Teacher's teacher

Any legislator to help elderly teachers?

2012-01-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

Signature campaign might be in order and in this regard, this blog volunteers to be the forum for a possible legislation lowering the retirement age to 55 years old and a minimum of 10 years of teaching service whether in the private or government institutions. Why 55 years old? Ah, you need not reach55 to understand the plight. Experts tell us that life begins at 40 and your best at 50 so 55 is just about the ripe time to still avail of the remaining energy left in your system. Why 10 years in service? Ah, once you reach 50 and over, your body becomes more and more prone to leisurely movements. Imagine not falling asleep until dawn, like 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. and job demands you wake up at 6:30 to be ready for 7:30 a.m. class, agghhh! It is time to retire (retire to means, tire again?)

In Elderly Blues and Blows of Malaybalayan.blogspot.com we strongly recommend Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero to pioneer our request for a legislation to the effect that 55 years old be the mandatory retirement age, with a minimum of 10 year service in either private or public educational institution. If it can also be indicated that our pension be higher and other benefits that will make our retirement years more productive and senior-friendly.

If you do sign up include your e-mail address and other details so we can send these data to the good senator and if there is need bring this up as one of the criteria for electing them or not this coming 2013 . . . Any first signature?

A rescue is a rescue and the rescue of Iranians by Americans is praiseworthy

2012-01-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

Pirates came whoever they were. Iranians were the ones victimized for whatever reason. Americans were around in the territory and true to their calling to rescue no matter the race, they rescued the Iranians! Whatever is your leaning - pro-American or not - this act is noble.We hear so many criticisms against the Americans but being generous and helpful seem ingrained in their training.

No matter what then, let this trait be emulated by any nationality. We are all human beings with the same need for others when we can no longer protect ourselves. To the rescuers, our hats off. Teachers like this very much and indeed nothing beats action over words. "Walk your talk" is overused but its impact can never be understated.

Retirement is everyone's business, teacher or not, young or elderly

2012-01-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

It is interesting to hear from a medical doctor in Talk TV that one can still live a vibrant life even after 60. The reminder however is to live a clean life at 30 so dementia and other signs of getting old can be delayed even when one is past 60. Topic like this is supposed to be recorded in Elderly Blues and Blows but decided to have it in Teacher's teacher. This is in connection with retirement that teachers entertain when they reach 60, 62 or 63 - not 65 because it is the "end of the line" so to speak. this is so for those working in government. this is the case of Malaybalayan who hopes to avail of this in 2015.

Retirement indeed is everyone's business,teacher or not,young or elderly. This is so because one has to begin now before it finally happens. Already the makings of a hobby should already be in place. Perhaps a plan for some business venture or entrepreneurial initiatives should already be entertained. Active life need not end once you reach 60, rather you become independent with your ideas and have the capacity to implement your creative ideas financially and emotionally when the retirement cash package reaches your hand.

Ah, how we wish we knew better before we reached 60! Young minds, take it from us - be ready this early just as we make do with what life has offered us even as we wished we could have been better prepared or informed.

Christmas andNew Year clebrations came and went: After thought impressions

2012-01-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Year celebrations happened but to this moment the following after thought impressions keep bugging me:

* Many did not like Christmas to happen the way it did; so many died, so many in pain because of Typhoon Sendong which came and went yet its ill effects were so much to bear;

* December 24 - Christmas Eve remained a day before Christmas because many were not ready to celebrate Christmas Day. Since 24 had to give way to 25 the day happened but the hearts of the faithful were focused somewhere else;

* The next big event came, New year's Eve - but the feeling of empathy with those who lost almost everything kept the atmosphere still nostalgic and pensive so the midnight celebrations went on but not the usual fun fare just that December 31 ended and gave way to January 1.

