enzo's point

When You Need an Information

2013-01-15T19:02:00.002-08:00

Disasters can happen anytime. Dropping your mobile phone in the water can be one of the worst things that could happen to you especially if you need it most right there and then and worst of all worsts, if you don’t have any spare budget to get a new one. But hey, I just learned from http://wikitalks.com/2013/01/what-to-do-when-cell-phone-is-submerged-in-water-2/ that there is still a way to save a phone submerged in water. So fret not, perhaps you don’t really have to buy a new unit after all. All you have to do is follow the simple steps that this site provides.

This site can be helpful as it offers various information we might need in our day to day living such as http://wikitalks.com/2013/01/how-to-cook-a-pork-shank-in-multi-cooker/. I bet cooking enthusiasts can greatly benefit on these: http://wikitalks.com/2013/01/how-to-cook-cottage-cheese-casserole-in-multi-cooker/, http://wikitalks.com/2013/01/how-to-cook-cottage-cheese-casserole-in-multi-cooker/. One browse on this site may just change the way you look at events in life. So, read on.

How to Become a Barrister

2013-01-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

So, you want to become a barrister? Well, you have a long and probably arduous journey ahead of you, but the rewards – both personal and financial – will be worth the hard work. Law is a very highly paid profession, but this means it is just as highly sought after, meaning the competition will be great.

If you want to become a barrister yourself, the main way to achieve your aim involves three steps: the academic, the vocational and the pupillage.

The Academic Stage

The first step on the road to being a qualified barrister is getting a degree – either a Qualifying Law Degree or a degree in any other subject, as long as you do a conversion course (Graduate Diploma in Law) afterwards.

You will need, at the very least, a 2:2 in your chosen degree; third class Honours will not be accepted. The degree is intended to prepare you for the vocational stage, and you will not be able to progress to that until you’ve studied the Foundations of Legal Knowledge: Public Law, EU Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Obligations and the Law of Trusts. If you’re already put off, I’d suggest a change of career – maybe you need some employment advice!

The Vocational Stage

Next, you must undertake the BPTC – the Bar Professional Training Course. This usually takes the form of a single year, full time course, but you can instead choose to do it part time, which will take twice as long. The part time course is good for work experience, however. It is a mostly practical course, involving role playing and advocacy, and also teaching you how to write up legal documents.

When it comes to assessing your progress, each institution has its own methods, but you will typically have to take multiple choice tests to determine how knowledgeable you are about key areas. Your practical skills will, of course, be demonstrated practically – advocacy via recorded examinations and written papers to prove your competence in writing. Once you’ve passed, you may move on to your pupillage.

The Pupillage

Pupillage takes one further year, and is incredibly competitive: last year, almost 3000 people applied for it. It normally takes place within a barristers’ chambers, where you will receive practical experience under the supervision and guidance of a suitably experienced barrister. During the first six months, you will typically spend most of your time shadowing, researching and observing your supervisor in court. After these six, you will be eligible to be Called to the Bar.

Once you’re Called – congratulations! This is the equivalent of a graduation ceremony, and you have now earned the right to the title of barrister! However, before you can practise, you’ve got to complete the final six months.

During these months you are allowed to take on work of your own, still with a supervisor for a helping hand. Once that’s done, you are officially a practising barrister, so you deserve a pat on the back! Now all you have to do is obtain tenancy within a barristers’ chambers…

About this post:

This is a guest post by Jamie Knop for Employment Advice Now in Leeds.

A Teacher on Trial

2013-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

This video of a professor hitting his student that has gone viral for days now has prompted me to do a little introspection about the way I am as a teacher. I am too far from perfection, I am sure of that and there were a lot of times that I lost temper over my students' misbehavior. Have I crossed the line when it happened?

Being a teacher isn't an easy job and not everybody realizes that. Having to manage a classroom of 50 to 60 heads with different attitudes is where the most challenging part lies. There are times that students can really go beyond the limit of the teacher's patience but does that give the teacher the right to hit his students to release his fuming anger just as how this supposed "professor" did to his female student?

I am not on to pass any judgement to this teacher as my knowledge of how this unbecoming scene started but my stand point is this: A teacher has to have a strong control over his emotions. He shouldn't let his temper rule over himself because in the end, everything will bounce back to him. At the end of the spectacle, the teacher always ends up to the scrutiny of the public. It will then just round up to two categories: a good teacher and a bad teacher.

How am I as teacher? It's not for me to judge. I know I am not a very good teacher. All that I am hoping though is that nobody from among those I have taught will come up to me one day and tell me that I am the "worst" teacher he/she ever had.

An Increase in Parent and Student Awareness on College Costs is the Key to Avoid Massive Student Loan Debts

2013-01-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

The increasing cost of college education in the US is commonly the top reason cited as a hindrance to teenagers who want to graduate with a degree. Fund sources like student loan are becoming not a good option in today’s rough economic climate apparently because the collected student debt has already reached over a trillion dollars. According to Student Loan Ranger, a lack of transparency may harm the borrowers especially those who experience difficulty comparing and contrasting colleges/universities to assess their value and the tendency to continue tuition hike. Greater transparency among these colleges can increase the competitive pressure between each other, making them focus on the outcomes of increasing college costs to students. Colleges basically try to either cut or freeze tuition fees in order to provide competitive prices to parents and students.

