Signature campaign might be in order and in this regard, this blog volunteers to be the forum for a possible legislation lowering the retirement age to 55 years old and a minimum of 10 years of teaching service whether in the private or government institutions. Why 55 years old? Ah, you need not reach55 to understand the plight. Experts tell us that life begins at 40 and your best at 50 so 55 is just about the ripe time to still avail of the remaining energy left in your system. Why 10 years in service? Ah, once you reach 50 and over, your body becomes more and more prone to leisurely movements. Imagine not falling asleep until dawn, like 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. and job demands you wake up at 6:30 to be ready for 7:30 a.m. class, agghhh! It is time to retire (retire to means, tire again?)
In Elderly Blues and Blows of Malaybalayan.blogspot.com we strongly recommend Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero to pioneer our request for a legislation to the effect that 55 years old be the mandatory retirement age, with a minimum of 10 year service in either private or public educational institution. If it can also be indicated that our pension be higher and other benefits that will make our retirement years more productive and senior-friendly.
If you do sign up include your e-mail address and other details so we can send these data to the good senator and if there is need bring this up as one of the criteria for electing them or not this coming 2013 . . . Any first signature?
A rescue is a rescue and the rescue of Iranians by Americans is praiseworthy
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 5:11 PM
Pirates came whoever they were. Iranians were the ones victimized for whatever reason. Americans were around in the territory and true to their calling to rescue no matter the race, they rescued the Iranians! Whatever is your leaning - pro-American or not - this act is noble.We hear so many criticisms against the Americans but being generous and helpful seem ingrained in their training.
No matter what then, let this trait be emulated by any nationality. We are all human beings with the same need for others when we can no longer protect ourselves. To the rescuers, our hats off. Teachers like this very much and indeed nothing beats action over words. "Walk your talk" is overused but its impact can never be understated.
Retirement is everyone's business, teacher or not, young or elderly
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 11:41 AM
It is interesting to hear from a medical doctor in Talk TV that one can still live a vibrant life even after 60. The reminder however is to live a clean life at 30 so dementia and other signs of getting old can be delayed even when one is past 60. Topic like this is supposed to be recorded in Elderly Blues and Blows but decided to have it in Teacher's teacher. This is in connection with retirement that teachers entertain when they reach 60, 62 or 63 - not 65 because it is the "end of the line" so to speak. this is so for those working in government. this is the case of Malaybalayan who hopes to avail of this in 2015.
Retirement indeed is everyone's business,teacher or not,young or elderly. This is so because one has to begin now before it finally happens. Already the makings of a hobby should already be in place. Perhaps a plan for some business venture or entrepreneurial initiatives should already be entertained. Active life need not end once you reach 60, rather you become independent with your ideas and have the capacity to implement your creative ideas financially and emotionally when the retirement cash package reaches your hand.
Ah, how we wish we knew better before we reached 60! Young minds, take it from us - be ready this early just as we make do with what life has offered us even as we wished we could have been better prepared or informed.
Christmas andNew Year clebrations came and went: After thought impressions
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 4:47 AM
Christmas and New Year celebrations happened but to this moment the following after thought impressions keep bugging me:
* Many did not like Christmas to happen the way it did; so many died, so many in pain because of Typhoon Sendong which came and went yet its ill effects were so much to bear;
* December 24 - Christmas Eve remained a day before Christmas because many were not ready to celebrate Christmas Day. Since 24 had to give way to 25 the day happened but the hearts of the faithful were focused somewhere else;
* The next big event came, New year's Eve - but the feeling of empathy with those who lost almost everything kept the atmosphere still nostalgic and pensive so the midnight celebrations went on but not the usual fun fare just that December 31 ended and gave way to January 1.
