why someone can do such a horrifying thing. This is aggravated by the information gathered that the guns were owned by Nancy Lanza, the other of the shooter, who ironically happened to be the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Then you hear some of the parents who did not condemn the shooter and his family and so we are left condoling for all parties: the victims, the parents and loved ones and the perpetrators of the crime.

Fellow mentors, we need not experience what happened in Connecticut. We can go on with our vocation to teach and learn from this sad event that teaching is our way of loving the children and doing our job not merely for financial reasons but as part of your mission-vocation to mankind. Teacher's teacher prays for the fallen teacher-heroes.

If the United States, the elderly and the senior citizens and other volunteers played a great role in making sure the election is truly genuine and democratic, other countries rely on teachers and assigned personnel to serve during the duration of the election. Teachers must be heard as to how they go about their tasks and that they be genuinely acknowledged for the commitment they possess. 

If asked we can almost hear from the teachers the wish that what has happened in the most recent election of the Americans which lasted for barely a day or two will happen to a certain extent in the Philippines It may just be a wish for the moment but with time  when the people themselves become politically matured then the wish may become a reality.

So do not lose hope fellow mentors, time may be an enemy sometimes but it can become our best friend when the right time comes along.

Events of the world tell us that elections matter especially when the country that elects its leaders is USA. For Filipinos for example and I am one of them I like Obama to be reelected. One reason is because my daughter was able to avail of the International Visitors Leadership Program that allowed her to visit USA. Another reason is because Obama represents an everybody's wish to experience USA either as a tourist or as an immigrant. Others may add their own reasons but we know that regardless of who wins, USA is a friend of the Philippines and vice versa.

So at 2:00 or 2:15 a.m., November 7, here is this blogger sharing to the world through her blog her enthusiasm to know who is going to become the next USA President. CNN says it is a tight race because all the polls show that while Obama leads it is not a big lead: Obama 49 vs. Romney 46 or in some cases even a tie. Today shares that in Dixville Notch there were 10 people who voted the earliest and of the 0, 5 voted for Obama while 5 voted for Romney.

By now elections teach us that people's will is a power no one can thwart.  If someone does thwart it sooner or later the people will do everything to be heard. In the meantime, we await the result of USA election especially the Americans' choice of their President and Vice-President.

In every family, the main topic, at least in the Philippines, when it is June or November is enrollment. June is the beginning of the school year so for the elementary and high school students, the whole year is set for their school life. For the college students, June to October is the first semester and come November it is the second semester.  Nowadays however, especially in the college level, the enrollment is slow or is it the students who are slow in coming?

Teaches are still worried when students do not come because we need the young to be lifted up and become better in all aspects. There seems to be laxity in encouraging the young to go to school. The parents want to do their share but finances deter them from showing enough approval. Then there are the peers of our young who seem to engage in many things and sadly not aligned with education. Some of them become pregnant either early in the semester and their grades leave many mentors shaking their heads.  Teachers have the tendency to compare the young with the past generations and it cannot be helped but the present generation is preoccupied with a variety of involvements, a big part not exactly good for their educational development.

It is enrollment time again but the students are slow in coming and we know that the answers are more complex than what we can see.

CNN always makes me think. As a teacher, CNN is one of my major sources of new information and updates. With the US elections about to happen on November 6, two episodes caught my attention in CNN, namely Romney Revealed and Obama Revealed shown consecutively. If I were an American voter, the data presented were very informative. I have my own choice of course but for this blog it is good to know that Obama and Romney were presented as human like us. 

One of the highlights that touched my heart was the fact that both great leaders are loving husbands to their wives and parents to their children. This is one perspective that sets the leaders apart from some of the leaders we have in other countries. May there be more of their kind.

There seems to be a great need for leaders who are human yet humane. Nowadays there is greater need for transparency especially when the future of a people greatly rests on their hands. Leaders are persons who are given the rare opportunity to serve others and their impact is so huge their influence is beyond the ordinary.

May I congratulate CNN for such admirable programs. May the American vote accordingly. I think I am an "American" by heart notwithstanding that I am a Filipino in word and in deed.

Anderson Cooper of CNN is currently interviewing the nurse, nurse for 26 years, who helped evacuate babies during Superstorm Sandy. This alone is one lesson learned: she was doing her job she says but she tried to do her job well and quickly added, it was a team work and not her alone- humility in action.

Gary Tuckman reported about a man who did not give a helping hand to a mother whose two sons were left in their vehicle. While the man explained his side, still a lesson can be learned from this scenario, that regardless of one's situation, one has to help even if Tuckman did comment the law does not call it a crime NOT TO HELP.

What has happened in New York, New Jersey and the rest of the world is another learning lesson: that the world is a temporary residence and as such, we have to be prepared in a spiritual manner. Today, All Soul's Day and yesterday, All Saints' Day are learning dates to imprint in our minds and hearts which the Scripture captures with depth: "Death is like a thief in the night".  If there is one lesson we can always treasure it is the gift of giving one's life through sheer generosity and volunteerism that even death is no longer a fearful event but a hope that greater life which has no end may jut be waiting the giver and the volunteer.

"May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen."

By now the world had already seen the damage done by Hurricane-Superstorm Sandy to New York, New Jersey and other places in the United States. By now we saw actually, physically or via cable television Sandy's wrath but in the same breath we also witnessed what this unfortunate event turned into Sandy's challenge to the victims who have accepted the pain and are now moving on to rebuild.

This is one of the shining moments - teaching moments - of the families who have lost their loved ones and through it all - even with tears in their eyes and with heavy heart go beyond the almost unbearable challenge of their lifetime. To a certain extent we can identify with their pain because wherever we come from in this world, pain, whatever form it takes, is pain and the same hearts bleed. This is the miracle that comes for amidst this purging experience is a person who looks up to the heavens and in the core of one's being lifts up to Someone who Cares Up There and Anywhere the depth and extent of what man not be worded.

We join the New Yorkers and all the residents of New Jersey in their struggle. Keep the Faith. At the end of the tunnel is a bluer sky and a limitless room for better things ahead.

CNN reports 260 patients in one New York hospital have been evacuated - newborn included -yet in the midst of this problem, professional expertise is not one thing that is lacking but is one thing that is so encouraging not one has been hurt. Generators may have filed but not the capability of the hospital doctors and staff. In moments like this, hurricanes, superstorms - physical and emotional - can hurt the surroundings and can even cause deaths as what happened in U.S. but for as long as the people who care are among us and we hold on to our Faith, life goes on with a deeper sense of brotherhood and sisterhood.

It cannot be denied that technology allows the viewers to be awed at the same time dismayed at what we see  on-the-spot photos of devastation, pain and suffering on one hand and heroism, volunteerism and strength of spirit on the other. Lessons learned from the life's storms are endless and though we can only close our eyes in prayer and hope for better things, somehow life moves on and humanity emerges with greater resolve to be better prepared next time around.

New York: we love you. We may not have visited it yet but we hope to do so one day. God bless New York and its people.

