Haffy...Low...

During an inset training and seminar that I attended this semestral break, I was able to list down some ‘interesting’ words, phrases, and statements by some of our comrades in the profession.
When you are satisfied and blissful with the results of an endeavor, how do you feel? Well, a colleague, in her speech exclaimed, “I am haffythat the officersis responsible enough…”

I think Peter Piper can help you get out of this problem, Madame. And please, do not forget your subject-verb agreement. The first and general rule states: a singular subjects needs a singular verb; a plural subject needs a plural verb.

Ignorance of the law excuses no one. Not even the highest ranking official of any institution. Law is pronounced as lô which sounds like saw, lawn, paw, among many others. The Ô sound is like the meeting point of ah and ow, right?

So next time you encounter the word law, please do not pronounce it as if you are singing Flo Rida’s “shawty get low, low, low, low!” But if you shout right to my face, “I know nothing about the law (low); I am an idiot,” well, then, all I can do is to rest my case.

Till next case hearing…

The Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

The Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008, or what is more popularly known as the Reproductive Health Bill, has drawn many opinions, argumentation, and commotions in the past few months. The State and the Catholic Church have been involved in disagreements regarding this issue. The State, particularly the sponsors of the said Bill, claims that the proposed RH Bill is beneficial to the people, especially in addressing the population explosion in the country. However, the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) strongly disagrees with this Bill. Thus, this contributes to the delay of the passing of this motion to the congress.

For those who are wondering what the RH Bill really has to offer, I made a research on its coverage and luckily (?), I was able to find only a piece of the said Bill.

Information and access to natural and modern family planning. The first coverage of the RH Bill clearly states that couples are given the orientation on the different ways of birth control. Unlike what most of the opponents of the RH Bill think that it will only promote immoral methods of family planning, such as the use of pills, condom, intrauterine device, among others, the Bill also acknowledges the natural methods of birth control, like the rhythm and calendar methods and abstinence (?).

Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition. Having one foot of the mother in the grave while giving birth, it is but proper to consider the health and security of the mother and the child. That is why the Bill offers proper information and education in valuing their health and nutrition.

Promotion of breast feeding. According to some experts, one way of building a closer relationship between the mother and the child is through breast feeding. This is explained by closeness of the mammary organ to the heart.

Another benefit of breast feeding is that it delays the fertility of the mother because of what they call lactational amenorrhea. Consequently, breast feeding aids in the promotion of birth control.
Most importantly, breast milk contains the best nutrients for an infant, such as folate, protein, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, among others. Thus, the promotion of breast feeding through the RH Bill is fitted for the program.

Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications. With the right information and proper education of the possible parents, cases of fetus found anywhere can be lessened, if not totally eliminated.

Adolescent and youth health. The Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008 does not only cover the married couples or the parents. This extends to the possible and future parents—the adolescents and the youth.

Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs.
HIV/AIDS and STDs are rampant because people infected with these diseases were ignorant or misinformed with the danger of having sex with their partners. Through this Bill, cases of such diseases will surely decrease because of the information and proper orientation given to the people.

Elimination of violence against women. A contestant in an international beauty pageant once said, “The real essence of a woman is to give birth…” true enough, women play a great and important role in the society. But unfortunately, they are being maltreated; they receive so much disdain; they are being oppressed of their rights. Thus, this Bill protects the rights of every woman, especially in the violence that they are receiving.

Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers. As early as 35 years old, most Filipino women are diagnosed with breast cancer. In a report, the Philippines has the most number of breast cancer cases in the Asian region. In fact, 47.7 percent for every 100, 000 females face the risk of having this kind of cancer. Thus, this RH Bill aims to address this problem.

Male involvement and participation in RH. Since population explosion is not only the problem of the female sex, male participation is also important. Since women can not reproduce alone, therefore, male should also play an active role in the promotion of the reproductive health.

Prevention and treatment of infertility. The Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008 does not tackle only about family planning or birth controls. Every parent’s wish is to have an offspring that will serve as their guide in the sunset stage of their lives.

RH education for the youth. Sex education among Philippine elementary and secondary schools an important aspect of the proposed RH Bill. With the alarming number of abortion, early pregnancy, early marriages, and population explosion, the Bill proposes to give the Filipino children the necessary orientation of reproductive health and practices, as early as grade five.

