lifes' simple pleasures

Ampalaya Con Carne

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:28:00 +0000

How I taught my kids eat ampalaya (bitter gourd)

I love veggies! I was in grade school when I first learned the nutrients and vitamins we can get from them and I grew up benefiting from them. As a mom, Id like to share to my children the benefits vegetables give us to make us healthy. The kind that most children hate is the Ampalaya (bitter gourd/bitter melon) because of its bitter taste. I haven’t heard a single story from my friends that any of their kids appreciate ampalaya.

I have known thru my readings that ampalaya is a good source of vitamins A,B,C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium. I have seen a loved one taking ampalaya capsule to control blood sugar because she said it helps the pancreas to produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. I came across with some materials explaining that it helps alleviate some illnesses and now being used as herbal medicine which is good for rheumatism and gout, enhances immune system to fight infections to name a few. I had a sumptuous meal of fried fish with Monggo and ampalaya leaves. My brother has something to say about ampalaya leaves; had them juiced and been very good anti oxidant and has excellent purgative effect.

The challenge of having my children indulge themselves into healthier ventures, I encouraged them to eat ampalaya and I gradually introduced to them its taste thru Ampalaya con carne. They said its not savory at all because of its bitter taste, so I thought of lessening the bitter taste in the first serving and gradually increasing it as we go along and it worked. Now, ampalaya is a welcome dish in our dining table with so much gusto. Here is how I do it, this is a simple recipe which I think is enriched by ampalaya and tomato sauce, simple yet it served a grand purpose:

Ampalaya con Carne

½ kilo pork casim lengthwise 1 ½ x 1 ½ inches

1 medium size ampalaya (bitter gourd) cut length wise, seeds scrapped) sliced crosswise

( to lessen the bitter taste, sprinkle with salt, mash a bit then wash with a little water, sprinkle with salt again and leave for 5 minutes, wash and ready for cooking, the salt will put out a bit of the bitter taste)

1 medium size onion sliced

1 tsp. garlic minced

1 cup tomato sauce

dash of black pepper

1 ½ tbsp. tausi (salted black beans)

2 cups water

Vegetable oil

1. Saute garlic and onion

2. Add the pork, cover let it change it color to pale white

3. Add dash of black pepper

4. Add tomato sauce and tausi, mix let stand for a minute then

5. Add 2 cups of water and let it simmer till the pork is tender

6. Add ampalaya and let simmer for 5 minutes or till the ampalaya is cooked but still crunchy, don’t over cooked it.

Now, it is ready for a healthy and sumptuous meal.

My son has a delight for something Italian and his taste bud is discriminating, but he found this simple dish very promising and palatable, I can say that I had them appreciate ampalaya and taught them to eat and love nutritious vegetable that most people hate. Most times I didn’t mash the ampalaya with salt just had them sprinkled with salt since they didn’t notice the bitter taste been intensifying since they are used to eating it anyway.

The Heart of A Champion

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

I started appreciating boxing (as a sport) when I was a kid. I remember watching the fights of Mohammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Marvin Hagler to name a few. I was in grade school then, I used to go to my Grandmother’s house, with all the boys in the neighborhood, just to watch boxing in their black and white television set since they were the only ones who had that time. I said “boys” because it was only me among the “girls” who wanted to watch fighting bouts.

Who would ever forget the “Thrilla in Manila”, dubbed as the “The Greatest Fight of the 20th Century” between Mohammad Ali and Joe Frazier in October of 1975 at Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines. I was seated in the floor of my grandma’s sala where we usually watch TV with my relatives; to me it was an ordinary fighting bout, the loser would be bloodied or dumped in the floor while the winner will be jubilant to take all. I could hear people wishing for more action (since it is a physical game) and hoping for a knockout. Every fight was a showcase of skill, power and discipline of every fighter, but in the end, it was still scary, tough and gory like what Mohammad Ali said in his interview after his match with Frazier, "it was the closest thing to death that I could feel."

As I grew up, I shifted my interest to basketball, boxing was then buried to oblivion, until a Filipino boxer, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao hits the boxing arena with a bang. I first watched his fight in 2005 where he lost to Erik Morales. It was a big disappointment for me, he fought well but the cards didn’t go well with him. From then on, I stopped watching his fights live , I content my self in viewing the delayed telecast. I think I was doing him a favor since he won all his ensuing fights; not that I am treating myself a jinx but just trying to relieve myself of (would-be)disappointment or maybe what we call “pamahiin”(Superstitious).

I was online the entire time that our champ Manny Pacquiao was beating up his opponent Antonio Margarito but wasnt directly viewing it on the tube. Thanks to my friends Rolly and Rudy in Canada for the update via Facebook and to Lito who is in the US for giving me a blow by blow update of the fight (including the comments of ringside commentators).

Yes! Delayed telecast here I come. The Filipinos “Pambansang Kamao” (National Fist) Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao emerged a victor. Every Filipino (where ever they maybe) is proud and jubilant of what our champ has achieved, 8 World Boxing Titles in different divisions. That was such a feat!

The fight in its entirety was an ordinary boxing scenario, the protagonists were definitely out there to pin down their opponents and had the “belt” wrapped around their waist while viewers had their bets on their favorite boxer. Cheers were up in the air and I heard my neighbors shout in delight and amazement.

That Sunday night, while we were having dinner, my children and I were discussing about the fight. It wasn’t centered about the exchanges of blows and how unfortunate it was for Antonio Margarito; BUT, Manny Pacquiao is no ordinary fighter, he has the heart of a champion; God- fearing, confident, disciplined, humble, compassionate and worthy of his achievements.

What caught our interest was the interview made by GMA News Sports Reporter; where Pacquiao said in essence, that boxing is just a game, it isn’t about killing your opponent. It was also asked why he didnt take advantage of every opportunity offered to finish up Antonio Margarito in every round of the fight.

The 14th round of Ali vs. Frazier "Thrilla in Manila", where Ali gave hard and numerous punches on Frazier's left eye, fave the way to end the game. Frazier's eyes were badly beaten, his left eye was already closed and other can barely see. He was even guided by referee Carlos Padilla to his corner. Ali was equally strained and bruised. Mohammad Ali won by Technical Knockout. In boxing, things like these can happen again, in different time and with different people involved, possibility in the Pacquiao-Margarito match was not remote.

With due respect, I opined, that Pacquiao, in the later rounds, didn’t want to inflict Margarito more injuries at that point in time, (though he could have done so for his advantage, because he knew that his opponent cant bear more. His compassion overshadowed the manly greed for power and pride. It was also manifested in his kind gesture of giving the referee a hint that Margarito's condition must be checked by a doctor. How could a boxer thought of his opponent’s state of health in the middle of the fight where each one’s objective is to win?

To the boxing fans, it was an awe and delight for what Pacman did inside the arena as a fighter, but most of all, who could ever forget his display of humility and magnanimity? Truly, he has the heart of a champion.

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The Anguish of a Modern Man

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 06:32:00 +0000

It was one sunny afternoon, I was walking briskly to catch up on my schedule for the day, I have to prepare a sumptuous dinner for my children as I will be attending a meeting later at night. My mind was preoccupied with what im going to buy for my menu until I heard someone calling me “Ate”(a word of respect for elder sister), I assumed it came from a vibrant little boy. Yes, a boy about 7 years old, I assumed, his eyes glistening, his smile is heart warming and his physique is typical of his age. He was asking for some money, “Ate pahingi naman o, gutom na ako eh”(give me some, im starving) , I decided to give him food than a few coins. That was the first time I saw him there, I have been living in the area for about 10 years that time. It was then an ordinary day, had the dinner prepared as I left to attend my meeting.

During that time, as almost all things for a full time mom like me, routinely, bringing my kids to school early in the morning, fetch them at late afternoon, housekeeping, playing the role of the most (un)appreciated stage momma and attending to some errands. Frequenting the vicinity where I live is an everyday task too, and giving that little boy a piece to eat became a duty to me; though I didn’t notice that its getting habitual. Until I saw him in a company of two other boys probably of same age, he had no slippers, he was wearing a dirty torn short and shirt as if he hadn’t taken a bath for a week, though still wearing the same heart warming smile.

I felt a sting in my heart, I don’t know why I was so moved that I wasn’t able to sleep tight that night, thinking of how I can help him. And for the rest of the days, he and his peers were a permanent fixture in a painting of innate poverty. We became friends, we have been eating in a nearby canteen, the owner called him “alaga mo” (my protégée). I discovered that they were about 6 in the family and that he was already 9 years old that time and do not know how to read or write even his nickname. There were times my kids would ask me why he was always following me and calling me “Ate”. I would only reply that he wanted to ask some food from me. I don’t know why I felt bad about him being sort of neglected and deprived. I can feel his plight opened the unexplored part of my being, his presence unleashed my intrinsic altruistic feeling. I felt so miserable thinking that I cant do anything for him and to those children in the same situation.

