Teacher's teacher

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. Mariñas,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.