So many years have passed and here once again the day when United Nations Day should be celebrated. This teacher can not but help ask again if in fact there is enough rationale to celebrate this day if there is a big question hanging in the air:  Are the nations united that its unity is celebrated? 

Without being cynical, there is some semblance of unity for if there is not then wars will have its way. We just have to stay long enough to watch what is shown on the television set that disunity is a reality but so is unity. Wars and conflicts are usually magnified so we get the feeling that the world is chaotic but we have to be patient enough to let the other television channels give a balance presentations and true enough e see the glimmer of hope that there is unity after all.

So let us celebrate United Nations Day because the mere fact of recognizing it is celebration enough and another chance to give unity a chance is a gift to mankind especially the young.

Happy United Nations Day then to you out there and may unity be born right in each person's hearts.

The terms sainthood and canonization refer to good  Catholics whose lives were lived  well following the example of Jesus Christ who died so others may live. What is very important to focus on is the impact the lives of saints has for the modern person. Today, the lure of secular living is so strong that unless one remains committed to one's faith, the road to wealth and fame is indeed enticing.

Pope Benedict has been very responsive to the needs of persons who are constantly challenged to be true to their faith. Already Mother Teresa has been beatified and it is just a question of time and she will be declared a saint.for us who have seen Mother Teresa, we agree that her life is really saintly. She has always served the poor and when there are children who have no one, she always makes sure she is there to attend to them. All these actions tell us that saints are real people and upon death, their deeds are just magnified so others may be inspired to do the same in their own way. 

On October 21, there is one Filipino, one from Cebu City, Visayas, Philippines, who will be canonized. His life was one that was so simple and when the time came for him to give witness to his faith by offering his life, he did.Read ore about Pedro Calungsod.

For us ordinary mortals, we are "saints" in a way whenever and wherever we help others without any ulterior motive. We do not do anything good to be declared saints. We live accordingly and lovingly. Smile fellow human beings!

What a way to give witness to the significance of Education, that of almost dying. All this done by a little girl called Malala,a Pakistani and to this day she is still in the hospital in England recuperating.

The facts are heartwarming and heart tugging you can not help by be very angry at the Taliban who did this to her and to the other girls. All that Malala has done was to blog about her desire to be educated and to tell the world that she hopes all girls have the same experience as she is enjoying. Is is just providential that the school's principal is her dad. 

Perhaps it is not hard to understand why the Taliban did what he did because all this time because he belongs to a culture that does not encourage girls to be educated. Imagine what we take for granted as a right and in this part of the world, it is more of a miracle to be educated. Let us count our blessings even as we hope and pray that thee are less of Talibans who deprive the girls not only of their right to be educated but to be alive- to be respected as fellow human beings.

Malala, we pray for your fast recovery and we thank God for girls like you who give fresh air of innocence and strength in such frail bodies. May your tribe increase.

If there is any good point we can teach our young when the time comes, it is to learn as much as life offers them. Whatever may happen to them, they will decide accordingly and so when they have to decide whether to choose monogamy over polygamy will depend on the way faith and life will nurture his/her decisions.

As a Teacher myself and a mother at the same time, I have this strong faith in my children's decisions. This fear is going to be imbedded in our hearts for our children will have children of their own and onwards to more generations to come. What a way to view the bigger fact of life and in all of it we find out that we are only one thread in the cycle called life.

In the meantime, I go on with my present vocation to teach students to become teachers one day!

Just when Malaybalayan was up and going and prepared for school, the weather dampened the plan. This was unfortunate because the orders were soooo ready: hotcakes for a belated simple birthday celeb with colleagues; "cuchinta" and brownie b-day cake, a gift from Gigi on top of it. . . all sidelined by the weather that brought rain and cold winds. 

What is the weather saying nowadays? It is teaching us the changes that are attached to the daily chores of living. The weather goes with one's feelings of sadness or happiness whatever one finds herself in. Sometimes, the weather determines the mood of a person and sometimes gets the better of her. 

So let us make the weather get attuned with our day to day atmosphere so that it leans more on giving us the zest that we need if the day is to become more productive and more to our liking.

To the weather then, good day!

What a way to say, 62nd year old teacher teacher herself to to keep on teaching but really she must because the challenging of being a senior citizen and a teacher at the same time is taking its toll. If you visit her other blog, Elderly Blues and Blows, you can sense that she sleeps on a rocking chair to make her fall asleep and when morning comes, wake up and be ready for school!

This scenario is sometimes a cause of worry for her children because her bed is ready for her but then she prefers the rocking chair because it lulls her to sleep at the same time allows her to view her favorite television shows and facilitates early wake up time ready for school.

Now, more and more, Teacher's teacher is teaching herself to keep teaching perhaps for a year or two and then decide to "retire". She is mustering this strength to keep up with the routine that goes with active living.

Anyone out there who has the same dilemma? What are some tips to improve the way to overcome? In the meantime, this 62nd year old Teacher will keep teaching herself to keep teaching for sanity and purpose.

A teacher all her life, Malaybalayan claims that even at 62, life teaches her the most. In this instance of her natal day, her life is made complete with her grown children: Ayeng, Ben, Chev and Bon greeting her Happy Birthday, at the earliest opportunity when July 1 came to light. Family relatives and Friends called, twitted, blogged to greet her too. She offered mass at Cagayan de Oro Cathedral, Northern Mindanao, Philippines and received Holy Communion.

Teachers are persons with simple needs and so it does not come into the picture whether the food to be served consists of lechon and the like or just beef ribs, fried fish, avocado salad and Selecta Happy Birthday P125.00 half gallon. Happiness really stems from the people who care and pray that the birthday is a blessing for more birthdays and healthy times with loved ones.

So this Teacher turned 62, senior citizen and all but at heart, a young and happy person. thanks everyone, the world and God!

For teachers who have been in the job for more than four decades,teaching is a vocation. Still a weekend is a reprieve from a week's activity-filled set of days. Like this weekend, it is gone so tomorrow, Monday is the first day of a week filled with  varied sessions. 

Yet every semester is never the same even if the subjects being taught are the same. Of course one reason is because the students are as unique one person is from the other. Another is the different time frame that makes all the other days in the past just that and another week of the present time is the time to reckon with. Then of course there is the teacher who comes in with a rejuvenated enthusiasm especially if she just came from a good summer vacation, like me!

How I wish teachers are given more opportunities to have vacations that not only pamper them but give them the time of their life - island-hopping, dinner at top Marco Polo, swimming in Maribago, coffee in Waterfront and church visits and in between shopping spree . . .

In the meantime, just for this weekend, it is gone and tomorrow, back to earth . . . back to school once again.

Many moments transpire in a day or so. Multiply this in a day or week or month or year and the challenge becomes gargantuan. Recently, I went to Cebu, Philippines to spend few days of summer vacation with my son and daughter. Other than the good moments came the sad moments when "melancholia" became real for me. I even came to the realization again and again when in fact it is almost a given: Every moment of our life is a teaching moment. This melancholia I refer to points to this almost uncontrollable feeling of sadness and loneliness when loved ones are not with me. More and more I pray to overcome it and as I say, learn from this moment.

