Unmasking True Motives

Age and experience are partners when making decisions. One's judgment is more sound out of first hand experience. How does one measure a person's intention/s? How does one evaluate messages of "heroism" instead of arrogance? How does one size up a person's generosity? It's really not a tall order in this age. One can't be misled when the background is obvious. Know the real motive from the available data. Trust more your own judgment.

People who pretend easily give away their true color. Say your privilege speech in the highest place but still your green scales will show. The aura just shows that your words are purely motivated by self-interest. The actions behind your words are not consistent. Your role modeling falls out of place. Your role does not agree to the standard of a model.

Humility is still the best virtue especially in budding leaders. You're just a neophyte in the field and you assume yourself to be great already. People will say you're great when you have proven yourself of greatness. Wait for people to say that. Right now, they want your face away from the surroundings because you have grown to be an arrogant, deceitful, and disrespectful public servant. You're no different from the rest in the government offices in the country. Shame on you. You are pathetic.

English Coordinator Goes to Science High School

I was surprised when I learned that the English Coordinator has been chosen to teach in Science High School. I admit, I was expecting somebody else will be chosen. I'm sorry I underestimated the English Coordinator.

I was more surprised when I found out that the one I expected was only rank 3. The main reason for the ranking, I really do not know but the behavior problem was stressed. I learned that he was caught unprepared with lesson plan because he didn't want to do it.

The English Coordinator is really more gentle, sweet for a man. But I appreciate the character that after a disagreement, he would drop by the office to greet me cheerfully. And he would readily cheer me up and give credit for a nice deed I have done.

I am not a wordy person, I do not demonstrate my feelings well. But I'm sure you know who's short of sort.

I am proud of the English Coordinator, Mr. Ronel Balistoy. Good luck and God bless you.

People and How They Deal with Gratitude

It happens all the time; people have different ways of dealing with gratitude. As the religious song goes: ten men received help, but only one came back to give thanks. In the real world, this is very true.

There is a different concept about getting support. Others view it as an obligation on the part of the giver, especially if the latter is family. It may be true that charity begins at home; but a "thank you" or other grateful act acknowledging the deed is very much appreciated in the family.

When the help come from others who are not blood relation, the more gratefulness is expected. The problem may arise when the receiver has low emotional quotient - all he knows is he should get the help and when he is displeased all good deed will be erased. However, some may be receiving lesser help but everytime, a grateful act is given.

This is life. The lesson is: Do not expect anything in return when helping others. On the other hand, for those who receive help: Be grateful always - help does not come all the time.

Ordeal With Mid Adulthood Disease

When I reached my 45th birthday, I started to feel great menstrual discomfort. I am accustomed to the usual dysmynorrhea; it was common that I suffer abdominal spasms during my monthly cycle. The present change was more disturbing and very inconvenient to the point of embarrassing. The heavy flow was irritating and I lose focus on my work. On my 46th year, the condition did not change; furthermore, it turned worse, even worst. I was hemorrhaging for 17 days! The doctor told me that I should have hysterectomy. But I resisted. Succeeding check-ups confirmed the doctor's findings. Still, I did not consent for surgery.

I had so much faith that with natural medicine, I can fight my ovarian cyst plus cervical cyst. I was made aware that the cysts could enlarge much to the detriment of my health. I started taking a brand of papaya food supplement without doctor's advise. I felt confident my condition would improve. Another year lapsed but the condition lingered.

A new therapeutic technology was being promoted involving electrical bed massage and was labeled miracle bed. Two beds were competing: Ceragem and Nugabest. I used both brands due to proximity of any shop to my place.

After a year of off and on therapy, I finally was motivated to see a doctor. The obstetrician had my ultrasound result - negative. But I did not stop going back to the shop whenever I had time; at most once a week. The least was once a month.

