When I was a little boy there was no doubt in my mind that I would grow up to be an educator.
I was born so special. Although my mother was almost 40 years old when I was in her womb, I was born healthy and well-nourished. This made me special. My four brothers seemed to be my fathers, so I have five fathers, two adopted-sisters (older than me), and a supportive mother.
Since I grew up with older people, my mind matured early. My mother told me that when I was a toddler, I was laid on floor to choose among the things that will predetermine my future. There laid coins, pencil, rosary, book, ball pen etc. I don’t know why I chose the pencil.
I took my preschool education in a private school. However, my family couldn’t afford my schooling so I was sent to a public elementary school in our barangay. Then, I graduated with the highest honor. Because of honors I always received during recognition days, some of my neighbors and even the mother’s friends asked me to conduct tutorial class for their students. So, every Saturday, they went to our house. I taught them the basic skills especially Mathematics and English (Language and Reading). After the sessions, my mother would prepare us snacks like lemonade and biscuits. Sometimes I visited the house of my mother’s friend to teach her children. Most of my students were slow learners who failed the previous test or drop outs. I also have intelligent students. Their parents wanted to enrich their skills so that they would perform well in the class the next day.
I stopped tutoring rich and intelligent students when I was asked by one of my teacher to teach her child and she would pay me. The things I hated most were when I guided the child in making his assignments, he always asked me to answer his assignments and the next activities in their workbook. From then on, I never come back to their house. I don’t want the child to become dependent.
I was influenced by my teachers. When I graduated in elementary, I already perceived myself that I would be a teacher someday.
My family noticed that my hearing declined. I was diagnosed by an audiologist and found out that my ear drum was already perforated. I was only maintained with eardrops and medicines.
I took my first year in high school at a semi-private institution. We were a laboratory school so we’re just chosen 30 students. I was put up into the classroom with very intelligent classmates. After the school year, I was able to join in the rank of honors.
Again and again, my family couldn’t finance the high cost of tuition and even my daily allowance. So, they decided again to transfer me in a barangay high school. There I found out how private and public school differ from each other. Sometimes I got bored because the topics that are being discussed in the school had been tackled during my first year.
I developed my skills. When I was in elementary, I hated all subjects except Mathematics. I did not want to memorize, I wanted an application of what was taught. Now, I started to appreciate Science, T.L.E, Filipino, English, Social Studies and MAPEH.
When I was 2nd year, my adviser told me to attend in the qualifying examination for student writer. I refused since I don’t have any idea on making a news, features, etc. When I was in elementary, our teacher would only bring us to the venue where contest for campus journalism is held. We just keep on looking at the children writing, drawing and lay outing inside the room; we did not know what they were doing. My adviser told me to read any newspaper. So, when I went home, I bought a newspaper and read it.
I attended the seminar and qualifying exam. I never knew how I was chosen as associate editor of our school publication. I didn’t know. Perhaps, it is because I was inspired by the newspaper I have read or I have actually this inclination in writing. Then, I won during the press conference.
I always got the highest recognition at the end of the school year. However, because of favoritism, I only graduated salutatorian in the class. They said that I was a transferee.
I took my college education at Naga College Foundation. It was not because my brother had finished his commerce degree here. The very reason is that, my favorite teachers in elementary and high school were products of this institution. So, I thought I could be liked them if I studied here in NCF.
It proved me to choose whether yes or no. Yes for the reason that I was inspired by my teachers to continue this education course. They become my embodiment and inspirations. I met a very loving teacher, very competent teacher, very thoughtful teacher, very strict yet inspiring teacher and so on. If you would ask me why I also have this ‘no’ answer. It was the influence of unloving, incompetent, careless and selfish teacher.
I remember the time I had attended the seminar on pre-service teacher education forum, CHED Commissioner Dr. Dominador Peralta once said, we can change what we have now today by being a teacher.
I am here at Naga College Foundation, daring, inspiring, aspiring to be a teacher and make it happen!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Pumanhin sa mga mahilig din sa sabaw!
Bago pa man maisalang ng matagal ang column ko sa printing press, palagi nang pumapasok sa aking isipan kung meron ba akong nakalimutang banggitin tungkol sa mga estudyanteng mahilig din sa sabaw o nabubusog din ng mga sabaw (scholarship).
Ilang araw, matapos maipamahagi ang aming tabloid issue (The Naga Collegian) na dapat sana'y noon pang 1st semester, marami ang nagpuna sa aking kolum tungkol sa "Libre ang Sabaw! Bow."
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko naman iyon ginawa para lang magpa-impress. May purpose iyon. Una, gisingin ang mga natutulugang iskolar ng bayan. Manindigan tayong iskolar nga talaga tayo ng bayan- na hindi lang basta tintustusan. Ikalawa? (Akin na lang iyon.)
Marami ang nagalit sa akin. Majority sa kanila ay mga student assistant, (sorry na nga, nakalimot lang talaga ang lolo mo). Maganda raw ang kolum ko, ang topic at ang pagkakasulat. (ang sabi....)
Bakit raw hindi ko sinali ang mga student assistants na kabilang din sa mga tinutustusan ng sabaw sa pag-aaral. Hayaan niyo, darating tayo dyan!
Sa totoo lang, mahirap ang kalbaryo nila ngayon, pero sa tingin ko ay hindi naman masyadong pang-passion of the christ.
Bukod sa mga student assistant, meron pa, mga athletics. (At kung meron pa akong hindi naisabi, e-mail nyo na lang....joke.)
Ang hirap talagang maging writer, hindi lang dahil nagsusulat ka, marunong magsulat o gusto magsulat ay magsusulat ka nga. Dapat, alam mo rin kung nabibigyan mo ng sapat na impormasyon ang mga mambabasa. Ngunit, wala namang perpekto, sabi ko nga, hintay-hintay lang kayo boy, darating tayo diyan...
Ilang araw, matapos maipamahagi ang aming tabloid issue (The Naga Collegian) na dapat sana'y noon pang 1st semester, marami ang nagpuna sa aking kolum tungkol sa "Libre ang Sabaw! Bow."
Sa totoo lang, hindi ko naman iyon ginawa para lang magpa-impress. May purpose iyon. Una, gisingin ang mga natutulugang iskolar ng bayan. Manindigan tayong iskolar nga talaga tayo ng bayan- na hindi lang basta tintustusan. Ikalawa? (Akin na lang iyon.)
Marami ang nagalit sa akin. Majority sa kanila ay mga student assistant, (sorry na nga, nakalimot lang talaga ang lolo mo). Maganda raw ang kolum ko, ang topic at ang pagkakasulat. (ang sabi....)
Bakit raw hindi ko sinali ang mga student assistants na kabilang din sa mga tinutustusan ng sabaw sa pag-aaral. Hayaan niyo, darating tayo dyan!
Sa totoo lang, mahirap ang kalbaryo nila ngayon, pero sa tingin ko ay hindi naman masyadong pang-passion of the christ.
