survivor of pain

Project 1, Self-Introduction

2012-01-24T16:38:00.001+09:00

Thank you Madam Toastmaster, for that humble introduction.

Fellow members and guests, Helen Keller was once asked, “What would be worse than being born blind?” She replied, “It’s having a sight without a vision.”

Ladies and gentlemen, that statement has become my guiding principle in life.

It was on the 16^th of July 1970 in a developing town of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro when two healthy twin baby boys were born. The proud parents were so happy to see these beautiful creatures. However, they were so poor and they decided to let go of one of the babies. It’s either, through adoption or by throwing one of the babies to the river. They chose the latter. Well, it was the first time that I learned to swim (of course, this is a joke. I just wanted to their your attention).

As if misfortune was haunting me, at age 7, while I was in the elementary school, I suffered a vehicular accident. I was hit by a rushing 6-wheeler type jeep and was thrown farther than where I originally stood. I was brought to the hospital from Mindoro to Manila. While crying, my mom told the driver, who caused me creeping pains and prolong agony, that should I survive, she won’t get any single penny from him. I did survive the accident and I also have no money.

While I was in high school, I had had so many crushes but I didn’t have the chance to tell them. Finally, during my senior year, I mustered the courage to court a certain girl. Unfortunately, she dumped me right away. Since then, I told myself not to fall in love again for nobody would pay an attention to me, especially beautiful ones.

All these frustrations made me a stronger and better person. As I related my stories to friends and well-wishers altruistic people turned from nil to too many. They told me to focus my time more on my studies.

I did! My first course was Business Administration at the University of the East, Manila. After that, I took up my master’s degree in Government Management at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and then later, I got my Certificate on Teaching Profession at the Philippine Normal University. Thereafter, I took a board examination for teachers and passed.

I rose from ranks. I started as an administrative aide at the Division of City Schools, Manila and because I have government eligibilities I got promoted twice. I then transferred to the Department of Education Central Office as a Creative Arts Specialist I. It was then that I was able to use my teacher’s certificate for I got promoted to Education Program Specialist II position.

My greatest fear is talking in front of people that I really don’t know. While my greatest achievement so far, was in years 2007-2008 wherein I got an scholarship grant from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) by way of Okinawa International Centre, Okinawa Japan and my course was “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.” My experiences in Okinawa widened my horizons and I learned and gained international perspectives.

The best thing that really happened to me was when I built a wonderful family (my wife and two kids) who supported me through thick(s) and thin(s). They were the ones who tap my shoulder in my moment of pity as if to say “We are ready to help you, can’t you see?”

Well that’s me, Joselito Asi, a Manila Bay Toastmasters Club’s newbie.

Allow me to end my speech by stating my favourite quotation, “Good better best, never let it rest, ‘til your good becomes better and your better best!”

Fellow toastmasters, good evening.

Lightning Strikes Twice!

2012-01-13T00:20:00.000+09:00

I, for the 2nd time, attended the toastmasters meeting (as guest) at the Casino Espanol de Manila and I was assigned a table topic, "Good wine needs no bush," a statement made by William Shakespeare. Like in my previous recital I self-destruct. I couldn't say longer sentences but a simple, "I can compare wine to purity..." I couldn't see the relevance of the statement I just chided. Then, followed it up with, "The wine gets better as it is tested by time..." then a prolong stop... Why? o Why I was assigned a difficult task wherein I can't regroup words. I felt that I have been universally mocked for my statements. As a newbie, I just hope that Manila Bay Toastmasters club members won't disown me due to my fear of talking in front of people that I really don't know.

Twice I was tested and twice I failed.

Baptism of Fire!

2012-01-08T11:32:00.002+09:00

I told you earlier, guys, that I was planning to upgrade due to recent boo-boos I've committed at the office. Well, I started finding clubs to join wherein I can mingle with people who are motivated and pro-active - and I found one. While browsing the internet and key-in the word "toastmaster," I was directed by a link to its club directory. What I did was, I chose a place where I would be convenient on going in after office hours. I picked Manila Bay Toastmasters Club at which point the membership was open to everyone. I immediately called the club official (Sir Meo) and he presented me, verbally, on what to expect and what they were doing at the club. Cool.

