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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

A Teacher's Prayer

Lord Jesus, when you lived and worked
and talked amongst men in Palestine, they called you Teacher.
Help me to remember the greatness of the work
which has been given to me to do; that I work with the most precious material in the world, the mind of the youth.
Help me always to remember that I am making marks
upon that mind which time will never rub out.
Give me patience with those who refuse to learn.
When I have to exercise discipline,
help me to do so in sterness and yet in love.
Keep me from the sarcastic and the biting tongue,
and help me always to encourage those who are doing their best,
even if that best is not very good.
Help me to help my students not only to store things in their memories,
but to be able to use their minds and to think for themselves.
And amidst all the worries and the frustrations of my job,
help me to remember that the future of the nation
and of the world is in my hands. Amen.

What I've Learned In Life

In my 26th year of existence, I’ve learned a lot of things in life. Some of them are found in the thoughts of Ana Achacoso in her, What I’ve Learned in Life, a life reflection that really describes the condition that I’m in. I know this self reflection holds true not only for me but also for everyone. It’s worth sharing, so I decided to publish it here for others to get lessons from.

What I’ve Learned in Life

I’ve learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I’ve learned that it is taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I’ve learned that you should always leave love ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I’ve leaned 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 hot and steamy 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 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 with all they have.
I’ve learned that maturity has more to do with what type of experiences you have had and what you have learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you have celebrated.
I’ve learned that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you are not related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families are not biological.
I’ve learned that no matter how good friends are, they are going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I’ve learned that it is not always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have 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 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 descent human being.
I’ve learned that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

In Memory Of You

He was my student, a typical shy-typed lad. I began to know him well after he graduated high school and entered college education. He was Bryan G. Gigantana, a person who was constantly in search of his true worth and meaning of his existence. We bonded and created a friendship that was almost perfect. Bryan was ran over by a reckless driver of a funeral chariot on the eve of August 10, 2008 near Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College in Tandag City. He was brought to the hospital but unfortunately he was not able to bear the pain. He lost his breath a few hours later. True enough, I could remember some events when this student turned out to be my teacher. On the day he finally laid down to rest, I sent to him the following poem.

In Memory Of You

To Bryan G. Gigantana

August 16, 2008

Why is death such a cruel thing?
Why has he taken you away from us
who care and love you unconditionally?
Our hearts are filled with so much loneliness
How could you be gone like that
When you’re larger than life itself,
too alive to be dead!
We cannot help but shed tears for you
We thought it was really unfair
Because you were deprived of a new beginning,
A future that could have been very bright for you.

Life is uncertain
And nobody knows what lies ahead
In your waking days
You traversed this life in despair
We heard so much of your pains, frustrations and doubts
We knew there was a struggle within you
Behind your silent suffering
we saw a kind, caring and thoughtful person
who challenged himself in all the oppression
that was taking place under the sun.
We saw your cheerfulness,
Your sunny disposition because you believed
that everything happened for a reason
You seemed to be completely whole at times
When you shared to us your little joys,
happiness and pleasures
How could we ever forget a person
who was not only nice and energetic
But also full of enthusiasm,
hopes and aspiration in everything he did?
No one could ever resist your sense of humor,
your humility and golden heart
You didn’t even lose hope
that one day your broken home would be restored
You cherished to have a balance life,
fulfilled and significant life
You always put your family above all else.
You’re a seeker, a believer.
You wanted to place your feet firmly on the right path
Then you decided to be a servant of God.

All of us had begun thinking
You could realize your dreams
You fought back against your destiny
and bravely stood up for your own conviction
Yes, you knew that you were not alone in your journey
You’ve got a family and friends who prayed for you
when you couldn’t pray for yourself
But why is death such a cruel thing?
Why is life a big mystery?
Life on Earth will not last long
Life is measured by the rising and falling of the sun
and the rising and falling again
of the effulgence of the moon.
Why so much heartaches and pains in our hearts?
Because you left something wonderful
into our lives and we find it hard to erase from hearts
We’re captive by your memories of good feelings
We mourned in our most sincere way
because you have affected us and have touched
our lives in a lot different ways
We hope we could gain so much courage
and strength to ease the pains
and loneliness pestering inside
When we think but nothing of the funny things we had
Our sorrowful hearts somehow
see the brighter side of your tragic loss
It is said that the dead who had already died
are happier than the living who are still alive.
Your journey to the hereafter teaches us
to realize the shortness of our time
It also reminds us to value our lives
and appreciate life more
You will be spending plenty of your time
alone with God, pouring out what was inside your heart
Why should goodbye be like this?
We know, one day, someday
We will be reunited in God’s right time.

Who Am I?

What Zaldy Means

You are incredibly wise and perceptive. You have a lot of life experience. You are a natural peacemaker, and you are especially good at helping others get along. But keeping the peace in your own life is not easy. You see things very differently, and it's hard to get you to budge. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in. You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising. You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

Go the Distance

It's been a long time I had not updated this blog. I rested my pen and my thoughts. But the good news is, I'm back again in my writing journey.
I'm going to post here the song that truly captures my current state of mind. I just hope all you guys would enjoy it as much as I did... so let's "Go the Distance" together!

Go the Distance

I have often dreamed
Of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome
Would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer
When they see my face
And a voice keeps saying
This is where I'm meant to be
I'll be there someday
I can go the distance
I will find my way
If I can be strong
I know ev'ry mile
Will be worth my while
When I go the distance
I'll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road
To embrace my fate
Though the road may wander
It will lead me to you
And a thousand years
Would be worth the wait
It may take a lifetime
But somehow I'll see it through
And I won't look back
I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track
No I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope
But I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance
And my journey is complete
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart
Like a shooting star
I can go the distance
I will search the world
I will face its harms
I don't care how far
I can go the distance
Till I find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...
I will search the world
I will face its harms
Till I find my hero's welcome
Waiting in your arms...

Walang Maliw na Pag-ibig

There is no greater love than the love that holds on when there is nothing left to hold on to. In this short story I portrayed the endless love of two lovers who believe they could be immortals forever....