Bukod sa mga student assistant, meron pa, mga athletics. (At kung meron pa akong hindi naisabi, e-mail nyo na lang....joke.)
Ang hirap talagang maging writer, hindi lang dahil nagsusulat ka, marunong magsulat o gusto magsulat ay magsusulat ka nga. Dapat, alam mo rin kung nabibigyan mo ng sapat na impormasyon ang mga mambabasa. Ngunit, wala namang perpekto, sabi ko nga, hintay-hintay lang kayo boy, darating tayo diyan...
Libre ang Sabaw! Bow
Hindi ako magsusulat nito para lang ikwento ang recipe ng paborito kung ulam. Wala rin akong balak magtayo ng isang karenderya o restaurant para lang talbugan ang Jollibee o McDo. Mas lalong hindi naman halata sa katawan ko na matakaw akong kumain. Ewan ko ba kung bakit, ang akin lang, kanina pa kumakalam ang sikmura ko sa katititig sa lay out ng isyung ito.
Isipin mo na lang na nasa dining room ka o sa kung saan ka madalas kumain-canteen, karenderya, restaurant o wala sa nabanggit.
Ako, mahilig ako sa mga karenderya. Iyon lang kasi ang kaya ng isang iskolar na tulad ko. Bukod sa masarap at mura ang mga ulam, libre ang sabaw. Ewan ko ba kung anong meron sa sabaw na wala ako?
Isa ako sa mga iskolar ng bayan. Kabilang ako sa mga nakikinabang ng mga sabaw na ipinagkakaloob ng gobyerno, paaralan o sinumang indibidwal sa mga taong gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.
Iba-iba rin ang flavor ng pagiging iskolar. Katulad ng sabaw, merong chicken soup na talagang pang-Bon Appitit sa mga restaurant na madalas mong banggitin ang “sabaw pa lang, ulam na”. Meron namang libreng sabaw sa mga karenderya. Iyong galing sa nilagang baboy, baka, manok, ipis, etc. Meron ding sabaw na parang ewan ko ba kung sabaw pa nga ito o mainit na tubig na lang na hinaluan lang ng bawang, sibuyas at kamatis magmukhang sabaw lang. Siguro, nag-iba lang ang lasa nang maisawsaw ni manong ang kanyang kuko nang abutin saiyo ang tasa ng hiningi mong libreng sabaw, hindi mo lang talaga napansin.
Sa buhay ngayon, kung gusto mong mabusog ka ng sapat na edukasyon, masarap na ulam na ang kahit papaano’y dumedepende ka lang sa mga sabaw. Hindi mo kailangang isipin na ‘ang cheap’ naman ng ginagawa mo. Ang mahalaga, pagkatapos mong kumakain, mabusog ka man lamang at humikab.
Marami akong kilalang chicken soup ang tumutustos sa pag-aaral. Sila iyong mga iskolar ng mga Study-Now-Pay-Later, SAFE Loan at mga Pre-need Plans tulad ng GSIS, PhilamLife, at Bombay. Ito iyong mga iskolarship na talagang hindi naman libre dahil magbabayad ka rin. Pero kahit papaano, malaking tulong na rin ito sa gahol sa pinansyal. Ang problema lang, paano mo mababayaran kong magtatapos ka rin naman ng walang trabaho?
Paborito ng marami ang pangalawang kategorya ng sabaw. Ito ang mga iskolarship na ibinibigay ng gobyerno, kilalang organisasyon, at paaralan. Nang minsang mabisita ko ang restaurant este Office ng Scholarship Coordinator, kung bibilangin mo ang menu ng mga scholarships na ino-offer ng paaralan, halos umaabot sa apat-na-pu ang maaari mong pagpilian upang tumustos sa kalam ng iyong bulsa.
Mas uso ang sabaw na parang relief goods ng gobyerno sa oras ng economic crisis. Pwede kang maging SHARE scholar, City scholar, etc. At pwede ka ring maging scholar ng sinumang politiko hindi dahil nagkakaroon ng bahid politika. Minsan, sasabihin mo, ginagawa lang nila ang mga iyan dahil malapit na ang eleksyon. Sa puntong ito, responsibilidad nilang tumulong para sa ikabubuti.
Kung genius ka, pwedeng-pwede kang maging Resident Scholar. Iyon nga lang, duduguin ka naman sa pagpapanatili ng markang hindi bababa sa 1.4 ang average per semester. Kaya mo yan?
Kung hindi mo kayang higupin ang ganyang sabaw na para bang gusto ka lang pasuin, meron pang ibang plausible options. Pwede ka rin namang magpursigeng maging kasapi ng mga organisasyon katulad ng The Naga Collegian na nagbibigay din ng libreng sabaw. Dito, hindi gobyerno o kahit sino pa mang prominenteng tao ang nagpapaaral saiyo kundi ang mismong mga mag-aaral ang nagbabayad ng sabaw na hinihigop mo.
Hindi dahil libre ay wala ka na ring gagawin kundi ang humigop ng humigop na lang. Pagkatapos, tapos na. Tinutustusan ka ng mga mag-aaral kaya’t tungkulin mo ring ibalik sa kanila kung alin ang dapat at tama.
Kung meron kang kapansanang-pisikal, hindi iyan hadlang upang makapagtapos ka ng pag-aaral. Nariyan din ang scholarship na nagbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal upang kahit papaano, masabi mong may karapatan ka ring makapag-aral.
Kung hindi ka genius, wala ka namang kapansanan, at ayaw mo rin ng iniisip mong bahid politika, dito ka na lang sa huling kategorya ng sabaw. Ito ang sabaw na hindi nga pang-Bon Appitit pero gaganahan ka rin naman kumain. Ito ang scholarship mula sa mga kapamilya at kapuso mo.
Meron ngang ilan, magpapaasawa muna sa mga kano, hapon, negosyante, o tambay, makapag-aral lang ng pinapangarap na kurso sa kolehiyo. O kung hindi man, tinutustusan ng magulang, asawa o kapatid na nasa Hongkong, Saudi, o Japan.
Masarap din siguro ang ganoon. Ewan ko lang kung baka bago pa man dumating sa Pinas ang delivery, panis na ito. Nakakaawa lang isipin na iyong mga pinag-aaral nila, feel na feel naman ang linamnam.
Iskolar ka ng bayan. Iskolar ka man ng gobyerno, ng paaralang ito, ng mga estudyante, o ng pamilya mo; panindigan mong iskolar ka nga. Hindi dahil naibsan na ang kalam ng iyong sikmura, iuutot mo na lang ‘yan mamaya. Susuklian mo ng isang kongkretong kilos mula sa isang positibong enerhiya. Hindi sa mga pagpapakitang-tao, kundi dahil alam mong ikaw ay nasa tamang kinalalagyan.
Heto na ang in-order mong soup. ‘Wag ka lang sanang mapaso at mabulunan.
Serve while it’s hot!
Isipin mo na lang na nasa dining room ka o sa kung saan ka madalas kumain-canteen, karenderya, restaurant o wala sa nabanggit.