Between 2008 and 2010, the average college cost at a state university increased by 15 percent. This dramatic growth was driven by budget cuts made by the government for higher education. Hence, it also increased tuition fees by 40 percent in state universities found at Arizona, California and Georgia. The Penn State U is the holder of the highest in-state tuition fee for state universities at $15,250 in 2011. This tuition does not include expenses for board and lodging, room and other things that amounted to a total of $19,816, which is considered the fourth highest net price in the country of the same year. This only signals warning to students to become smart consumers and to the state government, this calls for making college education a top priority in their budgets. This holds true especially when the country needs more graduates at this very moment in order to remain competitive and strong in the global economy. However, unfortunately, the college costs keep on rising at a time when incomes are greatly affected by the economic crisis. So, it will not be a surprise if middle class families wouldn't be able to afford higher education. Most students who have studied in a state university spent about half a hundred thousand dollars for four years, while the loans reached up to $25,000. The bad news is most students do not realize the amount of debt they are responsible with until the time comes to pay for it. This goes to show that students don’t know the situation they are really getting into during college years.

On that basis, it is advisable for parents and students to remain updated about the latest College Affordability and Transparency list. These lists can be helpful when tracking fees and tuition of both public and private colleges. The transparency program is one of the Education Department’s initiatives to raise awareness among parents and students about the costs of higher education every year. For more affordable options, community colleges would be perfect. In fact, the average net price of a typical community college was $8,085 in 2010. Of course, keeping college costs affordable is everyone’s responsibility by doing one’s own part as a citizen of this country.

The Author:

Nicole McGrey is a teacher at Edinburg High School for 5 years and currently taking PHd at University of Illinois. Her writing includes few notes about Eric Schiffer. Follow her on Twitter @NicoleMcGrey

The Year that Was - 2012

2013-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

Lorenzo's Time. With the hard work I did in blogging
for 2012, I rewarded myself with this.

It's time to move on to the next stage of our lives as the new year begins but I won't let the days go further without having to bid goodbye to the year 2012 which has been so kind and has brought me tremendous memories to cherish and blessings to count.

It has been such a great year. I have moved to a new work place just as I have prayed for. Not only it opened bigger earning opportunities for myself, it also paved way for professional challenges and growth being a Foreign Language teacher to English Program students.

My blogging career has done me much favor in 2012. While it provided me with an avenue for my thoughts and insights, it also had given me the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people in the "blogosphere" who became channel of blessings thus my earnings for the year 2012 was double of that which I earned in 2011.

Some favorable breaks for investments also opened up that year thus creating opportunities to save up for the future. The small steps toward that goal had already been taken and so what's left now is to continue what has been started. The walk maybe too slow for now but I'm hoping it will be in a continuous pace.

I'd like to believe that I have established great relationships last year. I have met new friends, have created new bond of friendships, found a special relationship and in just a year I have become a godfather to three beautiful baby girls - MJ, Louresse and Leanne. How wonderful!

As in the previous years, it has never been that smooth, there were countless ups and downs but those low points were the defining moments of how great that year 2012 for me and my family back home.

I thank you my FRIENDS... for being a part of my fruitful year. Thank you for the color you added to it. Without you, it would have not been as fruitful as it was.

Ultimately, I thank the Lord Almighty for all the answered prayers and for HIS faithfulness and HIS greatness in my life.

A Christmas Wish

2012-12-23T09:36:00.003-08:00

This Christmas tree should have
been bigger if I were at home...

It's been three years now that I'm spending Christmas million miles away from home. Have I learned to get used to it? No. I guess I will never be. I am even feeling that the longing to spend Christmas with my family has grown intense year after year that I am not with them. While it is true that we have our own set of parties to celebrate the season, I still feel that there's something lacking in it. Yes, I hear Christmas songs aired over the malls and I sing carols with my students but I must admit I didn't enjoy them now as much as I enjoyed them back home and the more that I sensed all these things, the more that I remember many things that I am missing.

I remember waking up so early in the morning to attend the dawn mass for nine mornings and of course, all those simple "tsokalate, puto, or pandesal" being served after the service. I miss all those warm smiles and sincere Christmas greetings of the neighbors after the Christmas eve mass at the church and I miss listening to the local Christmas songs played over the radio or being sung by the carolers almost the whole month of December. I miss the usual get-together of high school friends . I miss the Noche Buena - the home-made "suman", "pansit", and the "lechon" and I miss the fun of that genuine "paskong pinoy." Ahh...Christmas in the Philippines is indeed more fun because nothing compares to the feeling of celebrating Christmas with our family.

From where I am in the Philippines, we neither have those grand fire works to brighten the sky when the clock strikes 12 nor those big themed street parties and yet I want to experience it again...hopefully next Christmas...hopefully...

