Sembreak Journal: Trick or Treat

Awoooo!!! Happy Halloween!!!

Some people from the church were disregarding this kind of celebration because we were acquiring an idea of a bad one. I don't know, besides I'm not celebrating Halloween at all!

Since I was a child, I never experienced even joined those kinds of activities about Halloween. Aside from its spookiness, I just don't understand why do they poke some fun to the people who were not here anymore, meaning dead people. Well, they give me goosebumps and with those kinds of costumes (those eerie costumes), so I never imagined myself joining or wasting my time roaming around the village and asking for candies.

In our institution, it is my tradition to ask for my students to bring packs of candies and giving it to the kids wearing their costumes. Last time I had it, I felt that I was a politician on top of my veranda showering my constituents with candies. I love it especially when the kids are really shouting my name asking to give them handfuls of candies. This year, I did the same thing with matching shouting of "Trick or Treat!"

Earlier this evening, I was shocked because a lot of kids are shouting "Trick or Treat!" in front of our home. Well, I guess it's not yet already Christmas so why am I going to shout "Patawad!" to them?

Trick or Treat!!!

Toodles!!!

Sembreak Journal: Alabang

Nagpunta ako sa Alabang kanina at grabe, para lang akong tanga dahil walang kakuwenta-kuwenta ang nangyari sa akin.

First place that I went is Asian Hospital and Medical Center. I was supposed to see this doctor that Mama used to ask for consultation and prescription. Bad thing is, umalis na raw agad yung doctor. Good thing because next to the hospital is another hospital called Ospital ng Muntinlupa. I saw his schedule, 1:00 pm pa ang start ng kanyang clinic, so I went to Madrigal to encash my cheque.

But nainis lang ako because the cheque I was holding for it to be encashed, hindi puwede dahil hindi nakapangalan sa akin ang cheque. The nerve! I was really disappointed. I really told myself, gusto ko ng umuwi. At gusto ko ng umuwi. I texted my colleagues, Sir Ronald and Teacher Roxanne if they have the numbers to be called or to be texted. I received numbers but I didn't texted her kasi baka...

Anyways, I went back to Filinvest to go to Ospital ng Muntinlupa just for the signature of the doctor. Since it is a government hospital, expect mo na magulo ang system. I don't know where to go. I'm not going to consult but still I don't know where to go. May isang nurse doon, I asked a question, mantakin mong hindi alam ang Conversation 101. Haaay, the nerve in government hospital.

I ended my stint sa Alabang eating the newest flavor of Magnum called Choco-Capuccino. But I still prefer the Chocolate Truffle and the Classic.

Ayun, dinaan ko na lang sa tulog ang lahat.

Sorry, but why to go to Fort Bonifacio if we already have Filinvest City in Alabang, right? Even Alabang Town Center is just a stone throw away from it.

I love Alabang! Do you?

Toodles!!!

Sembreak Journal: Tita Annie!!!

I am writing this blog post for my lovely Tita Annie, the mother of my kapatid forever, Lyrize!

I can give eight adjectives to Tita Annie.

1. BEAUTIFUL - Inside and out! She is very beautiful with the way she talks to us. She is very beautiful with the way she treats us like sons and daughters. That's why no one can beat the beautiful heart of Tita Annie!

2. BIG - Not by her size and shape but with the size and shape of her heart! When she welcomes us in her home, she opens her very big heart and gives us a warm embrace! She's having a very, very big heart and again, no one compares to that!

3. HARDWORKING - I only knew today that she was at her youngest of 21 when she started working as a mighty Overseas Filipino Worker! Hats off, Tita! Ikaw na talaga ang umo-OFW! No wonder she became an example of true success of an OFW in Saudi Arabia. And no wonder my kapatid is also like you!

4. STRONG-WILLED - As an OFW, of course her distance with her family is a total mile! Which I give her this adjective because she doesn't let herself feel homesick and alone. She is strong-willed, she fights for her homesickness and she does her everything for her family.

5. MOTHERLY - She is a mother that you would surely love. Her stories about her daughters and her husband Tito Lito is really worth-listening. With those stories she shared to us, I would surely say that Tita Annie is truly having a motherly love not only to her family but to all of us.

6. DEVOTED - She's a devoted one not only to God but to her family as well. No doubt, she's been blessed with so many things she has right now!

7. SUNNY - Not as a weather condition but her disposition. She has one of the sunniest disposition I've ever known and no doubt how Lyrize, Laurice and Ate Lyanne accumulated that personality!

