"Keyboardtalks"

Topic: ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

2012-02-11T22:30:00.000+08:00

I. PRELIMINARIES

Topic: ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

II. OUTLINE

Profile of St. Augustine

1.Personal

2. Education

3. Family, Work & Religion

B. Context

C. The Educational Significance of St. Augustine Aims of Education

Principles of Education

1. Opposes sense experience

2. Truth is absolute.

3. Authoritarian.

4. Discipline.

5. Curriculum

E. The Importance of Augustinian Educational Thought

1. Universal Influence

2. Moral Strength

3. Retarded Scientific Growth

III. INTRODUCTION

One of the significant developments in the western philosophical tradition was the eventually widespread merging of the Greek philosophical tradition and the Judeo-Christian religious and scriptural traditions. Augustine is one of the main figures through and by whom this merging was accomplished. He is, as well, one of the towering figures of medieval philosophy whose authority and thought came to exert a pervasive and enduring influence well into the modern period and even up to the present day, especially among those sympathetic to the religious tradition which he helped to shape. But even for those who do not share this sympathy, there is much in Augustine's thought that is worthy of serious philosophical attention. Augustine is not only one of the major sources whereby classical philosophy in general and Neo-Platonism in particular enter into the mainstream of early and subsequent medieval philosophy, but there are significant contributions of his own that emerge from his modification of that Greco-Roman inheritance, e.g., his subtle accounts of belief and authority, his account of knowledge and illumination, his emphasis upon the importance and centrality of the will, and his focus upon a new way of conceptualizing the phenomena of human history

Saint Augustine was the greatest of the Christian writers. He exerted immense influence on the Church and his educational views were adopted and followed for many centuries.

IV. DISCUSSION

A. Profile

1. Personal

Aurelius Augustinus, more known as “St. Augustine of Hippo,” or simply “Augustine” was born on November 13, 354 A.D. in Thagaste, North Africa (now, Algeria) by parents, Patricius and Monica. Their family belongs to the comfortable middle class.

2. Education

He was educated in Thagaste, Madauros, and Carthage.

3. Family, Work & Religion

Sometime around 370, he began a thirteen-year, monogamous relationship with the mother of his son, Adeodatus (born 372). He subsequently taught rhetoric in Thagaste and Carthage, and in 383 he made the risk-laden journey from Northern Africa to Rome, seeking the better sort of students that was rumored to be there. Disappointed by the moral quality of those students (academically superior to his previous students, they nonetheless had an annoying tendency to disappear without paying their fees), he successfully applied for a professorship of rhetoric in Milan. Augustine's professional ambitions pointed in the direction of an arranged marriage, and this in turn entailed a separation from his long-time companion and mother of his son. After this separation, however, Augustine abruptly resigned his professorship in 386 claiming ill health and renounced his professional ambitions.

Although his father was a Pagan and his mother was a Devout Christian, Augustine, adopted the Manichean faith until he was baptized to Christianity with his son, Adeodatus by Bishop Ambrose of Milan on Easter Sunday, 387, after spending four months at Cassiciacum where he composed his earliest extant works. Shortly thereafter, Augustine began his return to Northern Africa, but not before his mother died at Ostia, a seaport outside Rome, while awaiting the voyage across the Mediterranean. Not too long after this, Augustine, now back in Thagaste, also lost his son (389).

The remainder of his years would be spent immersed in the affairs and controversies of the Church into which he had been recently baptized, a Church that henceforth provided for Augustine the crucial nexus of relations that his family and friends had once been. In 391, Augustine was reluctantly ordained as a priest by the congregation of Hippo Regius (a not uncommon practice in Northern Africa), in 395 he was made Bishop, and he died August 430 in Hippo, thirty-five years later, as the Vandals were besieging the gates of the city.

E. Context

Born on 354 and died in 430 A.D, Augustine lived his life for seventy-five years, of which only four years were spent outside North Africa. Of the seventy-one remaining, fifty-seven were spent in far-flung places like Thagaste and Hippo Regius. These places belong to Roman provinces, neither notable for either cultural or commercial prominence.

However, the few years Augustine spent away from Northern Africa made an incalculable influence upon his thought, and his geographical distance from the major intellectual and political capitals of the Later Roman Empire should not obscure the tremendous influence he came to exert even in his own lifetime. He was a long time resident and, eventually, Bishop in Northern Africa whose thought was changed during the short time he stayed in Rome and Milan, far away from the provincial context where he was born and died and spent almost all of the years in between.

