Seminar at Lewis Grand Hotel

Last week I attended a three-day workshop on Gender and Development (GAD) planning and budgeting held at Lewis Grand Hotel in Clark, Pampanga.

GAD GFPS

On Day 1, we brainstormed on gender sensitive projects that we were told would be inspected by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Audit (COA). On Days 2 and 3, a writeshop was facilitated by DILG – Caloocan Cluster Head Ms. Imelda D. Basilio. She imparted a very informative talk that was both practical and truly uplifting for GAD workers in the local government.

Writeshop
Photo Credit: Ms. Yssa Dimaapi

Seminars are indeed healthy in organizations. It keeps everybody updated of the most recent trends, in our case, crucial mandates of the national government. Moreover, it promotes camaraderie and solidarity.

The sales and marketing team of Lewis Grand Hotel is quite commendable because despite our last-minute change of schedule, the coordinator remained very much willing and patient to assist us.

Every space in the hotel is really appealing and selfie-friendly. The only part in the hotel that was not so nice was the facility in the second floor conference room. The white board is not neat and you can’t erase the permanent ink on the board. In effect, it had been a useless tool during our seminar. Good thing the employees are quick to respond to our requests for technical assistance. Only, they were unable to fix one of the two microphones we needed that time.

The food was also delicious. I just noticed that for three breakfasts that we had, the menu is always almost the same. Meals are often red meat too and creamy soup. I wish they served seafood at least once.

Despite the negligible concerns that I have experienced at the hotel, since the employees were all amazing, I’m going to rate Lewis Grand Hotel a relatively high passing score of 7 out of 10. 

If you would like to also try the venue, here are the contact details:

Tel, No.: (+63 45) 625.3947 * Fax No.: (+63 45) 625.6186

Email: sales@lewisgrand.com | Website: www.lewisgrand.com

Address: Don Juico Avenue, Clarkview, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Thank you Lewis Grand! I had a good time. See you again soon.

A Cross Journal for My MA Journey

I woke up this morning with concerns flying over my head, like the birds you see on tv when a person hits his head and suddenly becomes dizzy.

I’m off to a seminar tomorrow and I haven’t prepared my stuff yet, I have not finished reviewing my son for his periodical test yet, and due to the heavy rains, I have not given the midterm exams to my students in both colleges where I teach. Soon, I will have to check tons of test papers and hurry up for the grade computation. Geez, I don’t want to complain but I’m quite overwhelmed.

My quick fix today? I grabbed my make-up set and colored my face a bit, cleaned my lateral, took a power nap while I plugged my earphones on to listen to an OPM, I’m having my coffee as I’m writing this, and in a few seconds I’ll meditate.

Hey, Liz! This was your dream remember? You longed for that “super fabulous mom” image. Do you hear Pussycat Doll’s song in your head saying, “Be careful what you wish for ‘coz you might just get it?” And voila! You’re there but you still find yourself restless.

Anyhow. I’m putting out my long-kept Cross journal and pen which Arch. Padilla gave me two Christmases ago. My female officemates exclaimed that it was such a fine gift and they asked how come I’m only using it now.

Not a status symbol. Just a reward to myself.

Well, since I’m not rich and I seldom acquire a fine notebook, I decided not to use it for a while until such time I deem myself involved in a really important project where I can put the journal to better use. That time has finally come because I have finally enrolled in masters.

I’m taking just one subject this sem – qualitative research. Paper works again! But at least, this is indicative that I have another step forward, and this is the best part.

I really have to acquire some more time management skills. Weeeeeeeeee!

Teaching Is Therapeutic

 My main reason why I asked for a full pack teaching load is income.

Onset, I only computed for my available time. I teach right after my day job in one university, and on Saturdays, I teach in another nearby college. I have not anticipated that certain changes will take place in my career which are luckily positive, but somehow make my body ache because of overwork. So on weekends, my body never fails to communicate to my brain that it wants to just doze off.  

Lately, after getting to know my students better, their natural humor unstoppably emanates during discussions. While at times they tend to be unruly, they’re also easy to silence whenever I start tapping the board or the table to call attention. I guess the funny bone in me is the culprit why I cannot be as strict as I wanted myself to portray. Whenever my students start to crack jokes, I tend to get carried away.

Last night, in my technical writing class for accounting majors, the assigned group reporter conducted a game which they called “Pass the Message with a Twist.” Its difference to the traditional game was that, the players are supposed to eat a candy while relaying the message to the next player.

Team A was consisted of six tall girls while Team B was consisted of six short gals. One of the boys at the back yelled, “Maám, Team B needs three more because they couldn’t be counted as one, they could only be counted as point five (.5).” Then he noticed one of his chubby classmates in front so he continued, “But if you will add <insert name> in the group, they would be complete because her size will compensate for them all.” A roar of laughter followed.

The game facilitator then told the girls to line up so that they could proceed with the game. While Team B was forming the line, the same guy sang at the back, “Heigh-ho, heigh-ho…” in the tune of the Walt Disney’s animated film – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. My goodness, the kids were very silly!

Good thing, the petite girls were not affected at all by the joke although of course, I was a little wary also.

I hear some teachers say that their profession keeps them young. And last night, I felt what they meant. Laughter healed my tired body.

The photo below is a picture of my literature class last semester. Their attention phase was also a mind game called “4 Pics 1 Word.”

 

Discussion Attention Phase: 4 Pics 1 Word

Apart from classroom humor, when students prepare well for their classes, teachers are also pleased.