Last Thursday (January 5), @ 7 p.m. I entered the Casino Espanol de Manila (the venue) a place where I am very familiar with, since I visited this place before in one of my trainings for JICA. I promised myself to create a good impression so that I would give an immediate impact. As I entered the room I was greeted by Sir Meo who gave me a seat on the west side of the room, a couple of seats away from the rostrum. I was just right on time for the invocation, singing of national anthem and of the club hymn.

I enthusiastically observed every participant and some of them were eating already or were having some orders, I was approached by my seatmate Shey from the Central Bank, if I were briefed by Sir Meo regarding matters on ordering of food, etc. I learned that if you want to eat you will just make an order to the waiter and pay it later. Ahh... ok. I thought it was free at first.

The first part of the the session was done by introducing himself or herself and since it was the start of the year the participant should say his or her New Year's resolution. I gave mine of course and the rest of the group and the method of doing the task was done clockwise. I giggled as I heard the first speaker Dr. Ben for he said that he will change his wife. Ha.ha.ha. I knew he was joking. Others told that they will minimize the use of their credit cards and I shared that I will try to be the best that I can be in the coming days.

After that, the word of the night was given by Dr. Ben - INSIPID. Insipid is an adjective and a word that means uninteresting, dull, flavorless, and tasteless. Everyone was asked to use it in a sentence to which few people obliged.

Then, speakers were called for their 4th s, 5th, and 8th speech - I been wondering why. I learned it later that I will do the same thing in the future should I become member, as well. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at them, some of them were very confident, others have prolong stop, and few talked while on a sideward position while giving their prepared speech. I told myself that if I my name will be called I would give a better performance.

And so, the next session was the giving of the table topics. A timer was set and a set of criteria was given. The first quotation was assigned - "If I speak I am condemned, If I stay silent I am damned," from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables. I am so impressed with the first speaker (I forgot his name) but believed me I saw him on T.V. one time. Then an unexpected thing happened. My name was called. I sweated profusely. I didn't know what to do. The quotation was announced publicly - "Life is a banquet and everyone is starving to death." I understood that this made me a conundrum and I couldn't help myself. To be honest I am really puzzled on how to start but I am not a quitter so I rushed to the podium. But it was really difficult to link what you were saying to the group of professionals (lawyers, doctors, bankers, etc.) and students. I felt the butterflies on my stomach, I couldn't say a word. I felt that the more words I would say the more mistakes I would commit.

Where was the promised I made for myself that I would create a good impression? I am simply stupid. I failed, and I failed miserably!

2012, What Else to Delve?

2012-01-03T07:13:00.005+09:00

Well, the 4th quarter of 2011 brought me financial woes. I suffered miserably in all aspects of life. I wasn't able to get what I want to achieve.

I am still eyeing for an scholarship or short training abroad. Perhaps, I should try to impress my superiors first for me to be allowed another opportunity to go to another country to study.

Though I was the 2011 Chess Champion at the Department of Education, Central Office, my performance on other tournaments were not as impressive or should I say forgettable, especially during my December tournament at the Victory Mall in Monumento, Caloocan, Philippines. I just scored 4 out of 8 games in a non-master chess tournament. By golly, I could have performed better but I was not able to convert 2 drawing positions to victories.

Professionally, all things were going well smoothly, however, month of December was not as cooperative as that of the other months. I didn't realize that I made a very big mistake of not seeing a very basic mistake in a book that I have been keeping for a very long time. I was so thwarted not to see the error in one of its pages - 'Texbook' instead of 'Textbook'. Although, I commented the mistake earlier it was not implemented by the supposed party. Lesson, not be too confident and too trusting. Just rely on yourself. No one is to blame but myself..