* For the Teachers, the Pinoy "cash gift" did not really amount to the P10 thousand as promised because for the first time, the tax was enforced in the midst of the already sad Christmas season. Whatever is the reason, the reason cannot be accepted by the teachers for not only is it a first time but it was announced in the guise of giving more yet only for a moment and then bang! tax got almost half of the amount. What a cash gift. Up to now, the "bad taste remains in our tongues" and forever to stay - until the same Christmas cash gift comes along under the guise of whatever it will be. Then we had a bargaining agreement and the expected P17 thou became P14 thou but when the money actually reached us, it became P5 thous for some; P8 or P9 thou for others depending on one's salary. This time BIR is saying the law has always been there that beyond P30 thou must be taxed. Why now? Why not a moratorium and a perhaps when enough explanation is acceptable, then perhaps then . . . but not now. Still it was and so all the expected money - went back to the government which is supposed to make the employees happy. Then to add to the injury, the City government received a memorandum from the National Treasury that it should not give cash gift to nationally paid employees which included the teachers. So to this day we did not receive the usual P5 thou. If you can only hear our complaints and grunt, Mr. President Aquino, it may be worth your time to reconsider. But then, Filipinos and educated as teachers are, the days went by and we are still here back to school, back to work.
Someday, things will become clearer and more understandable . . . someday. After all, money is not everything . . .
In the Philippines, classes were supposed to resume January 3 of 2012. All places which were spared from Typhoon Sendong went on with the day's activities but not in places which were heavily affected by the typhoon like those schools which became the evacuation centers located in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. Many other places are not directly hit but the message is clear: when the area is damaged due to environmental calamities, the entire city suffers; ultimately the entire country is called to help.
Help? How? The order was: back to school but where is the school? or if there are remnants to talk about, what is the state of affairs the facilities and school materials finds itself? One positive note though is that when these things happen, the teachers and the pupils go the distance. Media coverage show us how they clean amidst the rubble and all the destruction is right in front of everyone but Filipinos have this resiliency to say: life goes on no matter what.
Today.com providentially discussed the "will power instinct" which is timely for all concerned. Teachers and learners can find comfort in this instinct which is what education is all about. The saying: "someone can be schooled but not educated" is timely because the experience we gather from the "university of Life" comes to anyone ready to be educated by life's experiences- whether you are in school or not. Another saying is similar: "Experience is the best teacher."
So as to the query, where is the school is query no more for only the building has been damaged but not the will power instinct and the optimistic perspective that in time it will come to pass and life goes on. To all you out there who are still reeling of pain and anger, we pray that sooner rather than later, better things will catch up for our faith is more than all these terrible realities . . . a rainbow is just out there waiting . . . smile a little and soon enough . . . you will come to realize: life will find a way of bringing in better opportunities, greater realities to come before you know it.
An elderly teacher yes, but a human being first . . .
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 8:40 AM
Television episodes nowadays focus on the est of their shows up to end of 2011. For other shows, attention is given to forecast for the New Year, 2012. Chinese Feng Shui tells us that 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon. It is interesting to note that it describes the New Year as a transformational, life-changing year. It even adds an encouraging note: 2012will be abetter year compared to 2011: a good year to improve oneself.
Comments like what the Feng Shui experts say are offered as foods for thought for by now every person knows you alone, with your God and family, who can put all these perspectives to action. All the promise of a better year is nice to one's hearing but it will not bear fruit if the person concern does not do something about it.
Fengshuimall.com presents the forecast for the tiger - where my birth year belongs: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010 as follows: We have very strong and venerable traits like self confidence, bravery, courage, charm and everlasting supply of energy. While these are positive traits we are still reminded to watch out for these same traits might lead to arrogance, and self-destructive behavior. We have a brilliant outlook in 2012. We have to trust our instincts but we do not let our guard down.
As they say, if you want to know your own horoscope, "google it" and the rest is up to you. Remember the saying: "Do your best as though everything depends on you but pray as though everything depends on God."
This elderly blogger-teacher accepts the fact that she is an elderly teacher blogger but a human being first - someone who, like you, hopes to have more, do more in order to be more to borrow the famous line.
To you my loyal followers, only my best wishes for a prosperous 2012!!!
Just in time to say Happy New Year this January 1 on the dot!
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 10:55 PM
Did you notice something different this New year celebration fellow blogger teachers? If there something noticeable and might prove to be a teaching moment, it is a new outlook people give to celebrations.
One factor am sure is the financial constraints every person is experiencing wherever you are. While it is depressing it is also a learning opportunity. From now on, only those that truly matter are given significance. Even the major catastrophes cannot deny every well meaning person the chance to reflect on what is truly happening. Today for example, intensity 7 earthquake rocked Japan. Days ago, the Philippines experienced intensity 5. What other countries experience are other forms of earthquakes like protests which are so fierce, deaths have been reported. In Valencia Bukidnon,Philipplines, typhoons came after another typhoon had caused thousands of lives lost in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. All other upsets have visited a community one way or another and this leaves us fearing for our lives.