Came December 2008. A few days before Christmas I noticed a discharge on my underwear. It was extraordinary for I had reached menopausal few years ago. I was expecting it would turn to red to my

disappointment. It changed to yellow with a funny smell. It was alarming so I decided to visit a specialist right after Christmas. I was so shocked of the doctor’s diagnosis: sexually-transmitted disease. She prescribed an antibiotics and ointment. After a week, I was assured that I will be healed. Wrong. I had to see a friend

doctor and get a second opinion. He referred me to a specialist whom I did not see. I came back to the miracle bed. The whole of January, 5 times a week, I lied down the bed. Still, there was spotting but the smell improved. It was becoming watery this time. I continued till the third week of February. And I became very busy to go back. Fortunately, the discharge dried up. I know I have healed completely. I will not ignore the miracle bed. I

will go back once I have regained my free time. I have so much faith in it that I will grow old using the bed.

ABUSIVE RELATIVES OF OCWs

Filipino families are closely-knitted. Culture and traditions of Filipinos were passed on from the numerous ancestors of different races but the strongest in influence are the Spaniards having colonized the country for more than three hundred (300) years. It's a blessing and liability at the same time. As the fundamental unit of the society, the family passes on the traits and practices to the children and to the next generation. Birthdays, Christmas, New Year, Fiesta, All Saints'/Souls' Day - these are numerous occasions wherein families gather, reunite and strengthen their bond with each family member. They feel divided if one member is not present.

With the boom of Filipino workers overseas due to their desirable working practices, family members have developed a new custom in treating the members employed abroad. It involves dependence on the support of the ocw for all the family's needs: education of offsprings, birthday celebration, hospitalization, wedding, you name it. No wonder, some of them play the game on the red streets just to be able find additional income. Sad, but true.

They have forgotten about the sacrifices their ocw kin do in order to be able to support all their whims. The pitiful ocw has to work 18 hours for the overtime pay while the folks at home just spends their hard-earned money for their comfort and convenience.

The disadvantage of this is the local folks do not strive to be self-reliant. They stop schooling, remain out-of-school and worst - get hooked on drugs. Some get married and never bother to get a job. But how can one get a job when one is undergraduate from high school? This is the sad picture of some Filipinos who have ocw kin/s.

Loving is Giving Space

In loving someone, you feel you want to be beside with the beloved always. As the song goes, We are inseparable, that's how it is, inseparable." When you are with each other, as if things will not turn to the wrong direction. You feel so whole, warm, safe, content, and hilariously happy. On the contrary, you feel that if you are not beside your beloved, you love each other less. There's the saying also "Out of sight, out of mind." When you are far from each other, thoughts of going stray from the bond of one of the party is very tempting. It's crazy, you're mind is racing while your heart is palpitating. It's breaking you heart and your head gets a migraine as stomach is churning. Every muscle of your body is acidic. The reality, I myself feel embarrassed for tagging along a lot of times. I am telling the world, "I'm so desperate to watch over him, see him do all things, be around him at all times." It gives a message of immaturity, faithlessness and selfishness.

Giving space to the beloved is giving trust. It is your chance to say, "Your love is true, I need not be blue. What fear I feel, what insecurity may be budding - I have to fight and dislodge from my mind. I have to trust my love and myself. I am God's creature, sophisticated and complicated though simple in many ways. I just love to continue to love. That's the reason for my existence. Love is meaningless without sacrifice. Sacrifice makes love sweeter.

Loving Makes the Impossible Happen

One can be amazed how loving people can make impossible things become a reality. Love becomes a very potent force that things you have never done can become a reality. It gives one the drive, strength, time, faculties for one to do things for the loved one. It is a reality accepted that blood is thicker than water. However, there are people who do not show care and affection to their relatives. It is a tendency for people to ignore or take relatives for granted, especially if they're not dependent on each other. Just like any ecological community, bonds are established on the met needs - especially the financial aspect. It is ironical that loving cannot be demonstrated in every sense of the word without the facility. How can you give gifts without it? How can you give vitamins, ticket for concert, dinner in a restaurant, capital for business? It is sad that relatives who cannot provide financial support are those who are being taken for granted.