Ako, mahilig ako sa mga karenderya. Iyon lang kasi ang kaya ng isang iskolar na tulad ko. Bukod sa masarap at mura ang mga ulam, libre ang sabaw. Ewan ko ba kung anong meron sa sabaw na wala ako?
Isa ako sa mga iskolar ng bayan. Kabilang ako sa mga nakikinabang ng mga sabaw na ipinagkakaloob ng gobyerno, paaralan o sinumang indibidwal sa mga taong gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral.
Iba-iba rin ang flavor ng pagiging iskolar. Katulad ng sabaw, merong chicken soup na talagang pang-Bon Appitit sa mga restaurant na madalas mong banggitin ang “sabaw pa lang, ulam na”. Meron namang libreng sabaw sa mga karenderya. Iyong galing sa nilagang baboy, baka, manok, ipis, etc. Meron ding sabaw na parang ewan ko ba kung sabaw pa nga ito o mainit na tubig na lang na hinaluan lang ng bawang, sibuyas at kamatis magmukhang sabaw lang. Siguro, nag-iba lang ang lasa nang maisawsaw ni manong ang kanyang kuko nang abutin saiyo ang tasa ng hiningi mong libreng sabaw, hindi mo lang talaga napansin.
Sa buhay ngayon, kung gusto mong mabusog ka ng sapat na edukasyon, masarap na ulam na ang kahit papaano’y dumedepende ka lang sa mga sabaw. Hindi mo kailangang isipin na ‘ang cheap’ naman ng ginagawa mo. Ang mahalaga, pagkatapos mong kumakain, mabusog ka man lamang at humikab.
Marami akong kilalang chicken soup ang tumutustos sa pag-aaral. Sila iyong mga iskolar ng mga Study-Now-Pay-Later, SAFE Loan at mga Pre-need Plans tulad ng GSIS, PhilamLife, at Bombay. Ito iyong mga iskolarship na talagang hindi naman libre dahil magbabayad ka rin. Pero kahit papaano, malaking tulong na rin ito sa gahol sa pinansyal. Ang problema lang, paano mo mababayaran kong magtatapos ka rin naman ng walang trabaho?
Paborito ng marami ang pangalawang kategorya ng sabaw. Ito ang mga iskolarship na ibinibigay ng gobyerno, kilalang organisasyon, at paaralan. Nang minsang mabisita ko ang restaurant este Office ng Scholarship Coordinator, kung bibilangin mo ang menu ng mga scholarships na ino-offer ng paaralan, halos umaabot sa apat-na-pu ang maaari mong pagpilian upang tumustos sa kalam ng iyong bulsa.
Mas uso ang sabaw na parang relief goods ng gobyerno sa oras ng economic crisis. Pwede kang maging SHARE scholar, City scholar, etc. At pwede ka ring maging scholar ng sinumang politiko hindi dahil nagkakaroon ng bahid politika. Minsan, sasabihin mo, ginagawa lang nila ang mga iyan dahil malapit na ang eleksyon. Sa puntong ito, responsibilidad nilang tumulong para sa ikabubuti.
Kung genius ka, pwedeng-pwede kang maging Resident Scholar. Iyon nga lang, duduguin ka naman sa pagpapanatili ng markang hindi bababa sa 1.4 ang average per semester. Kaya mo yan?
Kung hindi mo kayang higupin ang ganyang sabaw na para bang gusto ka lang pasuin, meron pang ibang plausible options. Pwede ka rin namang magpursigeng maging kasapi ng mga organisasyon katulad ng The Naga Collegian na nagbibigay din ng libreng sabaw. Dito, hindi gobyerno o kahit sino pa mang prominenteng tao ang nagpapaaral saiyo kundi ang mismong mga mag-aaral ang nagbabayad ng sabaw na hinihigop mo.
Hindi dahil libre ay wala ka na ring gagawin kundi ang humigop ng humigop na lang. Pagkatapos, tapos na. Tinutustusan ka ng mga mag-aaral kaya’t tungkulin mo ring ibalik sa kanila kung alin ang dapat at tama.
Kung meron kang kapansanang-pisikal, hindi iyan hadlang upang makapagtapos ka ng pag-aaral. Nariyan din ang scholarship na nagbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal upang kahit papaano, masabi mong may karapatan ka ring makapag-aral.
Kung hindi ka genius, wala ka namang kapansanan, at ayaw mo rin ng iniisip mong bahid politika, dito ka na lang sa huling kategorya ng sabaw. Ito ang sabaw na hindi nga pang-Bon Appitit pero gaganahan ka rin naman kumain. Ito ang scholarship mula sa mga kapamilya at kapuso mo.
Meron ngang ilan, magpapaasawa muna sa mga kano, hapon, negosyante, o tambay, makapag-aral lang ng pinapangarap na kurso sa kolehiyo. O kung hindi man, tinutustusan ng magulang, asawa o kapatid na nasa Hongkong, Saudi, o Japan.
Masarap din siguro ang ganoon. Ewan ko lang kung baka bago pa man dumating sa Pinas ang delivery, panis na ito. Nakakaawa lang isipin na iyong mga pinag-aaral nila, feel na feel naman ang linamnam.
Iskolar ka ng bayan. Iskolar ka man ng gobyerno, ng paaralang ito, ng mga estudyante, o ng pamilya mo; panindigan mong iskolar ka nga. Hindi dahil naibsan na ang kalam ng iyong sikmura, iuutot mo na lang ‘yan mamaya. Susuklian mo ng isang kongkretong kilos mula sa isang positibong enerhiya. Hindi sa mga pagpapakitang-tao, kundi dahil alam mong ikaw ay nasa tamang kinalalagyan.
Heto na ang in-order mong soup. ‘Wag ka lang sanang mapaso at mabulunan.
Serve while it’s hot!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Mga Natatanging Karanasan sa DemoTeaching
Sa ngayon, mukhang nagiging natural na lamang sa akin ang magturo. Marahil, dahil na rin ito sa mga pagsasanay na pinagdaanan ko noong nasa elemtarya at sekondarya pa lang ako. Ang pagiging tutor ko at walang sawang pa-uulat sa klase noong High School ako ang mga naging arena ng mga pagsasanay ko. Kung hindi dahil doon, siguro hanggang ngayon ay palagi pa rin akong kinakabahan kahit sa mga simpleng pag-uulat sa klase o maging sa pagde-demo. Kaya sa unang taon ko dito sa Naga College Foundation, nasanay na ang sarili ko.
Sa apat na taon kong pamamalagi at pagpapakabihasa sa pagtuturo, mas marami pa akong natutunan maliban sa ordinaryong pag-uulat. Natuto ako ng mga tinatawag nilang Motivation (meron pala noon?). Kung sa High School, basta tumayo ka lang sa harap ng klase, ipaskil (kung meron man) ang inihandang visual aids, at magsasalita na para bang ikaw lang ang nakaka-intindi ng mga pinagsasabi mo, ayos na iyon, reporting na ang tawag doon. Dito sa College, lalo pa’t Education ang kinuha ko, dapat ramdam mo talagang guro ka na at hindi ka lang basta nag-uulat sa klase.