And lastly...

8. CHRISTIAN - She is the children of God! She is so proud to say to us that God loves us so much. Thanks Tita for allowing me to be part of your family not as Lyrize's friend but as Lyrize's kapatid! And that's how a good Christian should be!

Hopefully you have a great trip going back to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Don't worry Tita, we're all okay and we will always pray for your safety, health and peace in your mind. From the bottom of my heart, it is so nice to meeting you and thank you for everything!

Toodles, Tita Annie!!!

Sembreak Journal: Galit-Galit

This time, I'll be writing my blog in a conversational Filipino way.

Lagi na lang kaming nag-aaway. Lagi na lang kaming nagsisigawan. Lagi na lang kaming nagkakatampuhan. Laging ganyan at nakakapagod na. Nakaka-stress na. But who can't resist your parents, diba? Ang anak talaga, as much as possible, kailangang pagtiisan ang magulang dahil, in the first place, and kahit pagbalig-baligtarin mo man ang mundo, nanay at tatay mo pa rin sila. So, wala tayong magagawa. Kahit lampas na tayo sa marrying age at going to grandparents age na tayo, at kung nandiyan pa rin sila at kumakalinga pa rin sa atin, wala tayong magagawa!

For the whole day, I never talked to them. Kasi nag-aaway silang dalawa. At kapag nag-aaway silang dalawa, hello stress ang drama! Kaya may times na gusto ko silang iwan para sila ang mag-usap. Kinausap ko ang isa, nagpaliwanag, medyo nagpaligoy-ligoy pa pero nakuha ko rin naman ang point, well somehow. Kinausap ko ang isa, ayun may napala rin naman ako. Then we're okay.

Ganoon lang yun kasimple. A Filipino family will never be strong without circumstances. It brings out the best in them so no other can compare with the bonding of the Filipino family.

Yes, friends! We're so much okay na! Hindi na kami galit-galit!!!

Toodles!!!

Sembreak Journal: Terrified

The first time I heard this beautiful song was in 2010. I was, I think, doing something at that time when I heard this song over the radio. I didn't even know the title of the song so I went to the computer just to know its lyrics, its title and the people who sang this. And then on, I knew it and it played almost to my entire life. It was sang by Katharine McPhee and Jason Reeves but Zachary Levi also has a version. Nevertheless, the music is beautiful!

I was even thinking while listening to this song that I was with someone doing a pre-nuptial video. Turns out I guess it will never happen... But, maybe, it will!

Enough of drama... Let me share to you the lyrics of the song "Terrified" by Katharine McPhee and Jason Reeves.

Terrified

You by the light is the greatest find

In a world full of wrong you're the thing that's right

Finally made it through the lonely to the other side

You said it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

I'm at the edge of my emotions

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

And I'm in love and I'm terrified

For the first time and the last time

In my only life

This could be good

It's already better than last

And nothing's worse than knowing
You're holding back

I could be all that you needed

If you let me try

You said it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

I'm at the edge of my emotions

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

And I'm in love and I'm terrified

For the first time and the last time

In my only...

I only said it 'cause I mean it

I only mean it 'cause it's true

So don't you doubt what I've been dreaming

'Cause it fills me up and holds me close

Whenever I'm without you

You said it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

I'm at the edge of my emotions

And I'm in love and I'm terrified

For the first time and the last time

In my only life

Beautiful song indeed, right?

Toodles!!!

Thanks to azlyrics.com for the perfect lyrics!

Sembreak Journal: The Box Full of Memories

It has been a year after I wrote here in my blogsite about my doings during my 12 Days of Semester Break.

Last year I did a round-up of all the things I've done for a day during my 12-day semester break. And now, I'm doing it again but this time, differently. Different in a sense of, I only have 10 days of break, I will not give you details of the things I've made for the day but 10 different things that is so memorable or so special to me. I will only make a very short blog post today.

I was cleaning my cabinet when I saw a box with a label in it, "CLASS CARDS ITO!" My class cards in college are still alive! Meaning to say that I can still see the grades that I've received from my wonderful professors. It was actually incomplete because one class card that I have (I don't know that subject). While I was looking at all of it, I thought every milestones that I encountered while I was still in college.

The enrollment blues that always changed every semester, the piling-up of people just for paying the tuition fee, the two systems that we have: paying (which I belong) and non-paying (which they would only pay P50.00), the waiting scene at the Acuario, everything I remember about my college life. Actually, I always brag this to my friends and to my students that for everything in my student life, college is my most memorable. I gained my confidence, I gained my strength, I had so much friends, I even felt how is it to be loved by someone! College will never be looked good if you've never enjoyed it.

