Lester Cavestany

Dreaming of Manila

Lester Cavestany — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:03:12 +0000

Today I did haiku poems with my 4th graders. And while they were busy writing theirs, I took the opportunity to write one of my own.

Time spent, lessons learned

Moving toward dreams and goals

My Philippines, home

I hope that the next time I post an entry in this blog, it’ll be when I am already in Manila. I’ve booked my flight for July 16, 2009. And I am so excited to spend (at least) a year with family and friends. I’ve been working overseas for seven happy and fulfilling years. But seven years is seven years. So I guess you could say that I’ve got an itch. But in truth, it’s not an itch, it’s a heart’s longing for home.

Astrology is Science

Lester Cavestany — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:27:01 +0000

Yes, it’s true. Astrology is Science. This is according to the definition of Science of the proponents of Intelligent Design (aka Creationism). For if we define science as the search for truth and knowledge, then it should also include an attempt to understand the supernatural. And so as we say goodbye to the Year of the Rat and welcome the Year of the Ox, let’s make believe that (Chinese) Astrology, is in fact, science.

What’s in store for us in the Year of the Ox? According to chinese.astrology.com,

Go to the site and see how your sign fares in the Year of the Ox. As a follow-up to last year’s vanity post, here’s what’s in store for the me in the Year of the Ox:

Here’s to good health, prosperity and success in the Year of the Ox! And as they say here in Hanoi, Chuc Mung Nam Moi.

Let’s Evolve in the Darwin Year 2009

Lester Cavestany — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:41:22 +0000

Evolution, on a personal and social level, is the theme of the coming year. That’s because scientists will be celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200th birth anniversary and the 150th anniversary of his (r)evolutionary book, On the Origin of Species. This is why the world will be referring to 2009 as the Darwin Year.

Some people hate Darwin for diminishing the credibility of the Bible, the Creation story in particular. Others love him for his agnosticism. And there are also those who simply want to focus on his evolutionary theories on natural selection and the survival of the fittest. Love him or hate him, his teaching remains: Evolve or die!

Speaking of evolving and adapting to our environment, I would like to share with you the 2008 version of Karl Fisch’s Shift Happens.

I know you’ll agree with me that we simply must prepare our children for life in these exponential times. As a teacher, I believe that the shift has to happen in schools.

Here’s to a great 2009! May the Good Lord continue to bless and guide us all. And as we honor our national hero on his 102nd death anniversary this Wednesday, let’s revisit his inspiring and award-winning poem, A la Juventud Filipina (To the Filipino Youth)

Unfold, oh timid flower!

Lift up your radiant brow,

This day, Youth of my native strand!

Your abounding talents show

Resplendently and grand,

Fair hope of my Motherland!

Click here to view the full version of the poem in Spanish, English and Tagalog

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Image Credit:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/wanax/avatar-1.jpg

The 21st Century Muses

Lester Cavestany — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:31:45 +0000

In grade school, we learned about the nine muses in Greek mythology. They were meant to inspire artists, writers, philosophers and the like.

But honestly speaking, it wasn’t really at school where I understood the role of muses. It was during the opening ceremonies of basketball tournaments. There would be a parade of teams and each team would be led by their muses. Even at the barangay level, it was a requirement for every team to have a muse. I was only 7 when I watched my first basketball tournament parade. That’s when I understood that a muse is someone who can channel divinity to inspire us to be at our best and act like gods.

Anyway, I was watching MTV last weekend and I was struck by an awesome song by 13 of the most popular female singers in pop culture. I call them the 21st century muses. The song was in support of the fight against cancer. But if you listen closely to the lyrics, this inspiring song can apply to any area of life that needs to be conquered. It can even be used by Inter-Faith rallyists.

So if you need a lightning bolt from the Big Guy in the Sky, simply listen to “Just Stand Up!”

Quantum Leap of Faith

Lester Cavestany — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:24:00 +0000

As they say, life is a journey. And like all journeys, you encounter crossroads. Some are simple. Others are not. The one I’m in now is a little bit complicated. But the signs are everywhere and there are many guiding lights. And I would like to share them with you, hoping that if you’re also at a crossroads, you’ll see them too.

1. Be It Unto Me

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.

2. Practice what I preach to my students

As an IB-PYP teacher, I have encouraged and helped my students to adhere to the IB Learner Profile.

With a big focus on:

3. The World’s Greatest Boxer

4. Other cool songs:

After Image’s Mangarap Ka

Switchfoot’s Dare You To Move

Lenny Kravitz’s Believe

As I take my quantum leap in 2009, I put my faith in God and all the great spirits and divine lights. I ask for the Holy Spirit to fill me with the ethos to finish my novel and fulfill my destiny.

