Teacher's teacher

It was published in Gold Star Daily dated December 30, 2009 that while 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, there are "only 3,200 tigers left in the wild". For obvious reasons, every part of the tiger can be exploited for gain: its skin can be used for fur and decorative purposes while the animal's body parts can be used for medicinal concoctions. The Prime Minister of Nepal, Madhav Kumar has pledged to establish a National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Crime Control Committee. Russia too will host a tiger preservation summit in Vladivostok in 2010, especially because Khabarovsk and Primorye regions are inhabited by 500 Amur tigers.

So the tale of the tiger is sad to note. However, initiatives are being done to save them from extinction. It is not therefore a hopeless case but a call for vigilance.

Similar cases have been manifested, e.g. tarsiers, whales, elephants, apes and others animals. May our collective consciousness and awareness become a loud and effective call to save the animals.

2010 is Year of the Tiger and so we hope Tigers thrive more in number, not fewer. . .

There are people we meet in life who are very organized. One time, I came near a table of one such person: all documents arranged according to order of urgency. The table was a sight to behold. Even the drawers which were opened looked so arranged what with all the contents clipped and labelled. This is one of my New Year resolutions: to be organized.

Next in line is to finalize our plan to construct a house. The whole year will be a year of forced savings. With so many who tried loaning from a "Love Housing Program" and finding it asking many requirements, the best solution is to save minimum of three or four thousand a month for a year or so and if religiously done, the amount is supposed to reach seventy-two thousand or ninety-six thousand pesos in two years. If I can make a go of this, it will not just be a resolution but a revolution. I am not very good at saving, you know.

Third in line is to painfully assess my life's journey. Now that I am approaching sixty, the reality of mortality is an issue I must come to grips with. My children are all grown and indeed it is true that there comes a time when you have to let go. Somehow, I stay in the background and offer them back to God who takes over from where I left off. Certainly, it will both be a resolution and a revolution.

Finally, I have to own the fact that I have up to 2015 to work as a teacher. By then I will be 65 years old. Imagine 65 years old. Only God knows of course how long we have on this earth so all I can do is hold on to the faith that God knows what is best for me. This portion is definitely part of a five year resolution . . . until further notice . . .

My beloved readers, this blogspot is fast becoming my "sounding board" or "think aloud journal". Whatever will become of it, rest assured, the intention is to share my inmost thoughts to jibe with yours. Where we think alike, I am humbled and confirmed and where we do not see eye to eye, take it with a grain of salt.

Fellow sojourners, how about you? Have you formulated your New Year resolution? or is it a revolution? One year duration or more?

Today is December 30, 2009 fast turning December 31: time for resolutions as we await January 1, 2010!!!

Whenever survey results are aired about the performance of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo as President of the Philippines and with emphasis it is said that once again she gets negative mark, I find myself wanting to know who these respondents are. I would like to know if they know what performance is and whether or not they have performed well in their own jobs or state of life.

Being a teacher and President GMA knows this, we are regularly evaluated by our students. Without generalizing, there are students who give low marks due to the fact that they get low grades which in fact they deserve. There are students who give high rating to their teachers even if they receive low marks for as long as they learn from these mentors.

Similarly, who can deny the fact that President GMA has guided us through the financial crisis? Whether we like her or not, we have to give what is due her: high performance!

To President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: Happy New Year and Good Luck to you new plan to become the congresswoman of Pampanga.

R.I.P.E. refers to Regional Impact Project on Environment. This project is pioneered by Eastern Mindanao Region, located in Daliaon, Toril, Davao, Philippines so there is always glow in our eyes when we talk about it. In fact, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, National President, thenTeresita Choa, received in behalf of the Regional Headquarters its first ever International Award in Johannesburg, South Africa. Olave Award was made possible because of the R.I.P.E. undertaking of Barangay 7, Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines which was declared First Place in Eastern Mindanao then recognized International awardee in Johannesburg, South Africa. Now, R.I.P.E. continues its thrusts through the MS. R.I.P.E. contest.

At a time when our environment is crying for help; moaning for care and concern so that it can still do its job to protect Mother Earth, we are called to do, however little, our role to do something - be it through, Reuse, Recycle strategy or plant a tree, adopt a tree campaign.

December 3o, Wednesday, is the coronation of the beautiful ladies who give life to R.I.P.E., after which they will hold their Christmas celebration.

The afternoon will usher in "Balik Scouting" - GSP, Bukidnon Council's attempt to bring back the Girl Scouts, wherever they have built their bases and come home to Malaybalay, Bukidnon State University auditorium for a reunion, re-commitment to the Girl Scouting Movement.

W e l c o m e back Girl Scouts. "Once a Girl Scout, Forever a Girl Scout."

Miss R.I.P.E. Coronation, Christmas Celebration, "Balik Scouting" Rolled into One Great Gathering. . .