Walang Maliw na Pag-ibig
(Tagalog)

Hanggang ngayon ay ikaw pa rin ang madalas sumasagi sa isip ko. Isang taon na ang lumipas. Kung pakaiisipin ay mahabang panahon na rin iyon. Sa loob ng isang taon ay marami na ang nangyari at nabago. Ngunit ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo, iyon lang ang alam kong hindi nagbabago. Hindi ko masukat kung gaano kalalim ang pagkakabaon ng iyong alaala sa puso ko. Minsan talaga may mga tanong na mahirap ihanap ng kasagutan. Ganoon daw ang buhay. Ang lahat ng bagay sa daigdig ay nagaganap na may dahilan.

Sa linggong ito ay napadalas ang pagliwaliw ko sa mga disco bars, party at beer houses. Paano ko ba matanggihan ang paanyaya nina Jake, Mike, Shena at Ella? Naisip ko rin na kailangan kong ilabas mula sa loob ang mga hinanakit ko sa buhay. Tama sila, kailangan paminsan-minsan ay pagbigyan ko namam ang aking sariling malibang.

Sila ang palagi kong kasama. Hindi na kasi sila iba sa akin at maging sa iyo rin. Hindi ba sila ang tinuturing nating mga tunay na kaibigan? Sila ang mga kaibigan natin na hindi nang-iiwan. Sa oras ng aking kawalan, sila ang nagsilbing lakas ko. Sila ang walang sawang dumamay sa akin sa panahon ng aking kalungkutan at pilit nila akong pinasaya.

Halos sa lahat ng oras ay kasama ko sila. Inuman dito, sayawan doon. Sa loob ng nagkikislapang ilaw sa disco bars, sa mabubulang beer at sa madagundong at nakaiindak na tunog ng musika ay naisabay kong inilabas ang aking mga halakhak na matagal ding nagtago sa aking puso. Kakaibang saya ang naramdaman ko. Nagawa ko iyon ng malaya at walang pag-alinlangan. Talagang iba ang saya kapag kasama ang tropa. Tawanan, sigawan, bulyawan, tawanan ulit!

Itong si Ella hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagkakwela. Madalas ito ang nangunguna sa pagpapatawa. Naalala ko tuloy noong mga araw kung paano ka niya pinatawa nang pagkalakas-lakas. Naging kantiyaw na niya sa akin noon iyong mahubad ang pang-ibaba kong costume sa stage play namin na “Romeo & Juliet”. Hindi naman ako nagalit. Dahil nga sa kantiyaw niyang iyon ay nagkakilala tayo. At noong unang nabungaran at nasilayan ko ang iyong mukha ay iba na agad ang naramdaman ko. Kapag kaharap kita ay natataranta ako. Noon pa man ay alam kong umiibig na ako sa’yo. Salamat kay Ella. Sila na nga pala ni Jake ngayon. Biruin mo, nagkatagpo ang landas ng dalawa? Hindi talaga kami makapaniwalang sila na nga. Ikaw din siguro ay mabibigla. Pinaka- hate ni Ella ang chickboy. Si Jake naman ay ayaw niya sa mga babaeng masyadong magaslaw at liberated. Ang hinahanap niya ay iyong tipong Maria Clara kung kumilos. Mahilig siya sa mahihinhin at pinung-pino kung kumilos dahil iyon daw ang totoong dalagang Pilipina.

Sia Mike at Shen naman ay going steady na. Sa susunod na taon ay magbabalak na silang suungin ang buhay mag-asawa. Alam naman natin kung gaano nila kamahal ang isa’t-isa.

Marami na nga talaga ang nangyari. Alam mo ba nang dumating ang araw ng pagtatapos namin noong isang buwan? Kaming apat ang tinawag na Cum Laude sa taung ito! Si Mike ay sa BS Accountancy, si Jake sa BS Civil Engineering, si Shen sa BS Banking and Finance, at ako naman sa BS Education. Siguro kung nandoon ka lang, malamang ay dalawa tayo sa larangang ito.

Malapit ko na rin matapos ang aklat na inaasam-asam kung mabuo iyong “The Life and Adventure of Zalduah” Sa pagsusulat ko sa aklat na ito ay nagiging inspirasyon ko ang ating kwento.

Nitong huli ay nagawi ang tropa sa Meteor Park. Diba madalas doon tayo noon pumupunta? Maganda pa rin ito. Ang sarap damhin ang simoy ng hangin. Hindi ko magawang hindi dalawin ang mga alaala ng nakalipas at kung may gusto man akong balikan sa alaala siguro ay iyong araw na sinagot mo ako doon sa mala-palasyong Meteor Park. Paano ko ba malilimutan iyon? Ang pook na iyon ang naging saksi ng ating pagmamahalan. Doon naramdaman ko ang iyong walang kupas na pag-aalaga at pagmamahal. Sa pook ding iyon naramdaman kong bung-buo ang aking pagkatao. Naging masigla ang mga sumunod na araw. Mababaw nga talaga ang kaligayahan ng isang taong umiibig.

Halos masuka na ako sa kalasingan. Alam mong hindi ako dating ganito. Minsan ay napikon ako kay Mike. Gusto ko pang uminom pero hindi na niya ako tinagayan.

“Mike isa pa!” para akong batang nagsusumamo. Nakita kong gaano kasaya ang aking paligid. Para akong inilutang sa ulap. Ang lahat ay parang kayang-kaya kong liparin.

“Tama na, nasusuka ka na eh,” tanggi nito.
Sa grupo natin si Mike lang naman ang hindi agad-agad na nalalasing.

“Mabuti pang sumayaw na lang tayo,” sambit ni Ella at Shen na halatang lasing na rin.
Niyaya kaming sumayaw sa gitna ng dance floor. Todo naman ang sayaw naming lima. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam!

Sa gitna ng kasiyahan ay bigla ulit kitang naalala. “Kung nandito ka lang sana, ako na siguro ang pinakamasayang tao sa buong daigdig,” naibulong ko sa aking sarili. Nawala agad ang sigla sa aking pagsasayaw. Bumalik ako sa upuan at minarapat na lang na panunuurin sila. Kinamayan ako ni Jake, nagtaka siguro siya kung bakit ako biglang bumalik sa table namin. Nginitian ko lang siya. Magkahalong emosyon ang naramdaman ko. Naglakbay na naman ang isip ko. Sa aking balintataw ay lumitaw ang iyong napakaamong mukha. Napangiti ako ng ubod ng luwang.