Ang paggawa ng lesson plan ang pinaka-kalbaryo ko sa pagiging student-teacher. Hindi kasi ako marunong gumawa ng detailed at semi-detailed lesson plan. Kasi para sa akin, parang nalilimitahan tuloy ako kung paano ko isasagawa ang pagtuturo. Ang pinakaayaw ko ay iyong ikaw na mismo ang nagse-set kong ano ang dapat na isagot ng mga mag-aaral mo. Para bang ikaw ang hari at sila ay magiging sunud-sunuran.
Sa unang pagkakataon, naranasan kong mag-demo. Ang isabak ang sarili sa tunay na pagtuturo. Bahagi kasi ng aming aralin sa Drama 1 ang pag-demo. Naging maganda ang talakayan, nag-enjoy ang mga mag-aaral ng Grade 3 at pati na rin ako. Pagkatapos kong mag-demo, may mga nagbigay sa akin ng mga notes galing pa sa mga slow learners. Nakaka-inspire talaga iyon. Iyon bang nararamdaman kong tanggap nila ako bilang guro at tanggap na rin ng mundo ang pagiging guro ko. Ang pinakamasaklap lang ay ang resulta ng demo ko mula sa cooperating teacher ko, ang baba. Hindi na bale, new curriculum kasi ako, kaya siguro hindi siya naka-adjust sa bagong mundo ng pagtuturo. Ganoon man ang naging resulta, ramdam ko pa rin sa kaloob-looban ko na kahit papaano, alam kong excellent pa rin sa akin ang naging demo ko. Hanggang ngayon, nakatago pa rin ang mga pagsusulit ng mga naging mag-aaral ko pati na rin ang kanilang mga notes na nakakataba ng puso.
Napakahalaga ng naging ambag niyon sa buhay ko. Ang nakakabigla nga ay iyong kahit makita nila ako sa labas ay tatawagin pa rin nila akong “Teacher James”. Kaya tuloy nahihiya ako sa kanila sa tuwing nakikita nila akong parang ‘hindi ako magiging titser’.
Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, naisabak ako sa lugar ng Minalabac. Naging parte iyon ng Children’s Literature subject. Doon ko naramdaman ang totoong pagiging guro. Katulad ng dati, naging natural lang ang daloy sa akin ngunit alam kong nagiging parte ng learning process ang mga mag-aaral. At iyon ang nakapagpapatunay na talagang meaningful learning ang nagyayari. Ang natutunan ko ay dapat pala maalis ang learning gap ng mga mag-aaral kaya dapat alam mong nakaka-relate ang mga bata. Salamat na rin kay Bolet, ang tauhan sa kwentong “Ayan na si Bolet Bulate”.
Sa mga nagdaang taon, mas marami pa akong pinagdaanang teaching demo na kung saan ito ay humubog sa akin kasanayan.
Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, naisabak ko rin ang sarili ko sa pag-demo sa mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Ang “Stainless Longganisa” ni Bob Ong ang naging teksto na ang pangunahing paksa ay ang proseso ng pagsusulat ng sariling aklat.
Oo nga, nagiging natural na lamang sa akin ang magturo ngunit palagi pa rin akong nahaharap sa mga sitwasyong nawawala ako sa mundo kakaisip ng estratehiya at gawain upang maging makahulugan ang talakayan hindi lamang sa akin kundi pati na rin sa mga magiging mag-aaral ko. At dahil na rin sa kaunting panahon ng paghahanda, kinakabahan din ako dahil hindi na bata, ang tuturuan ko, kundi mga kasing edad ko na rin.
Mahirap talakayin ang mga kabanata sa aklat na Stainless Longganisa ni Bob Ong dahil na rin sa iba’t-ibang realidad ang tinatalakay doon ni Bob Ong.
Hindi natapos ang pag-uulat ko noong sabado dahil kinulang sa oras. Nasundan ito ng halos kalahating buwan dahil na rin sa mga hindi maiiwasang pagkakataon. At nito lang Setyembre 30, natapos din. Buti na lang at hindi inanod ng baha ang mga ideya ko ng Bagyong Ondoy. Naging matagumpay. Kaya lalo ko pang nakukumbensi ang sarili ko na talagang ito na ang kahahantungan ko, ang maging titser.
Marami akong natutunan bukod sa mga ideolohiya ni Bob Ong. Hindi lang sa mga anggulo ng pagsusulat kundi pati na rin sa pagiging guro. Kung ayaw ni Bob Ong ng larong scrabble, ayaw na ayaw ko naman ng mga detailed at semi-detailed lesson plan. Bagamat bago pa man ako pumasok sa klase ay meron na akong mga tiyak na layunin, mas gusto kong nagiging learner-centered ang talakayan. Dahil na rin sa malayang pagpapahayag ng mga mag-aaral ng kanilang sariling pananaw, minsan tuloy ay nababago rin ang aking kaisipan. Minsan, hindi ko namamalayang sumasang-ayon na pala ako sa kanila. At sila na mismo ang nagiging batayan ko kung paano ko na susundan ang proseso.
Masyado silang matanong. Ang ilan naman ay medyo nahihiya ring magsalita. Natatawa ako dahil minsan mausisa ang ilan. Hindi ko nga akalaing pati ang ISKRABOL ni Bob Ong na ginawa kung batayan ng talakayan ng Stainless Longganisa ay itatanong pa nila kung nasa aklat daw ba o ako mismo ang gumawa ng konsepto. Masaya naman ako kasi na-appreciate din nila iyon. Pero natural lang naman iyon eh, ginawa ko naman iyon hindi para purihin ako kundi hirap lang talaga ako sa mga aklat ni Bob Ong na kahit isang ideya lang ang gusto niyang palabasin, marami pa siyang realidad na ikinikwento. Kaya tuloy kung minsan, pagkatapos kung mabasa ang buong aklat, para akong natutulala.
Salamat kay Bob Ong at marami akong natutunan. Sayang nga lang, ngayon ko lang nakilala ang mga aklat niya kung kailan nasa kolehiyo na ako. At salamat na rin sa karanasang ito na magiging bahagi na ng mga karanasan ko sa pagiging guro.
Sa apat na taon kong pamamalagi at pagpapakabihasa sa pagtuturo, mas marami pa akong natutunan maliban sa ordinaryong pag-uulat. Natuto ako ng mga tinatawag nilang Motivation (meron pala noon?). Kung sa High School, basta tumayo ka lang sa harap ng klase, ipaskil (kung meron man) ang inihandang visual aids, at magsasalita na para bang ikaw lang ang nakaka-intindi ng mga pinagsasabi mo, ayos na iyon, reporting na ang tawag doon. Dito sa College, lalo pa’t Education ang kinuha ko, dapat ramdam mo talagang guro ka na at hindi ka lang basta nag-uulat sa klase.