I can still remember the time when my kids and I were talking about on how to help destitute children languishing around the busy streets (near their school) begging for alms. My children would always put aside a peso or two for them. My son Dingdong, who was 4 years old then and my daughter Yannah who was about 6 years old once said, that they would want to put up an orphanage for them. I was elated to know my children has big hearts and just wished then that we be given enough strength and resources to do it so. Such was a bold exploit to involve into, though our resources are scarce, we still believe that we can impart to them our humble share; may not be a shelter but some other things beneficial to them.

My children and I have taken part in several outreach programs and continuously participating in projects sponsored by community based organizations, peer groups and NGO’s. To our mind, our involvement in humanity’s incessant quest for social justice is our way of thanking our Creator for what He has provided us. We resolved that we will involve ourselves in a project that will teach street children how to read and write; we have gathered some reading materials, writing pads, pencils and crayons already for our lessons. I believe that teaching them how to read and write will be their first step in liberating themselves from poverty, criminality and abuse. Its always been my dream of becoming a teacher. I came from a family of professional educators. Now is my time to stand tall and go hit my goal, Teacher Abet.

Some time ago, I wondered why I haven’t seen the fine little boy in my neighborhood. There came one of his companions, “ate, wala na si Jomari” (Jomari is gone), I became upset, my imagination gone wild, I was thinking something bad happened to him till I was informed that he was brought under the care of a government agency. Such a relief, but how about them, his companions, they are still in the streets (growing in numbers day by day) exposed to every danger of whatever causes.

Time passed, the challenge is still there, now so imperative and substantial; are there some who would take it? I, as a person, as a citizen, accepted the challenge of doing my fair share for my fellows, and together with my children, we resolved that we will be doing what we believe is right and proper. Furthermore, blaming the government or anybody for another’s misfortune is a limp excuse of one’s inability to cope up with the demands of life.

Jomari is gone, I am hoping he is doing well where he is right now, but another frail body is prowling around, I heard his voice calling me “ate”(elder sister), “feed my mind and my soul”, please.

Love is Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 02:01:00 +0000

L- let a drop of blood to bleed
From your heart is a lot to plead
To dream of love to succeed
Is a hard work without greed.

O- Old and young aspire and crave
For provisions of life to live
But the zeal for love is always a craze
That all of us wanting to be ablaze.

V- Vent for passion is like a vehicle to take
That most people abhor to brake
Some triumph some failed
Taunted to prove that feeling is awake.

E- Emotion so gorgeous yet so not
Lovely is the feeling yet so blurred
It is in winning the battle of love we prayed
So is the conquest that we made.

Love is a war everybody dared to win
Victory seem so elusive to gain
Feat for love is not won by siege and invasion
Liberty and peace is the trophy of war
……..that you have won.

August 15, 2010...back to my blog! thanks to some friends who urged me to write something about love..uhmm..yeah right..love! I may sound mean with this but this is all for now! Yeah..LOVE IS FREEDOM...LET LOVE LIBERATE US! Happy reading!

The Walk - Inferior? Not Anymore.

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:45:00 +0000

"The Walk" by Joy T. Dayrit

Probably, many of us, women have already experienced ill-treatment by men. Even in little ways that we are not really aware of. Most of the time, our choices are disregarded, our efforts unnoticed, and worst, our dignities crushed. But have we acted upon it? Have we decided to bring up ourselves and fight for our rights? Have we?

Alma, our main character, a woman and a wife, lives in San Lorenzo Village, a first class subdivision and a home to the privilege few in the broad and vast Makati City.With such residence, it implies a happy, contented and fortunate living. But as the story begins, we see here a woman of great sorrow, laying on the floor--crying.

Unraveling the real events in the life of a woman, Joy T. Dayrit, author of this story, The Walk, opens her short story with such setting opposing the characteristic and behavior Alma should have in line to where and what kind of life she is living.

With such opening, traditional gender roles have been successfully utilized as justification for inequality. With culture’s perspective towards women, being weak and emotionally defeated at all times, Joy T. Dayrit tries to change such point of view as the story progresses. Her motivation to show that women are not of weak character and that they can achieve success too, Joy T. Dayrit changes Alma. From a wife with no say to her husband’s decisions and is willingly weak in terms of fighting for what is appropriate for her due to her love for her husband; and from a woman who is incapable of addressing her thoughts as shown in the lines “’I feel in my heart I may not love you at all anymore,’ she wanted to say but did not,” Alma becomes a woman, a wife capable of uplifting herself as stated “This battle’s been won. She loved her Ted. But now for war.”

As the story sets foot, difference between gender roles is evidently shown. As the story progresses, patriarchy and biological essentialism are portrayed. With these ideologies occurring in the text, drastic changes will be implied and revision of beliefs will be waged.

Patriarchy, by definition, promotes women’s inferiority to the men. Alma, being the other and of less importance, her suggestions and decisions were disregarded and are made of less essential to their living. Ted’s dominance, selfishness and less focus to her wife’s welfare showed Alma’s insignificance to the family and to Ted as well as declared by the lines “What if there’s an emergency, you see, and I need it fast. But it doesn’t worry him… What if something happened to your car? I said, ‘What good is a second car if it doesn’t run? If something suddenly happened to your Corona, how will you get to the office?’ That’s when he called for a mechanic.” Alma’s welfare was not put into mind. Moreover, Ted just decided to have the Lancer fixed when his own welfare was placed in the picture.

Also, the fact that Ted, giving more importance to his work and newly-gotten car, the Corona, more than Alma as acknowledged by the line “He loves his bluff work and ill-gotten Corona more than me,” gave the deepest and most painful depression Alma encountered. Ted, having been able to put his work and Corona before his wife made a unfathomable pain, sudden impact and sting to Alma’s heart. Them bound together by the sacrament of the Holy Matrimony, promised to dedicate their whole lives as part of the other, for the best and the worst scenarios of their entire lives and for the good of them both, made Alma incredulous and doubtful of what is happening. Expressing her disbelief, “One hot tear rolled down her brown nose and hung trembling there at the tip.” Alma trusted Ted with all her heart believing that he was the right man to have her whole life together with. But in the end, after all, she felt beaten and is in disdain.

As traditional gender roles and biological essentialism strongly imply, Alma is bound to the home, receiving all the hurt she gets from Ted for not noticing her efforts, ignoring her welfare, and placing work before her while Ted is out for work, enjoying his life and his new car.

After twenty years of marriage, we see a woman emotionally beaten, thinking of the hardships and obstacles she has been through, realizing that she is over the magical spell of love that hinders her from seeing what is deeply hidden for the past twenty years. She then wakes up and starts a life anew. Having been able to awaken herself from the love’s spell, she decides to fight for what is right and justify what is initially wrong. As to how life awakens her, Joy T. Dayrit inserts a new character in the story.

As Alma walks in the old perpendicular streets of San Lorenzo Village, dreaming of a wonderful life, getting farther of reach, she meets an unano. This midget opened her eyes to what is really taking place and to what is needed to supply importance to. Having been able to awaken Alma from the fantasy she is into, this midget paved way for her to realize that there is something needed to be fixed. “’Unload,’ said the unano. ‘Your mind has full of unimportant details,” her emotions became placid, thinking of the lines the midget told her. With the midget’s line “Unload,” Alma gained the guts to release what was kept potent inside her for the past twenty years.

Next, the fact them entering the “exit” gate of the Paradise rather than the entrance, symbolized the beginning of bringing back the events that happened and the chance to change and fix what is needed to be aided. The stone, on the other hand, symbolizes the bond between Ted and Alma, changing and unstable as proclaimed “If she gave the stone to Ted he did not see a frog in it, but a star, and a discussion between them began that took them to the four hundred corners of interpretation. But this morning Ted was off in his Corona, leaving behind him the car’s healthy new motor sound, and the stone in Alma’s hand.” It is as if the stone promotes discussion between the two, nonetheless, there will be nothing of importance to be talked about.

As the story moves on, we are to face the changes that Alma underwent. All of the sudden, the weak and emotionally defeated woman becomes empowered, defending what is right for her. Fleeing from gullibility, we now have a woman ready to justify what is needed to be justified and change what is needed to be changed. In line with this, the breakage of love’s spell on her had us have a woman now ready to redeem herself from the authority and superiority of her husband.

Indeed, Alma loves Ted. She even provides her with everything he needs and wants without any complains, “Alma reset the breakfast in the way Ted expected it to be set. Coffee, rice, fish, eggs. She did that for him splendidly every morning, for breakfast…” She is with him for the past twenty years without any fuss heard. She provided Ted with much love she could. But as she long for equality and believe that it is not only Ted that needed to be provided with her love but herself too, we here encounter a woman, setting aside her obligation as a wife, her ceaseless love for Ted, now thinking about the good of herself and having a mind of her own.