Ikaw ang nagturo sa akin kung paano mangarap, mali pala, ang totoo, ako lang pala ang bumuo ng mga pangarap natin. Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ako masaya. Pero hindi mo siguro napansin noon na habang kasama kita ay naramdaman kong naglalakbay ang iyong isipan sa malayo. Inilihim ko na lang ang sakit. Nagtaka ako kung bakit nag-iba ka na. Ganun ba talaga ang umibig? Mahal kita at yan palagi ang binubulong ng puso ko.

Sabi nila oras na umibig ka kakaibang saya ang mararamdaman mo, magbabago ang lahat, magiging kapana-panabik ang bawat sandali. Iyong kapag nakikita mo siya ay bumibilis ang tibok ng iyong puso, sumasaya ang paligid, lahat ay nagdidiwang. Higit pa roon ang naramdaman ko sa tuwing kasama ka.

Bakit ba hindi ko magawang limutin ang lahat? Minsan, nakatulugan kong yakap-yakap ang iyong larawan. Mahal na mahal pa rin kita. Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ako masaya at ikaw din ang dahilan kung bakit ako malungkot ngayon. Laging may kirot na kumukudlit sa aking puso sa tuwing nagigising ako sa umaga at naalalang wala kana. Bago ako natutulog sa gabi ay umiiyak ako. Ngayon lang ako nakaranas umibig at mabigo. Ang sakit-sakit pala! Pakiramdam ko ay may bahagi sa aking pagkatao ang nawala. Baliw na nga siguro ako sa pagmamahal sa’yo. Pero bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin matanggap na patay ka na? Bakit hindi ko pa rin matanggap na iniwan mo na akong nag-iisa matapos ang sumpaan nating walang iwanan. Nang lumisan ka, tumigil ang pag-inog ng aking mundo. Dumating din sa akin noon na parang gusto ko na ring sisihin ang langit kung bakit ka pa kinuha sa akin.

Hanggang kailan ko ikukulong ang sarili sa iyong alaala? Lagi na lang akong nakakulong sa kahapon. Para akong sinaksak nang sinabi mong hindi mo na ako mahal!

“Hindi a kita pwedeng mahalin.” Minsan mong sinabi sa akin.

“Pero bakit? At sa aong dahilan?” nagtatakang tanong ko sa’yo.

“Dahil alam ko na ang lahat!Hindi kita pwedeng mahalin dahil magkapatid tayo!” paliwanag mo sa akin. Nakita ko kung paano dahan-dahang pumatak ang mga luha sa iyong mga mata.

Para akong pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa sa mga sandaling iyon. Kinirot ang puso ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa katotohanang iyon.

Gusto ko nang lumaya upang ganap na makalimot ngunit bakit hindi ko magawa? Kapag balikad na ang takbo ng orasan o kaya naman ay kapag berde na ang kulay ng dagat, siguro ay saka pa kita magawang kalimutan.

Nandito ako ngayon sa harap ng iyong puntod mahal kong Alma. Sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon ay naghahanap pa rin ako ng mga kasagutan sa mga tanong hinggil sa mahiwagang bumalot sa ating buhay. Bakit kailangan pang mangyari ang isang bagay? Bakit kailangan mo pang wakasan ang iyong buhay? Bakit mas pinili mong magbigti sa halip na mabuhay at lumaban?

Subalit hindi kita masisisi. Nagkulang din ako. Naging duwag ako dahil hindi kita naipagtanggol at naipaglaban mula kay Kamatayan. Tao nga lang pala tayo- mahina at marupok.

Paano ang magandang simula? Siguro kailangan ko na talagang tanggapin ng buong puso na ang nangyari ay bahagi na lamang ng isang alaala, isang bahagi ng aking pagpapatianod sa mas malalim na kahulugan ng buhay.
Inialay kong lahat sa iyo ang mga bulaklak na nasa iyong harapan ngayon tulad ng madalas kong ginawa noong buhay ka pa. Hindi na ako iiyak pa. Naniniwala akong magkikita pa rin tayo sa pangalawang buhay. Hanggang magpakailan man ito mahal ko. Makakaasa kang ako pa rin ito at ikaw pa rin ang iibigin ko.

Walang Maliw na Pag-ibig

There is no greater love than the love that holds on when there is nothing left to hold on to... In this short story

Walang Maliw na Pag-ibig

Hanggang ngayon ay ikaw pa rin ang madalas sumasagi sa isip ko. Isang taon na ang lumipas. Kung pakaiisipin ay mahabang panahon na rin iyon. Sa loob ng isang taon ay marami na ang nangyari at nabago. Ngunit ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo, iyon lang ang alam kong hindi nagbabago. Hindi ko masukat kung gaano kalalim ang pagkakabaon ng iyong alaala sa puso ko. Minsan talaga may mga tanong na mahirap ihanap ng kasagutan. Ganoon daw ang buhay. Ang lahat ng bagay sa daigdig ay nagaganap na may dahilan.

Sa linggong ito ay napadalas ang pagliwaliw ko sa mga disco bars, party at beer houses. Paano ko ba matanggihan ang paanyaya nina Jake, Mike, Shena at Ella? Naisip ko rin na kailangan kong ilabas mula sa loob ang mga hinanakit ko sa buhay. Tama sila, kailangan paminsan-minsan ay pagbigyan ko namam ang aking sariling malibang.

Sila ang palagi kong kasama. Hindi na kasi sila iba sa akin at maging sa iyo rin. Hindi ba sila ang tinuturing nating mga tunay na kaibigan? Sila ang mga kaibigan natin na hindi nang-iiwan. Sa oras ng aking kawalan, sila ang nagsilbing lakas ko. Sila ang walang sawang dumamay sa akin sa panahon ng aking kalungkutan at pilit nila akong pinasaya.