So, I am planning to expand my horizon by joining a group called toastmaster to help me grow personally and professionally.

I am wishing that 2012 with give me better breaks and not freaks! Happy holidays to all.

Chess Struggle, All the Way!

2011-12-31T02:06:00.003+09:00

I participated in the Paragua sponsored chess tournament held at the Victory Mall, Monumento, Kalookan City. The prize is very huge for a non-master tournament. Would you believe it? It is a whooping P15,000 for the Champion only. So, upon hearing the news that the games will be held this day, I immediately went to the chess venue and registered. I was entered as unrated (with no rating at all) and what do you expect, I was paired with the best - my first round was really a struggle since I my opponent was former chess champion from Bicol and my second game, though I drew it, was against the top unrated player during the tournament. To summarize my games, I have never been beaten as white (4 games) but I only won once with black (4 games). It was really a disappointing day for me. Hope fully I will fare better on my next tournament.

Amazing DepEd -IMCS Palaro Pictures

2011-12-22T18:38:00.000+09:00

It is nice to see kids and parents playing. I have been so happy to see my kids and friends playing...

IMCS ETD Christmas Party

2011-12-22T18:03:00.002+09:00

Well, well, well. I had a great time with my colleagues at DepEd IMCS. We celebrated the festivities @ Aileen's residence. I hope you'll like the pictures.

Ugrading...

2011-12-16T18:43:00.000+09:00

Arghhhhhhh! I made a big mistake. I really need to upgrade. Study. Study hard. Study harder still.

Piliin Mo!

2011-12-12T19:43:00.002+09:00

Piliin mo ang magmahal...kaysa ang masuklam
Piliin mo ang tumawa...kaysa ang lumuha
Piliin mo ang lumikha...kaysa ang sumira
Piliin mo ang magtiyaga...kaysa ang manghinawa
Piliin mo ang pumuri...kaysa ang manira
Piliin mo ang magpagaling...kaysa ang manakit
Piliin mo ang magbigay...kaysa ang magnakaw
Piliiin mo ang umunlad...kaysa ang mabulok
Piliin mo ang manalangin...kaysa ang manisi
Piliin mo ang mabuhay...kaysa ang mamatay
Piliin mo ang tamang pagpapasya...upang ikaw ay lumaya at tunay na lumigaya.
- adapted

Metadata Development and Resource Cataloguing Workshop

2011-12-01T11:57:00.000+09:00

Well guys, here I am again sharing with you my latest educational escapades through Metadata and Resource Cataloguing Workshop (watch out for the spelling) here in GSP, Tagaytay City, Philippines. It was sponsored by SPHERE through AusAid with the coordination of EDPITAF. Our new staff (LRPDS), Dir. Pilor, Sir Eric, Micah, and I represented DepEd-IMCS in this wortwhile activity. Almost all the DepEd bureas, offices, and some selected regional offices were increasingly contributing to its success. There are loads of information to discuss so I won't delve further so I will just present pictures of the day to day activities. Soon, if my time allows, I will relay some important details to this post. Cheers!

Happy 5th Birthday to My Son Isaiah Joaquine!

2011-11-27T09:46:00.001+09:00

Congratulations to my son Isaiah Joaquine who is celebrating his 5th birthday today! I am so happy to see him growing stronger and healthier.

He was so sickly as a baby and for your information he's been hospitalized for more than 2 months at the Chinese General Hospital. First, inside a pay ward and second, at the charity station (when we no longer afford the high rising cost of the expenses). Series of test(s) have been made just to find out why, for so long, he was not recovering. Later, he was diagnosed to have G6PD deficiency (you google it, I'm tired of explaining or just click the link).

I can vividly remember (it was Christmas time in 2006) all the patients at the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have been moving out to go home while my baby was still fighting for his dear life. He had a seizure and his skin turned almost gray. The attending physician asked for the help of other medical staff to revive him. I been crying and my heart was pounding heavily. I asked God why my child has to suffer this agony? Let it be me, Lord. As if God has been testing me, other doctors were called for some needed help, From where I stand, I can see the doctors collectively shared their expertise just to help Isaiah. After few minutes, the doctors left the room without saying a word and I told myself -- is this the day?