* For the Teachers, the Pinoy "cash gift" did not really amount to the P10 thousand as promised because for the first time, the tax was enforced in the midst of the already sad Christmas season. Whatever is the reason, the reason cannot be accepted by the teachers for not only is it a first time but it was announced in the guise of giving more yet only for a moment and then bang! tax got almost half of the amount. What a cash gift. Up to now, the "bad taste remains in our tongues" and forever to stay - until the same Christmas cash gift comes along under the guise of whatever it will be. Then we had a bargaining agreement and the expected P17 thou became P14 thou but when the money actually reached us, it became P5 thous for some; P8 or P9 thou for others depending on one's salary. This time BIR is saying the law has always been there that beyond P30 thou must be taxed. Why now? Why not a moratorium and a perhaps when enough explanation is acceptable, then perhaps then . . . but not now. Still it was and so all the expected money - went back to the government which is supposed to make the employees happy. Then to add to the injury, the City government received a memorandum from the National Treasury that it should not give cash gift to nationally paid employees which included the teachers. So to this day we did not receive the usual P5 thou. If you can only hear our complaints and grunt, Mr. President Aquino, it may be worth your time to reconsider. But then, Filipinos and educated as teachers are, the days went by and we are still here back to school, back to work.

Someday, things will become clearer and more understandable . . . someday. After all, money is not everything . . .

Back to school but where is the school?

2012-01-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

In the Philippines, classes were supposed to resume January 3 of 2012. All places which were spared from Typhoon Sendong went on with the day's activities but not in places which were heavily affected by the typhoon like those schools which became the evacuation centers located in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. Many other places are not directly hit but the message is clear: when the area is damaged due to environmental calamities, the entire city suffers; ultimately the entire country is called to help.

Help? How? The order was: back to school but where is the school? or if there are remnants to talk about, what is the state of affairs the facilities and school materials finds itself? One positive note though is that when these things happen, the teachers and the pupils go the distance. Media coverage show us how they clean amidst the rubble and all the destruction is right in front of everyone but Filipinos have this resiliency to say: life goes on no matter what.

Today.com providentially discussed the "will power instinct" which is timely for all concerned. Teachers and learners can find comfort in this instinct which is what education is all about. The saying: "someone can be schooled but not educated" is timely because the experience we gather from the "university of Life" comes to anyone ready to be educated by life's experiences- whether you are in school or not. Another saying is similar: "Experience is the best teacher."

So as to the query, where is the school is query no more for only the building has been damaged but not the will power instinct and the optimistic perspective that in time it will come to pass and life goes on. To all you out there who are still reeling of pain and anger, we pray that sooner rather than later, better things will catch up for our faith is more than all these terrible realities . . . a rainbow is just out there waiting . . . smile a little and soon enough . . . you will come to realize: life will find a way of bringing in better opportunities, greater realities to come before you know it.

An elderly teacher yes, but a human being first . . .

2012-01-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

Television episodes nowadays focus on the est of their shows up to end of 2011. For other shows, attention is given to forecast for the New Year, 2012. Chinese Feng Shui tells us that 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon. It is interesting to note that it describes the New Year as a transformational, life-changing year. It even adds an encouraging note: 2012will be abetter year compared to 2011: a good year to improve oneself.

Comments like what the Feng Shui experts say are offered as foods for thought for by now every person knows you alone, with your God and family, who can put all these perspectives to action. All the promise of a better year is nice to one's hearing but it will not bear fruit if the person concern does not do something about it.

Fengshuimall.com presents the forecast for the tiger - where my birth year belongs: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010 as follows: We have very strong and venerable traits like self confidence, bravery, courage, charm and everlasting supply of energy. While these are positive traits we are still reminded to watch out for these same traits might lead to arrogance, and self-destructive behavior. We have a brilliant outlook in 2012. We have to trust our instincts but we do not let our guard down.

As they say, if you want to know your own horoscope, "google it" and the rest is up to you. Remember the saying: "Do your best as though everything depends on you but pray as though everything depends on God."

This elderly blogger-teacher accepts the fact that she is an elderly teacher blogger but a human being first - someone who, like you, hopes to have more, do more in order to be more to borrow the famous line.

To you my loyal followers, only my best wishes for a prosperous 2012!!!

Just in time to say Happy New Year this January 1 on the dot!

2011-12-31T22:55:00.000-08:00

Did you notice something different this New year celebration fellow blogger teachers? If there something noticeable and might prove to be a teaching moment, it is a new outlook people give to celebrations.

One factor am sure is the financial constraints every person is experiencing wherever you are. While it is depressing it is also a learning opportunity. From now on, only those that truly matter are given significance. Even the major catastrophes cannot deny every well meaning person the chance to reflect on what is truly happening. Today for example, intensity 7 earthquake rocked Japan. Days ago, the Philippines experienced intensity 5. What other countries experience are other forms of earthquakes like protests which are so fierce, deaths have been reported. In Valencia Bukidnon,Philipplines, typhoons came after another typhoon had caused thousands of lives lost in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. All other upsets have visited a community one way or another and this leaves us fearing for our lives.

