Sunday Exodus

               I usually go to the mall every Sunday to de-stress myself from a very tiring and stressful works and activities of the week. A while ago, after going to the mass, I headed to the mall. Even without any particular objective in mind, I still want to go there. For me, this is the cheapest way to dandle myself since I can’t afford a weekend getaways to any of famous destination in the country.

            But a while ago, it seems that I will be headed for a battle-a battle for strength and patience.  Want to know why? As I went to the terminal, I was shock when I saw the pile of people also going to the mall. This is my first time to see almost a kilometer long of departee. But that scenario didn’t even diminish my intention and excitement to go there.

                  But when I arrived there, another challenge awaits me. I can’t choose well because the mall is pack of shopper. You can’t even get a basket for your purchase and another mile to get through the counter. All I can see here is hassle. I realized that it is not just an ordinary Sunday but also a payday. That is why a lot of people are shopping for Christmas. This is not the right time and day to de-stress myself. Then I decided to leave.

             Going home is not as easy as I thought. I encountered the same problem again.  It is a bad decision to leave home at this time. 

Uncertain Plan

  I don’t have any idea why all of a sudden one of my students asked me, if what would I do given the chance to win hundred million in a lottery. Since I caught off guard, I couldn’t give a clear answer but to save it in a bank. Unclean of her intension, I return the question but also get the same answer.

  When I got home, I remember that question. What am I really going to do if I won that money?

  Well, as I think of it, believe it or not, first of all I’ll give the ten percent of the total winning to the different churches. This is my way of returning the blessing I have received. Second, I’ll buy a house, not just a house but a big house for my parent. I’ll let them also travel abroad or to any places they want. This will be my gift for taking care of me and providing my needs ever since I was a child. For inspiring and showing me the unconditional love. Third, I give at least five million to all my siblings without interfering any of their decision on the usage of it. They can do whatever they want. 

  Fourth, after helping my family, I will also help my friends and those are in needs. And lastly, I will save some for my future. Or maybe I’ll put my dream business. I will also pamper myself from different gadgets, travels and everything money can offer. And also before I forgot, I will buy my own house. At my age I should have it and not just settled on renting. For sure it’s everybody’s dream.  

  Then I realized I am just dreaming. Counting chicken before it hatch. Anyway, I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.  But given that chance I will follow what I have planned. 

Fun Night

            It’s been a while since the last time I joined my classmates in Environmental Science. If I am not mistaken, it is almost a year when I’d finish all my academic requirements. Since then, I haven’t seen them in person though we have regular communication on the phone or email. That is why when they texted me that they are planning to have an overnight swimming party, I never hesitated to join. I really missed their company. And this is my chance see them again after sometime.

         As we plan, we never allowed our excitement concedes the idea of not inviting others to join in our simple reunion. We texted them as we decides on the venue and the possible contribution on our little get together. Thereafter, we decided to go to Los Baños, Laguna to rent a private hot spring pool.  We chose this location because of its accessibility since all of us are from Cavite. Plus, it is also familiar to some of my classmates aside from the recommendation of our professor-Dr. Blesshe.

             

              

          Before we went to our venue, we first dropped by on Dr. Blesshe’s home where she delightfully welcomed us. We rested for a while, ate our snack then headed for a short walk. I learned so many different things as she toured us on her properties. She also enlightened us on different floral species on her lot which she personally tended and cultivated. I was so amaze on how she made it despite of her hectic schedule. 

          When we fully satisfy our curiosity, we then proceeded to the venue after buying some stuff at the local grocery store. When we are on our way, honestly, I am anticipating that it might not be as good as the other resort that I had been. But aye, this is far better than them. The resort itself is enticing, aside from other amenities. It has its own living room, full functional kitchen and very clean and fully air-conditioned rooms. And best of all, it is located in a secluded subdivision.

            What I do also like aside from the pool is that you could sing non-stop and be a diva of your own, because, it has its own videoke machine which is also included in the package.

            But personally, I would say that those are just an added attraction. It cannot beat a good food and a good company. Dr. Blesshe is still gracious as ever. Plus the fact that she never runs out of ideas and advises to share. Also, very supportive and understanding professors just like my mom. 

            If we talk about food, well Jean is the best. For sure your stomach will be filled with delicious foods. Her expertise for local and foreign recipes is undeniably good. Mikee and Joseph are my eating buddies. They loved to eat food as much as I do. But guess what, I am still the thinnest. For Jhen, Mylene and Aileen, well they are the three beautiful and kind Marias. They are always there to help in any ways.

