Teacher's teacher

There are meetings and THERE ARE MEETINGS. The meeting between Barack Obama, the President of the United States and Hu Jintao, the Prime Minister of China is what is referred in the latter type of meeting. It  implies the  meeting of two leaders of the two most powerful countries which is in fact vital for other countries. For Obama, it is his first visit to Beijing, China as president. This meeting is held at a time when there is economic recession so the key global issues that they have to discuss include trade, climate change and nuclear proliferation. The followers are left asking, so?

Indeed, countries which are developed are worried for while they claim that they must do something to protect the world for the sake of humanity, others already know they are doing it to protect their interests. Notwithstanding this observation, we are still happy the two leaders meet and from their initiatives, other countries can also engage in collaborative ventures where a multiplier effect can take place.

For us teachers, meetings are vehicles to bring people together to plan, discuss, decide, celebrate, learn together.  Let us join the two leaders if only in the spirit of oneness with their desire to take care of this one world, mankind is in-charge of - for the present and future generations.

US-China Meeting: November 2009 in Beijing China: A Beginning for better things ahead.

One views CNN and we read about Iran's nuclear power. Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt say they also have plans to build their own nuclear weapons. Ordinary mortals are left tongue-tied and as a teacher, this information must be disseminated to young people for further deliberation.

Some points to share: With all the calamities and crises that beset mankind, is the nuclear program the best course of action? We have only one earth so we only have to put on the tv to see for ourselves how interconnected we are with each other. It is not too long nor too difficult to come to a realization that should the nuclear weapons fall into the wrong hands or a certain power-hungry prime minister or president decide to dominate another country, destruction would be unforgivable.

This leaves the ordinary mortal to what he/.she alone can do from his/her end: Pray, pray and pray for all the world leaders to be enlightened and wake up to the reality that they too are ordinary mortals. To put it
plainly: each of us will be accountable to the Creator who appointed us stewards not destroyers of His creation.

Did you listen attentively to our Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, being sung during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight in MGM, Las Vegas? If before it was Martin Nievera's attempt at giving zest and creativity, this time it was lack of both. It was painful that the singers were divas (kuno) in their own right yet their voices did not "click"- jibe-blend at all. We cannot help but ask, did they practise? and if they did, why did they not "do something at all" up to the end of the song? How we wished Lea Salonga, the singer, sang it. After all,she volunteered. Please give this attention. Especially because Manny Pacquiao won so once again our country won. Sorry, ladies, back to the basic: plain, simple correct blend of correct

As a teacher, all signs of submission to a higher power, we call God or Yahweh or Allah or Bathala, are marks of a humble person, a deeply religious one.

As a teacher, Secretary Clinton inspires women teachers of today: to express oneself with oozing confidence. Her awareness of big issues makes us understand why she wanted to become President of the United States and when she did not make it, President Barack Obama did not mind appointing her as Secretary of State.

What a day at The Peak where Malaybalayan met Michael Jackson and availed of imaginary "golf lesson" from Tiger Woods. See for yourself. We can dream, can't we?

This week (November 8-15,2009) is a most momentous week.Today, November 12-Fr. Sinnott was released by his captors. It is so painful to listen to Father. He slept in a hammock for a month according to him so for someone of his age, it must have been physically uncomfortable. He was not able to take his medicine for ten days so only God knows what its after effects on his health would be. To Father Sinnott: God has kept you in his care and am sure you will find in your heart to forgive the hostage- takers.

Today also, Hillary Clinton visits the Philippines. Others say it is one reason why Fr. Sinnott was released. Never mind if we will never know if it is so or not. Things happen for a reason. In the meantime, Clinton's presence is most welcome notwithstanding the protests. Let us wait how her visit to Zamboanga, Mindanao will fair. So what is your take on the Visiting Forces Agreement? This is one issue that has many facets. Teachers usually just allow the students to come up with his/her own reflection and somehow offer a more proactive course of action.

This coming Sunday, November 15 in the Philippines . . . Filipinos will be huddled together in a room-sala, bedroom, restaurant, theatre, classroom, carenderia and all other nooks - with the sole objective: to watch Pacquiao fight. Perhaps it is the Filipino in me that is coloring my forecast but in my gut, am sure Pacquiao will win. Let us accompany our intense wish for Pacquiao's triumph with prayers. Manny, our prayers are with you.

It has been expressed by councils in Eastern Mindanao Region, that membership in the Girl Scouting Movement has been steadily declining. True to its motto: "Be Prepared", the Regional Headquarters responded to the pressing need and invited the Membership Teams per council to a joint plan how to go about the problem in a proactive manner. Indeed, the meeting was worth the effort for the GSP is now expanding its membership to the barangays and out-of-school setting. Go! go! GSP!!!

Malaybalayan was not yet a blogger when Bukidnon Council held its Convention. The ever supportive Mayor of Malaybalay, Hon. Florencio "Doc Boy" Flores gave an inspiring message. After all his mom, Mrs. Vicenta Flores was once the president of the Council and now a lifetime member being our role model of the commitment she accorded the Girl Scouting Movement.