This day then, let us savor the first day of the New Year and pray that, with God as our sole protector and always a loving Father of us all, will bless the world with another zest for hope and say with a Happy Tone: Welcome 2012!

This Christmas, the Teacher in us has much to offer in terms of realizations while the Learner in us has much to ponder upon

2011-12-24T03:10:00.000-08:00

Many have experienced calamities during Christmas but when the victims are people you know or are from a place you always go to, the impact is different. One thing is sure: this Christmas of 2011, the Teacher in us has much to offer in terms of realizations while the Learner in us has much to ponder upon.

This blogger was in a beauty salon yesterday when one customer came in and without difficulty pointed us her hands, filled with the remnants of sticky mud and the indescribable trauma she shared when they were on top of their house,waiting for the water to subside. They did not even realize that while they were there hopelessly waiting for the water to "go away", they were unable to plan for the next thing to do if they would be overcome by the current. Now, looking back, they could laugh at their faces and the things they brought. She remembered carrying rice but she knew they could not cook it. She remembered literally carrying the refrigerator with her mom but forgot to save more important things like their dresses. For sure, they were able to come out of it with only their clothing they have put on as wearable for all the rest were littered with sticky mud and could not imagine washing it or bringing it to a laundry shop. Now, her family has transferred to another place, here in Bukidnon, where they really come from - 3 hour ride away from Balulang , Cagayan de Oro City.They could not bring themselves to go back and get what can still be saved - not now,perhaps after Christmas when the realization and pondering are thought through. Her story is already worse but according to my children who have decided to play active roles as volunteers, others did not lose only their things but all their loved ones: spouses, children, parents. Death was everywhere and for the many days they were there, food is not what they need this Christmas.

My children have come home and shared with this blogger that indeed this Christmas the Teacher in us has much to offer in terms of realizations while the Learner in us has much to ponder upon. The good food already served at table remained uneaten because they say they are not hungry just weary and sad for the victims who have not much to eat and a long way to restore their lives especially their sanity.

Christmas is definitely beyond the pain life's challenges put before each person but an event to allow Jesus Christ to be born in our hearts - in our lives.

A kind and model teacher dies but her legacy lives on . . .

2011-12-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

Everybody calls her Ma'am Fely and for a very long time, she taught and retired when she reached 63 years old. She was sickly but she never let her sickness stop her from visiting others who are also not feeling well. This is her legacy: to be a teacher and a friend to as many who need her badly or just that she feels she has to see for herself how they are doing.

When the teachers and non-teaching personnel went to her house and pray for her, every person knew from his/her heart that Ma'am Fely will be missed but knowing that she is safe in the hands of God, her Maker and Savior, we have to let go for to be with God is our place. She is 67 years young but death knows no age only that God has called you to be with Him.

Ma'am Fely, rest in peace and please now that you are with our God help us who are still journeying as pilgrims on earth.

This Christmas, Teacher's teacher's wishes to focus on realities that truly matter and await the New Year (2012) with newness . . .

2011-12-22T04:04:00.000-08:00

Imagine 61 years old and soon - like July 1 - and Teacher's teacher with God's consent, turn 62. For elderly people, every moment in a senior citizen's life is a teaching moment. It is of the moment therefore that Teacher's teacher's wishes revolve around deeper focus on realities that truly matter and await the New Year - 2012 - with newness.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 teach us the importance in spiritual gifts for at the end, there are only three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. In the earlier verses, it reminds us: "When I was a child, I used to talk like a child and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man (woman?, person? ) all childish ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall know as fully as I am known . . ." Every word is a very deep reality that will take a lifetime to fathom. All other realities should be anchored on these truths that every reflector has a lifetime to ponder upon.

May this coming New Year (imagine 2012!) be faced with Newness, with greater candor and enthusiasm and with gratitude. Thank you God for this Christmas, 3 days more to go and thank you God for this coming 2012. The world can sometimes be a good place to dwell on and spend the rest of one's days but more and more, life teaches us that it is not this world that one should expect to life forever; it is a life that only faith can prepare one for, a life only God can give to a believer.

Again and again, while Christmas is not yet fully here, 3 days more to go . . . Christmas cheers from Teacher's teacher and then on, Happy New Year 2012!