From his own account, he was a precocious and able student, who loves Latin classics, Virgil in particular. However, when he was nineteen, he happened upon Cicero's Hortensius, and he found himself suddenly imbued with a passion for philosophy. It is clear from his account of Cicero's effect upon him that his passion was not for philosophy as often understood today, but rather as the paradigmatically Hellenistic pursuit of wisdom. In particular, philosophy for Augustine was centered on what is sometimes misleadingly referred to as “the problem of evil.” This problem was not the sort of analytic, largely logical problem of theodicy that later came to preoccupy philosophers of religion. For Augustine, the problem was of a more general and visceral sort: it was the concern with the issue of how to make sense of and live within a world that seemed so adversarial and fraught with danger, a world in which so much of what matters most to us is so easily lost. In this sense, the wisdom that Augustine sought was a common denominator uniting the conflicting views of such Hellenistic philosophical sects as the Epicureans, Stoics, Skeptics, and Neoplatonists (though this is a later title) such as Plotinus and Porphyry, as well as many Christians of varying degrees of orthodoxy, including very unorthodox gnostic sects such as the Manicheans.

Augustine had a philosophical framework far more pliable and enduring than he himself is willing to admit in his later works. Moreover, this framework itself forms an important part of the philosophical legacy that Augustine bequeathed to both the medieval and modern periods.

F. The Educational Importance of St. Augustine Aims of Education

Augustine continued the Christian emphasis upon the future life of man, stressing that this life is merely a preparation for the life to come. A man is educated when his moral character and understanding of his faith are developed to their fullest potential

D. Principles of Education

The following concepts describe Augustinian thought regarding education:

1. Opposes sense experience.

Man, must realize that the senses deceive him. Truth and goodness exist only in God. Man arrives at genuine knowledge and virtue after he controls his senses and frees his spirit to intuit God by reason of the supernatural life. This life is given to man when he is baptized.

2. Truth is absolute.

Truth is not discovered through experimentation. It is found within the Catholic Church alone. This truth is eternal and unchanging.

3. Authoritarian.

Truth is, defined by the Church. The individual must accept obediently whatever the Church declares as truth. The individual is not free to follow whatever direction his reason takes him.

4. Discipline.

Although Augustine deplored cruelty, he asserted that punishment is necessary for the child to learn. Because of original sin, the pupil is inclined toward evil. He must be restrained and punished physically when it becomes apparent that his evil inclinations are not subdued.

5. Curriculum.

The content of the child's education should include the secular learning of the pagans, in order to enrich the student's appreciation of sacred scripture. The study of rhetoric, grammar, logic, mathematics, science and philosophy provide a background for the student who intends to arrive at genuine knowledge in the study of theology. Augustine was in favor of censoring strictly the literary content of the child's reading, lest the child be turned away from virtue.

E. The Importance of Augustinian Educational Thought

1. Universal influence.

The writings of Augustine were accepted by the Church and, through the Church, influenced subsequent educational theory for over a thousand years.

2. Moral Strength.

The moral education of a Europe over-run by barbarians, demanded a rigorous ethical foundation in which a civilization could grow and prosper. Augustine contributed to this moral improvement.

3. Retarded scientific growth.

Passive acceptance of absolute truths retarded the free inquiry necessary for scientific growth. Furthermore, the subordination of secular sciences and philosophy to theology inhibited the freedom of inquiry and exploration necessary to higher education.

VI. Summary

Saint Augustine of Hippo was one of the fathers of the Christian church. Augustine piety established norms for Christian devotional life, spiritual growth, systematic theology, and patterns of morality.

VII. Sources

http://www.suite101.com/content/st-augustine-and-philosophy-a203041 July 14 6:23pm

http://www.examiner.com/catholic-in-st-petersburg/st-augustine-poverty-and-simplicity-and-the-great-local-treasure July 14, 2011 6:27

http://www.newfoundations.com/GALLERY/Augustine.html July 14, 2011 6:18pm

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/augustine/ July 3, 2011 11:25pm

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agexed/aee501/augustine.html July 3, 2011 11:30pm

Grolier Encyclopedia of Knowledge, Vol. 2. p. 260-261

Official List of Philippine Holidays for 2012

2012-01-01T07:45:00.001+08:00

(based on Proclamation No. 295 signed by Pres. Noynoy Aquino on November 24, 2011) A. Regular Holidays – 2012

