ZALDY D. ALIMA

2012-02-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

My thesis proposal

View more documents from Polytechnic University of the Philippines

What I Have Learned (sometimes the hard way)

2011-12-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

I've learned - that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.I've learned - that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.I've learned - that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.I've learned - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.I've learned - that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.I've learned - that you can keep going long after you can't.I've learned - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.I've learned - that regardless of how wonderful a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.I've learned - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.I've learned - that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.I've learned - that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.I've learned - that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don't love you with all they have.I’ve learned - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.I've learned - that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.I've learned - that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.I've learned - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.I've learned - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.I've learned - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.I've learned - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.I've learned - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.I've learned - that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.I've learned - that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.I've learned - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.I've learned - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.I've learned - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.I've learned - that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.I've learned - that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings and standing up for what you believe.

World Teachers Day 2011

2011-10-08T00:53:00.001-07:00

2011-07-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

How to Have a Full and Meaningful Life

2011-04-16T06:04:00.000-07:00

Life is full of routines like sleeping, eating and working with occasional landmarks such as marriage, birth and death. Seasons and years come and go. Even special events like vacations and holidays can become repetitious, less exciting and meaningful as we grow older. So how can we live a full and meaningful life?

Three Common Approaches

There are three common approaches that consume most of the time, talents and energy of our waking hours. One approach is the pursuit of material things. Americans are in love with having a modern home, late model cars, lots of clothes, a wide variety of food and as many new electronic gadgets as possible. The desire for more and better things has resulted in a throwaway society where new is better, savings are low and debt is high. The cost and quantity of things that are accumulated measure success.

The Pursuit of Things

There are two problems with the pursuit of things. First, possessions tend to possess the possessor. The more you have the more there is to take care of and worry about. I think about this whenever I cut and fertilize the lawn, wash the cars and keep the house clean. Things break down and this is a continuing source of headaches and frustration. Secondly, things and wealth that are accumulated are left behind when death occurs. Therefore, others benefit from the hard work to accumulate things. This can be good or bad depending on whether the inheritors are appreciative and wise in using the wealth passed to them. The bottom line is that man enters this world with nothing and takes nothing out of it so it is not true that the one who dies with the most things wins.

The Pursuit of Pleasure

The second popular philosophy of life is the pursuit of pleasures to experience life to the fullest. These people have a lifestyle of traveling, multiple sexual partners, drugs, new restaurants and entertainment forms (e.g., TVs, CDs, VCRs, etc.), seeking excitement and pleasures that are fleeting. There is no lasting satisfaction in this approach and it leads to frustration. Most people do not have enough time or money to experience all the possible places, people, food, things, etc., that can be enjoyed. Indeed, even if it were possible to have unlimited wealth, there would always be places and things beyond our experience due to the limits of the human life span.

A full life cannot be measured by the quantity but rather by the quality of one's relationships with others and with God.

The Apostle Paul, after having been beaten, ship-wrecked and thrown into prison, wrote that he had lived a full life and was content in whatever situation he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul said that as long as he had Jesus, he could do anything through the strength of God's presence and power (Philippians 4:13).

Leaving a Legacy

A third popular pursuit is to leave a legacy. Living for family, fame or fortune may be noble, but it is ultimately futile. Family members and human relationships seldom turn out the way we like. Fame and fortune dwindle over time, and facts are frequently altered to meet political, cultural or religious objectives. King Solomon of the Bible was a person who had vast wealth, time and wisdom. He tried all of life's pursuits but, in the end, found them all to be meaningless vanity and chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 1:13-14). He concluded that the best that man could hope for was to find satisfaction in work, do good and fear God (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; 12:13).

This is the best that man can hope for without a saving relationship with Jesus who said that abundant and meaningful life comes from knowing him as personal savior (John 10:9-10).

For Reflection

So the key to living a full and meaningful life is first discovering a relationship with Jesus Christ and then following the Lord on an amazing adventure through a life of faith.

Living a Meaningful Life

2011-04-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

Too many of us live like goldfish, swimming in the same orbit day in and day out feeling uninspired, tired, bored and sometimes worse. Life is much too precious to waste that way. Every person has a unique purpose in life. I implore you not to waste your days berating yourself for what you don’t know and don’t do well.Instead, discover your strengths, passions, purpose and build your life on those.

Here are 10 ideas about living a meaningful life, as I understand them. Embracing even a few of these will help you begin the exciting journey of self discovery.

1. We are all here for a purpose. God has a special purpose for you. Your being here makes a difference.
Your purpose may be obscure to you and a challenge to discover.
Start now. There are many resources, coaches and books to help you with this endeavor.
2. The secret to fulfillment is self knowledge. Start the exciting journey of discovery.
3.The second part of the secret to fulfillment is to apply your self knowledge to what you do and how you live.The more you know, the more you can actively pursue your true purpose.
4.Don’t waste time lamenting what you don’t do well. Concentrate on your strengths.Those reflect who you are. Leave the other things to people who do them well.
5. Build on your strengths. Do more of them and give yourself recognition for doing the things you do well.
6. Pay attention to the small details that you enjoy in your everyday life. Do more of them.
7. Pay attention to the small details you don’t enjoy. Find ways (such as delegation) to eliminate as many of them as possible.
8. Keep a journal and put particular emphasis on the things about yourself and events in your life for which you are grateful.
9. Make an effort to release the negative aspects of your past. Try not be imprisoned by your past. Do not define yourself by your past.
10.Jump-start your self-esteem by giving back to the community.Volunteer in a meaningful way that suits who you are and your interests.

Enjoy the journey. You will get to know and like yourself in a whole new way. Work with a friend, hire a coach, and use the resources out there, to help you with objectivity.Have someone point out the good things about you that you have a tendency to overlook. As soon as you stop doing what you hate and start doing what you love, you may find your life more meaningful and fulfilling.

Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Write-Shop 2011.

2011-03-31T00:09:00.000-07:00

JPENHS announces the opening of Summer Class in Science Investigatory Project (SIP) Write-Shop 2011. The write-shop is open to all interested JPENHS students. The summer class will be on April 11-30, 2011 for the First Batch and May 2-27, 2011 for the Second Batch. A registration fee of P500.00 will be charged per participant. Enroll now at JPENHS Finance Office. Be productive this summer. Be a researcher! Limited slots only! For more details see Mr. Zaldy D. Alima or Mrs. Ana Geran V. Millan. See you there!

Why We Need God?

2010-12-09T00:34:00.000-08:00

Why We Need God

When we first come into this world, we are extremely dependent on others. We need parents or other providers to feed and clean up after ourselves. Even as small children, we sense our need for parental care and protection. As we get older, it is common to believe that we no longer need anyone or anything. Starting in adolescence, where many think they no longer need their parents. Often continuing throughout adulthood, where many think they can take care of themselves.

Mankind is not as self-sufficient as many would like to believe. We are extremely dependent on many things despite our denials.

Assuming that one believes in God, let's begin with three simple yet significant reasons why we need God in our lives. Starting with the fact that HE IS OUR CREATOR. GOD IS THE CREATOR of the heavens and the earth, of mankind, both male and female. Even in the womb, God has a role in giving us life. He made us, not we ourselves. GOD AS OUR CREATOR knows us better than we know ourselves.

Even as the manufacturer knows his product better than anyone else, God knows our weaknesses and our strengths. He is the best source to find the answers to such questions as Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? How should I live?

We need God because as our Creator He is the only reliable "tech support" to help us make sense and use of our lives! Another reason we need God is because HE IS OUR REDEEMER. GOD IS THE REDEEMER. Unfortunately, all have made a mess of their lives. Some more than others, but all are in need of major correction. But God offers Himself as our Redeemer. GOD AS OUR REDEEMER makes it possible for us to start anew. This He did by sending His Son, Jesus. He offered His Son's blood to redeem from our sins. We need God because as our Redeemer we have the opportunity to be forgiven of sins and to start our lives anew! A third reason we need God is because HE IS OUR PROVIDER. GOD IS THE PROVIDER of physical life itself which sustains our physical life and our spiritual strength that we need. GOD AS OUR PROVIDER has promised to meet our physical needs. If we will put Him and His righteousness first in our lives, he has promised to meet our spiritual need if we will put on His armor.

More things could be said to illustrate our need for God, but for now let these suffice. God is our Creator, God is our Redeemer. God is our Provider. Those who reject any need for God go through life with no true knowledge of self or purpose in life have no way to atone for or to truly correct the many mistakes they make, have their lives devoid of the fullness of God's providential care. How much better to confess our need for God, and look to Him for wisdom and guidance in making the best of our time here on earth, for forgiveness and renewal when we mess up our lives through sin, for providential care and spiritual strength to live the truly "abundant life". Yes, dear friends and brethren that is why we need God!

Game of Life

2010-11-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass.

If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.

How? Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as they would your life, for without them, life is meaningless. Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each together.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find time. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.
Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.
Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way.
Yesterday is History,
Tomorrow is a Mystery and
Today is a gift: that's why we call it The Present.

-Author Unknown

2010-08-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

Kailan ba ako huling nagalit sa aking saliri, nagwala at nawalan ng tiwala sa mga taong tinuring kong pamilya? Since then naging ibang tao na ako sa sarili ko. Akala ko hawak ko ang bawat galaw ko. Akala ko tama ang bawat pagpapasya ko.

Mabilis umusad ang mga araw. Nadagdagan ng mga taon ang buhay ko. I never thought my life would be this lonely. I chose my own path. I journey a life without direction. Every day I ask myself, “Why am I this lonely?” It’s difficult to always ask for love for I know I am just hurting myself. Love, shall I deny it when it visits me? There’s always the end to every road. And usually it’s the sad one. Ngayon ko naisip, ang dami ko pa palang dapat gawin sa buhay ko. May katuparan pa ba kaya ang mga pangarap ko. My God! I am not getting any younger anymore. Most people my age are already establishing their own family.

A voice echoes: “Kaya mo yan Zaldy. Akala mo lang yon…nag-sesinti ka na naman. Ngayon ka pa ba bibitaw sa mga pangarap mo? Di ba noong araw pinangarap mo lang ang buhay na meron ka ngayon? Andito kana. Ano pa ba ang gusto mo? Gear up! Soar high!”

Retrospect S.Y 2009-2010

2010-05-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

2010-05-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

Gusto kong baguhin ang approach ko sa aking blog. Naisip ko na gamitin ang mga salitang alam na alam ko para mas ma-express ko pa ng husto ang mga bagay-bagay na madalas naglalaro sa isip ko. At ipakitang hindi hadlang ang ibang salita para maparating ang gusto kong ma-absorb ng aking mga blog followers.

2010-04-30T21:40:00.001-07:00

Retrospect School Year 2009-2010

2010-04-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm in Tarlac City

2010-04-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

Today is my second day in Tarlac. Walang masyadong mapagkaabalahan, gumagala nalang around the city lulan ng van as our service vehicle. I like the tour. Now we're going to Tarlac National High School. Yesterday, I busied myself making a movie I always dreamt to finish. Kailangan pa bang mapunta ako dito sa Tarlac to finally realize it? Indeed, it was fulfilling feeling!

Zal, congratulations!

2010-02-14T02:30:00.000-08:00

It was my dream to win in competitions like Science Investigatory Project (SIP). That dream came true when I finally decided, with the help of my co-teachers in the science department, to give it a try.

It‘s no easy thing to conduct an experimental research with limited resources at hand and with so little time to do it. It was even more difficult when I had to do it alongside with my training and coaching my students for the Student Technologist and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines (STEP) Skills Competition particularly in Techno Quiz.

But sacrifices paid off. It is true that success is achieved and maintained by those who keep trying with positive mental attitude. I won in the regional science fair in Butuan City and I would represent Caraga Region. My students also won in the Techno-Quiz.

The next level of competition was about to unfold in National arena. The 7^th National Science Quest was held in Tabaco City, Camarines Sur on February 3-5, 2010. This event was spearheaded by the Association of Science Educators of the Philippines (ASEP). The mere thought of it brought me lots of mixed emotions. What would I do? It was really breathtaking. I kept myself motivated and in high spirit all the time I thought of it. I told myself that I am doing it not only for own benefit but for the honor and glory of Caraga Region; my province, Surigao del Sur; and my school in particular, the Jacinto P. Elpa National High School.

This line of thinking kept me energized. It kept my adrenaline running. I remained high even on the day of the science congress. I presented my science investigatory project with so much confidence. After seeing my teacher- contenders demonstrating the same interest, passion and professionalism as I do, I showed up all the best I know how.

We were all 16 contestants for Applied Science Teacher category, each representing his or her own region. Only top five scientific studies would be chosen. After all the entries were presented I felt a rather negative feeling. I told myself I never gonna make it. My appearance in the National contest means I am already a winner. Not everybody had the chance to be here, I reasoned out. If they pick me up, it’s already a bonus. The next day, the moment of truth came as a thunderstruck. My name was called during the awarding ceremony. I got 3^rd place! I couldn’t believe what I had heard.

Going back home with the bacon was the nicest thing that ever happened in the entire trip of the contest. When I got back to school, I saw a congratulation streamer hanging high in the school entrance. I felt a sense of pride in myself and became grateful to the people behind the success. A large part of it would be credited from my co-teachers in the science department who motivated me to participate in the first place.

Everybody in the school campus flashes a smile on me. But the feeling I couldn't forget was when our school principal said these lines, "Zal, congratulations. Thank you for bringing pride to our school."

New Life, New Beginning

2010-01-03T02:17:00.000-08:00

I have often wanted to change things in the past and I have not followed through. I think now is the time in my life that I can finally implement these changes. I am tired of things which never working out when I start them. Now I am a better place with my mental health and I should remember that this is different than ever before. How can you do all these changes if you can’t stick to healthy lifestyles?

After a long trip down a painful period in my life, I try to find beauty in everything I see and every person I meet. I hope I will feel the happiness inside. Honestly, aside from God, tayo ang gumagawa ng ating kaligayahan.( We are the ones making our own happiness.) May this year bring prosperity and good things in my family and in my life. May this become my new life, my new beginning.

I listed down here the things I want to happen to me this year 2010. I resolve to:

1. Save for the rainy days. I want to save my first Php 100,000.

2. Maintain positive outlook in life despite the misfortunes.

3. Study the art of questioning and learn how to ask the right questions.

4. Go where few feet have trodden.

5. Live life like there’s no tomorrow.

6. Build my knowledge and seek excellence.

7. Learn something new every day.

8. Follow my head and not my heart.

9. Exceed my own expectations.

10. Make ethically responsible decisions.

11. Stay fit and healthy.

12. Spend quality time with my family members.

13. Make weekly plan and follow it.

14. Dare to start a business that really earns.

15. Attend church activities and fellowships.

16. Follow a time management program.

17. Take good care of my siblings and mind their needs.

18. Renew my relationship with my family members.

19. Regularly update my blog.

20. Compile photo albums of my family, students and friends.

21. Be effective in my teaching and become a proactive teacher.

22. Welcome people to love me and be loved by me in return.

23. Spare time in my artistic diversions like writing poems and stories and blogging, now movie directing.

24. Be kinder in myself.

25. Worship Jehovah God with all my heart and soul.

It’s Gonna Make Sense

2009-12-30T01:47:00.000-08:00

It’s Gonna Make Sense
Michael Learns to Rock

Life comes in many shapes
You think you know what you got
Until it changes
And life will take you high and low
You gotta learn how to walk
And then which way to go
Every choice you make
When you’re lost
Every step you take
Has it’s cause
Chorus:
After you clear your eyes
You’ll see the light
Somewhere in the darkness
After the rain has gone
You’ll feel the sun come
And though it seems your sorrow never ends
Someday it’s gonna make sense
Tears you shed are all the same
When you laughed ’till you cried
Or broken down in pain
All the hours you have spent in the past
Worrying about
A thing that didn’t last
Everything you saw
Played a part
In everything you are
In your heart
Chorus:
After you clear your eyes
You’ll see the light
Somewhere in the darkness
After the rain has gone
You’ll feel the sun come
And though it seems your sorrow never ends
Someday it’s gonna make sense
Release:
Someday you’re gonna find the answers
To all the things you’ve become and all they’ve done
At your expense
Someday it’s gonna make sense

Philippine massacre charges filed

2009-12-13T03:54:00.000-08:00

The killings sparked outrage across the Philippines and embarassed the country's president [AFP]

Prosecutors in the Philippines have formally filed 25 murder charges against a man accused of leading a election-related massacre on the southern island of Mindanao that outraged the nation.
The charges against Andal Ampatuan Jr, the son of the governor of Maguindanao province, were filed in a court in the southern city of Cotabato, which has jurisdiction over the site of the massacre.
According to prosecutors, at least 10 witnesses have said Ampatuan Jr led the gang of gunmen that carried out the killings of political campaigners and journalists.
Ampatuan Jr has denied the charges.
Prosecutors allege armed followers of the Ampatuan clan murdered 57 people including the wife and two sisters of their political rival, Esmael Mangudadatu.
Also among those killed were journalists, lawyers and other civilians.