Later, the nurse-on-duty approached me and shared the wonderful message that my baby has been revived and that his skin color turned normal. Wow, God thank you! I thought I ran out of tears before but that time liquid in my eyes continuously flowed.

My family and my sister (Ate Margie) have been constantly looking after Isaiah and we've spent Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Days at the Chinese General Hospital. And the rest was history!

My son, this is your day! Make the most of it. We love you.

Inspected Printing Houses

2011-11-24T19:31:00.002+09:00

I visited 2 printing houses last Monday and Tuesday at Quezon City. I was tasked to oversee if the suggested findings of the evaluators have been thoroughly implemented. It's good to note that the suggestions were corrected, however, my group still found 4 minor errors that were not seen before. I know I am responsible for everything because I signed all the pages of the camera-ready copies which meant I saw everything. My group made a consolidated report on our new findings. I am just waiting for the ax to cut me into pieces. By golly.

This morning, I have been very busy working with my colleagues here at IMCS. We transmitted books to the procurement service and made correspondence to different publishers.

I hope that tomorrow will be an interesting day at the office. Cheers!

Dirty Tricks of Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao

2011-11-15T08:01:00.005+09:00

I just got these information from the Philboxing and You Tube and I found out evidence(s) of how Marquez cheated Pacquaio in their latest trilogy. Marquez kept on whining how, again, for the nth he lost to Pacquiao. Well he deserved to lose. He stepped on Manny's foot six times (click links on Philboxing and You Tube). Well, in my opinion, the hardest shot that Marquez made was the head butt to Pacquiao on the10th round. Marquez sucks!

Marquez stepping on Manny's Foot

(Photo from Philboxing.com)

top view

Marquez stomping his foot to Pacquiao then throws a punch

(photo from the internet)

Manny Pacquiao Did It Again!

2011-11-13T20:53:00.004+09:00

I just watched the game of Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez (trilogy) and the two players are too conscious on exchanging punches. The game was close and so was the right eye of Marquez. Naturally, Pacquiao wins by Majority Decision. I was not truly impressed with the decision however, the fact that he was the defending champion proved it all. Again, to Manny Pacquiao, congratulations!

What happened to Juan's face?
(Photos taken from philboxing.com)

How could Juan Manuel Marquez win?

Pacquiao thrown 578 punches connecting 176 while Marquez had it 436 connecting 138. Pacquiao threw 304 jabs connecting 59 to Marquez's 182 with 38 connects. Pacquiao threw 274 power punches connecting 117 while Marquez threw 254 with 100 connecting.To everyone debating pts: as a challenger, you have to upstage champ to win. Close fights always go to title holder. you do the math: pacman(reigning WBO welterweight champion)/marquez(challenger). Comments from Mr. Gil Virtudazo

Juan Manuel Marquez should not have waited for Manny to come in. He did not carry the fight. He was not the aggressor. He was swinging badly from 9 to 12 rounds. His corner made him to believe that he was leading, while in fact he was only credited with 10 points each for 2nd, 5th, 6th and 7th rounds. Try to review the video and try to mute the video. 116-112 for Manny Pacquiao is a convincing score. What was lacking was the total domination of the fight by Pacquiao tha's why viewers were not satisfied of the outcome. Comments from Ms. Luz Aridien after the fight.

People expected that Manny would throw even the kitchen sink but it did not happen. The truth is Manny won but not convincingly. Congrats Manny!

Happy 9th Birthday Betty!

2011-11-07T16:02:00.005+09:00

Now is the 9th Birthday of my beautiful daughter Helena Beatrice Asi. I am wishing her the best and that she gets what she wished for. Take care always my Betty!

Josel and Betty

Hooked on Chess Opening Preparation!