Strength, comfort to the victims' families

2012-12-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

One of the most touching images of grieving families.
(image not mine)

My heart goes out to the family of the 26 victims killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. The grief of the family of those 20 children who died, eight of whom were boys and 12 were girls, and those six adults is unthinkable. Christmas will never be the same for these families and they will remember this year for the rest of their lives in remorse. It was such a painful and senseless death that no one of those who died deserve.

My heart continues to bleed as more details about the heinous crime are being revealed. The images, videos and the news about how every family copes with this very sorrowful situation they're in leave me in tears. How could this have happened? Still there are many questions remain unanswered. All the children were of ages 6 or 7 and as President Obama put it: "They had their entire lives ahead of them - birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own". But in an instant, their lives were taken away from them...painfully...tragically.

My prayer is that at these moments of mourning, may God sustains the family of the victims. May they find strength and comfort at the love of those people who extend support for them at this grieving point of their lives. May emotional and psychological healing be upon those kids who survived and may those victims rest peacefully at the side of our Creator.

I too, fervently pray that this scenario will never ever happen again...anywhere.

Why Pacman lost

2012-12-09T00:29:00.001-08:00

image not mine

The fight is over. Manny lost.

Now everyone has a say about it. In Facebook you'll read all sorts of comment, from the most encouraging to the most thoughtless ones. It's just saddening even annoying to note that on those fights when Manny was victorious, Facebook was full of happy comments expressing how proud we are being a Filipino, lauding Pacman for being such a great fighter. When Pacquiao was a winner, we all ride over his feat.

But lo and behold, now that lady luck frowns on our best boxer, it seems many of us are trying to follow suit. In Facebook still, we can read different reactions and many interpretations as to the reason why Manny lost in his latest fight. It's funny that people attribute the loss to Manny's "change of religion." Did Pacman actually changed his GOD when he went to another church?

I couldn't agree more with Pacman's statement - "That's boxing." Indeed it is. It is not at all victory all the time. We all have to realize that nobody is born to be a constant winner. I am for those people who despite the loss, still express a hundred percent support to Manny Pacquiao which I guess we all must do rather than digging reasons why he lost to throw at him. Aren't these irrelevant at the moment?

I personally believe that Pacman's loss doesn't make him any less of a boxer. He is still one of the world's best and definitely the best we have in the Philippines. Manny Pacquaio united us many times with his victories, let's all do it again in his defeat.

Total Recall - My Unbelievably True Life Story

2012-12-07T04:54:00.006-08:00

There have surely been few public figures who have lived a more controversial and salubrious life than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Champion body-builder, actor, director, Governor - and now writer. Arnie has lived much of his life in the public eye, and it has been a very interesting life - at least from the outside looking in. However, readers may be disappointed if they are expecting to discover the scandalous truth behind Arnold's private life, as this book is more a celebration of the man's impressive professional achievements.

Unlike the eye-opening Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Total Recall examines a list of achievements and events rather than the man's personality. However, the reader is given a small insight into the man's will to win. In fact, it is more an expectation of winning - a fact made clear by a chapter describing his attitude towards winning body-building tournaments. Through not intended, the reader gets a glimpse at the colossal ego this man seems to have; a short passage regarding a portrait of his wife illustrates this perfectly. However, the book stops well short of objective self-criticism - or even any attempt at examination of character. Instead, the reader is subjected to a list of successes, and a few hiccups along the way.

A large section of the book is, quite rightly, devoted to Schwarzenegger's political life. However, it reads like a political promotion leaflet at times, and it is hugely biased towards the positive aspects of his time spent as the Governor of California.

This man was clearly one of the most high-profile superstars to come out of Hollywood - via Austria - in the last four decades. His movies are very much like him: big, bold and arrogant. People will not read this book because they like the man or the actor, but they will want to discover whether the negative press coverage Arnie has received over the years has been warranted. Was this man a misunderstood gentle giant? Is his notorious arrogance merely a misconstrued perception of his confidence? Well, Total Recall provides little in the way of personal insight into the personality of Schwarzenegger. However, it is now an eBook that provides an interesting look at an extraordinary life spent in the world's spotlight.

About the Article:

This is a guest post.

Tips for a Perfect First Date

2012-12-06T04:46:00.003-08:00

Whoever said that only women get jitters just thinking about their first date with men they fancy must either be completely out of touch with the reality or was yet to go out on a date with a real person. Perhaps all that a fellow does during his or her spare time is to ‘meet’ people in chat rooms and dating web sites.

You see, real-life dating is, like basketball, anybody’s ballgame. Just because you’re a man doesn’t mean you don’t have to prepare for that all-important first date. Keep in mind that firs dates are more like acid tests of what kind of boyfriend, or husband, you will be to the woman you’re dating for the very first time. Hence, it’s important that you do everything right the first time so you’ll have a crack at a second date, then third, then eventually, her sweet yes.

