Teacher's teacher

Teacher is with her beloved kids, complete attendance, check!

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 8:01 AM

Kaamulan is a yearly celebration in Bukidnon, Philippines. "Kaamulan" is a Bukidnon term for "gathering". We have so many reasons to gather especially these days when "election fever" is upon us and more importantly when all my children have come home to witness the "Street Dancing" competition on March 6, 2010 and to be together as a family.

What used to be ordinary situation when our children are under our care, their presence is easy to expect. It becomes more difficult when one by one they graduate and find their "place in the sun". They leave "the nest" and prefer to stay in bigger cities where they rent a room and live independently. Gone are the days when they can come home anytime because they have their own commitments. While all these changes are happening, we cannot but just pray for their safey and success in all their undertakings.

Now we wonder no more because this is the path we also went through before we became parents ourselves. In the meantime, Teacher's teacher just wants to savor these few days of togetherness, no money can compensate.

Let this "Kaamulan 2010" become your "Kaamulan" too.

Supreme Court Ruling: Appointed Officials Deemed Resigned when they run for political post - a welcome change

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 6:08 AM

At a time when cynicism and indifference have become the citizen's reaction to what is happening in society, the ruling of the Supreme Court in the Philippines to consider the appointed officials deemed resigned once they run for political post, is timely. This way, the politicians cannot use their present status as an edge over the opponents. Now, there is equal playing field. The administration did not waste time of course and filed for reconsideration.

The aforementioned situation should not have reached the Supreme Court. The ones concerned should have taken upon themselves the initiative to resign but they did not, so a concerned citizen had to risk and filed the case. We really need this kind of "watch dog" and we hope they will multiply their kind nowadays.

Let us be vigilant!

A classmate dies; Laura, Rest in Peace . . . Your smile reveals your happy state with the Maker. . .

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 3:49 AM

Today, we went to Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines to condole with the grieving family of Laura Dumaguit Obsioma. Janett, her husband Jess and her son, Alaine, were my companions. When we arrived, Laura's husband, Rudy, told us how our classmate died. It was unexpected since almost everyone vouched they just spoke with her; but we know death is really like a "thief in the night" such that we go when our time is up.

In our conversation we brought up why we did not see each other more often. Yes, this is one thing we seem to forego due to our busy schedule. Perhaps, we can give this more thought and consider it for future reference: visit a friend, especially someone you would normally not seek out. During this Lenten season, it can be one way to make peace with God.

Laura, my high school classmate, you met us with your unique smile when we viewed your earthly body. We sensed you were happy to see Janett and I visit you and offer prayers for you. Classmate, do pray for us too.

Eternal rest grant unto Laura O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

World War II Veterans: Lump Sum Benefit-"Better Late Than Never At All"

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 12:54 PM

At last, the Filipino World War II Veterans, now old and grey, received their lump sum benefit from the United States government. At least, each veteran would receive approximately half a million pesos or 13,000 dollars (7.2 billion dollars paid by the US government for all of them).

Did you see some of the veterans who came to beat the deadline? We hope each of them was able to claim. To see them come-some already in wheelchairs or too old to even come alone - gripped our hearts with empathy/sympathy for them. We could not help but ask: "Did it have to be given after so many years of waiting?" "Would it be just not to give any amount to the lawful spouse of the veteran-after all these years"? "Would this be another matter of indirectly being told - complain no more, be happy you received something" - Lump Sum Benefit, better late than never at all.

So even with hesitation we thank the US government just the same.

To the WWII veterans, we are happy for you. We may not have done anything to fight for your fight but we know you deserve all the acknowledgment and admiration for all your heroism. History would vindicate you and God knows too well whom to reward and providentially the other kind of payment in His heaven would be more than all the dollars or pesos in the world.

God bless heroes!

Are we ready to travel through life's ups and downs?

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 3:04 AM

This multicab was our vehicle as we launched our immersion activities in Sunflower, Kalasungay, Bukidnon. In fact when we arrived in the purok, there was a meeting. We were given enough time by the purok leader to introduce ourselves and the rationale behind our visit.

During the immersion experience, the NSTP-Literacy Training Service students asked the question: are we ready to travel trough life's ups and downs? Teacher's teacher hopes to share the learning insights of her students anytime soon.