Ang paggawa ng lesson plan ang pinaka-kalbaryo ko sa pagiging student-teacher. Hindi kasi ako marunong gumawa ng detailed at semi-detailed lesson plan. Kasi para sa akin, parang nalilimitahan tuloy ako kung paano ko isasagawa ang pagtuturo. Ang pinakaayaw ko ay iyong ikaw na mismo ang nagse-set kong ano ang dapat na isagot ng mga mag-aaral mo. Para bang ikaw ang hari at sila ay magiging sunud-sunuran.
Sa unang pagkakataon, naranasan kong mag-demo. Ang isabak ang sarili sa tunay na pagtuturo. Bahagi kasi ng aming aralin sa Drama 1 ang pag-demo. Naging maganda ang talakayan, nag-enjoy ang mga mag-aaral ng Grade 3 at pati na rin ako. Pagkatapos kong mag-demo, may mga nagbigay sa akin ng mga notes galing pa sa mga slow learners. Nakaka-inspire talaga iyon. Iyon bang nararamdaman kong tanggap nila ako bilang guro at tanggap na rin ng mundo ang pagiging guro ko. Ang pinakamasaklap lang ay ang resulta ng demo ko mula sa cooperating teacher ko, ang baba. Hindi na bale, new curriculum kasi ako, kaya siguro hindi siya naka-adjust sa bagong mundo ng pagtuturo. Ganoon man ang naging resulta, ramdam ko pa rin sa kaloob-looban ko na kahit papaano, alam kong excellent pa rin sa akin ang naging demo ko. Hanggang ngayon, nakatago pa rin ang mga pagsusulit ng mga naging mag-aaral ko pati na rin ang kanilang mga notes na nakakataba ng puso.
Napakahalaga ng naging ambag niyon sa buhay ko. Ang nakakabigla nga ay iyong kahit makita nila ako sa labas ay tatawagin pa rin nila akong “Teacher James”. Kaya tuloy nahihiya ako sa kanila sa tuwing nakikita nila akong parang ‘hindi ako magiging titser’.
Sa pangalawang pagkakataon, naisabak ako sa lugar ng Minalabac. Naging parte iyon ng Children’s Literature subject. Doon ko naramdaman ang totoong pagiging guro. Katulad ng dati, naging natural lang ang daloy sa akin ngunit alam kong nagiging parte ng learning process ang mga mag-aaral. At iyon ang nakapagpapatunay na talagang meaningful learning ang nagyayari. Ang natutunan ko ay dapat pala maalis ang learning gap ng mga mag-aaral kaya dapat alam mong nakaka-relate ang mga bata. Salamat na rin kay Bolet, ang tauhan sa kwentong “Ayan na si Bolet Bulate”.
Sa mga nagdaang taon, mas marami pa akong pinagdaanang teaching demo na kung saan ito ay humubog sa akin kasanayan.
Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, naisabak ko rin ang sarili ko sa pag-demo sa mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Ang “Stainless Longganisa” ni Bob Ong ang naging teksto na ang pangunahing paksa ay ang proseso ng pagsusulat ng sariling aklat.
Oo nga, nagiging natural na lamang sa akin ang magturo ngunit palagi pa rin akong nahaharap sa mga sitwasyong nawawala ako sa mundo kakaisip ng estratehiya at gawain upang maging makahulugan ang talakayan hindi lamang sa akin kundi pati na rin sa mga magiging mag-aaral ko. At dahil na rin sa kaunting panahon ng paghahanda, kinakabahan din ako dahil hindi na bata, ang tuturuan ko, kundi mga kasing edad ko na rin.
Mahirap talakayin ang mga kabanata sa aklat na Stainless Longganisa ni Bob Ong dahil na rin sa iba’t-ibang realidad ang tinatalakay doon ni Bob Ong.
Hindi natapos ang pag-uulat ko noong sabado dahil kinulang sa oras. Nasundan ito ng halos kalahating buwan dahil na rin sa mga hindi maiiwasang pagkakataon. At nito lang Setyembre 30, natapos din. Buti na lang at hindi inanod ng baha ang mga ideya ko ng Bagyong Ondoy. Naging matagumpay. Kaya lalo ko pang nakukumbensi ang sarili ko na talagang ito na ang kahahantungan ko, ang maging titser.
Marami akong natutunan bukod sa mga ideolohiya ni Bob Ong. Hindi lang sa mga anggulo ng pagsusulat kundi pati na rin sa pagiging guro. Kung ayaw ni Bob Ong ng larong scrabble, ayaw na ayaw ko naman ng mga detailed at semi-detailed lesson plan. Bagamat bago pa man ako pumasok sa klase ay meron na akong mga tiyak na layunin, mas gusto kong nagiging learner-centered ang talakayan. Dahil na rin sa malayang pagpapahayag ng mga mag-aaral ng kanilang sariling pananaw, minsan tuloy ay nababago rin ang aking kaisipan. Minsan, hindi ko namamalayang sumasang-ayon na pala ako sa kanila. At sila na mismo ang nagiging batayan ko kung paano ko na susundan ang proseso.
Masyado silang matanong. Ang ilan naman ay medyo nahihiya ring magsalita. Natatawa ako dahil minsan mausisa ang ilan. Hindi ko nga akalaing pati ang ISKRABOL ni Bob Ong na ginawa kung batayan ng talakayan ng Stainless Longganisa ay itatanong pa nila kung nasa aklat daw ba o ako mismo ang gumawa ng konsepto. Masaya naman ako kasi na-appreciate din nila iyon. Pero natural lang naman iyon eh, ginawa ko naman iyon hindi para purihin ako kundi hirap lang talaga ako sa mga aklat ni Bob Ong na kahit isang ideya lang ang gusto niyang palabasin, marami pa siyang realidad na ikinikwento. Kaya tuloy kung minsan, pagkatapos kung mabasa ang buong aklat, para akong natutulala.
Salamat kay Bob Ong at marami akong natutunan. Sayang nga lang, ngayon ko lang nakilala ang mga aklat niya kung kailan nasa kolehiyo na ako. At salamat na rin sa karanasang ito na magiging bahagi na ng mga karanasan ko sa pagiging guro.
VENGEANCE IS NOT OURS, IT'S GOD'S!!!
When I was cramming for a monologue presentation in my English 3 Subject under Dr. Bienvinida C. Artuz, I have got this soliloquy in a particular book of speeches in our library.
Soliloquy means speaking alone which was synonymous with monologue. It is used in theatrical presentations.
Here is a dramatic soliloquy I love the most. It is very heart touching. And the most overwhelming is that I was able to present it in the class very satisfactory. I had prepared my costumes and props. I was then wearing a costume of a beggar pulling a can and at the same time, with a dirty make up. My sound effect was only a lonely ring tone of my mobile phone.
They all laugh. I have got a grade of 98.
In my English 9 subject, I presented this soliloquy once again. I never find hard of conceptualizing this for I was so familiar of it. Then, I have got 97.
Of course, internalization was the key for good presentation.
Here we go. Read first this soliloquy then imagine the scenario. Then, begin internalizing the character. Now, you’re ready to find the exasperating acting scene.
