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. MariƱas,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!!!

Supersize: Did you get already your brand new car? A first name was mentioned coming from Q.C. won already! Text 2363 perhaps you will win today. Your first text is free.
Text sent in another day by 2363: Are you lucky today? Text SUPER for free. 2,000 of load starting today. Begin for your first text is free.
Text sent day earlier: Your number is part of those to be raffled off. Prize:P 3,000. Wanna supersize your raffle prize? Answer below to win Samsung Galaxy Mini  5 5570 if you win the raffle! What is the capital of Bangkok? A. Mali B. Brunei C. Thailand. Reply with A, B, or C. P1 per txt. Every correct answer will avail of supersize so prize can go up to Brand New Car. DTI NCR #0201. Tips are given to win.

What are all these texts from 2363 about? Is this from Globe? from Smart? If not, who will tell us whether it is genuine or not? Is the DTI # really from DTI? 

So Teacherteacher asks: Is this all a BLUFF?   Is this a scam?

As a Teacher, am so worried what is happening with the communication channels? Is there abuse here just because it has access to Globe or Smart and other servers? Already just to go through the disturbance it causes the consumer makes me weak and apathetic my energy is already "pffft". What agency of government will protect us from all these business strategies?


As the day goes on in a teacher's life and the years become longer until many years seem to be the scenario, teaching becomes a weary and burdensome task but then . . .

But then like a vocation as teaching is, we the teachers of many years, seem to catch ourselves and with a long sigh, restore the zest that fuels us to go on.
Furthermore, the years that are becoming shorter remind us that the remaining years are the seeds of legacy every teacher wants to leave behind before retirement years take over.

So we catch our breath and with enough smile and strength look at the bright side of teaching experiences and believe things will become better the next day.

When a student greets me with a genuine smile of a greeting, the faith that the years have not been for naught . . 
When a young girl tells me she learned many things and shows this in her exams, teaching becomes worth every challenge it brings.
When a young man looks me in the eye and reveals that he has not studied as much as he did in my subject and accepts the many things he has to be prepared to study, teachers become more indispensable as ever.
When the teachers themselves enjoy each other's company and laugh at all their challenges and remain focused on the vocation they have been called into, no wonder I am still here.

Thank you God for the "serenity to accept the things that I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference . . ." 

In the past, teachers are satisfied with classroom routine. Educational field trips may come their way but all expenses are theirs or if sponsored the destination is within the country, Philippines.Nowadays, it is not the case anymore. Teachers feel the need to see the world out there and this desire to broaden one's horizon should be strongly supported. In the past, my trips were self-financed and the family saw to it these ere special promotions. So Hongkong, Zhenzhen, Macau came to reality and this happened twice (at least Hongkong). the next destination was Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and to this day, the learning moments are indescribable. My world is bigger yet smaller when thought of as One World.

Now, my daughter is luckier because her Asian trips are now USA-colored. Yes, she is in Washington then after a week or so, visit other states. This rare learning scenarios are facilitated by United States Embassy under their International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). We will have to allow Irene to see the big world out there for us and after a month, come back and teach us her learning insights.

Teachers should see the world out there but they should not miss another reality that the world is not out there but here and now where life is, where she or he is. . .

Early this morning, a classmate of mine - way back high school and college days (Hello, Judith!) appeared in my place to deliver the good (bad?) news, I am invited to become the Commencement Speaker Malaybalay Central Elementary School, my Alma Mater on March 29. There are no details yet as to theme and other things to consider but already this teacher is honored and delighted for this emotional come back.

Commencement Speech and Speakers, anyone? What are the usual strategies to take note? The last time I was invited was way back 1995 when Bukidnon State College (now Bukidnon State University) invited me as Commencement Speaker of the Elementary School. 2012-1995 = 17 years later . . .

Once all the data are in, expect this blogspot to share the full length of my commencement speech. Any tip dear readers?

There are many words we use everyday and one of them is happy. It is then with some candor and surprise that when my son, the proprietor of One Happy Story, a wedding photography outfit, called his new venture Happy Eggs, the name really made me smile.







Do you see this photo which was shared to friends before it opened? Now it is not just to serve tapsilog but bacon, bulad (dried fish), noodles, tinapa and many more. Visit 19-2nd Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines to taste the newest recipe: HAPPY EGGS!

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