(While watching an interschool boys' football competition.)
Sports competition amongst schools are supposed to bring out the best in child athletes. Not the worst in them. Or morph them into savage brutes who whip their frail innocent opponents in order to hold on to their athletic scholarships. Whatever happened to fun, and joy, and camaraderie in games? To playing to learn and be better and winning without having to crush the competitor? This ain't boxing. Or wrestling. Sometimes, it scares the helloutof me to see little monsters in kid's bodies. Makes me wonder what kind of grown-ups they'll be... Oh, God bless humanity.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious issue. When you copy someone else's words/ideas and claim such to be YOUR original work, you better be sure you can get away with it.
Last Friday, a very close teacher-friend who was a coach in an Oratorical Speaking Contest discovered that the competitor's speech was lifted verbatim from the speech I made for her (my friend's contestant) and which I posted on my blog. This morning, I had the opportunity to sit and talk with the coaches from that competing school and learned that their student's speech was indeed lifted from my blog. They admitted not having exercised due diligence to double check where the student took the piece begore letting the latter memorize and deliver it in the competition. All is well that ends well and our issues have been resolved.
But that would have been the subject of my first case on copyright infringement. However, as a teacher myself, i have a soft spot for teachers too. I just had to emphasize how important it is to value other people's work. Even those of strangers we find online.
The point is, none of us should underestimate the text we find on the web. When you post status messages for example which you lifted somewhere else, thinking it isn't necessary to attribute such line/s to its original author, you are in fact, stealing. Words, with all their syntax and idiosyncracies, deserve respect. Especially if they did not originate from you. If we must coexist in peace, we must learn to recognize that words (and ideas) have source. And their source must be acknowledged, respected.
Thank you friends (you know who you are), for valuing my work and what I do. I am super glad to have such conscientious (and alert!) friends like you! Hahah!
'Til then! See you again!
Last Friday, a very close teacher-friend who was a coach in an Oratorical Speaking Contest discovered that the competitor's speech was lifted verbatim from the speech I made for her (my friend's contestant) and which I posted on my blog. This morning, I had the opportunity to sit and talk with the coaches from that competing school and learned that their student's speech was indeed lifted from my blog. They admitted not having exercised due diligence to double check where the student took the piece begore letting the latter memorize and deliver it in the competition. All is well that ends well and our issues have been resolved.
But that would have been the subject of my first case on copyright infringement. However, as a teacher myself, i have a soft spot for teachers too. I just had to emphasize how important it is to value other people's work. Even those of strangers we find online.
The point is, none of us should underestimate the text we find on the web. When you post status messages for example which you lifted somewhere else, thinking it isn't necessary to attribute such line/s to its original author, you are in fact, stealing. Words, with all their syntax and idiosyncracies, deserve respect. Especially if they did not originate from you. If we must coexist in peace, we must learn to recognize that words (and ideas) have source. And their source must be acknowledged, respected.
Thank you friends (you know who you are), for valuing my work and what I do. I am super glad to have such conscientious (and alert!) friends like you! Hahah!
'Til then! See you again!
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Mommy-logues, V.1
Me: I am worried
about the workload coming my way. It
just never stops.
Mom: Is there really alot to do?
Me: Yup. It’s never ending.
Mom: Remember you
are not paid by case. You are simply to
do what you can. Similarly, teachers are not paid by the number of board
passers they taught. Do what you can but
don’t worry about what you can’t. At the
end of the day, marvel at what you’ve handled over the time spent away from
your family. What you’ve accomplished will
be the feather on your cap.
(Doesn’t it feel good to realize you’ve a very sensible
mom? I know for sure because my mom is
one. ;)
Monday, June 30, 2014
In Restrospect
On this day, eleven years ago, I left my family to face a life of momentary seclusion. It was a painful, baffling, enlightening, joyful, chaotic, uncertain and meaningful respite that tested us all. Looking back now, i am utterly grateful because my family stood for me. They still do. Which is why I now willingly put up with any battle because I have been through the worst. I can conquer the world because I've a family to come home to... So yes m@thercr@ckers, bring it on!
 |
| Daybreak. Aklan, Philippines |
Monday, June 2, 2014
Lunch
Eggpie and Okinawa Tea.