Political rivalry

Edilberto Jamora, the prosecutor in the case, said Ampatuan Jr was only being charged with 25 murders so far because authorities had only processed 25 death certificates.
Ampatuan Jr is accused of leading the killings to prevent Mangudadatu from challenging him in the May 2010 race for governor of the province.
Ampatuan's father, together with six other clan members, have been summoned to submit affidavits in the investigation into the massacre in Maguindanao province.
They are also suspects in the investigation, but have not been charged.
The Ampatuans control many local positions in the southern province of Maguindanao and have hundreds of armed followers there.
Prosecutors said the killings were carefully planned and that more charges will follow.

'Strong evidence'

Jovencito Zuno, the chief state prosecutor, said at least one witness alleged that the Ampatuan clan had gathered in the patriarch's mansion in the provincial capital of Shariff Aguak days before to plan the killings.
The graves were dug in advance and a backhoe positioned to bury the bodies, prosecutors said.
Police said earlier they took into custody six officers, including the Maguindanao provincial police chief and his deputy.
Two inspectors among them were allegedly seen during the massacre with Ampatuan Jr, said Erickson Velasquez, head of the criminal investigation division.
The massacre has also embarrassed Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Philippine president, who has longstanding ties with the Ampatuans.
Arroyo has declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao and a neighbouring province, ordering troops and police to confiscate unlicensed weapons and restore order.
But few think the measures will go far enough in the region which is notorious for its political warlords who have been outside the central government's control for generations.

Lifting martial law

2009-12-13T03:22:00.000-08:00

CNN) -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lifted martial law in the country's south, which she declared after the massacre of 57 people last month, Philippine news outlets reported Saturday.
The order lifting martial law was due to be effective at 9 p.m. (8 a.m. ET) Saturday, the Philippines News Agency (PNA) and CNN affiliate ABS-CBN said.
Military troops will remain in Maguindanao province to keep the peace despite the move, said Victor Ibrado, chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, PNA said.
Arroyo imposed martial law December 4 but lifted it Saturday after deciding it had achieved its objectives, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said, according to PNA.
Local government was now back in power and the justice system was functioning again, he said.
Authorities have said the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao province was a politically motivated attempt to keep an opponent of the politically powerful Ampatuan family from running for governor.
Thirty journalists were among those killed.
The martial law allowed arrests without warrants, and at least six members of the Ampatuan family -- including a local mayor -- were arrested, according to ABS-CBN.
Authorities raided a warehouse and ranch belonging to the family last weekend and confiscated firearms, ammunition and vehicles, Maj. Randolph Cabangbang, deputy of operations for the eastern Mindanao command, told CNN.
Ermita said Saturday that three charges of multiple murders were filed in court, and that 24 people were charged with rebellion. The Philippine National Police has referred nearly 900 other cases to the Department of Justice, he said.
Violence in the run-up to elections is not uncommon in the Philippines. The Maguindanao massacre, however, is the worst politically motivated violence in recent Philippine history, according to state media.
The victims included the wife and sister of political candidate Ismael "Toto" Mangudadatu, who had sent the women to file paperwork allowing him to run for governor of Maguindanao. He said he had received threats from allies of Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., the father of the accused mayor, saying he would be kidnapped if he filed the papers himself.
Maguindanao is part of an autonomous region in predominantly Muslim Mindanao, which was set up in the 1990s to quell armed uprisings by people seeking an independent Muslim homeland in the predominantly Christian Asian nation.

2009-11-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

I attended the week-long National Accreditation for Officiating Officials Visayas-Mindanao Cluster in Dilopolog City, Zamboanga del Norte last November 23-27, 2009.

2009-11-10T23:34:00.000-08:00

Victory Moment

2009-11-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Lesssons Learned from Bagyong Ondoy

2009-10-16T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ondoy is considered the worst storm that hit Metro Manila in 40 years and that it was equivalent of one month’s worth of rain falling within 6 hours. The result, landslides and raging flood reminiscent to the great biblical flood during the time of Noah. During which, not a few died, lost loved ones, their own homes and valuable properties.The factors to consider and blame are:
1. An extraordinary weather incident
2. Climate change via global warming
3. Lack of civil defense planning and vigilance; inadequate weather bulletins and alerts from PAG-ASA
4. Poor waste management. If the creeks and rivers had not been clogged, they would have allowed for released waters from the dams and floodwaters to have somehow drain faster.
5. Environment degradation
6. Wild and unregulated property development

Metro Manila settlers themselves contributed to the disaster. That is, from the plastic bags they throw into the sewers to the trash in the streets everyday. The sewers and drain systems are like veins in our body. If you feed it with junk, it will give you a heart attack.

The garbage was the doing of the common people. These were thrown into the waterways because that was the easiest and quickest way to get rid of them. The result, because the trash clogged waterways, the latter is made shallow and narrow. Eventually with the storm “Ondoy”, nature took revenge. Waterways overflowed the banks and entered the homes, yards and streets and to the very people where the garbage came from. As the trite adage says, “the trash you throw into the streams will come back to haunt you”.

While the flood was heavily accompanied by mud washed down by rain, landslide continue to occur even after the storm Ondoy. This is because there are no more roots of trees to hold the soil together. Those people responsible in cutting down the forest must have been the first to be buried alive by landslide but they are accordingly merely watching high and dry from their mansions and condos. These people who got rich by illegal logging assuage their feelings of guilt by donating some of their ill-gotten wealth to the relief organizations helping flood victims.

“We benefit more from our failures than from our successes; that crises teach us more important lessons than we can possibly learn from books and classrooms. As someone puts it, one of the things that hits you most forcibly and offers ideas of value is failure and suffering. Success and happiness give out great feelings but it is affliction that enlightens and prepare us best for the future.” -- Ramon J. Farolan, Phil. Daily Inquirer Columnist

Your Thought and Mine

2009-09-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

Your Thought and Mine

by Kahlil Gibran

Your thought is a tree rooted deep in the soil of tradition and whose branches grow in the power of continuity. My thought is a cloud moving in the space. It turns into drops which, as they fall, form a brook that sings its way into the sea. Then it rises as vapour into the sky. Your thought is a fortress that neither gale nor the lightning can shake. My thought is a tender leaf that sways in every direction and finds pleasure in its swaying. Your thought is an ancient dogma that cannot change you nor can you change it. My thought is new, and it tests me and I test it morn and eve.
You have your thought and I have mine.

Your thought allows you to believe in the unequal contest of the strong against the weak, and in the tricking of the simple by the subtle ones. My thought creates in me the desire to till the earth with my hoe, and harvest the crops with my sickle, and build my home with stones and mortar, and weave my raiment with woollen and linen threads. Your thought urges you to marry wealth and notability. Mine commends self-reliance. Your thought advocates fame and show. Mine counsels me and implores me to cast aside notoriety and treat it like a grain of sand cast upon the shore of eternity. Your thought instils in your heart arrogance and superiority. Mine plants within me love for peace and the desire for independence. Your thought begets dreams of palaces with furniture of sandalwood studded with jewels, and beds made of twisted silk threads. My thought speaks softly in my ears, “Be clean in body and spirit even if you have nowhere to lay your head.” Your thought makes you aspire to titles and offices. Mine exhorts me to humble service.

You have your thought and I have mine.

Your thought is social science, a religious and political dictionary. Mine is simple axiom. Your thought speaks of the beautiful woman, the ugly, the virtuous, the prostitute, the intelligent, and the stupid. Mine sees in every woman a mother, a sister, or a daughter of every man. The subjects of your thought are thieves, criminals, and assassins. Mine declares that thieves are the creatures of monopoly, criminals are the offspring of tyrants, and assassins are akin to the slain. Your thought describes laws, courts, judges, punishments. Mine explains that when man makes a law, he either violates it or obeys it. If there is a basic law, we are all one before it. He who disdains the mean is himself mean. He who vaunts his scorn of the sinful vaunts his disdain of all humanity. Your thought concerns the skilled, the artist, the intellectual, the philosopher, the priest. Mine speaks of the loving and the affectionate, the sincere, the honest, the forthright, the kindly, and the martyr. Your thought advocates Judaism, Brahmanism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. In my thought there is only one universal religion, whose varied paths are but the fingers of the loving hand of the Supreme Being. In your thought there are the rich, the poor, and the beggared. My thought holds that there are no riches but life; that we are all beggars, and no benefactor exists save life herself.

You have your thought and I have mine.

According to your thought, the greatness of nations lies in their politics, their parties, their conferences, their alliances and treaties. But mine proclaims that the importance of nations lies in work – work in the field, work in the vineyards, work with the loom, work in the tannery, work in the quarry, work in the timberyard, work in the office and in the press. Your thought holds that the glory of the nations is in their heroes. It sings the praises of Rameses, Alexander, Caesar, Hannibal, and Napoleon. But mine claims that the real heroes are Confucius, Lao-Tse, Socrates, Plato, Abi Taleb, El Gazali, Jalal Ed-din-el Roumy, Copernicus, and Pasteur. Your thought sees power in armies, cannons, battleships, submarines, aeroplanes, and poison gas. But mine asserts that power lies in reason, resolution, and truth. No matter how long the tyrant endures, he will be the loser at the end. Your thought differentiates between pragmatist and idealist, between the part and the whole, between the mystic and materialist. Mine realizes that life is one and its weights, measures and tables do not coincide with your weights, measures and tables. He whom you suppose an idealist may be a practical man.

You have your thought and I have mine.

Your thought is interested in ruins and museums, mummies and petrified objects. But mine hovers in the ever-renewed haze and clouds. Your thought is enthroned on skulls. Since you take pride in it, you glorify it too. My thought wanders in the obscure and distant valleys. Your thought trumpets while you dance. Mine prefers the anguish of death to your music and dancing. Your thought is the thought of gossip and false pleasure. Mine is the thought of him who is lost in his own country, of the alien in his own nation, of the solitary among his kinfolk and friends.

You have your thought and I have mine.

Zwani

2009-09-12T05:06:00.001-07:00

Myspace Welcome Comments

Zwani

2009-09-12T05:03:00.001-07:00

Myspace Welcome Comments

2009-09-09T22:44:00.001-07:00

Myspace Graphics and Myspace Layouts

2009-09-06T05:55:00.001-07:00

Myspace Graphics and Myspace Layouts

2009-09-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

Myspace Graphics and Myspace Layouts

Sand and Stone

2009-08-30T02:03:00.000-07:00

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE."

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND, AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE

Parable Of The Pencil - Pencil story

2009-08-30T01:58:00.000-07:00

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

"Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

"And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

Love and Time

2009-08-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."

Alexander Fleming

2009-08-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

I happened to stumble an inspiring story today, a story of one of the greatest scientists in London.

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to eke out a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life."
"No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.
"Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.
"I'll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll grow to a man you can be proud of."

And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming's son graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the nobleman's son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said what goes around comes around.

Teacher under interrogation

2009-08-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

Teaching is one of the toughest jobs on earth. No wonder some teachers feel like giving up to a profession which is not only physically and mentally demanding but also emotionally disheartening.

With so many work to accomplish, not to mention the regular teaching work and lesson planning, we can't help not to answer some of the big questions concerning us.
1. Do you plan to slow down in the coming year?

Being young and vibrant is a blessing. I can imagine my old co-teachers complaining their back pains and sore throat and other muscle pains caused by old age. It's good to know that I am young and I still have the energy to teach. I am given the proper motivation for my work. I guess, I just need to maintain my pace and passion in teaching students and I should not let it die down on me.

2. Do you consider yourself a workaholic?

I could say I am. Specially this month and this coming September, I don't know how to define the word "rest."

3. When you need more time, do you tend to cut back on your sleep?

Not anymore. I learned so much lessons in the past. I realized sleep is very important. I can't afford to cut back on it. Time management is still an effective way to beat any deadline.

4. At the end of the day, do you often feel that you have not accomplished what you had set out to do?
Sometime I feel like I am not accomplishing anything when I don't plan out my day. Iused to list down on paper the things I want to accomplish in a particular day as "To-do-list." If I fail to make a list, I am sure nothing will happen.

5. Do you worry that you don’t spend enough time with your family or friends?
Yes, I really worry not spending quality time with people whom I care and love. I hope I can be with my family always. But to my friends I can spare some time specially when they invited me to a party.

6. Do you feel that you’re constantly under stress trying to accomplish more than you can handle?
I have this mentality. I just don't know how to avoid this.

7. Do you feel trapped in a daily routine?
Yes.

8. Do you feel that you just don’t have time for fun any more?
I still fine time to enjoy and have fun while working.

9. Do you often feel under stress when you don’t have enough time?
Nope.
10. Would you like to spend more time alone?
Yes, I true need time to contemplate on my life. I will explain later.

2009-08-19T00:16:00.001-07:00

Myspace Graphics

Inspiring Myself

2009-08-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

My conscience talking to me:

Some people have different things that can inspire them greatly in times of depression. If you have certain things that can make you feel better, why not write them out and place those papers around your home. This way you can see these inspiring thoughts at all times.

You need to remember that everyone has bad days. No matter who they are and how much money they have. A person will never be in his life happy all the time. It's not normal, and you can't ever expect it. That's why you need to remember inspiring thoughts at these low times.

Perhaps you have a favorite book that you enjoy many quotes from, maybe even the Bible. Even if you're not a very religious person there are some very good inspiring comments in the Bible that everyone can enjoy.

Think of something you've accomplished in the past. Be it a simple thing like a story you wrote or a poem. Even though it may never have been published when shared with friends they really enjoyed it. This should inspire you to perhaps even write another one, and get you out of that mood.

Movies that you always find that make you happy can have some inspiring thoughts in them to make you feel less down too. Placing that movie on and watching it, or just the scenes that always make you laugh or smile can be enough of a push to bring you from a down mood to an up mood.

Finally, you need to keep in mind that you are no different from anyone else. We all experience these feelings of being down. Just don't let them get too bad before you seek out a friend to talk to. If you ever get close to thinking of hurting yourself call your friends up and chat, they will help you out.

Culmination Program for Nutrition Month 09

2009-07-29T07:44:00.002-07:00

JPENHS Fire Drill

2009-07-29T07:44:00.001-07:00

Fourth Year Acquaintance Party 09

2009-07-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Opening Parade

2009-07-21T23:29:00.000-07:00

A Teacher's Creed

2009-07-09T23:52:00.001-07:00

A Teacher's Creed

I believe I have been called by God to teach.
I believe in children...young and old...black and white...rich and poor....each in need of learning.
I believe in blackboards, chalk dust, textbooks, and computers for each has a part in imparting knowledge.
I believe the love I give to my students will someday be reflected in their lives.
I believe the gift of teaching is not measured simply by marks, enrollment, or the end of the school year.
It is in the witness I give and the fullness of the life lived by those I teach.
I believe I have the power to lead those in need of learning to the threshold of their own minds.
I believe in my giftedness to use each of the tools available no matter how new or old..for the light of knowledge in the eyes of another is my goal.
I believe teaching is more than tests, diplomas, paperwork, and fundraising.
It is the values I breathe daily into another...slowly.
It is in the faith I share in Jesus...ever changing and growing...never ending.
I believe my success today goes unnoticed...until those I teach and touch can stand alone and say "in my life I have learned..."
I believe if I have taught and touched one person...in God's name...I have used my gift to me justly..and can humbly say...
I believe in teaching....
I AM A TEACHER!!

What is Global Warming? Symposium

2009-06-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

What is Global Warming?

Global Warming is defined as the increase of the average temperature on Earth. As the Earth is getting hotter, disasters like hurricanes, droughts and floods are getting more frequent.

See the most important facts of the UN Climate Change Report 2007 at a glance

Over the last 100 years, the average temperature of the air near the Earth´s surface has risen a little less than 1° Celsius (0.74 ± 0.18°C, or 1.3 ± 0.32° Fahrenheit). Does not seem all that much? It is responsible for the conspicuous increase in storms, floods and raging forest fires we have seen in the last ten years, though, say scientists.

