Jot Down and Post Your Dreams

In my study room, I have posted on the wall my targets for 2016. I want to see my goals every time I pass through my study table so that I would be reminded of the things I’m supposed to do, instead of putting my money to expenses that would not reap me any benefits.

Out of my 11 targets, I have only completed four; two are half-baked; and another two are not possible to happen anymore. I am forgiving myself that I’m not going to hit 100% of my goals because what is important anyway is that I was able to make myself worthy in some aspects of my life this year.

The two of my ambitious accomplishments are my intended purchase of computer units and printer. I deem these new items very important because of their monetary value.

I was able to buy two branded computer sets from my brother-in-law for a very cheap price. My purchase of his items enabled me to fill in the remaining vacant stations at my internet shop. Now, the place looks a little more business-ready than before.

I am also thankful of the business opportunity offered to me by Philcopy. By trading off my old, almost dysfunctional photocopying machine, and by paying a decent monthly amortization for their brand new photocopier-printer, I was able to acquire another investment. Next year, come February, the machine will be fully paid and it will be part of my shop’s tangible assets.

It is really advantageous if one sets goal every year. Every time you get to accomplish something on your checklist of targets, you’d feel blessed and also fulfilled.

Are you also jotting down your dreams?

LETRAmble

Classroom learning is not a one-way street – it is not only the students who learn from their teacher. It’s vice versa.

My teaching style is a mix of my former professors’ strategies way back in college. I take care of the introductory lessons to clarify the foundation of the course, and then I let my students do the reporting for the succeeding topics. I do this because I want them to learn how to analyse what they read. After the students report, I shoot them challenging, practical, and tricky questions.  

One of my favorite activities in my classes is the attention phase that my students roll out in the form of games. I have realized that even if college students are already all grown up in physical appearance, they’re still children at heart who love to play amidst teasing and laughter. Furthermore, fun class activities promote their camaraderie too.

The picture below shows LETRAmble. It is the combination of the words “letra” and “ramble” meaning “disarranged letters.” The players are supposed to form the correct words required by the moderator using the scattered cut-out letters taped on their classmate’s worn school uniform.

The group's backdrop while the game is on-going.

College studes having fun playing.

I have witnessed quite a number of creative activities devised by my students. Some I get to share with other class sections I handled to provide an example. Some I get to replicate for my other professional activities or family reunions. Hopefully in the future, I’d be able to blog about other more interesting activities with complete details for other interested readers or educators to utilize also.

Hinkle, Hinkle, Little Stars: A Tribute to My Generous Uncle and Aunt

Lately, I have noticed that there is gist of truth in what people say that if you’re a giver, you will be blessed abundantly. For Hindus, this is what they call the “positive karma.”

Ever since I decided to be more of a giver than a receiver, my life had become more peaceful. For example, even if at times I feel nervous that I might ran out of budget, funds would just surprisingly surge in – either I will land on a new sideline or I could easily ask someone to extend me a little help. Both of these, I consider blessings from the Lord.

I have an uncle who is very generous. Every time I get the chance to hitch on his car together with my kids, his wife (my aunt) would invite us to eat with them in a fancy restaurant. He is also generous to beggars – even if they are not really trying to get hold of him, he would get some money from his pocket to share it with them. During Sunday masses, while most church goers would only drop 20 pesos at the donation basket being passed around, his would be 500. All the church parking attendants also receive decent monetary reward from him on Sundays. Guess what? I have never seen his family got entangled with financial burdens, considering that he is their sole bread winner.

I haven’t dared to ask him (yet) his motivation or principle why he is like that. But by simply observing him how he treats others in need, I have been inspired to emulate him.

Here are some pics I had when my aunt and uncle treated my daughter, my sister, my niece, and myself at Café La Tea in Malinta:

Our Kiddos' First Giant Pizza Experience

Happy Kid, Happy Tummy

Although right now, I cannot afford to give cash to people in need because I’m only making ends meet, I still consider myself lucky that I am blessed with knowledge and information about the services being offered by the local government of Valenzuela. I get to help clueless people on how to go about processing transactions at the city hall. Furthermore, my writing skills also enabled me to help some folks who sought my writing or editing assistance. By sharing my talent, I gained more friends, and it felt wonderful.

I am writing this not because I want others to revere me. I am only hoping that these trying times that humanity seems so far away, we could somehow learn to show and share compassion for one another.

Let us make ourselves blessings to others. Little by little, altogether, we can help make everybody’s lives worth living. And I think that’s beautiful.

Independent Kid

I read in an article a couple of months back that there are young kids in other countries in the west who are trained to become independent at an early age. They can go to the park alone and they can wander in their village without an adult accompanying them. For some Filipino parents, they would find this scenario disturbing and unacceptable, especially for those who are overprotective. Not me. I find the story amusing and eye-opening.

This year is my son’s second time to go on field trip without being accompanied by an adult. They toured Dream Play. I just exchanged mobile numbers with his teacher, gave my son some important reminders (and of course allowance courtesy of the dad), and prayed for their safe trip – after all these basic “rituals,” I went on with my forever busy-mode routine and he was fine!

I was very thankful to his teacher because she updated me from time to about what my son was eating, what were the stuff he wanted to spend on, where they were in a specific time, and what time were they arriving. She even assured me that she’ll take photos of my son and upload it on Facebook. Now, we’re Facebook friends and textmates!

Here are some of their photos during the trip:

Photo courtesy of Teacher Susan

Photo courtesy of Teacher Susan

Photo courtesy of Teacher Susan

Photo courtesy of Teacher Susan

Every time I gaze at my son’s pictures, I always acquire this overflowing sense of gratitude that I was blessed with a smart kid who is also handsome and brave. Unlike other parents who had to undergo the ordeal of appeasing their wailing first-time schoolers who didn’t want to be left in school, I was sweat-free with Vladimir. Perhaps my inclination to expose him to various socialization activities when he was still little honed him to become confident and friendly with other kids.

At this point, I am contemplating of bringing Hillary also in various play places so she could learn to mingle with other children. Unlike Vladimir my eldest, my younger daughter is a little anti-social, although she’s an ultimate attention getter because of her lovely dimples.

Hillary, “Operation Exposure” is on for you soon! Love, Mommy.

Buwan Ng Wika Culmination

The “Buwan Ng Wika” used to be celebrated for one week only and not for the entire month of August. It was previously known as simply the “Linggo Ng Wika.” This is an annual school celebration to honor the Philippines’ national language.

I can still vividly recall the line I delivered when I was in second grade – “L – Lagi sa nilalang ay naglalarawan ng isang may lahi at ganap na bayan.” I was among the chosen students in my class to perform on stage.

This 2016, it was my son’s turn to take the center stage in his school to deliver his piece:

His barong tagalog was lent to him by his Aunt Monah. It’s a hand-me-down from his cousin, Nico, when he was also in grade school. Wow. The barong really never gets outdated in fashion!

I love documenting my child’s special experiences such as this. Even if I waited for two hours just to watch my son perform for one minute, I treasure the activity so much because I have made myself available for my child. This is a worthwhile experience for me and I’m pretty sure a lot of working parents would definitely understand why this simple occasion is a biggie to me.