Jerry Sandusky, called a child predator, was convicted by a jury of his peers, 45 out of 48 sex counts; a priest accused of molesting an altar boy and many other related cases make us even sadder. May there be more moments that will make us smile and rejoice that life is good.

May this realization begin with our own families and ultimately with our own self. God bless!!!

My teaching load consists of 3 Education 108 classes (Intro. to Guidance & Counseling including Special Education), 2 Education 137 classes (Values Education) and 2 English 134 classes (English for Specific Purposes). I met the two classes and the feeling of seeing young people is the same as ever: fresh faces, eager eyes and so truly I told them: Welcome guys!

Most of the students who take these subjects are in their third and fourth year levels but their attitude is basically the same: openness to new ideas which always reminds me why I am still teaching although physically and emotionally the desire is too strong to retire.

Expect pictures of these young minds who always make teachers young and ever energetic to communicate and hopefully share ideas that make these future mentors better equipped once they become teachers themselves! 

American Idol is a great tv program. It makes us dream to become a singer one day and if not, at least just sing, hopefully with the correct tune!

Am sure you agree that teachers are singers, yes? Sometimes it is facilitated by the requirements of effective teaching. Sometimes it is declared by the personalities of teachers who come in different shapes and colors but definitely always talented. Yes? YES! Teachers are singers and if you still do not know or you disagree, please check it out. Your mother is your first teacher and am sure you agree she is a great singer, YES? YES! Your elementary teacher teaches you nursery rhymes and definitely sings it first before you manage to imitate and sing it correctly well and correctly tuned too. Many more teachers come to your life and sometimes, these moments make you think so deeply you compose a song or a poem and if at all possible, a book.

Today, May 24, Thursday in the Philippines, at a time when American Idol is waiting who will become the next American Idol, a sixteen er is teaching us to love singing and one day use it to go to better opportunities to earn more or just love it for one's use.

Still, my theory is teachers are singers and great at it. Yes? YES!

There is one realization one has to come to grips with: how be financially stable and remain decent in your life till the end.

There are tests that all of us have difficulty overcoming  because it is enjoyable to do it again and again. There are many opportunities that life offers to each of us to begin again every time we fail to do good. This is the beautiful part of life's promise: We can continuously teach ourselves to do better every time we fail. There are even instances when what matters alone is the time you stand up after a fall and move on.

The twist of life's twists is that there are not so good things we do and keep on doing because we enjoy doing it. there are even moments when you have to scold yourself for being weak and sometimes cry and curse if only to awaken and really do what is better than the best so far.

So when it seems you find this dilemma up front: do not be so hard on yourself. Life is short and smile over this failure. then teach yourself again and again, like a child who seems to be in exhaustively open to life,

Life as a whole is a learning moment for life. But it is when you are on your own, truly alone, that you face life's realities. Somehow, even the silence of the night and the noise that seems to become emboldened due to your "aloneness" in your own home that the teaching moments become so sharp and so deep to fathom.

Moment number one: When children get sick and you find you are alone in making them well. Other people are around but being the mom makes it seem so real that the children are yours to protect even from the inevitable sicknesses that every child faces all throughout their growing years. Yet with all the four children, these were the moments that made my existence meaningful and indispensable. The mom of course gets enough strength from her faith in God who is the source of all life.

Moment number two: When the children are grown and they begin to have their own niche. Time is viewed now in terms of quality not quantity. Even the distance makes it possible to treasure each other more. We have tried being together all the time and while it worked it is one fact of life that no one can stop, it is in letting your loved one be and go when he/she wills that then life is truly what it is meant to be. Being the mom who truly loves each of the grown children, even being alone is tolerable not because it is no longer painful but because it must be.So it is.

Moment number three: When alone moments teach you to learn about life that at the end of the day, every person is meant to be alone only to live more fully for as we came to this world alone we too have to go on alone but not necessarily physically alone. To life be the journey . . .

You can call it teaching moments because the bias is that of being a teacher but learning moments sound even better because all of us are learners since the topic deals with brownouts that really test your patience beyond compare.

Perhaps it is an exaggeration so let us settle with coping while the brownouts occur. One, you get inspired to reach for a book and with candle lit surrounding, you read: Good for your spirit and peace of mind. Two,  you growl and gnash and pray for sanity while thinking about the incapacity of all the energy servers- for not upgrading enough to deal with climate change. Three, you congratulate yourself for accepting the travails of life and heaving a sigh, still smile once the lights are on! Four, you prepare for the next day's brownout and the next day's brownout and the next until one day, the brownouts get minimized and no more . . .

I was watching a replay of  "The Firm" written by John Grisham chronicled by Channel AXN today, April 29 when it hit me, there is an instance when it is ok somehow it's only a house. The scenario was when one of the characters inherited a house and being a woman she wanted to in it. Since she was married to the other character who happened to be her companion in the Witness Protection Program he was adamant of the thought that not only was he married but now would be in a house. He did not like the idea but the lady said she wanted a home and so she wanted the house.

A movie is a movie is a movie so we could give it this context. We are saying and teaching that given the fiction part of it then perhaps the cast just acted it out so the whole thing is just a set up so what's the fuzz? However if it were a real life situation then the mechanics is completely changed. The parties would have given it much thought and the context of it all is love for family and what it stands for. then it is ok for the former to be understood why they may have a house but it is ok for the latter to understand why they need a home!

A house is only the physical set-up of a home.  A home goes deeper than the material structure and the amenities that can be bought. At the center of the home is the love that binds the married coupe to a love blessed by God and man. It is a web of relationships that make every member of the home bear even the unbearable. In the ideal world, it is good to make a house a home!

This makes me think if after all the ups and downs we had gone through, we are a home. I say, humbly and hopefully in faith, we are.

What a way to learn but it is true. You insure an item because it will be paid for the next three years so in case it gets stolen, you will have protection. Then coincidentally, the unfortunate event happened and the motorcycle which was insured got stolen! Then through the years, there was much commotion as to who would go about the process because now the company which got the insurance paid was no longer as interested as before to help how to go about the process. the details are just so painful to go through again.

Now, the company went on collecting and even went as far as pursuing a legal action after all these years when in the first place the insurance was supposed to pay it. Learning point: Do not have anything be insured unless the details are so detailed the points are clearer that daylight. From experience, to avail of the befits promised is so difficult your anger is enough to kill you or give you high blood pressure!

Take note: Insurance is a good perspective but its promised benefits? too much to be desired!

What a shock to see the video on tv that a Filipino caregiver slapped and mistreated a patient who has Alzheimer. Asa senior citizen and a teacher, I preferred to write under my blog as teacher and not under my blog as a senior citizen because the culprit is a Filipino caregiver and this is not a typical one. Filipinos are famous for their diligence and good bed manners and genuine care for the sick. The majority of Filipino workers especially those who work abroad are specifically chosen because they are very loving and tender. this s0-called Filipino caregiver must have a story to tell why he did what he did but is not the Filipino caregiver who works out there- away from home - caring and serving the strangers for the sake of the family he/she truly loves even to separate from them is painfully unbearable-bearable.