Unlike any other story of a woman and a man, we here stumble upon a different and unique idea. Usually, women give in to the power of the men, falling and succumbing to male’s so-called superiority to the female without having even a little scent of redeeming herself and spice of reprisal. But with Joy T. Dayrit’s The Walk, we see here a woman instituting change, applying development education, putting into action what she learned and believes in and promoting no turning back.

Certainly, we all need each other to survive but if injustice is evident in the relationship, impertinence is being put into practice, and dignities are crushed, we have the choice, the right, and a mind of our own to live a live of freedom, of what we want, of what we need and of subsistence.

A Feminist Reading of Yannah Laluces-Lagasca
English III analysis paper, dated October 20, 2008.

Nature Heals

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:32:00 +0000

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.”

-Anne Frank

There are times that we feel unappreciated, hurt. More often than not, unnoticed in spite all the efforts we perform. Yes, I experience these. But because of this nature trip, I have uplifted myself and realized some things beyond what I have came to understand before.

As I walk by the hills of UP Los Baños and lost excess weight while going up the sort-of small mountain for the Philippine Raptors Center, I have become one with nature. The way the wind blew my hair and the way the trees have become my guide in making my way, made this trip more enticing. As I venture through the streets and beautiful sites of Laguna, I have asked myself, “Why did God made this place so beautiful? He knows that man will just destroy it.” But as I meditate upon the attractive beauty and unique ambience these places give, I have answered my question. I believe that God made earth so beautiful because of His great love for us.

I have also came to understand fully that though He knows that man will only destroy what He have made, He still believes in the capability of men to be responsible enough in protecting his own home. Yes, indeed, our own home--beautiful and stewards we are. This beauty, giving an uplifting experience—setting aside all your worries and pain, making you feel better and wonderful about yourself is something we should all be proud about. We have these places in our country that shares and makes us experience God’s true love. We have these gifts that heal the heart.
------

Yannah's composition for her English III class; February 04, 2009.

I’m Proud

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Yannah's analysis of Joyce Maynard’s-
“Honoring Mothers: Four Generations”
http://www.joycemaynard.com/columns-articles/
parenting-hm-four-generations.shtml

From the primeval women perspective to the present, there was the occurrence of change. As millenniums past by, there was a drastic transformation from their low social stratification in the ancient times to someone more significant today.

Joyce Maynard, a beloved daughter and now a mother, shares with us her own outlook with regards to a woman’s worth not only in the society but also in their own families. She begins her essay stating the impact and difference that her mother, Fredelle, had provided her. She uses the line “…and the kind of mother I am is wrapped up with the kind of mother I had” to express that a mother’s contribution to the growth of her child is perennial and becomes the basis of the child’s decisions and way of living.

She also shares with us the natural reaction of a child being scolded or prohibited of doing things they wants to do. She provides us with the line “Of course, I’ve rejected, railed against and even cursed parts of my heritage, as most daughters have” to convey her own reaction with regards to the way deciding and culture circulates in a typical family.

Her technique of using her own stories and recalling of the past accounts helps us visualize what had occurred and clearly understand how her mother influences her with everything she does. Her great narration of stories that she kept in sequence and her writing greatly paves way to the avoidance of confusion to the readers.

She also shows us through her essay the appreciation of a mother to her child even from the littlest things she do to the huge ones. With her essay, she reveals to us that the appreciation of a mother will always be the best ever for it provides the greatest feelings ever. Being cherished with the actions you do, makes an individual feel more blessed and provides high self-esteem. And only the mother will and can do make her child feel more blessed and make her more courageous and proud of herself. For a mother underwent those experiences already for once, she was a daughter.

Joyce Maynard also includes the native culture that circulates in the family. Its system of passing on a tradition or a significant item, element to another generation was also stated.

She proposes this thought by her line: “Someday it will be yours”. In the last parts of her essay, Joyce Maynard provided us with the sentiment of loosing someone who had influenced and took part in our growth. The death of grandmother, Rona Bruser, set the tears on her eyes. Using the line “But in the end, when I said we had to go, it was me, not Grandma, who cried” shows how painful it is to leave someone who actually know that maybe by the moment you set foot outside the door, she will die. Joyce’s such act lets us feel her sorrowfulness for such death. If we were on the same situation, the person who has molded our mother to what she is and the same manner that our mother passed on to us was yellow, dying and only an IV tube to support her life, what would you feel? Joyce’s whole sentiment actually leads us to this realization.

On a more serious view, Joyce Maynard paints there essay to make the readers feel and give importance of their own mothers. Yes indeed, a mother too has lots of mistakes but she knows what is best for us for, again, she was also once a child.

Feelings that touch the hearts of the readers was the equipment Joyce uses in her essay “Honoring Mothers: Four Generations”. Her way of expressing her deepest thoughts with strong feelings makes the readers understand this whole idea of a mother. Basically, her thought of appreciating our mothers and giving honor to them for their endless efforts and eternal care for us is what she wants her readers to feel and do. With her feelings, Joyce provides us with the gust to be proud of our mothers for raising up such great individuals of today. For who we are is what our mothers were.

The Bible is the Living Word of God

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:43:00 +0000

The Bible is about God, people, us, faith and our salvation history. Through the Bible, we get to know our God, His character, His purpose in creating, redeeming, sanctifying us, and what He wants us to do.

The Bible consists of narratives of real men and women – all chosen to play a role in God’s saving plan. The purpose of such stories is to give us the spiritual and religious significance and thus glorify God. The Bible is not just a collection of religious stories, it is a book of faith which grew from a believing community; it is the living witness to God’s love for us- our salvation; and the central source of his revelation of himself to mankind.

The Bible has been written precisely to convey God’s eternal and perennial message of love and salvation for all. The Bible provides us with a unique and irreplaceable means to understand the true meaning of what is happening in our lives. More than any other book in the world, the Bible reaches every age and every nation because salvation, faith and belief in God are as universal and present today as love itself.

Thus, the Bible is a God-inspired basis for all that has been said and will ever be said by Christians about God, the Bible itself is the living word of God.

“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart” – Heb 4:12

This was written by my son Alexis for his Christian Living Education(C.L.E.) class; one of his very first assignments in Ateneo High School. I posted (unedited) this as a way of appreciating his effort and conviction to cope up with high school life. Yesterday, I was in Ateneo to witness the recognition of students who excelled in academics and deportment for the first grading period ; I was one of those proud parents, awed, teary-eyed as my son walked up on stage to receive his certificate (third honors) for exemplary academic performance. Congratulation Son...keep it up! Hitch your wagon to the stars!

Content/Literary Analysis of A Poem- On Turning Ten

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:57:00 +0000

There are clear cut guidelines that help us composing an analysis (content/literary analysis) of certain poem like who is the speaker in the poem?; what are the observations about the poem’s form?; how does its form contribute to its meaning?; does the poem use any metaphor?; what does it suggest about the poem theme and what is the significant human experience does the poem wishes to illustrate?; sometimes the format as to the size of paper to be used; the spacing for typing,font and length of the analysis paper are prescribed.

“On Turning Ten” is a poem written by Billy Collins. My daughter Yannah (she is 15 years old and in her junior year in High School) enjoyed it not only because it is one of their materials for her English class but she indeed loves analyzing and reacting to things that gives her an object for her mental calisthenics. I noticed lately that she loves to write and she derives pleasure from communicating her thoughts through writing. Here is how she analyzed and interpreted the poem (unedited).

A Smooth Life or a Rough One
Do you still remember the day you turned ten? The very moment you stepped at 4th or 5th grade and started studying the regions of our country and expounded interpretations of nouns, pronouns and verbs? “On Turning Ten”, written in free verse by an award winning poet Billy Collins shares with us the persona’s struggle and unpreparedness with the various changes he is undergoing as he reaches his 10th year and starting anew.

The set of good words that he chose to be part of this poem gave uncommon wisdom and deep strike to the readers’ hearts. His way of expressing the persona’s sentiments by using cases to support the occurrences in his childhood paved way for the readers to visualize and feel his character. Sorted in 5 strophes, he showed his deep objection of leaving childhood’s greatness and entering the 1st year of difficulties.

Started the poem by comparing turning ten to “…something worse/than any stomach ache/or the headaches I get/from reading in bad light…” showed the persona’s heartbreaking perspective towards the whole idea of facing a new and more exploring-making chapter in his life. Using “flashback” as technique, it brought us to how good life was to him during his first years of vitality. But as he encounters the 10th year and the deeper side of his whole existence, he then said to himself “This/is/the beginning of sadness”. It evokes his dilemma and questioning of why we have to have our own share of ups and downs and not just happy-happy-joy-joy and are obliged to forget about the happy and silly life we have been get used to.