Halos sa lahat ng oras ay kasama ko sila. Inuman dito, sayawan doon. Sa loob ng nagkikislapang ilaw sa disco bars, sa mabubulang beer at sa madagundong at nakaiindak na tunog ng musika ay naisabay kong inilabas ang aking mga halakhak na matagal ding nagtago sa aking puso. Kakaibang saya ang naramdaman ko. Nagawa ko iyon ng malaya at walang pag-alinlangan. Talagang iba ang saya kapag kasama ang tropa. Tawanan, sigawan, bulyawan, tawanan ulit!

Itong si Ella hindi pa rin nawawala ang pagkakwela. Madalas ito ang nangunguna sa pagpapatawa. Naalala ko tuloy noong mga araw kung paano ka niya pinatawa nang pagkalakas-lakas. Naging kantiyaw na niya sa akin noon iyong mahubad ang pang-ibaba kong costume sa stage play namin na “Romeo & Juliet”. Hindi naman ako nagalit. Dahil nga sa kantiyaw niyang iyon ay nagkakilala tayo. At noong unang nabungaran at nasilayan ko ang iyong mukha ay iba na agad ang naramdaman ko. Kapag kaharap kita ay natataranta ako. Noon pa man ay alam kong umiibig na ako sa’yo. Salamat kay Ella. Sila na nga pala ni Jake ngayon. Biruin mo, nagkatagpo ang landas ng dalawa? Hindi talaga kami makapaniwalang sila na nga. Ikaw din siguro ay mabibigla. Pinaka- hate ni Ella ang chickboy. Si Jake naman ay ayaw niya sa mga babaeng masyadong magaslaw at liberated. Ang hinahanap niya ay iyong tipong Maria Clara kung kumilos. Mahilig siya sa mahihinhin at pinung-pino kung kumilos dahil iyon daw ang totoong dalagang Pilipina.

Sia Mike at Shen naman ay going steady na. Sa susunod na taon ay magbabalak na silang suungin ang buhay mag-asawa. Alam naman natin kung gaano nila kamahal ang isa’t-isa.

Marami na nga talaga ang nangyari. Alam mo ba nang dumating ang araw ng pagtatapos namin noong isang buwan? Kaming apat ang tinawag na Cum Laude sa taung ito! Si Mike ay sa BS Accountancy, si Jake sa BS Civil Engineering, si Shen sa BS Banking and Finance, at ako naman sa BS Education. Siguro kung nandoon ka lang, malamang ay dalawa tayo sa larangang ito.

Malapit ko na rin matapos ang aklat na inaasam-asam kung mabuo iyong “The Life and Adventure of Zalduah” Sa pagsusulat ko sa aklat na ito ay nagiging inspirasyon ko ang ating kwento.

Nitong huli ay nagawi ang tropa sa Meteor Park. Diba madalas doon tayo noon pumupunta? Maganda pa rin ito. Ang sarap damhin ang simoy ng hangin. Hindi ko magawang hindi dalawin ang mga alaala ng nakalipas at kung may gusto man akong balikan sa alaala siguro ay iyong araw na sinagot mo ako doon sa mala-palasyong Meteor Park. Paano ko ba malilimutan iyon? Ang pook na iyon ang naging saksi ng ating pagmamahalan. Doon naramdaman ko ang iyong walang kupas na pag-aalaga at pagmamahal. Sa pook ding iyon naramdaman kong bung-buo ang aking pagkatao. Naging masigla ang mga sumunod na araw. Mababaw nga talaga ang kaligayahan ng isang taong umiibig.

Halos masuka na ako sa kalasingan. Alam mong hindi ako dating ganito. Minsan ay napikon ako kay Mike. Gusto ko pang uminom pero hindi na niya ako tinagayan.

“Mike isa pa!” para akong batang nagsusumamo. Nakita kong gaano kasaya ang aking paligid. Para akong inilutang sa ulap. Ang lahat ay parang kayang-kaya kong liparin.

“Tama na, nasusuka ka na eh,” tanggi nito.
Sa grupo natin si Mike lang naman ang hindi agad-agad na nalalasing.

“Mabuti pang sumayaw na lang tayo,” sambit ni Ella at Shen na halatang lasing na rin.
Niyaya kaming sumayaw sa gitna ng dance floor. Todo naman ang sayaw naming lima. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam!

Sa gitna ng kasiyahan ay bigla ulit kitang naalala. “Kung nandito ka lang sana, ako na siguro ang pinakamasayang tao sa buong daigdig,” naibulong ko sa aking sarili. Nawala agad ang sigla sa aking pagsasayaw. Bumalik ako sa upuan at minarapat na lang na panunuurin sila. Kinamayan ako ni Jake, nagtaka siguro siya kung bakit ako biglang bumalik sa table namin. Nginitian ko lang siya. Magkahalong emosyon ang naramdaman ko. Naglakbay na naman ang isip ko. Sa aking balintataw ay lumitaw ang iyong napakaamong mukha. Napangiti ako ng ubod ng luwang.

Ikaw ang nagturo sa akin kung paano mangarap, mali pala, ang totoo, ako lang pala ang bumuo ng mga pangarap natin. Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ako masaya. Pero hindi mo siguro napansin noon na habang kasama kita ay naramdaman kong naglalakbay ang iyong isipan sa malayo. Inilihim ko na lang ang sakit. Nagtaka ako kung bakit nag-iba ka na. Ganun ba talaga ang umibig? Mahal kita at yan palagi ang binubulong ng puso ko.

Sabi nila oras na umibig ka kakaibang saya ang mararamdaman mo, magbabago ang lahat, magiging kapana-panabik ang bawat sandali. Iyong kapag nakikita mo siya ay bumibilis ang tibok ng iyong puso, sumasaya ang paligid, lahat ay nagdidiwang. Higit pa roon ang naramdaman ko sa tuwing kasama ka.