In the meantime, may we also ask you, fellow bloggers-readers: Are you ready yourselves? With El Nino and all other financial constraints that get in the way to make our lives more bearable, we have to hold on to our faith. Always be anchored with God for with Him, everything is possible.

A text message just reached me from a loved one telling me she is very tired as she goes about her job. All I could advice was to remain positive, hold on to God's saving grace.

So, ready for life's ups and downs? On our own, we can never be but with God's help, we muster the guts to say: Welcome life!

"El Nino" hits the weather as COMELEC hits the movie star . . .

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 9:30 AM

While "El Nino" is not a new phenomenon in the Philippines and its devastation already felt in the past, it is still unbelievable when it is here to prove its power. The news has cited many agricultural areas that looked arid and the crops stunted or its harvest below the usual expected limit.

While this is happening with the weather, our attention is caught when the Commission on Election (COMELEC) tells the movie stars to file leave of absence if they endorse politicians or face jail time. Some big names like Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda expressed their concern for such a curtailment and requested for broader understanding. ANC discussed this further in Media in Focus and Adel Tamano was one of the guests who shared that while Ogie Alcasid endorsed him as Senator the actor was not paid. Consequently, COMELEC ruled that this ban will depend on the network where the stars work.

So our weather is hit by "El Nino" while our politicians are hit by "COMELEC". Hopefully, the weather will improve through the arrival of rain and cloud seeding; the politicians avail of the services of the movie and tv stars as the latter are filipinos too and have their own freedom of expression.

We will follow this up with more discussion. We have up to before May 10, 2010!

Hi! fellow bloggers and readers, I am back and yes belated Happy Valentine's Day!!!

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 3:45 AM

Have you experienced days when you just feel empty? This was my feeling for so many days now so Teacher's teacher decided to take a much needed break. Now we are refreshed and raring to go. . .

Still, let us pursue the matter of emptiness. Why do we feel it once in a while?

We have learned the hard way how to cope and with God's guidance we managed to bounce back. But the way through was like "dying" to one's pride. Such that even Valentine's Day cannot ease your pain but it can strengthen your resolve to still love amidst the pain.

So, here we are again and please let us know how you managed to overcome your own perils. Belated Happy Valentine's Day friends. Let us move on to better days. . .

Plaques: symbols of recognition and legacy of volunteerism

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 4:33 AM

Malaybalayan, the Teacher, glances at her plaques and she quips, except for her 20 year service in Ateneo de Davao University, all the rest comes from the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

Now, Malaybalayan is the Vice-President for Field in Bukidnon Council, Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

Malaybalayan, the teacher was invited to give parenting session . . .

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 5:15 AM

Who is teaching? Who are listening?
Malaybalayan, the teacher, was invited to talk to parents. Their children were invited by the student teachers to play outside the
classroom.
Barangay Early Childhood Project is part of the extension program of the College of Teacher Education, Bukidnon State University.

The Philippines remembers Cory Aquino, if alive, is 77 years old today.

0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 7:18 AM

Corazon Cojuanco Aquino, first woman President of the Republic of the Philippines, is remembered today, if alive, is now 77 years old. It was during her presidency that freedom was restored to the Filipino people. She died after a battle with cancer but left as her legacy an administration that was not tainted with corruption. "A Woman Dressed in Sunshine" is how Swatch described Tita Cory in its limited edition of watches.

Throughout the day, around 400 masses were celebrated in Tita Cory's honor. A huge statue was sculpted to remember a prayerful woman president, loving mother and faithful wife to the late Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Sr. Ninoy was assassinated himself when he came back to the Philippines to run as president against his opponent, then Ferdinand Marcos. Ninoy was famous for his faith in the Filipino people: "The Filipino is worth dying for."

At the present time, just when there will be elections on May 10, 2010, the only boy among the children of Ninoy and Cory, Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. "Noynoy" is running as President of the country.

Today however, is only about Tita Cory who is an icon of democracy and for the catholics, an icon when it comes to praying the rosary all throughout her life especially in moments of trials and tribulations. Tita Cory, Teacher's teacher finds in you an epitome of motherhood and womanhood. Happy 77th birthday even if we know you are already happy with your Maker.