No, this ain't dessert! This is lunch.
Killing time in this strange city.
Here I go!
Public service.
Just eight months.
Short-lived romance.
Resignation or reconsideration?
Ah, my inspiration!
You are my motivation.
So Kalibo, BRING IT ON!
 |
| My first Kalibo sunset. |
Monday, May 5, 2014
In order to be Happy
A batchmate dropped by Mama’s wake and as courtesy, I obliged
myself to entertain her. Then, bluntly,
she began to sneer at my being single insisting that I’m likely a loser because
unlike my younger siblings who are now all married, I am not yet “settled.”
I was flabbergasted. For a while, I was completely unable to
say anything. It was my first time to be
brusquely berated on the basis of my “failure to find a spouse.”
It didn’t matter that my paycheck is a lot bigger than hers,
or that i have a graduate and post-undergrad degrees attached to my name, or
that while I may be advanced in pounds, I am not inferior in looks (modesty
aside), or that I have gone places, published several manuscripts, spoke in
huge engagements, trained champions, sent my sisters to school, adored by hundreds
of students when I was a teacher or that I am doing something noble right now…
Oh God, none of my accomplishments matter. None! And
it’s all because I am a woman who still bears my father’s name.
Ironically, we were speaking at the wake of one exemplary
woman, my own dear grandaunt, who, despite being single, has lived a full life!
She was never married but she bore her father’s name with pride. For while she never bore kids of her own,
everyone loved her like their own mother. Afterall, she was everyone’s “mama.”
She was never bitter nor resentful. Always
forgiving, always understanding. And she
loved our imperfections perfectly. She embraced
her single-blessedness completely and devoted the rest of her life loving the
people around her unconditionally. Perhaps
she would have accomplished more had she married. But it was the fact that she was single that
made her more dear and lovable.
My “happily married” batchmate probably feels a strong sense
of supremacy over me because unlike her, my sisters, or the majority of my
female batchmates, I am still single. But,
if truth be told, do single women like me have a choice? I mean, seriously? Can
we take the initiative and ask out any man we like to marry us if only to “escape”
singlehood?
Not many people realize that marriage isn’t for
everyone. And that while normally, a woman
my age should already be a missus, I am not abnormal.
I am just unique. For while I take delight
in seeing my sisters bask in marriage bliss, I, like my Mama, still feel
blessed.
I just wish people could stop nurturing negativity by dismissing
the notion that one needs a hubby (or a wifey) in order to be happy.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Frozen
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Dumped
I got dumped…again. For the Nth time, I am amazed I still haven’t gotten used to the feeling, the pain, and the bitterness. It took me a long time and lots of hoping ‘n praying I’d find the one destined for me. I sought the help of friends and family members to help me seek the one who would stay and who’s also into long-term relationships. One who would be willing to stick it out for me through and thin. One whom I could also love and cherish and adore – and be proud of. One who’d stay with me until my golden years and take along wherever I go and watch my child grow and…perhaps be my soulmate?
But it isn’t a man I seek. It isn’t love either. All that I yearn for is a trusty, reliable, honest, and persevering --- kasambahay. I want one who would be with me on a long-term basis. I was seriously hoping for a “for-good” kind of term. I was definitely willing to give her all that was necessary to keep her --- provided of course that she’d give me what I deserved.
And so I thought I fin’lly found the ONE. Approximately forty days ago, she came into my (our) lives like a dream come true. The first few days were slow as we attempted to get to know each other better first. Yup, we tried to decipher each other’s personalities, preferences, and behavior. Each and every day there were “minor” bouts of shoddiness but I consciously and willingly ignored those thinking I was just being judgmental – again. Then on Monday night, she dropped the bomb. She was leaving me --- too.
I was appalled. Her pronouncement was something I least expected. Not at this time when I have just showered her with gifts (and happy moments) just last Christmas and not when I am about to leave again for a week-long seminar out of town. Gosh. Her announcement was painful, offensive, and totally unexpected.
Of course I sought an explanation. She first revealed she’s already “tired” with all the tasks I’ve assigned her to do. I asked which task exactly overwhelmed her. She didn’t elaborate but pointed out instead how bad she feels everytime I scold her or call her attention over something (she claimed “trivial”).