It is a material world indeed. The home cannot flourish in an empty stomach. Children will grow ignorant if parents do not spend for their education. Family members will not glow if they do not enjoy balanced meal in the dining table. They will have short life span when diseases will not be treated with costly medication. But when one truly loves, he will go to extremes just to provide for the needs of loved ones. That's the only time we can say "Love makes the world go round". Prince Valiant for all his mighty strength will weaken without his Princes Alita.

Message for Students during JS Promenade

The month of February is very special to Filipinos. We look forward to this month just as we would wait for Christmas. Filipinos are romantic by nature. We express our love to many people close to our heart by giving gifts, singing carols, cooking holiday food and many more. We celebrate Christmas tirelessly even in the midst crisis. February is the time for more expression of love and affection. Valentines Day may be over last February 14 for the world, but not to the Filipinos.We extend the hearts' day until the 28th or 29th during leap year.

Let us show our love in the positive and fruitful way. I do not say that having relationship is inappropriate. Love comes without giving any notice. You just fee it. You feel butterflies in your stomach. You get excited just by seeing the face of that special someone. But please, in behalf of 63 teachers in our wonder school, this our advise to you: No PMS. Treasure your dignity until your wedding night. It's the most priceless gift you can give to your spouse. It is heavenly to learn the art of lovemaking with your legal and moral spouse. You can face God and the society with pride. In these times that we are financially burden, the only wealth we can be proud of is our dignity.

Son Refuses to be Wed

I do not take pride in my son's refusal to be wed. I'm not trying to justify his action. It all started as a happy affair. Sheryl had to undergo treatment in order to avoid miscarriage. I wasn't expecting the close date in marriage of my only two sons; Erik being wed thru civil rites last December 8. But responsibility calls for the male to save the dignity of a pregnant girlfriend. I could feel that Teng was willing to take the responsibility. My son has grown up to be a Man. I was optimistic that he will mature more with the new development.

But alas! While waiting for the improvement of Sheryl's condition, a disaster occured. How, when and other details I was not truly aware. But I felt it was the right thing to do - not to push thru with the marriage. The hurt party hurled negative and below the belt accusations and character assasination to the whole family. I just took them peacefully. We cannot see the child. We will not be recognized at all. She is a girl, that's all I know.

In the future when she grows up, I am confident that she will search for her blood. I am now. My father is also anonymous and I long to meet him until my last breath.

NAT Regional Mock Test - A Reunion

February 17, 2009.
The mock test is the second of its kind this school year(the first was division level) in preparation for the actual achievement test nationwide on March 11. In the previous years, only one mock test was conducted. It is significant on my part for the examiners who came to my school were my fellow co-teachers from my previous assignment. Having been very busy the day before, I did not examine the list of those teachers.

Came the moment, I arrived in the office to find former fellow teachers enjoying breakfast. A few minutes of "hellos" without any pretension. From 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, I did rounds, short discourse with a few whom I felt comfortable with. Not one mentioned a word about the kind of manager I have turned out to be. I was not the perfect hostess, I admit. No words are necessary. I just felt it.