2011-10-30T08:29:00.000+09:00

November 4-8, 2011 is the schedule of the 2011 Intercities Tournament at Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines and at this time I am so excited to learn that I have in my team superb players in the Philippines. Again, for the nth time, I will represent the Department of Education. Only this time the cast will be star-studded. Manning board 1 will be FM Jony Habla, board 2 will be handled by CM Jose Aquino, Jr., and board 3 will be guarded by CM Rainier Labay. At board 4, the man to watch is Ramil Acosta, the usual point-picker of the team, and at board 5 will be me (an unknown chess player from the University of the East).

The timing seems to favor me due to my 4-day vacation at the office. So, like what I said on my title, I am really hooked up on my opening preparation. I digged on my arsenal the almost rotten book "Kasparov's Opening Repertoire" by Shamkovich and Schiller and reconfigure my totally unused chess database Fritz 11.

Since my task will not be as big as those of my team mates (boards 1, 2, & 3), I will just have to draw my games and let them handle the rest.

Ok. Back to work...err games. I will immediately inform you guys of my struggle at Batangas. Cheers!

Brand New Eye Glass

2011-10-26T17:40:00.000+09:00

It seems that I am not getting any younger. Even my eye vision is deteriorating.

Last week, I had my eyes checked by an expert and he recommended me an eye glass that was progressive in nature. I obliged.

I am now wearing it.

BTW, I was told to wear it every now and then. Urgh...

Applied for the Renewal of My Passport

2011-10-22T08:19:00.000+09:00

I am so happy that the transaction for the renewal of my passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila, Philippines was so fast. As a government employee, I have a privilege to go to government lane (fast lane), however, yesterday was a different story. I just stand in line on a short queue of regular applicants and finished my dealings within 1 1/2 hours. Great!

The things needed were, just get an appointment through online application, prepare all the photocopied pages (1st, 2nd, and the last 2 pages of the passport), you have to decide if your passport is to be prepared express (P1200) or regular (P950),and should you want your passport to be delivered to your house just prepare additional P130 for your choice of courier.

My next visit would be the U.S. Embassy!

The ABC's of Creating Life of Your Dreams

2011-10-17T17:16:00.000+09:00

Guys! Allow me to share with you this worth-reading material. Enjoy.
-------------------------------------

The ABC's Of Creating the Life Of Your Dreams
By Jim Donovan

You deserve to live the kind of life you've always dreamed
about. You can have everything you want in life, if, you are
willing to do what it takes.

I have broken the process into three simple steps I call the
ABC's of creating the life of your dreams.

Yes, having the life of your dreams can be as simple as
A,B,C, if you follow the steps.

Accept...

Accept the fact that your thoughts and actions have
contributed to the circumstances in your life. If you are 25
pounds overweight, you did it by choice. Nobody forced the
food into you, did they? If you are in a job you do not
love, you're the one who stays in it.

Take responsibility for your life.

This will empower you to make changes. A good exercise to
get you started is to take a personal inventory. This
exercise is similar to grocers taking an inventory of their
stock.

Take a sheet of paper and list all of the things you like
about yourself along with those areas you want to change. It
is important you list the good along with the "not so good."
When you have finished, you will have a clearer picture of
what you want to change in your life.

Believe...

Believe in yourself. Dare to dream!

And when you dream, dream big!

The late, Norman Vincent Peale said, "If you want a big
life, you have to have big dreams."

However, before you can have what you want, you must know
what that is. You need clearly defined, written goals.

Start with a clean sheet of paper. Across the top write
"Dream Sheet." Now list all of the things you want to have,
do be, and share.

Don't worry right now, how you will accomplish this. Simply
write. Do this for at least a half an hour. You will be
amazed how easy it will be for about 10 minutes, then you
will have to really think about what you want.

Now that you have clearly defined goals, you are ready for
the next, and most important, step.

Commit to your success...

Commit to your goals, right now.