With that being said, here are some simple tips on how you could make your first date perfect:

Look good. No, make that dashing, like Leonardo DiCaprio or Johnny Depp. Now, even if you can’t look exactly like these Hollywood A-listers, you can at least look half like them. Remember that first dates are all about first (read: lasting) impressions, and you ideally would want your date to have a good impression about you.

Stubbles are okay, but not the unkempt type. Also, over-all hygiene is a must whether it’s your first date or not. All of these go hand in hand with your get-up for the occasion; make sure your clothes are clean and ironed, and that you wear perfume with a subtle, not strong scent.

Talk. It’s all too easy to get tongue-tied or shy on your first date; however, keep in mind that most women prefer men who exude unmistakeable manly confidence. This ability to project yourself well to her will tell her that she’s dealing with a guy who knows his capabilities and who can handle a relationship and the accompanying responsibilities like a true man.

Also, while you’re at it, remember to tell her select interesting facts about yourself, but avoid saying too much. Keep in mind that your first date conversation could be your sole chance of being with her; thus, tell her what makes you tick and how fun and serious you can be when needed.

Look her in the eye. Even if the woman you’re dating is smouldering hot, keep your bearing and avoid looking at her bosom in such a way that she won’t help but notice. Remember that there’s nothing more disappointing to a woman than to date a guy who does an eye-to-breast conversation on the first date. Not only will looking her in the eye signal that you’re not a sex maniac, it will also tell her that you’re genuinely interested in what she says and that you want to know her better.

Be the perfect gentleman. Women don’t care if you’re a karate champion or a hard core military officer; what they care about is a guy who can swallow his pride and pamper his lady. Open the restaurant door for her, pull the chair before she does, walk her to her door—all of these simple gestures mean a lot to a woman, and could earn you future dates.

So, before you take the wheels to fetch her just keep in mind and follow these tips to ensure an unforgettable first date.

Beverly Houston, aside from her dream of becoming a Fashion Designer, also wanted to be a fashion magazine editor. She loves reading and blogging topics about fashion trends , latest beauty news and celebrity gossips.

How to Get and Keep Yourself Motivated

2012-11-29T18:40:00.002-08:00

Let's face it, in Facebook we get a load of trashy posts about insignificant things that people post. I also do that once in a while. However, Facebook posts can also be a source of real inspirations just like this one. Here's hoping that you will get some lessons from it that you will eventually apply in living your everyday life.

14 Quick Strategies To Get and Keep Yourself Motivated

1. Condition your mind. Train yourself to think positive thoughts while avoiding negative thoughts.

2. Condition your body. It takes physical energy to take action. Get your food and exercise budget in place and follow it like a business plan.

3. Avoid negative people. They drain your energy and waste your time, so hanging with them is like shooting yourself in the foot.

4. Seek out the similarly motivated. Their positive energy will rub off on you and you can imitate their success strategies.

5. Have goals–but remain flexible. No plan should be cast in concrete, lest it become more important than achieving the goal.

6. Act with a higher purpose. Any activity or action that doesn’t serve your higher goal is wasted effort--and should be avoided.

7. Take responsibility for your own results. If you blame (or credit) luck, fate or divine intervention, you’ll always have an excuse.

8. Stretch past your limits on a daily basis. Walking the old, familiar paths is how you grow old. Stretching makes you grow and evolve.

9. Don't wait for perfection; do it now! Perfectionists are the losers in the game of life. Strive for excellence rather than the unachievable.

10. Celebrate your failures. Your most important lessons in life will come from what you don't achieve. Take time to understand where you fell short.

11. Don’t take success too seriously. Success can breed tomorrow's failure if you use it as an excuse to become complacent.

12. Avoid weak goals. Goals are the soul of achievement, so never begin them with "I'll try ..." Always start with "I will" or "I must."

13. Treat inaction as the only real failure. If you don’t take action, you fail by default and can't even learn from the experience.

14. Think before you speak. Keep silent rather than express something that doesn’t serve your purpose.

About the post:

The above is based on a conversation with Omar Periu, one of the world’s best (and best known) motivational speakers. Re-posted from SEAN HENRI'S Facebook Wall Page.

When you want something

2012-11-08T21:09:00.001-08:00

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

- Paulo Coelho-

We all have guiding principles in our lives and we practically grow and live by/with them. They are what we call external motivators to inspire us to move on and work for the reality of our dreams. The quote above magnifies that in life "dreams do come true".

I have heard several personal testimonies from friends and I, myself have my own stories to tell. Personally, I must say that things start from "dreaming" or "wanting". Then comes action. When you work for what you want to achieve sooner or later you will be able to reach it. It may take time, even years but if you keep focusing on your target, it will be yours.

There is power in positive pronouncements. Start and end your day by praying and claiming for it, you might just be surprised that the moment you wake up the next day - it's already right there.

Is there something that you really want to have? That's the starting point. Then, WORK on it, FOCUS on it, PRAY for it, and CLAIM it because when you do, all the universe will conspire to deliver it right in your doorstep.