            I really had a fun night. We swam for the rest of the evening until we all feel tired. We reminisce the time we first met and how our friendship has evolved. How we share our blessings. How comfort each other especially when we feel down and low. How we laugh out loud even in a simplest joke and how we never run out of stories to share. Thus, I am looking forward for a new reunion. And another moment that surely been treasured forever. 

Simple Deeds

     For me, Christmas is not just the time of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ but also the best time of sharing and thanks giving as represented by the three King who followed the star in Bethlehem to give their offerings to our savior. Sharing our blessings we received for the year round is the true essence of Christmas. We spent a lot of money buying gift for ourselves, families and love ones. We sometimes throw lavish and extravagant parties. Yet, we forgot to share to those that are really in need.

   So, what better way to celebrate Christmas is by helping our kababayan especially those that has been affected by typhoon Pablo.  For almost a week of non-stop rain and a forceful wind that triggered floods and landslides, almost a quarter million people became homeless and 477 confirmed dead by the government and still counting of the worst typhoon that hit the Philippines this year. The typhoon ploughed across Mindanao, flattening whole town in its paths.

     If you could only see the devastation and the miserable condition there in, for sure you will not make any second thought of helping them. For sure you will extend your help in many ways to get through them especially seeing the children out in a cold, and without enough foods and clean water.

    Our school usually celebrates Christmas with a lavish party and exchange gift. Since it has been a yearly celebration, we make sure it’s the best party ever. But this time it would be different. We chose a simpler celebration because we decided to donate all the money for our party. Yes, we will donate it all. This is our simple way of helping them to recover from the mess, although it’s not enough. We agreed that instead of a party, a mass will be conducted followed by a message from our heads and a simple exchanging of greetings.

      This, for sure, will be enough to express and share our love to anyone. I know that we won’t regret doing this simple deed. And for sure we will be delighted knowing that our donations will make a difference. Also as the saying goes, it is better to give than to receive.      

Not So Lucky

       My friend told me that I am inspired and seem happy today. They asked me why and I couldn’t answer. What I told them is because it is just what I felt. Then I scrutinized myself on what gave me such aura. But I found no particular reason so I assumed that this is my lucky day. And I believed so.

       After a while my friend informed me that I am in need at the office. He added that our liaison officer want to talk to me about a personal matter. I couldn’t think of a reason why she wants to talk to me. So I did rush into the office. And while I am walking, a spark of light tickled my thought and I remembered my application for promotion. I presumed that I am happy today maybe because they grant me that promotion.

        But it was contrary to what happened.

    Honestly, I felt a bit sad and disappointed when I heard that they rejected my documents. Anyway given my situation, I anticipated it because previously they branded me as the black sheep and a sore to their eyes. But what saddened me more is that they can't provide a concrete reason for the rejection. Plus, they can’t show me the official memorandum regarding that matter. They want me to provide a proof instead.

       I only wondered why they asked me do it myself while they are in the position of doing so.  Processing of papers and promotions are included on their job description. And besides, I am just an ordinary employee. Plus the fact that all the memorandums and orders are directly been delivered to them.

        Anyway, just like what I said I didn’t expect of anything when I apply. But I will do the best I can to win the promotion. I toiled for getting and investing on a better education not just go wasted. It is just another obstacle and a challenge for me to win.

       The happiness I felt a while ago has never been subsided. I just looked on the brighter side of this scenario. If it’s not meant to be then so be it. Anyway I am still young and still have the time to get that promotion.

It Was A Dream

        Help! Help!

       I was calling for help. No, I was begging for help to be exact. I was really begging for help. I am now crying out of desperation. I know I said exactly their names. I almost called everyone I knew and use the energy I have left shouting trying to be heard. But what’s going on? I can’t understand. Why it seems they can’t hear me?

        My mind told me that I should have to survive. Yes, I really want to survive. I will do anything on my power to escape from this mess.  Then I remembered all the persons who need and love me. But even how hard I tried, still I am surrounded by water. I am floating in a vast ocean.  All that I can see is water and no glimpse of an island. I am now drowning. I am losing my energy and I know it is going to happen. I am struggling and gasping for air as I am sinking.

       Suddenly I noticed myself uttering a prayer. Asking for repentance and forgives on the things I have done wrong for my family and friends. Although I know it’s late and I know that they can’t hear it but I believe this is the least I can do. But given a chance I will do it personally.