I Miss My Site

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

I haven't posted anything yet for how many days now...
But for sure, I will again be posting some in the following days...
And I promise, you will like those exclusive explosives I have for you...
In the meantime, just have this stuff first...
It will definitely make you crave for more...



Ciao!

Finding the best place to write...

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

As a freelance writer and teacher in writing, I have encountered some problems which hinders the continuous flow of thoughts while doing a certain assignment, especially if you are to meet certain deadlines and quotas in writing. This video, somehow, has given me idea in my budding writing career. Likewise, it has helped me a lot, particularly in setting my mind into the writing mode. I hope this, too, will give you the necessary ideas to succeed in your own career. Happy viewing!

MY NIHONGO CLASS

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

Several weeks ago, we i started attending this free Nihongo class in our school. For weeks now, I have always been present in the class. But this week, sad to say, I absent myself. Panu naman kasi? Yung mga fellow teachers ko, hindi rin sila pumasok. Eh nakakahiya naman kasi na ako lang mag-isa ang papasok..Puro estudyante kaya namin yung mga kasama ko..So I decided not to attend anymore.

I have this guilty feeling because ever since I started schooling, wayback in 1990 for my elementary days to the day of my graduation in college in 2004 , i haven't been absent to any of my classes, unless for official business. Unlike most of students in the regular public high school, I consider every absent I make as a loss in me. Loss in the possible lessons that I would miss, loss of the experiences that I might encounter while discussing a particular topic, loss in my personality.

Students, or shall I say learners like me, who are really eager to learn consider every meeting in every subject a gain in their investment to education. Though after the subject period I will not be given a grade in my Nihongo class and will not be given any recognition, like what I received during those earlier days of my student life, I would stil take this class seriously. The ideas and lessons that I gain here will further enhance my character, not only as a techer, but also a citizen of the world who needs to interact with others. The experience in this Nohongo class will be a precious belonging that even rich people will not own. Thanks to the governments of Philippines and Japan for this opportunity. And thanks to Shino Sensei!

WHERE DID I GO WRONG???

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

Last night, in DYESEBEL, there was a scene where Gildo (played by Luis Alandi) tied Don Juan (Ricky Davao) and eventually planted bombs all over the building. Upon hearing of Gildo's plan to cast down the entire building, Fredo rushed to rescue his captive father. Upon reaching the building, he then ordered his personnel, "VACATE (va-keyt)THE BUILDING! VACATE (va-keyt) THE BUILDING!"

Hehehe...What's wrong with Superhero Fredo?VACATE should be pronounced as vey-keyt...

QUOTE...UNQUOTE...

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

I was watching the late night show last week (I forgot the exact date) when I suddenly remember a popular column in our university student publication in college – Don’t Quote Me on That by the great Saniata Manglinong. It was about the WORST speakers of the English language. It involved not only students but also members of the teaching faculty. As a result, I am basing this post (which I plan to make it a series) on that column. Though I am not an excellent user of the language, at least I am trying to be one. So, let the fun begins!

A segment host of that late night show, who is a famous economist, made an analysis of the economic problem of the U.S. She said, which I quote “…between 1 to 6…” What’s wrong in your statement, Madam Journalist/Economist? The preposition BETWEEN is used to refer to a thing located amid two thing/entities. It links the two objects. So between 1 and 6 should have been used. If you want to use 1 TO 6, the preposition should be FROM since you are referring to a point of origin to a destination/terminal point.

A solon, who opposes the bill on family planning, delivered his SONA before the sponsor of the bill could deliver his privilege speech. Angrily, he said (and I quote), “…the paper should BE READ (rd)…” What’s wrong with it, Honorable Congressman? It is simply because you pronounced READ as the present tense of the verb. It should have been (rd), as in the color RED since the verb is in the participle form.

Okay, that’s all for now. ‘Til next time. Like Mr. Imbestigador is always saying, “Hangga’t may anomalya, hindi naming kayo tatantanan!”

Ciao!

THE MIRACLE WORKERS

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

Here's another video to help you boost your confidence to your choosen VOCATION (I regard teaching as a vocation; not as a profession. You have to agree with me!)

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

I am posting a video which made me realize that despite being despised, belittled, and neglected, teachers really do a great and important job in this world - far more important than the highest paid personalities who does nothing for the welfare of this world (mga corrupt, gahaman, buwaya, matapobre, mapanlait kasama).