Expressing Christian Belief in a Buddhist Country

2012-10-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Undeniably, few of the many things that you miss when you are living abroad are the church activities that you used to grow up with. Those routines of attending Holy Mass or Sunday service during Sundays or Saturdays for our Seventh Day Adventists brothers, the home visits for Bible Study groups, feast days of the Patron Saints for the Roman Catholics, etc. These are but part of our existence as Filipinos being the bastion of Christianity throughout Asia.

Day 9 of the Holy Rosary at my humble abode.
Photo Credits: Ate Leah Doysabas

Luckily for us who are here in the Land of Smiles, things are not too different from home. Although Thailand is a Buddhist country, many Thai people have already embraced other religious beliefs including Islam and Christianity. Being an open country, everybody is given the freedom to express his/her own religious beliefs and the privilege to share them even with Thai people. It is no wonder that in the province where I am right now there are already a number of Christian churches - Roman Catholic church, Born Again Christian churches, and Seventh Day Adventists church administered by Thai Christian leaders. As a matter of fact, the Filipino expatriates in the province of Phitsanulok reaching to almost a hundred in number are also subdivided in smaller communities according to their religious denomination with regular weekend Bible studies and prayer meetings. At least once a year, these groups also conduct "outreach activities" around the place and in the nearby provinces as a way of evangelizing, rendering service and giving back the goodness that this country has been extending all throughout these years.

For the Roman Catholics, the month of October is significant. It is the month of the Holy Rosary in honor of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus. And similar to what we traditionally do in the Philippines, we have been hopping from one house to another to do the month-long nightly prayer visits. Aside from the spiritual food, we also have been feasting authentic "lutong pinoy" for dinner which makes us spiritually and even more physically healthy (If you know what I mean...wink!).

Thank God that living abroad is not that lonely for us who are still so much in touch with our own culture and beliefs. I am grateful that with friends around who speak the same (Bisdak) regional dialect as mine and with Thai people around having physical features like me, boy, it feels so much like home.

Holiday Spoiler

2012-10-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have been under self-imposed imprisonment for several days now because of bad cough and colds that's probably been caused by the weather these days. It's the second week of the school break and much as I had plans to go out of town and enjoy the holidays for few days, I have no other choice but to stay at home otherwise I'll be just coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose throughout the trip. Nah, that will put me in such an awkward situation around other travelers.

This illness has literally shelved my holiday get-away plans, albeit I dread about it, this also give me few personal realizations. More often, we do take our body for granted by not eating right, no exercise and not sleeping much thus weakening our body systems making us susceptible to illnesses. I must confess that I have been guilty about all these and I must say this has become a clarion call for me to take care of myself more after all, nursing oneself in times of illness is far better than the process of preventing it. On the other hand, with the trip cancelled and budget on-hold, this gives me a better and bigger holiday plans for the next holiday. Hopefully, not just out-of-town but out-of-the-country this time. Hmmnn...who knows?

There's no definite plans yet as to where to go for the next holiday but I'm quite certain about strengthening my body systems so health problems won't become a problem again. Now, if you'll excuse me, something is coming out from my nose again...ugh! Prsssst!

Oops. Sorry.

Congratulations PAT and JOY, Welcome LOUREESE

2012-10-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Every woman has her own dream wedding. Some would like to walk in the aisle in the midst of showering rose petals while some would like their grooms to wait for them in the altar by the beach. Some brides prefer their wedding to be fairy tale-like and some brides choose a simple yet unforgettable event. Some dream weddings remain unfulfilled but there are lucky brides who got their wishes come true.

Mary Joy Talagtag had her dream wedding unfold before her very eyes one year ago at the beautiful Dos Palmas Island Resort in Palawan, Philippines. That was October 15, 2011.

The small chapel at the famous island was adorned with fragrant white flowers embellished with blue ribbons that enhanced elegance to an already resplendent sight. The guests composed of the couple's family and friends were all excited to witness the reaping of a love they have witnessed as it sprouted, grew and bloomed in Pat's and Joy's hearts.

After the mighty sun had successfully spread out its morning hues in the horizon, everything was all set for that most awaited moment. The groom John Patrick Benliro was already waiting in the altar with mixed emotions, we could even hear his heart pounding like drums. As the morning zephyr continued to blow whilst the ocean waves momentarily disturbed the quietness of the island, the fair bride fully dressed in white finally arrived. Then, the groom sang his heart out to usher her teary-eyed bride to join him in the altar. It was a touching moment...truly magical.

The ceremony continued as they both exchanged their "I dos" and ended with that ceremonial kiss. It was exactly one year ago that Joy officially became Mrs. Mary Joy T. Benliro and I was there.

Just after a year of being together, Pat and Joy received one of God's greatest gift in their very first offspring. Two days ago, Loureese Joyce T. Benliro was officially welcomed to the Christian world at Saint Nicholas Church, Phitsanulok, Thailand which marked another milestone in Pat and Joy's married life and yes, I was there again.

Congratulations Pat and Joy on your firsts. It is true that life for you is still starting to unfold but I am confident that with your devotion to each other anchored by your great faith in God's provision and guidance, you will celebrate more years and produce more kids and create more memories together.