Well, I enjoyed! And that's why I am wanting to study again. I wanted to go back as a student. It is true that I am so much envious with my friends who are now studying. I just don't know why I can't push it through? I always keep on promising but still I can't do it.

So every time I am looking for all of my class cards, probably it draws me near to what I am wanting to do, to study again! Soon.

Toodles!!!

P.S. The median score of my grades was 2.00... My weighted average is 1.98.

And yes, I'll be studying about English. Soon!!!

Buscopan and Other Brouhahas

I wasn't able to go to work today because of stomachache. It all started last Saturday when I devoured myself with food. We celebrated the christening of my dear niece Jhoirwin Daryce in Makati and of course, as part of the tradition of being a Balota, we had food! I'm not being too grand but I consumed almost five plates of food. Grabe sa katakawan! And now, I'm having a problem with my gastrointestinal tracts or stomach or whatever, I can't stand too long because of stomach cramps. I went in and out of the toilet just to flush out something from inside. And yes, I am too much in pain now.

Well, that incident inspires me to do some brouhahas this day. I am absent so I will write something for the benefit of those people suffering from stomachache like me! Hehehehe!

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY - I already bought my very first book of the Fifty Shades Trilogy. Thanks for the early payday, I went straight to Powerbooks in Festival Supermall to buy my newest venture to literature. According to my dear friends and to some people who already bought it, I would surely love the character of Christian Grey, a young entrepreneur who has a dark past and a beautiful and extraordinary life. There she meets Anastasia Steele, a literature student who fell in love with Christian. Thus becomes together and set themselves on fire. My dear friend told me that I should buy the three books in the price of one but I don't like the idea because I wanted to suspense myself with the book. If ever I completed all of the books, I will start reading it. I don't care if other people seeing me reading the book in public due to its fact that the audience should be matured and adult enough to understand. Some reports are being told that a motion picture is in the works for this literary masterpiece and Ian Somerhalder is Christian Grey. Hmmm... Interesting though, especially the scene were playing fire will be done! Next and the next payday, I will purchase Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. Oh, E.L. James (initially, I thought he was a male), how did you imagine all of those things, huh?

JEEPNEY TV - I was browsing our TV when I saw this new channel showcasing old movies and old shows from ABS CBN. I was so happy and glued into it because they will show us again our most favorite Kapamilya shows from late 80's to recent years. It was named Jeepney TV, and its catchphrase was "Ang Nawala, Magbabalik!" Everyday, I always tune in to this channel because I remember most of my childhood years and my teenage sensations. Especially those programs that reminds me of my favorite Kapamilya celebrities and stars like Claudine Barretto, the late Rico Yan, Dolphy, Camille and John Prats, Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal and so much more. This channel is very nostalgic, brings you back in time in our heydays! I want to see these programs again in Jeepney TV:

          1. Palibhasa Lalake - unarguably one of the best sitcoms on ABSCBN! Most noted in this program is the "laglagan" and the "basaan" portion!
          2. Mara Clara - a recent Mara Clara was good (starred Julia Montes and Kathryn Bernardo) but as what they say, nothing beats the classic. The physical wars of Judy Ann Santos as Mara and Gladys Reyes as Clara is what I wanted to see and then basing their superstar status on how did they curse each other.
          3. Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata - another best sitcom of ABSCBN! I remember the characters of Congressman Tengco, Mrs. Tengco, and Dino Tengco. I only knew recently that it was considered a satire due to its theme enacting the present situation of that time, a mayaman, a middle-class, and a mahirap.
          4. Gimik - the story of friendship of Dianne, Ricky, Gina, Gary, Ese, Joey, Jigs and Melanie will surely reminisced of the youth of the 90s. Plus the music background of some of the best music in the past two decades! And the fashion sense of both boys and girls, it reminds me of my two sisters who were in college during the Gimik fever!
          5. Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan - this for me is the best Claudine Barretto drama series of ABS CBN. Especially the fight not only between Angeline and Sally but with Sally and Simang. Mylene Dizon brought herself into the brink of the wall of the best kontrabidas in Philippine television. And Eugene Domingo became a household name because of her character as Simang.
          6. Eh Kasi Bata! - during my childhood days, this was the best children show. Aiza Seguerra, Lady Lee, LA Lopez, RR Herrera and Kathleen Gokieng (?) were the host of this program and they were delighting us kids with their dance moves and singing prowess.
          7. Maging Sino Ka Man - this is again one of the best drama series ABS CBN had ever produced and shown to the public. John Lloyd Cruz became his best and Anne Curtis was a revelation here especially the now-known quotable line "Yes, I'm a slut but I'm the best slut in town!"
          8. Today with Kris Aquino - this is Mama Kris's very first show on ABS CBN. It was shown then in the afternoon before Tessie Tomas's Teysi ng Tahanan paved her way for then becoming "Queen of Talk" in the morning, pre-lunch timeslot.
          9. Morning Girls with Kris and Korina - this is another best of Kris Aquino's talk show together with Korina Sanchez! I love the part of their talk show before is their own stand or say with the issues of those times. And the love stories of Kris Aquino to then Mark Lapid and Korina to Senator Mar Roxas. The former became husbands and wives while the latter became nowhere in sight in Loveland.
          10. Tabing-Ilog - the Dawson's Creek of the Philippines. I don't know if it's based or loosely based or inspired or whatever. Rovic and Eds are the dynamic duo but I love the love team between James and George. But what I love with the whole program, the pristine waters of Pagsanjan River!