On another sheet of paper, write each goal. Next to it,
write a short sentence or two about why you will accomplish
this. It has been said many times that you can reach any
goal if you have a big enough why.

You are now ready to develop an action plan. Write each goal
on a separate sheet of paper. Next to each one, list one or
two immediate steps you can take to move toward this goal.

Don't worry about knowing everything you'll need to know. As
you start moving, the path will reveal itself. It's much
like the headlights on your car. They only light a certain
distance in front of you but, as you progress, the road
ahead is lighted for you.

What will you need to learn? Whose help will you need?

For example, if you goal is to shed 25 pounds, you may want
to consult a health professional. Perhaps you want to join a
health club, buy a book on exercise, take a class, etc.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are always people,
probably right around you, who already know what you need to
know or do and would be happy to help, if only they were
asked.

You deserve to live a full, healthy, happy, prosperous life.
It is up to you.

Am So Happy to Receive an Invitation

2011-10-10T23:23:00.001+09:00

I am so glad to receive an invitation from my cousin to visit US in July 2012. Actually, this is the 2nd time I got this offer from her (free round trip ticket to the US - yeheey!). This time I won't let this opportunity to let go. I am claiming this offer! To God be the glory!

World Teachers' Day!

2011-10-05T10:24:00.003+09:00

I wish to extend my warmest greetings to all my teachers during my elementary, secondary, tertiary, graduate school, and my senseis in Okinawa, Japan. You gave me so much inspiration and, like you, I became just like you - a teacher myself. Special greetings to my mom, my parents-in-law, and my wife who happens to be mentors as well. Greetings!

Unforgettable Experience at the Planetarium - SM Mall of Asia

2011-09-26T01:23:00.002+09:00

I was so lucky to be given complimentary tickets to visit the Planetarium at the SM Mall of Asia which is sponsored by the NIDO Fortified. My kids were so happy and have been kissing me every now and then as if to give thanks for a wonderful experience the've got. The interactive games at the 2nd Floor of the Science Discovery Center started it all. Betty and Joaquine were so amazed to play with Multimedia sets by Vibal Publishing House, Inc. especially the games using detector. Wow! I had my fair share of fun too as I joined them by playing table tennis and soccer.

As we were playing, we heard an announcement that the show "One World, One Sky" a planetarium show of a brilliant spectacle of light and color as the furry friends watch the stars twinkle all over Sesame Street. Amazing. The child in me suddenly reappeared and this special feeling of joy, finally, can be seen through the eyes of everyone's watching, moreso, with the kids in attendance.

After the show ended, my wife and the kids tried answering the "Grossology Quiz" located at the same floor. At first, I was not able to answer the questions correctly but as soon as I got my momentum I became very competitive.

Had not for the time which was 9:00 p.m. we won't leave the place. Anyway, I would like to share these photos, enjoy!

What Am I Eating?

2011-09-22T14:53:00.000+09:00

You must be wondering what am I eating here at the Cordillera Administrative Region? Well, I just had this wonderful food. I wish you'll like it.

I love it!

Amazing Karl Jonathan Aguilar!

2011-09-18T22:05:00.002+09:00

I have been watching "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" for two successive Saturdays now and I am very fortunate to witness Karl Jonathan Aguilar in his winning moment and, thanks God, he finally won the P2M jackpot. This guy is tough! As I read the last question, "books prohibited by Roman Catholic" on my TV monitor, I googled it right away and voila! I got the answer, Index Librorum Prohibitorum which is in letter "D". I knew immediately that the answer of his friend (through a telephone) was wrong. I listen with enthusiasm as Karl Jonathan laid his cards, he stated that "A" was definitely incorrect, blah.blah.blah.

Upon careful evaluation, he stated that "D" is the answer. He asked forgiveness to her mother (who is dreaming to have their own house) but he will make an answer.

"He's not a risk-taker." according to him, but he'll be one this time!

Risk worth-taking! He just won a whooping P2M. Congratulations Karl Jonathan!

