MSU Intrams 2010

It was my most loved intramurals ever! :)

When I was in college, which was not really that long ago, I never enjoyed intrams. It was a vacation week for me. After the parade, I kept myself at home watching so much TV, eating a lot, and sleeping a lot. When everyone else was having a good time, doing what they do best (sports), I was also doing what I do best (studying). Ahuh! The nerdy-geeky that I was. Even during intrams, I read my notes and prepare for exams which were usually given after the intrams week.

When I got to work in MSU, I had the same attitude towards the "sports week". I took a leave from the dust and heat of our beloved university and dug myself into the ocean of my paperworks. I only attended the parade and the Faculty and Staff Night which, if not required, I never would have involved myself with. When I got back to work, my students were exhausted from all the showcasing of their talents while I was so refreshed and renewed from a week long vacation.

But this year was different. I had the time of my life! :) Even before the grand week came, I really felt the excitement of being involved this time. One significant reason which gave me an excuse to be always in school was that I was a member of the tabulation committee in which Laiza was the chairperson. I gladly volunteered for the service. The first days were kinda boring because final results were still few so we had to entertain ourselves with lots of movies and ZAGU!!!

Laiza stayed in BQ for a week so it gave us a chance to get to know each other better. :) (Missing Ate My during girl bonding moments.)


I also got to know Kuya Ipe from the College of Engineering and his so adorable son Angelo.
This is the tabulation committee with Kuya Ipe at the leftmost and Julius at the rightmost. Good job guys! It was a success!

The Faculty and Staff Palaro was the best ever also! (I had lots of bests this year! Yey!)





Playing, dancing, laughing, mingling with the other hard-workeks of the university.

The Faculty and Staff Night was extra special. Ma'am Nimfa, our beloved Nanay-nanayan in the office was given a special award for a dedicated 25 years of service.


Ever since I became a teacher, I had a better view of all the activities especially during the opening ceremonies compared to the half-eyed views when I was still a student. Imagine being on a bench in the middle of five thousand people in an over-crowded gymnasium. (Calling all alumni of MSU-Gensan. Please help build us a wider and better gym .. :) There really is a need to extend or rebuild with our growing population every year.)

Going back to my better view. :) I'll beg again some other time. :P I was cheering for our cheerdancers the whole time they were performing. The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Cheerdancers have been undefeated for 3 straight years. Yeah! Go Wizards! The first day has always been for the wizards. The next days, let other colleges rejoice! We come back on the last day for the dancesports competition. And there was a new event this year. The field demonstration. Whew! A lot of other things to mention but I would be biased for the wizards! :)


But as much as I desired, I simply couldn't exclusively clap for the wizards. Teacher as I was and with a proud heart like a mother to my students, I found myself clapping for my every student whom I saw performing. This was the greatest gift that the intramurals had brought me - to be able to witness the talents of my beloved students. I realized that some of my students may not excel in Mathematics but they could be excellent in a number of ways.

I was proud like a momma, like I was the one who carried them in my womb and brought them into the world. I was really that proud. I had students in the chorale, in the university cheerdancers, many joined the musical and dance contest. As they were dancing and singing, my heart was bragging. "These are my students." It was so surprising to see them so alive on stage and being at their best. Ahhh... Those were beautiful moments.



(I wish I had a better camera. :P)

I never appreciated students being indulged with non-academic activities before. I was only focused on their academic achievements because all I knew was the importance of the grades for an impressive record. That when you enter the real world, one of the passports would be an excellent performance in school. I almost forgot about the total development. I forgot about the multiple intelligences. Maybe I haven't understand because I never experienced the same joy. And at some points, I refused to understand. The intramurals reminded me of the other aspects of life which make a happy and fulfilled individual.

I have always known that success doesn't only mean being good in the classroom but it's just now that I've truly believed it :)

My Door Was Locked

It's Friday and I was supposed to attend a Seminar on Social Graces and Pedagogy for Young Workers of Mindanao State University. It's the first ever in this university and thus, I was so looking forward to it. I even had to cancel my classes so I could participate.

After breakfast, I went back to my room to get my bath towel. And there it went! Taddah!!! My door was locked. I couldn't get any help. My housemates had all gone to work. Help! I needed to get in!

Strategies:
1. I looked for an old ID so I could swipe through the door but found none.
2. I used the knife to swipe but failed.
3. I thought of calling someone from the office. Oh great! My phone was left in my room.
4. I would ask help from the boy's quarter just beside ours but oh oh.. They too had all gone to work.
5. I wanted to scream for a life-and-death emergency! But it would just be so OA of me. :)
6. I wanted to go out and wave to whoever would come along but I was not so decently dressed. It would just be so improper.
7. Oh yeah! My last option was the internet. I again wanted to ask help from the office. I was so glad I took my laptop to the kitchen first thing in the morning but omg! What happened? I couldn't connect! Why now?

All the above ways failed. The only solution was to wait for someone from the boy's quarter to lend me an old ID. *Sigh...