In the other way, come to think of it, haven’t we all dreamt of just being a kid forever? When we all just have to fool around and forget all the problems we are facing? When all we have to do is cry when we bleed and just wait for somebody to stand us up? It is like we are in between smooth and rough. If you were to choose, what do you prefer? A smooth life as a kid--that all you have to do is go with the flow and eat candies or a rough life as an adult— with piles of work, deadlines and creating your own destiny? We’ve got only one life. We must treasure every bit of it. Cause really, we can never turn back time.

********I posted this because I’d like to give everyone the experience of going into deep thoughts, the experience of wanting to read something that you don’t know what --because reading is an ultimate prelude of your enthusiasm to discover something. I intentionally refrain from posting the poem for a reason that is to encourage everyone to give reading a try, look for your own material that interests you; and the feeling of longing and searching for something you want to read is a signal that you want to enrich your knowledge and discover something new today. The point I want to stress is that, for you to feel the need to read, internalize the necessity to look for something beneficial to venture into. I would be happy to know that after going through my daughter’s interpretation of this poem, many of you will try to look for this material or something else to read and ponder with.

Parenting tips- What Children want to tell their Parents

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:14:00 +0000

To my Mom and Dad:

1. Please don't spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not to have all I ask for - I am only testing you.

2. Do not be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it. It makes me feel secure.

3. Do not let me form bad habits. I have to rely on you to detect them in the early stages.

4. Do not make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me behave stupidly "big".

5. Do not correct me in front of people if you can help it. I'll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in the private.

6. Do not make me feel that my mistakes are sins. It upsets my sense of values.

7. Do not protect me from consequences. I need to learn the painful way sometimes.

8. Do not be too upset when i say "I hate You." Sometimes it isn't you I hate but your power to thwart me.

9. Do not take too much notice of my small ailments. Sometimes they get me the attention I need.

10. Don't nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.

11. Don't forget that i cannot explain myself as well as I should like. That is why I am not always accurate.

12. Don't put me off when I ask questions. If you do, you will find that I stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.

13. Don't be inconsistent. That completely confuses and makes me lose faith in you.

14. Don't tell me my fears are silly. They are terribly real and you can do much to reassure me if you try to understand.

15. Don't ever suggest that you are perfect or infallible. It gives me too great shock when I discover that you are neither.

16. Don't ever think that it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm towards you.

17. Don't forget I love experimenting. I couldn't get along without it, so please, put up with it.

18. Don't forget how quickly I am growing up. It must be very difficult for you to keep pace with me, but please do try.

19. Don't forget that I don't thrive without lots of love and understanding. But I don't need to tell you, do I?

20. Please keep yourself fit and healthy. I need you.

Tips- Business cards and etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:02:00 +0000

I have been into reading articles about social graces and etiquette, industry and trade ventures and social gatherings, though I am mostly not into social functions lately. I came across with an article about executive cocktail parties and some sort of corporate gatherings and I had the thought of how important a business card is to that certain community. I remembered an article about a feng shui expert discussing how to make a calling card work in our advantage so I decided to share some of it hence if we get to try them, I guess we have nothing to loose.
Although just a small piece of paper, a business card can be a powerful marketing and communication tool. If it is properly designed according to the principles of feng shui, you can obtain positive energies from it.

Shape
A rectangular card may look old-fashioned and ordinary but this shape is the most ideal because the rectangle, specifically the horizontal one indicates strength and stability. Avoid using odd shaped like triangles and diamonds.

Colors
Keeping it neat and simple already makes your card auspicious. An off-white background with black type not only looks elegant, it also projects an aura of luck. You may also have the black portion of the card printed with bright colors that appeal to you. This indirectly provides solid support to your company or career.

Layout
Ideally, your name should be at the center of your card, and nothing else would be directly above it including the company or business logo. Otherwise whatever is placed above your name will symbolically weigh you down and hamper your success.

Your title or position and the company name, address, and other information should be neatly positioned under your name to provide you with a strong foundation and support.

If there is a need for you to include a list of products or services you offer, print them at the back or inside if the card is folded.

Folds
Accordion folds in calling cards are not advisable. Neither is double door- like flaps that open in the middle. Accordion folds seem to convey that you and your career or business are in a tight squeeze or will eventually have to fold up. By virtue of the way the twin flaps are opened, which is towards the client or reader, that type of fold implies that prospective clients are being pushed away.

Logos
Logos and insignias must be enclosed only by round, square; diamond shaped or pyramid shaped borders. Do not use inverted triangular, irregular and double lined borders. The first two suggest instability and irregularity; the latter, lack of dynamism.

Font
In choosing font or type of lettering for your name, go for the longhand or printed block types. A font that is upright or leaning slightly to the right speaks of progress and continuous movement towards good fortune in the near future. An upward tail-like stroke at the end of the letter of your name implies success in the future.The font size of your name on the business card must be bigger that that of your title or position, but a bit smaller that your company or business name. This creates visual balance and adheres to the correct hierarchy in the universe.

Storage
Cards should be kept in a holder inside your wallet, separate from your money and your bills. If the cards are stored in one of those handy cards cases, keep the case in an easily accessible pocket or compartment of your bag. Carry a few more cards than you need. It is better to have extras than to have none at all when a great opportunity presents itself. The ideal numbers of cards you may have with you are nine(9), ten(10), fourteen(14), seventeen(17), and twenty one(21).

Presenting
With two hands, offer your card front side up and upright, facing the client. Your left hand should have a firmer hold on the card than your right hand to transfer positive energy from your pulse to the card and then to the receiver, thus ensuring a positive transaction or communication.

Finally, carrying your business cards with pride and honor generates positive chi. Therefore, be happy and confident every time you give it away.
------------
• I have learned that an internationally accepted way of presenting your calling card is by handing it facing upward with your name facing the recipient.

• When receiving a calling card, you must read it and must not keep the card immediately upon receiving it or upon reading it.

• For as long as you are in conversation with the person who gave it, the card should remain visible, face up and only kept once the conversation has ended.

• Always keep your calling cards in a card case. This saves you the ineptness of having to pull your wallet and find your card amidst your money and other papers.

Parenting- Successful Fathers

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 16:39:00 +0000

Happy Father’s Day!

"Any man can be a father.
It takes someone special to be a dad."
Author Unknown

“Every father should remember... that one day his son
will follow his example... instead of his advice.”

"My father gave me the greatest gift...
anyone could give another person, he believed in me."
Jim Valvano

"The most important thing a father can do for his children...
is to love their mother."
Rev. Theodore Hesburgh
To all the dads out there, do you have the guts to take the challenge? Let’s see if you have all of them checked otherwise you have to take the subject again…Dad 101 (5 units).

1. Do I have a sense of supportive partnership with my wife?
2. Do I frequently talk with my wife about our children’s character, strengths and weaknesses?
3. Do I think long-term about our children’s future as grown-up men and women?
4. Do I frequently discuss things with my children?
5. Do I listen to my children as well?
6. Do I keep television watching to a minimum?
7. Am I confident of my authority?
8. Do I see discipline not as a punishment or mere behavior-control but rather a means of building my children self-control?
9. Do I have a number of close friends?
10. Do I have a profound and active religious faith?
11. Do I reach my children that real happiness doesn’t come from wealth and power?
12. Do I put my family’s welfare ahead of my job?

Food for thought:
l. How often do I think seriously about what strength of character my children see in me-in the way I habitually live faith, hope, charity, sound judgment, sense of responsibility, personal toughness and self-discipline?
2. Where, in their daily lives, do the kids see attractive examples of the opposites of these: religious indifference and materialism, despair and self-doubt, selfishness, sloppy thinking, immaturity and irresponsibility, softness, self-indulgence?
3. How could, in the future, above weaknesses affect the stability and happiness of their marriage? Are they headed for trouble?
4. How much do the children know about my work? Do they understand how I have to exercise strength of character in earning a living?
5. Whom do the children respect and admire and why?
6. In what circumstances do the children see me show respect for others- in religious practice, public courtesy and good manners?
7. Do the children show enough respect and appreciation for their mother?
8. Are the kids aware that their mother is the #1 person in my life?
9. Is there a sense of “family honor” and “family name” among our children?
10. How many hours of television do the children watch each week? What sort of television personalities do they admire?
11. What could the children be learning if their TV time went into other activities like reading, music lessons, visiting the elderly, planning and executing projects?
12. If the TV stops functioning as baby-sitter at home, how can I help my wife with the increased responsibility of keeping the kid’s mind constructively occupied?
13. Do the children’s sport activities induce active bodies but passive minds?
14. To whom do the kids look for a model for adult-level strength and competence- to me or to celebrities of the entertainment industry?
15. Am I able to get down to the kids’ level? But am I careful not to stay there? Do I lift them up to my level?
16. Do the kids see me proud and honored by the strengths of character that I see growing inside them?

