Will there be an attack - God forbid, again? We pray, never again, please God.
Ten years ago, I was watching CNN when - like a dream - I saw the two planes hit Twin tower, one after the other. Then news continued saying another one hit a part of Pentagon, what? Then and now, my feelings never changed - that of shock, shock and shock! I wanted to believe it was just a movie or that it was just one of those slides or clip misplaced or something but never real. A joke?
All these are memories of September 11 that was an attack on humanity by terrorists. Ten years later, an attempt to re-build a twin tower as a symbol of moving on. In an Interview with Matt Lauer in Today, he took time to talk with some of the engineers who confirm that the building is a testament, a statement to rebuild, to recover.The new building will be ready in 2013. I will retire in 2015, Please God, allow me to see the new twin tower!
For us teachers, events like this, give us talking points: Can hatred to humanity be such that persons behind this inhumane attack on mankind still deserve to live? Where do they come from? an offshoot from hell? What kind of heart and conscience do these plotters have? Do they have any- if at all? If words are not enough at least in thought we can rely on our faith to hold on. Think good, Think God.
May I end with a prayer . . .
God, Father of us all, this is one time when we become one in your name however this name may be.
You made us out of love but sad to say we do not return this love same way - rather we see hatred in kind: attack on the Twin Tower, wars everywhere, hatred among family members, clash among tribes, crimes of various kinds especially against the helpless - the children, destruction and abuse inflicted on Mother Earth, all the other manifestations of sins that are negations of what we are yet you alone see its reasons for happening.
How can we ever account for all these transgressions? How can we ever look you in the eye without bowing our heads in shame?
Father God, we can only plead for your generosity and endless love. We beg for your mercy.
Lift us up and once again bless this earth you so kindly entrust to us. Visit our hardened hearts and help us know you are there.
Father God, please hear what words can not be said but we utter in faith. You alone know where this world is heading. We offer everything to you- the good and the bad.
You made us out of love but we know you alone know whether we have returned this love or not.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The biggest school is out there in the school of life.
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 1:40 AM
If one looks hard enough, one finds the disparity of opportunities given to persons. But if one really looks hard enough, we are all equal in the school called life. Our teacher is the same: life as it unfolds.
For the parents the lingering pain is how to deal with the gradual departure of the grown children from the one fold of the family. The earlier a parent accepts this inevitable separation, the better for the child and the parent. Today, for example, Malaybalayan could only hug and say good luck to a beloved son who has to leave for Davao City because a job interview is in the offing. It is painful but it is good news for before long, even the separation is part of the love you have to give, even if it means letting go.
The teacher in each of us is a gift that the school of life generously grants every well-meaning citizen of the world. So, let it be; let us all enroll in the university of life. Everyone becomes both the learner and the teacher: a rather unique blend and no money involved for once.
The teacher in us should make us think we are first, persons who care . . .
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 12:26 PM
As the years of teaching become years of dealing with many kinds of young people who will become professionals someday, many thoughts come our way.
However the years have come and gone, however some bosses make or unmake some of your days, you always emerge stronger and more inspired. After all, you meet again these students-turned professionals and share their own stories of victories and failures.
There are groups of young learners who really cause you the headache but reflecting on it again and again, they are just still-in-the-soon to become student teachers and in this limbo, they are lost in the maze of requirements.
Tomorrow, there is a promise to be made when we meet these puzzled students in our care. We will let them know that teachers may say something to "hammer" some points strong enough to challenge them. There is never an intention to underestimate them just the hope they will do better. We will try to make it known teachers are first persons who care. While we are in this reflection mood, we visited a blog entitled The Best of Teachers Pay Teachers by Teacher Victoria. We left a comment and hope for an exchange of notes someday.
There are many opportunities to become an agent of change and to become a teacher is one of the best opportunities!
How do you deal with bosses whom you do not like at all?
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 2:38 PM
We are created equal but along the way, especially in our careers, we have bosses and with their presence, an additional baggage is thrashed on you. This gets more complicated when these bosses who are part of the system of management are those you do not like at all. So how do you deal with them?
Google articles give so many tips, some of which are directed to cubicle warriors. Outlast the boss, vent in a safe place and focus on your performance are some of the thought-provoking ways to get by.