Bakit ba hindi ko magawang limutin ang lahat? Minsan, nakatulugan kong yakap-yakap ang iyong larawan. Mahal na mahal pa rin kita. Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ako masaya at ikaw din ang dahilan kung bakit ako malungkot ngayon. Laging may kirot na kumukudlit sa aking puso sa tuwing nagigising ako sa umaga at naalalang wala kana. Bago ako natutulog sa gabi ay umiiyak ako. Ngayon lang ako nakaranas umibig at mabigo. Ang sakit-sakit pala! Pakiramdam ko ay may bahagi sa aking pagkatao ang nawala. Baliw na nga siguro ako sa pagmamahal sa’yo. Pero bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa rin matanggap na patay ka na? Bakit hindi ko pa rin matanggap na iniwan mo na akong nag-iisa matapos ang sumpaan nating walang iwanan. Nang lumisan ka, tumigil ang pag-inog ng aking mundo. Dumating din sa akin noon na parang gusto ko na ring sisihin ang langit kung bakit ka pa kinuha sa akin.

Hanggang kailan ko ikukulong ang sarili sa iyong alaala? Lagi na lang akong nakakulong sa kahapon. Para akong sinaksak nang sinabi mong hindi mo na ako mahal!

“Hindi a kita pwedeng mahalin.” Minsan mong sinabi sa akin.

“Pero bakit? At sa aong dahilan?” nagtatakang tanong ko sa’yo.

“Dahil alam ko na ang lahat!Hindi kita pwedeng mahalin dahil magkapatid tayo!” paliwanag mo sa akin. Nakita ko kung paano dahan-dahang pumatak ang mga luha sa iyong mga mata.

Para akong pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa sa mga sandaling iyon. Kinirot ang puso ko. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa katotohanang iyon.

Gusto ko nang lumaya upang ganap na makalimot ngunit bakit hindi ko magawa? Kapag balikad na ang takbo ng orasan o kaya naman ay kapag berde na ang kulay ng dagat, siguro ay saka pa kita magawang kalimutan.

Nandito ako ngayon sa harap ng iyong puntod mahal kong Alma. Sa kinatatayuan ko ngayon ay naghahanap pa rin ako ng mga kasagutan sa mga tanong hinggil sa mahiwagang bumalot sa ating buhay. Bakit kailangan pang mangyari ang isang bagay? Bakit kailangan mo pang wakasan ang iyong buhay? Bakit mas pinili mong magbigti sa halip na mabuhay at lumaban?

Subalit hindi kita masisisi. Nagkulang din ako. Naging duwag ako dahil hindi kita naipagtanggol at naipaglaban mula kay Kamatayan. Tao nga lang pala tayo- mahina at marupok.

Paano ang magandang simula? Siguro kailangan ko na talagang tanggapin ng buong puso na ang nangyari ay bahagi na lamang ng isang alaala, isang bahagi ng aking pagpapatianod sa mas malalim na kahulugan ng buhay.
Inialay kong lahat sa iyo ang mga bulaklak na nasa iyong harapan ngayon tulad ng madalas kong ginawa noong buhay ka pa. Hindi na ako iiyak pa. Naniniwala akong magkikita pa rin tayo sa pangalawang buhay. Hanggang magpakailan man ito mahal ko. Makakaasa kang ako pa rin ito at ikaw pa rin ang iibigin ko.

Pag-ibig at Pagkamuhi

This short story is an expression of my past broken relationship...it pains like a milliion pins pricking!

Pag-ibig at Pagkamuhi

(Tagalog)

Sa tantiya niya ay humigit-kumulang sampung taon na ang nakalipas mula nang sumakabilang buhay ang kanyang butihing tiyuhin.

Maglalabin-limang taong gulang pa lamang siya noon.Tandang-tanda pa niya ang tagpong iyon doon sa mismong silid ng kanyang tiyuhin kung saan nakahandusay ang wala ng malay nitong katawan. Walang nakakabatid kahit na sino man sa kanyang pamilya ng anumang dahilan nito para wakasan ang sariling buhay. Isang malaking palaisipan iyon na gumugulo sa kanya na ayaw na rin niyang tuklasin pa.

Mahal na mahal niya ang kanyang tiyuhin. Parang anak kung siya’y ituring nito. Kadalasan ang tiyuhin niya ang agad tinatakbuhan tuwing may problema na hindi naman siya binibigo. Ganoon siya kalakas at kamahal sa kanyang kinikilalang pangalawang ama na kapatid ng kanyang ina.

Nagtataka at nagtatalo ngayon ang kanyang isipan. Sino naman kaya itong si Jethro De Guzman na nakaalala pang sumulat sa kanyang tiyuhin na matagal ng naging abo? Wala naman siyang maaalalang ganoong pangalan na naging kaibigan ng tiyuhin. Maya-maya ay naisip niyang buklatin para basahin ang nilalaman ng sulat na kani-kanina palang niya hawak.


Dear Pareng Justin,

Kumusta ka na? Marahil ay nagtataka ka kung bakit ngayon lang ako nakasulat. Gusto kong sariwain sa aking isipan ang lahat ng mga magagandang bagay na nararanasan natin sa ating pagkakaibigan. Higit pa sa magkapatid ang turingan natin sa isa’t- isa. Lahat ng iyon ay magiging bahagi ng aking magagandang ala-ala.

Patawad Pare, hindi ako naging tapat na kaibigan dahil hindi ko napaglabanan ang aking sarili. Natuto akong magmahal sa isang babae na hindi ko naman dapat minahal. Matagal akong nakiamot ng kakarampot na kaligayahan sa iyo. Marami akong naging pangarap sa buhay, ngunit iisa lang pala ang too kong hinangad. Mahirap pigilin ang sariling iwasan o talikuran ang isang bagay na pinanabikan mong maging iyo lalo na’t abot-kamay mo na lang.

Alam ko kung gaano mo kamahal si Trix. Patawad Pare, sinuway ko ang anumang inilagay kong pagitan sa aking isipan at damdamin para bigyang laya ang damdaming matagal ko ring pinigilan. Iisa lang ang isasagot ko kung bakit ginawa ko iyon. Ang totoo ay mahal na mahal ko rin si Trix!

Noon pinilit kong binura sa aking isipan ang babaing kapwa natin mahal. Ginawa kong panansala ang aking nadaramang pagmamahal sa kanya, at maligaya kong ginawa iyon alang-alang sa ating pinagsamahan.
Umalis ako, nagpakalayo at matagal ding nawala. At sa aking pagbalik nabatid ko mula kay Trix na ako at ako lang ang minahal niya mula pa man noon. Hanggang sa nagpatianod kami sa aming di matatawarang pananabik sa isa’t-isa.