I hope everyone who watches this will have a better outlook for TEACHERS!

GRANDSLUM!!

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

A couple of weeks ago, I was informed by a colleague that the principal, together with the department heads, OIC’s and the subject supervisors from the division office, will be conducting observations to classes anytime every month. This, I suppose, is a response to the National Achievement Test (NAT) results for the previous school year wherein the Division of Makati slid down from No. 1 allover National Capital Region in the previous school years to No. 6 last year. As a result, this matter became a never-ending subject of colloquies and “intelligent discussions,” not only by my roommates in the faculty room, but almost all teachers everywhere in the school.

One of my colleagues said that this is absurd, which the rest of the group and I agreed. Knowing Makati Science High School as a hub of academic excellence in the whole region, teachers employed in this institution had undergone rigid screening (from examinations to interviews to demonstration teachings). I, personally, should have not been assigned to this school if I was not able to pass all the standards set by the Division Office. So, why do the still doubt the capability and ability of every teacher in attaining the goals set every year? Will such action help raise the results of this school year’s NAT? Will such action provide better learning of the students who will undergo the rigorous examination? Will an action done every month guarantee the whole Division of Makati to snatch back the title of being the best in the NCR?

If they really want a better result of the next National Achievement Test, why don’t they think of some other ways, more effective ways so that each student and teacher will be motivated even more in doing his part?

THINK IT OVER

SPEAK your mind...TEACH people...TOUCH lives...

I'm posting a stuff which left me teary-eyed...It made me realize a lot of things...It made me think of my parents...It made me think of my future life...

Just CLICK the link below...

http://parentswish.com/site01/big.html

HEY MIKE

Next week, we will be celebrating our anniversary.

I just wanted to reminisce the days when we were still in our girlfriend-boyfriend stage that’s why I wrote you a letter. Remember those times when no cellphones yet? No computers, no chat, no text messages, no e-mails? Remember our courting days? Our only way of communication then was a handed-over letter by either our friends or our nannies. I still have those letters written in a yellow pad. They’re in my closet, if you notice. Ahihi! And remember the chocolate wrappers where you wrote notes of meeting in the library or canteen just to greet me during our monthsaries? They are still clipped in my old, college books. I treasure them, the way I treasure you. The way I treasure our relationship. Our family. The way I used to do.

Well, thank you for being always there. Thank you for being the same Mike that I liked and loved and whom I exchanged vows in front of the altar and of the people. You’ve always been supporting me in all my decisions which sometimes, I am aware, are already beyond my control.

I just don’t know if you still appreciate it. But another reason of writing you a letter instead of just texting you or giving you a call or a message in the e-mail is that I want to show to everyone that the old ways of communication are still as good as using the state of the art gadgets and facilities. Now that there is a hot issue regarding telecommunications, I want to prove to those concerned that we do not fully rely on their products. We still have alternative means of minimizing, if not totally eradicating, the problem. I only wanted to show to them that we, Filipinos, really are survivors who can flexibly and triumphantly overcome all challenges we are facing.


Always,

Glory

TO ALL FANS OF GLORY & MIKE

Here is the second edition of the hottest love story of today.

Hope you will like it the way you liked the first.

Enjoy!

More to come...

HELLO GLORY

I admit. There are times when I want to talk to you about us. There are times when I want to admonish you for the things that are happening to this family, to our relationship as a result of your desire to follow your parent’s footsteps. A decision which I believe, ever since, ridiculous for what your father has done before will never be done again! You know that. There are times when I want slap on your face the screaming truth that you are just overwhelmed by your dreams and ambitions. There are times when I want to make you realize what a disaster your useless pride has brought us.

But what can I do? I am your husband. You are my wife. We cannot deny the fact that since we got married, I already become a part of you, and so you are to me. Don’t you worry.

“…for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, till death do us part…”

Remember those lines?

As what I promised in front of the people and of the Mighty Creator, I will always understand you. I will always stay by your side to support you in all your endeavors. Your fights are my fights. Your struggles are mine, too. We are one – just like the intertwining thread. We need each other to become stronger against all these life’s deviances. I am hoping that when the time of your step-out of Malacañang comes, you’ll still be the same wife I have – the happy, naughty, sweet and loving. The way you used to be.


Love,

Mike


P.S.