      Then at last, out of a sudden I heard someone calling me. I never forgot that feeling of relieved. It is clear that someone really notice me now. Help is coming my way. But I then realize he’s not just calling be but also rocking me a bit, then faster and faster, till I woke up.

       Thanks God it was just a dream.  I am only dreaming. What really a bad nightmare!

     Then I realized that it might be an omen. God gave me a second chance to straighten my ways and show my love and affection for my family and friends. This is an awakening for me that life really is short that I must take advantage out of it. While were still here we should always give our best in everything.

      And the most important of all is to remember our Lord as our savior. He is the only one we can count on in term of adversaries.

          

Early Hardship

      I am a teacher.

     A person touching lives and a person responsible in molding future leaders, doctors, engineers, and architects just to name a few.

       I am a teacher-a teacher that sees every corner and facet of my student’s adversity.

      My four years in college brought me back to my passion since I was a child. I had always wanted to be a teacher. The hardship I gained gave me better self-esteem and greater confidence. When I engaged into teaching, I had the most positive perspective about it. I have always been thinking on how to nurture the minds of my students. I have always been wanted to help them grasp every lessons and concepts either related to education or to life. I also have a great desire to be part of creating their dreams and making them come true.

      I know that my profession entitles me of respect, that I almost thought that I had already lost when I saw one of my students sleeping during my class.

       As I describe him, he is just a typical and timid young boy. A normal teen-ager that would enters and leaves the school with vague purpose. Well, I wasn’t been able to see that person as I looked directly into his eyes. For a moment, I saw pain and a tormented soul begging for help.

      Our conversation lasted for about an hour. But this short time was just enough to reshape and retract my perspective and outlook in life.

       He goes to school without money and sells food at night just to help his family in terms of finances. He told me that he will do anything just help his parents and his five sibling whom are all studying. He sometimes think of quitting school but never did, for he had  dream of a life far better than what he have right now. And he knew that education is only the answer.

       For a moment I felt ashamed because when I was at his age I never come to mind of doing the same for my family, even though we far different situation. Then I realized that he’s not the ordinary student I used to know. He had become a total stranger in me, in spite of his young age he suffered a lot. And I know he had gone a long way.

      But this hardship I know will make him a much better person as he travel through life. He might encounter many obstacles in his voyage but for sure he will survive all of it because he’s a fighter.

        One thing I learned from him is that, life is not as sweet as I thought. Life then is a war. The world is a battle field. You have to fight for a purpose because it never chooses its opponent.

       Before I met him, I see each day as another ordinary boring day of work. But now, I’ve got a deeper purpose. 

        I am a teacher.

       A person responsible for motivating my students to do the best they can.

         

Reward of Being a Teacher

           As a teacher, I am bounded of different motivations and desires to help others to find the same spark of joy in discovering and understanding new concepts and ideas.

            The most rewarding part of my career is to work with the students and witness the moment when they found the essence of a new idea. The same moment, that developed their skills and potentials toward their own personal growth and development. And sharing that moment, no matter how brief it is, still always boost my enthusiasm in continuously proving the necessary motivation for them.  

            I became the faculty of Bulihan National High School in 2008. At first, I am intimidated on the different factors bounded in teaching. I also anticipated that it would be hard on me since I am a neophyte in this arena. But in the subsequent years I have certainly found enjoyment in it. As I remembered in my first year of teaching, I assigned to handle different year levels. I taught freshman, junior and the senior.

            At the beginning of my career, I found it hard to compensate different behavior and personality of my student, aside from their levels of intelligence. But at the end of the spectrum I have found it rewarding as my advantage of handling a multi-faceted individual. Learning is not just as exciting for the students but for the teachers as well.

            Not much of my time has been spent on teaching but on developing strategies as well. I certainly knew that it would be hard for them to analyze and synthesize the concept if not given a proper preparation. The course is not just fix only is a single parcel since the student work as a whole. In as much as I try to pose a series of questions, I knew that I gradually develop their potential power of analysis and teach the basic tool of the trade.

            In the entire process of teaching and learning, I believe that mutual respect plays a major role. This is one of the areas in which I have seen a great deal of change especially during this technological era. I always do my best to respect my students as individuals and to treat them fairly as I vividly recall my experience with my former teachers. It is important to have this basis for learning, since respect for others seems to have diminished in the society at large.

            One of my reasons for choosing a career in teaching was to be of service to others. I have been amply rewarded by my students, and I have never regretted the decision.