(The checklist and the above questions were excerpt from the book “Successful Fathers” by James B. Stenson)

If you are an absentee or a defaulting daddy, you are the best producer and director of a modern day family tragedy. According to research, an emotionally or physically absent daddy contributes to the child’s low self-esteem; low motivation for achievement and inability to defer immediate gratification for later rewards; and susceptibility to group influence and to juvenile delinquency. It also noteworthy that an authority (masculine) figure in the household has a great influence in child’s formation of self- identity.It was also reiterated in one of Jonh Hopkins University researches that young, white teenage girls living in fatherless families were 60% prone to premarital intercourse than those living in two-parents home.

Multiple Intelligence- Personal Analysis and Application

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Like what I have promised, here is a simple analysis of how my children cope with the development of different intelligences and when they started to manifest the growth and how they progressed into a full blown capabilities. I made it a point to support every endeavor I find them interested in; from sports to music, mathematics to biology and so on. It is very important to personally take part in their everyday undertakings and eventually find their interests and tendencies. Take this as a guide in formulating a support program for your own children to enhance their intelligences.
Linguistic:
Enjoys reading, likes English and history subjects, easy to write and express ideas, likes to tell stories, keeps a diary and participates in debates and elocution contests like extemporaneous speeches, oratorical and declamation and to include spelling bee contests

Yannah enjoys reading short stories, magazines and inspirational books, she can express her thoughts quite well too; she enjoys sharing her day to day endeavors and she keeps a planner (I was thinking it’s the new generation’s diary, I don’t know but it looks like a diary to me but she calls it a planner). I remember she was about two years old then when she started to manifest her passion for reading. I noticed also that she writes her compositions very well with depth and she can play with her words with ease.

Alexis enjoys reading too, he reads children magazines, short stories and of course those stories for their book report. He can write short stories quite well too so as poems. He got an award in a contest in his Filipino subject when he was in grade 6. They were asked to make original composition about a legend/folklore. His composition won third place. He hold awards in English too, he’s a consistent awardee for being the “Best in Language and Reading” during his grade school days. He was the champion in Spelling Bee when he was in Grade 6.
Alexis (Gr. 6)
Logical-Math:
Can compute numbers in head, enjoys solving puzzles that requires reasoning, likes step by step directions, likes playing chess or other strategy games, likes to put things in order, enjoys science experiments

My children excel in this subject matter while this is my Achilles’ heel. Yannah performs very well in this subject while she was in Grade School; she was part of every contest in school with regard to numbers. She now belongs to the selected few who composed the so called “Program of Excellence in Mathematics” at Miriam College High School.

Alexis has a very good grasp of numbers too. I reckon, he showed his inclinations in math when he can multiply 3 digit numbers in his mind when he was 5 years old (without the aid of paper and pen). I was surprised when he got 100% grade in his report card in his math subject when he was in grade 5. He was the Best in Math all throughout his grade school days. He plays chess well too that earned him a silver medal; and a bronze medalist in Games of the Generals (both involve strategy formulation). I asked them if they like their Science lessons and they both replied in the positive, Yannah is enjoying the high school experiments.
Alexis (Gr. 5)
• I started introducing them to numbers at age 1, we count everything (like their toys, sometimes the birds that flew over our window pane, eating utensils and many more) at home and I have a penchant for posting charts about numbers on their rooms to include table of multiplication. Every wall in their rooms had a poster of letters, words, numbers and they have a white board where they can write or draw anything they want to.

Spatial:
Likes to draw, tends to take things apart and put back together, likes to play with lego, likes to build three dimensional constructions, sees visual images when eyes closed, likes to doodle

Yannah is enjoying what her hands can do with arts and crafts. She expresses her feelings with painting too. She asked me if she can do some in her door’s room so I agreed and it was nice. A week ago she surprised me with her acrylic painting; her interpretation of a beautiful sunset. Well, nice for a beginner without any formal learning in painting.
Sunset
Acrylic Painting by Yannah
I found out Alexis can draw some nice cartoon characters. I was cleaning his room sometime back when I saw an old notebook with lots of drawings; cartoon characters we see on television like Goku and those in the Computer games. I was laughing at one of his drawings, it was like a comics loaded with drawings and conversation. I think he made that when he was in Grade 3. They both played Lego with enthusiasm and up to now, we still have those pieces in few boxes.

Bodily-Kinesthetic:
Likes to run, swim, bike; enjoys sports and outdoor games, likes working with tools, enjoys making things with hand, can mimic other people’s mannerisms, can express emotions through dance

My daughter enjoys the water, she started her swimming lessons when she was 5 years old and she swims well but she’s not into competitive swimming. Oh well, I can’t swim, their mean mom is hydrophobic. She tried tennis too and she enjoyed it. They both like sports. Yannah’s passion for dancing is insurmountable. When she was about four or five years old, she had her own cassette tape packed in her things when attending parties so she can be sure that she can dance to her favorite beat. She dances gracefully; her zeal for jazz punk and street dance is simply amazing. I remember one of her teachers in Grade school told me to indulge into developing her talent in dancing for she dances very well and this medium can bring her to places. She was a member of MCGS Pep Squad and the team captain when she was in Grade 7. She will be having her dance recital a week from now, I’m going to update with some pictures.

Alexis, a typical growing kid indulges very much in sports. He started playing basketball at two years old in his room; broaden his horizon and enrolled at Best Center (scientific basketball lessons) at age 6 and been playing there every summer. He plays table tennis well too, earned gold for that; he’s good with billiard also; his dad gave him a billiard table as an incentive for being the first honor when he was in grade 2.

• My children has a great ardor for sports and they enrolled in formal lessons to fully enhance their potentials, basketball, swimming, tennis and I personally teach them what I have been playing like chess, billiard, table tennis, games of the generals and volleyball. I enjoy playing with Alexis, I noticed his raging enthusiasm to beat me in the hard court and he succeeded. He is the kind of person who always gives his best in everything he does. Yannah can play basketball also but she’s exceptionally a dancer than a basketball player.

Musical:
Listens to music even when working, sings a lot, remembers melodies of songs, enjoys playing with instruments and knows when tune is off key, like watching musicals

“Guitar players are hot!” – yes, my daughter is a hot guitar player. She’s a music lover, like what she had written in one of her compositions, “My guitar and I speak the language of my real self, true, warm and affectionate.” She carry good tune too. I love to watch her perform with her band in some of their gigs. She was 12 years old when she finds playing instruments a worthwhile hobby.

Alexis develops his fervor in playing instruments when he was 11 years old; he can play the drums and now he’s into guitar. He can sing too and I am looking forward to enjoy the front seat when he and his band perform sometime soon.

• It is important for them to feel that we, parents support them in their worthwhile activities. When Yannah told me that she wanted to learn how to play guitar, we immediately enrolled her to guitar lessons so as with alexis, he had his drums lessons last year and his guitar lessons last summer.
Yannah in one of her band’s gigs

Interpersonal:
Likes to play other kids, prefers being with friends than being alone, gives advice to friends, is into extracurricular activities and clubs and gets involved in social issues and causes

My daughter is now part of a big organization called “Youth for Christ”, it is actually a club she joined in school and she’s very active in it. And she has many friends who became mine also; some slept over here in the house and became very close to me. I remember I went with them in a movie and strolled in the mall; I find myself like a bodyguard watching their every move, but it was fun and we enjoyed each others company.

As for Alexis, he has some friends too; we went out together as a family. The friendship became a family matter. Now that he’s in high school (first year high school at AdMU), I am positive that his friends will eventually be my friends also just like that of Yannah’s. He involved himself in scouting when he was in Grade School. He enjoyed the camping and its accompanying activities, he went out with his friends, hanging around computer hubs somewhere near their school on Fridays and Saturdays. He enjoys swimming and other sports activities with his friends during summer and weekends.

Intrapersonal:
Needs quiet place to work, is independent, must believe on something to work on, has collection of things that have special significance in personal life, meditation and reflection are rewarding, interested in knowing about ancient and modern philosophers

Well, as to the need for a quiet place to work, I noticed that my children do their assignments and their things with the television on and sounds of band songs playing; I myself couldn’t imagine how they can cope with that but it works with them. The multi tasking thing is simply stunning. My daughter is an example of an independent child at an early age; she do her assignments by herself; cleans her room, indulge in some crafts alone like cross stitching without asking mom for some help. Now she goes everywhere without the driver, no she doesn’t drive, she takes the ride by herself and she’s enjoying the feeling of doing things by herself. She does her things like an adult. And she’s very responsible, she makes sure that she’s worthy of my trust. Yeah, she collects everything with sentimental value, from a chocolate wrapper to a piece of letter or note and keeps them in her planner.

Alexis don’t keep a planner or collects things like that of Yannah. He only collects toys and play cards. Like his sister, he do his things by himself also, never did he ask me to make his assignments except for some minor details of projects which involves crocheting and sewing. I find this boy always busy with something; he’s good at making himself busy with anything he finds interesting.