Alms...., alms...., alms…. spare me a piece of bread…. spare me your mercy…. I am a child so young, so thin, and so ragged.
Why are you staring at me? With my eyes I cannot see, but I know that you are all staring at me! Why are you whispering to one another? Why? Do you know my mother? Do you know my father? Did you know me five years ago? Yes..., five years of bitterness had passed. I can still remember the vast happiness mother and I shared with father. My mother was playing on the piano, while I danced and danced for them. We were very happy indeed.
Suddenly, five loud knocks were heard on the door, and a deep silence ensued. Did the cruel Nippon discover our peaceful home?” Asked Mother! Mother ran to my father’s side, pleading, “Please Julian, hide there in the cellar, they cannot find you there”. I pulled my father’s arm, but he did not move. It seemed as though his feet were glued to the floor.
The door went “banggggg”, and before us five ugly beasts came barging in. “Are you Captain Julian Santos?” roared the ugliest of them all. “Yes,” said my father. “You are under arrest,” said one of the beasts. They pulled father roughly away from us. Father wasn't given a chance to bid us goodbye. We followed them mile after mile, we were hungry and thirsty. We saw a group of Japanese soldiers eating. Oh, how our mouths watered seeing the delicious fruits they were eating. Then suddenly, we heard a voice calling, “..... Consueloooooo ….. Anitaaaaa ….. Consuelooooo ….. Ossscccaaarr ….. Consueloooooo ….. Osccaaaarrr …..!!!."
We ran towards the direction of the voice, but it was too late. We saw father hanging on a tree……… dead………. fatherrrrrrrr!!! Oh, it was terrible!!!. He had been badly beaten before he died….., and I cried vengeanceee...!!!, vengeanceee...!!!, vengeanceeee...!!! Everything went black. The next thing I knew I was nursing my poor invalid mother.
One day, we heard the church bell ringing, “dinggggg..., donggggg..., dinggggg..., donggggg!” It was a sign for us to find a shelter in our hideout, but I could not leave my invalid mother, I tried to show her the way to the hideout. Suddenly, bombs started falling; airplanes were roaring overhead..., canyons were firing from everywhere ..… booommm!!! booommm!!! booommmmmm!!! Mother was hit, her legs were shattered into pieces. I took her gently in my arms and cried, “I’ll have vengeanceee!!!, vengeanceee!!!” “No, Oscar, vengeance….. it is God’s,” said mother. But I cried out vengeanceee!!!. I was like a pent up volcano. “Vengeance is mine not God’s”. “No, Oscar, vengeance is not ours, it’s God’s”. These were the words from my mother before she died. Mother was dead and I was blind. Vengeance is not ours? To forgive is divine, but vengeance is sweeter!
That was five years ago, five years ….. aaalllmmmsss..., aaalllmmmsss..., aaalllmmmsss..., spare me a piece of bread. Spare me your mercy. I am a child so young, so thin, so poor, and so ragged. Vengeance is not ours..., it is God’s... it’s God’s….. it’s….
Soliloquy means speaking alone which was synonymous with monologue. It is used in theatrical presentations.
Here is a dramatic soliloquy I love the most. It is very heart touching. And the most overwhelming is that I was able to present it in the class very satisfactory. I had prepared my costumes and props. I was then wearing a costume of a beggar pulling a can and at the same time, with a dirty make up. My sound effect was only a lonely ring tone of my mobile phone.
They all laugh. I have got a grade of 98.
In my English 9 subject, I presented this soliloquy once again. I never find hard of conceptualizing this for I was so familiar of it. Then, I have got 97.
Of course, internalization was the key for good presentation.
Here we go. Read first this soliloquy then imagine the scenario. Then, begin internalizing the character. Now, you’re ready to find the exasperating acting scene.
Alms...., alms...., alms…. spare me a piece of bread…. spare me your mercy…. I am a child so young, so thin, and so ragged.
Why are you staring at me? With my eyes I cannot see, but I know that you are all staring at me! Why are you whispering to one another? Why? Do you know my mother? Do you know my father? Did you know me five years ago? Yes..., five years of bitterness had passed. I can still remember the vast happiness mother and I shared with father. My mother was playing on the piano, while I danced and danced for them. We were very happy indeed.
Suddenly, five loud knocks were heard on the door, and a deep silence ensued. Did the cruel Nippon discover our peaceful home?” Asked Mother! Mother ran to my father’s side, pleading, “Please Julian, hide there in the cellar, they cannot find you there”. I pulled my father’s arm, but he did not move. It seemed as though his feet were glued to the floor.
The door went “banggggg”, and before us five ugly beasts came barging in. “Are you Captain Julian Santos?” roared the ugliest of them all. “Yes,” said my father. “You are under arrest,” said one of the beasts. They pulled father roughly away from us. Father wasn't given a chance to bid us goodbye. We followed them mile after mile, we were hungry and thirsty. We saw a group of Japanese soldiers eating. Oh, how our mouths watered seeing the delicious fruits they were eating. Then suddenly, we heard a voice calling, “..... Consueloooooo ….. Anitaaaaa ….. Consuelooooo ….. Ossscccaaarr ….. Consueloooooo ….. Osccaaaarrr …..!!!."
We ran towards the direction of the voice, but it was too late. We saw father hanging on a tree……… dead………. fatherrrrrrrr!!! Oh, it was terrible!!!. He had been badly beaten before he died….., and I cried vengeanceee...!!!, vengeanceee...!!!, vengeanceeee...!!! Everything went black. The next thing I knew I was nursing my poor invalid mother.
One day, we heard the church bell ringing, “dinggggg..., donggggg..., dinggggg..., donggggg!” It was a sign for us to find a shelter in our hideout, but I could not leave my invalid mother, I tried to show her the way to the hideout. Suddenly, bombs started falling; airplanes were roaring overhead..., canyons were firing from everywhere ..… booommm!!! booommm!!! booommmmmm!!! Mother was hit, her legs were shattered into pieces. I took her gently in my arms and cried, “I’ll have vengeanceee!!!, vengeanceee!!!” “No, Oscar, vengeance….. it is God’s,” said mother. But I cried out vengeanceee!!!. I was like a pent up volcano. “Vengeance is mine not God’s”. “No, Oscar, vengeance is not ours, it’s God’s”. These were the words from my mother before she died. Mother was dead and I was blind. Vengeance is not ours? To forgive is divine, but vengeance is sweeter!
That was five years ago, five years ….. aaalllmmmsss..., aaalllmmmsss..., aaalllmmmsss..., spare me a piece of bread. Spare me your mercy. I am a child so young, so thin, so poor, and so ragged. Vengeance is not ours..., it is God’s... it’s God’s….. it’s….
The BEST Teachers I ever had
I will not be inspired to be a teacher without those teachers who become my embodiment of inspirations. I have many Best Teachers in my life.
I would like to share this list I had written in my journal.