A Long Weekend

The National Heros' Day fell on a Sunday. This holiday is usually known as Bonifacio Day. He is the contender of Rizal for the National Hero. So, he fortunately falls second only to the great Jose. What does one do on a long weekend like this. I cancelled our plan to visit Paskuhan Village, now called Hilaga, to view the giant Christmas lanterns which show Kapampangan's craftmanship in lantern-making. I was down with a bad cold and cough. I had to consult a government physician for my antibiotics. I stayed in bed the whole Saturday, watching television. I took hold of my 50th birthday video taken by choirmate Levy Certeza. It was four years ago but didn't feel I'm fours years older. It took this long before I could appreciate the fun we had during the celebration at Fernino's KTV. The songs of yesteryears i belted, "The Nearness of You", Sir Rick's "Ebb Tide", "Amor"; Manay Elvie's Evergreen. Then the modern songs of Archie, our organist, the new member from Citihomes belting a la Josh Groban. But the most striking was my duet with my eldest son, Erik in the song by Barry Manilow, "Somewhere Down the Road". Teng belted out his rock lullabye as well. Niña, whom I thought was Erik's gf, rendered "Breathless. The video ended with cake lighting, singing birthdya song, slicing of the cake plus cake icing facepainting. I have to wait for four years ... to appreciate simple joys. That's the problem of many people nowadays. They're too busy to appreciate life. I thank that single day God told me to rest and value my only LIFE.

Green Chocolate Hills

Bohol - famous for the 8th wonder of the world chocolate hills found only in the Visayas region of the Philippines, but during the rainy months the hills are covered with green grass.

A Lesson in Humility

Three months ago. That's how new I am in my present office. We have been asked to submit promotion papers for the official position of Principal I. I'm indeed very lucky. From Teacher I to Head Teacher I and soon Principal I.

I give back all my thanks to God for the tremendous blessings. I did not ask for much but he gave so much in return. I just did what I felt was best; not even a sacrifice was offered. All the trials, I embraced it. I accepted it as part of life of a grown-up individual. Sons both employed. All are blessed.

In the present office, a lot of blessings have been showered again. The teachers are young and resilient. Just like sponges, they're ready to absorb everything. I just have to be careful with the role modeling on my part. I didn't have a problem in this aspect even in the past. Students look up to me though I don't exert much effort. I'm just me.

One of the challenges I faced in this new task was settling the grievances of the English Department. I am very pleased with the performance of the Department because they placed 2nd in school level, Araling Panlipunan being the topnotcher. The problem was the behavior of the subject coordinator. He forgot teachers are human beings - intelligent at that. They don't have to be treated like illiterate indios during the Spanish era. I was not new in this arena. I went through a lot at Golden Acres during my 9 years of stay. I can solve the problem in just one sitting. And I did! To teach the lesson of humility is a piece of cake. I intended to relieve him in his temporary assignment. And how he begged to be given a second chance! The teachers were so compassionate to give in to his request. When a person asks for apology, is the start of humility. That's the best application at the end of a lesson.

Singing Latin Mass Hymns

I feel exceptionally proud whenever I am able to join my choir outside the parish to sing in a mass in Latin. The practice under Arthur Medina is very stressful. He demands performance level even during the rehearsals. Last time I failed to join the choir because I was scheduled to be introduced to the teachers in my new assignment as Officer-in-Charge. It was disappointing knowing that another chance may not come again very soon. But I was wrong. Our choir got invited again last June 21.

We sang "Canticurum for the entrance hymn, followed by "Kyrie and "Gloria". For the offertory, we sang "Jesus Amante", followed by "Sanctus","Agnus Dei" and for the communion,"Venid, Venid". We got surprised when Fr. Vir Mendoza chanted the in liturgy of the Eucharist. We were not prepared for the responses but we have to trust our rusting memory for the lines (that was more than half a century ago when I last recited those lines).

As a preschool child, I used to sing with the church choir songs I do not understand but just the same sang from the heart because I knew those were praise songs for the Lord and other Saints especially Mama Mary. We were raised in strictly Spanish culture, thus the strong faith in supreme God and the veneration of Saints during feast days.

At the Imus Diocese music ministry seminar workshop, it was discussed that Latin songs will be revived in the Catholic mass. I'm sure it will draw a lot of reactions. I'm not so good in singing these Latin songs but I welcome it. It gives a cleansing effect though the language is alien but the meaning is in my heart embedded by the culture and legacy handed down by our ancestors.