New Year’s Day – January 1 (Sunday)
Maundy Thursday – April 5 (Thursday)
Good Friday – April 6 (Friday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Monday)
Labor Day – May 1 (Tuesday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Tuesday)
National Heroes Day – August 27 (Monday; last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Friday)
Christmas Day – December 25 (Tuesday)
Rizal Day – December 30 (Sunday)

B. Special (non-working) holidays – 2012

Chinese New Year – January 23 (Monday)
Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Tuesday)
All Saints’ Day – November 1 (Thursday)
Additional special non-working day – November 2 (Friday)
New Year’s Eve – December 31 (Monday)

C. Others

1986 EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary - February 25 (Saturday) – No classes only for schools
Eid’l Adha (Islam Feast of Sacrifice) – to be announced later
End of Ramadan (Eid’l Fitr) – to be announced later

8 Ways to Make Money Online

2011-10-22T17:47:00.001+08:00

One reason why you are reading this article now is that you are hoping to earn money, too using your computer, right? And chances are, you may be surfing the net for sometime or still a newbie, who discovered the possibility of making money online.

Following are eight of the many ways to earn dollars online. Choose your pick.

1. Blogging – you may not be a witty-keyboard ticker but as long as you can create a paragraph or two on a certain subject or love to record everyday what you feel, see, observe, etc, then blogging may be for you.

2. Affiliate Marketing – you think you have your own business when in fact all you do is sign up and promote your links. If you feel like you will be able to convince people to buy from your online shop using your affiliate link, why not try it?

3. Domaining/Domain Parking – you may not have your own home in real life but how about buying your own online home – a domain name? You can sell or lease it later; especially when you have made a website that attracts potential buyers.

4. Online Marketing – if you have product/products to sell, why not do the selling online. For sure you will not be scammed because the process will be ‘payment first before product’. But be sure though that you will not scam people yourself, ok? There are already so many fraudsters online, don’t add yourself to their population.

5. Trading-if you have money to risk and you know the system, you may try your luck here. Luck? Yes, most of the times, you will depend on luck especially if you’re not a vet yet or if you’re not guided. Don’t risk your life-time savings. You may end up with nothing but dreams.

6. GPTs – if you are patient enough to earn by cents for every e-mail read, or you have many friends willing to support you in US, Canada & UK, try get-paid-to read e-mails programs.

7. Online Surveys – if you like answering questions and filling out forms, this is for you.

8. Online Jobs – if you are jobless or with a job but meager wage/salary or with a high-salaried job but stressful working environment, maybe it’s high time you try an online job.

2011-10-21T20:12:00.000+08:00

A church from the third-world country,

Philippines

now owns this property.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church of Christ made the purchase for $700,000 as can be verified at the Pennington County records.

However, the property remains idle to date and the church remains mum on its intended use or development plans.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo, based in Quezon City,

Philippines

is currently spearheaded by Eduardo V. Manalo, grandson of Felix Y. Manalo, church registrant and foremost missionary in July 27 1914.

For over 97 years since its humble beginning, the church has already expanded to 95 countries and territories creating beautiful landmarks with its splendid edifices.

Iglesia Ni Cristo Buys a Town

2011-10-09T23:41:00.001+08:00

Acquiring through purchase a 19 Hectares (46 acres) 59 parcels of land in Scenic, the 12-acre (4.9 ha) town a surrounding area inclusive of the Post Office, Longhorn Saloon, a Dance Hall, Bunkhouse and two Stores and a Train Depot is truly conquering the area.

A church from the third-world country,

Philippines

now owns this property.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church of Christ made the purchase for $700,000 as can be verified at the Pennington County records.

However, the property remains idle to date and the church remains mum on its intended use or development plans.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo, based in Quezon City,

Philippines

is currently spearheaded by Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, grandson of Bro. Felix Y. Manalo, church registrant and foremost missionary in July 27 1914.

For over 97 years since its humble beginning, the church has already expanded to 95 countries and territories creating worldwide beautiful landmarks with its splendid edifices.

Happy World Teachers' Day!

2011-10-05T21:20:00.001+08:00

It’s WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY!

As our school join the worldwide celebration of this special day for teachers, I remember with gratitude all teachers in my life: my old teachers in grade school, secondary, tertiary and current graduate school teachers, my fellow teachers, teacher friends and my late first teacher, my mother.