So many deaths, so many missing, when Sendong came . . .

2011-12-18T13:42:00.000-08:00

How many times do we see all these unexpected deaths and a long list of the missing once a calamity strikes and always we can only gasp at how painful this causes to those concern and to happen few days before Christmas. Moments, like this,are those teaching moments when nothing can fill the pain and gnawing pain that every member of the family feels. No amount of empathy can replace the emptiness that is now lingering in the hearts of children, fathers,mothers who lost their parents, children or relatives.

Teacher's teacher is at a loss how to express her concern in her own little way. Today is one attempt at doing something more concrete. She has volunteered to join Mindanaoan, BukidnononLine and Bukidnon Bloggers in their plan to go to Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao Philippines and share whatever they can come up with and help. Do step us fellow bloggers and anybody out there who wants to help somehow. Contact us and together we can make the small things big enough to fill a void nobody can replace. It is part of the teaching insights we learn when we help in whatever capacity - no amount of material thing can replace the pain and emptiness that overpower the present emotional state of those experiencing the fatalities. Still, it is not the material things that matter but the capacity to reach out to others in their time of need that lives on and makes us hope for better things.

Typhoon Sendong had come and left its devastation but the hearts of believers are kept alive by their faith. The many deaths and those who are missing left behind the imprints of unanswered questions why it must happen but the teaching reality stays: We move on because our Faith tells us. Somehow, in time, however long it may be - we receive our answers slowly and gradually accept why many of the truths are best "kept in one's hearts" as Mother Mary did when she could not understand.

To all the families who are in pain, please accept our prayers for your loved ones.

Disasters teach us what we are not doing enough . . .

2011-12-17T01:47:00.000-08:00

We sort of take for granted the many good things that keep on coming to our land until events like flash floods, heinous crimes and various disasters come to our shores. While the disasters cause lives and crimes make the bad side of man get the better of us all, what do they teach us deep down it all? It teaches us that we are not doing enough; we just push through with our indifference.

Take the most recent Typhoon, Sendong, the most affected areas are in Mindanao. Gwen Pang, Secretary General of Red Cross spoke to ANC and confirmed the death toll in Cagayan de Oro City andIligan City that reached more than 134 and 200 more declared missing. The next move is to ship goods to help the families. GMA reports 71 died in Cagayan De Oro City alone while 100 plus missing.

President Pinoy also did his share by calling an emergency meeting. He pointed out that there are long-range solutions but at the moment the most urgent is relocation and relief to the families. DSWD confirmed it has enough goods to help the victims.

Disasters teach us what we, as the stewards of creation, are not doing enough. Deforestation has been cited as one of the main causes of flash floods and this has been knownfor quite sometime now. Yet we know for a fact proactive solutions are not that abundant.

Cash gift from LGUs this Christmas: Sorry no more according to Pres. Pinoy

2011-12-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Just when many teachers are not so happy with President Pinoy's cash gift, from ten thousand (P10,000) to five or six thousand if your salary has reached P30,000, here is another President Pinoy's order to LGUs not to give cash gift to teachers who are nationally paid. Definitely Malacanang knows how hard times are and any additional cash gift will be a welcome one. There seems to be a desire to straighten the way especially those which have been taken lightly by agencies. Perhaps the administration should move a little bit more humanely. If the salaries are all enough for the teachers' needs then they are sure to accept these drastic changes. President Pinoy: a little allowance in the spirit of Christmas. Give proper information and prepare the people well ahead of time. As of now we signed to accept what is due but anything beyond P30,000 will be subject to withholding tax. A Christmas bonus is a bonus because it is an indirect way of saying thank you for a job well done so if it is a bonus let it be free from tax. It is like giving it but taking it back some other way.

Another sad point is the Collective Negotiating Agreement: if before savings of the institution get back bigger than 50% now DBM will retain 20% and 30% for another purpose and to be given back is only 50%. Again, at a time when the spirit of giving and sharing should e the embracing spirit in the season of love: the people for whom all the government efforts are directed are the very same people who will benefit. Why? Why? Why?

Some teachers advance that perhaps the legal status of our President as single is a factor why he cannot fathom the real situation of married couples and other breadwinners. Then the fact that he was born rich makes him less sensitive to what the real score is in the day to day financial struggle that families have to address. Does the President know how much take home pay every teacher really takes home? We make fun of the favorite tour country every teacher visit: London (which really refers to Loan Doon, Loan Dito) so the so-called payslip testifies to the payments spread out to so many loan "doon" loan "dito" so the deduction takes almost the entire salary and the meager amount placed under net income is painful to look at and how far it can go.