By the way, why do I have to answer back with this letter? When I read your letter, I laughed to death at you. Why should I not be? You have your mobile phone. I, too, have mine. Why did you not just text me or give me a call, anyway text messages have been cost down? There are also free call promos, right?

RE: GLORY AND MIKE

JUST VISIT THIS BLOG REGULARLY FOR UPDATES ABOUT THE HOTTEST LOVE TEAM OF TODAY - GLORY AND MIKE!

BY THE WAY, THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

AND THANKS FOR LIKING THE FIRST EDITION OF THIS LOVE STORY...

I PROMISE TO GIVE YOU MORE...

AGAIN, THANKS AND GOD BLESS US ALL!

DESPITE VS. IN SPITE OF

HEY FOLKS!

Thank for the query you posted in this blog. This made me search the net for possible answer to that question which I, myself, got confused upon reading your comment.

As a result of my eagerness to answer it, not to mention my desire to clear my mind with that mind-stirring problem, I found an answer courtesy of http://www.elearnenglishlanguage.com/difficulties/despiteinspiteof.html

Despite vs In spite of
The English terms in spite of and despite are very similar in meaning and usage; in spite of this, English speakers sometimes find them confusing.

Despite
Despite means "even though," "notwithstanding," or "regardless of." It's the opposite of "because of/due to," and can be used with a noun or gerund.
She had difficulty communicating in French despite all her years of study.
We lost the game, despite the fact that we practiced all week.
Despite not having an umbrella, I walked home in the rain.

In spite of
In spite of means exactly the same thing and is used exactly the same way as "despite."
She had difficulty communicating in French in spite of all her years of study.
We lost the game, in spite of the fact that we practiced all week.
In spite of not having an umbrella, I walked home in the rain.

The Bottom Line
The English terms despite and in spite of are synonyms. Despite might be a tiny bit more formal, but the two terms are interchangeable. Just be careful not to say something like "despite of" or "in despite" - it's always either the three words in spite of, or just the single word despite.

As I have said earlier in our subject, you learn from me and I learn from you.

A NICE TRY

I'm sharing you the sample article which I submitted in one of my applications for a freelance writer position. I was asked to write an essay of any topic of my choice, having a minimum of 300 words and a maximum of 400 words.

Moreover, I was told that the publication where I applied will be releasing issues similar to a certain SHOPAHOLIC. I don't have any idea about that thing so what I did is just write anything I feel like writing. And I came up with a naughty idea of building a good image for a certain personality which I believe is obvious in the article. I just tried to present another side of that person. And I believe you would agree with me for everybody, everyone of us has the bad and the good sides of our personalities.

I hope you will appreciate it.

HELLO MIKE

I’m sick and tired of the shouting, of the demands, of everything! I’m torn between my obligations in our family and my duties in the office. I’m even losing my social life! I already don’t know what to do. I already don’t know how to please you. My bosses. Even myself!

At first I thought everything will work out as planned. I was excited when I heard the news that I’ll be starting to work at a blink upon application. I even prepared for that moment. I went to the spa. I went to the salon for my hair and make-up. I even called for the best couturier in town for my wardrobe. All I had in mind by that time was I am a star. A big, bright star!

But look at me now? Do I still look like my age? Look at my wrinkles. The last time that I stood in front of the mirror I only had three. But now…ah, never mind. I’m so stressed out. I’m physically, mentally, socially exhausted.

I’m not blaming anybody. Much more I don’t blame myself. (Why should I?) It’s just that I came up to a point where it seems I’m very helpless. As if I’m deserted.

Despite all the efforts I have exerted, as if nothing has changed. Despite the concern I am giving to the people around me, no one is pleased. No matter how I try to reach out to them, nobody appreciates it. They blame me for their misfortunes. They blame me for the adversities which are obviously out of my control. I’m not a superhero in a skimpy, red two-piece who, at times of trouble and danger, comes and saves the day.

But I swear. I’m doing my best to do my job. I’m doing everything to address all the issues concerning my workplace. I’m even sacrificing much of my time trying to find ways in minimizing, if not totally eradicating, those problems instead of having quality time with you and our children. Why can’t they see it? Why are they so unfair?

Oh, I’m sorry. I think I’m being iniquitous to you. I always talk about my work, I always complain about my work when I can’t even spend a moment for a cup of coffee with you.