Sample form: JOINT AFFIDAVIT OF CONFIRMATION

2011-10-01T19:30:00.002+08:00

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

: S.S.

____________________)

JOINT AFFIDAVIT OF CONFIRMATION

We, ______________________, Filipino, of legal age, _____ with residence and postal address at ___________________ and___________________, Filipino of legal age, ______ with residence and postal address at _______________, after being duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

1. That we personally know that __________________is also known as _________________________, we confirm that these two names refer to only one and the same person who was born on _________________________ at _______________, Philippines;

2. That ______________________whose date of birth is ___________________in the ______________ is known as one and the same person as __________________________whose date of birth is __________________ death certificate.

3. That ___________________had adapted the name _______________________ since _______________________________;

4. That having lived with _______________________or __________________ in the same barangay for many years, we are aware that she had celebrated and used _________________ as her date of birth;

5. That we are executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of all the foregoing facts, for all legal intents and purposes it may serve, without compensation of remuneration.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto affixed our signatures this ___ day of February, 2011, in ______________________________.

MARIA DELA CRUZ JUAN BAUTISTA

Affiant Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this ____ day of _________ in ________, Philippines, affiant ____________ exhibited to me her Individual Community Tax Certificate with No. ____________ issued at ___________ on ____________, and affiant with Individual Community Tax Certificate with No. ____________ issued at _______________ on ______________.

______________________

Notary Public

Doc. No ________

Page No. _______

Book No. _______

Series of 2011

Sample form : AFFIDAVIT OF FUNERAL EXPENSES

2011-09-30T19:15:00.001+08:00

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

: S.S.

______________________)

AFFIDAVIT OF FUNERAL EXPENSES

I, JUAN DELA CRUZ, of legal age, married, Filipino with residence and postal address at __________________, after being duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state:

1. That I know the fact of death of the deceased, ______________, who died at _________ on ______________ because _____________;

2. That during the wake, I actually defrayed the following expenses to wit:

a.__________________ - P _______

b.__________________ - P _______

c.__________________ - P _______

d.__________________ - P _______

e.__________________ - P _______

f.__________________ - P _______

g.__________________ - P _______

h.__________________ - P _______

TOTAL = P________

3. That I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing statements and for the purpose of filing Funeral Expense Reimbursement claim from _______________________.

FURTHER, affiant sayeth none.

_____________________

Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this ____ day of _________ at ______________, Philippines, affiant having exhibited to me her Residence Certificate No. ______________ issued at _____________ on _________________.

______________________

Notary Public

Doc. No ________ Until Dec. 31, 20 ________

Page No. _______ PTR no. _______________

Book No. _______ Issued at ______________

Series of 2011

For Sale: Look, Listen & Learn VCDs

2011-09-17T22:32:00.000+08:00

For just a price equivalent to the price of a battery-operated toy, a parent invests to the education of of his/her children.

This educational material is also a perfect gift to children especial to you.

Complete Program (13 VCDs) for Kids 0-12: Php2,995.00

LLL&L Pack 1 (6 VCDs) - Php1750.00

(For Kids from 0 to 6 Years Old)

* ABC and Numbers

* World Best Nursery Rhymes

* Sounds, Colors & Shapes

* READING Made Easy

*ENGLISH for Beginners

* WRITING Made Easy

LL&L Pack 2 (7 VCDs) - Php1,750.0

(For Kids from 7 to 12 Years Old)

* Musical Addition SYSTEM

* Fun with SUBTRACTION

* Musical Division

* Musical MULTIPLICATION

* Our Amazing SOLAR SYSTEM

* ENGLISH GRAMMAR made Easy (2 VCDs)

***Per vcd (selected) P300.00

For more details, please visit: YOUNG MIND MATTERS

Beware of Scams Online

2011-09-14T19:45:00.000+08:00

If you are newbie online, so trusting and very eager to make fast or big money, you are likely the target of online scammers. Be careful. Read on for tips on how to avoid possible scams.

Refrain from programs or online groups that require questionable Membership Fees. Sometimes, they come with a token to entice you.

A so-called Data Entry company, for example, requires you to pay US$100.00. Sometimes, there are even membership categories here that you may choose which package you prefer at different amount. Because, you made computation, you know that you can earn more anyway after a week or month of doing your assignment. You diligently finished it. You passed it. Then, come the notification that it’s not very accurate so you failed or worse, no more words for them. And sorry, they got your money and who knows if they also made money from the assignment that you submitted. It might be there assignment for which they will be paid by someone else, whatever. The point is, you are scammed!