Controversial Issues on Language

2011-09-13T13:26:00.002+09:00

I have been following the controversial article made by Mr. James Soriano about the Filipino Language which has been discussed fully all over the net. I was able to find copies of Mr. Soriano's write-up and an interesting comment. If you have comments feel free to do so. I hope you'll enjoy reading...

Language, learning, identity, privilege
Ithink
By JAMES SORIANO
August 24, 2011, 4:06am

MANILA, Philippines — English is the language of learning. I’ve known this since before I could go to school. As a toddler, my first study materials were a set of flash cards that my mother used to teach me the English alphabet.

My mother made home conducive to learning English: all my storybooks and coloring books were in English, and so were the cartoons I watched and the music I listened to. She required me to speak English at home. She even hired tutors to help me learn to read and write in English.

In school I learned to think in English. We used English to learn about numbers, equations and variables. With it we learned about observation and inference, the moon and the stars, monsoons and photosynthesis. With it we learned about shapes and colors, about meter and rhythm. I learned about God in English, and I prayed to Him in English.

Filipino, on the other hand, was always the ‘other’ subject — almost a special subject like PE or Home Economics, except that it was graded the same way as Science, Math, Religion, and English. My classmates and I used to complain about Filipino all the time. Filipino was a chore, like washing the dishes; it was not the language of learning. It was the language we used to speak to the people who washed our dishes.

We used to think learning Filipino was important because it was practical: Filipino was the language of the world outside the classroom. It was the language of the streets: it was how you spoke to the tindera when you went to the tindahan, what you used to tell your katulong that you had an utos, and how you texted manong when you needed “sundo na.”

These skills were required to survive in the outside world, because we are forced to relate with the tinderas and the manongs and the katulongs of this world. If we wanted to communicate to these people — or otherwise avoid being mugged on the jeepney — we needed to learn Filipino.

That being said though, I was proud of my proficiency with the language. Filipino was the language I used to speak with my cousins and uncles and grandparents in the province, so I never had much trouble reciting.

It was the reading and writing that was tedious and difficult. I spoke Filipino, but only when I was in a different world like the streets or the province; it did not come naturally to me. English was more natural; I read, wrote and thought in English. And so, in much of the same way that I learned German later on, I learned Filipino in terms of English. In this way I survived Filipino in high school, albeit with too many sentences that had the preposition ‘ay.’

It was really only in university that I began to grasp Filipino in terms of language and not just dialect. Filipino was not merely a peculiar variety of language, derived and continuously borrowing from the English and Spanish alphabets; it was its own system, with its own grammar, semantics, sounds, even symbols.

But more significantly, it was its own way of reading, writing, and thinking. There are ideas and concepts unique to Filipino that can never be translated into another. Try translating bayanihan, tagay, kilig or diskarte.

Only recently have I begun to grasp Filipino as the language of identity: the language of emotion, experience, and even of learning. And with this comes the realization that I do, in fact, smell worse than a malansang isda. My own language is foreign to me: I speak, think, read and write primarily in English. To borrow the terminology of Fr. Bulatao, I am a split-level Filipino.

But perhaps this is not so bad in a society of rotten beef and stinking fish. For while Filipino may be the language of identity, it is the language of the streets. It might have the capacity to be the language of learning, but it is not the language of the learned.

It is neither the language of the classroom and the laboratory, nor the language of the boardroom, the court room, or the operating room. It is not the language of privilege. I may be disconnected from my being Filipino, but with a tongue of privilege I will always have my connections.