But wait! why do we not like our bosses - not like as against hate - when they are just doing their jobs? This is the crux of the matter. The first reflection point always goes back to us. Are we sure we are the only ones who feel this way? What if the bosses do not also like us. Can you imagine their dilemma too? So this is the way to handle the feeling: feel for the other party and before you know it, the intensity of not liking the boss is greatly minimized.
Feelings are real and fickle so we should not put so much intensity on it. Ventilate. Experience your catharsis but always, get the proper perspective. Bosses need the same ventilation and catharsis. If only we see this then we need not dislike them too much.
The last point is in order. If the focus is on you and not on your boss: your performance and not on the face of your boss, life becomes bearable. Diplomacy can work hand in hand with your new found course of action.
How do you deal with bosses whom you do not like? Deal with yourself first and before you can entertain the negative feeling, you have overcome it after all. Life is more than all the bosses in the world who do not deserve the best in you. Smile fellow workers!
The day is what you make of it but some days just make you!
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 6:47 AM
Nowadays life seems to pass by faster and difficult to keep pace. Life is teaching us to slow down and "smell the roses" so to speak. If it is possible, take the time out to go on retreat somewhere in the mountains - if it is still possible. Perhaps it comes more urgently for the elderly like some of us have found ourselves in.
Once in a while there are holidays that come in a row and a weekend before it so four (4) days are a treat. The days could have been the days to make a go of many things that were left unattended for quite a time but as it happened the days just made the time for us. When would these moments come again would be one of those "miracles".
Here is one who wishes all teachers would have all the time for their organic gardens and blogging without a thought where their next salary would come from. We can dream all the time, can't we?
For our Muslim brothers and sisters: Eid ul fitr or Eid'l Fitr 2011 - according to our sources, this a very special holiday their joy is compared to what Christians feel during Christmas Day!
For the country: President Pinoy leaves for China on a 5-day visit. Spratlys issue is up for discussion other than possibilities for more investments.
For the Japanese: a new Prime Minister in the person of Yoshihiko Noda.
Many good things are happening in a day's time and like any good thing, our hopes are high that better things lay ahead! We do pray for better things what with Hurricane Irene in the United States, Mina in the Philippines, another typhoon in Taiwan. Everywhere you look on tv, there seems to be disaster. Now, the world has really become so small and we really feel that the world is fragile and every person in the planet is vulnerable. Imagine, it is no longer landslide in Baguio but trashslide - the onslaught of a mountain of trash to where people reside somewhere in the vicinity. The sight in Baguio is not an isolated case; we have to look at our own landfill and find out if it is safe or just waiting for a week-long rainy session for it to come crumbling down literally to your doorstep!
Let us offer both the good and the bad. This reminds us of the short stay we have on this earth so if we can do something good, do it now!
Heroes are here today, were in the past and will be in the future. . .
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 7:50 PM
Today, August 29, is a holiday for the workforce. Already there were symbolic rites held in Taguig Rizal - where President Pinoy gave honor to all the Philippine heroes. Usually however, we call these heroes, heroes of the past.We always honor Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero; Andres Bonifacio, Great Plebian and Father of the Katipunan; General Gregorio del Pilar, Hero of the Battle of Tirad Pass. Regardless of time we know these heroes gave us freedom and independence.
Today, heroes, according to Psychology Today (and we agree!) heroes are those who have the willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of others. This might be a very loose meaning given to heroes but it is one that has relevance to what we continue to do: to care for our loved ones without counting the cost. In connection with this site, some advanced the notion that for them teachers are the heroes of today. This remark makes me smile and to a certain extent we agree. Teacherallherlife agrees that the many years of teaching could not have lasted so long if not for the promise of serving the young minds and through them provide the country with the leaders of tomorrow. Also we realize that because we are teachers, we make it a point to rear our own children as good citizens which indirectly point to the fact that their mother and father are "heroes" for them. If teachers are considered heroes, parents are greater heroes. Who can question their willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of their children. Precisely because they take care of their children that some would discredit their being heroes because it is expected of them to take care but we know better. We too will say without a doubt that we consider our parents heroes.
The heroes of the future will have to be treated more kindly. Anyone and everyone can become heroes for as long as they live for the betterment of others. These heroes might not be declared by organizations but then that is not the point of being heroes. The point is to live a life that considers the situation of others, especially those who do not have anybody to defend them. You are heroes of the future if you do not consider heroes today or in the past. You are as important as the heroes.