Naturalist:
Enjoys nature, likes to collect rocks, shells, etc.; likes hiking, camping; keeps records of observation about nature, is fascinated about animals, enjoys botany, zoology, biology

We all love the beach, camping and going outdoors. We don’t keep records by writing what we see and how we appreciate nature, but we remember nice things about them and of course we take pictures. I remember sometime back, Yannah was 10 years old, we went to a beach and she collected some nice shells and rocks. To her dismay, she wasn’t allowed to bring them home because the airport customs officer confiscated them. Her dad talked to authorities to let her daughter bring a few and they allowed her. She was very happy and up to now, all what she had taken were still displayed in our aquarium. Yannah is an animal lover, she likes dogs, she was fascinated with bears like what we’ve seen in Hong Kong Conservation Park, and she was very amazed. Yannah is at ease with her Biology subject, she finds it enjoyable. Alexis likes dogs too, but not as pretty much like Yannah. I don’t see Alexis interested in rocks and shells and other collectibles of the same kind. This is for now, nobody knows, there is still much time to develop their fondness for nature.

Multiple Intelligence

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:04:00 +0000

Intelligence is defined in its simplest as the “ability to learn and understand experiences thereby handling and responding to new situations and solving problems successfully.” It does not only entail academic performance in school; rather includes strengths and inclinations in different aspects of human life. The theory of multiple intelligence was developed by psychologist, Dr. Howard Gardner, who in fact, added another intelligence to the list, making it eight. Here are the eight intelligences that make up the range of human potential:

Linguistic- also called Word Smart. This refers to the ability to speak, entertain, persuade, and instruct thru the use of words. These are people who know how to use language to their advantage. They enjoy word games; have the facility for rhyme, assonance and alliteration to create poetry, essays or novels. They love to write and so they love to read. This is the most universal of all intelligences. Examples of people with this intelligence are journalists, poets, lawyers, story tellers, teachers, and speakers.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence- also called Number Reasoning Smart. This refers to the ability to work with numbers, to think with reason, to see cause and effect. This intelligence relates to logical, mathematical and scientific abilities. People with this intelligence are scientists, mathematicians, computer people, physicians, and astronomers.

Spatial Intelligence- also called Picture Smart. This intelligence refers to ability to visualize and translate details by drawing or sketching. This requires looking at the world and being able to remember, process images in the mind, and create a representation in actuality. A blank sheet of paper will turn into a picture of vibrant garden, a tranquil landscape or exquisite sunrise. Pieces of materials will be transformed into a picturesque mosque or a wonderful edifice. People with this intelligence are painters, artists, designers, cartoonist, architects, photographers, surgeons, pilots, engineers and sculptors.

Musical Intelligence- also called Music Smart. This refers to the ability to hear musical tones in the mind, translate them accordingly and produce sounds, rhythms and melodies. People with this intelligence are singers, composers, instrumentalists and composers.

Bodily Kinesthetic- also called Body Smart. This intelligence refers to the ability to control ones body movements or the ability to handle objects skillfully. People with this intelligence are acrobats, swimmers, athletes, mechanics, surgeons, dancers, jugglers, actors.

Interpersonal Intelligence- also called People Smart. This refers to the capacity to understand and work with people. This also deals to the ability to relate with other people’s moods, feelings, motivation and desires. People with this intelligence are negotiators, politicians, teachers, religious leaders, nurses, care givers, and those who provide service to others.

Intrapersonal Intelligence- also called Self Smart. This refers to intelligence of inner self. This highlights the ability to distinguish feelings like pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, helplessness and angst. People with this intelligence are counselors, theologians, therapists, sages, psychologists, philosophers.

Naturalistic Intelligence- this refers to the ability to understand, relate, categorize, classify and cultivate things in nature. People with this intelligence are farmers, ranchers, gardeners, animal handlers.

The most common intelligences are Linguistic Intelligence and Logical – Mathematical Intelligence. However, it is important to note that one cannot simply focus on one or two intelligences only because a person is a unique combination of various intelligences. It is worth noting that the various intelligences emerge at different periods of growth. It is also rare that an individual develops mastery of six or more intelligences at the same time.
There must be balance in developing the various intelligences to enable the person to work, to live with others, and to face challenges that come his way. The ultimate test is how one makes use of these intelligences to benefit himself and his environment.

Let us distinguish them from one another and try to analyze where you and your kids are most inclined.

Linguistic:
Enjoys reading, likes English and history subjects, easy to write and express ideas, likes to tell stories, keeps a diary and participates in debates and elocution contests like extemporaneous speeches, oratorical and declamation and to include spelling bee contests
Logical-Math:
Can compute numbers in head, enjoys solving puzzles that requires reasoning, likes step by step directions, likes playing chess or other strategy games, likes to put things in order, enjoys science experiments
Spatial:

Likes to draw, tends to take things apart and put back together, likes to play with lego, likes to build three dimensional constructions, sees visual images when eyes closed, likes to doodle
Bodily-Kinesthetic:
Likes to run, swim, bike; enjoys sports and outdoor games, likes working with tools, enjoys making things with hand, can mimic other people’s mannerisms, can express emotions through dance
Musical:
Listens to music even when working, sings a lot, remembers melodies of songs, enjoys playing with instruments and knows when tune is off key, like watching musicals
Interpersonal:
Likes to play other kids, prefers being with friends than being alone, gives advice to friends, is into extracurricular activities and clubs and gets involved in social issues and causes
Intrapersonal:
Needs quiet place to work, is independent, must believe on something to work on, has collection of things that have special significance in personal life, meditation and reflection are rewarding, interested in knowing about ancient and modern philosophers
Naturalist:
Enjoys nature, likes to collect rocks, shells, etc.; likes hiking, camping; keeps records of observation about nature, is fascinated about animals, enjoys botany, zoology, biology

• This is a product of my research about intelligence because I was curious about my two kids’ stages of development. I would like to know the explanations on why they are alike in some things despite their gender difference and age gap. I would like also to ascertain points where I could help them develop their potentials. It is exciting to know who among them is excelling in what field and why. My daughter Yannah is 15 years old and my son Alexis will be 13 years old several days from now. I will expound on my personal analysis of their intelligences and in what stage of their growth they have developed such in my forthcoming blog. I hope this article will help us, parents, in such a way that we could formulate support system to develop fully our kids’ intellectual abilities.

Table Manners and Etiquette

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:21:00 +0000

I have two children in their teens and I allow them to go to parties and social gatherings at this stage in their lives. I want them to enjoy the experience of teenage life. It is in this stage that they learn to attach and associate to their peers for their personal identity and detach from my prying eyes to satisfy their feeling of being responsible individuals. I am duty bound to give them the foundation of what they will be in the outside world. Lets start with how they conduct themselves in front of the dining table. Table manners or etiquette should be taught and practiced at home. Self-confidence lies also in knowing what do to properly in a given time and space. Here are the simplest amongst what we have learned and doing in our dining table and at social gatherings.

• Sit up straight.

• As soon as you sit, put your table napkin on your lap.
• Hold your utensils properly- spoons and forks are held horizontally by three fingers: middle finger by the first knuckle, the index finger, and the thumb which rests by the fork or spoon’s handle. The knife held by the thumb and middle finger with the index finger gently pointed, pressing outwards over the top of the blade to guide as you cut.

• If there are a lot of forks, spoons and knives in front of you, the rule is out moving in, meaning, the outer ones are used for the first dish and so on.
• Your glass is to the right and your bread to the left.

• Do not over stuff your plate with food.
• Do not over reach for things. Politely ask for it to be passed to you.
• Do not take the first bite. Your cue is when the host/hostess have started.
• Taste your food before adding salt and pepper.
• Chew with your mouth closed, no funny noises of slurping or burping.
• Eat bread by breaking them into small pieces.
• Wipe your mouth before you take a sip to avoid smudging your glass.
• If you can’t handle a drink, don’t.
• Never rest your elbows on the table. In between bites, rest your hands on your lap.
• If you have a tough piece of meat stuck in your mouth, please do not spit it out on your napkin. Food stuck between your teeth should be taken off with the tongue. Don’t do the teeth vacuum. If you must, stand up and excuse yourself to expel the meat privately.
• If you have piece of bone in your mouth, remove it using the same utensil it went in with, putting the bone on the edge of your plate.
• Never leave the table before the meal is done. If you must, excuse yourself.

An open letter to my daughter (dipped in chocolate)

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:56:00 +0000

To my loving daughter,

You're the best that ever happened in my life...if I have to live my life again and were given choices of what things I would have and the path I would take...it will always be a life with you. I could never think of words to express how happy I am having you for a daughter. Had you not been with me, my life would be empty; you filled everything in me...you complete me. You're kind, smart and caring; a daughter that every mother would dream of.