Cash gift from LGUs this Christmas: Sorry no more according to President Pinoy is ill-advised. Teachers however, by virtue of their being teachers, feel badly but somehow manage to smile and say Well - - - that's life, "parang buhay". . . "Weather weather" lang yan.

May this blog reach the eyes of those concerned.

Will Iraq make it without United States Troops? Why not?

2011-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

CNN featured live the event today: the last day (up to December 31?) of the U.S.troops in Iraq. Clicking on, all other networks carried the story. For us viewers all over the world, the feeling is a mixture of joy that a country has been given back its sovereignty but anxiety because Iraq will have to stand up to its plate. This makes any concerned citizen of the world to offer honor to a great country, the United States of America for every mission it offers to those in need. We may not always agree with what troops do especially when they seem to take over another territory but what if there is no U.S. aid in the form of its troops? Other countries shout their protests and we can understand why yet we now for a fact how others also shout louder their plea for help. Imagine the lives that have been offered in the name of freedom.

Teachers, like me, bring this scenario to the classroom for deeper discussions. In my classes for example, especially in Peace Education, we feed it to the minds of the young leaders. The feedback is not exactly inspiring but at least the idea has been planted: We belong to one world so we must care even it all we could do is talk about it.

Whatever is your take of the troops especially the U.S. troops and all the other troops who came before,during and after, especially those who died for the cause, there is no way we can deny the fact that they cared and did something about it, at the cost of their lives and finances - amounting to billions of dollars. We, the viewers and fellow citizens of the same world pay tribute to all the troops- to the U.S. troops - and say with sincerity thank you for making the world a safer place to live in.

A Teacher's wish this Christmas

2011-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Teaching is a mission and a vocation. Unlike a non-teaching personnel, the work of a teacher is non-stop. This is heightened by the realities of life like being parents or bread winners. So when Christmas comes along, a Teacher's wish is to have enough time with loved ones and enough money in one's hands. It was therefore good news for teachers when the Philippine government announced with all its glory that the teachers will receive ten thousand pesos. Yet already the whispers are a brewing that it is not really the amount as promised for the said amount will be TAXED. If there is anything that should be given freely and with love, it is a bonus. It comes at a time when love is in the air and the spirit is to make the employees happy especially the teachers. This then is this teacher's wish this Christmas: that Secretary Abad with the approval of President Pinoy to announce with all clarity that every employee, every teacher, receives the whole amount PERIOD. Let this season think of the families and for once, no tax please.

Let us join in the wish and our wish will surely not go unheeded. Merry Christmas Secretary Abad and Mr. President!

CNN Hero of 2011 is Filiino-American, Congrats Robin Lim!

2011-12-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

One's nationality is not the sole source of becoming a hero but one's humanity. Efren Penaflorida is Filipino and the first CNN Hero and now Robin Lim,Filipino-American working in Indonesia is another CNN hero. Life is what you make of it and all other trimmings are just ways of helping you out in doing better at what you are doing.

This is life's teaching moment: heroism begins in one's heart: the desire to reach out to others and in so doing find one self. We have many heroes in the world: foremost are our parents who love us unconditionally. More admirable are parents who become parents not because they bear the children but through adoption become the parents of the children. Whatever is your state in life, what matters is to live life to the fullest and hero or not, you have ultimately speaking, become hero in your own right.

To all the heroes, God be with you! Thank you God for giving them to mankind.

Are you an alumnus or alumna of Bukidnon Normal School, Bukidnon State College, Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, Province of Bukidnon, Mindanao Philippines?

2011-12-11T09:44:00.001-08:00

Are you? If you are, please reserve December 27-29, 2011 for we the graduates of Bukidnon Normal School, way back 1940's to 1980's; Bukidnon State College way back 1980's to 1990's and Bukidnon State University, from 2000's to the present will have a grand reunion. The dates alone will tell you how grand.