However, if that company that requires membership fee is referred to you by someone you trust and who has been earning there, maybe, it’s worth a risk. Maybe it’s legit after all. But if not, just wish it will not close shop before you even get your first payment.

Remember, scams do pay, especially at the start of their operation.

Just remember, register and pay at your own free will and risk. Most likely, a friend who referred it to you doesn’t have the slightest idea that she is also scammed.

Don’t believe ads that explicitly tell that you will earn some thousand of dollars in just a week time. Some people may have actually made it. But this is not for everybody. If the program is enticing for you and you like to consider it, read everything about it first. At the end of each explanation, comes the disclaimer on income that members can possibly make. However, if you know you can also do the same, why not?

3. Beware of online employers who scam. The program or site may be legit. But some members,

especially the buyers, do the scamming themselves even if they are aware that it is against the Terms of

Agreement of the program or site. So, if you are new in the job hunting online game, be cautious. Be on

alert. Be on the look out for online employers who will possibly scam you by leaving you without pay

for a job well done.

Even online workers cheat. So, not only some online employers cheat. Even workers or contractors do. They may be sellers of products or service providers. They ask for advance payment for jobs that will never be done.

There are so many scams and scammers online. When or how they do it depends on the transaction you have with them.

Remembering My Good Old Male Friends

2011-06-20T18:58:00.000+08:00

“He is a friend.”

“He is my bestfriend.”

When I say these statements to introduce or refer a male companion, I often get the feeling that what I tell is not believable. People may be kind enough not to say “Really?” or “I don’t believe you” but their reactions say so. This is especially true when I speak fondly about a male friend.

I was orphaned by my father when I was nine. I was older of the two siblings, both girls. And I grew up without father and brother figure in the family because I didn’t even have an uncle nor male cousins around.

When I was old enough to explore the neighborhood, I made friends. Among them was Lito. He was a leader even during our young years but I can’t remember him telling “no” to my little caprices as a friend. I remember his father bragging that I am his future daughter-in-law. Needless to say, however, but there was never any attempt in any way for us to go overboard our childhood friendship.

During my teen years, I gained a “manong” (older brother) in the person of manong Boy. He used to be the president of the youth club in our barangay and I was secretary. When he was elected and assumed office as Barangay Captain, I was, nonetheless, appointed Barangay Secretary. We were constant company during meetings, seminars and other functions both in the barangay and municipality. Even our mayor once thought that there was “something special” between us and didn’t believe us when we said, we’re just a brother-sister team. However, we never outgrow our friendship.

In the church, I had Benjie. He is a friend who believes in me. He urged me to submit a poem to a magazine before that was later published. He played the organ for my solo practice so I can pass the audition for the church choir (though, I hardly carry a tune). He shared his allowances with me when I needed it. He was a good sounding board who treated me well as his kid sister. People had misconceptions about our friendship. He lost his girlfriend because of my picture and nearly lost another love because of diligently giving me company. Our friendship didn’t falter afterall.

I was fond of pen pals before. Well, I don’t belong to Generation X that’s why. There were so many friends but only two male friends lasted for sometime. They were both sources of inspiration during my difficult times and that, notwithstanding the fact, that we were miles apart. I will always be grateful to manong Sam and will remember Jojo, my witty-pen-pusher friend.

Besides, Lito, manong Boy, Benjie, manong Sam and Jojo, there were other male friends I had but maybe of lesser intensity of friendship (read as: occasional shock absorber and confidante during our respective seasons).

To these times, it is so refreshing when memory of my wedding flashes back. There was Lito, leading the committee on foods and refreshment. There was Manong Boy, standing with my groom as his bestman. There was Benjie, taking over the microphone as co-emcee. Other male friends were also there, of course.

Years come and go…so as friends.

Finally, I had another male friend whom I called Mac because he used to mock my being slow in picking up things thus, referring to me as Pentium I. Well, of course, this usually concerns some Gen X language. He may be very different from the rest for being almost a decade younger than me but we became good friends anyway. He was a helping hand and a sort of professional support as I learned many things from him regarding our profession. I never dreamed of having a kid brother. I always loved big brothers because I enjoyed being taken cared of most of the times. However, if chronological age is to be considered, Mac is indeed, the little brother I never had.