NUTELLA IS LOVE, LOVE IS NUTELLA - Thanks to my best buddy for giving me a factual idea that Nutella is certainly as delicious as heaven and as wonderful as music! Nutella brings so much joy to my very simple bread. Whenever I go home, I always make it a point to get some pieces of bread and spread the Nutella all over it! My first purchase of Nutella was when S&R recently had a sale and then on, it all started my desire with it. I've seen some of desserts made entirely by Nutella like cakes, breads, and even smoothies. But don't get too enticed with it chocolatey goodness; it is actually made of hazelnut mixed with skimmed milk and cocoa. It looks like a chocolate spread because of the color but it's not. Anyways, what's important is the joy it gives not only to me and to most of the people around the world. They even have a fanpage on Facebook and I guess, an account on Twitter. So that each time a bottle of Nutella is over, I would surely get another one. Another one of its great flavor, luscious chocolatey taste! Yummy!

SEMBREAK IS COMING! - My dear friends who were studying for their master's bombarded me with messages telling me that finally they're done with their final examinations. But still, they have to face what they are about to do, doing exams, flourishing grades and so much more. I was thinking of a great vacation with my family or with my friends. Theresa said it's pretty amazing to wander around in Tagaytay City. I would suggest to have a great roadtrip with my friends, probably going to Batangas or to Tagaytay or even further north. Whatever it is, I can't wait for the semester break. But I guess, how can I do it if at the back of your head, you're still thinking of things you would to your return on November. Tsk!

IMPACHO - Sounds like impakto, right? It was Saturday and the tradition of our family was to cook luscious for any kinds of celebration. My cousins prepared sumptuous meals to us like fried rice (the most delicious fried rice I've ever tasted!), pasta, lumpiang Shanghai, buffalo wings, and so much more. But the best dish that they've served to their guests is the California maki, which is sooo my favorite! Yum! I had too much of it that's why the result was overeating and stomachache! Tsk! I thought that coffee can remedy my stomach cramps but it made worse! I can't position myself correctly when I sleep because my stomach really aches harshly! Sunday morning, we went to the Church and I can't stand because the pain is really excruciating! The most hellish pain that I've felt was when I was watching This Guy's In Love With U Mare. I can laugh too hard because I feel the ache! I went home teary-eyed not because of the story of the movie but because of the pain I feel. Good thing that today, it doesn't attack me anymore!

So I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to Buscopan for easing out the pain of my stomach.

Tomorrow, I can already go to school!

That's it!!!

Toodles!!! :)