The more we keep abreast with the happenings while Christmas gives us days off - the more we hear of tragic events: 6 dead, 20 missing in Batangas ferry sinking; Mt. Mayon's impending eruption keeps everyone on its toes as to exactly when and what is expected this time; terror attempt aboard an airplane just when it landed in Detroit airport.

It is but inevitable that we pray for better things this New Year. Let 2009 be but please bless 2010. Let it be a year that brings good luck to all the families; more peace and harmony especially between parents and children.

Forthe New Year, Teacher's teacher wishes: more followers who will not just visit the blogspot but communicate more actively - give constructive comments; more links opened and if at all possible link with me first; upload videos to inspire and become more uphgraded in the technical aspect of blogging; use the blogspot to reach out to as far a place can be ane bridge gaps where it exists.

While Christmas was already complete with my loved ones around me, it became even better when we were able to go around and share our blessings with my siblings, my in-laws, my nephews and my nieces. The cousins had a grand time having their pictures taken by BonAserios and all along my eyese were twinkling with pride because Bon is my youngest son.

We shared leftovers and still nothing beats a family meal day after Christmas for as long as we spent time together. The young professionals had to bid each other goodbye because their respective jobs would take them to far places. My eyes turned misty myself when my two boys had to leave too because they have "photoshoot" already scheduled.

Other gatherings are lined up until the celebration of New Year's Eve. My thoughts wander for the events over the radio and tv are unfortunate: two shipping vessels collided in the sea around Cavite and up to now 24 victims are still not found; 6 Filipinos were killed in the Greek ship fire; Mt. Mayon still continues its high level of activity so the 10,000 evacuees have to stay put and pray that the local and national government will continue to provide their basic necessities and a 23 year old Nigerian named Abdul Mutallab ignited a small "device" hoping to sow terror in an airliner due to land in Detroit Airport.

Thus, every moment with your loved ones should be treasured: simple or elegant meal or leftovers. With love as the reason for the gathering, nothing beats the taste of food.

Usually, heroes do not like to be honored for that's what being a hero is all about - to "die" for someone without counting the cost. Humans, as we are however, we need recognition not for the fame but for others to be inspired and do the same. Our very own hero from the Philippines, Efren Penaflorida, related how difficult life was in a place where there was danger and poverty. Others have died in the course of the struggle but others were brought" back to life" and were guided by volunteers. His project was known as "pushcart" or "kariton" school and was giving education to the children for more than ten years.

Efren said this after receiving his trophy: "I praise God for every selfless Filipino, every child, every dedicated volunteer." To the children: "Please embrace learning for it will embrace you back."

There were ten heroes all over the world who were honored but we know it was Efren Penaflorida who bested them all. Now, teachers do not find it difficult to mention Efren as one good role model. In my own classroom, I requested my Peace Education students to research more about Efren's Dynamic Team Company. In fact during the Education Week of the College of Teacher Education, Bukidnon State University, some of them memorized the excerpts of Efren's talk which Efren delivered when he was declared CNN's Hero of the Year.

While we are in this gut-wrenching feeling not of disgust but of delight since we are inhaling the air of generosity and selflessness, we come back to where we are. Begin there. You are a hero in your own home however simple your role is.

May this season of Christmas light the darkness of despair and indifference. Thank you CNN for giving enough coverage to all the CNN heroes.

With my daughter and two boys with me - minus one who is presently in Cebu but just called up to greet us - spaghetti, cake, shrimps, crabs, special ribs, fruit salad - gifts from my children - my Christmas is complete.

Deep in my heart, Christmas is more than all the materials we prepare or receive, it is being alive, being grateful for the years of living life to its fullest, being a pilgrim on earth. All these plus the special opportunity to become a parent to such magnificent children - no wonder some say: I can go back to my Maker with humility and offer everything to Him.

Today is Christmas. Thank you Jesus for being with us once again in a special way. Bless the families gathered in your name. December 24 turned December 25, actually a Merry Christmas. To the whole world, the blogosphere in particular, let the spirit envelop us as we wait for the coming of the New Year now that Jesus is in our midst, Emmanuel, God is with us.

Here we are finalizing our plans for "Noche Buena" while the people in Albay, Legaspi Philippines have evacuated while awaiting Mayon Volcano's decision: to erupt or not to erupt. According to Dr. Renato Solidum, Director of Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS), all the signs are present for the volcano to erupt anytime this week.

Teacher's teacher is trying to make light of the imminent eruption with an analogy: that Mt. Mayon heralds Christmas with a Bang through its eruption even as the people in Albay find their Christmas disrupted. This disruption can be carried over to the equivalent problems the rest of the filipinos have to deal with: peace and order, drug trafficking, poverty among others.

In our respective families, we have "volcanic eruptions" of some kind too. Any of the spouses may experience domestic violence. The children may await the "so-called eruption" anytime - Christmas or not. We pray therefore for a proactive change from each person: Give Love on Christmas Day and any day as our New Year resolution.