Things will never the same again. We hardly see or never see each other anymore. Yet, I still remember…still grateful for the brotherly love, care, concern and time they shared with me at some points in my life.

Please don’t make the wrong impression that I don’t have female friends. I had and I still keep and treasure their friendship to date regardless of the distance and own lives we now live in our respective places under the sun. But their friendship is another story to tell.

2011-03-22T18:01:00.007+08:00

Let Lennox Live

I was browsing the page of my favorite public figure - Beast, the Prince of Facebook when I came across a comment about the misfortune of a dog in need of help. He is Lennox from Belfast City in the country of Ireland.

I was only able to read some paragraphs of the articles about him at http://www.savelennox.co.uk/. I dared not to continue reading. I became emotional with his plight.

Truly, I can’t imagine how on earth did men of higher intelligence were able to condemn such an innocent creature without due process.

I respect laws. I am a law-abiding citizen of my country. Although laws are not all good at all times hence, the amendments by legislators or lawmakers.

However, in the case of Lennox, I cannot understand such cruelty and injustice. My heart goes for him. I believe he doesn’t deserve such an ugly treatment to him.

The dog warden obviously demonstrated how incompetent he is for using only a tape measure to determine a dog’s breed. Why, is it possible that dogs with the same parents can be of different breeds? Why is he different from Diesel, his late brother who died of cancer?

And the concerned authorities should have at least shown compassion or consideration to the foster family so as not to mistreat him in their own territory.

Based on those posted testimonials on Lennox, he is a lovable dog. For me, he deserves to be freed and let him live with the love of his family.

Breed Specific Legislation, to the eyes of a layman like me who is not adept with such law, is obviously breed discrimination. I think the author/s of that legislation failed to realize that the way animals behave toward people is based mainly on the men’s treatment to them. If they are cared and loved, they give back love hence, if they are abused or mistreated, they learn harshness and cruelty.

An implemented law, perfect (if such exist) or not, may also have a “hidden clause” that prevails when sound judgment is called for.

Laws are laws. Some can be justified and amended to exemplify resonance especially in the lives of law-abiding citizens.

With Lennox being cared and loved, I believe without any offense meant to the authorities of Belfast City and Ireland, that no law has been defied, not even their Breed Specific Legislation. He truly deserves to live, right?

So if you're someone with a heart for creatures like Lennox, please show support...visit the page for him HERE or better, let your little voice be heard at http://www.savelennox.co.uk/

May the concerned authorities hear the little voices resounding from the different parts of the globe…each hoping that justice will prevail and Lennox be SAVED!

I Am Who I Am

2010-11-22T20:44:00.000+08:00

“Like me…

Care for me…

Love me…

….For who I am.”

At some points in my life, I’d uttered those words to another person – someone I just met, someone I was getting to know, someone I loved and I called ‘friend’. I thought that if they want our relationship or friendship to last, they had to accept me with all my flaws and shortcomings. For why should I change to please others?

As I traverse this life, however, I also meet more people. Some of them I learned to like, care and love without particular reasons. And I learned to somehow adjust in an honest effort to let them know how I feel to see they are pleased.

There were times, when unknown to them, I sacrifice my own pleasure in attempts of being there when (I thought) they needed me. And I didn’t care whether it’s appreciated or not.

There were times when I make myself a laughingstock just to belong. And I didn’t care whether they noticed it or not..

There were times when I laughed to camouflage those pent up emotions within. And I didn’t care whether they understood me or not.

However, I must admit that whether they were aware or unaware, they have made a great difference in my life.

And there were times, when words were not enough to express my gratitude for all their efforts to support me in anyway they made it. I trust that they like, care and love me back.

No matter where the future leads us, one thing I can be certain of, they are people whom I will forever cherish somewhere in my heart.

“Like me…

Care for me…

Love me…

….For who I am.”

They re-echo those lines to justify unreasonable reasons and to mean that they cannot change to please me.

“I Am Who I Am (Read: foolish pride)

They didn’t know that somehow, I can smile as I realize it is just ‘foolish pride’ that encompasses their willingness to meet me halfway towards sustenance of our relationships.

Field Trip 2010

2010-10-25T18:14:00.002+08:00

October 24, 2010. We had a Field Trip to Cavite City. I only had glimpses of the place during rare trips to the south but never had any stop over anywhere there. So, although I was sick, i made sure to join this trip.