The Teacher Chronicles

Dahil sa paglalaro namin noong mga bata pa kami ng aking mga friendship dito sa amin ay hindi papasok sa utak ko na "balang araw, magiging teacher din ako!" Isang hapon din noon, na-inspire ako sa adviser ko noong Grade 2 kaya pag-uwi ko sa bahay, nagmala-teacher ako. Good thing, mayroon akong maliit na blackboard (na ginagamit noon sa pagso-score ng darts) ay may malaking-malaking illustration board ako. Nagtuloy-tuloy ang imagination kong ako ay isang teacher noong high school ako. Tuwang-tuwa kasi ako sa mga class records ng mga teachers ko dahil ang taba-taba at ang daming pagsusulatan ng mga names. Another thing, depende ang kulay na gagamitin mong pang-cover ng lesson plan sa year level na handle mo. Green for first year, yellow for second year, blue for third year and red naman for fourth year. Dahil diyan, bumibili-bili ako ng dalawang class record sa Lily's sa may San Vicente sa San Pedro at yes, gumagawa-gawa ako ng pangalan ng magiging students ko. Sa imagination ko, second year adviser ako at ang subject na hawak ko, kunwari, ay Filipino. Tapos siyempre, star section adviser ako. Tapos, the following school year raw, naging third year adviser ako, star section pa rin at Filipino pa rin raw ang hawak ko, second year and third year. Mas pinili ko raw ang third year dahil sa tinatawag na "transition period." Going to college, tama lang talaga ang pinili kong course as first choice sa Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Communication Arts English (kami yata ang may pinakamahabang pangalan na course sa buong university!). Nagbalak din akong magpalit ng course kasi parang hindi masaya sa simula and I also thought na parang nakaka-boring ang course ng education. Pero dahil na rin sa mga kaibigan ko and sa mga taong nakapalibot sa akin, at sa current issues about education, nagpasya akong mag-stay muna. In 2008, I graduated (maski paano with flying colors) and that same year, I acquired my very first license to teach. Professional teacher ang tawag na sa akin at dahil lamang sa teacher-teacheran na ang hawak kong subject ay English hanggang sa naging kunwa-kunwaring Filipino teacher ako sa imagination ko hanggang sa naging English major ako sa PLM at hanggang sa English and Civics teacher for Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 sa present institution ko ngayon, I could say that it's more fun to be a teacher!

They say that being a teacher is having a noble kind of profession. No one can become a president, a lawyer, an engineer, an architect, a doctor, even an actor or actress if the teacher is not around. Kumbaga, dapat talaga ang may pinakamalaking suweldo sa lahat ng profession ay teacher. Can you imagine Steve Jobs na hindi niya magagawa ang iPod, iPhone at iPad if most of his idea came from another person, and that would be his teacher. Can you imagine Albert Einstein's idea of the theory of relativity na hindi magiging possible kung wala siyang natutunan sa mga teachers niya! Can you imagine Meryl Streep winning an Oscar Best Actress trophy not because of herself I guess kung hindi dahil na rin sa naging teacher niya sa acting school! Can you imagine the greatest leaders in the greatest countries today; they can't have what they know if not because of one person, their teacher. Kaya every time I go inside of my classroom, bigla ko na lang naiisip na "ano kayang mangyayari sa mga estudyante kong ito?" "One day kaya kapag naging sikat na sila, matatandaan pa kaya nila ako?" "Balang araw kaya pasasalamatan nila ako?" Hopefully yes pero may mga tao talagang nakalasap lang ng tagumpay, they have the best of both worlds: money and fame, ayan nakakalimutan nang magpasalamat sa mga taong nag-aruga at nag-nurture sa kanila. Pero may iba pa rin talaga na they make the most out of their lives just to look for their teachers that once became part of their daily lives.

Siyempre, dumaan rin naman ako sa pagiging estudyante at may mga pagkakataon talagang may katatakutan kang teacher at may mamahalin kang teacher! In fairness naman, tanda ko pa ang mga naging teachers ko simula noong nagsimula akong mag-aral hanggang sa nagtapos.

Pre-Elementary: Mrs. Josephine Brusola and Mrs. Alma Tacsuan
Elementary: Mrs. Emilyn Kua, Mrs. Lorna Montalbo, Mrs. Leticia Mendoza, Mrs. Lanie Pura, Mrs. Rebecca Cabilar, Ms. Ma. Magdalena Reyes, Ms. Lea Orijuela, Mrs. Gloria Santiago, Ms. Janet Guieb, Mr. Lyndon Marfil, Ms. Eloisa Ingua, Ms. Adelia Loresca, Ms. Armi Lopez, Ms. Edwina Villaflor
High School: Ms. Juanita Abarquez, Ms. Arletta Alora, Ms. Aimee Baldovino, Mr. Romeo Bautista, Mrs. Lorabel Borgonia, Mr. Lolito Cejero, Jr., Ms. Wilhelmina De Grato, Mr. Nestor Del Rio, Jr., Mr. Julius Edrosalam, Mrs. Marie Jane Escobin, Mrs. Fe Esquillo (+), Ms. Myrna Fajardo (now Montecillo), Mrs. Marietta Gallardo, Mrs. Ruth Herrera, Mr. Francisco Lacuesta, Ms. Ma. Cecilia Lagundino (now Suinan), Ms. Mercy Rasdas, Ms. Girlie Rellosa, Mrs. Rosanna Remoquillo, Mr. Eduardo Remudo, Mrs. Lita Remudo, Mrs. Janette Salazar, Bro. Ador Salen, Mrs. Gina Valencia, Ms. Radaly Victor, Ms. Ana Victoria Yorro
College: Mr. Victor Alac, Mr. Christopher Bandojo, Ms. Iza Anchustegui, Mrs. Zenaida Pegtuan, Ms. Loida Escamillas, Mrs. Christine Tuano, Prof. Divina Bumatay, Dr. Daisy Hicarte, Dr. Myrna Gil, Ms. Jeannifer Ramos, Ms. Nerissa Gabelo, Dr. Annie Gallardo, Mr. Roberto Ines.