Much can be said about heroes but what matters the most is that heroes are not statues but real living peple who care and are concern for the freedom and independence of others.
United States is bracing itself for the coming of Irene (my daughter's name is Irene!) so what are the preparations? Who is Irene? Sorry, but this is one instance the coming is not welcome, what with Irene called the "hurricane of historic proportions". Every channel you view has its strong winds and huge waves plastered all over the areas.
When things like this happen, it is not difficult to expect other catastrophes join in: typhoons or fires. It is only during these fearful and traumatic scenarios that man resorts to prayer. This too is what this blogger can offer to those who will be hit along the paths of destruction.
Just moments ago, our home was visited by strong winds and rain. My favorite garden umbrella got ripped and we waited for other objects to fall or get deformed but just as quickly the winds and rain came, suddenly it stopped! After we collected the debris and the torn garden umbrella, all we could do was sigh and utter some words of gratitude nothing major happened.
Asa teacher, events like this, become points of reflection about the many trials that haunt us every other day or month or so. While we go through these low moments of our life, nothing seems to make us smile or laugh yet just when we give up or offer all these thunderstorms that take away our prized possessions, the gloom disappears. Others even take the loss as reminders of the temporary nature of our lives on earth. Others emerge victorious after the hurricanes of life.
To Americans and other fellow journey companions, let us think positively and believe all these things will come to pass. . .
The years of idolizing Amalia-Susan; Vilma-Nora: Filipino actresses
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 2:37 PM
"Journo" of GMA featured Nora Aunor and just viewing it brought us back to the years when the cinema only had Amalia Fuentes-Susan Roces; Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor tandems captured the hearts of the '70's - this blogger included.
The years of idolizing the pairs were the years of learning how to look like them and compile pictures of them and dreaming to become stars like them someday. The same years taught the fans not to overdo looking up to them because they are after all- human beings prone to the same weaknesses we have. In fact we saw or hear how each of their lives went through ups and downs; successes and failures. Their lives taught us the difference between real and fiction; between reality and fantasy.
Today we hear of Amalia Fuentes contented as grandmother of Liezl-Albert Martinez kids. This blogger saw Amalia Fuentes in one of the branches of Power Books. Amalia is really beautiful even if she is past 60. This is also the aura of Susan Roces. Vilma Santos is now the governor of Batangas and remains star for all seasons. Nora Aunor may not be able to sing the way she used to but she is a "survivor" of life's trials and her beauty is best seen in her strength to bounce back.
The young people today have their own idols and they have a lot to choose from - what with singers,dancers, actors who have dazzling personalities. Visit www.bonaserios.com to see some photos of those who got married beautiful and handsome pairs who could have opted to become actors themselves but decided to tie the knot because of love.
There is nothing wrong with admiring someone else's beauty or fame. Just do not forget, you need not go far to "idolize" someone. Your parents are there. Your kuya or ate who is helping you - finish your studies. Your relatives and friends who have only your good future in mind. "Idolize" the right people but know when to distinguish the real from the unreal; reality from fantasy. Know your hierarchy of values: God, family, friends, acquaintances.
One of my children gave me a poster which states: "Having a place to go is what makes a home; having someone to love is called a family."
A classroom is a place where the teacher and the students meet to do many things. Basically, the main task is for the teacher to teach with all her mind, heart and soul. In the same vein, the main task of the learners is to participate in the process of teaching such that they are learning the facts of life. Some of the experiences that both parties experience are not always wholesome because they have their own agenda. When their intentions clash, especially in a college setting, conflict and misunderstanding are bound to happen. This is the present dilemma of Teacherallherlife and to go through the pain is part of the solution.
Eldely Blues and Blows suggests to begin again so this is certainly what Teacherallherlife will do today. A saying was shared here in an earlier blog: " Teachers like leaves, everywhere abound; effective teachers, like fruits, are rarely found." In connection with the challenge to begin again, effective teachers will not find it hard to do this. Let us all be effective teacher today; let us begin again!
From our end as teachers, we always try to do better everyday and avoid the pitfalls of a classroom dilemma but there are always points why things happen. The other end where the students are, have to be considered whatever it is. Somewhere a compromise can be reached and together the two parties who are really the components of the educative process have to begin again.
Together with Elderly Blues & Blows, Teacherallherlife, we commit this A23 challenge: Begin again.
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