Their data show that an increase of one degree Celsius makes the Earth warmer now than it has been for at least a thousand years. Out of the 20 warmest years on record, 19 have occurred since 1980. The three hottest years ever observed have all occurred in the last eight years, even.
What is Global Warming?

See the best ways to use renewable energies

Picture Gallery (click the image to start)

See the best ways to use renewable energies

Earth should be in cool-down-period

But it is not only about how much the Earth is warming, it is also about how fast it is warming. There have always been natural climate changes – Ice Ages and the warm intermediate times between them – but those evolved over periods of 50,000 to 100,000 years.

A temperature rise as fast as the one we have seen over the last 30 years has never happened before, as far as scientists can ascertain. Moreover, normally the Earth should now be in a cool-down-period, according to natural effects like solar cycles and volcano activity, not in a heating-up phase.

Araw ng Surigao del Sur (Trade Fair)

2009-06-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

Surigao del Sur, Our Land and Our Home

2009-06-18T02:34:00.000-07:00

Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag City and borders Surigao del Norte to the north, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur to the west, and Davao Oriental to the south. Surigao del Sur is located at the eastern coast of Mindanao and faces the Philippine Sea.

Surigao del sur is one of the supplier of agricultural items like, rice, banana and some tropical fruits. Copper, chromite and silver are also found here.

The 56th Philippine province and is one of the sub-regions of Caraga.
It is located on the Northeastern Coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean.
It is bounded on the Northwest by the Province of Surigao del Norte, on the Southeast by Davao Oriental, on its Eastern side by the Pacific Ocean, and on the West and Southwest by the Provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

Surigao del Sur has one city and 18 municipalities most of which are located in the coastal areas, with Tandag as its capital. These municipalities are subdivided into 309 barangays and has two congressional districts.

Surigao del Sur is subdivided into 18 municipalities and one city.

City: Bislig City

Municipalities: Barobo, Bayabas,Cagwait, Cantilan, Carmen,Carrascal,Cortes,Hinatuan,Lanuza, Lianga,Lingig,Madrid,Marihatag, SanAgustin, San Miguel,Tagbina,Tago,(http://www.tagosds.org), Tandag – Provincial capital

History

Before the Spaniards came, the aborigines of the province were the Mamanua and Manobo. Later, our Austronesian brothers from the Visayas came to settle with the natives. It was with the arrival of the immigrants that the province acquired its name from one of the natives, Saliagao, who lived near the mouth of the river.The name Saliagao was later pronounced Surigao by the inhabitants.

It is also said that long time ago, some Visayan fishermen forced by the strong current of the Surigao Strait, sought refuge in one of the huts somewhere in the province. The Mamanua who thought that these fishermen wanted to occupy the hut by force said “Agaw”, the term which was later given a prefix “Suri” by an immigrant.

Surigao formerly, was extended from what is known as Agusan, including the islands east of it and the northern regions of Davao and the capital of the province that time was Caraga and so the Spaniards called the people Caragas.

The aborigines of Surigao del Sur were a conglomeration and mixture of different racial types, namely: Mandaya, Mamanua, Mansaka and Manobo. These racial groups were of Malayan-Indonesian ancestry which took place thousand years ago. In the course of their migration, these primitive nomads were believed to have separated their ways in some portions of the archipelago in a spirit of adventure and search for food (i.e., during the pleisto scene of the glacial ages). It was believed further that they first settled in the northern island of the country who later took their bancas and reach the shores of Mindanao particularly in the Provinces of Surigao and Davao. They scattered among themselves in spots either in pairs or by family clans, retaining their own customs, dialects and ways of life.

There was no trace of exact dates and places of arrival. But it was known that this group of people were very nomadic and were the remnants of the present Mamanua and Manobo found in the wilderness of the northern part of Davao bordering the Province of Surigao. Their migratory movement was said to have come from the hinterlands of Agusan and along the foothills of western and southern part of Surigao del Sur. It was pointed out that the cause of migration was due to famine and occurrence of death from diseases believed caused by evil spirits.

The Province of Surigao del Sur was created as the 56th Philippine province on June 19, 1960 by virtue of RA 2786 and was formally organized or separated from its mother province, Surigao del Norte, on September 18, 1960.

At the time of its inception, it was classified as 4th Class province with an annual income of over P300,000.00. Seven years later, because of rapid increase of revenue collection particularly from the logging ventures, it has been reclassified as Ist Class B and in 1980 as Ist Class A with an estimated annual income of around P13,000,000.00. Presently, it is reclassified as 2nd Class with a revenueadding up to P315,888,300.63.

Honorable Recaredo B. Castillo was the appointed Governor and subsequently elected Governor and Honorable Vicente L. Pimentel as the first elected Congressman. Hon. Vicente T. Pimentel, Jr. is the eighth and incumbent Provincial Executive.

Originally the province had 13 municipalities. In subsequent years, six more were added raising the number to 19 with Tandag as its capital town. Now, one of its municipalities has been elevated to a city category and this is Bislig City.

JPENHS IMPLEMENTS 2009 BRIGADA ESKWELA

2009-06-17T02:06:00.000-07:00

JPENHS IMPLEMENTS 2009 BRIGADA ESKWELA

In consonance to DepED Memorandum No. 168, s. 2009 and DepED Order No. 25, s. 2009, DepED Tandag City implements 2009 Brigada Eskwela or the National Schools Maintenance Week on May 18 – 22, 2009.

Cognizant to DepED Order No. 25, s. 2009, Brigada Eskwela is a schools maintenance program nationwide that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort and resources in ensuring that all public schools are ready in time for school opening. It is a weeklong event where communities, parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non- government organizations, and private individuals including teacher and student volunteers devote their time and skills to do repairs and maintenance work in public schools.

Last year, the participation rate among public schools reached 100%. All 44,619 public schools have contributed to the success of last year’s Brigada Eskwela. Savings on maintenance reached P2.9 Billion, and the peso value of volunteer time pegged at P 1.6 Billion. The peso value of donations-in-kind from generous donors amounted to P1.2 Billion.

All Regional and Division Offices synchronize the implementation of the School- Based Repair and Maintenance Scheme (SBRMS) with Brigada Eskwela to maximize impact of these two DepED Programs.

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME

2009-06-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIME By Gerry Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways but narrower viewpoints. We spend more but have less, we buy more but we enjoy less.

We have bigger houses yet smaller families, more conveniences but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgment, more experts yet more problem, more medicines but less wellness.

We’ve learned how to make a living but not life. We’ve added years to life, not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered the outer space, but not the inner space. We’ve done larger things but not better things.

We’ve cleaned the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

Remember: spend more time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember: say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person will soon grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember to say: I love you to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. (A kiss and embrace will mend a heart when it comes from deep inside of you). Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breaths away…

2009-06-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

My Pedagogic Creed, The School and Social Progress

2009-06-05T00:46:00.000-07:00

My Pedagogic Creed
by John Dewey

THE SCHOOL AND SOCIAL PROGRESS

* I believe that education is the fundamental method of social progress and reform.

* I believe that all reforms which rest simply upon the enactment of law, or the threatening of certain penalties, or upon changes in mechanical or outward arrangements, are transitory and futile.
* I believe that education is a regulation of the process of coming to share in the social consciousness; and that the adjustment of individual activity on the basis of this social consciousness is the only sure method of social reconstruction.
* I believe that this conception has due regard for both the individualistic and socialistic ideals. It is duly individual because it recognizes the formation of a certain character as the only genuine basis of right living. It is socialistic because it recognizes that this right character is not to be formed by merely individual precept, example, or exhortation, but rather by the influence of a certain form of institutional or community life upon the individual, and that the social organism through the school, as its organ, may determine ethical results.
* I believe that in the ideal school we have the reconciliation of the individualistic and the institutional ideals.
* I believe that the community's duty to education is, therefore, its paramount moral duty. By law and punishment, by social agitation and discussion, society can regulate and form itself in a more or less haphazard and chance way. But through education society can formulate its own purposes, can organize its own means and resources, and thus shape itself with definiteness and economy in the direction in which it wishes to move.
* I believe that when society once recognizes the possibilities in this direction, and the obligations which these possibilities impose, it is impossible to conceive of the resources of time, attention, and money which will be put at the disposal of the educator.
* I believe it is the business of every one interested in education to insist upon the school as the primary and most effective instrument of social progress and reform in order that society may be awakened to realize what the school stands for, and aroused to the necessity of endowing the educator with sufficient equipment properly to perform his task.
* I believe that education thus conceived marks the most perfect and intimate union of science and art conceivable in human experience.
* I believe that the art of thus giving shape to human powers and adapting them to social service, is the supreme art; one calling into its service the best of artists; that no insight, sympathy, tact, executive power is too great for such service.
* I believe that with the growth of psychological science, giving added insight into individual structure and laws of growth; and with growth of social science, adding to our knowledge of the right organization of individuals, all scientific resources can be utilized for the purposes of education.
* I believe that when science and art thus join hands the most commanding motive for human action will be reached; the most genuine springs of human conduct aroused and the best service that human nature is capable of guaranteed.
* I believe, finally, that the teacher is engaged, not simply in the training of individuals, but in the formation of the proper social life.
* I believe that every teacher should realize the dignity of his calling; that he is a social servant set apart for the maintenance of proper social order and the securing of the right social growth.
* I believe that in this way the teacher always is the prophet of the true God and the usherer in of the true kingdom of God.

My Pedagogic Creed,The Nature of Method

2009-06-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

My Pedagogic Creed
by John Dewey

THE NATURE OF METHOD

* I believe that the question of method is ultimately reducible to the question of the order of development of the child's powers and interests. The law for presenting and treating material is the law implicit within the child's own nature. Because this is so I believe the following statements are of supreme importance as determining the spirit in which education is carried on:

* I believe that the active side precedes the passive in the development of the child nature; that expression comes before conscious impression; that the muscular development precedes the sensory; that movements come before conscious sensations; I believe that consciousness is essentially motor or impulsive; that conscious states tend to project themselves in action.

* I believe that the neglect of this principle is the cause of a large part of the waste of time and strength in school work. The child is thrown into a passive, receptive or absorbing attitude. The conditions are such that he is not permitted to follow the law of his nature; the result is friction and waste.
* I believe that ideas (intellectual and rational processes) also result from action and devolve for the sake of the better control of action. What we term reason is primarily the law of orderly or effective action. To attempt to develop the reasoning powers, the powers of judgment, without reference to the selection and arrangement of means in action, is the fundamental fallacy in our present methods of dealing with this matter. As a result we present the child with arbitrary symbols. Symbols are a necessity in mental development, but they have their place as tools for economizing effort; presented by themselves they are a mass of meaningless and arbitrary ideas imposed from without.

* I believe that the image is the great instrument of instruction. What a child gets out of any subject presented to him is simply the images which he himself forms with regard to it.

* I believe that if nine-tenths of the energy at present directed towards making the child learn certain things, were spent in seeing to it that the child was forming proper images, the work of instruction would be indefinitely facilitated.
* I believe that much of the time and attention now given to the preparation and presentation of lessons might be more wisely and profitably expended in training the child's power of imagery and in seeing to it that he was continually forming definite, vivid, and growing images of the various subjects with which he comes in contact in his experience.

* I believe that interests are the signs and symptoms of growing power. I believe that they represent dawning capacities. Accordingly the constant and careful observation of interests is of the utmost importance for the educator.

* I believe that these interests are to be observed as showing the state of development which the child has reached.
* I believe that the prophesy the stage upon which he is about to enter.
* I believe that only through the continual and sympathetic observation of childhood's interests can the adult enter into the child's life and see what it is ready for, and upon what material it could work most readily and fruitfully.
* I believe that these interests are neither to be humored nor repressed. To repress interest is to substitute the adult for the child, and so to weaken intellectual curiosity and alertness, to suppress initiative, and to deaden interest. To humor the interests is to substitute the transient for the permanent. The interest is always the sign of some power below; the important thing is to discover this power. To humor the interest is to fail to penetrate below the surface and its sure result is to substitute caprice and whim for genuine interest.

* I believe that the emotions are the reflex of actions.

* I believe that to endeavor to stimulate or arouse the emotions apart from their corresponding activities, is to introduce an unhealthy and morbid state of mind.
* I believe that if we can only secure right habits of action and thought, with reference to the good, the true, and the beautiful, the emotions will for the most part take care of themselves.
* I believe that next to deadness and dullness, formalism and routine, our education is threatened with no greater evil than sentimentalism.
* I believe that this sentimentalism is the necessary result of the attempt to divorce feeling from action.

My Pedagogic Creed, Subject Matter of Education

2009-06-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

My Pedagogic Creed
by John Dewey

THE SUBJECT-MATTER OF EDUCATION

* I believe that the social life of the child is the basis of concentration, or correlation, in all his training or growth. The social life gives the unconscious unity and the background of all his efforts and of all his attainments.
* I believe that the subject-matter of the school curriculum should mark a gradual differentiation out of the primitive unconscious unity of social life.
* I believe that we violate the child's nature and render difficult the best ethical results, by introducing the child too abruptly to a number of special studies, of reading, writing, geography, etc., out of relation to this social life.
* I believe, therefore, that the true centre of correlation of the school subjects is not science, nor literature, nor history, nor geography, but the child's own social activities.
* I believe that education cannot be unified in the study of science, or so-called nature study, because apart from human activity, nature itself is not a unity; nature in itself is a number of diverse objects in space and time, and to attempt to make it the centre of work by itself, is to introduce a principle of radiation rather than one of concentration.
* I believe that literature is the reflex expression and interpretation of social experience; that hence it must follow upon and not precede such experience. It, therefore, cannot be made the basis, although it may be made the summary of unification.
* I believe once more that history is of educative value in so far as it presents phases of social life and growth. It must be controlled by reference to social life. When taken simply as history it is thrown into the distant past and becomes dead and inert. Taken as the record of man's social life and progress it becomes full of meaning. I believe, however, that it cannot be so taken excepting as the child is also introduced directly into social life.
* I believe accordingly that the primary basis of education is in the child's powers at work along the same general constructive lines as those which have brought civilization into being.
* I believe that the only way to make the child conscious of his social heritage is to enable him to perform those fundamental types of activity which makes civilization what it is.
* I believe, therefore, in the so-called expressive or constructive activities as the centre of correlation.
* I believe that this gives the standard for the place of cooking, sewing, manual training, etc., in the school.
* I believe that they are not special studies which are to be introduced over and above a lot of others in the way of relaxation or relief, or as additional accomplishments. I believe rather that they represent, as types, fundamental forms of social activity; and that it is possible and desirable that the child's introduction into the more formal subjects of the curriculum be through the medium of these activities.
* I believe that the study of science is educational in so far as it brings out the materials and processes which make social life what it is.
* I believe that one of the greatest difficulties in the present teaching of science is that the material is presented in purely objective form, or is treated as a new peculiar kind of experience which the child can add to that which he has already had. In reality, science is of value because it gives the ability to interpret and control the experience already had. It should be introduced, not as so much new subject- matter, but as showing the factors already involved in previous experience and as furnishing tools by which that experience can be more easily and effectively regulated.
* I believe that at present we lose much of the value of literature and language studies because of our elimination of the social element. Language is almost always treated in the books of pedagogy simply as the expression of thought. It is true that language is a logical instrument, but it is fundamentally and primarily a social instrument. Language is the device for communication; it is the tool through which one individual comes to share the ideas and feelings of others. When treated simply as a way of getting individual information, or as a means of showing off what one has learned, it loses its social motive and end.
* I believe that there is, therefore, no succession of studies in the ideal school curriculum. If education is life, all life has, from the outset, a scientific aspect; an aspect of art and culture and an aspect of communication. It cannot, therefore, be true that the proper studies for one grade are mere reading and writing, and that at a later grade, reading, or literature, or science, may be introduced. The progress is not in the succession of studies but in the development of new attitudes towards, and new interests in, experience.
* I believe finally, that education must be conceived as a continuing reconstruction of experience; that the process and the goal of education are one and the same thing.
* I believe that to set up any end outside of education, as furnishing its goal and standard, is to deprive the educational process of much of its meaning and tends to make us rely upon false and external stimuli in dealing with the child.