For the first time, I have seen the historical mansion of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic of which architectural design awed me to the max.

From Aguinaldo Shrine, we proceed to the Hardin ng Postema Resort where we spent half of the day relaxing - swimming, singing, chatting, picture taking, and eating to our hearts' content!

*Thanks to Christian Iglesias for the group picture above taken from our point of origin.

Hero Face Off

2010-10-23T17:45:00.002+08:00

While their mom was away on a seminar, Joyce & Thea had their own way of making it a day. They went to Sky Dome, SM North and attended the Hero Face Off cosplay event. Here are some of their pics that I have taken from their files.

They came home with some freebies of Mylac XL, cherifer caps, appebon kid syrup vit and a mug. They're proud to tell me that their entrance fee is more than it worth it, afterall. :-)

Teachers Day Pictorials

2010-10-08T05:18:00.000+08:00

In commemoration of the World's Teachers' Day on October 5, a short program highlighted by a Prayer was held in our school.

Following are some pictures taken by Sir RC Pajarillo. Well I hope he won't mind me posting these here.:-)

Work From Home

2010-10-06T22:00:00.000+08:00

How is the idea of being a work-at-home-mom (WAHM) or work-outside-home-mom (WOHM) to you? Given the chance to choose, which category will you prefer to belong?

Well, are you aware that many women, particularly moms, have found wonderful opportunities to be full-time housewives while at the same time earning and often, much more than their contemporaries who work in the air-conditioned offices?

They are moms who owe gratitude to the internet technology that gave ways, options and opportunity to work part time or full time within the confines of their homes – beside their sleeping or even while the washing machine spins their laundry. They are moms who have a fruitful silent career even in their pajamas.

No need to beat the traffic. No need to worry on fare hikes. No need to be conscious on their dress or make up. Talk about time efficiency and cost-cutting budget. Talk about bonding moments with their families. Talk about convenience. They are truly the practical and lucky moms who have it.

Rupert & Rupiah

2010-09-26T19:36:00.003+08:00

Wondering who were Rupert and Rupiah? They were the couple turtles from Quirino province that we kept as pets for around three years. Well, they're Philippine turtles for sure.

Initially, we had looked for a turtle for a family friend whose daughter suffers from asthma. We were told that turtle meat can heal the sickness.

When we found one, however, we opted to keep it for pet out of pity for the little creature we named Rupert. He loved to eat fried chicken, pork and grapes among others.

Not only once that I tried giving him banana but I was dismayed to find out he didn't like it. My kids were making fun of me...asking how I believed Dr. Jose Rizal's fable on "The Monkey and The Turtle". Actually, that was what I thought then but sorry. (lol!)

Months later, a girl turtle was given to us by another friend. We named it Rupiah.

Personally, I had fun giving them bath too...brushing their shell till it became shiny again.

Months after moving to our new little home, however, we thought of giving them up. We brought them to the Wild Life Park in Quezon City. We thought they'll be happier there afterall!

Melodies of Life

2010-09-20T11:34:00.001+08:00

When I first heard my daugther Thea sing the song "Melodies of Life", I was so touched. And I have loved listening to it (listening, take note! I can't carry a tune,that's why I can't sing it myself. lol!)

One day, with her sister,Joyce,they surprised me with this music video. They used pictures stored in the computer. Though I didn't approved on some of the pics, no choice but to like it because of the effort they exerted for it. :-)

Apology accepted

2010-07-28T23:59:00.000+08:00

Saying 'sorry' they say, can move mountains as this one word effects positive change no matter what.

To apologize to a friend, it takes courage. When you are beset by foolish pride and innocent of guilt feelings, saying ‘sorry’ is not that easy even if you mean it.

However, when you apologize and was gracefully considered, you will never regret it. You will realize that tests, though awful at times, only polish the relationship as true friendship prevails.

Letting go of people I call FRIENDS

2010-07-26T23:20:00.000+08:00

I always treasure my true friends. However, as if they were of rare variety, I have found only few of them in my life.

They came one or two at a time in different settings and locations. We shared a great percentage of our daily life when still accessible to each other. We had beautiful moments together. For with them around, even difficult things turn easier.

There was only one moment I dreaded then. It’s parting time! This was the time when I had to go on my own in other places away from them. An annual change of setting to mingle with new characters was not that easy. Adjustments just turn easier when I found another friend.