May the real culprit come out soon and explain to the majority of Filipino workers why bad actuation like the one did by this "sick" so-called "caregiver that this is definitely the "rotten" egg in a basketful of excellent eggs. 

For us teachers, this is one opportunity to remind the young under our care that wherever and whatever will become of them in the future, do it well and whether some look at them or not, there is nothing better than to be good and genuine in one's work.

So as a teacher may I explain to anyone out there that a person may be developed according to one's culture but other factors come in. One's love for work is honed according to how life treats the person. Each of us has much to overcome and trials can make us bitter or better. This genuine service to one's fellows is all the more deepened by one's religion or faith life.Basic among all these is one's family where as a child and growing up years, values have been planted and hopefully deepened through the years.

To the families who have been served poorly our apologies and a plea not to generalize because we are really good people. Philippines, humbly saying, is the only Christian country of Asia. We Filipinos, as a people are basically God-fearing but like any other human being, some of us have demons to fight. We definitely need salvation from the consequences of sin.

May you find in your heart to forgive . . . 

Many have been said about teaching. It is a mission; it is a vocation. We rarely focus on the presumed consequence that it is also earning one's livelihood. This is a nice observation because for us who have been teaching for more than 30 years are still wondering why we have stayed on if it is only for salary's sake. The more accepted one is that teaching is both a mission and a vocation. It is a mission because we have been sent for this specific function to "lift up" the minds of the young and other learners. It is a vocation because we are called and we have responded positively to this calling to live most of the years of our lives with the privileged position to develop the minds of every learner.

Then comes grades. Here we are in fact in this very important duty which at the very moment we call the loneliest instance. This is being said not in the context of being sad but precisely because in the process of computing grades many factors have to be considered and only the teacher has the ultimate responsibility to compute it and give it justly. So here comes the teacher and indeed all senses are set to finish the task. Wish this teacher well!

Precisely because every person is unique so it goes that conflict is part and parcel of any social relationship. It is when the conflict becomes so hurtful and disrespectful that there is need to do something about the tension. The process alone can be a learning moment for every person involved. 

This talking point also reveals the role of words that we use in every conversation we engage with anybody around us. Some of the words that we use have nuances that are very inhumane that to say it to a sibling becomes multiplied in damage. It shows that you have become doubly disrespectful and uncaring as to what the terms you attributed to the one you hurt can be misconstrued.  

A particular scenario is the one that recently happened between two actresses who are siblings: the other is no longer as active as she used to be while the younger one is the one who is in the limelight. The older sibling filed a case against her younger sister for moral defamation and grave coercion. The text messages have been submitted as proof of the untoward messages hurled by the younger one to the older one. You have to read it to feel the words. Visit www.PEP.ph and analyze the text messages. 

In the meantime, let us never forget that the family is our first home. You can lose everything but if you have your family, everything is still yours. Quarreling is part of family life and as we already know, even this pain can be a learning moment!

It is hard to think of summer without thinking of some kind of vacation to a place outside of home - whether local, regional, national or international. One's dream journey is of course to go abroad what with all the exciting but affordable package trips. This is the summer blows in store for those who have not traveled to Hongkong, Macau, Zhenshen, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur. This Asian tour can become your trip of a lifetime such that all other trips are not as scary as we used to think. However, this same trip can become your Summer blues if you did not prepare enough or you were not given the necessary kits how to manage when you are part of a package tour. There is no dilly dally, slow movements if you want to hurdle the schedule which will really be demanding  on your alertness and energy.

This early, at least before May comes, learn how to cope with what might be expected of you by keeping your- self fit and healthy. Take your regular vitamins and if possible, exercise. Prepare your prepare rubber shoes, your favorite handy carry all bag and most comfortable get up.  Make sure you are going with family or well chosen friends. We hear of traveling companions who quarreled when they reached their destination because one of them felt she was left unattended or not given enough time to keep pace. The owner of the hotel was so aghast looking at middle aged women shouting - at least - using their native tongue so not everybody knew what the shouting bout was all about. All the other members of the group were disheartened and would you believe, when they went home, coincidence perhaps, one of the group members died due to anxiety and added stress!

Learning how to cope with summer blues and blows begins with your own attitude towards life and what it is all about. After all, one can stay at home and come up with productive activities enough to fill your entire summer. Whatever you decide, ENJOY!

"Go to the world and subdue it". . . the bible teaches us so even with the Holy Book we are already taught to take care of Mother Earth.

Then here comes summer, another opportunity to implement this huge task as stewards of this One. Mother Earth. Let us begin with our own homes: Are we supporters of "Re-use, Reduce, Recycle" movements? Are the children doing their share? The hope is with good home management the "domino effect" is within reach and the recipients are the bigger communities where you and I function and earn our living.

Summer 2012 has already made us experience the extreme heat that your eyes will be glad for having sunglasses on otherwise, migraine and more migraine is a likely visitor all throughout the day. Even the mere thought of going somewhere to have some fun is already not "fun" to think of for the transportation services are enough to dampen your expectation of convenience and peaceful journey. 

If there is one great teaching moment this summer, it is the realization that all these years we did not give Mother Earth her due but IT IS NOT TOO LATE. We must give better care to MOTHER EARTH ASAP.

As you peruse magazines and/or surf the net, we are made aware of the young people engage in crimes. At least we still see some of the youth engage in positive activities like sports and arts and even "kid"preneurship. How then should we encourage every young person to indulge more on something that promotes well-rounded personalities? One easy strategy is to begin at home and then followed up by teachers in school: Good Manners.

By Good Manners we refer to what is basically respect for parents, siblings and virtually every person. It implies harnessing the goodness placed by God in every person's heart. We know when something is good or bad because we are made in the basic goodness of the Maker.

Teachers do not refer only to teachers in school but parents who take care of their children; guardians who make sure the children they are in-charge of are properly guided and are doing activities for their good; community leaders who are concern for every resident in their barangay thus promote bayanihan and neighborliness.

Good Manners: Where are you Teachers? I no longer fear for they are everywhere doing their share in their little ways, God Bless You!

In another blog, Elderly blues and blows, the plea was for the younger bus passengers to keep us gentle ways towards the senior citizens, in this particular talking point, it is to learn how to act when riding a public transportation - driver, conductor and passengers alike. 

First talking point: Are the passengers getting their money's worth? their human rights as persons and their rights as consumers? As a passenger myself, there are more occasions when we do not deserve all this inconvenience. Imagine you have to literally go through big bodies, male and female alike, to fight for your desire to travel. One time, I sprained my shoulder due to tugging my bag and avoid losing it. When I finally entered the bus, it was obvious there was no more space so there was no choice but go down, bags and all. All this time, the conductor did not care what was happening. the driver all the more had no qualms whatsoever as to what was going on among the passengers in the bus he was driving. this is the sad plight of everyone. Nobody cares and this happens everyday in any terminal -m at least in the Philippines (? Pls. correct if this is not the case in your own Phil. situation.)