My Pedagogic Creed, What the School Is

2009-06-05T00:41:00.000-07:00

My Pedagogic Creed

by John Dewey

WHAT THE SCHOOL IS

* I believe that the school is primarily a social institution. Education being a social process, the school is simply that form of community life in which all those agencies are concentrated that will be most effective in bringing the child to share in the inherited resources of the race, and to use his own powers for social ends.
* I believe that education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.
* I believe that the school must represent present life - life as real and vital to the child as that which he carries on in the home, in the neighborhood, or on the play-ground.
* I believe that education which does not occur through forms of life, forms that are worth living for their own sake, is always a poor substitute for the genuine reality and tends to cramp and to deaden.
* I believe that the school, as an institution, should simplify existing social life; should reduce it, as it were, to an embryonic form. Existing life is so complex that the child cannot be brought into contact with it without either confusion or distraction; he is either overwhelmed by multiplicity of activities which are going on, so that he loses his own power of orderly reaction, or he is so stimulated by these various activities that his powers are prematurely called into play and he becomes either unduly specialized or else disintegrated.
* I believe that, as such simplified social life, the school life should grow gradually out of the home life; that it should take up and continue the activities with which the child is already familiar in the home.
* I believe that it should exhibit these activities to the child, and reproduce them in such ways that the child will gradually learn the meaning of them, and be capable of playing his own part in relation to them.
* I believe that this is a psychological necessity, because it is the only way of securing continuity in the child's growth, the only way of giving a background of past experience to the new ideas given in school.
* I believe it is also a social necessity because the home is the form of social life in which the child has been nurtured and in connection with which he has had his moral training. It is the business of the school to deepen and extend his sense of the values bound up in his home life.
* I believe that much of present education fails because it neglects this fundamental principle of the school as a form of community life. It conceives the school as a place where certain information is to be given, where certain lessons are to be learned, or where certain habits are to be formed. The value of these is conceived as lying largely in the remote future; the child must do these things for the sake of something else he is to do; they are mere preparation. As a result they do not become a part of the life experience of the child and so are not truly educative.
* I believe that moral education centres about this conception of the school as a mode of social life, that the best and deepest moral training is precisely that which one gets through having to enter into proper relations with others in a unity of work and thought. The present educational systems, so far as they destroy or neglect this unity, render it difficult or impossible to get any genuine, regular moral training.
* I believe that the child should be stimulated and controlled in his work through the life of the community.
* I believe that under existing conditions far too much of the stimulus and control proceeds from the teacher, because of neglect of the idea of the school as a form of social life.
* I believe that the teacher's place and work in the school is to be interpreted from this same basis. The teacher is not in the school to impose certain ideas or to form certain habits in the child, but is there as a member of the community to select the influences which shall affect the child and to assist him in properly responding to these influences.
* I believe that the discipline of the school should proceed from the life of the school as a whole and not directly from the teacher.
* I believe that the teacher's business is simply to determine on the basis of larger experience and riper wisdom, how the discipline of life shall come to the child.
* I believe that all questions of the grading of the child and his promotion should be determined by reference to the same standard. Examinations are of use only so far as they test the child's fitness for social life and reveal the place in which he can be of most service and where he can receive the most help.

My Pedagogic Creed, What Education Is

2009-06-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

My Pedagogic Creed

by John Dewey

WHAT EDUCATION IS

* I believe that all education proceeds by the participation of the individual in the social consciousness of the race. This process begins unconsciously almost at birth, and is continually shaping the individual's powers, saturating his consciousness, forming his habits, training his ideas, and arousing his feelings and emotions. Through this unconscious education the individual gradually comes to share in the intellectual and moral resources which humanity has succeeded in getting together. He becomes an inheritor of the funded capital of civilization. The most formal and technical education in the world cannot safely depart from this general process. It can only organize it; or differentiate it in some particular direction.
* I believe that the only true education comes through the stimulation of the child's powers by the demands of the social situations in which he finds himself. Through these demands he is stimulated to act as a member of a unity, to emerge from his original narrowness of action and feeling and to conceive of himself from the standpoint of the welfare of the group to which he belongs. Through the responses which others make to his own activities he comes to know what these mean in social terms. The value which they have is reflected back into them. For instance, through the response which is made to the child's instinctive babblings the child comes to know what those babblings mean; they are transformed into articulate language and thus the child is introduced into the consolidated wealth of ideas and emotions which are now summed up in language.
* I believe that this educational process has two sides - one psychological and one sociological; and that neither can be subordinated to the other or neglected without evil results following. Of these two sides, the psychological is the basis. The child's own instincts and powers furnish the material and give the starting point for all education. Save as the efforts of the educator connect with some activity which the child is carrying on of his own initiative independent of the educator, education becomes reduced to a pressure from without. It may, indeed, give certain external results but cannot truly be called educative. Without insight into the psychological structure and activities of the individual, the educative process will, therefore, be haphazard and arbitrary. If it chances to coincide with the child's activity it will get a leverage; if it does not, it will result in friction, or disintegration, or arrest of the child nature.
* I believe that knowledge of social conditions, of the present state of civilization, is necessary in order properly to interpret the child's powers. The child has his own instincts and tendencies, but we do not know what these mean until we can translate them into their social equivalents. We must be able to carry them back into a social past and see them as the inheritance of previous race activities. We must also be able to project them into the future to see what their outcome and end will be. In the illustration just used, it is the ability to see in the child's babblings the promise and potency of a future social intercourse and conversation which enables one to deal in the proper way with that instinct.
* I believe that the psychological and social sides are organically related and that education cannot be regarded as a compromise between the two, or a superimposition of one upon the other. We are told that the psychological definition of education is barren and formal - that it gives us only the idea of a development of all the mental powers without giving us any idea of the use to which these powers are put. On the other hand, it is urged that the social definition of education, as getting adjusted to civilization, makes of it a forced and external process, and results in subordinating the freedom of the individual to a preconceived social and political status.
* I believe each of these objections is true when urged against one side isolated from the other. In order to know what a power really is we must know what its end, use, or function is; and this we cannot know save as we conceive of the individual as active in social relationships. But, on the other hand, the only possible adjustment which we can give to the child under existing conditions, is that which arises through putting him in complete possession of all his powers. With the advent of democracy and modern industrial conditions, it is impossible to foretell definitely just what civilization will be twenty years from now. Hence it is impossible to prepare the child for any precise set of conditions. To prepare him for the future life means to give him command of himself; it means so to train him that he will have the full and ready use of all his capacities; that his eye and ear and hand may be tools ready to command, that his judgment may be capable of grasping the conditions under which it has to work, and the executive forces be trained to act economically and efficiently. It is impossible to reach this sort of adjustment save as constant regard is had to the individual's own powers, tastes, and interests - say, that is, as education is continually converted into psychological terms.
* In sum, I believe that the individual who is to be educated is a social individual and that society is an organic union of individuals. If we eliminate the social factor from the child we are left only with an abstraction; if we eliminate the individual factor from society, we are left only with an inert and lifeless mass. Education, therefore, must begin with a psychological insight into the child's capacities, interests, and habits. It must be controlled at every point by reference to these same considerations. These powers, interests, and habits must be continually interpreted - we must know what they mean. They must be translated into terms of their social equivalents - into terms of what they are capable of in the way of social service.

2009-05-31T17:55:00.001-07:00

2009-05-28T02:03:00.001-07:00

Myspace Graphics

2009-05-28T01:57:00.001-07:00

Myspace Graphics

I am Just a Teacher but I am Proud Again

2009-05-22T02:23:00.000-07:00

As I look back to a few years ago, I didn’t plan to be a teacher. “Me? Becoming a teacher? No way!” I heard myself said. I always wanted to be a doctor of medicine. It had been my cherished ambition. Years later, I couldn’t believe I found myself holding a chalk board, writing lesson plans and teaching students. I got fascinated in the classroom life. At first, it was difficult. To survive the job, I needed to think like philosopher and do my work seriously. Is this really the profession I want to do for my life? I once asked myself. There was conflict inside me. Later on, I comforted myself into thinking that things were under my control. It’s great to be a teacher even if this work entails so much stress and pressure physically and emotionally.

I am one of the millions of teachers nowadays in this country who live to teach and teach to live at the same time. I become enthusiastic and my teaching work keeps me busy and alert. My dealing with people has improved to a higher level. I learned to be nice, kind, friendly, gentle and generous. I never thought I would be this person. I used to be a shy person with no confidence in myself. Now I realize that it is important to socialize with people. I talk to my students everyday and discuss with their parents during parent-teacher conference in school. I learned to find solutions to some bigger problems of my school and students. In my work I learned to manage my time and resources. I’m glad my students are comfortable with me. They love to share their experiences and even like to open up their personal lives. My life seems to revolve around the school and my students.

Much is given and much is required. But the most difficult thing has been finding out that I’m not a perfect teacher. I wasn’t even a perfect student back in school days. Somehow, I expected teaching to be different. It’s good to introduce teaching innovations in the class. Anything that comes in my mind, I am making it real for my students to experience it. Learning doesn’t only happen inside the classrooms so I often device a teaching strategy which is outside the usual class room setting. Learning, at this point, becomes concrete because students would start to ponder upon the real things and learning becomes fun because they will be entertained. Sad to say, for most people, anything new and different is not usually embraced. Sometimes it is treated with a cold shoulder.

A change is really hard and oftentimes impossible if the majority in the academe is resistant for change. I was once bullied with raising eyebrows and brutal criticisms from the school I first taught. But I remained calm and proved my worth because I knew I did my best for my students. It’s true that change doesn’t happen over night.

In this work you will encounter a lot of frustrations and regrets. But teaching introduced me to a different pace of life. I always say to myself, I’m going to work hard and even harder. Teaching allows me to use my intellect and originality. I know how important it is to treat people with kindness and respect especially when they are having difficulties or problems. I bring a fairly broad knowledge in education (I’m pursuing my post graduate program in Master of Science in Science Education). I think the most important contribution I make is making a difference in someone’s life. Positive comments, showing trust in someone taking an action that communicates care and respect can positively change someone’s view of themselves and perhaps their lives as well. My life with problematic students has its peaks and valley. It is very challenging but very rewarding and fulfilling most of the time. It requires a lot of love and patience. It needs a lot of grace. It also requires a lot of support from family, teachers and the school administration. What would be more important? Teachers have both the power and opportunity to do great amount of good for many people. I know that I will take all the opportunities available to nurture, encourage and bring joy to those around me.I think I have much to offer to the teaching field and teaching has much to offer me. To teaching, I will provide my knowledge, inventiveness, and dedication to students. In return, teaching will give me a space to grow intellectually and creatively and a group of people whose growth will provide me with a great sense of reward. I hope this would provide greater heights in my quest for excellence.

My feet are firmly planted in teaching. I don’t know how long I am meant to be here. Maybe until I become old, but not very old enough. It is here where I can pursue my own dreams, and where, against all expectations, I have made a life. I know there is something good waiting to surprise me. But I take great comfort in the thought that for all the bad things that happened, one day I will reap all the happiness and the fruits of my labor. Though, it’s not easy to forget the hurtful moments and discouragements in this noble job, I choose not to give up hoping. I choose to move on further. I still want to learn more out of life. Teaching has brought me a certain measure of stability.

This profession is like doing a lot of seed planting. Sometimes it looks as though none of these seeds are growing, but I should keep planting. When I look back, I know, I will see some trees. I just never know while planting which seeds God has chosen to grow into trees. I have always thought that teaching was one of the most important careers a person could ever undertake. After taking this program for four years in college, I still very much feel that way, but I also realize that there are many factors that go into effective teaching, and I realize now more than ever that being an excellent teacher is something that requires teamwork from a great many number of people. It is truly not a job that can be done alone. It is true that teaching requires strategy, passion and team work, knowing when to be aggressive and when to take defense and looking at challenges as opportunities. This makes me rethink what I already know about the work I chose and I move to review it.

Teaching with students is a lifelong journey of hope, faith and love. The journey for us is still long, with many rough roads ahead. But I will keep taking that journey with them with the hope of helping them enjoy, endure and conquer all that life brings. Thanks to those people who share our difficult roads. I salute and cheer all persons entering into this field with the highest of expectations for what they can do for their students, classrooms, and their schools. If we work collectively and with a common goal, we can continue to teach and improve upon our teaching in such a way that our students will not only excel in our own classrooms, but take with them the skills they need as they further their educations and enter into the communities. We can offer them what they need to offer us the assurance of a productive future. Indeed, I can say, I am just a teacher, but I am proud!

Chicken Marinade

2009-05-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

What a great marinade for chicken! Quick and easy, made with ingredients I always have on hand, and a short 4-hour marinating time resulted in flavorful and juicy chicken. Made just as specified, used boneless skinless breasts and cooked on the grill. Wonderful recipe. Try it!

Chicken Marinade

Ingredients:

2 cups vinegar

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried

1/2 teaspoon basil, dried1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon paprika

2 cups olive oil.

Directions

1. Add all of the ingredients except for the oil and whisk well.

2. Add the oil and whisk.

3. Pour the mixture over to cover the chicken you are using in a glass bowl.

4. Refrigerate overnight, stirring the marinade and turning chicken several times. May be grilled or broiled, basting often with marinade.

Chicken Curry

2009-05-17T06:41:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking to enroll in a cooking class. I realize how important it is to know the basics of cooking. I love to eat good foods but I don’t have any idea how they are cooked or prepared. The food on the table becomes special when you cooked it yourself. For the sake of learning and acquiring a new skill this summer and for its future use, I finally decided to cook. Wow! I can’t believe that I made it as planned. It is really quick and easy. If you know what to cook and how to do it, you will feel a sense of joy while doing it. This week I tried the Chicken Curry because I love anything chicken. You can try it for your delicious and healthy meals.
Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

1 pack Del Monte Quick n Easy Curry Mix
Combined with ¾ cup water and milk

4 pcs. medium potatoes, cut into chunks

2 pcs. Medium carrots, cut into chunks

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pc. Medium onion, sliced

1 kg. chicken, cut up

1/3 cup evaporated milk (or 1 cup thick coconut milk)

1 pc. Small red bell pepper, cut into cubes

Procedure:

1. Fry potatoes and carrots. Set aside.

2. Saute garlic, onion and chicken in 2 tbps oil. Pour in Del Monte Quick n Easy Curry Mix mixture.

3 Simmer until chicken is done. Add fried potatoes, carrots and bell pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Sayings and Demotionals

2009-05-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth.-Souza

Laws are partly formed for the sake of good men, in order to instruct them how they may live on friendly terms with one another, and partly for the sake of those who refuse to be instructed, whose spirit cannot be subdued, or softened, or hindered from plunging into evil. –Plato

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.- Aristotle

Man...is a tame or civilized animal; never the less, he requires proper instruction and a fortunate nature, and then of all animals he becomes the most divine and most civilized; but if he be insufficiently or ill- educated he is the most savage of earthly creatures. –Plato

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.-Josh Billings

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.-Dalai Lama

Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity. –Socrates

DEVOTIONALS
proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh close than a brother".

There is a friendship waiting for you that will lift you up out of the miry clay that will set your feet upon a rock to stay. There is a friendship waiting for you that is so real that He does not even have to prove Himself. He already has. There is a friendship that is so complete with you and that friendship is so real that He says this, "Even though you are unfaithful to Me I will remain faithful to you". He will teach us you see because friendship is not inherited we have to learn it. Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh close than a brother".

I found that there is only one person that can teach you to be a friend and that is Jesus Christ because He is the friend that was bruised for our iniquity. Jesus says, "I am your friend so I am going to stand in front of you and I am going to take the bruises for you". Faithful are the wounds of a friend. A friend stands in front of you.

More Devotionals...

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.-Dr Seuss
We must therefore develop a sense of responsibility for each others condition, we must see that hurting someone else, or inflicting pain on other people, cannot bring happiness or peace of mind.-Dalai Lama

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.-Cherokee Expression

Words...more words.

2009-05-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth.-Souza

Laws are partly formed for the sake of good men, in order to instruct them how they may live on friendly terms with one another, and partly for the sake of those who refuse to be instructed, whose spirit cannot be subdued, or softened, or hindered from plunging into evil. –Plato

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.- Aristotle

Man...is a tame or civilized animal; never the less, he requires proper instruction and a fortunate nature, and then of all animals he becomes the most divine and most civilized; but if he be insufficiently or ill- educated he is the most savage of earthly creatures. –Plato

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.-Josh Billings

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.-Dalai Lama

Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity. –Socrates

DEVOTIONALS
proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh close than a brother".

There is a friendship waiting for you that will lift you up out of the miry clay that will set your feet upon a rock to stay. There is a friendship waiting for you that is so real that He does not even have to prove Himself. He already has. There is a friendship that is so complete with you and that friendship is so real that He says this, "Even though you are unfaithful to Me I will remain faithful to you". He will teach us you see because friendship is not inherited we have to learn it. Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly and there is a friend that sticketh close than a brother".