Lastly, I would like to share with you a prayer I adapted from the book, Transitions. Here’s the prayer in my pocket:

O Lord, today I embrace Your will and timing as my own

Today I place my faith in Your Divine Wisdom

that unfolds beauty and success at their proper time

I offer myself as Your verdant field and I pray

that I may always be in the care of the Divine Power of Your Universal Forces

I feel and accept Your Divine Love and Providence for my perfect blossoming

Today, with humility, gratitude and openness

I ask for spiritual intervention in my earthly affairs

I ask for help and guidance, and in the asking,

great things happen and manifest. Amen.

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Image credits:

http://store.ibo.org/images/LearnerProfileEngLG.jpg

http://theopenclassroom.blogspot.com/2007/11/goals-for-us-as-learners.html

http://www.ascension-research.org/magnify.html

Go Fish - Blog Action Day 2008 - Poverty

Lester Cavestany — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:09:14 +0000

I’d like to thank Tonyo Cruz of Bloggers Kapihan for inviting me to join the Blog Action Day 2008. This year’s theme is about making a stand against poverty - Manindigan Laban sa Kahirapan.

Poverty is close to my heart because teaching is often viewed as a noble profession, but not a lucrative one. But the thing that bakes my noodle is the fact that all social development organizations recognize the role of education as a means to eradicate poverty. Or as Oxfam International put it, “Education is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty. By expanding horizons and increasing opportunities for employment and social development, education is a key to enable poor individuals and marginalized communities to take control of their lives and stand up for their rights.” Which brings me to my first point about poverty. If we recognize the critical role of education in improving the lives of everyone, especially the poor, then isn’t it about time we started investing more money and resources in our teachers, especially those who teach in the public school system.

There, I’ve said it. Now we can move on to lighter things.

I’m sure you’ve heard the time-honored Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” But here’s a story about two men who have been taught how to fish. Enjoy

Once upon a beautiful weekend, two men, Juan and Sam, were fishing on the lake. Juan was very relaxed on his boat, smoking a pipe. Juan didn’t look that interested in catching more fish. Sam, on the other hand, was on a bigger boat and was very eager to catch fish.

Because Sam had a bigger boat, he felt that he was was richer than Juan and he felt that he was entitled to give some pointers to his “lazy” fellow-fisherman. ”Why aren’t you out fishing?” asked Sam.

“Because I have caught enough fish for the day,” said Juan.

“Why don’t you catch some more?”

“What would I do with them?”

“You could sell them and make more money,” Sam replied. “With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make enough to buy nets. These would bring you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats . . . maybe even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me.”

“What would I do then?” asked Juan.

“Then you could really enjoy life.” said Sam.

“And what do you suppose I might be doing right now?” said Juan.

Field Trip to Water Treatment Plant (An Unusual Tale About Faith)

Lester Cavestany — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:11:47 +0000

Today, the Grade 4 went on a field trip to the Water Treatment Plant in Bach Ninh, Vietnam. It was organized by Lutz and Landriati and the teachers helped coordinate.

I’d like to share with you what I learned in our field trip: Basically, the water cycle goes like this

We did a lot of walking and the students listened to a number of group discussions. It was a big day. It included stops at the water treatment plant, raw sewerage sites and also construction sites - all valuable parts of the trip. But kids being kids, they were tired. Of course, the teachers and parents were there to support them and encourage them with words like, “Only two stops to go” or ”Guess where we’re going next! A construction site where they’re putting in all the big pipes for the sewerage system!” and “This is our last stop and then it’s home time.”

We were there to remind the students to “Soldier On! (for the sake of learning)”. It made me appreciate my role in educating the children. Children need and deserve someone there to encourage them that even though things are not going easy, we must keep going because in the end, these things are for your own good.

But it made me think about the struggles that sometimes adults have to face. We also get tired. We also need someone or something there to encourage us to keep going. As we approach the end of our first term, I can’t help but appreciate the school breaks we have. I know that some people say that teachers get too many holidays. And teachers are quick to say that the students need some time off. But honestly speaking, teachers need some time off too - to rest, to rejuvinate our minds and bodies and prepare for another term of (fun and) learning.

As I was thinking about this, I realized how difficult it could be for someone who doesn’t have anyone or anything that can encourge them to get through the difficult times. What if someone is tired? Maybe even fed-up of life? Who can be there to give a helping hand? Family, I guess. They’re always there to listen and support. Friends, perhaps. As long as troubled person doesn’t think that what he’s going through is uniquely his/her own experience and his family and friends won’t understand.

Who do we turn to when we are at the lowest of lows? Who can we count on when we hit rock-bottom? Personally, I think we turn to a Higher Power.