Photo Credits:

Ate Leah Doysabas

A Teacher's Tribute to His Teachers

2012-10-05T10:50:00.001-07:00

Google Image

The reason I became a teacher myself is because I have had great teachers who inspired me to become like them. I have been under the tutelage of many good teachers since my elementary years in Dacutan Elementary School where I learned my first A,B,C's and 1,2,3's. In those formative years of my childhood, there were teachers who have done a great job in threshing out the skills and aptitudes lying deep within me. Little by little, they gave me my voice and the confidence to use that voice to be heard and be seen.

The first chapter in my high school life was spent in Father Urios High School (Bayugan) where I met different teachers with different temperaments and different teaching styles. Though it was only a brief stay but my teachers in that school had left indelible marks in my student life. When I moved to Esperanza National High School to continue the unfinished pages of my high school story, I met the people who eventually became not just my teachers but parents, friends and heroes. Like the rest of my former mentors, they too have different ways of dealing with us - their students. Some of them were congenial, there were those who were too strict in the class, some were funny and some were "boring" but they made my high school something worth remembering.

I don't have much memories of my professors in Mindanao State University (Marawi City) where I happen to stay for only a semester except for Mr. Beaunonie Gozo who was my Math teacher whom I got my historic "Failed" mark. When I continued my pursuit for a college diploma at the Philippine Normal University (Agusan Campus), I realized that college instructors were not that scary as I thought they were. As a matter of fact, I have the fondest memories of my instructors in PNU-AC who were the "best" in their respect teaching fields and I'm proud to be mentored and trained by them.

As the world celebrates this significant day for teachers, I would like to pay my own tribute to my teachers who have greatly contributed to my being where and who I am today.

DACUTAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mrs. Estelita V. Layugan (Grade 1)
Mrs. Primitiva Antoni (Grade 2)
Mrs. Pat Gallor (Grade 3)
Mr. Joel V. Layugan (Grade 3 - Substitute Teacher)
Mrs. Estelita V. Layugan (Grade 4)
Mrs. Lilia Dagani (Grade 5)
Mr. Oscar Balala (Science and Sibika at Kultura Teacher)
Mr. Romualdo Layugan + (Grade 6)
Mr. Douglas J. Balala (Principal)

FATHER URIOS HIGH SCHOOL (Bayugan)

Mrs. Amalia Chato (Adviser, Val. Ed., English)
Mr. Oscar Calinawagan (Math Teacher)
Mrs. Rosita Torres (Science Teacher)
Ms. Dominiciana Galorio (P.E Teacher)
Ms. Evelyn Bonotan (Computer Teacher)

ESPERANZA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Larry Limot (Math)
Ms. Penny Jo Osano (Biology)
Ms. Zipporah D. Gilsano (English)
Ms. Margie Turtor (History)
Mrs. Susan Vales (P.E, Entrepreneurship Course)
Mr. Alfredo B. Basinang + (History)
Mrs. Susan Senobin (Val. Ed.)
Mr. Rolito Aloyon (P.E)
Mrs. Sonia P. Bohol (Filipino)
Ms. Lani V. Layugan (Physics)
Mrs. Tita D. Anunciado (Chemistry)
Mr. Cornelio Malaluan (School Paper Adviser)
Mrs. Florentina Romagos + (Math)
Mrs. Venus Midred S. Pagalan (Adviser, Filipino)
Mrs. Florida P. Costales
Mr. Edison P. Costales
Mrs. Crucita ZM Taala (Principal)

PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY (Agusan Campus)

Prof. June Dumanhug (Arts, Psychology)
Prof. Shiela D. Jaramillo (Guidance and Counselling)
Prof. Sophia Belarmino (DS 1, Linguistics, Journalism)
Prof. RacheL Payapaya (Reading)
Prof. Edilberta Goce (P.E, Dance Troupe Trainer)
Prof. Ma. Chelo Loque (P.E, Dance Troupe Trainer)
Prof. Ligaya Guerta (Val. Ed., Psychology)
Prof. Agustina Mejorada (Mathematics)
Prof. Emerita M. Gumapac (Science)
Prof. Felisa M. Recorba (Major Subjects)
Dr. Daylinda J. Tampus (Major Subjects)
Dr. Adelyne M. Costelo - Abrea

Thank you dear teachers for bringing out the best in me and for leading me to the path that leads me to where I am now. I will forever be grateful.

Happy Teachers' Day.

ENZO'S POINT turns 2!

2012-09-30T10:02:00.002-07:00

Google Image

Two years ago, Enzo's Point was born. Thanks to these two persons who encouraged me to create this venue for my thoughts - Ate Janet Luison and Mr. John Patrick Benliro - it's "godparents."

Patrick is a certified blog addict and he also got me hooked with it. He is a well-rounded and a very spontaneous man who blogs about traveling, fatherhood, pets and many others. He is the very person I run to every time I need to edit the template or I need to install some widgets.