May anak na kami ngayon, si Dwight, isang mabait at matalinong bata.
Patawad Pareng Justin. Sana maunawaan mo kami. Mahal namin ang isa’t-isa. Sana’y mapatawad mo ako at si Trix.

Ang iyong kaibigan,

Jethro

Mariing kinagat niya ang kanyang mga labi, kasunod ang mabilis na pagdaloy ng kanyang mga luha sa kanyang mga mata. Poot at galit ang namamahay ngayon sa kanyang dibdib. Samu’t-saring diwa ang pilit umalingawngaw sa kaibuturan ng kanyang katinuan. At doon unti-unting nabuo ang mga kasagutan sa mga tanong na hindi niya inaasahan, ang katotohanang nabalot ng mahabang panahon.

Nasasalamin niya ang kanyang sarili sa katauhan ng kanyang tiyuhin. Ganyan nga siguro ang umiibig ng labis. Naalala niya si Cindy. Kahit na sinasaktan siya nito ay naghahanap at naghahanap pa rin siya ng maidadahilan para habaan pa ang pagtitiis. Sobra-sobra kasi siya kung magmahal. Nais pa niyang ihambing ang sarili sa gamu-gamo. Kung hindi mapaso muna, hindi maniniwala. Kung mabubuhay din lang siyang nagkukunwaring mahal siya ni Cindy gayong alam na alam na niyang totoo sisimulan na niyang mabuhay na wala ito. Pipilitin niyang mabuhay na wala ito. Totoo pala ang kasabihan nilang gahibla lang ang pagitan ng pag-ibig at pagkamuhi. Nasusuklam siya sa mga katulad ni Cindy at Trix!

Minsan talagang parang may pangyayaring mahirap paniwalaan pero nagaganap lalo na kapag tadhana ang nakikialam. Pero tadhana nga ba ang may pakana ng mga nagaganap ngayon sa buhay niya at ng kanyang tiyuhin? Isa lang ang alam niya. Hindi niya sasayangin ang kanyang buhay sa isang huwad na pag-ibig lamang.

Role Model Teachers of UNHS

Role Model Teachers of UNHS

In the work place, I am fortunate enough to have co-teachers who are not only excellent in their respective fields but also more than willing to share their thoughts about the profession they have come to love so that others would be able to get insights from. In this post I would like to introduce them to the readers of this blog. I salute them for their exemplary performance in years of unparallel dedication and commitment in teaching the young minds. These teachers are very determined and highly motivated individuals. They are gifted and talented educators whom students and people in the community always look up to.

Because of their exceptional crafts in the teaching profession, Unidad National High School (UNHS), which I am an alumnus, has become nest of professionals and leaders in the community. UNHS has produced numerous competent and well-rounded individuals in different fields. I will commend here three most outstanding teachers among the power list in the faculty of UNHS.

Drum roll please to Miss Nerissa P. Forrosuelo, the smart, energetic and untiring woman. She is an ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and Biology teacher who teaches with high spirits. She has spent eleven years in teaching but still the glow in her eyes shows a burning love for teaching and it is getting more intense. “I love to teach. I find it fulfilling when I teach good things to my students, “she said. She sometimes talks about real and big concepts that can change the way students look up things, which is why she makes sense to her students. In fact, she has been a big inspiration to them. She gains better insights into the students’ situation. When she is asked about what an ideal teacher is, she is quick to tell me, “An ideal teacher to me is the one who speaks with wisdom, and establishes friendships with his or her students and co-teachers. He or she should have a heart of a mother or father, a confidence builder and is a good counselor.” As far as I am concerned, that is what s he really is. When it comes to Science Competitions, Maam Neriss has been a national coach winner three times in a row now. She is known for her extraordinary approach in teaching science. It’s no wonder she was elected President of the Science Club Advisers Association of the Philippines (SCAAP) in Cluster 5 in the Division and CARAGA Region Philippines. She still yearns to teach, live and grow in the institution where knowledge is pursued and where young students are taught how not to commit mistakes again. She is willing to make some sacrifices for the greater good. She has three words to share with his colleagues in the government service. “Give justice to your work. Love your work and be open-minded, be flexible and willing to learn more about your profession and other essentials things in life.

Another heavy roll also goes to Mr. Abelardo Sarigumba, a very artistic and talented teacher of UNHS. By the sound of his name, you can already associate him with performing arts. His life becomes inclusively and exclusively attached to arts. SAYAWIT, Chorale group, Ethnic Ensemble, NAMCYA and Men and Women Artistic Gymnastics were among the competitions he choreographed and eventually won. Currently he is handling subjects MAPEH and Chemistry. He is also a science coach winner in Chemistry. According to him, teaching is the noblest of all professions. He believes that, “If others can do a thing that is quite hard, I know I can do it also.” He considered himself a fulfilled and successful teacher. “In my eleven years of teaching, both private and public schools, I have had students who are now professionals. Most of them are doctors, lawyers, bankers and teachers now.” Indeed there is a sense of pride in him when he realizes that these students achieved such level of success because of what he taught them in high school. Sir Abe can easily mingle with his students. But when it comes to discipline he said, “I discipline my students through individual heart to heart talk. I always tell them the value of education. In one of my talk with some students, I learned that they have nothing to eat in their meals. They just go to school and attend classes. These students live below poverty line. The parents should be more responsible to give biological needs of their children. When asked how he rated himself in the workplace he said, “I rate myself as an excellent teacher. What is his vision of UNHS? He just answered, “I am hoping that UNHS would become a Comprehensive School.

Mr. Abelardo "Abe" Sarigumba

A resounding applause goes to Mr. Emelito V. Gallegos, the school’s Mathematics wizard. Batches of students come and go. They all appreciated his extraordinary way of teaching Mathematics. In his eleven years of teaching, he could say that he has gone a lot of crests and troughs. “I love Mathematics and I also want the students to feel the same I encounter problems in teaching the subject like students low retention level of the lesson and showing less interest because they found it very difficult. There are factors that could have resulted to the students’ low academic performance. Students nowadays are prone to temptations of “kalingawan” or vices like smoking and drinking without the knowledge of their parents.” Inside the classroom when he starts his lesson, he makes sure everybody participates. “I always tell them that we’re here for learning, so let’s make the most out of our purpose. Since the subject is quiet hard, I tell them to spend time making drill in solving problems and establish a good study habit because it’s really important.”