I found that there is only one person that can teach you to be a friend and that is Jesus Christ because He is the friend that was bruised for our iniquity. Jesus says, "I am your friend so I am going to stand in front of you and I am going to take the bruises for you". Faithful are the wounds of a friend. A friend stands in front of you.
More Devotionals...

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.-Dr Seuss
We must therefore develop a sense of responsibility for each others condition, we must see that hurting someone else, or inflicting pain on other people, cannot bring happiness or peace of mind.-Dalai Lama

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.-Cherokee Expression

Confused

2009-05-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

When I went outside from the house, I saw the waning moon on its yellowish color. It made me remember the old days gone by. I used to hunt the full moon and when I do, I make self-evaluations. Well today I am making reflections on my current line of thinking and feeling.There are quite a number of things that happened to me this week. I am still the adventurous person I know.Sinusuong ko pa rin ang buhay at landas nito na hindi naman para sa akin. Nagbabakasakali akong dito ako sasaya at liligaya. Maligaya nga ba ako sa ganitong pakikibaka? Sinubukan ko uling maging bata sa halos lahat ng bagay. I was trying to re-live a life that had long been denied of me.Pero ang totoo hindi na ako bata. I have to act according to my cerebral maturity. Parang naglalayag pa rin ako sa walang katiyakang landas. Hati ang puso't isipan ko.Magkaibang direksyon ang nais nilang lakbayin. I'm confused.But the good thing is I am surrounded with mature and sensible people who are willing to give their pieces of advice..These people are my friends and family. Whatever happens to me and the kind of life I am going to follow, I should not forget that I have a powerful God above all else. And I should not forget that he can make things really possible.

Hi, I'm Zaldy Alima

2009-05-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

River and Sea

2009-05-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

River and Sea

Originally written on March 11, 2009

What happens to me and the shining sun?

It's melting me down and love flows

like river to the sea

I am so touched by that sight

from the distance when you're smiling at me

while waving your hand

It's true that I can't be yours and you can't be mine

So I am singing a song hoping that you would hear what I feel

And as the day taken over by the night

I feel like getting colder

Yet there's so much warmth in my heart

Like many people I know

They rather choose to hold on to people they care about

They choose to believe in the power of true love

So high up in the sky

I bow down and pray

Despair should not be the end of this road

I wish for a happy ending

The rain starts falling

The rain is now washing away all my tears

I raise up my hands

And taking a deep breath

What happens to me and the shining sun?

And love flows like river to the sea.

My Main Task

2009-04-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

When I lost my cellphone I thought I lost everything

2009-04-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

It is my constant companion, a loyal friend and entertainer. When I am alone, it dispels my boredome and loneliness. That is my Nokia 6085 to me. That gadget connects me to all my friends both real and virtual. And to lost it in one moment I could have died in an instant. What else could have happened if I lost it forever?

So bad it happned the night my friends and I enjoyed the party at Caraga Square in Butuan City. They helped me find it but to no avail. I felt some part of my being was paralyzed, my heart seemed to stop beating! I wish I could shout out loud enough! The next day I worried more. I almost had shaken my head so it could trace back the happenings that night. I simply couldn't recall. Was it stolen from me? Perhaps. But the greater possibility is I misplaced it from my pocket, I wasn't paying attention to it because its battery was low.

The other problem now is I don't have any back up copy of the important contacts, photos, memos and music of it.

Within two days my life went on but the passing of the days was really silent. I was completely disconnected from my cyber textmates, friends and relatives. I could have completely enjoyed my vacation in Butuan had I not lost it.

When I opened my wallet, I realized how unfortunate I seemed to be last week. My P5ooo cash was also gone! What a waste! I could buy a lot of things from that amount. Well, on the second thought, to God I am very thankful. Why? I still have my wallet, my ATM card, PRC teacher's license and other important documents in my wallet more important than my cellphone. I'm even more thankful because I am still alive, nothing really serious things happened like accident or crime that night.

When I lost my cellphone, I thought I lost everything. But I was wrong. I didn't lose that much. I still have my life, in full blood and flesh. There are still many cellphones on display. I can always buy if I like and if I have enough money. The lesson is I have to be more extra careful next time.

The good news now is this. My student from a former school where I worked just arrived from Manila. When he knew I lost my cellphone he gave me his other cellphone which is Samsung e250. I'm so thankful of his kindness and generosity. Now I'm beginning to collect and compile phone numbers again. I lost some, then I gained some. My cellphone story doesn't end up sad at all.

PBB and PDA Audition

2009-04-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

I'm in Butuan now. Yesterday, after I claimed my PRC teacher's license I went straight to Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) at around 9 am to witness the audition on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) and Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA). This was an event I had been wishing to witness. I befriended some hopefuls who line up under the scorching sun just to get a sticker number as get pass to the audition hall. Out of curiosity, I decided to join the thousands of people who lined up. Well, this is something exciting, I thought.

Well, I got the stricker number and ushered inside. Oh my! It was really hot inside. People were so patient to be called. Only 3 persons would be picked to join the PBB in Butuan. I joined the group. I was really hungry because I had not taken my meal. The time was 5 pm. As we entered inside I memorized my lines for possible personal interview. I was disgusted. We're only asked to describe our family then no more...that was the end. I knew couldn't make it. Well, I was not even really serious of joining it. Sour graping?

Inventory of Attitudes

2009-04-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Self-knowledge is very important to me. Today I am making an inventory of my attitudes on the list of statements below. I indicated how I feel about each statement by indicating my degree of agreement or disagreement with each statement.

Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Not sure

Financial security is very important to me.
Agree

I'd say I'm rebelling against the way I was brought up.
Strongly agree

I believe that "industrial growth" should be limited.
Disagree

Generally speaking, most people are trustworthy and honest.
Agree

Everything is changing too fast today.
Strongly agree

In general, it's more important to understand my inner self than to be famous, powerful, or wealthy.
Strongly agree

My greatest achievements are ahead of me.
Agree

I believe a woman can work outside the home even if she has small children and still be a good mother.
Strongly agree

I certainly am more conventional than experimental.
Disagree

I like to try new and different things.
Strongly agree

It's very important to me to feel I am a part of a group.
Agree

Overall, I'd say I'm very happy.
Agree

TV is my main form of entertainment.
Strongly agree

I'm a "spender" rather than a "saver."
Strongly agree

I would rather spend a quiet evening at home than go out to a party.
Disagree

My family is the single most important thing to me.
Agree

I think I have more self-confidence than most people.
Disagree

I like to think I'm a bit of a swinger.
Agree

A woman's life is fulfilled only if she can provide a happy home for her family.
Agree

My social status is an important part of my life.
Strongly agree

I act on my hunches.
Agree

What's Up this Summer

2009-04-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

I know I can do a lot of worthwhile things this summer vacation. I want my vacation to be more exciting and more fun. My old friends and classmates in the graduate school and I met up in SSPSC Tandag City this week. In SSPSC I updated all my subjects for my comprehensive exam scheduled this May. Good luck to all of us! Especially to me!

I don't know if we could go for a trip in Davao and Cebu as planned. My teacher friend who planned out our trip has a big problem.

My mind is set to a more educational vacation. In fact I am planning to enrol in a short term course and tutorial on English grammar and speech improvement in SSPSC, Tandag City.

Like what I promised, here is the list of things I want to do this whole summer season.

1. I want to learn new cooking recipes.

2. I want to go beaching with friends and family.

3. I want to continue my graduate school course which is Master of Science in Science Education ( MS Scie. Educ.).

4. I want to write short stories again.

5. I want to travel to Butuan, Davao and Cebu to experience new things. I learn a lot of things when I travel.

6. I want to spend more time in reading and writing. I also want to improve my communication skills. (Note: to learn online here's the link http://effortlessenglishclub.com/thanks-you-are-registered

7. I want to go to church regularly. I just attended the Memorial of Jesus Christ death anniversary last week.

8.I want to compile all my song compositions and poems.

9. I want to engage in a regular work out to improve my physical well-being.

10. I want to write the third sequel of "Reflection of My Life"

11. I want to renew the registration of my motor bike. You know I can't live without my Honda XRM!

12. I want to shock my friends with a new hairdo. (Note: It is done! I went to the barber shop last Sunday and shaved off my head.. I mean my hair. And voila! I always look and feel good in it.)

Who Am I

2009-04-11T02:31:00.000-07:00

I am very thankful God has not forsaken me. Last Thursday I attended the Memorial Celebration of Jesus Christ death anniversary in our church. God is always good. He "cares to know my name; he cares to feel my hurt." God is still true to his promise of a new Paradise in a new Earth. I am now reflecting on an inspiring song "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns. Hope you would like it as much as I did.

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done

Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am

I am Yours
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
‘Cause I am Yours
I am Yours.

2009-04-11T02:23:00.001-07:00

Who Am I - Casting Crowns Music Code

Spending Summer Vacation

2009-04-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

Teachers are given privileges to enjoy a two-month vacation. What a relief from our physically and emotionally demanding job! How about you? Whether you're working the 9 to 5 grind or self-employed, you need to take time away from work--extended time, like a good 10 days or more at least once each year, more often if you can. That means taking the time to renew and restore your overall well-being. Sometimes I stay right at home, but I set boundaries around my time and energy by screening my phone calls, spending very limited time on the computer, and not accepting any requests that don't support my overall well-being. This time is spent slowing down mentally and physically and doing things that make me happy and feel relaxed.

Even though I am at home, I let my family and friends know up front that I will not be available during this time. I highly recommend not taking your laptop on vacation and keeping your cell phone off as much as possible. If you must check for messages, check your caller id directory list at night, as this will minimize your impulse to return calls. I plan a retreat once a year; one that will revitalize and seek renewal of the mind, body and spirit. For example, I plan to go to a spa or get a massage. I plan to hike a mountain every morning. I practice meditation, met and connect with new people, attend nutrition and cooking classes, and end each day with a relaxing spa treatment. This type of vacation creates lasting results to your overall well-being. I also take at least one long weekend (Thursday or Friday thru Sunday) every quarter to create enriching experiences. Are you ready for a great summer vacation? I know you are as excited as I am. But remeber make a list of things you want to do to get started. It's a must not to spend more money than you budget. (Later I'll post here my list of things I want to do this whole summer vacation).

Taking a vacation can be as easy as sitting in the hammock in the back yard. But if you're going to be making your way to a summer resort, make sure you have all the funds you need to do what you want so you won't be stressed financially. Wherever you are, make sure you laugh each day. Laughter truly is one of the best medicines for lightening up our lives and helping us to feel a sense of joy every day. Do something you've never done before. A change is as good as a rest they say, and there's nothing more exhilarating than trying out an activity you've never pursued--especially while on vacation.

Whether it's scuba diving, trying a new food or learning a new board game, let your imagination run with ideas about how to spend some of those lazy summer days. Stay true to your health. Whether you're on vacation or at home or work, it's important to keep your health regime going on a consistent basis. Go ahead and indulge while you're on vacation, but do keep at least the basics of your daily health routine in place so your body and mind aren't confused or overwhelmed by a sudden change.

Remember that your quality of life is important, so keeping your routine going whether day-to-day or on vacation will serve you well in the long run. Give yourself 2 or 3 days after you come back from vacation before returning to work if you can. Going from major relaxation back to a hectic pace overnight can rev your body and mind up too soon. Having a day or two to unwind after your vacation helps the transition.

Graduation

2009-04-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

What is graduation? Graduation is the action of receiving or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become Graudates. Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands. The date of graduation is often called degree day. The graduation itself is also called commencement, convocation or invocation.

When ceremonies are associated, they usually include a procession of the academic staff and candidates. Beginning at the secondary school level in the Philippines, the candidates will almost always wear Toga, and increasingly faculty will do the same. At the college and university level, the faculty will usually wear academic dress at the formal ceremonies, as will the trustees and degree candidates. "Graduation" at the college and university level occurs when the presiding officer confers degrees upon candidates, either individually or en masse, even if graduates physically receive their diploma later at a smaller college or departmental ceremony.

I salute to the Filipino graduates! Be the change you want to see the world. I will write more about this article later. For now I have to enjoy my summer vacation.

Too Young to Die

2009-03-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

I agree when they said that the future is not ours to control or hold. We don't know for sure what lies ahead of us. I'm also convinced that "every millisecond in our life is not a prerogative but a gift." Personally, I am afraid to die like most people I know (this sounds funny, but it's true). True enough,our life was given as a surprise gift and it will also be taken away from us in the same manner sooner or later. I'm still 26 years old with so many beautiful promises of life attached to me and to the people I care about. Knowing that life is too short, I want to be more functional as long as I live even if I am living a less perfect life. I want to put into use the best I could possibly give. I know I can do a lot of good things because there are so many good things I can contribute to mankind. I have to live on with my own dreams in a way many have lived theirs. My family and friends still need me. My country and community still need me. And as a teacher, many students need me, to change their lives for the better.But if I would die early(by the mere thought of it, it's really frightening!)I rather want it to happen painlessly and peacefully. (Who would ever wish a brutal death?) Of course I would not die that early because I know in my heart God has a lot of plans for me and that he wants me to be his testimonty of his New Government and a witness to the realization of a New Paradise on Earth. My journey is quite long and God wants me to reach the finishing line of my journey. I hope and pray that God would always lead me to the right path of life. Happy living.

My New Nest

2009-03-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

It was mid-September in 2008 when the Schools Division Superintendent approved my request for re-assignment. Then I moved to a new school for greener pasture and to start again a new teaching journey. That school is Jacinto P. Elpa National High School (JPENHS). Upon seeing myself in JPENHS, I had a thought it would be a good new start.
My first two weeks of teaching in this school was a mixed feeling of excitement and amazement though that time I was still in an adjustment phase. I never realized it was a cultural shock in its gentler way. I was learning a lot from the ways and attitudes of the people around me, the crowd of students, the teachers and the administration and staff personnel. I easily got a long well with the people most specially in the third year campus where I was assigned, somehow because of my friendly nature. My colleagues are also very nice to me.
This school is really big. It comprises of four big campuses from first year to fourth year levels with over 3800 students in population. Each campus is managed by year level chairman or chairwoman. The overall in charged of the entire academe is the School Principal.

JPENHS is a public school that offers four curriculum: namely Revitalized Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) funded by SEDIP, Special Science Curriculum commonly known as LRC (Learning Resource Center), Technology Vocational Curriculum (Tech. Voc course) and Sports Program Curriculum (SPC). The school also offers night classes for working students.

The RBEC students are the typical group of high school students with general average IQ. The Tech.Voc students are technically empowered group of students whose curriculum is specially designed for them to acquire life skills such as food technology, computer technology, garments, cosmetics, entrepreneurship and electrical technology. The SPC students are trained for sports development. Most of these students won in the Palarong Pambansa (National Sports Competition). The LRC group, on the other hand, is composed of students with higher IQ. The LRC students are usually the ones who bested in almost all academic competitions in regional or national level.

On my first day of service, I was introduced to my new class of exclusively all boys from RBEC and TechVoc curriculum. The subject was Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) specializing Electrical Technology. It was a totally new experience because I had not taught all-male class before. The course is not a problem because of my intensive knowledge in Physics. To gain a holding power over them, I had to project a quite strict image for awhile because you know boys are naturally playful, hard-headed and difficult to manage. This way I could make an easier command. Of course I would establish friendship and a sense of openness with them. And as much as possible I would like to be kind and approachable to my students.

On the following weeks I got used to the way things are happening in the campus. I even got the idea of the norms of the campus and on how the students and teachers assess one another.

Three months rolled by, after two grading periods, I was given a new assignment in LRC. I taught Statistics. It was another experience for me. This group of student is really brilliant. The LRC curriculum has more academic subjects compare to the other curriculum. The LRC students have advanced Mathematics and that includes Statistics and Advanced Science. Since it is special science curriculum, the students are required to conduct scientific researches. Much is expected from this group of students. They are the future leaders of their community. If their needs are fully catered, no wonder these students would excel in any aspect of life.

Life can get monotonous so I rather choose to engage in a more adventurous journey. Part of that journey is my work as teacher here. My feet are firmly planted in teaching. I don’t know how long I am meant to be here. It might be until I become very old enough. It is here where I can pursue my own dreams, and where, against all expectations, I have made a life. I know there is something good waiting to surprise me. But I take great comfort in the thought that for all the bad things that happened, one day I will reap all the happiness. Though, it’s not easy to forget the hurtful moments. It is not a smoke being blown away by a gust of wind. Teaching has brought me a certain measure of stability in my life. I still want to learn more out of life.