First learning point: As passengers in a public transportation, we can only say we get the learning that even before any bus transportation be allowed to serve the public, there should be enough training given to anyone concern that passengers must be treated with care. They have no reason to feel that they are mere passengers who must be thrashed into the "dungeon" of a bus. As passengers, we learn that we have to go beyond our duty as travelers. We must do everything in our power to tell the transportation owners that we deserve respect and fair treatment in matters of bus fare and services due as consumers. We must make the transportation owners they cannot become rich at our expense.

Second talking point: Good manners and right conduct must be observed by all parties in the bus experience.  The passengers should not talk as though the public bus are theirs. they should not gossip all throughout the journey because other passengers are just dying to "kill them" especially if they  know some of the "cast of characters" in the gossip. the conductor should have the "finesse" as he gives the tickets. He cannot just call out if one already has ticket and give one across somebody else, allowing his "armpits to be almost directly on the face of a female passenger who in turn called him bad names". the driver should not be talking so loudly with fellow drivers who have joined him as free passengers for the moment and their so-called joke about  passengers who put on balm of some kind that make them party to being "old and nauseous". 

Second learning point: We should know by now that life is better than this facet of our existence. We can go on with our travels without hurting others. We take the bus and sit there. We take out a book and read and in the process learn something. We can listen to music through our mp 3 or 4 and be happy with it. We can nap and be peaceful until your destination comes. What a peaceful world it would be if every person, every bus passenger, every man or woman, indulges in more proactive ways than destructive ones. SHALOM!

Imagine 11 seasons of American Idol. Every year there is rumor that it will not last long but time goes on so with American Idol. Now on its 11th year,  American Idol, like all the other singing contests are good venues to hone the talents of the young. For us in the Philippines, we view the singing contest more intensely if there is a contestant which has Filipino blood. Like Jesica Sanchez, she may mention more her American Mexican blood but she does acknowledge she has Filipino blood as could be seen in her Mom.

The young also need avenues of their talents which will not only develop their special skills but direct their energies towards positive and more proactive directions.

Let us join our hands: teachers, parents and concerned guardians to encourage the youth to join contests that will truly hone their God-given talents just as they use these as vehicles to develop their personalities holistically.

Even in scriptures, dreams play a role in giving a message which even the one concerned is left unprepared but because of faith, responds to the message in a positive manner.

 In our day to day existence, our family, being the most important facet when considering what to do or not to do dreams may just serve as a way of wishing but not really hoping it can come about. Dreams do teach us to believe in the impossible.

Winners for example of lottery or other major draws must be pinching themselves up to now how they made it. I did this myself when I won hundreds of thousands without knowing that it was my machine that won the jackpot. All the people around me shouted for joy but all of them were looking at me, finally my daughter whispered and told me I won. What! a dream come true. But then, situations do not happen all the time so we prefer dreams that give us opportunities to hold on to the good scenarios for life. Like my daughter got a grant via International Visitors Leadership Program and was allowed to visit four states in United States of America without applying for it. She got it through the great system of UNA in recruiting possible participants in ways they alone know. Now, my daughter is back and if the dream comes true, if the job comes and allows us to live in USA, this is the dream that is bound to be impossible to happen, but we can dream, can't we?

So I believe dreams teach us to believe in the impossible . . .

It is sad to know that others live and  die without seeing many parts of the world other than one's place of birth. For those who travel far and wide, it becomes very clear that it is a good opportunity to learn and later teach others how to experience the same.

My family in a way is fortunate because we have lived in various parts of Mindanao and the Visayas and visited Manila many times. In all these occasions you learn many things and to this day remain awed at how we managed to overcome the highs and lows.

How about international travels? In the past blogs I shared our trips to Hongkong, Zhenzhen, Macau, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and again I am awed at how we made it with limited financial capability. It is not hard to accept that this financial limitation is sometimes a good thing for we gave more attention to our being together and not buying or engaging in a shopping spree which was not really possible anyways.

With the most recent adventure of my daughter whereby she was nominated and chosen to become the only Filipino and sole woman participant in International Visitors Leadership Program and stayed in United States of America for more than a month. The dream of all dreams if for the family to have the journey of our lifetime by planning to go the USA in God's time but with my daughter doing her share to facilitate the fulfillment of this dream. Give us three years and with God's blessing, expect me to write our family's experiences of the four seasons: summer,spring, autumn, winter with New York as the key city where we dream to live someday.

Travel is a very good opportunity to learn and later teach others how to experience the same . . .

Each one of us is called by name and so even God had a name if He wanted to save mankind and so he became Emmanuel (God became man) and his name is Jesus. In Jesus we can identify our human frailties, temptation, suffering and death. In Lent we saw all these events. But in Easter, the Jesus who died did not remain dead but was risen. Jesus became the Christ. For the ordinary learner this is the reason for all the Lenten celebration, that even Jesus had to die to redeem us but Jesus rose from the dead which the Christians hope to experience if we remain Christians.

So today, Easter Sunday, each of us has reason to really rejoice for our life now takes on a significant meaning: to die in Christ is really to rise with him. This alone is the core of every Christian Faith and we should therefore evangelize. Happy Easter to you and you and you!

If there is one reality that is difficult to force, it is inspiration. While this is the state this teacher is in, let me be one of  the  first mentors to greet you few hours before it finally comes: HAPPY EASTER!

Every moment that comes our way is like another gift given by the Maker. Teaching moments are always there but it is not all the time that we take the moment to heart so everything that we sacrifice for can just go to waste. There are many temptations in life that to go against the desire to succumb to it is beyond you. It is almost as though the Hand of God must  first touch you before it sinks into your awareness that He has made His point and you and I have to finally wake up. Listen attentively. Pray.

This Easter, let it be one of the rare moments when the Hand of God finally touches you and I to the realm of change only He can plant into our personhood.

Fellow believers, Happy Easter! Fellow mentors and parents, Celebrate the Resurrection Loved Ones and Experience God's Presence. HAPPY, HAPPY EASTER!!!

Sometimes it is too much to bear when parting with and from loved ones happens but the thought that one day soon time will allow the two to see each other again, all the pain is worth the gain. Just like Holy Week, we know in faith that Jesus, the Christ has already risen, every year, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Good Saturday are apt reminders that before long, Easter Sunday is just around the corner and what a celebration!

My daughter left for United States of America last March 3. She was nominated and chosen by the US embassy, through  the Ambassador of USA to the Philippines, Harry Thomas to become part of International Visitors Leadership Program. IVLP is like "manna from heaven" when it was least expected for even Irene was not ready for it. The great call came and it was decided with the little time she had to be ready to leave for USA. Everything happened and after a month and so many memories to record and definitely reflect upon, she is now in JFK International Airport enroute to the Philippines, back home . . . The future is reason enough to celebrate even as the experience of IVLP will be present in our life for a long time to come. Thank you IVLP, thank you Harry Thomas, Thank you Life.

Parting with and from loved ones makes us cry but when time comes to see each other again, ah, happiness, joy, jubilation and all other emotions intact . . . tell you why life is LIFE.

There are more questions about life than answers. It is always good to ask. Like What happens after graduation? After Holy Week, what happens? How are you doing today in your own timeline?

Life is what we make of it and everybody repeats this like a mantra. Yet it is never easy to make anything of life. At least for bloggers, we have a tool to meet halfway through our blogs so blog and blog - live and live.