Sir Belong, as he is fondly called is intelligent, open-minded and a proactive teacher. He has a good work ethics and is ever supportive to the welfare of the school. He shows a good working relationship with his co-teachers. His advice for his colleague: “Work hard; love your work and work not to attain praises.”

He philosophizes that students become great if they believe in their power to make a difference. “Share not boast, dare to make a difference”, he would tell them.

The UNHS is recognized in the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office Surigao del Sur, Philippines as the “Center of Excellence in Mathematics”. What an accomplishment! Many people said that UNHS deserves it. This accomplishment is not without the concerted effort of other Math teachers. When I asked about his feelings for the news he said, “I have mixed feelings about it. I don’t know on which criteria or guidelines our school is evaluated. It’s good news to everybody in UNHS. We hope we would win more in MTAP (Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippine, an annual Mathematics Quiz) competition in the division level, regional level, or even in the national level.”

Our role model teachers have a sense of self-gift to others especially to the students. They show their willingness and generosity to humbly serve and make some sacrifices despite of their Herculean task as mentors. In that since they have a lot to answer for the questions I asked.

Mr. Emelito "Belong" Gallegos

Zaldy: Why do you choose teaching as a profession?


Ma’am Neriss: After having received a diploma in a degree of AB History, my mind was set on historical findings and research. But by some streak of fate, God led me to Saint Theresa College (STC) in Tandag, Philippines where I spent joyful and fulfilling years of teaching. It was there at STC where I realized teaching as a very worthy profession. I become a teacher not but choice of a degree but by an “accidental calling”.

Sir Belong: It was because of poverty why I chose the Bachelor of Science Education (BSE) course. BSE in our time was inexpensive course. And teaching is the only profession I am exposed to. I’ve been with teachers and school in the entire 90% of my life. So basically, I am familiar with the nature of their job. I don’t know if there is already a study on this, when I was a child I used to play a teacher role.

Sir Abe: I chose teaching because I saw how noble teacher’s work is. Teaching is about transforming lives. The teacher invites his students to cross, then facilitate their crossing, and encourage them to create bridges of their own.


Zaldy: What do you think are your great contributions to the progress of UNHS?

Ma’am Neriss: I am putting UNHS over the National map of excellence in Biology, albeit what I consider my greatest contribution is my being more than honest and sincere enough in my work. Extending time for extra school work is a regular routine. Modesty aside, I have a “teachable personality”. I am open to give the best in me without reservation or for any accolade.

Sir Belong: I am supporting the administration for every good cause and I am opposing the same for no good cause. Winning in the different competition in Mathematics can be considered the other.

Sir Abe: This is my contribution to the school and also to mankind: I make it sure that I am with my students in the class to share with them, show sympathy and look after of their own welfare. I always treat every student like real human being.IDE

Zaldy: In your own point of view, what is a proactive teacher?

Ma’am Neriss: A proactive teacher for me is the one who does his/her obligations with perseverance and an open heart. Teachers are God’s special creation. They are endowed with special gifts as stewards of goodness and beauty. Every teacher has a responsibility to take good care and sustain what God has given. He/she should speak with wisdom to the learners because they are seedbeds of God’s continuing creation. His task is to help the child unravel the greatness of God’s creation within him which is webbed in his potency.

Sir Belong: A proactive teacher is a person who does more work than relaxation. For I believe in this world there is more fighting than resting.

Sir Abe: For me a proactive teacher is a person who is self-motivated and does his/her part in molding the students’ minds and hearts. His primary function is to provide a vehicle for a child wider vista of horizon.


Zaldy: What philosophy and core values do you instill in the minds of your students?

Ma’am Neriss: All God-fearing practical knowledge for human development is the real philosophy for me. I always remind my students, “Let God be the end of all ends.” It’s always for Him that we need to sanctify our dream, our desire and our material cravings. With God, we’ll not get lost. No matter how hard we strive, this world is tricky enough to sway us from the path of righteousness. But His love and faithfulness will always take us back to His fold. God is always true to His promise.

Sir Belong: The philosophy I instill to my students I summarized it in a single word- NUMBER which means, Never Underestimate Man’s capacity and ability, But be Even more Respectful.

Sir Abe: It is found in Philippians 2:14 which says, Do all things without murmuring and disputing. Students should follow the wisdom of the ages, the people who have deeper experiences in life. And when they do, they are always in the right track.


Zaldy: In what way can a teacher be an active and effective molder of a holistic education?

Ma’am Neriss: Well, being an effective teacher is more than a longing for earning. A teacher must be a disciple of God, an instructor, a caregiver, a confidence builder, and an ethical mentor. The center of teaching should focus on to the child as a holistic being far above the subject areas. A child-centered educator should learn the nature and the peculiarities of every child when he or she interacts with the others. He should draw and walk with the child to find his or her fullness as a person.

Sir Belong: A teacher is an effective one if the students could still remember and apply what they learned from him/her. Then education becomes holistic if the students become better persons because of the teacher’s instructions.

Sir Abe: He becomes an effective teacher if he has transformed the students into responsible individuals in the society. After all, education is for the total development of the human beings. And you are an effective teacher if you have Jesus Christ in your heart, because Jesus Christ is the greatest teacher ever walked on Earth.


Zaldy: What development program do you want to advocate making UNHS not only a haven of learning but also an institution that produces students of problem-solvers in the society?

Ma’am Neriss: I love to see students who exude confidence in what they are doing and persistent to reach their goals. It’s fulfilling to see students who are vision-oriented, creative, innovative, flexible and assertive. A massive integration of values education and character formation provides that avenue coupled with the institutionalization of a “caring culture” in the school that the good thing taught must be caught realistically at all angles in the campus. In addition, they need to be honed with a research mind that can freely connect people’s ideas across the globe. Oh my God! Let it happen. We need our school to be connected in the internet now.