So I have my education to thank for making English my mother language.
Read more: http://www.ofwkuwait.net/james-soriano/#ixzz1XnmCm9sf
Filipino in Kuwait | OFW Kuwait network
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“It is not the language of the learned”
by AVD on Fri, 09/02/2011 - 13:49

Ipagpaumanhin mo James Soriano kung hindi ako sang-ayon sa iyong sinabi sa wikang Filipino at sa mga gumagamit nito.
Anu po ba ang ibig mong ipagkahulugan ng “LEARNED”? Sa pagkakaalam ko ay LEARNED din ako.
Sa pagbasa ko sa iyong isinulat, isa lamang ang pumasok sa aking isipan – mali ang perspektibo mo sa “WIKA” at “KAALAMAN”.
Ako ay 28 taong gulang na ngayon. Di naman sa pagmamayabang pero sa edad ko na ito ay nabigyan ako ng responsibilidad at posisyon na kadalasan ay naibibigay sa mga taong higit na matanda sa akin ng 15 taon. At, sa aking pagkakatanda ay sa lahat ng nasalihan ko na mga paligsahan mula haiskul ay nagkakamit ako ng mataas na parangal. Magugulat ka at baka mapuno ang kwarto mo sa mga patunay ng pagkilala na naigawad sa akin. At para malaman mo rin ay di man lang ako nakakuha ng marka o grado na bababa sa 90. Kaya siguro pwede natin sabihin LEARNED ako.
At, di ko naman masabi na wala akong kaya kasi lumaki ako na may mga kasambahay na lagi nakaalalay sa lahat ng aking pangangailangan. Natuto nga lamang ako mag-asikaso ng sarili ko ng ako ay tumapak sa kolehiyo dahil sabi ng aking ama ay wala ng susunod-sunod sa akin na dadampot pag may naitapon ako.
Pasensyahan mo ang pagyayabang ko ng kunti para maibahagi ko sa iyo ang aking perspektibo.
Sa aking tingin ay di ka pa “LEARNED”. At, dapat ka pang matuto.
Ito turuan kita…
Ang wika ay tagapagtaguyod (facilitator) ng kaalaman. Walang kinalaman ang wika sa pagkilala kung ang tao ay ang tinatawag mo na “LEARNED” o hindi. Sa edad ko na ito, na halos napuntahan ko na iba’t ibang kontinente, at nakipagsalamuha sa mga tao na Pranses, Espanyol, Ingles, Aprikano, Tsino, Europeo, atbp., di ko makita ang sinasabi mo na may diretsong kaugnayan ang WIKA at ang KAALAMAN kaya ang wikang ginagamit ay may kaugnayan sa kategorya mo ng mga tao. Diba ang sustansya ng salita ay di nakikita sa kung paano sinabi at kung anung wika ginamit?
Ako ay matatas sa wikang Ingles at Filipino, at nagpupumilit matuto na rin ng ibang wika dahil naiintidihan ko na sa isang wikang di ko nalalaman, posibleng may nakatagong karunungan na pwedeng dumagdag sa aking nalalaman. Sa aking pagkakaintindi ay kulang ang iyong nalalaman dahil di mo pala naiintindihan ang Filipino. Nalilimitahan ng kakulangan mo sa wika ang iyong alam. At ito ay halata masyado dahil sa iyong pananaw.
Sabi nila di ka napalaki ng tama ng iyong magulang. Ako nama’y di naniniwala dun at wala sila karapatang pagdudadhan ang pagpapalaki sa iyo. Ang aking punto ay wag na wag ka sanang manghuhusga sa ibang tao lalo na sa tingin mo ay mas aba sa iyo, di mo pwede itangi ito dahil halata na maliit tingin mo sa mga kasambahay mo. Basahin mo kaya ng sampung beses sinulat mo.
Sila ang nagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya. Kung wala driver mo e san ka pupunta? Kung wala labandera mo e sino mglalaba ng nangingitim mo na salawal ? Kung wala katulong mo e sino magwawalis sa nanlalagkit mong kwarto?
At isa pa.. subukan mo kaya humingi ng puna at suhestyon sa kanila.. Di kaya masaktan ka lang pag nalaman mo na ang mga minamaliit mo ay mas matalino pala… Akala natin kasi minsan dahil tango sila ng tango ay wala sila alam.. Subukan mo kaya making sa kanila..
Makinig ka Bro… (Use Google Translate…)