I would say to any graduate, let this moment be another graduation to mediocrity and onwards to creativity and productivity. What this means, its point is to urge each of us to keep on and while others may not finish some undertaking this is their graduation challenge: one graduation onwards to another; one hurdle to overcome so what else is new?

This is equally the message of Holy Week: life tells us the cycle of life - up then down, then up then down . . .finally up! Believers prefer to think of life as spiral not cyclical because trials are means to do better and find out for ourselves that when we have done everything in our power and it does notwork then it is time to believe God can take over.

So questions like what happens after graduation or after Holy Week, what happens are only some of the endless questions that make life what it is.

Days come and go so there is need to distinguish ordinary days from special days and finally holy days. Like this year's holy week. It is a holy week because:

       * persons go out of their way to look deeper into their faith life;

       * we try to use this week to experience Jesus in our lives;

       * the week takes another perspective of what normally is just any day - it is a set of days that captures the passion,death and resurrection  of our Savior, Jesus, the Christ;

      * people pray it be holy not for the sake of Jesus but for Christians who ardently need to find the meaning of everything in life most especially the pains, sorrows, death that everyone experiences and should it be the end of the line, that it will find a transcendence that comes only from the Holy; and

      * a short week for what is supposed for a lifetime so find during this week the gift of reflection and openness to what life is - after all - a life that makes every person feel the ambivalence of living: life vs. death.

In truth, Holy Week is not only this week but all the weeks of one's life that is always a challenge: to become holy or not is a continuous struggle. We pray for each other this Holy Week and in the other weeks that come our way. May this Holy Week then really be holy because even in our blogging we do not just communicate but we also pray for each other wherever we are.

There I was giving my commencement Speech to Elementary Graduates. I wanted to say many things yet all I could muster were 5 points which when looking back I should not have said it the way I did. What were the 5 points:

     1. Be schooled but more so be educated;

     2.  Live up to the pact we have made today;

     3.  Parents: "Pray as though everything depends on you but pray harder as though everything depends on God;

     4.  Whatever you have become, give it back as a gift and others use it as tool for nation building, and

     5.  Dream the biggest dream you can muster and work at it.

The points seemed to be the only points that came to my reflection. Yet, this speech did not capture what I wanted to say for the delivery did not turn out the best I could have done. I should have been closer to my audience and tell them from the heart:

     To the Graduates: You have graduated. This alone is an achievement in your life. Savor today's success. Hopefully, we will meet each other again, and by then you are graduating from high school. Later perhaps, college. One step at a time guys. One step at a time.

     To you parents: You have facilitated today's success of your children or your adopted son/daughter- as a guardian. Savor today's success with your child. Hopefully we will meet each other again and by then your children are graduating  from high school. Later perhaps, college. One step at a time Pa and Ma.

     To all of us around the graduates, as mentors, relatives or neighbors, let us promote a conducive atmosphere so that our youth can NOT but do good to realize their dreams in life.

     To God be the glory for everything that He allowed to happen so that the world which He entrusted to us be a manifestation of His glory.

No wonder even speeches can also cover so much for some of it should not be said and after much thought and after the event, better and deeper foods for thought come along. At least I tried.

As a senior and elderly, the question is as fresh as ever: Why are the crime doers lording it over crime busters?

One has just to sit in front of a television set to see the world beset by these very confident evil doers: robbery, hold up, murder, rape, intense protests that lead to destruction and loss of life, bullying that sometimes leads to suicide of those being bullied, persistent racial discrimination even to this day etcetera, etcetera . . .

Let us bring all these crimes closer to home. A freshman college student (16 years old) was raped by a married man who has children of his own; this rapist is known to have done it to a number of girls - he stationed himself in front of schools to take a good look at his next victim . . . as though he had all the time in the world although they say he has the financial means and the connections. Then we hear of rape victims who are differently-abled we are left gnashing at the culprit for being so inhumane and utterly evil.  A college instructor was attacked, "almost beheaded", robbed and left dead on the road, few miles from his home while his parents were waiting for his arrival. Many other scenarios all you and I have to do is to look around our own little communities and take a more active interest in caring what is happening. So what do we do after all this awareness? Do we give up and agree that indeed the crime doers do lord over the crime busters?

Tentatively as a senior and elderly crime watcher, I must admit there are occasions when I can only entrust everything to God for what can old people do who do not have the power, the financial means and armament to back up should they receive threats themselves? However, deep in our gut, because of our belief in the basic goodness of persons, we canNOT give up and give these evil doers the time of day. They may get away with the crimes they have done for they are used to it they have become calloused and "heartless" but the crime busters remain in their posts. May there be more crime busters who hold their posts in their own homes, in their barangays, in their respective communities, in their own regions and countries. The good will always triumph over evil says God so in God's time, in God;s time.

So as to the question why do crime doers lord over the crime busters, the real answer is: in God's own time they never do!

When you sea of people in an auditorium you are already awed at how many people are involved for any graduation. then when you shake hands with every graduate you think all the more what the parents have done to make the day extra special for their graduates. So what is a good gift for a graduate?

From experience, a gift is always a nice gesture of care. Sometimes, we expect a gift to look expensive so it means you are special. Sometimes, the wrapper also says you are not taken for granted for the gift is well thought of. Yet while all these are good to consider, a gift is better all the time if it is something that comes from the heart. Most of all, presence is more important than presents. Since we are aware of the financial condition of the family, gifts matter but not that it is the only thing that matters. A hug or a kiss from parents and siblings is more meaningful than a package which we know can be bought anywhere for as long as one buys it. Nobody can buy a hug or a kiss or love shown through one's time spent during the whole graduation rite.

So what is the best gift you can give to a graduate? Love, the ever genuine love that makes any event significant and memorable. Love is the best gift which does not need money. Most of all it is a reality everyone is capable of giving!

Grade VI Teachers of Malaybalay City Central School

Heidi E. Palmada, T2 Adviser VI-Beryl

Irene A. Dinlayan, T1 Adviser VI-Ruby

Susan T. Manalo T3 Adviser VI-Emerald

Jerlinda J. Taghap, T3 Adviser VI-Jade

Francia D. Pailagao, H.E. Teacher

Jerry A. Lava, T1 School Paper Adviser, English

Lenilyn G. Sarauz, T1 Adviser VI-Chrysolite

Federica B. Melig, T3 Adviser VI-Sapphire

Sylvela Anglique B. Macapundag, T1 Adviser VI-Amethyst

Persie B. Respito, MT2 Adviser VI-Aquamarine

Leonora J. Dumaque, MTI Adviser VI- diamong

Valerie de Leon, MT2 Adviser VI-Gold

Mrs. Ma. Antonietta S. Reburiano, Elementary School Principal

 HONOR ROLL of the Graduating class, Malaybalay City Central School, 2011-2012

Daisy Monica Venci Orate 

Dennise Johnfled Pabillaran

Princess Lou-Adarne Carpentero

Maria Teresa Reyes Flores

Jairah Francisco Paguray

Melu Jaen Homoc Bago

Allen Mae Palmes Apolinares

Special Mention

Thimothy Richard C. Estrada

Nathalie G. Solatorio

Jerick E. Achacoso

Sandi C. Tuyogon

Bea Roselle J. Somera

                                                        Adrian Alvinson B. Nazareno

Liezel B. Tulang

Brent Louisse Guinita

Anne roselle L. Asibal

RustinVincentM. Ocab

Princess Mary Edjulie T. Pocong

Mary Charish Diane D. Quinal

Kreeschianelle Dew L. Aclo  

Being the Commencement Speaker and fulfilling part of my promise to tell the whole world about this graduation, the list of Grade VI teacher under the leadership of their principal is posted. Furthermore, the pupils who were declared members of the Honor roll and Special Mention are posted.