Ok then. I was left with nothing but a computer with no internet connection and no paper works to finish. Oh.. What a day! But instead of viewing it as an unfortunate moment, I took my time watching lots of movies! Yeah! And lots of sleeping time, too.
:)

After 7 hours, someone truly had an old ID. Yey! I missed my room so much :)

Lesson learned: Leave a key duplicate outside the room, just in case. And oh don't be absent-minded. :P

Why I Love Marriages

Let me first talk about how it all started and the exciting things in between :)

It was one of those surprising nights. We were from the Faculty and Staff night and about to go home at midnight with my BQ buddies, Ate Zita and Ate Caring. But Ate Zita's friend, Ma'am Alma wanted to go out for a drink and a dance. I had no choice but to go even if it meant going home at dawn. I had a bad headache before that so I thought it was a wrong decision to go with the group :( .

We went to Mismo Bar - their second home. We were with Ma'am Alma's husband, Sir Mayong and their other friend, Ma'am Pilar. They go to Mismo regularly for years! It was a bar for the Oldies as we, the youngs, described it. We've been there once with the young people. Laiza got bored and sleepy. :) But I honestly enjoyed their music. Maybe I really have the heart for old songs. Well, it was not really everything old. But generally old. I maybe a little harsh with the word I'm using but I just refer to people 20 years ahead of me. And I love the oldies! Mostly are in their glorious years.

Anyway, they started conversing about anything, greeting the people who came. They knew almost everyone around there. And I was just smiling and nodding everytime I was introduced. But my head was crying loudly. I wanted to go home!

This impatience continued up until I was forced to dance. Yah! I was forced to dance Cha-cha! Oh my gosh! I couldn't believe it! After a short convincing moment, I was seeing myself on the dance floor actually grooving to the songs I called old and dancing with the people I've never imagined myself dancing with!

What more was, I didn't know how to dance Cha-cha! My feet only knew the basic. Forward left. Back close. Backward right. Such a disaster! For the next 2 songs, I only had the basics! It was embarrassing because I was with "The Dancers". I just couldn't excuse myself. They were sooooooo into grooving! So I decided to enjoy the dance instead. I slowly swayed my hands. Moved my hips even more. Put a smile on my face and danced my heart out! :)

I was studying the people on the dancefloor. I was the youngest in the crowd. But their energy was amazing! Every face had a smile. I saw fun. Fulfillment. Freedom.
It was so nice seeing people living and loving life. My body was giving up but my spirit was so glad I went out with those people.


And now here's why I love marriages.

My greatest inspiring moment was seeing such a lovely couple. Ma'am Alma and Sir Mayong was a picture of a happy marriage. They have 3 children but still manage to have fun all by themselves. I saw them dancing and laughing and hugging. I love couples! :) They made fun of each other's weaknesses and hailed each other as well. They are few of the couples who keep inspiring me that marriage is such a wonderful part of life's journey.


Ma'am Alma kept emphasizing that being married was hard. But I seemed not to care. At that moment, all I felt was the excitement of getting married :)

Another picture of seems like a perfect marriage is that of my mentor Sir Rene and his wife, Ma'am Teray.



I see them often and everytime, they're happy :) Again, I don't care how married people describe their relationships as such a roller coaster. Now, I'm just into all the goodness it brings. :) Of course, every relationship has benefits and it's SO delightful to imagine myself being with a partner who's born to take this journey with me :)

Do Talk To Strangers

When we were little, we were told not to talk to strangers. And now, books for grown ups tell otherwise. It is said that it boosts confidence. It develops our personality when we learn how to start conversations with strangers. And I add, it gives new appreciation of life.

While commuting on my way home, I was seated beside the driver of a public vehicle. It was kinda late at night. All I really wanted that time was to close my eyes, keep my mind at rest and was hoping to take a short nap during the ride. I've just closed my eyes when the driver started talking.

He was asking where my place was. But instead of being pissed off, I acknowledged his question and answered him back politely. You know why? Because he was so polite, too. Then the conversation continued. He started talking about his family. He was married with four children but his wife was in Japan working. She had not come home for 3 years. Their 4th grade child chose to study there to be with his/her mother. (I failed to ask if it was a daughter or a son.) Just like any other OFW, the wife sacrificed the joy of being with her family just to give them comfortable lives. The husband was left to take of their children. In the morning, he was a "house-band" and at night, he drove. According to him, it wasn't about money that he worked for. His wife provided more than enough. It was some kind of a diversion from his everyday role as a "house-band". He needed to do something for himself also.

I felt his longing. Three years! Omg! Even with Skype, the loneliness still seemed to be so unbearable. I suggested that maybe they could just start a business. (*Sigh*.. As if they hadn't thought of that. Well, I was just offering a thought. Maybe. Just maybe that one in a trillion chance they might have not thought about it. Hehe..) But he said that if they only knew how. (At these times, I wished that everyone had a rich knowledge on business so they'd not leave home to earn a living.) My heart was as if crumpled and my throat was tight. I felt for him. He seemed to be contented. At least that was how he projected. But I knew there were silent prayers that someday, their family would be completely together again. And I said the same silent prayer.