Feel free to contact this blog through your comment if you are one of us but may not be able to come personally since you are now somewhere in another place scattered all over the world (what a term but what an achievement many graduates have achieved!) This blogger had been away from her alma mater since 1072 and only came back when fate destined it. Indeed destiny had a role to play for after teaching for so many years in different schools, am now one of the faculty members of the College of Teacher Education of Bukidnon State University and recently designated as the Guidance Counselor. Along the way, generous people like Ma'am Linda, Ma'am Remy and Sir Vic helped a lot in bringing me back to my native home, my land of birth and my alma mater. Hopefully, I will retire from the university in 2015 whether this blogger likes it or not (can you guess why?)

So are you by chance, a graduate of Bukidnon Normal School? a graduate of Bukidnon StateCollege? or a graduate of Bukidnon State University? Let us celebrate our homecoming on December 27-29, 2011 if not physically - at least spiritually . . . If you want to reach out do write in the comment portion and this blogger will give you more information. Initial responders? See ya!

Teacher's teacher is also counselor nowadays . . .

2011-12-03T17:54:00.001-08:00

Being designated the guidance counselor of the College of Teacher Education is a major turning point in my teaching career. Expect allusion to some guidance discussion points in the future. Hopefully if inspired enough this blogger will manage another focused mainly on Guidance and Counseling.

Since December 5-9, 2011 is Education Week of the College of Teacher Education, the Guidance Office, in coordination with the Study Body Organization is holding a symposium that will discuss in depth two major issues that seem to beset young people nowadays: suicide and unwanted pregnancy. In the future, we hope to deal more with human relationships or human sexuality of which many other topics will be covered.

Teachers and Guidance Counselors, all over the worlds, we should meet in blogosphere. Please tag me or invite me to your blospots and websites. Here is one waiting for your click.

First Friday today, December 2- Teaching moment

2011-12-01T14:01:00.001-08:00

Filipinos catholics and other catholics all over the world celebrate first Friday devotion.Source tells us that the devotion is in relation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is believed that Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and spoke to her of His Sacred Heart. Among the promises is a teaching moment especially to every believer who prepares not only for this earth but also for life after: "All my powerful love will grant to those who will receive communion for 9 consecutive months the grace of final repentance - they will not die in my displeasure and my Heart will be their refuge to that last moment . . .." For true believers, this devotion does not only last for 9 months but forever.

For the young and the elderly, this devotion reminds us of the time when nothing else matters but the Savior's Hand when the time of death comes. This is one teaching moment that should not be left to chance for if there is one reality that does not escape every person, it is death. Let it be taught also that the devotion is not solely to prepare for death but mainly to live a live so full that tomorrow can take care of itself if today is well lived.

Now this blogger has to prepare for school and join the others who will offer mass in the gymnasium of Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines.

Twenty-five centavos occupy a big portion of Quirino Grandstand

2011-12-01T03:37:00.001-08:00

Filipinos are noted for its values and one of these is bayanihan (helping one another). In the present incident we talk of twenty-five centavo coins donated by all sectors of society lined up in the open field of Quirino Grandstand. It is a way of helping build more schools and other projects while hoping to beat United States in the Guinness record of lining up cents as long as 64.8 kilometers. The organizers declared they have surpassed this very long line of cents (70 kms. long!) so let us wait for (we hope) not a very long time the declaration from the Guinness team that the Philippines made it.

For us teachers what is more important is the intention behind the bayanihan. Imagine the help that will go a long way. Many volunteered and this is the real reason for celebration when volunteers get together to tell the whole world that big things begin with small things: twenty-five centavos can reach millions when every donor shares much. In the meantime, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is happy that the "lowly" twenty-five centavos have come back to be "recognized" as it hopes to build noble projects for the use of the less fortunate wherever they may be.

To all donors and volunteers: May your tribe increase and God bless!!!

Urgent task to teachers: Talk about Aids in your classes!

2011-11-30T22:24:00.001-08:00

Whether you teach in the elementary, high school, college or post graduate levels, the challenge is the same: let us talk about Aids in our classes especially today, December 1: WORLD AIDS DAY. There is no doubt education is still one of the most effective ways to prevent aids. Even its dream to develop vaccine against aids will come from the education sector where geniuses are nurtured.

Education, from the Latin word educere or educare, which means to lift up and this alone tells us the vital role education plays in every facet of a person's life. It cannot be denied though that so many of the crises have bombarded humanity nowadays. All these range from personal, political to environmental-cultural social and in some cases they overlap that our hope for better days and faith in God are our only reasons to hold on.