Sir Belong: I would like to promote tutorials to students who need them the most. We know there are slow learners; we can’t just let them pass the subject without learning the subject. It will only weaken them and our school system when we just let them graduate. Why not give them the appropriate curriculum? Aside from our standard curriculum, let’s promote tutorials in whatever form.

Sir Abe: The components of individual intelligence should harmonize with his environment. I would like to advocate programs that recognize the total development of the students in the academic, music, arts and sports.

Moving Towards A More Challenging Future

Moving Towards A More Challenging Future


How very nice that I am given this rare privilege to deliver an inspirational message. Abundant thanks to Mr. Webster who defines “inspiration” as creative impulse to influence and stimulate others. He gives me inkling on where and how to begin my talk.

This afternoon, I will talk of something that everybody knows already. I will talk of something, which everybody at sometime, has been practicing but tends to forget because of the passion of the moment and the circumstances of time, place and other events in one’s life. I am going to talk to three major audiences present in this occasion. The first group is composed of teachers; second, the crowd of students and the third group, the parents and relatives.

Now, let us start with audience number one- the UNHS teachers. How often is it said that teachers are purveyor of truth and molders of society? Teaching is truly the noblest of all professions! I would like to quote William Arthurward who once said that “mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”. Here in UNHS, the teachers exemplify their work, demonstrate enormous enthusiasm in teaching the young minds. Here in UNHS, we have dedicated and committed teachers who strive hard to educate and lead the students to become responsible citizens in the community. The teachers have multifarious roles, which include the following: teacher of a variety of subjects; budgeter of time; data gatherer; organizer and encoder of some reports; accountant for commercial venture the school is engaged in; fund raiser for all reasons from repair of wall to the replacement of old classroom decoration; one man/woman tourist bureau; recreation leader; moralist and teacher of traditional values; a disciplinarian; he/she captives students to innovations which are introduced to the education system; an d he/she is a skilled psychologist ready to respond to every bureaucratic whim and caprice.

Then you might ask the questions: What makes a good teacher? What are his/her professional qualities? Well, the following are among the long list. He must: posses desirable qualities that could ensure his/her successful career; be naturally interested in teaching; have a good personality; have a natural love, understanding and consideration for students whom he/she will mingle with; have patience and self-abnegation despite the fact that teaching is replete with more thorns than roses, and is full of trials and tribulation, unlike other professions; he/she must be resourceful and creative; he /she must have a flare of art; have initiative and leadership for these are indispensable qualities since rural people look upon teachers as leaders and people of authority; have a good PR (public relation); be submissive to good suggestions and constructive criticisms; and realize that teaching is not merely a profession-it is a mission.

You see! Being a teacher is not that easy. But look at the UNHS teachers, look at their faces; despite of so many responsibilities, aren’t they happy and contented? They deserve to be appreciated and acknowledged! You should be grateful! Indeed, there is dignity and joy to be educators and molders of people and society.

Now, let us talk about audience number two. The clienteles of teachers, the so-called students. So dear students please lend me your ears and open up your senses that you may capture my message.

Someone has said that the obvious sign of learning is change. Many changes take place when you move on to your teen years. For one, your body begins to show changes. As your body undergoes changes, so does your mind. You learn to question things. You discover many new feelings that tend to confuse you. Oftentimes, these changes may bring you both joy and pain. While they make you aware that life is worth living, they also show that they can also be cruel.

Dealing with these changes is a part of growing up. This is the crucial moment that you need to be educated and get informed the most. The role of educating now comes into play. Education, I would stress here, is very important, so important that it should not be neglected because it is an instrument for the improvement of your life. That explains why students are sent to school.

Dear students, in school, learning does not need to be boring. Oftentimes, it is a lot fun! English subject is not boring, Filipino subject is not boring, Science and Math are not boring subjects as well as Araling Panlipunan, TLE, MAPEH and Values Education subjects! These academic subjects are designed to make you competent individuals. What you learned from these subjects, you could apply them in your own lives.

You have just witnessed the happy faces of the honor students who proudly march here in front to receive their awards. You could be like them! And why not! If you want to follow their footsteps and want to be listed among the achievers in the third grading period until the end of this school year, well, you need to do the following: (1) Love your subject areas and study them religiously; (2) Do your homework, assignment and other school obligations; (3) Comply your school projects/ requirements promptly; (4) Approach the subject teachers if there are some points you find difficult to understand. They are willing to explain them for you; (5) Read good books to broaden your horizon. Most bright students are avid readers of books; (6) Show a tremendous sense of responsibility in your studies. Take time to view your lessons for he day before going to sleep; (7) And of course the most important, ask wisdom from God. He is willing to give it to you. Follow my advice. Try it. It’s amazing. You may not realize it, but it works!

Finally, let us proceed to the third group, the audience number three, the parents and relatives of the students. According to Elsie L. Buck that a successful parenthood is built on three great principles: Love, Discipline and Security. And she is right.

We oftentimes hear that home is where the love is! This is what I learned that students will be delightful performers and achievers in school and keep doing well in their studies if they are living in a more favorable environment conducive to their cerebral growth and soaring. The students need your generous and supportive hearts. They need your constant reinforcement may it be financial or moral. Sometimes, they need to be understood because after school they need to replenish their energy used up already while doing school works.

In the solitude of your home, you are in the best position to mold, shape and develop them into the kind of persons you want them to be in the future. Inscribe in them everyday and every hour your instructions, your spirit and your good examples.

Teachers are sometimes complaining about the student’s character. The best opportunity to build character is within families where the students are constantly tested and most vulnerable to lapses. The character building begins at home. I strongly believe that the kind and nature of students today reflect the kind of discipline they have had from their parents.

I will end up my talk with congratulations to the three major audiences: to the teachers for keeping up with their teaching; to the students who are doing well in their studies including those who are coping up; and to the parents who are always with their sons and daughters in hard times and in good times. Together, let us move forward to a more challenging future.

You can reach me...

http://www.friendster.com/photos/36483634
mail to: zaldyalima@yahoo.com

Upclose Encounter with the BIOTA Philippines Inc.

Every photo here paints a thousand words... Just feast on your eyes in these photos. I will post the stories next time. Just bear with me...just arrived from a long and winding trip! I want to take a rest.