For the first time I didn’t know what to say. I was stupefied. (Definitely not in a positive way.)
I thought I was doing well. I thought I was being kind, patient, understanding, considerate, cool, persevering, timid..but no. She made me feel I was none of those.
I have made a routine of her expected daily tasks which I posted on the ref door. Those tasks are something I myself perform when I don’t have a helper. Since we got her, she has never completed any of those enumerated tasks. I didn’t mind. Occasionally I would call her attention to details like having to clean the ref to constantly check on food which are to become stale soon. Well, she never did. She only cooked what she felt like. Her stews are always too salty and so I asked her to forego the salt when she uses Magic Sarap to avoid putting in excessive salt in the dish – only to be told that she’s frustrated that I don’t like her cooking.
But yes, perhaps I have had unfair demands against her. I expected her to be efficient when efficiency isn’t everybody’s skill. I have expected her to be spontaneous when I myself am a scatterbrain. I expected her to employ her “common sense” whenever doing even the most trivial task when she is just getting to know our household.
But I am still bothered and perplexed that she called me a blabbermouth. It was a description I just couldn’t take. It only meant she understood none of what I said. All those bantering and hearty-talks meant nothing to her because all that she recalled were the moments when I was mean to her.
This incident taught me a few helpful insights though:
1) I can never please everybody all the time. At first I felt bad about my kasambahay’s nasty remarks but come to think of it, why would I let someone like her murder my self-esteem? True, initially she made me feel like I was the worst criminal who ever walked this part of the planet..but heck, I know that isn’t true. Her statement, her opinion, her standards DO NOT DEFINE ME. Therefore, why must I get affected? Even good people “get dumped.” It’s a reality we all need to contend with.
2) The rule of thumb still applies: always treat others the way you want to be treated. But – there’s a catch right there – do not expect other people will always return the favor. Hence, we better be prepared by anticipating the unlikely.
3) A kasambahay is a want – not a need. I will not be miserable without a kasambahay just as many households thrived and became happy and prospered without a kasambahay doing all the house-chores. Others have done it. So can I. If I find one who will want to stay for keeps, Imma lucky gurl. Otherwise, I’m still a lucky gurl!
So yes, I got dumped by a kasambahay -- again. But I am still alright. My worries are non-existent and everyday can only get better,
But it isn’t a man I seek. It isn’t love either. All that I yearn for is a trusty, reliable, honest, and persevering --- kasambahay. I want one who would be with me on a long-term basis. I was seriously hoping for a “for-good” kind of term. I was definitely willing to give her all that was necessary to keep her --- provided of course that she’d give me what I deserved.
And so I thought I fin’lly found the ONE. Approximately forty days ago, she came into my (our) lives like a dream come true. The first few days were slow as we attempted to get to know each other better first. Yup, we tried to decipher each other’s personalities, preferences, and behavior. Each and every day there were “minor” bouts of shoddiness but I consciously and willingly ignored those thinking I was just being judgmental – again. Then on Monday night, she dropped the bomb. She was leaving me --- too.
I was appalled. Her pronouncement was something I least expected. Not at this time when I have just showered her with gifts (and happy moments) just last Christmas and not when I am about to leave again for a week-long seminar out of town. Gosh. Her announcement was painful, offensive, and totally unexpected.
Of course I sought an explanation. She first revealed she’s already “tired” with all the tasks I’ve assigned her to do. I asked which task exactly overwhelmed her. She didn’t elaborate but pointed out instead how bad she feels everytime I scold her or call her attention over something (she claimed “trivial”).
For the first time I didn’t know what to say. I was stupefied. (Definitely not in a positive way.)
I thought I was doing well. I thought I was being kind, patient, understanding, considerate, cool, persevering, timid..but no. She made me feel I was none of those.
I have made a routine of her expected daily tasks which I posted on the ref door. Those tasks are something I myself perform when I don’t have a helper. Since we got her, she has never completed any of those enumerated tasks. I didn’t mind. Occasionally I would call her attention to details like having to clean the ref to constantly check on food which are to become stale soon. Well, she never did. She only cooked what she felt like. Her stews are always too salty and so I asked her to forego the salt when she uses Magic Sarap to avoid putting in excessive salt in the dish – only to be told that she’s frustrated that I don’t like her cooking.