Kung napapansin ninyong may mga underline na pangalan, sila po ang masasabi kong inspirasyon ko kung bakit ako nangarap, at nagpatuloy na maging isang magaling na guro. Ewan ko lang kung sa ngayon, masasabi kong magaling ako hangga't may nagsasabi sa akin na bata, magulang at kapwa ko teachers, pero base na rin sa mga naririnig ko at nararamdaman ko, oo nga, siguro magaling ako.

Sometimes, I feel the ups and the downs of becoming an educator. Hindi rin kasi lahat ng mga estudyante, pabor sa mga pinapagawa mo, and lalo na kapag almost everyday, nagagalit ang isang teacher sa kanila. Nasasaktan ako kapag may nababalitaan akong mga teacher na nirereklamo ng pananakit sa mga students nila. Kaya tuloy minsan, naaapektuhan not only with their profession but also with their personal life. Masakit isipin na laging kapakanan ng mga bata ang naiisip pero kung tutuusin, sa halos araw-araw mong pakikisama sa kanila at kung anu-ano na ang ginagawa nila, mawawalan ka rin talaga ng pasensya. Yes, I also became a student, I became part of the problems of the teachers, and even I became the paranoia of the teachers that
ano kaya ang iniisip naming mga estudyante sa kanila. I became a pasaway to my teachers, I lambasted them behind their back, I did not follow some of their instructions because I wanted my own way, I even answered my teachers back. Yes, siguro lahat ng mga iyan, balik sa akin ngayong nagtuturo na ako, at ganoon pala ang feeling ng nababastos, ng naneneglect, ng hindi nasusunod. Masakit pala, and the worst thing, ikaw pa ang biktima ng sitwasyon. That's why there were moments that you wanted to stop, you wanted to quit and you wanted to venture to another career path. Minsan talaga masasabi mo na lang that you're burned out of the situation. Kasi halos araw-araw, ganoon at ganoon na lang ang ginagawa mo. You'll be doing this because it's your task, it's your duty, it's part of your job. Magtuturo oo, magpapagawa ng seat work, yes, kukuha ng mga projects and all that, yes. Motivated, I don't think so? Rewards, hopefully! Appreciation, wala!

But despite those things that I've reported, one thing is for sure, teaching is the noblest of all! Wala man motivation, rewards and appreciation, well-appreciated ka by Him! Rewarded ka pa by almost all of your students and co-teachers! Motivation, by a simple smile from your student means so much to you! Ang ayaw ko lang ang tingin sa mga teachers, mas maliit pa sa daga. And I really hate the idea na "walang yumayaman sa pagiging teacher!" Are we talking about business here, the profits, the supplies and demands, the stocks here? Hindi naman, and as far as I remember, we're talking about touching and molding lives here! Hindi man yumaman ang teacher by means like house and lot, gadgets, round-trip tickets to anywhere in the world, mayaman naman kami sa inspiration. We inspire people, and when we inspire, we become rich!

And I don't like also the idea that they don't need teachers anymore to be educated. Teaching them I guess it's a passe but to educate them is classic. Kailangan niyo pa rin kaming mga teachers, mga anak! Believe me, nothing beats the greatness of somebody standing in front of you saying nasty things and then on, you would say, "oo nga! Tama si Ma'am/Sir!"

So this World Teacher's Day, we are all happy for a simple greeting made my the students and other people who sees us the highest. The people looking at us being the greatest people lived in this kind of world. We are teachers and we are here not to teach, to mold, to nurture, to care and to speak but to inspire. We are here to inspire, whether you like it or not!