(I can almost hear the song, “Yahweh I know you are near” - one of my favorite church songs at the St Francis Church in Lourdes School Mandaluyong. )

Today, I learned a little something about what it means to have faith.

The Importance of Being (and Staying) Positive

Lester Cavestany — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:35:51 +0000

Warning: This post will go in many different places and in various directions. I’ll try to stick to the title but we’ll see how it goes…

First of all, I would like to thank Caballeros (my kababayans here in Hanoi) for the compliment they wrote in my blog today. ”Nakakataba po ng puso, maraming salamat po.”

Then it got me thinking. What is it about us that enjoys receiving positive feedback from others?

“Ask (the question) and you shall receive (the answer)”, so the good book says.

And I received the answer in my Inbox from the newsletter of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (Obviously, a teacher’s newsletter). In their Smartbrief the other day, they linked to a recent brain research that discovered that ”There is an area of the brain that responds strongly to positive feedback: the basal ganglia, just outside the cerebral cortex. The activity of this area of the brain does not change. It remains active in all age groups: in adults, but also in children, both eight-year-olds and twelve-year-olds.” (The study was really about how the brains of young children, pre-teens and adults respond differently to reward and punishment - good stuff for parents). In another study, I found out that one of the principal chemicals of the basal ganglia is dopamine - the feel good chemical.

I just think it’s really interesting that our brain’s ability to respond to negative feedback improves as we get older. Another thing that’s worht mentioning is that neurologically-speaking we are primarily positive feedback seekers. I’m sure the “we were born to be happy” fans are all rejoicing in this new scientific discovery.

But the critical point raised by the study was the power of feedback, negative or positive, in shaping our identities and actions. Obviously, we can’t always give positive feedback (although the study suggests that we should always try to be, when dealing with 8 and 9 year olds). So I think it’s best that we understand how we can communicate positive feedback to others.

Once again, I turn to the knowledge and wisdom of teachers to guide us. In Educational Leadership’s article this month entitled, “The Power of our Words”, Paula Denton shares

Five Guiding Principles for Positive Language

1. Be Direct

When we say what we mean and use a kind, straightforward tone, children (and adults) learn that they can trust us. They feel respected and safe, a necessary condition for developing self-discipline and taking the risks required.

2. Convey Faith in Others’ Abilities and Intentions

When our words and tone convey faith in others’ desire and ability to do well, they are more likely to live up to our expectations of them.

3. Focus on Actions, Not Abstractions

Focusing on action means pointing to the desired behavior.

4. Keep It Brief

5. Know When to Be Silent

The skillful use of silence can be just as powerful as the skillful use of words.

And now it’s time for me to be silent.

Nominees for the 2008 Bloggers’ Choice Award - Vote now and get a chance to win prizes!

Lester Cavestany — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:51:16 +0000

Here’s your chance to vote for your favorite weblog and win prizes in this year’s Philippine Blog Awards which will be held on the 21st of September at One Esplanade.

Check out the nominees:

HOW TO VOTE: (From Philippine Blog Awards)

1. You have to be a blogger. That’s why the award is called Bloggers’ Choice To qualify as a blogger, your blog should’ve been online on or before June 9, 2008 and you should have at least 10 posts.

2. You may choose to include the list of sponsors in your post. See list below.

3. Submit your post URL and some basic info to the Philippine Blog Awards committee using this form. Make sure that you provide the COMPLETE URL of the post you created for your vote to be valid.

4. Once you have submitted your vote post URL, wait for the confirmation from one of our committee members. Please be patient, we will manually go through each and every vote post to make sure it’s valid.

5. So what will you get out of this? Well, aside from the fact that you will make your favorite blogger happy, a valid Bloggers Choice Award vote entitles you one (1) raffle entry.

ONE BLOGGER = ONE VOTE = ONE RAFFLE ENTRY

The organizers would like to thank the following sponsors:

VOTE NOW!

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image credit: http://www.yugatech.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/2008-philippine-blog-awards.jpg

Louie Sangalang - Cancer Survivor, Martial Artist, Blogger

Lester Cavestany — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:45:32 +0000

Once in a while, we encounter people who can really play the hand that’s dealt to them by this amazing and mysterious universe. Cliches such as “a breath of fresh air”, “a spark in the dark” come to mind when we meet these kinds of folks. And when we meet them, we can’t help but tell other people about their existence. And so here I am, proudly telling the whole world about my high school and college friend, Luisito “Louie” Sangalang - Cancer survivor, champion martial artist, toastmaster, and now, blogger. He blogs at http://tinimawa.blogspot.com/. Would you like to hear a fresh voice today? Check out his blog and be inspired.

Image credit: http://www.abs-cbn.com/imgs-ent/kamao-luisitosangalang.jpg