My life with problematic students has its peaks and valley. It is very challenging but very rewarding and fulfilling most of the time. It requires a lot of love and patience. It needs a lot of grace. It also requires a lot of support from family, teachers and the school administration.
Teaching requires strategy, passion and team work, knowing when to be aggressive and when to take defense and looking at challenges as opportunities. This makes me rethink what I already know about the work I chose and move to review it.

Teaching with students is a lifelong journey of hope, faith and love. The journey for us is still long, with many rough roads ahead. But I will keep taking that journey with them with the hope of helping them enjoy,

endure and conquer all that life brings. Thanks to those who share our roads.

This profession is like doing a lot of seed planting. Sometimes it looks as though none of these seeds are growing, but I should keep planting. When I look back, I know, I will see some trees. I just never know while planting which seeds God has chosen to grow into trees.

How to Overcome Sadness

2009-03-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

How to Overcome Sadness

We all have bad days, but don't let them ruin how you feel about yourself or others.

Steps

List everything in your life you are thankful for and be happy. Put humour in your life! Learn to laugh at yourself or rent your favourite funny videos. Do not make any big decisions while you're in this state. Wait until you're feeling better so you can rationally weigh the ups and downs of your decisions. Do something that you enjoy or that will keep you busy, like clearing your house, volunteer, or read your favorite book.
Try to make some plans with your friends. Chances are that you'll have tons of fun. Don't expect too much of yourself. Face the things that you're dreading. Once you do, you're bound to feel a lot better. Buy yourself or someone else a gift. Relax. Take a long walk by yourself to think things over, take a bubble bath, or listen to soothing music. Be sure to get enough sleep by going to bed and waking up at reasonable times. Being tired makes you feel more stressed and annoyed.
Give someone a hug. Everybody likes those. It'll make both of you feel good. Know that what you are going through is very common. Talk to someone you trust about what you are feeling - they can help you sort through your emotions.
Get some exercise. When you exercise, your body makes more special chemicals called endorphins that help to improve your mood. Regular exercise will also help to maintain a regular even appetite and sleep schedule - both important to your mental state as well. Practice deep relaxation exercises. Pray or read something inspirational . Don't dwell on your weaknesses or mistakes. Think of things that you love about yourself or that you've done to help someone. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
Prepare for tests early. Eat healthier meals and snacks. A good diet helps you both physically and mentally.
Set realistic goals. Always take things one step at a time. Stop worrying about things that may never happen. Find yourself. Find yourself. Get involved with things you like to do. Keep a journal. Your journal can act as someone you can always vent to and will never judge you. Make time for fun.
Do something totally selfless and anonymous - volunteer at a shelter or local treatment facility. Give thought to how much you have if you have a roof over your head, food to eat and are healthy.
Do not try to get rid of your bad thoughts especially in loss of a loved one- by fighting them when they came to your mind. Just let them move through your head, think of them, but don't let them take control over you. Manage them, for example if you are at work, leave them for a better time to think of. Struggling in order to get rid of some thoughts will make them stronger.
Remember that your mind is a battleground and you are the one who has to write the story of this battle. If you solve any problem inside your head, no longer it's of importance that if the truth is the way you like it or not. Is there anything happening in the real world when you don't know of it. In better words from works of Jean Baudrillard the French philosopher if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, has the tree fallen at all?

cry, not just about the bad stuff, but what you have to help deal with the bad stuff, friends, family, a possible lover, I know from experience, remembering that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and devoid of love, combined with tears of sadness, acrually obliterate your negative emotions. Don’t be afraid to do this.

Tips

Relaxation and making time for fun are essential to making yourself feel better.
If you are reading this to help someone else, the worst thing you can do is not to take the sadness seriously. The best thing you can do is to listen and tell that person that their sadness is real. Do not yell at them or dismiss them; you will only make that person crawl into his or her shell even more deeply.
Help others

How to Post Comments in this Blog

2009-03-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

There are many people asking me how to post comments or reactions in this blog. Well, it is just as easy as reading this blog. There are only few steps to follow. First, read any of the article s published here to comment with. The list of articles is located at the right side bar called Labels. At the end of the article or entry, you click POST COMMENTS. Second, write or compose your thoughts or reactions about the subject or subjects you have read. I will appreciate any suggestions or ideas you wish to share to improve this blog. Click Comment as anonymous if you are not registered in blogspot.com. I would suggest to include your name and location when you choose anonymous identity. If you do have an account in Google.com, click and type your Name or URL in blogspot.com. Finally click Post Comment. Your comment will be visible after my approval. Make your comment now! See you.

Personal and Inspirational Text Messages

2009-03-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have friends who always share their inner thoughts with me. They use their cell phones so our human connections are never hampered. These thoughts and personal text messages became my reminders and inspirations. I want to share these thoughts and messages with my blog readers that no matter what happens, all beautiful things in life must go on.

If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart, because the heart can see beauty more than the eyes can ever wander.

The winning horse doesn't know why it runs a race. It runs because of the whip and pain. Life is a race. If you are in pain then clearly God wants you to win.

You can't tap you back for a job well done, you can't hug yourself for comfort and you can't cry on your shoulders when tears fall and this way you have friends in your life to let them do whatever you can't.

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to God can stand up to everything

Quality life doesn't mean having wealth, intelligence or power. It is how much kindness and love you give to others and the joy you get from it.

Never get discouraged when things go beyond your expectations. Always remember that the greatest story in life is not winning but rising every time we fall.

Through prayers God hears more than you see. He answers more than you ask. He gives more than you desire. All he needs is your heart and your time.

Friendship is a collection of hearts, ready to give, share, and understand. It never fades. It only reminds us that life is not perfect without a friend.

In life, you realize that the people you meet have a purpose. Some were put there to test you. Some would bring out the best in you. Some may cause you pain but you will learn to move on. So let go of the people who can't treat you right and hold on to those who love you back and see your worth.

Why is the windshield bigger than the rearview mirror? This is because what is ahead is more important than what is already behind.

Time alone can prove the worth of a person. As time goes by, we lose the false ones and keep the best because true people stay when all the rest are gone.

Don't miss the chances that life is giving you to spend with the people you love. Remember, in life there are no rewinds.

No one is born happy. But all of us are born with the ability to create happiness.

Life is indeed full of contradictions. Sometimes it's crazy to be sane; you need to fall to fly. People suffer because you care; you have to unlearn to know the lesson. You have to give up because you are strong. You have to be wrong to make things right. Nonetheless, life's complexities are also our sources of beauty. We need to cry to laugh again, fall apart to be whole again and get hurt to love again.

We postponed life while we are busy making a living so work like you don't need money, love like you never hurt and dance like no one is watching.

The deepest level of worship is praising God despite the pain, thanking God during trials, trusting him when tempted and loving him when seemed distant.

A word of love gives space to life, a word from a friend gives happiness to the heart and the word of God gives direction to our lives.

Learn to embrace the simplicity of life, learn to be satisfied with what is enough for you and desire more for heavenly reward.

Your failure is not your future. Defeat is not your destiny. You may be knocked down seven times but rise up because you're born to win.

You need to feel a bit deprived at times, a bit lonely and in a way incomplete because if you have gotten everything here on earth, would you still look up to heaven?

Sometimes we look much too far in a distance to find that one person to we could share our lives without realizing that often times they are just right in front of us, loving us quietly all this time.

Never push yourself to the limit. Humans do have limitations. Remember that even metals get tired, so rest if you must but never surrender.

God wants us to live like the grass. Even if it is stepped on, crushed, burned and cut, it always persists and grows back even greener and stronger.

Trials are not the reasons to give up but a challenge to improve you. Pain is not an excuse to back out but an inspiration to move on.

Happiness is a very subjective factor in one's life. Being happy doesn't depend on achieving what you want, but rather making the best out of what is given. Life is not fair, it never was. The only thing that can make you completely happy is contentment. Be contented of what you have but be sure to aim high and never stop believing you can do better every time. But if all else fails, don't forget that an ordinary person like you have an extraordinary God to back you up.

Desiderata

2009-03-05T23:47:00.000-08:00

Desiderata is Latin for "Things to be Desired

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

How to Live Life to the Fullest

2009-02-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

How to Live Life to the Fullest

Life is short, and everyone should live life to the fullest! You only get one chance to live. Make it the best. Each person lives differently, so make the spotlights shine on your life!

Steps

Make a list of things you want to do before a certain birthday. For example, list thirty things you want to do before you turn thirty. Your list can be made up of places to visit, people to meet or befriend, improve talents or abilities to acquire, or just fun things to do. This way, you have some goals to aim at, and you can keep track of what you have done and what you still want to do.
Make a to-do list or a schedule every day! Don't just lay around all day without painting the fence, visiting Aunt Mary Ann, or finally taking that walk to the park. Have fun!
Remember "Carpe Diem" or "seize the day." - Live life in the moment. The only thing that is assured in life is this moment and death. So cherish every moment of life and make it worthwhile.
Try making life better for the less fortunate people in the world. They could be anyone, from an orphan in Africa to a pauper in Calcutta. Some dollars less in your account will not make a significant difference to you but will make an impact on someone's life. These are the deeds that make you happy in reality, knowing that you have made a difference.
Be comfortable with yourself. Love and accept yourself, even if others don't; especially so that you can show love (kindness) to others "as you would have them love you." Know who you are. You will naturally become an outgoing person if you can do this.
Have an internal locus of control (an internal locus of control implies the belief that one is largely in control of the things that happen to her/him), meaning be who you are and stay true no matter the situation. Be strong and continue to grow your entire life, as you are in control your own spirit and attitudes. No one can normally make you say or do anything that you don't want to do.
Accept other people, even if they're different. Really different. You don't have to like everyone, just show acceptance and tolerance, and you'll be cool with almost everyone (extremely important in connections later on). Also understand not everyone has your world view, thinks like you, or has the same values. But one thing everyone does want is to be treated kindly. You can't judge anyone else because you don't know what that person has been through and how one is affected. Not everyone reacts to the same situations the same way. Some have more tolerance than others. Judging anyone is purely to organize your own little world into making a little more sense at the other person's expense.
Find a purpose or meaning to your life. Whether that be a cause to help the world, religion, or just any kind of worthwhile goal (world domination only if you'll treat the world right).
Accept death. Yes, it can be scary. But it's going to happen, one day you will die. Let it echo through you, and you can begin to appreciate life. Trust you will be okay. Trust it or you'll go crazy. Live your life with the motto: " If I die now I die happy. " Wouldn't it be nice if supposedly you would die now to know that many people would attend your funeral because you've been a great person?
Stop caring what other people think about you. If you've done the previous step, then this one should be easy. Just apply faith and trust in the fact that you will die someday, to yourself, and press forward with the fact that you were meant to be yourself no matter what other people say.
Do something that scares you to death and you'll feel alive.

Tips

Keep a diary or journal. It doesn't have to be fancy, or wordy, or confessional. Just make sure that you're recording information about your accomplishments. Even an ordinary day spent in a good mood is a kind of accomplishment. Whenever you feel as though your life is worthless, fraudulent, or otherwise rotten, refer to this diary as a much-needed reminder of happier times. More will come!
Live each day as if it's your last! There's no day but today to do what you want.
In this idealistic approach, it is also necessary to balance it with reality. Life is a balancing act, it requires constant effort.
Stop listening to anyone but yourself sometimes, but then listen to everyone for some advice via experience in crucial matters. There is safety in a multitude of advisers, but you still decide for yourself!
Clear up your mind every once in a while.
Think positive! Avoid being surrounded by negative people.

Warnings

Once you make a plan, follow it! There's no point in making a to-do list or a schedule if you aren't going to go through with it then don't do it.
Do not whine about what you don't have. Enjoy what you have and desire, work towards what you want to have and you'll get it hopefully.
Don't feel jealous of people who are either better looking or have more money, or for that matter have anything that you don't but desire. Try to achieve it by working hard and making things work for you. Beauty and materialistic things in life don't last very long. What lasts is your soul. So it is important to have a clean and beautiful soul.
Be the miracle in someones life and your own, don't wait for a miracle to happen.

Words To Live By

2009-02-27T05:54:00.000-08:00

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Condoms aren't completely safe. A friend of mine was wearing one and got hit by a bus.

BOB RUBIN

Don't ask the barber whether you need a haircut.

DANIEL S. GREENBERG

If you cannot catch a bird of paradise, better take a wet hen.

NIKITA KHRUSCHEV

Never eat anything whose listed ingredients cover more than one-third the package.

JOSEPH LEONARD

Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them Benjamin Franklin said it first.

DAVID H. COMINS

Let your intentions create your methods and not the other way around.

THE AUTHOR although Benjamin Franklin said it first

Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level. It's cheaper.

QUENTIN CRISP

You can't tell your friend if you've been cuckolded. Even if he doesn't laugh at you, he may put the information to personal use.

MICHEL DE MONTAIGNE

Put all your eggs in one basket and WATCH THAT BASKET!

MARK TWAIN

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.

STUART'S LAW OF RETROACTION

Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.

ERMA BOMBECK

Don't go to piano bars where young, unemployed actors get up and sing. Definitely don't be a young, unemployed actor who gets up and sings.

TONY LANG

Live simply that others may simply live.

ELIZABETH SEATON

Murder is always a mistake. One should never do anything that one cannot talk about after dinner.

OSCAR WILDE

Always obey your superiors—if you have any.

MARK TWAIN

Dare to be naive.

R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER

Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and shoot down the middle.

PRAGMATIC CREED

The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet.

DAMON RUNYON

One does not moisten a stamp with the Niagara Falls.

P. W. R. FOOT

This warning from the New York City Department of Health Fraud: Be suspicious of any doctor who tries to take your temperature with his finger.

DAVID LETTERMAN

No leg's too short to reach the ground.

LYNDON IRVING

She that knows why knows wherefore.

JIM SNELL

He digs deepest who deepest digs.

ROGER WODDIS

My dear, I don't care what they do, so long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses.

MRS. PATRICK CAMPBELL

Never call a man a fool; borrow from him.

ADDISON MIZNER

If it might break, don't go near it.

HERBERT STEIN

Go through the motions anyway; you might get lucky.

THOMAS MAGNUM

When you handle yourself, use your head; when you handle others, use your heart.

DONNA REED

When the telephone rings, it is against the law not to answer it.

RING LARDNER

Comments from the public are always welcome in courts of law. When you start speaking, an usher will call "Silence in court" to ensure that you are heard without interruption.

PETER ALEXANDER

__________________________________________________________________

LIFE

Life! Can't live with it, can't live without it.

CYNTHIA NELMA

There is more to life than increasing its speed.

MAHATMA GANDHI

Some people die at twenty-five and aren't buried until they are seventy-five.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

While alive, he lived.

MALCOLM FORBES etched on his tombstone

Life's experiments are great fun. This is but another one.

RUDYARD KIPLING

A man's life of any worth is a continual allegory.

JOHN KEATS

Unified, disciplined, armed with the secret powers of the atom and with knowledge as yet beyond dreaming, Life, forever dying to be born afresh, forever young and eager, will presently stand upon this earth as upon a footstool and stretch out its realm amidst the stars.

H. G. WELLS

There's an old joke: Two elderly women are at a Catskill Mountain resort and one of them says, "Boy, the food at this place is really terrible." The other one says, "Yeah, I know, and such small portions." Well, that's essentially how I feel about life.

Woody Allen opening lines to Annie Hall

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.

HELEN HAYES AT AGE 83

Some say life is the thing, but I prefer reading.

RUTH RENDELL

We cannot be normal and alive at the same time.

E. M. CIORAN

Is life not a hundred times too short for us to stifle ourselves?

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE

Who knows? Maybe my life belongs to God. Maybe it belongs to me. But I do know one thing: I'm damned if it belongs to the government.

ARTHUR HOPPE

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.

DEUTERONOMY 30:19

Tom appeared on the sidewalk with a bucket of whitewash and a long-handled brush. He surveyed the fence, and all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit. Thirty yards of board fence nine feet high. Life to him seemed hollow, and existence but a burden.

MARK TWAIN TOM SAWYER

Life is too short to waste In critical peep or cynic bark, Quarrel or reprimand: 'Twill soon be dark; Up! Mind thine own aim, and God speed the mark!

RALPH WALDO EMERSON

What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I'd realized it sooner.

COLETTE

If I had to define life in a word, it would be: Life is creation.

CLAUDE BERNARD The Bulletin of New York Academy of Medicine

Dear friend, all theory is gray, And green the golden tree of life.

JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

There must be more to life than having everything.

MAURICE SENDAK

There's got to be more to life than sittin' here watchin' Days of Our Lives and foldin' your Fruit of the Looms.

MAMA MAMA'S FAMILY

Remember that you ought to behave in life as you would at a banquet. As something is being passed around it comes to you; stretch out your hand, take a portion of it politely. It passes on; do not detain it. Or it has not come to you yet; do not project your desire to meet it, but wait until it comes in front of you. So act toward children, so toward a wife, so toward office, so toward wealth.

EPICTETUS

Grasshopper, look beyond the game, as you look beneath the surface of the pool to see its depths.

MASTER PO KUNG FU

Life teaches us to be less harsh with ourselves and with others.

JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

One Day, Some Day

2009-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

Nothing can be more serious than the things involving matters of the heart. My love life is a total zelch. Yes, I am a hopeless romantic. But one day...some day...I know sunshine is just on the other side.

(originally written on May 18, 2008)
To HV 2008

All that is left to me is a dream
that can't be mine
My mind is telling me to say goodbye
While my heart is begging you to stay
How can I say I don't need you
When all I am fighting for
is the love I have for you?
I cross this line to let you know
how much you mean to me
Life and love isn't so fair sometimes
Between you and me the moment
slows down but the passing of time moves faster
I know one day, some day
our love and dreams would be one.
Let's grow in ourselves
I've come to this point to
be strong and brave
And let you choose the life you've ever cherished
It could be a gift or a cursed
But I know one day, some day
our prayers would be answered
And lovers like us would live like those stars in the night.

THe Missing Piece

2009-02-23T06:04:00.000-08:00

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle that consists of a mass of irregularly shaped pieces. The objective of the puzzle is simple: to fit the pieces together to form a complete picture or image. I'm still not complete as a person. The image I projected is still not whole. I'm still looking for my "missing piece." I hope someday I would be able to complete my own puzzle.

(originally written on March 13, 2007)

The Missing Piece

Everybody's looking for the missing piece in life
I've wasted much time searching for it
But I still can't find.

I've searched it in the people who share
their lives with me
I've searched it in the crowd
of strangers passing by
But oh, I still can't find.

It puzzles me
Life's a great mystery
People come and people go
I've got some real happiness
But they all lost too easily
Who could in this world make me whole?
I've learned to fight against the time.

I've traveled far and have reached distance places
But in a while I feel the emptiness in me
I've walked on the other side of the road
Hoping I could finally find it
But oh, I still can't find.

It puzzles me
Life's a great mystery
People come and people go
I've got some real happiness
But they all lost too easily
Who could in this world make me whole?
I've learned to fight against the time.

I've asked so many questions
But the answers are not enough
As I moved on, I realized there's only one to
a lasting joy,
In Him and in Him alone.

Health Important Tips

2009-02-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

Health Important Tips

Share the following tips to people you care about. Kindness costs nothing.

1. Answer the phone by left ear.

2. Don't take pills with cold water.

3. Don't have huge meals after 5 PM.

4. Drink more water in the morning less than night.

5. Best sleeping time is from 10 PM to 4 in the morning.

6. Don't lie down immediately after taking medicine.

7. When battery is down to last bar, don't answer the phone as the radiation is 1000 times.

More tips next time.

Shot of Love.. is What I Need

2009-02-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

I read The Bible today. It helped changed my negative line of thinking. When I do some reflections, my list of good and beautiful things that are happening in my life exceeds my list about bad and unpleasant ones. It's good news. It means that I am living a meaningful life. Why should I feel less fortunate? Why should I not count all my blessings? I need not be defeated by anything, not even negative thoughts.

Life in this world is not without challenges. But it must go on even if sometimes my pocket is empty, my finances go down the drain because of forces beyond control. The world around me sometimes lie in shambles. The whole universe conspires against me, threatening my very own existence. Times like these, I need a lot of shot of LOVE. What else can I do to make me feel alive? Should I still believe that faith, hope and love are the three things that last forever? But the greatest of all is love? How could I make the most impact on the other people?

We always think about global financial crisis, mass- layoffs and sky rocketing prices. Can we think some positive things for now like global abundance, global prosperity, global peace or global love?

I will encourage love in others. I will teach others especially myself, to be openly affectionate and loving. I can also give people permission to love me as some may be intimidated or fearful of rejection. I am convinced that we cannot change this world by the logic of knowledge, power and money, but we can change this world by the logic of true love.

Bakas ng Lumipas

2009-02-15T03:54:00.000-08:00

Muli akong nagbaliktanaw sa isang kahapon…ang tamis at ang pait nito ay nagpapaalala sa akin na ang lahat ng bagay sa daigdig ay may sariling panahon.

Bakas ng Lumipas

Biyernes na at uwian na naman. Bakit ba kay dali ng araw? Pakiwari ko’y mabilis lang yata ang takbo ng panahon. Ramdam kong nagmamadali ang oras at tila ba may hinahabol. Talagang nakakahilo ang bawat pag-inog ng mundo. Naimpake ko na ang lahat ng aking mga dadalhin at ako’y papaalis na. Hinagod ko muna ng tingin ang kahubaran ng paligid. Tahimik. Walang sigla. Parang isang patay na pook. Walang kabuhay-buhay. Ang ingay na kanina pa lang nag-uugungan ay biglang naglaho na parang usok. Napansin kong nagsiuwian na ang lahat. Walang nagpaiwan.
Kalong ko na ang traveling bag. Natigilan ako sandali. Minsang paglingon ko’y natanawan ko ang isang libo’t-isang laksang kalungkutan na bumabalot sa isang napakalumang cottage. Ang sabi-sabi ay tira pa raw ito ng giyera noon at matagal din bago binalikan at tinirhang muli. Habang nag-aaral sa kolehiyo, sa lumang bahay na ito ako nakatira, nakibaka at natoto ng maraming bagay sa buhay. Ayaw kong damhin at daluyungin ang ibayong pangungulila sa aking pag-alis. Gusto ko nang iwaglit ang mga alaala ng mga nakalipas at ligaw na inahinasyong harot na sumasayaw sa isip ko.
Para akong naglalakad na nagbibilang. Marahan kong pinagmamasdan ang likas na kagandahang taglay ng SNAS pati na ang kabuuang sulok nito. Ngayon ko lang napansin na kahit saan mang direksyon ka titingin iisang kulay lang talaga ang iyong makikita, ang namamayaning kulay berde.
Dumidilim na ang paligid. Bumubuwag na ang maiitim na ulap sa himpapawid at tila uulan. Ang malamig na simoy ng hangin ay marahang dumadampi sa aking maselang katawan.
Pumapatak na ang ulan. Malakas! Bago ko naisipang tumakbo patungong Bangkal waiting shed ay nabasa na ng walang habag na ulan ang aking kabuuan.
Naglalangitngit ang panahon sabay ang nakabibinging ingay na likha ng kulog at kidlat. Nagpapalala ng aking panlalamig ang pambihirang ginaw sa paligid. Habang ginagala ang paningin, ang isip ko naman ay naglalakbay na parang tuksong idinuduyan ng imahinasyon at tuluyan nang nakasulyap sa nakaraan.
Malamig ang buwan. Isang gabi na walang kasing panglaw ang sumasalubong sa akin. Pilit kong inaliw ang sarili at pinaagmamasdang maigi ang makakapal na ulap na nakatabon sa bilog na buwan habang ang konting liwanag nito’y patuloy na tumatanglaw. Hanggang sa ngayon ay ginugulo at nililitis ang utak ko ng maraming mga katanungan na paulit-ulit sa aking balintataw. Bakit ba kay hirap abutin ang isang kapirasong pangarap? Sa tagal ng panahong inaalagaan ko ang isang munting hiyas ng karunungan, kailan ma’y hindi ko nalasap ang tamis ng kaligayahang taglay nito. Hindi pa siguro napapanahon, hndi pa siguro.
Sa katunayan ako ay binago ng panahon at tuluyan nang nakipagsabayan sa pagsulong. Ang larawang iyon ay di maiwawaglit sa dalampasigan ng aking kasaysayan. Habang ako’y nabubuhay kailangan kong maging marahas at matapang upang sa gayon ay malasap ko ang lamukot na tamis.
“Brod!” isang tinig.
“Sukli mo,” aniya ulit.
Parang namalik-mata ako, halatang nabigla at nagulat. Inabot sa akin ng maamong conductor ng jeep ang limang baryang peso. Hindi ako makapaniwalang nasa Aras-asan terminal na pala ako. Naramdaman ko na lamang na may luhang humihilom sa aking mga mata. Nang makababa na ay nababanaag at namumutawi sa aking mukha ang isang sigla- ako’y kiming napatawa.

Sa Aking Pagbabalik

2009-02-12T04:49:00.000-08:00

Minsan nakagawa ako ng mga maling desisyon sa buhay. Totoong mahirap takasan ang bangungot ng nakaraan. Ano pa man ang mangyari sa akin, kailangan marunong akong bumangon muli. At ang mahalaga naniniwala akong may puwang sa puso ko ang pagbabago. Darating ang panahon na magtatagumpay ako at masasabi kong "sa wakas nalampasan ko rin at handa na sa aking muling pagbabalik."

Sa Aking Pagbabalik

Gabi iyon noong una kitang makilala. Kadalasan sa gabing kapares noon ay punung-puno ng nagkikislapang mga bituin ang kalawakan. Ang ningning ng mga ito’y tila pumupukaw sa damdaming matagal ding nauhaw sa pag-ibig. Ang sarap damhin ang simoy ng hanging sumasabay sa pagpintig ng aking puso. Pakiwari ko’y iyon na ang pinakasayang tagpo sa buhay ko lalo pa’t sinabi mong may malaki akong pag-asa sa puso mo.
Hanggang talampakan ang kaba ng dibdib ko noong una kitang pinagtapatan ng aking wagas na pagsuyo. Napansin mo siguro kung paano ako nautal at pinamulahan sa mukha. Ah, oo, ang mahalaga naman sa akin ay ang masabi ko sa iyo ang mga salitang gusto kong marinig mo.
Mula noon lagi ko nang pinanabikan ang muli nating pagkikita, hanggang sa tinungo mo rin ang aking hangaring maangkin ka. Halos naglulundag ako sa tuwa dahil sa wakas magnoyo na tayo!
Parang merong nagdidikta sa akin na ikaw na talaga ang lifetime partner ko. Nagsimulang naging makulay at punung-puno ng pag-ibig ang dati-rati’y malungkot kong mundo. Alam mo ba kung gaano ako kasaya sa tuwing kasama ka? Ikaw lang ang naging lahat-lahat sa akin.
Tuwing namamasyal tayo nag-uusap tayo ng kung anu-anong bagay. Pagkatapos nagtatawanan at naghahabulan. Minsan din nangangarap. Langit ang aking pakiramdam sa mga ganoong sandali dahil napatunayan kong mahal na mahal mo ako at gayundin naman ako sa iyo. Tayo na siguro ang may pinaka-sweetest love story in history.
Sa totoo lang, sa iyo umiikot ang aking mundo. At saka alam mo ba kung paano mo ako pinahanga? Matalino ka ngang talaga at napakaraming alam sa buhay. Nasa sa iyo ng lahat ang mga katangiang hinahanap ko. Ikaw ay tunay na mapagmahal, matiisin at mapagbigay. Magagawa mong magpakasakit at magpakahirap sa isang minamahal. Isa pang natutunan ko sa iyo ay ang mabuhay na hindi lamang para sa sarili kundi maging sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. Natapos ko ang isang awit at ito’y inihahandog ko para sa iyo.Kapuri-puri ka namang talaga. Kaya, higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako dahil ikaw ang mahal ko.
Noong una, inakala kong hindi magbabago ang lahat sa ating dalawa. Nakalimutan kong tao lang pala ako, maraming kahinaan at kapintasan sa buhay. Bigla na lang akong namangha nang paggising ko isang araw nawala na ang dati kong maamong katauhan. Pinaghihinaan ako ng loob. Agad akong nahumaling sa kinasasalamuhaang daigdig.
Pero hindi naman ako basta-basta sumusunod sa kung anu-anong kapanipaniwalang pinaiiral ng tao para mabuhay ng normal. Tumatagis sa utak ko ang katagang “hindi ako makapangyarihan na tulad mo!” Maaaring sabihin na bigla na lang akong nabubuhy sa ngalan ng aking sarili. Sariling malaya. Pero malaya nga ba talaga ako?
Hindi ko namalayan, tuluyan nang nagkalabuan tayo sa isa’t-isa Naging mapusok ako. Hindi ko magawang makinig sa kahit na anong paliwanag. Binulag ako ng aking takot at pangamba. Madalas kong itanong sa aking sarili kung bakit ako nagkakaganito. Ewan ko at lalong hindi ko alam.
Minsan lumuluha ako sa hinagpis, sa poot. Gusto kong ibulalas ang sakit ng dibdib na namamayani sa mga sandaling ako’y nag-iisa.
Palibhasa kasi magulo akong tao. Mahirap unawain kung minsan. Masyado akong ambisyoso at maraming bagay ang naglalaro sa aking isipan na gusto kong gawin at matupad kaya’t nawawalan ng konsentrasyon sa iisang larangan at kaya nabibigo. Hindi ko matukoy ng malinaw kung ano ang nais kong gawin o direksyon ng buhay ang dapat kong pagsikapang makamit.
Hindi ko makatkat sa aking isipan ang iyong mukhang punug-puno ng pag-asang magbabago ako at muling magbabalik sa piling mo.
Batid ko ngayon ang dahilan ng kasuklam-suklam na damdamin na aking pinagsisikapang malampasan. Naging sakim ko. Binulag ng sariling kahibangan. Naligaw habang nangangarap ng pansariling kaligayahan. Akala ko habam-buhay akong magiging tapat sa iyo. Dahil sa iyo, ngayon nabatid ko ang tunay na adhikain ko sa buhay. Natagpuan ko sa iyo ang kasagutan ng mga tanong na gumugulo sa akin. Nauunawaan ko na rin ang katuturan ng aking pagiging iyong “nilikha at kasuyo.” Marahil sa paglipas ng maraming unos at bagyo ay naintindihan ko na kung bakit ka nagpapakahirap at ipinagkaloob mo ang iyong sarili ng walang pagdadalawang isip.
Sadya ngang nagagamot ng panahon ang anumang sakit. Nahihilom nito ang anumang sugat. Pero ang piklat nito’y mananatiling palatandaan magdaan man ang maraming taon.
Inaamin ko ng buong puso, habang hinahanap ko ang aking sarili noon ay ni minsan hindi ka naiwaglit dito sa kasulok-sulukan ng aking puso. Kung kailangan muli kitang ligawan ay gagawin ko upang maibalik natin ang kahapon. Sana’y nariyan pa rin ako sa puso mo.
Ngayong gabi maglilitawan pa kaya ang mga bituin sa kalawakan? Sasabay pa kaya ang simoy ng hangin sa pagpintig ng aking puso? Magiging kakaiba siguro ito, taliwas sa mga nagdaang gabi sa aking buhay. Ewan ko, di ko masabi.
Nasa mga kataga na ang kahinugan ng aking isip na matagal ding pinanday ng maraming pagsubok. Bukas ay araw ng Linggo. Siguro naman ay handang-handa na ako makipagkita uli sa iyo, ang aking muling pagbabalik.

What is a Hero?

2009-02-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

We've been asked the question many times, "What is a hero?" And our answer is always the same - "A hero can be anyone. Heroes come in different shapes and sizes. A hero can be a relative, teacher, coach, or friend. It is up to each person to choose their own heroes. Please post in this entry your own definition of a hero.

The Hidden Truth About Valentine's Day: Origins of Valentines Day

2009-02-05T02:28:00.000-08:00

When we think of Valentine's Day, we call to mind hearts, chocolates, flowers and expressions of love. Yet before joining in the fun, wouldn't it be wise to know where this tradition came from?

First, we should understand that Valentine's Day began when the early Roman Catholic Church tried to Christianize an ancient pagan Roman holiday called Lupercalia. That celebration was a licentious festival that honored Lupercus, the hero-hunter of wolves. This festival was so immensely popular among the Roman people that church leaders included it in their calendar, hoping to retain their new parishioners and turn them from sexual licentiousness to morality by linking it to a saint.

The saint they chose for this mid-February Roman festival was St. Valentine. One source explains: "St. Valentine is believed to have been a Roman priest who was martyred on this day [February 14] around [A.D.] 270. How he became the patron saint of lovers remains a mystery, but one theory is that the Church used the day of St. Valentine's martyrdom in an attempt to Christianize the old Roman Lupercalia, a pagan festival held around the middle of February.