I am proud to be called Sir Zieg!

Toodles!

Hola! It's October 1! We Must Do Brouhahas

It has been too long since the last time I was in front of my laptop and then writing the latest development (hahahaha, developments!) of my ever loving life. The first day of the tenth month of the year, and yes it has been a not-so-good to me. More details to be discussed soon, I just want to have some fun today as I will do the round-up of the latest chikas and amazement in the metro (hehehehe, may ganoon!)

GANGNAM STYLE - Yes, Koreans did it again and this time it is not about their latest Korean dramas and their hippest K-pop song but this one, the now-famous song and dance tribute to the whole world called Gangnam Style. According to Wikipedia, Gangnam is one of the most populated districts in Seoul and the Korean pop singer PSY had an idea and inspiration on why not to make a soon-to-be-famous dance. And then here's Gangnam Style. The first time I saw this was when every time Vice Ganda was being introduced in It's Showtime, he was doing some rounds of dances with this song. I thought that since he was always labelled as kabayo (since it has steps of like a horse), it was indeed again his trending style to the public. I was again searching for it and it was actually a Korean pop song with a funny-looking dance step that made viral pandemonium to the whole world via YouTube. It even went to some important American talk shows like Ellen, The Today Show and Saturday Night Live. Its hits on YouTube reached to almost four million views. And here in our institution, of course, it became also a trend to our students and even to our teachers. I can proudly say that Koreans, yes, they did it again! And they did it better than they were expected.

THIRD PARTY, IS IT LIKE A BIRTHDAY PARTY? - Last year, Filipino moviegoers have seen the best of third party relationship via the hit movie No Other Woman, starring my love Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes and Derek Ramsay. This year, I've seen another movie and about again having a mistress with The Mistress starring Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. And this month, Viva Films will offer another film about illicit affair and that is A Secret Affair which again stars Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay and this time with Andi Eigenmann. I just don't understand, are we Filipinos too inclined with the idea of having an alright status of finding another woman or man and falling in love with them? Are we Filipinos too fond of wrecking a household or a relationship? Are we in a society that are so-called masochists, dealing with the martyrdom of saying "its okay to have that kind of relationship because the reason is I love him/her?" In No Other Woman, the role of Anne Curtis was the mistress, the kulasisi, the kabit. You might still remember the tag lines that she said, "I'm not mistress. I never was and I never will be one." But towards the story, she became one. She was even became a dying, trying-hard, pathetic lover that wanting the love of Ram (played by Derek Ramsay). This time, in the movie A Secret Affair, she is now the legal one embattling the role of Andi Eigenmann. From their trailer, I really fell in love with the scene between Anne and Andi at a restaurant, "Ano bang tingin mo sa mga lalake, bulate, may pa-early bird promo, the early bird catches the worm?" One thing that I've noticed with these kinds of movies, they have killer dialogues attacking one woman to another. But what if, it happened in real life? What if you're part of the situation, might be the legal wife or the secret affair? What if the boys are on the scene and the woman is in chaos? I've realized that not all parties are about having fun and exciting! Hehehehe!

S&R MEMBERSHIP SHOPPING - It all started when BDO gave us a reward since my mother was the greatest exclusive member of BDO. Then I found out that we are entitled to have a free membership for S&R, known for its wide array of international items in a suitable price. We went there last May but a mishap happened; we are not entitled to get a membership due to an inexplainable condition. Meaning that the terms and conditions between S&R and us are not meeting up! So, instead of going home, we were asked to stay and they gave us a temporary pass. Then we went shopping; so amazed with their items. My mom told me that their prices are much cheaper than SM and Shopwise. And for her also, the meat products at S&R are better than the other supermarkets. S&R is patterned after warehouse shopping in the United States. Formerly known as PriceSmart, S&R became synonymous with membership shopping, which it is the only one in the country who follows that strategy. If you are not a member, unfortunately you cannot afford their items. We became a member two weeks after our supposed free membership with them. And it was so good because S&R has a branch at Alabang (at the WestGate). Aside from wanting to shop, we were also intrigued with their pizzas, New York Style Pizza! At P99, you can have a ginormous slice of pizza (combo, garlic shrimp or pepperoni) and bottomless soda at P49. Other treats at their cafeteria include churros, calzone, one-piece roasted chicken, clam chowder, salad and French fries (their fries are really big). I even treated my gang here because I want them to taste the goodness of the pizza of S&R. Last September 26 to 30, they had their second Member's Treat sale, dedicated to almost thousand members of the store (the other one is March or April) and a pile of line, an exodus of vehicles were all there. We tried it and honest-to-goodness, it was all because of the discounts, buy-one-take-one and freebies exclusively for the members. My father told me that we're not returning in that kind of rumble; only during regular shopping days. My mom and I got frustrated and said if he doesn't want to come with us, fine! And please, S&R is not only for the upper class, it's for everyone.