To the Teachers, Kudos for the good job at teaching the 462 graduates. to the Honor Roll and Special Mention groups, Congratulations!

Excerpts, excerpts . . .

Do you know someone can be schooled but NOT educated? This means someone can go to school for a long time but never gets educated. This "schooler" does not use whatever is learned to actual use: remains disrespectful, disobedient, unhelpful and unwise. Yet, someone as young as you are, are not only schooled but are educated as well so you are respectful, obedient, helpful and wise.

As your Commencement Speaker I am given the opportunity to share what I learned from all the experiences I did not just go to school to learn but got educated along the way. I will share r talking points and end with some practical tips.

     First point: Remember I am an elementary graduate of Malaybalay Elementary School myself, graduated First Honorable Mention. I would like to acknowledge my teachers Ma'am Guzman, Ma'am Gamboa, Ma'am Rosete, Ma'am Lim, Ma'am Barroso, Sir Romo,  Ma'am Cruzado. My prayers to my mentors who have already passed away and are now in God's embrace. That's why we have to be grateful for the elementary education, basic education, we received. A very big round of applause to our teachers in Malaybalay Central Elementary School. 

     Second point: Today, you are graduating from the elementary. High school is waiting and with it comes bigger tasks that demand discipline. It will mean new friends, some good and some not so good. Your parents will be your best reminders of what lies ahead. At this juncture, may I request all the graduates to stand as we enter into a pact.Please raise your right hands and repeat after me: I _______________ (say your name) commit myself to complete my high school education and if at all possible pursue a college degree. Doing this I use it as my gift of learning to the next generation who will in turn use it as their tool for nation building. So help me God.

     Third point:In the course of responding to life's trials challenges, use this survival kit like a Girl Scout or Boy Scout. Make sure you have the correct priorities in life: God, family, country. Be a leader when there is need for one but a member when it is called by the moment. Some ways you do but some times, your family matters the most and in some occasion, let God. At this juncture, look at your parents lovingly and give them a "flying kiss". Let us give our parents and our guardians, a very proper round of applause.

     Fourth point: Struck with inspiration, I came up with a poem just for you, dear graduates. (This poem was already shared in an earlier blog...) Gift of Learning then and now shared to MCES graduates of 2011-2012.

     Fifth and last point: Malaybalay is the city I was born in and also the place where I'd like to be buried in. In your case, you have just hurdled elementary so you still have a long way to go. DREAM BIG and allow yourself to dream even bigger.

     Beloved graduates, may these five talking points be some foods for thought you can bring home with you and do something as you go on responding to what God has prepared for you.

     CONGRATULATIONS and GOD BLESS.

 

2012 is a very special year for all Girl Scouts in Bukidnon. This year is the 60th year of GSP, BUKIDNON COUNCIL, DIAMOND YEAR. 

Thus, last March 17, Saturday, the Council held its Convention to elect its new set of officers for Triennium 2012-2015.

Being the Chairperson of the Communications Committee and the one in-charge of documentation, we are taking time out to mention every council convention delegate and the newly-elected Council Board members.

Incumbent Council Board: Reina S. Aserios, Lorraine Louise C. Blanco, Anna Ninfa B. Caballero, Honulo Marie C. Cruzin, Neonitta D. Danao, Elsa D. Ferolino, Lota C. Gamboa, Lolita L. Garcia, Carmen C. Unabia.

Kibawe District: Lydia O. Ababa, Elvira S. Arabejo, Elvira T. Micabalo and Carmelita A. Tina-an

Maramag II District:Soledad M. Baguhir,Mercidita T. Estocado 

Maramag III District: Jocelyn F. Salcedo, Albert A. Vildosola

Manolo Fortich II: Isbel G. Leyson, Edna D. Nailes, Marife M. Masayon

Don Carlos I: Daylinda A. Digal, Emelita M. Gapultos

Pangantucan North District: Letecia O. Abon, Fredelina A. Acobo, Delia L. Alegrado, Jiezel O. Inocencio, Apolinaria A. Pogoy, Elepas S. Sibug

Quezon II District: Josephine C. Alo, Emelinda C. Cabonillas, Nico F. Dumapias, Virginita V. Ochate, Terisita G. Pamisa

Kalilangan District: Sherie Rose I. Aguila, Julia S. Basco, Elsa S. Orejudos, Florame Pastolero, Magdalena Rollo, Lelia Pe. Silva, Judith Villarias

Kadingilan District: Aisajoy M. Lapuz

Valencia I District: Isabel I. Casilang,Immaculada C. Lacuna, Marifel D. Mullanida, Iza Daenielle G. Pitos, Hilda S. Sabacajan

Valencia II District: Joan J. Dazo, Helen S.LumbayNancy P. Olario, Esberta M. Saliran

Valencia IV District: Nilda I. Pascua

Libona District:Josefina I. Acha, Ana Lisa Paluga, Annabelle Saligumba

Damulog District:Juliet A. Igcalinos, Josephina G. Paerongoy, Merly A. Pelayo, Aida U. Tan, Grace C. Timbal,Annel L. Sinadjan

Manolo Fortich I District: Princess Epiffany Arienza, Catherine P. Botanas,Jovie Centeno, Shaira Monique Cogay, Cecilia I. Corola, Sheillo Gem B. Cutamora, Berly D. Daluan, Princess Ivy B. Jayme, Preciosa C. Lompon, Susan M. Saa

Malaybalay Central District: Gerlyn Alcayde, Haydee G. Alsola, Ma. Ariel A. Belisario, Lorna M. Buendia, Myrna M. Cahanap, Lourdes O. Ducot,Elaiza Glaze M. Gayona, Cleofe P. Melendez, Erlinda E. Melendez, Ma. Antonette S. Reburiano,  Adelyn G. Salcedo, Fe S. Sebuguero, Freshelle May Tilanduca

Malaybalay City North District: Lany V. Lunsayan, Evelyn P. Ma, Genevieve P. Perino, Apolinario L. Ravidas, Bendee Nancy Rojas, Gene M. Rojas, Epifania B. Sarmiento, Fe M. Taguiam 

Malaybalay East District: Mary Joy D. Invento, Bebian C. Larot, Alma B. Mariñas,TeresitaS. Rara, Jerimia A. Sison

Malaybalay Far East District: Loida M. Azucena, Teresita N. Dagupin, Lucia S. Tanaleon

Malaybalay South District: Araceli Balcurza, Ranulfa N. Barrete, Lorenzo Capacio, Anecy P. Don, Yeshel O. Moreno, Evelyn B. Palma, Ronnamie N. Palma,Dinaflor L. Raagas, Laura A. Rivera, Magdalena O. Sayson, Perlita B. Wales

Malaybalay West District: Cynthia T. Berial, Jardidlen T. Carbajal, Marites T. Escamillan, Carolina L. Elarcosa, Reyna D. Rojas, Leni M. Tadlas

St. John: Bergil Bateriza, Gloria Bermudez, Charry Daliton

GUESTS FROM EASTERN MINDANAO REGIONAL OFFICE:

Lolita L. Garcia - Regional Chairperson

Natividad A. Genargue: Regional Executive Director

Emma Pe Benito: Regional Staff

GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE CONVENTION: HON. FLORENCIO T. FLORES, JR.