Now that you're growing up, gracefully, as I envisioned you to be, I would like you to be smarter, more considerate and upright. Don’t forget that if there were times that I am not with you when you feel like falling, that I have abandoned you- no my beloved, I am just somewhere looking at you from a distance, all geared up to give you a helping hand; all those were to train you how to be bold and to handle things appropriately. Don’t be sad nor take it against me; I am just around the corner, you may not be aware because it is too serene or too light; all you have to do is think about those things I always wanted to inculcate into your mind. I want you to be independent; confident and positive about yourself. I know that you have learned so much and still struggling to be a well composed fine young lady.

I believe in you, your confidence to face the trials squarely is amazing; your determination to succeed is extremely admirable; your urge to experiment and discover new things is unbelievably remarkable and the passion you have in everything you do is simply stunning.

I wouldn’t even try you if you can cross neither the turbulent wave nor a rocky road alone, just to prove that you are indeed bold because I trust your ability to outwit the fox and emerge as a magnanimous victor in life’s toughest battles.

Life is not a bed of roses, my daughter, and sometimes life is not fair- more said about what life is, yes, it isn’t perfect but most of the time- splendid. In every trial that you will encounter, in every question that will puzzle you, believe me-there will be an answer and don’t stop searching for one.

This is how I look at you-strong, bold, witty, intellectually gifted, emotionally stable, and most of all, the most caring and loving person God has ever created- nearly perfect huh! Ha-ha...yes my baby...you’re a wonderful creation...lovely! (Mom is just second in line...goodness- thought you inherited all those from me..hehe- wink-wink)

I love you...more than I do to myself....

Your mean Mom

(Joy and fulfillment- that truly engulf my heart for having written what I truly feel for her; for conveying how gorgeous it is to be her mother; I feel complete and contented- for having her in my life; I can feel the warmth of being appreciated and loved... she grown so fast...taller than I am now....lovelier and smarter....she’s into music, she has a band (playing the lead guitar) that can play all types of music, she’s performing very well in school (haha like mother like daughter!!??). Her big heart still doesn’t shrink a bit...now, don’t I going to feel appreciated and loved? --for having a daughter like her?... I planted a seed, of top caliber....nurtured it with love and affection....and its beginning to bear fruits.....)

Tips: How to preserve cut flowers

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:02:00 +0000

European roses, anthuriums, malaysian mums, carnations, liatris and lilies are grown purposely for vase decorations, bouquets, floral arrangements and corsages. I have had my time growing flowers too in my garden and I remember my auntie has a wonderful collection of. Whenever I have the time to stay around her garden and admire those lovely flowers, I always take pleasure in asking some for me to grow myself too; she's very generous that I have grown variety of them. I reckon those days when I was so thrilled seeing flowers growing abundantly, I just cant wait to arrange them and adorn my living room with these wonders of nature. Let me share with you some tips on how to prolong your excitement in adoring them. I have tried them myself and find them very helpful.

Cut flowers love cool environment, so it is very important to maintain right temperature. The flowers must be able to hold on to the coolness your storage provides. If you bought them for future arrangement, wrap your flowers in aluminum foil and store in refrigerator to preserve its coolness.

If you are going to put it in a vase, use floral foam as your base. It retains more water and helps the cut flowers maintain its freshness.

Aspirin tablets also help lengthen the life of cut flowers. The preservative that really works is a couple of drops of vinegar mixed in plain water. Vinegar slows down the growth of bacteria.

Rain water is the best for cut flowers because it is pure, free from salt and other chemicals that will cause the flowers to dry up. You may collect rain water and store in clean containers.

Change the water every other day and it will help cut flowers to last up to two weeks. Note very well that each time you change water, cut off an inch from the bottom of each stem to maintain continuous absorption of water and to prevent rotting of stems (as they are dipped in water and will easily rot). A piece of charcoal in the water will prevent bad odor too.

Sugar is an easy to digest plant food and it will help reviving drooping bunches. Add 2-3 tsp. of sugar in 100 ml. of water and it will give your plant another lease of good looks.

Make sure to trim wilted leaves to prevent leaf bugs hopping from wilted leaves to healthy ones. It also prevent fallen leaves from rotting in the water.

Sports

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 18 May 2008 13:31:00 +0000

There are lots of sports, go choose!
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
Practice more to improve,
Show to the people your awesome moves.
Getting tired doesn't matter,
As long as we're having fun together.
Sports is not only for fun, but also for discipline,
and for your body to be kickin'.
Come on lets play our favorite sport,
But remember to be always a sport.

by: Alexis

This was written by my son Alexis for his English class when he was in Gr. 6. He is a sports fan, he plays basketball well; he was champion in table tennis (intramural) when he was in Gr. 4 ; he made his debut in playing chess when he was in Gr. 6; became member of the varsity team and silver medalist in their intramural; he tried his skills in games of the generals and garnered bronze medal when he was in Gr. 5; he plays billiard well too, i taught him the rudiments of the game but now i am just a poor loser.

Parenting-Encourage our kids; boost their self confidence

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Encouragement is the process of focusing on your children's assets and strengths in order to build their self-confidence and feelings of worth. Here are some points that will help us parents building our children's self confidence through constant guidance and encouragement.

1. Focus on what is good about the child or the situation. See the positive.

2. Accept your children as they are. Don't make your love and acceptance dependent on their behavior.

3. Have faith in your children so they can come to believe in themselves.

4. Let your children know their worth. Recognize improvement and effort not just accomplishments.

5. Respect your children. It will lay the foundation of their self-respect.

6. Praise is reserved for things well done. It implies a spirit of completion. Encouragement is given for effort or improvement. It implies a spirit of cooperation.

7. The most powerful forces in human relationships are expectation. We can influence a person's behavior by changing our expectations of the person.

8. Lack of faith in children makes them anticipate failure.

9. Standards that are too high invite failure and discouragement.

10. Avoid using discouraging words and actions.

11. Avoid subtle encouragement of competition between brothers and sisters.

12. Avoid talking qualifiers to your words of encouragement. Don't "give with one hand and take away with the other".

13. The sound of encouragement are words that build feelings of adequacy:
"I know you can do it."
"I appreciate what you did."
"It looks as if you worked very hard on that."
"You are improving."

(I was going over my files and i came across this literature about parenting which was handed to me by my colleagues in the parent's council of MCGS. I find the details helpful so I decided to share...)

I am empowered! - Yannah

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:07:00 +0000

My Declaration of Self-Esteem

Helen Keller once said, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing"-- because it has always been filled with challenges and obstacles. But, life is good and it is indeed beautiful. Life is empty without the trials and victory wouldn't be sweet without the defeat. At my young age, I have had my share of what life is, and yes, I have only just begun. I have just taken my first step and I am working hard to learn how to run.

I am a perfect example of an imperfect heart, sometimes reckless and temperamental. As the saying goes, "nobody is perfect," though, I am trying to curb my indiscretions and check my passion. Many are those, in our young age, cannot conduct themselves well for they believe they are infallible, blaming the consequences to what they call "folly of the youth". I am thankful, I am lucky for having been raised to accept my flaws and mistakes without any pretense or inhibition. I accept my mistakes and I learned from them. My mom told me that one of the best things that I have ever indulged into was when I say "I am sorry, I have wronged you". I feel equally grateful because I am gifted with talents that gave me the medium to express my inner self. I convey my thoughts through my dance and my music. My guitar and I speak the language of my real self, true, warm and affectionate.

As I go on with my journey, trudging the path of uncertainty, I have learned to approach God. I have learned to attach myself to Him and ask his guidance. My God alone will help me, and with Him, I will be able to manage my life well. I am aware that He wasn't here to make me dormant but rather, to feed my soul and my mind that I can be complete if I strive for it. With God, I will be fulfilled and I will gain authority to control my destiny, simply because, God is enough for me. My God- my strength, my refuge.

I would like to master the art of holding on to my faith; believing in myself, focusing my ideals, struggling hard for what I intend to achieve. In every trial that I will encounter, there will be lessons to be learned; these will be my beacon light in traversing the dark and narrow trail of my bold exploits. I shouldn't falter in my faith in God and I must continuously believe in my ability to emerge as a worthy achiever. I should live life with raging enthusiasm and enduring commitment for fruitful engages.

I am empowered. The books state that empowerment is having authority or power over something- precisely, empowerment is being able to do things my own exceptional ways. Being empowered is to unleash the bastion of power to do things I see fit and upright in a given time and space. I am empowered. I have the courage to achieve my goals. I am determined to fulfill my dreams. I set my destiny. I decide on my own. I have free will. I do things according to my principle. And with that, I chose to be free.

This was written by my daughter Yannah sometime in 2007 for her English class. She's 15 years old and an incoming junior (high school) at MCHS. I was astounded by her thoughts, of her talking about empowerment and principles yet pleased to know that there is depth in her reflection of what life is and how she will prevail over the tests she will encounter. Good Luck daughter...Mom loves You...

Cooking with Mom...