But yes, perhaps I have had unfair demands against her. I expected her to be efficient when efficiency isn’t everybody’s skill. I have expected her to be spontaneous when I myself am a scatterbrain. I expected her to employ her “common sense” whenever doing even the most trivial task when she is just getting to know our household.
But I am still bothered and perplexed that she called me a blabbermouth. It was a description I just couldn’t take. It only meant she understood none of what I said. All those bantering and hearty-talks meant nothing to her because all that she recalled were the moments when I was mean to her.
This incident taught me a few helpful insights though:
1) I can never please everybody all the time. At first I felt bad about my kasambahay’s nasty remarks but come to think of it, why would I let someone like her murder my self-esteem? True, initially she made me feel like I was the worst criminal who ever walked this part of the planet..but heck, I know that isn’t true. Her statement, her opinion, her standards DO NOT DEFINE ME. Therefore, why must I get affected? Even good people “get dumped.” It’s a reality we all need to contend with.
2) The rule of thumb still applies: always treat others the way you want to be treated. But – there’s a catch right there – do not expect other people will always return the favor. Hence, we better be prepared by anticipating the unlikely.
3) A kasambahay is a want – not a need. I will not be miserable without a kasambahay just as many households thrived and became happy and prospered without a kasambahay doing all the house-chores. Others have done it. So can I. If I find one who will want to stay for keeps, Imma lucky gurl. Otherwise, I’m still a lucky gurl!
So yes, I got dumped by a kasambahay -- again. But I am still alright. My worries are non-existent and everyday can only get better,
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The Essential
As I was de-cluttering the house to get ready for the New Year, I realized I still had plenty of unused clothes. By unused I mean clothes I used to wear in the past but for some reason, I no longer feel like wearing again. Over the years, I have accumulated so much unnecessary garments in my longing to be back to my ideal weight. Sometimes I feel those clothes fit me but sadly, many of those don’t fit me well. Thus, the clothes I’ve collected over time grew and grew.
When I got to the shoe storage area of the house, I found out I have plenty of unused shoes as well. In 2013 alone I have purchased over ten pairs of shoes! Ten pairs of shoes! Wait, it was prolly more than that. And out of those ten pairs, I only get to use about three pairs the most. Most of the pairs are never easy to wear much more seem “wearable” after several wears.
Over-all, I felt guilty. The fact that I’ve spent a few thousand bucks over items which didn’t prove worth-spending meant I was an unwise spender.
Analyzing over my spending habits made me realize that most of the time, I would spend over stuff I don’t need because they’re usually on sale. Most of my clothes are thrift items. Meaning, I got ‘em cheap. And just because they’re cheap meant I could afford them. But those cheap items aren’t exactly the ones I need. But you see, thrift-shopping could be addictive. I could haggle sometimes and buy ten clothes at a time without feeling guilty for the splurge. Guiltless that is, until I find out how much of my clothes I don’t (and can’t!) use anyway.
The same habit goes for shoes. Oftentimes, I justify buying a new pair by citing how cheap my clothes are. Since I don’t spend much for clothes, I thought it okay to spend more for the shoes. Thus, I buy shoes whenever I see those red tags.
Those impulsive buys can never be justified -- especially for one who wants to make financial stability her goal. My make-up cabinet is also filled with so much unused stuffs. I have purchased one foundation after another. Yes I could justify that by claiming none of those seemed to work well for me but honestly, any of those works just as fine. The palettes I’ve collected are also excessive. Who needs seven palettes of neutral eyeshadows when I am not a make-up artist? I have five peach blushes, four pink ones, and three orangey ones. Gosh! So what do I do with over thirty-five tubes of lipsticks? Not to mention those in lip palettes too?
I guess it’s about time I should rationalize before I let go of my moolah. They say a penny saved is a penny earned. Since there’s no way I could squeeze in a part-time job right now means there’s no way I could get an additional income. Therefore, the only way I could increase my savings is by lessening my spendings!