Though she is based in Malaysia, Ate Janet has been very patient in answering all my questions about blogging. She bought Enzo's Point's very first domain and has been very generous for providing me other earning opportunities on-line.

Enzo's Point has provided me not only an outlet for my ideas and thoughts, it also kept me busy during my idle times thus keeping me away from going to some places where I need to spend and spend and spend. While it kept me busy, it also has given me some earning opportunities already. On its firs year, I was able to buy this Lenovo Notebook using the accumulated earnings deposited through my Paypal account and currently, I have already earned as much as I had last year which is not really bad for a part-time hobby.

In it's 2nd birthday, Enzo's Point wishes that there will be more fruitful years ahead, many points to write about, emotions to share and reasons to celebrate life.

Thank you readers for sharing a little time to stop by in this point.

Christmas Present Ideas for You and Me

2012-09-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas is just around the corner and whether you like it or not it will soon be knocking on your door. So, have you made your Christmas list already? Kids usually make Christmas wishes during this season but adults like us no longer do that because what we do is the long list of "godchildren" and possible presents we have to give them. It can be confusing actually but internet can be very helpful these days if you want to look for some present ideas. Here follows my list:

Toys - Children are children and they usually don't have anything in mind but to play so they will be delighted to receive one from you. And toys during this time of the year are usually on bargain or on sale so you can also have more for your budget.

Clothing and Accessories - If your "godchildren" are already teenagers and are no longer into toys so shirts, blouses, dresses, and accessories are the best alternative. Just make sure though that you know their exact sizes or else your present will end up in the cabinet till the next Christmas season or will be handed down to the younger siblings because what you have given is too small for them.

Books - It can be a very good gift idea for children who love reading. When I was a kid, it was something I have always wished for but I never got. So why not fulfill some of their wishes? They might just want something to read for Christmas.

There are more other things of course. It's our love and our thoughts that matter. We were once kids and we know how exactly how it felt when we opened our presents under our Christmas trees. As for us, we can only wish that there's someone thinking of giving us one just at least we will be able to rekindle that feeling.

When Kindness Doesn't Beget Kindness

2012-09-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

The golden rule says: Do unto others what you want others do unto you.

This has always been the guiding principle that I tried to abide. My attitude is rather far from perfection but to stay away from trouble and to never hurt others are important things that I've learned from my father who has always lived by this example. "Always be kind to others," so he said.

But kindness does not always beget kindness in contrast to that famous statement. When one is too kind, crooks take it as an opportunity to abuse and take advantage of. That is something that my father failed to warn me about. That there are leeches out there hunting for their prey not only to cling on but suck his blood out of him. Some of them disguise themselves as the "distressed sheep" but the moment you come to their rescue, they turn into a "greedy wolf" and will take everything from you.

I've met not just one but many people of this kind and I am still on the process of learning my lesson until time will come that I will finally be able to develop a more calloused heart and be able to say NO when somebody comes knocking on my door "pretending" to be in a dire need. I have yet to learn to distinguish the real wolf who disguises itself from a multitude of sheep.

But still I never lose faith in kindness. I still believe that when one does kindness, it will come back to him a hundred fold. I believe in "karma" - good and bad. It will come in the least unexpected time.

International Children's Peace 2012 Winner - KESZ

2012-09-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Kesz is not like all the other kids. He had a family who beat him and sent him to work even at a young age. Because of that, he had to run away from home and live all by himself in a destitute situation. Fate favored him and gave him a family who showered him with love and care. Now, he is the winner of the International Children's Peace Prize 2012. His story is both moving and encouraging magnifying the message that it doesn't take extra-ordinary powers to do extra-ordinary works. All we need is a heart to love and to serve and together, we change the world one heart at a time.

Needle Talks

2012-09-14T18:15:00.002-07:00

Even the thought of that sharp needle pricking my skin scares the hell out me but when you are in a situation wherein the only choice you have is to close your eyes and wait for the doctor to push that sharp object inside of you, you’ll just have to be brave about it. Then, you’ll wish if only there are other alternatives like water pills that you just have to take rather than having to be pricked by that scary needle.

Last Thursday, I had to go through this ordeal. I was just glad to have Ate Leah around to give me the boost I needed.

Thank you Ate Lie, here’s hoping there will be no more next time.

Introducing my M6 Classes

2012-09-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

What I love about Fridays is having classes with Matayom 6 (6th Year High School). Well, aside from the fact that there have been many times that they were out of school this term which means two hours of extra Facebook and blogging periods for me in the office, being with them in the class gives me the feeling that somehow my students are having fun while learning.

To be exact, I have 2 classes of M6 every Friday, one class in the morning and one class in the afternoon. My 6.3 class is composed of 31, or make that 32 because I just met a new student today who just came from Belgium being an exchange student. Of the 32, only one is male whom one student this morning referred to as "the black sheep", not for being the naughtiest member in the class but for being the only "odd" or the only "boy" among the group. But of course, I was quick to explain that "black sheep" has a negative connotation and wasn't applicable to Chanon although he was always absent in my class because of their soldier camp every Friday (hehehe). My afternoon class with 6.4 is composed of 41 students, only three of them are boys whom I also see in my class very rarely because of their soldier camp.