"Part of the ancient ceremony entailed putting girls' names in a box and letting the boys draw them out. Couples would thus be paired off until the following year. The Church substituted saints' names for girls' names, in the hope that the participant would model his life after the saint whose name he drew.

"But by the 16th century, it was once again girls' names that ended up in the box. Eventually the custom of sending anonymous cards or messages to those one admired became the accepted way of celebrating St. Valentine's Day" (Helene Henderson and Sue Ellen Thompson, editors, Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, "Valentine's Day," 2005, p. 576).

Although all historical sources contain some of the same notions about how Valentine's Day developed, each one highlights another facet of the story. Another states: "Some people have tried to connect the historical Saint Valentine with the later practices of Valentine's Day by saying that the saint married couples despite the emperor's prohibition, or that he sent a note signed 'from your Valentine' to the daughter of his jailer.

"However, the early Christian saint Valentine probably had nothing to do with the traditions later celebrated on his feast day; it is simply by his placement in the Christian calendar that his name became associated with it. Later, the word valentine may have been confused with the Norman French word galantine, meaning lover of women, as the g and v were often interchangeable in common pronunciation.

"In any case, February 14 gradually became a traditional date for exchanging love messages, and Saint Valentine became the patron saint of lovers" (Macmillan Profiles: Festivals and Holidays, 1999, p. 363).

Theories differ as to how a holiday for lovers developed in February. Some think the mating of birds at that time of year is connected with the tradition:

"One is based on the belief throughout rural Europe during the Middle Ages that the birds began to mate on February 14. Chaucer, in his 'Parliament of Foules,' refers to the belief in this way: For this was Seynt Valentyne's day. When every foul cometh ther to choose his mate" (Stephen Christianson, The American Book of Days, 2000, p. 139).

Regardless of the varied sources and ambiguous history of Valentine's Day, a few identifiable points continue to surface: Valentine's Day originated with an ancient pagan Roman feast called Lupercalia. That festival was based on fertility and sexual licentiousness. In the third century, the Roman Catholic Church attempted to Christianize the ancient festival practice by naming it after a martyr.

The hope was that the festival adherents would thereafter follow the examples of church saints, no longer engaging in the ancient practice of free sex while honoring an ancient god. Despite some success, the holiday still contributes to immorality among many and promotes a wrong view of love.

A counterfeit holiday

Something that is counterfeit always indicates there is something real that it stands in place of, the genuine article. Could the same be true of a holiday? The roots of Valentine's Day lie in a pagan festival, not the Bible. In the Catholic Church's efforts to "Christianize" a pagan festival to gain adherents, did it overlook the real thing—holidays that reflect God's perspective on love and giving?

In fact, what was overlooked in the adoption of pagan holidays was God's true Holy Days and what they mean. We can find all of God's Holy Days or festivals listed in Leviticus 23. And you can also find in the New Testament that Jesus Christ, the apostles and the entire early Church all kept those exact same festivals. Jude is apparently referring to these when he writes of "your love feasts" in Jude 12.

In contrast, the holidays that are widely celebrated in modern Christendom, including Valentine's Day, are not found in the pages of the Bible. Instead, they are largely rooted in ancient pagan holidays that have been given a veneer of Christianity.

-- From The Good News article Before You Ask Someone to Be Your Valentine...

Boost Me Up

2009-01-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

Now I need to talk to myself, no kidding! These are the things I always want to say: (My heart is beating fast right now and my mind is processing 1/1000000 of a second. How fast do you think is that?)

Talk to someone you trust. Don’t bottle things up inside. Cry, shout, laugh and feel sad about your problem.

Learn to find new interest. Meet new people. Go to new places. Put yourself into a new situation.

Learn to deal with bad feelings and learn to relax.

Give yourself the chance to be all you can be. Discover your special talents. Learn many skills and develop your own personality.

25 Ways to be Happy

2009-01-30T05:44:00.000-08:00

I finally decided to be always happy! Can you believe me saying this? Will it be possible? On one of my reading encounters in Readers Digest magazine, one article suggested 25 ways to be truly happy. I suppose I need each a try if it really works! Why not?

25 Ways to be Happy

1. Change your thinking.
2. Keep a journal.
3. Get some perspective on things.
4. Don’t let a small stuff bug you.
5. Do any unpleasant or difficult chores that need doing.
6. Change your routine.
7. Don’t try to keep up with others.
8. Have a big clean out and divest yourself of useless stuff.
9. Learn to say no.
10. Remember to love your parents or love ones.
11. Don’t let familiarity build contempt.
12. Tell your partner, family and friends that you love them.
13. Be a shoulder to lean on for troubled friends.
14. Phone, e-mail, even write to some old friends.
15. Enhance your mood with greenery.
16. Go to beach.
17. Create something.
18. Breathe fresh air.
19. Go for a walk.
20. Rent a funny video and have a good laugh.
21. Change is as good as a holiday.
22. Give yourself something to look forward to.
23. Invite friends over for a dinner.
24. Smile.
25. Make someone else’ day happier.

I'm (Just) a Teacher but I am Proud

2008-12-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

I’m (Just) a Teacher but I am Proud

I like the academic world. I like the questions that get asked and I really like the battle of the wits. Generally, the battles are about issues that I think matter. I’m not so naïve or so ignorant of the teaching side of the academia that I don’t realize that conflict can be petty, but I have found the structure and the goals of education would help keep the battle on point. Conflict happens everywhere and I want to fight about things that matter to me.

As I look back to a few years ago, I didn’t plan to be a teacher. “Me? Becoming a teacher? No way!” I heard myself said. I always wanted to be a doctor of medicine. It had been my cherished ambition. Four years rolled by, after high school, I couldn’t believe I found myself holding a chalk board, writing lesson plans and teaching students. I got fascinated in the classroom life. At first, it was difficult. For me to survive, I needed to think it over seriously. Is this really the profession I want to do for my life? There was conflict inside me. Later on, I comforted myself into thinking that it’s great to be a teacher even this would entail so much stress and pressure physically and emotionally. I become enthusiastic and my work keeps me busy and alert. My dealing with people has improved to a higher level. I learned to be nice, kind, friendly, gentle and generous. I never thought I would be this person. I used to be a shy person with no confidence in myself. Now I realize that it is important to socialize with people. I talk to my students everyday and speak to their parents during parent-teacher conference in school. I learned to solve bigger problems and manage my time and resources. I’m glad my students are close to me. They love to share their experiences and even like to open up their personal lives with me. My life seems to revolve around the school and my students.

The most difficult thing has been finding out that I’m not a perfect teacher. I wasn’t even a perfect student back in school days. But somehow, I expected teaching to be different. I introduced teaching innovations in my classes. Anything that comes in my mind I want to make it real for my students to experience it. Learning doesn’t only happen inside the classrooms so I device a teaching strategy which is outside the usual, something different. Learning, at this point, becomes concrete and fun for the students. Sad to say, for most people, anything new and different is not good. Usually it is treated with a cold shoulder. A change can be impossible if some of the school personnel and faculty are resistant for innovations. I was once bullied with raising eyebrows and brutal criticisms. But I remained calm because I knew I did my best for my students. It’s true that change doesn’t happen over night. In my years in teaching, though I still consider myself beginner, I can’t help not to magnify the little irregularities in the academe that I didn’t see before. When probe closely these ‘‘little irregularities” would trigger economic, social and morals upheavals. Conflict within the academe is inevitable. But as duly licensed professionals, we must see things objectively with no personal biases and must solve the problems right away. Teachers are expected to be duty-bound. I do my part well. I go to school everyday and make it a rule not to come late. I pay my taxes and other dues. I should avoid any form of corruption as much as possible in my work.

Teaching introduced me to a different pace of life. I’m going to work hard. Teaching allows me to use my intellect and originality. I know how important it is to treat people with kindness and respect especially when they are having difficulties or problems. I bring a fairly broad knowledge in education (I’m pursuing my post graduate program in Master of Science in Science Education). I think the most important contribution I can make is making a difference in someone’s life. Positive comments, showing trust in someone taking an action that communicates care and respect can positively change someone’s view of themselves and perhaps their lives as well. What would be more important? Teachers have both the power and opportunity to do great amount of good for many people. I know that I will take all the opportunities available to nurture, encourage and bring joy to those around me.

I think I have much to offer to the teaching field and teaching has much to offer me. To teaching, I will provide my knowledge, inventiveness, and dedication to students. In return, teaching will give me a space to grow intellectually and creatively and a group of people whose growth will provide me with a great sense of reward. I hope this would provide greater heights in my quest for excellence.

The Crisis of Public Education in the Philippines

2008-12-22T04:09:00.000-08:00

I would like to share some thoughts of Dr. Ronald Meinardus, former Resident Representative of the Friedrich-Naumann Foundation in the Philippines and a commentator on Asian affairs. After reading the article, please post your reactions on the issue. Let us know how you can be a solution to the crisis in education and change the way we think about the public education in the Philippines.

The Crisis of Public Education in the Philippines

By Ronald Meinardus

According to the human capital theory, the economic development of a nation is a function of the quality of its education. In other words: the more and better educated a people, the greater the chances of economic development.

The modern world in which we live is often termed a "knowledge society"; education and information have become production factors potentially more valuable than labor and capital. Thus, in a globalized setting, investment in human capital has become a condition for international competitiveness.

In the Philippines, I often hear harsh criticism against the politics of globalization. At the same time, regarding the labor markets, I can hardly think of another nation that is so much a part of a globalized economy than the Philippines with nearly ten per cent of the overall population working beyond the shores of the native land.

Brain drain. Apart from the much debated political, social and psychological aspects, this ongoing mass emigration constitutes an unparalleled brain drain with serious economic implications.

Arguably, the phenomenon also has an educational dimension, as the Philippine society is footing the bill for the education of millions of people, who then spend the better part of their productive years abroad. In effect, the poor Philippine educational system is indirectly subsidizing the affluent economies hosting the OFWs.

With 95 per cent of all elementary students attending public schools, the educational crisis in the Philippines is basically a crisis of public education. The wealthy can easily send their offspring to private schools, many of which offer first-class education to the privileged class of pupils.
Social divide. Still, the distinct social cleavage regarding educational opportunities remains problematic for more than one reason. Historically, in most modern societies, education has had an equalizing effect. In Germany, for instance, the educational system has helped overcome the gender gap, and later also the social divide. Today, the major challenge confronting the educational system in the country I come from is the integration of millions of mostly non-European, in most cases Muslim, immigrants. Importantly, this leveling out in the context of schooling has not occurred in this part of the world. On the contrary, as one Filipino columnist wrote a while ago, "Education has become part of the institutional mechanism that divides the poor and the rich."

Let me add an ideological note to the educational debate: Liberals are often accused of standing in the way of reforms that help overcome social inequalities. While, indeed, liberals value personal freedom higher than social equality, they actively promote equality of opportunities in two distinct policy areas: education and basic health care.

For this reason, educational reform tends to have a high ranking on the agenda of most liberal political parties in many parts of the world.

This said, it is probably no coincidence that the National Institute for Policy Studies (NIPS), liberal think-tank of the Philippines, invited me the other day to a public forum on the "Challenges on Educational Reform." With the school year having just started and the media filled with reports on the all but happy state of public education in the country, this was a very timely and welcome event. I was impressed by the inputs from Representative Edmundo O. Reyes, Jr, the Chairman of the Committee on Education of the House of Representatives, and DepEd Undersecretary Juan Miguel Luz. Both gave imposing presentations on the state of Philippine education.

Although I have been in this country for over a year now, I am still astonished again and again by the frankness and directness with which people here address problems in public debates. "The quality of Philippine education has been declining continuously for roughly 25 years," said the Undersecretary -- and no one in the audience disagreed. This, I may add, is a devastating report card for the politicians who governed this nation in the said period. From a liberal and democratic angle, it is particularly depressing as this has been the period that coincides with democratic rule that was so triumphantly and impressively reinstalled after the dark years of dictatorship in 1986! Describing the quality of Philippine school education today, the senior DepEd official stated the following: "Our schools are failing to teach the competence the average citizen needs to become responsible, productive and self-fulfilling. We are graduating people who are learning less and less."

While at the said forum, more than one speaker observed that the educational problems are structural in nature, I missed propositions for reform that are so far-reaching to merit the attribute structural.

Gargantuan problems. While the Undersecretary very patiently and impressively charted out the four policy directions of the political leadership of his ministry (taking teachers out of elections, establishing a nationwide testing system, preserving private schools, raising subsidies for a voucher system), to me -- as a foreign observer -- these remedies sound technocratic considering, what one writer in this paper has recently termed, "the gargantuan magnitude of the problems besetting Philippine basic education."

Let me highlight two figures: Reportedly, at last count more than 17 million students are enrolled in this country's public schools.

At an annual population growth rate of 2.3 per cent, some 1.7 million babies are born every year. In a short time, these individuals will claim their share of the limited educational provisions.
"We can't build classrooms fast enough to accommodate" all these people, said the DepEd Undersecretary, who also recalled the much lamented lack of teachers, furniture and teaching materials.

In short, there are too little resources for too many students.

Two alternatives. In this situation, logically, there exist only two strategic alternatives: either, one increases the resources, which is easier said than done considering the dramatic state of public finances, or one reduces the number of students.

This second alternative presupposes a systematic population policy, aimed at reducing the number of births considerably.

But this, too, is easier said than done, considering the politics in this country -- or to quote Congressman Reyes: "Given the very aggressive and active intervention of the Church addressing the population problem is very hard to tackle."

I'm (just) a Teacher

2008-12-20T05:13:00.000-08:00

I have always thought that teaching was one of the most important careers a person could ever undertake. After taking this program for four years in college, I still very much feel that way, but I also realize that there are many factors that go into effective teaching, and I realize now more than ever that being an excellent teacher is something that requires teamwork from a great many number of people; it is truly not a job that can be done alone. I salute and cheer all persons entering into this field with the highest of expectations for what they can do for their students, classrooms, and their schools. If we work collectively and with a common goal, we can continue to teach and improve upon our teaching in such a way that our students will not only excel in our own classrooms, but take with them the skills they need as they further their educations and enter into the communities. We can offer them what they need to offer us the assurance of a productive future.

Trainers Methodology + Trainers Assesssment Training Conducted by TESDA

2008-12-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

I can't really describe in full details the stories behind these photos... maybe when my co-participants in the training would, in case, dare to visit this entry and laugh over these photos. In fact nobody knew I took them camera shots. Well, I guess next time I will post here the chronology of the TESDA Training. I los t for words, I couldn't think of anything but "I need a break" I'm just beginning to enjoy and relax. I want to increase the momentum. I'm quite busy outlining my year-end performance for Year 2008. Abangan!

A Christian Teacher Paraphrase of I - Conrinthians 13

2008-11-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

A Christian Teacher Paraphrase of I-Corinthians 13

By Grace Robbins

If I teach with the skill of the finest teacher
And if I am dedicated to the education of the young
But fail to love my students,
I became only a clever speaker
And a charming entertainer.
If I use various teaching techniques and methods
And if I am well-trained so that
I feel like a good teacher
But fail to love my students
Just as they are, my efforts are not enough.
If I spend many long hours preparing
lessons and if I plan interesting
activities for my classes
and then fail to allow God’s love to
flow through me,
My personal efforts are still not enough.
The love of a teacher to his students
is a very special kind of love
It is patient even when they are doing
their best to create problems.
It shows kindness in a way
that makes a new student
feel welcome in a new school
It is not selfish, though it may
when a teacher requires certain
things in the class
It is not easily discouraged
Even though some days seem to
be full of problem
It is not amazed when
A student comes to discuss
a confidential situation
that is too personal to share
with just anyone who might happen
to be around.
This kind of love doesn’t boast about
the accomplishments
But it is a living example of what Jesus
could have each of us to be, daily.
This special kind of love never fails.
Books and study guides will become obsolete
Teaching techniques and methods will be outmoded
Classroom schedules and school policies
will be abandoned
Because these things have been established
by man rather than by God
However when the teacher shares
God’s love with the students
the influence will live forever and ever
Because God is love
When I was a student
I was immature
And behave like a child!
I was a child!
But now I am an adult
And God has spoken to me
about helping the children
discover His wonderful love.
I have faith, and I have hope,
And I have love
These three are God’s great gifts of me..
And the greatest of these is love.

2008-11-17T07:14:00.000-08:00