                                                                             Congressman of Second District, Province of Bukidnon

From the Participants, 4 District Com. Chairpersons were chosen: GeneRojas, Cleofe Melendez, Jeremia Sison, Aida Tan

                                  4 Troop Leaders were chosen: Lany V. Lunsayan, Susan M. Saa, Preciosa Lompon, Immaculada Lacuna

                                  2 Girl Representatives: Freshelle May Tilanduca, Ronnamie Palma

                                  13 Members-at-Large: Reina S. Aserios,Jacqueline Baula,  Lorraine Louise Blanco, Anna Nimfa Caballero, Lou Ann Cultura, Josephine Rachael Eugenio, Elsa Ferrolino, Leticia Ga, Sandra Flores,Lota Gamboa, Leticia Palle, Yvette Doreen Remo, Gloria Tilanduca

 Composition of the Council Board

Triennium 2012-2015

4 Charter/Life members: Neonitta D. Danao, Lolita L. Garcia, Violeta N. Tabios, Carmen C. Unabia

2 Young Adults: Jorrie Mae D. Hernandez, Aple Dowannie B. Tadlas

Immediate Past Council President: Lina Agnes O. Eduave

Boy Scout Council Chairman: Gov. Alex P. Calingasan

Incumbent Division/City Superintendents of Schools and Assistant Superintendents or the Officer-in-Charge of the Schools Division Superintendent

        Bukidnon Division: Ingrid G. Racoma, Ph. D.

                                      Victoria V. Gazo

                                      Jesnar Dems Torres

       Malaybalay City Division: Florante M. Corpus, Ph. D.

                                              Cora T. Asa, Ph. D.

      Valencia City Division: Bertilla B. Rayos, Ph.D.

4 District Committee Chairpersons

4 Troop Leaders

2 Girl Representatives

13 Members-at-Large

Note: The newly-elected officers of the Executive Committee will be shared in the next blog.

 

 

There are stages of one's life. Of the many, there is a stage when one stage is a time that is very difficult to keep pace. Why? It has something to do with new technology, new social media for that matter. 

This teacher in particular is still wondering how late she was in learning the mechanics but she is catching up. . .

At the moment new social media revolve around the ways of communicating: through Facebook, through Twitter or through Blogs. A Lady come lately, these media are still new even to this day while others are thinking of other avenues. These social media make our day and new points they do give to anyone who has at least experienced their huge influence in today's media.

Do you agree?

As human beings we go through life's ups and downs. If it is up and going, we have all the smiles but once we experience the lows, or the blues, we get stuck. This is made more difficult when these lows or blues take the form of ailment. Our body reminds us of our mortality.

Like this teacher, toothaches are so painful that your heads seem to blow up. Body aches are everywhere and when the body aches, all you can do is sigh. Whatever is your experience, I would like to know for mine makes me wonder why I did not prepare for it sooner. 

Thus one's ailment teaches us any day that we have to come to terms with mortality. It will be a challenging perspective but I am trying to open myself to this viewpoint . . .  

In Desiderata, we are reminded to believe " that with all the sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world . . ." In Footprints, we missed the point when we asked where was Jesus at the lowest point in our lives? Why was there only one set of footprints?  and the answer: My child, when you were at the lowest point in your life, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you . . ."

Indeed, even the most painful accidents are teaching moments. It brings us back to the genuine perspective of looking deeper and finding the message behind all these gut-wrenching experiences in life.

The blog cited in Elderly Blues & Blows is so relevant in connection with this present discussion. Vangie's youngest son, Ki, met an accident. The miracle of persons happened when even the doctor felt the hand of God,blessing the operation,  blessing his hands going through the operation. The presence of the holy was felt by some people who can only cry with happiness that Kim would make it and now would go on healing. 

Before Vangie and this teacher bade each other goodbye, we promised to stay in touch and definitely, go on with life's challenges this time with the hand of God as direction and strength to go on.

May we take care of our children and pray for our beloved dead and together find in every aspect of our loves, the hand of God guiding, directing,blessing . . .

Earthquake hits Carraga region, Surigao del Norte -  intensity 6 - Many wounded but thank God no one died.

Luis Gonzales, the actor during our younger days, died.

News, like these, puts us back to the daily grind of life. there is a continuous ambivalence between life and death; death and life.

What explanation can we reflect upon on the perspective offered before us: One has to die in order to live. For us who have lived for more than 50 years and have taught for more than four decades, we tend to agree in the philosophical sense that one has to die in order to live. "To die" in this instance refers to a change of viewpoint  such that one has to be humble enough to apologize if someone has been hurt. The cycle of starting all over again after a hard defeat is tantamount to dying to one's pride and accepting change painful it may be. It is only when someone becomes open to what life is telling you that better things might crop up unnoticed.

Still death is a reality that needs all the strength to hold to God's invitation for submission. It even redirects our vision to where life is supposed to be headed: towards a life which is not to live in this Earth for eternity but through this earthly life become a better person,made in the image and likeness of God. In Faith, one day we 

To Boni, the father of my four children, our prayer: Eternal rest grant unto him O  Lord.  And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Through all the years of one's teaching career, get ready to know: there is no more room for patience. So mentors pray for the virtue and if is done with sincerity and humility, somehow, the seeds of patience sprout.

The family is the best testing are for this and true enough, the teachers whose families help out emerge seasoned. 

Gift of Giving - Tool for Nation Building: This is our message to all the graduates for the SY 2011-2012. It is a timely challenge now that they are elementary graduates: four more years to finish high school and another four or five (or more) to finish a degree. 

What is the anatomy of giving? It is a talent every person possesses. One can give by just being there - by just being who you are. Others say however, the more learned one becomes, the more you become capable of sharing- details of intricate data. Others say though that the simpler you present your points, the more understandable your point is. In my Commencement Speech come March 29, I dealt with this. You have two more weeks to wait before you get to see the speech printed right here in this blogspot.

Tool for Nation Building - This is everyone's duty of citizenship. This very moment we can begin by doing our chores at home, in school and  in the various organizations we are part of. 

Go the distance fellow human beings. Beloved Mentors/Teachers: Let us deliberate on this theme right in our class discussions. Good Luck!!!