This day then, let us savor the first day of the New Year and pray that, with God as our sole protector and always a loving Father of us all, will bless the world with another zest for hope and say with a Happy Tone: Welcome 2012!
This Christmas, the Teacher in us has much to offer in terms of realizations while the Learner in us has much to ponder upon
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 3:10 AM
Many have experienced calamities during Christmas but when the victims are people you know or are from a place you always go to, the impact is different. One thing is sure: this Christmas of 2011, the Teacher in us has much to offer in terms of realizations while the Learner in us has much to ponder upon.
This blogger was in a beauty salon yesterday when one customer came in and without difficulty pointed us her hands, filled with the remnants of sticky mud and the indescribable trauma she shared when they were on top of their house,waiting for the water to subside. They did not even realize that while they were there hopelessly waiting for the water to "go away", they were unable to plan for the next thing to do if they would be overcome by the current. Now, looking back, they could laugh at their faces and the things they brought. She remembered carrying rice but she knew they could not cook it. She remembered literally carrying the refrigerator with her mom but forgot to save more important things like their dresses. For sure, they were able to come out of it with only their clothing they have put on as wearable for all the rest were littered with sticky mud and could not imagine washing it or bringing it to a laundry shop. Now, her family has transferred to another place, here in Bukidnon, where they really come from - 3 hour ride away from Balulang , Cagayan de Oro City.They could not bring themselves to go back and get what can still be saved - not now,perhaps after Christmas when the realization and pondering are thought through. Her story is already worse but according to my children who have decided to play active roles as volunteers, others did not lose only their things but all their loved ones: spouses, children, parents. Death was everywhere and for the many days they were there, food is not what they need this Christmas.
My children have come home and shared with this blogger that indeed this Christmas the Teacher in us has much to offer in terms of realizations while the Learner in us has much to ponder upon. The good food already served at table remained uneaten because they say they are not hungry just weary and sad for the victims who have not much to eat and a long way to restore their lives especially their sanity.
Christmas is definitely beyond the pain life's challenges put before each person but an event to allow Jesus Christ to be born in our hearts - in our lives.
A kind and model teacher dies but her legacy lives on . . .
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 4:50 AM
Everybody calls her Ma'am Fely and for a very long time, she taught and retired when she reached 63 years old. She was sickly but she never let her sickness stop her from visiting others who are also not feeling well. This is her legacy: to be a teacher and a friend to as many who need her badly or just that she feels she has to see for herself how they are doing.
When the teachers and non-teaching personnel went to her house and pray for her, every person knew from his/her heart that Ma'am Fely will be missed but knowing that she is safe in the hands of God, her Maker and Savior, we have to let go for to be with God is our place. She is 67 years young but death knows no age only that God has called you to be with Him.
Ma'am Fely, rest in peace and please now that you are with our God help us who are still journeying as pilgrims on earth.
This Christmas, Teacher's teacher's wishes to focus on realities that truly matter and await the New Year (2012) with newness . . .
0 comments Posted by Malaybalay Blogger at 4:04 AM
Imagine 61 years old and soon - like July 1 - and Teacher's teacher with God's consent, turn 62. For elderly people, every moment in a senior citizen's life is a teaching moment. It is of the moment therefore that Teacher's teacher's wishes revolve around deeper focus on realities that truly matter and await the New Year - 2012 - with newness.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 teach us the importance in spiritual gifts for at the end, there are only three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. In the earlier verses, it reminds us: "When I was a child, I used to talk like a child and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man (woman?, person? ) all childish ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall know as fully as I am known . . ." Every word is a very deep reality that will take a lifetime to fathom. All other realities should be anchored on these truths that every reflector has a lifetime to ponder upon.
May this coming New Year (imagine 2012!) be faced with Newness, with greater candor and enthusiasm and with gratitude. Thank you God for this Christmas, 3 days more to go and thank you God for this coming 2012. The world can sometimes be a good place to dwell on and spend the rest of one's days but more and more, life teaches us that it is not this world that one should expect to life forever; it is a life that only faith can prepare one for, a life only God can give to a believer.
Again and again, while Christmas is not yet fully here, 3 days more to go . . . Christmas cheers from Teacher's teacher and then on, Happy New Year 2012!
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