First Day as OIC-Principal

June 10 is the big day in Philippine education: the first day of school for school year 2008-2009. I reported for the flag ceremony at 6:00am. It rained earlier so I thought the ceremony was not conducted. But I saw the flag was already raised. After a short conversation with Mr. Balistoy, the English Subject Chairman, I learned that they have not conducted the flag-raising yet. I requested that the flag raising be conducted.

Many late enrollees came and I dealt with them. Transferees are scheduled to be back June 23. I requested for the names of the prospect transferees written on a piece of paper. Piece of cake. Nothing new to me.

At about 11:00am, Miss Capistrano, the new Principal of Golden Acres National High phoned to inform me that Dr. Victoriano, SDS, called to ask her to inform me that Usec. Vilma Labrador will visit me. That created firework in my head. I was requested to text the SDS that I received her message. And the SDS replied reiterating what was relayed by Ms. Capistrano. As a routine, I told the canteen manager to prepare lunch for the coming visitor/s. I also asked the Guidance to prepare a Welcome bulletin board.

The waiting minutes were dragging. I felt I was in the labor room of a hospital. It was not painful in any way. It was just agonizing and at the same time thrilling. I didn't recall the exact time when they finally arrived, about 12:20pm? The teachers requested that am classes be dismissed earlier. The PM students have arrrived and the campus is buzzing with young voices. The USEC commented how noisy it was in my school. The SDS helped me in explaining that the PM students have arrived. I was told to use the public sound system to ask the student to enter their classroom and be quiet. Some students did not hear the announcement. I repeated in the bilingual dialect. The USEC requested the present teachers to come inside the Principal's Office.

And we entered the Principal's Office. There the USEC delivered a short talk on the three A's that will help the teachers' job light: Awareness, Acceptance, Action. A teacher has to be aware of the situation and accept such so that she/he can take action. And the bigger announcement was made. "Your Principal is my niece." I kept the information all these time and there it is... I can no longer deny and why should I? She inquired on amenities like service vehicle, items, number of teachers.

I was a big shot after the visit. I felt they couldn't take me for granted anymore. Even the SDS was extra concerned for me not like before when she would tell me that I am poor in people leadership. A late emergency meeting was called at the Division office. I knew the looks in the eyes of the Principals and Supervisors... so this is the USEC's niece.

Thy Will Be Done

Exactly the same date after my last spot, I was called to the Division Office. The wait is over. The ranking was announced. Finally, Miss Capistrano will be the next Principal of Golden Acres National Hi. Second rank, Mr. Rigon will take Miss Capistrano's post. Rank 3: Mr. Parilla will occupy Mr. Rigon's post. Dr. Valdez takes 4th rank; she is assigned at CAA Annex. I get the fifth rank and I am to be assigned at Gatchalian. I accepted the assignment with a heavy heart. Aside from the great distance, I will be with a notorious personality in DepEd Las Piñas history. God read my thoughts. I was called back to the Superintendent's office. It was almost 5 o'clock and I was wondering what the agenda was. The Superintendent explained that there was a technicality in the decision. Mr. Parilla holds the item of Teacher III while I hold Head Teacher I. Therefore, I should be ahead in rank; I should be in Equittable Annex. I felt so relieved and grateful. It was answered prayer.

Once again, I confirm God's love and protection. A great sinner that I am, yet He never abandons me.

Divine Sign

I was deep in prayer with both knees knelt down. My petitions included the immediate principalship/oic post, the enrolment of Academy of the Virgin Empress this coming opening of the SY 2008-2009. Somehow I also included Myrene, my teacher, that she'll overcome her situation. I didn't ask God for any sign. I seldom ask for signs. I'm always the "thy will be done" type. A very unexpected turn unfolded before everybody's eyes. My companions were singing our hyms. A little boy, we fondly call him Aloy, son of Ronel and Cristy Reyes, approached the "altar" and handed me a stem of yellow chrysanthemums. Gratefully, I reached for the chrysanthemums and placed it in the vase nearest me. I finished my prayer and went back to my seat. It didn't reflect anything to me other than a little boy being sweet who is offering flowers to the Virgin Mary since May is the flores de Mayo month.