But don’t worry. In a year and a half, everything will be fine again. I’ll be stepping out of Malacañang, I’ll be coming back home. With you. With our children. With our grandchildren. We’ll have quality time together again. The way we used to be.


Love lots,

Glory

A TEACHER'S GRIPE

Let’s admit it.

Teachers in the Philippines are overworked and dedicated yet abused and undercompensated. That is one of the myriads of reasons why we are abased by people who earn triple the remunerations we have. And that is also one of the reasons why we try to look for some other jobs to earn an extra income.

I speak for myself. I surf the net every now and then for possible sidelines. I apply for part time and/or freelance positions. But sad to say, up to this moment, I haven’t found one yet. Sometimes I am tempted to apply for a Customer Service Representative or a Call Center Agent position. Or as a call center trainer where the salary is much higher than what I am receiving now. Or even a teaching job abroad where English is taught as a second language. Jobs where the benefits and privileges are far motivating than what my current job has to offer. Where I can be assured of an economic upgrade in just a few span of time. (Is it what they call professional corruption? Well, pardon me for my ignorance.)

It’s very frustrating to know that a lot of professionals flock to jobs very far from their fields of specialization because there are no sufficient job positions for them. A lot of education degree holders, even those who finished their masters or doctorate studies, end up to the wrong job or, even worse, unemployment because there are no available positions to fit their educational attainment.

Imagine your teacher in elementary or your adviser in the school paper in high school or your critic teacher in college applying as a domestic helper or a factory worker or a utility staff abroad? Why do you think they have to do that? Is it because they are tired of teaching? Is it because they do not want to earn only pesos in the Philippines? Is it because they cannot see a bright future working in their own land? Or is it because they do not see any sign of support and appreciation from the government to their profession?

What satisfies a teacher aside from the recognition and respect from his students? What makes him love his work more aside from the fulfillment he feels upon seeing his students succeed from their chosen fields of study?

Let’s stop pretending, folks!

THE HARDEST TEST

Being a teacher at the Makati Science High School is not that easy. You have to face a lot of trials, a lot of pressures. You have to possess a bunch of exceptional qualities and traits to survive the test. You have to make sure that you really have readied yourself to the pros and cons of being in this prestigious institution.
I still remember when I was waiting for my school assignment after passing all the screenings, tests and interviews. The English supervisor, upon spotting me enter the DepEd Makati office, exclaimed that they have waited me for so long to report for Maksci is in urgent need of an English teacher. Still flattered by the good news, I immediately rushed to get my advice slip.
After getting my appointment, I was called by the other teacher applicants who were just outside the office, waiting for their deployment. They cautioned me of the possible consequences of entering that school. There was the warning about the students who question the credibility of a teacher. Or worse, the students can break the career of a teacher.
Adventurous and enthusiastic in nature, I was filled with the thought of if-others-can-why-can’t-I. I just smiled at them and imagined my self as one of the contestants in the now debunked television show Extra Challenge or a castaway in a Survivor episode.
Holding the appointment letter in one hand, I headed for the Makati Science High School building, entered the principal’s office, welcomed by the English Department head and some faculty members. I started the hardest test ever in my life. Not a written-then-checked-then-recorded-test but a test of SPEAKING MY MIND, TEACHING PEOPLE, TOUCHING LIVES!

I am a TEACHER

This is my second year of applying the knowledge, techniques and strategies that my professors in college taught me. I am enjoying it, no doubt. Despite the stress, the hardships, the pressures shouldered upon me everyday, I am liking my profession.

Actually, this is not my dream. This is very far from what I really wanted to become. I wanted to be an accountant. I wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a DJ. I wanted to be a journalist. But life is really ironic. My parents wanted me to be a teacher. An obedient son I was, I could not resist, I could not complain. They were the ones to finance my schooling so I had to obey. I had to comply.

And the rest is history.

Now I am employed in one of the prototype schools, not only in the Philippines but also in the whole wide world. I learned to love my work, not because I bear the name of this institution but because I finally realized that I play a great role in building the future. I play an important role in shaping this world for GREAT MINDS BEGIN HERE. In this school. In me. For I am a teacher!

A BEGINNER BLOGGER

Finally, I'm already one of the millions who embrace cybernetics. I will no longer be left behind. But other than that, I only want other people to know more about a TEACHER. This blog is created to tell the whole world who a teacher really is.