Ma’am May C. Pedrasa
My Best Elementary Teacher
She was our Grade 5 adviser. She’s good in art and lettering. I imitated the way she writes on the board and decorated our room. We always had updated and creative bulletin board. We had a Mini-library in our classroom. The best thing I liked on her was her intimate passion in teaching children.
Ma’am Annalisa Puro
My Best High School Mathematics Teacher
I took my first year at CSSAC Calabanga Campus. She was my Mathematics teacher. I was so inspired of her innovative in teaching us to appreciate Math. Every time we had a unit test, she always posted the Top 10 in the class so we were motivated to study harder. All I know I absorbed her skills.
Ma’am Charena De los Reyes
My Best High School Filipino Teacher
When I transferred at Quipayo High School, she was my Filipino teacher since 3rd and 4th year. I learned a lot from her especially appreciating Filipino Literature. She was an ordinary teacher yet her teaching style in Filipino subject made her extraordinary. Then, I found out that she was a product of NCF.
Ma’am Filipina Gutierrez
My Best Science High School Teacher
Chemistry is a very hard subject. However, she made it easy for us. Being the contestant in Science, I was able to memorize the periodic table. Then, I found out, I was about to become weird since I always saw the mental picture of periodic table when I slept and even when I woke up. Anyway, I was able to do my best and rank in BOW (Battle of the Wise). She also introduced us the Science Investigatory Project. We were like young scientist.
Sir Estanislao Joy M. Rili
My Best High School MAPEH Teacher
He is a very ideal man to be a teacher. He introduced us the concept of Syllabus and Module which I had met in College. He always prepared his instructional materials creatively and efficiently. He was good in discussing the lesson. He has a very energetic approach in teaching MAPEH because we always had practical demonstrations. He is good in art. Saludo ako Sir!
Sir Onward O. Ognita
My Best College Math Teacher
I don’t have any comment. He is so ideal like Einstein. He is very standard. He is a good, good and good teacher.
Ma’am Raquel F. Nabong
My Best Ever Teacher
She has no particular identity as subject teacher because I did not only see on her the image of a teacher but also how someone who touched your life has become your friend and philosopher. She always inspired me!
Ma’am Janet B. Fabay
My Best Ever, ever, ever Teacher
“Wonderful!” I have not found my Best Ever Teacher when I was in elementary and high school, until she came across my college life, inspiring me more than anything. I could not give the perfect word that would best define her indispensable brainwave. All I know, once she talks to me, her words has something that you will surely put into your heart ‘til you will find out, she leading you in the path that is so called life and truth.
Ma’am Joy Villanueva
My Best Ever Teacher
Aside from being standard, she is very energetic. When she was my teacher; everyday is a slice of inspiration.
Sir William Espejo
My Best Teacher
He taught me to appreciate the power of Art and Literature.
Ma’am Nelba O. Olaso
My Best Ever PE Teacher
Strict yet you will learn from her. She is very energetic and inspiring. That is what I want to a strict teacher, she has her own standard yet she know how appreciate the students, level down and become approachable.
Sir De Guzman
My Best Social Study Teacher
I really hate Social Studies subject. Perhaps, it is because of those boring teacher I have meet. But because of him, I appreciate it. I realized that History is not a boring subject; it will only depend on the teacher. When I had met him already since I was elementary or high school, I think, I have never made a bad image on this subject.
Ma’am Jaina Dl. Paraiso
My Best Ever Teacher
She is also of standard quality like Sir Onward. The only different is that, her standard has something that will surely inspired you so much.
Sir Lavapie
My Best Ever Logic Teacher
He is very rational teacher. I like the way he developed our logical thinking skills.
My Mother
My First Teacher
Of course, naturally, your mother would be your first teacher. I learned from her old but meaningful ideals.
My Sister
My Unbeatable Teacher
If she had really become a teacher, perhaps, she will be my Pinaka!
GOD
My Over-all Teacher
Each day is a new learning from HIM.
I would like to share this list I had written in my journal.
Ma’am May C. Pedrasa
My Best Elementary Teacher
She was our Grade 5 adviser. She’s good in art and lettering. I imitated the way she writes on the board and decorated our room. We always had updated and creative bulletin board. We had a Mini-library in our classroom. The best thing I liked on her was her intimate passion in teaching children.
Ma’am Annalisa Puro
My Best High School Mathematics Teacher
I took my first year at CSSAC Calabanga Campus. She was my Mathematics teacher. I was so inspired of her innovative in teaching us to appreciate Math. Every time we had a unit test, she always posted the Top 10 in the class so we were motivated to study harder. All I know I absorbed her skills.
Ma’am Charena De los Reyes
My Best High School Filipino Teacher
When I transferred at Quipayo High School, she was my Filipino teacher since 3rd and 4th year. I learned a lot from her especially appreciating Filipino Literature. She was an ordinary teacher yet her teaching style in Filipino subject made her extraordinary. Then, I found out that she was a product of NCF.
Ma’am Filipina Gutierrez
My Best Science High School Teacher
Chemistry is a very hard subject. However, she made it easy for us. Being the contestant in Science, I was able to memorize the periodic table. Then, I found out, I was about to become weird since I always saw the mental picture of periodic table when I slept and even when I woke up. Anyway, I was able to do my best and rank in BOW (Battle of the Wise). She also introduced us the Science Investigatory Project. We were like young scientist.
Sir Estanislao Joy M. Rili
My Best High School MAPEH Teacher
He is a very ideal man to be a teacher. He introduced us the concept of Syllabus and Module which I had met in College. He always prepared his instructional materials creatively and efficiently. He was good in discussing the lesson. He has a very energetic approach in teaching MAPEH because we always had practical demonstrations. He is good in art. Saludo ako Sir!
Sir Onward O. Ognita
My Best College Math Teacher
I don’t have any comment. He is so ideal like Einstein. He is very standard. He is a good, good and good teacher.
Ma’am Raquel F. Nabong
My Best Ever Teacher
She has no particular identity as subject teacher because I did not only see on her the image of a teacher but also how someone who touched your life has become your friend and philosopher. She always inspired me!
Ma’am Janet B. Fabay
My Best Ever, ever, ever Teacher
“Wonderful!” I have not found my Best Ever Teacher when I was in elementary and high school, until she came across my college life, inspiring me more than anything. I could not give the perfect word that would best define her indispensable brainwave. All I know, once she talks to me, her words has something that you will surely put into your heart ‘til you will find out, she leading you in the path that is so called life and truth.
Ma’am Joy Villanueva
My Best Ever Teacher
Aside from being standard, she is very energetic. When she was my teacher; everyday is a slice of inspiration.
Sir William Espejo
My Best Teacher
He taught me to appreciate the power of Art and Literature.
Ma’am Nelba O. Olaso
My Best Ever PE Teacher
Strict yet you will learn from her. She is very energetic and inspiring. That is what I want to a strict teacher, she has her own standard yet she know how appreciate the students, level down and become approachable.