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Cooking for my kids became a fashion to me. I have learned to stay longer in the kitchen and concoct my own recipes that will suit their discriminating taste. I attended formal lessons, read and have indulged in trial and error kinda thing just to satisfy their cravings for a "mom's best" taste recipes. I came across this recipe and have tried this (with some adjustments) Asian Pork Belly Barbecue and it tastes real good. Try this....give yourself an Asian treat!

Ingredients:

1 kg. pork belly (liempo) sliced 4 inches long

For Marinade:

2 tbsp. hoisin sauce
3 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. oyster sauce
1 tbsp. sesame oil
2 tbsp. tomato catsup
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 c. chopped green onions
1/8 c. chopped cilantro (wansuy)
1/2 c. honey

For Garnishing:

1 tsp. vegetable oil for greasing
1 sprig cilantro leaves

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat the baking pan with vegetable oil evenly (you may use a pastry brush). Line the baking pan with a baking sheet.

2. In a large bowl, combine the nine (9) ingredients for marinade. Whisk to blend.

3. Place pork in a deep bowl (or may use a zip lock storage plastic bag), pour in the marinade and mix well to coat. Marinate for two hours or more.

4. Arrange the marinated pork in the baking pan in single layer.

5. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, turning occasionally and basting the meat from time to time. You can also broil this (if you have 2 deck oven) six (6) inches away from the heat, turning each piece of meat once. Broil the meat for about 6 minutes on each side or until caramelized. Meanwhile, strain the left over marinade and cook in a pan until it is thick and sticky. When the meat is done, put some extra sauce on top of the pork and serve. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Your Best Friend...

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Sun, 11 May 2008 01:47:00 +0000

Today, we are celebrating one of the grandest occasions--MOM'S DAY! I, too is a mom of two wonderful kids, it is indeed graceful and amazing to be called MOM. It seems like music to my ears; i take pleasure in caring for my children as all moms around the globe equally do. And to my Mom, i take my hat's off to you; you are so caring, diligent, gentle and kind; you are the best! They say motherhood is a tough thing to do, but it is also the most relishing task, most fulfilling profession and the most promising career. So, to all the MOMS all over the world...i say CHEERS!

MOM
(is this me?)
who we run to when we feel sorry
who understands that growing up is not easy
who learns things along with their children
who is a multi tasker-fixes the faucet, do the laundry, run errands, cleans the mess at the same time
who just lay down and rest after a day's work without a complaint
who police the riot in the household
who breaks house rules just to pamper her kids
who fights the bully for her children
who performs the role of a dad without the mustache
ergo: MOM is a mean administrator of the house, your best friend and a person you can't get enough of...

I Love You...Missing you so much...

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:21:00 +0000

I had a wonderful childhood, full of happy memories and naughty antics. How i wish i could bring back the good old days, those days when i was still young and vibrant,(i am still young though, in heart and mind, let us forget the numbers) playing like there will be no tomorrow. Technology reminds me that time is running too fast, if only i could impede the ticking of time, i would have done so. The most controlling reason is not that i still want to play or hang around with old friends, (i can still see them if i want to) but i miss one person who truly loved me; one whom i treasured most in my life; one who believed in me; one who made me feel how brilliant i am; a person who felt so blessed to have me in her life---my grandmother.

I called her "Inay Aba" , "inay is a filipino word for mother and "aba" is a short term for "taba" which means fat (she wasn't that fat though, wonder why? medium built i must say so) . She passed away last year without me saying goodbye to her, i felt so bad that i kept her waiting for me while she was struggling for her life. How i wish i was able to hold her in her last minutes of earthly life; how i wish i could have hugged her and let my warmth say a lot of things to her. I couldn't believe that i would come home to see her without her usual smile and tight embrace but that i should accept that it was her time to rest and be happy in God's kingdom.

Inay Aba, I love you so much. I couldn't muster enough words to describe how much i value you in my life. I would like to thank you for loving me, for taking care of me, for all the happy memories and the wisdom you have shared with me. Thanks for coming into our lives, you are a great woman, a woman of strength and compassion, a loving mom, a caring "inay aba" - you are God's greatest gift to all of us! We are missing you so much.

I will see you again, in God's time.. i am looking forward to it- i love you!

Alexis' Valedictory Speech

noreply@blogger.com (among petals and thorns) — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:33:00 +0000

Valedictory Speech delivered by my son Alexis, March 26, 2008. He received eight gold medals; being the valedictorian, six academic awards and the spelling bee champion.
Metamorphosis...

Mrs. Anita Rilloraza, our Principal; Mrs. Remedios Eusebio, our Vice-Principal; Dr. Clotilde Salvador, our grade school administrator; faculty members; dear parents; distinguished guests;my classmates, a pleasant day to all of you. Thank you for taking time out to be with us today as we celebrate another milestone in our young lives-our graduation from grade school.

When I was told to prepare this piece of work, I immediately ponder on things I have to say, I was in a quandary of words to speak of. To my mind, we have been together for six years and we had enough time to talk about everything and anything under the sun. Yes, we shared almost every emotion we had in our heart; we grew up together; I was reluctant to do this because it may sound like a farewell note. Albeit, let me share with you a simple message.

Graduation day is a constant part of our youth, of our learning process. This may mean bidding farewell to our best friends, our classmates, our teachers; it is a harsh reality that we are made to accept and live with; just as we say hello to new friends in a totally different environment as we move on to the ladder of life. But life has to go on because ours is still a long journey ahead. We should celebrate this grand occasion for it marks for us a new beginning, offers new set of challenges and opens up the opportunity to pursue our dreams and realize our goals. From this day on, a new path will be opened to all of us to take; a chance for us to prove to the world that, we, Kostkans, were indeed born for greater things.

We will be confronted with greater prospects and challenges. It is upon us to make intelligent choices. Hours from now, we will be treading our own separate ways; but I am certain that no matter what road each of us will take, we will get where we wanted to be. Our experiences will provide us the strength to face the challenges that many have failed because we were prepared to cope up with the trials of our time. We are young, our bodies may be frail, but our conviction and determination to achieve more in life will deliver us to success.

I would like to share with you my personal experience about graduation day. It was my nursery graduation day that my teacher noticed I was crying silently; my mom panicked because in a few minutes I will be called up on stage to receive my gold medal. She asked what was wrong with me and I didn't answer her, I was scared to tell her that the garlands made me feel uncomfortable. So simple yet so complicated for a young boy of my age. Years came and went. Here I am now, no more garlands around my neck but a boutonnière on my chest; I can speak of many things to my heart's content; I am now excited to discover the unknown; willing to make a choice; ready to work for it and positive about the future. I came to realize that these days were the times that we metamorphose into a whole new different person.

It is also on this occasion that we sincerely thank those people who shared their hard work and dedication in molding us into well rounded individuals. I deliberately set this moment to thank my parents. Thank you mom, thank you dad, for all the support you have given me; for your kind understanding of all the worry and grief I have caused you; for taking all of this humbly as part of my growing up. Mom, your relentless effort to help me in all my troubles made me realize how wonderful and loving you are. You're simple yet the finest, the best. Dad, I appreciate everything you've done for us, I truly admire your sacrifices and hard work to provide us a comfortable life. I will try my best to live up to your expectations and be the person you want me to be. My family, my mom and dad, my ate Yannah and kuya Lee, I have achieved something today, one of the greatest I will have and I dedicate this to all of you. My sincerest gratitude for the love and care, for being my inspiration, my fortress, my life. I love you both.

I would like to thank all our teachers, on behalf of my classmates, for unselfishly imparting to us your knowledge and wisdom; for the patience and understanding when we step out of bounds; for honing our skills into perfection and most of all for sharing with us the intimacy of a loving friend. To the school administrators, thank you for sustaining a place as illustrious as this that serves as an avenue for the young minds to explore and develop; the administrative staff, the security force, the utility and canteen personnel, for giving us a wonderful stay around here in Kostka. To the Kostka family, from the graduates, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

To my classmates, thank you for giving me worthwhile memories of my childhood, memories that will be cherished for a life time; for the genuine friendship, for the trust and confidence that you have always given me; and for all the times of trials, difficulties and gains we have shared, you guys made me feel great; the feeling of being part of a privileged group like ours is indeed awesome.

We, the young breed of winners, who are gathered here today, are raring to put our marks in history, Mr. Baltazar, our beloved adviser, thank you for instilling in us the value of humility and a vision of compassion. We salute you. You made us champions!

Thank you Lord, for the blessings you showered upon us; for our happy life, good health, and the opportunity you gave us today to make our future the most brilliant of them all.

Fellow graduates, we have taken our first step, let us be together again in learning how to run. Let this day serve as an ultimate challenge for us to aspire for the best, to be a model to young people like us and start to develop ourselves to become better citizens. Let us bring great pride to our family, our school and our community. Together we dare, together we succeed! Rest assured, we will find our place.

Till we meet again. Congratulations and God bless us all.