Because I only meet them only once a week, I really don't memorize all their names. I hope it doesn't make me a bad teacher, it's just that, I have difficulty remembering their Thai names but of course, I memorize all their faces and I can recognize them by heart anywhere I meet them. Oh, yeah, there's one student whose name I remember now - Jaa. She's the student who wouldn't talk to me even if I talk to her in Thai language. Today I asked her why she wouldn't talk to me and her only reply was a very soft giggle. (So narakaa! hehehehe...Peace na Jaa!)

Introducing the M 6.3 Superstars!

What makes these students special is that they are actually specializing Math and Science. As a matter of fact, even in my English class they are still having Math and Science in their heads. Cool, isn't it? But of course, they are very careful not to show their Mathematics problems to me or else I'll black out and somehow, they have been very kind to me (^ _ ^).

Mind you, these students are also very good teachers. In our class today, I learned new Thai words and improved my Thai pronunciation. So, it's actually a two-way learning process - me learning from them and vice-versa. Here's the proof of my learning today: ruay (rich), suay - final sound going down (terrible or bad luck), suay - final sound going up (beautiful) and the secret word which they told me not to tell others (^ _ ^).

Officially, today was our last meeting for this term because next week they are going to have another special class outside the school and the week after next will already be their Midterm Test for the Second Term so I am wishing them good luck and happy mid-year vacation.

Hello September Fever!

2012-09-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

At SM Mall taken last October 2011 during my brief visit in Cebu.

September has come ushering the Christmas season countdown for most of us in the Philippines where the yuletide is season is celebrated the longest. As early as now, houses - small and big alike will start to glitter and shimmer with different Christmas lights while "parols" start to hang outside the windows. And as the Christmas trees arise at the corner of the house, Christmas songs start to fill the air during breakfast time. Ahhh...Christmas time is really more fun in the Philippines.

For many of us who are living outside the country, thinking about these scenario will even make us feel homesick like never before especially for us who are here in Thailand where Christmas is never celebrated the way we do in our country. But then again, we are left with no other option but to deal with it the best way we can. So how do we keep the Christmas spirit alive in a Buddhist country like Thailand? Read on.

We also keep the tradition of putting up Christmas trees alive in here. The sight of little Christmas trees in our rooms simply remind us that it's the season of joy once again.
We may not hear Christmas carols in our malls here, but surely we can have as much of it when we get home. It's just that sometimes, the more you hear them, the more you want to be home. (Sigh...)
Last year, we had a caroling activity which was organized to raise funds for the prizes of our Filipino Community Christmas Party. Somehow, it feels like to be home once again doing that familiar house hopping.
We organize Christmas parties complete with "exchanging of gifts" and games to relive the moments we used to have back home.

It will be the third Christmas here in Thailand and I hope come "Noche Buena" time, I won't end up calling my parents crying because I am spending it alone inside my room. Oopss...do I sound so sentimental now?

Anyways, here's from Enzo's Point to all of you...

May the coming holidays be filled with joy and blessings as you spend it with your loved ones in flesh or in thoughts.

Happy BER months everyone!

Of Gifts and Love

2012-09-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

If today you happen to know of friends and loved ones celebrating a momentous occasion in their lives, why not send them your love by writing a simple note of warm greetings and fervent wishes? You can also create personalized gifts that they can keep somewhere that may remind them about you and your genuine friendship. Gifts need not be expensive. It's the thought that goes with it that really matters.

The Joy of Giving

2012-09-02T01:52:00.000-07:00

By merely looking at their physical attributes, one may not recognize that they were orphans. Many of them have very fine complexion far from the typical homeless children that I know. But knowing them a little bit more moved my heart because in reality, those kids - over a hundred of them, with age ranging from more or less 6 to 12 years old were no ordinary kids. They might have a roof over their head or a school to go to but those kids have no parents taking good care of them.

Ice was a small but very enthusiastic kid. He might be skinny but he seemed to be a happy little boy who was very active in the games we played. Tong and Bai Tong couldn't follow the English songs their teachers taught them but they obviously tried their best they can. But in their little chinky eyes I could see something that's hard to explain. Was it sadness? I couldn't be so sure.

The Share A Gift - P'lok Pinoyz Community Outreach yesterday at Wat Poh Orphanage and Training School was definitely the best way to start the Christmas season. What a joy it was to behold those angelic faces beaming upon receiving those little presents we handed them. It was heartwarming to see them smile and take a sincere bow in gratitude for what they received. It was a great feeling, that unfathomable bliss of giving.

What matters is not how much one shared but the "act of sharing" itself. In fact, those children also shared a great message to us who were there in yesterday's activity. They made us realize that we have a lot of things to thank God for. First and foremost is for having great and good Mama and Papa, Tatay and Nanay, Mom and Dad who never left us despite the odds in life.