After I have settled back in my chair, Mam Lit asked me what the color of the flower (she said "rose", but I corrected her that it was the same as the one we had for the offering). She looked at me with such emotion. "It will be granted, you will become oic", she told me. She attributed the yellow chrysanthemums as a divine sign that God will grant my prayer. Overwhelmed, I could hardly react except for a soft "Thank you".

Our conference followed with the usual lectionary about having natural and super natural faith. It was mentioned again - her own experience of having received yellow flowers - as God's sign, though she did not mention to our group my personal intention. Deep in my heart, I was so grateful about her interpretation of the incident. God's will be done unto me, alleluia. AMEN

Labor Day Trek to the Crater of Taal Volcano

Three years ago, a few students of mine took a trip to Talisay, Batangas. We had a guide, a child only. We wanted to go near the Taal Volcano. The trip pushed through but our guide failed to show us the right turn. We insted went direct to Tagaytay and farther and farther until we reached Lemery. The group got hungry so we decided to stop and enjoy the rest of the day swimming in a public resort.

Today, my long dream materialized. With the Marquezes, I enjoyed a free ride in their Adventure to Banga, Talisay where Ben Jumarang - hubby of co-choir member Manay Elvie - came from. We crossed Taal Lake in a motor boat. The trip seemed less than 30 minutes. The exciting part is the horseback ride to the crater of the volcano. It was my first experience to ride horse. I felt nervous but my sense of adventurism got over me. I trusted our guides.

I felt funny when the horse started to move. The choppy motion made me laugh. I still felt tense in the first 10 minutes seeing we're going up and the trail was rough and narrow. It was becoming hot as we climb higher and higher. I was ready with my sunblock and native hat. My guide, an elementary graduate forgot his cap. He was not immune to the heat from the King Sun. Besides, it was very dusty. We bathed ourselves with the dust and the smell of horse shit. As we went higher, I felt pity for the horse, which would stop from time to time for a brief air.

AT last the crater! What do you know? It's not the one visible in Tagaytay. It's a different part of the volcano apart from that small mountain admired whenever I pass Tagaytay. it's a big mouth for a volcano. The water was all green and smelled not very nice - sulfur. Look, down there! There's smoke coming out! And another one there! I showed my companions how good my far-sighted vision. Hah! This is life. Once in a while, I try to forget my obligations and enjoy my remaining late adolescent stage days.

Message in a Cone

A note from another student who didn't sign in full dated April 4, 2000:





Earth is fast revolving around the sun and another
batch of naughty students is gonna say goodbye
and that's us, the craziest students.
I wanna say thank you for all the
things; your lessons and your
patience even though I'm
sleeping in your subject,
I assure you I learn a
lot from you becoz
in my dreams you're
still teaching
me how to
face the
world.

Clean-Up and Tree Program

The closing of Palarong Pambansa in Puerto Prinsesa City, Palawan coincides with the Las Piñas City Clean-Up and Tree Program. April 25 - high school principals attended the closing of the Palarong Pambansa. I was designated OIC by Mam DAvi. What sheer luck for me! I have to manage that teachers will cooperate in the said program. With the help of Mrs. Austero, Mrs. Honrales, Mrs. de Castro and Dr. Ranie Copada, I felt confident that we can succeed.

The CAT trainees were of great help. I am very thankful that they were present. They did most of the dirty ground work - digging the ground, carrying the mahogany seedlings which male teachers will not willingly do. The Supreme Students Government also came to extend a helping hand. I assigned one officer to have the attendance signed by the participants. I divided the participants into two groups: one for the Candido Ramos Drive; the other beside the covered court along Marcos Alvarez Avenue.

Everyone found the program enjoyable though Mrs. Nicolas only prepared coffee and bread.