I guess, this would do for a more realistic and attainable New year’s resolution. Every month I could make an “inventory” of all the stuffs I don’t need and find a way to give it away (or maybe sell it?). And everytime I feel like buying something, I should give it a rigid thought if it’s really something I need or something that’ll just satisfy my fleeting want. And perhaps, I should try to keep track of ALL my expenses too. It is imperative to know (and understand) where my money goes.
In these trying times, the calamities that hit us taught us many valuable lessons. Foremost of which is the worthlessness of material possessions. When we put so much value upon material things, we lose track of things of more value. And ironically too, none of those material things linger or even withstand the test of time. Clothes, shoes, makeup, none of those could endure when we are reduced to our bare state. In the end, the intangible, the unseen, are what matters most. The essential can never be quantified. Yes, clothes and other material possessions add color to our lives but what adds dimension is something that goes beyond what our eyes can see.
“What is essential, is invisible to the eyes.”
– “The Little Prince,” Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014 Holidays
On the first working day of the year, here's the list of holidays to give us something to look forward to again. Heheh.
The following is a list of holidays for 2014, declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 655, s. 2013, unless otherwise specified:
January 1, 2014, Wednesday – New Year’s Day (Regular Holiday)
January 31, 2014, Friday – Chinese New Year (Special non-working day)
February 25, 2014, Tuesday – EDSA Revolution anniversary (Holiday for all schools)
April 9, 2014, Wednesday – Araw ng Kagitingan (Regular Holiday)
April 17, 2014 – Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday)
April 18, 2014 – Good Friday (Regular Holiday)
April 19, 2014 – Black Saturday (Special non-working day)
May 1, 2014, Thursday – Labor Day (Regular Holiday)
June 12, 2014, Thursday – Independence Day (Regular Holiday)
August 21, 2014, Thursday – Ninoy Aquino Day (Special non-working day)
August 25, 2014, Monday – National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday)
November 1, 2014, Saturday – All Saints Day (Special non-working day)
November 30, 2014, Sunday – Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday)
December 24, 2014, Wednesday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
December 25, 2014, Thursday – Christmas Day (Regular Holiday)
December 26, 2014, Friday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
December 30, 2014, Tuesday – Rizal Day (Regular Holiday)
December 31, 2014, Wednesday – Last day of the year (Special non-working day)
*Separate proclamations will be issued for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha
Happy New Year!
The following is a list of holidays for 2014, declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 655, s. 2013, unless otherwise specified:
January 1, 2014, Wednesday – New Year’s Day (Regular Holiday)
January 31, 2014, Friday – Chinese New Year (Special non-working day)
February 25, 2014, Tuesday – EDSA Revolution anniversary (Holiday for all schools)
April 9, 2014, Wednesday – Araw ng Kagitingan (Regular Holiday)
April 17, 2014 – Maundy Thursday (Regular Holiday)
April 18, 2014 – Good Friday (Regular Holiday)
April 19, 2014 – Black Saturday (Special non-working day)
May 1, 2014, Thursday – Labor Day (Regular Holiday)
June 12, 2014, Thursday – Independence Day (Regular Holiday)
August 21, 2014, Thursday – Ninoy Aquino Day (Special non-working day)
August 25, 2014, Monday – National Heroes Day (Regular Holiday)
November 1, 2014, Saturday – All Saints Day (Special non-working day)
November 30, 2014, Sunday – Bonifacio Day (Regular Holiday)
December 24, 2014, Wednesday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
December 25, 2014, Thursday – Christmas Day (Regular Holiday)
December 26, 2014, Friday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)
December 30, 2014, Tuesday – Rizal Day (Regular Holiday)
December 31, 2014, Wednesday – Last day of the year (Special non-working day)
*Separate proclamations will be issued for the observance of Eid’l Fitr and Eidul Adha
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
As we face the great and beautiful possibilities
that await us this year, I pray that none of the horror
and the trauma that we went through in 2013
will ever happen again.
May the pain of those who have suffered much from tragedies (of any sort) be assuaged by the thought that they are not forgotten... that there is always hope.
That even in the bleakest, saddest moment,
God's love and mercy, endures.
May each of us remain steadfast in our quest
to make this world a better and happier place for us
and for our children...
May we become kinder and stronger and better each day. And may we always find a reason to smile,
to be grateful, to be just.
Happy New Year family and friends!
Thank you for being part of my life.
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