An unpleasant life scenario took place that alienated me from ‘life’ and caused my lost of trust to people. I was so devastated emotionally but I couldn’t share for it was the only most appropriate thing to do. I shied away from good old friends and literally secluded myself from developing new friendships.

But I believe I am an emotional champ in my own right. Slowly, through the years, the personal chaos that once overtook me started to subside. The imaginary boundary that kept me from trusting people began to melt.

It was because of new friends with whom I eventually and gracefully parted ways for different reasons. We remained friends yes, but we no longer see each other as often as we hope to.

Then there was another good-found friend, of the rare variety. We shared so many things, at times, even more than ordinary siblings do. Other people had misconceptions on our friendship because they didn’t understand how the two of us can be such close as friends. But ours was pure friendship no more, no less. It was just that it was a good, true friendship as I thought.

So what is the twist all about?

I knew and will always understand that there will be parting time for us, too. However, I cannot understand if parting time comes prematurely that such friendship has to go for an unreasonable reason NOW!

2010-06-23T22:48:00.001+08:00

Bedtime Stories

2010-06-23T22:38:00.005+08:00

This day, I found out that only less than 10 out of around 300 first year students I am handling had experienced Bedtime Story Telling when they were younger. Some even commented that such an activity is only for the rich. I was amazed.

I belong to a very poor family yet I grew up with lots of stories from older folks particularly my mother, aunts and grandmother. I really enjoyed those bedtime story sessions when I was still a child.

My mother whose highest educational attainment was only grade five, used to tell stories about her World War II experiences and the royal family of

England

and some popular personalities of other countries. I remember her telling stories about the Kennedy family, Queen Elizabeth and especially, Princess Diana.

My aunt shared countless encounters with both seen and unseen special creatures and ghosts. I was scared nevertheless; I always looked forward to hearing more.

My lola, in those very rare nights we spent together before bedtime, told me fable and parable stories.

Hey, I just realized, I had a balance doze of bedtime stories before.

I never thought about those bedtime stories when I became a mother and started retelling my childhood bedtime stories to my two daughters myself. Unlike my older folks, I usually had visual aids later when I resorted to children literature books because my memory bank ran out of more stories. Other children love to be told the stories over and over again. But my daughters demanded new stories every night. And we had average of 3 stories every night. There were times, that I would recycle stories by changing characters or location, etc.

I believe it was those bedtime story telling sessions that instilled the love of books in them even at young age. We lived in the province then and every time, we took vacation to Manila, one destination they cannot afford to miss was going to National Book Store, Cubao.

Now that they are in their teens, I am happy that they still appreciate stories from the books although they have changed their taste. From Fairytale books, they are now reading Vampire/Twilight books. They even do their best to save from their school allowance just so they can buy the books they wanted.

Someday, I hope they will realize that they have benefited from Bed Time Story Telling after all.

My Mother

2010-06-18T21:39:00.000+08:00

She's my first teacher and best friend ever....the first person who gave time to listen to me every time I need someone to talk to or just someone who to listen to me...the first person to care and love me...the first person to believe me in every step I made in quest for my destiny.

Teenage Playtime

2010-06-09T23:28:00.041+08:00

My daughters used to play dolls, paper dolls and doll houses, stuff toys, etc. with matching dialogues when they were younger. Now, at ages 16 and 13, they have both outgrown it. They found other interests in activities that can be considered more appropriate to them like photography, drawings, music, etc.

There is one thing though that Joyce didn't outgrow since her younger days - her fascination with making up, doing and designing/deciding on her little sister's face, hair and costumes.
I remember that she first tried my make kits and pair of scissor on her dolls. When Thea, her little sister, turned about 2 years old, the latter instantly became her model.

I saw some hair scattered by the doorsteps one day. I realized it
was Joyce who gave free hair cut to Thea when I saw the latter’s wide and high bangs. It took a barber to at least fix it and a few months before she got a straight cut again.

Thea used to march too pretending as a bride with the costume and music designed and made by her sister.

Now, they have improved a lot. They’re using better costumes and experimenting with more stuffs as accessories. Joyce still enjoys designing/deciding on the outfit/s and she also acts as director-photographer most of the times.
I would like to share some of their childhood photos here but our scanner is out of order so maybe I can do it some other time.

For now, I will only post here some of their latest outputs done with their own photography talents using our simple digicam.