WELCOME BACK TO TWITTERVERSE - I said before that it is better to use Facebook than Twitter. My very first account was already lost due to my not-too-sharp mind; I forgot my password! Because of that, I was forced to do another account but this time, a little bit privacy was what I wanted to achieve. In those days, I only have myself, tweeting about myself, and sharing what I feel about myself to myself (gets?). I decided not to add followers is because I was afraid to become bullied. Today, millions of Twitter users became too much opinionated on the things they've seen, they've listened and they've tried. They don't even care if they become too harsh with the words coming out of their minds and pressing into the keyboard to the monitor. I guess being alone in the Twitterverse can be the safest place ever. But at the end of the day, you are wanting to know what's new and what's trending. I am wanting to know more about my favorite stars and news from different organizations. And of course, I want to have fun with my friends who also have this. Then, I said that I'm going to be part again of the Twitterverse, but this time, I will not be too affected to the tweets I have been seeing. Yes, I am too emotional and sensitive and I must not have this. So, instead of doing that, I'll just pick a handful of tweets to be replied or to be retweeted. I may be like a celebrity, not protecting my tweets so that everyone can see but I guess, whether you're protected or not, you must think before you tweet! Or better yet, just retweet!

ANTI-EPAL - Anywhere you go, you might encounter some people getting too much attention to the public. In a city or in a municipality, you might see the faces of some people bragging their names for I don't know the reason. In case you wonder, 2013 is an election year and here in the Philippines, millions of names of those people are going to make noises, shrilly. That's why the legislative people are so excited to pass what they call an Anti-Epal Bill (or Senate Bill 1967 entitled An Act Prohibiting Public Officers from Claiming Credit through Signage Announcing a Public Works Project) and if possible, disallowing public servants to boast their good-looking faces and easy-to-memorized names to the voting public. Even on a certain company or working area, there are people who used to become the greatest epal made by heaven! Some people from a certain workplace get attention by making himself/herself busy so that the accolades or for him/her. For example, he/she will be doing something for the benefit of the others; something like nagmamarunong. He/She will be doing a task not asking from a superior; something like pangunguna. He/She raises his/her hand to do a job, in which it is not for him/her; something like bumibida. And the creme de la creme of those Es is he/she is the one asking for a meeting or a special conference, even though he/she is not really superior; something like umeepal na talaga! I guess, with that kind of personality inside of your workplace or elsewhere, he or she might also be included in the Anti-Epal Bill because he or she is such an epal person! If you have that kind of officemate, you better treat them right, right in their own corner!

AS OF THIS WRITING - Thanks to my best friend Julie Girl for giving me a purple notebook. In that gem, whenever I am weary or lonely or happy or whatever kind of feelings I am writing all the things, of course privately. Its been too many weeks of writing and I guess I was writing like a journal. Whenever I buy YES! Magazine and reading it, it really boosts my morale to actually and probably to change my league from teaching to publishing. Why not? Yes, I do assume that I have the power or the guts to write longer articles but in spite of writing long and meaningful ones, do I think it will greatly affect the nation? I don't think so! I just wanted to write, that's it. I am planning something (which I will not reveal!) about my latest adventure, which is writing. I really don't know! It just so happened that maybe I am not anymore in love with the profession I admired, chose and dreamed from all the days of my childhood life and I need to change it to another dimension. Well, I guess I'm just overreacting or I am just telling to myself that I am tired, or sick and tired with almost everyday scenario inside of the classroom. If that would happen, I will never, ever forget what I have started; I'm still going to back to my first love which is teaching, imparting and inspiring the nation through my lessons, academically and characteristically.

Hola! I miss doing this brouhahas of mine! Hopefully my good friend, in which I'm going to hide her identity as Lexi would not be intimidated with the title of my blog post. Now, with the last brouhaha I've mentioned, I'm still thinking about it. I'm not yet reaching the one thousandth mile but the soonest I can get there and answer what I really want!

For me, I love to write but teaching is definitely my life!

Toodles!!! :)