Sir De Guzman
My Best Social Study Teacher
I really hate Social Studies subject. Perhaps, it is because of those boring teacher I have meet. But because of him, I appreciate it. I realized that History is not a boring subject; it will only depend on the teacher. When I had met him already since I was elementary or high school, I think, I have never made a bad image on this subject.
Ma’am Jaina Dl. Paraiso
My Best Ever Teacher
She is also of standard quality like Sir Onward. The only different is that, her standard has something that will surely inspired you so much.
Sir Lavapie
My Best Ever Logic Teacher
He is very rational teacher. I like the way he developed our logical thinking skills.
My Mother
My First Teacher
Of course, naturally, your mother would be your first teacher. I learned from her old but meaningful ideals.
My Sister
My Unbeatable Teacher
If she had really become a teacher, perhaps, she will be my Pinaka!
GOD
My Over-all Teacher
Each day is a new learning from HIM.
MY MOTHER’S MYTH
When first day of school come, it always reminds me of my mother’s myth of nourishing my mind for according to her, it would make me more intelligent for the whole school year.
It started since I was in kindergarten. When I went home after my class in the morning, my mother always asked me to drink the blackish juice she had made from a paper. What she did was, she burnt the paper which I had used before like scratch or those I used in school for writing. After burning the paper, she dropped it in a bottle with water. Then put it in the altar.
If you were going to ask me how it looked like, well, it was like water from a canal. The appearance of the water was black where the ashes had been suspended at the bottom of the bottle and some small sheets of paper were floating on the water.
It tasted bitter, of course, due to the concentration of ashes in the water.
I don’t know what actually the real reason for drinking it. All I know, I had nothing to complain but to drink it though I don’t want to.
It continued until I stepped in high school. Before I went to school, I told her not to make anymore that kind of drink. But, when I went home, it was there again. She would just tell me that there was nothing wrong if I would believe on it. So, I was there again, drinking it over and over again.
I don’t know if it was effective. Actually, I graduated in elementary as valedictorian. And always first honor in my 2nd and 3rd year when I transferred at Quipayo High School.
When I was already in my fourth year in high school, I told her not to make it anymore because she would no longer convinced me to drink it.
She still did it anyway but it was drunken by my nephews and nieces who were also studying.
I graduated Salutatorian during my fourth year in high school.
It started since I was in kindergarten. When I went home after my class in the morning, my mother always asked me to drink the blackish juice she had made from a paper. What she did was, she burnt the paper which I had used before like scratch or those I used in school for writing. After burning the paper, she dropped it in a bottle with water. Then put it in the altar.
If you were going to ask me how it looked like, well, it was like water from a canal. The appearance of the water was black where the ashes had been suspended at the bottom of the bottle and some small sheets of paper were floating on the water.
It tasted bitter, of course, due to the concentration of ashes in the water.
I don’t know what actually the real reason for drinking it. All I know, I had nothing to complain but to drink it though I don’t want to.
It continued until I stepped in high school. Before I went to school, I told her not to make anymore that kind of drink. But, when I went home, it was there again. She would just tell me that there was nothing wrong if I would believe on it. So, I was there again, drinking it over and over again.
I don’t know if it was effective. Actually, I graduated in elementary as valedictorian. And always first honor in my 2nd and 3rd year when I transferred at Quipayo High School.
When I was already in my fourth year in high school, I told her not to make it anymore because she would no longer convinced me to drink it.
She still did it anyway but it was drunken by my nephews and nieces who were also studying.
I graduated Salutatorian during my fourth year in high school.
Burst Forth
When I was a little boy there was no doubt in my mind that I would grow up to be a teacher.
I was born so special. Although my mother was almost 40 years old when I was in her womb, I was born healthy and well-nourished. This made me special. My four brothers seemed to be my fathers, so I have five fathers, two adopted-sisters (older than me), and a supportive mother.
Since I grew up with older people, my mind matured early. My mother told me that when I was a toddler, I was laid on floor to choose among the things that will predetermine my future. There laid coins, pencil, rosary, book, ball pen etc. I don’t know why I chose the pencil.
I took my preschool education in a private school. However, my family couldn’t afford my schooling so I was sent to a public elementary school in our barangay. Then, I graduated with the highest honor. Because of honors I always received during recognition days, some of my neighbors and even the mother’s friends asked me to conduct tutorial class for their students. So, every Saturday, they went to our house. I taught them the basic skills especially Mathematics and English (Language and
I stopped tutoring rich and intelligent students when I was asked by one of my teacher to teach her child and she would pay me. The things I hated most were when I guided the child in making his assignments, he always asked me to answer his assignments and the next activities in their workbook. From then on, I never come back to their house. I don’t want the child to become dependent.
I was influenced by my teachers. When I graduated in elementary, I already perceived myself that I would be a teacher someday.
My family noticed that my hearing declined. I was diagnosed by an audiologist and found out that my ear drum was already perforated. I was only maintained with eardrops and medicines.
I took my first year in high school at a semi-private institution. We were a laboratory school so we’re just chosen 30 students. I was put up into the classroom with very intelligent classmates. After the school year, I was able to join in the rank of honors.
Again and again, my family couldn’t finance the high cost of tuition and even my daily allowance. So, they decided again to transfer me in a barangay high school. There I found out how private and public school differ from each other. Sometimes I got bored because the topics that are being discussed in the school had been tackled during my first year.
I developed my skills. When I was in elementary, I hated all subjects except Mathematics. I did not want to memorize, I wanted an application of what was taught. Now, I started to appreciate Science, T.L.E, Filipino, English, Social Studies and MAPEH.
When I was 2nd year, my adviser told me to attend in the qualifying examination for student writer. I refused since I don’t have any idea on making a news, features, etc. When I was in elementary, our teacher would only bring us to the venue where contest for campus journalism is held. We just keep on looking at the children writing, drawing and lay outing inside the room; we did not know what they were doing. My adviser told me to read any newspaper. So, when I went home, I bought a newspaper and read it.
I attended the seminar and qualifying exam. I never knew how I was chosen as associate editor of our school publication. I didn’t know. Perhaps, it is because I was inspired by the newspaper I have read or I have actually this inclination in writing. Then, I won during the press conference.
I always got the highest recognition at the end of the school year. However, because of favoritism, I only graduated salutatorian in the class. They said that I was a transferee.
I took my college education at Naga College Foundation. It was not because my brother had finished his commerce degree here. The very reason is that, my favorite teachers in elementary and high school were products of this institution. So, I thought I could be liked them if I studied here in NCF.
It proved me to choose whether yes or no. Yes for the reason that I was inspired by my teachers to continue this education course. They become my embodiment and inspirations. I met a very loving teacher, very competent teacher, very thoughtful teacher, very strict yet inspiring teacher and so on. If you would ask me why I also have this ‘no’ answer. It was the influence of unloving, incompetent, careless and selfish teacher.
I remember the time I had attended the seminar on pre-service teacher education forum, CHED Commissioner Dr. Dominador Peralta once said, we can change what we have now today by being a teacher.
I am here at Naga College Foundation, daring, inspiring, aspiring to be a teacher and make it happen!
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