This idea of hoping and believing is also a good point of discussion in our classes. Teachers, Mabuhay ka! Long Live the teachers!!!

Some of the issues to be tacked during Education Week: Suicide and Unwanted Pregnancy

2011-11-29T09:23:00.001-08:00

The Guidance Office of the College of Teacher Education in one university coordinates with its Student Body Organization to hold a symposium or panel discussion that will deal with issues young adults are confronted with. Two issues have surfaced for this gathering: Suicide and Unwanted Pregnancy.

Why suicide? While the university does not say that there are many cases of suicide, now and then, we hear of some of the students who died not of natural causes but of suicide. A particular incident this blogger saw for herself was the case of a seventeen year old male freshman who committed suicide by taking "insecticide". The mother whom we met in the funeral home related that her son did not give her reason to be worried about but she asked apology from the son that perhaps she did not do her best to find out. She told her son as he laid there in the coffin to forgive them but to please not to let go of Jesus who alone can understand why he did what he did. Many more incidents were shared by both parents that when we left, we made a promise to hold some kind of forum where young people will hear more about suicide.

Why unwanted pregnancy? Well, due to some Magna Carta for the protection of women, students who get pregnant without being married is not enough ground tob e suspended by the university. So we do find many students, from first year college to fourth year, sometimes, high school students or few elementary pupils who get pregnant who are too young to understand what they are going through but they going to become parents themselves.Before this situation becomes worse that it already is, a thorough discussion about male-female relationships, some of which lead to unwanted pregnancy, might follow the guidance principle: "Prevention is better than cure." From our end, we can think of it as a proactive response to more issues that also need equal attention. Future blogs will share the salient points the resource speakers will tell the audience. Can you share some insights?

Now that November is about to end, Christmas is inevitable so this early, a food for thought. . .

2011-11-26T05:32:00.001-08:00

As mentors, any event can be an opportunity to teach so in this regard, with November about to end, December is inevitable to grace us once again. This early, what is a food for thought to think in advance before it finally comes?

That December is just any month that follows the month before it which is November. It is only when we use December as a special chance to give love especially to those who do not know at all that now Christmas has taken a unique perspective.

This early then, Metanoia (Conversion) is a must which we know we cannot do on our own. We pray for it so that it is given to us as a gift. Advent before Christmas is significant to note.

Allow me to be one of the first persons to greet you " Merry Christ-mas and and a Converted Happy New Year!"

Many scenarios in the Philippine scene have much to teach every person . . .

2011-11-22T07:56:00.001-08:00

Whether you are from the Philippines or not, the recent events have much to teach every person nowadays.

Let us begin with the "mess ex-President GMA - Who could ever foresee that she would ever be in this situation? Very recently we cleaned one room where her photo as President of the Philippines hang on the wall and then now we see her photos - frail, sick, helpless and everyone saying very unkind words against her. Being a parent and teacher myself, my heart bleeds for her and though sometimes I exchange harsh remarks with colleagues when I show sympathy or empathy, it is worth expressing how people can be very unkind.

Whatever will come out of the saga that is bound to stay for a long time, let us remain generous with our understanding. One day, we might find ourselves somewhat in the same "dilemma" so take time to "hold your horses".

Then we hear the case of RamJen's murder and the "family" chaos that seems to remain mysterious and unsolved as to whether one or two or three have a hand in the death of RamJen. Problems that family members go through are so near our own experiences, again it is prudent not to be harsh with our remarks. Every family has a story to tell and a history that has so many nuances an outsider cannot fully fathom. The family is where the heart is. So let us always treasure our own family and never take it for granted.

Other countries seem to have other things to face. Egypt is undergoing a transition to move forward. In the process, protesters have been hurt. Libya too has a new government. It needs strong leaders to pursue its desire for change.

To sum up, the Philippine events are not only within its borders for the world now has become so interdependent, we can learn from each other and teach each other as well.

Teacher as a parent, as a counselor, as a fellow person . . .

2011-11-15T05:07:00.001-08:00

The second semester of SY 2011-2012 is here so November 14 was our first class session. From now on, this blogger's roles have been rolled into one as a teacher, as a parent, as a counselor and as a fellow person. The subjects assigned to this blogger are to her liking: Developmental Reading, Structure of English and Peace Education. Expect future discussions to cover salient points based on these contexts. Do share what you like about any of the coverages.