It was a whole different experience for me as I had everytime with a complete stranger. I love hearing other people's stories. It makes me admire the wisdom of people, get inspired by their stories, and at the same time it makes me grateful for the simple things that I sometimes neglect.

We'll never know who these strangers will be in our lives and what lessons they can contribute to our appreciation of human experience. :)

Who Would You Stop Loving?

"If you could stop loving someone, who would it be?"

Such a strange question. I came across this while I was searching for a reflective question. Something that would help me evaluate my life, my heart. And this one struck me.

How could one want to stop loving someone? That is just so strange for me. And then a name of a friend came in to me. And I thought yeah! It was a valid question after all.

She's been loving this person for so long and thinks it's unhealthy for her already. She tried several times to let go of the love. Tried different strategies. But it just didn't work.

And as I type now, I can point out more situations where one should really stop loving someone. And the common reason, that love has turned out to be harmful for the heart already. At these times where the hearts prove to be more powerful than the minds, the mind SAYS.... (Oh! This is an understatement.) The mind SHOUTS no!!! But the heart pretends to be deaf.

Who would you stop loving? And if a person comes to your mind, would you really WANT to stop loving? Or do you NEED to stop loving him/her?

I Miss Cooking

I was a self-acclaimed chef. That was when my hands and my heart were so fired up for cooking. Hehe... And that acclamation happened only once in my life at about a month or so. After that, it seemed that I had a low heart to cook so "bongga" again. :(

My family loves cooking - Ilonggo dishes at that. My father's specialties are the "pang-fiesta" dishes. My mother enjoys preparing desserts. My sister and brothers love innovating my parents' dishes. They put a modern touch. (With modern, I mean the styles of slices of the ingredients, the presentation, etc.) Their creativity comes out with every dish.

Me? I'm the one who arranges the table. And just waits for everything to be served. That is when I'm in a good mood. But oftentimes, I just wait. :)

But with an eye-opening on how food is important for the family, the joy it brings to the people, I found myself wishing to be the "cooker".

And so, one summer I got so passionate about learning how to cook formally. I got into a cooking school for a month. And I found myself indulged in every step towards a great dish! Yey!

I learned how to market. I learned about the existence of strange names of vegetables, oils, wines, pastas, and sauces. Everyday I was looking forward to a new learning. It was a great achievement for me! :)

(My apron then.)

(Before I continue, I have a secret to share. There was a hidden agenda why I wanted to learn how to cook. Ready? This is something petty and maybe funny. Hehe.. But anyway... Here it goes. At that time, I felt I was preparing myself for an ideal marriage. And an ideal wife should know how to cook. And so I needed to know how. What's funny? I wasn't in a relationship that time... Well, for future purposes. Hehe..)

And after I graduated, I enjoyed cooking for my family. It takes me hours to finish one dish but everything's worth my every effort after. My mother got excited for everything that was new that I served. She was my greatest fan. (As always..Thanks Ma!) :) She would savor every taste and would ask several things which nurtured my desire even more.

My brothers, on the other hand, would eat everything on their plates, would have another served or two and then would complain about the taste after. They would comment on being overly salty, overly sweet, sometimes lack of whatever not so nice they could think about. *Sigh* Were brothers made to pull down spirits? So glad mothers exist.

(In one of my cooking classes)

But my glorious days of cooking were gone. I haven't cooked good and real food for quite a long time. :(

When I started living in BQ, I got used to preparing easy-to-prepare dishes and worse, the instant ones. And I have noone here to share my joy of cooking with. When I go home, I just rest and enjoy the luxury of my parents' cooking for me. Well, I sometimes cook but not at a bounty just like then.

I soooooo miss cooking. Not in a sad mode but with an excitement that if I'll cook again, it would be so much more special. :)

Smile Because It Happened

Don't cry because it is over !!! Smile because it happened...

I happened to have read this as I was checking a friend's wall on Facebook. And it was as if there was something in the statement that it left a magical mark in my heart. And it brought me to a reflection.

When something ends, more often than usual, the pain would just be so unbearable that we would think it's the end of the world. And we can't help but wallow over our sorrows. And we tend to forget the growth it would bring to our inner being. Everything would just be so dark, so hopeless. Feelings of unworthiness would creep in through every nerve. And we would cry so hard!

It's seldom that we remember to smile because it happened. Whatever that thing is, however painful, we soon should realize that it was a significant part of who we have become... :)

I hope that magical mark would always remind me to smile...

Just A Spontaneous Wednesday

It was a Wednesday and we didn't know what to do!

Here in Mindanao State University, Wednesday is an activity day for students. It's a free day for teachers (some of the teachers). Not for me. I have a 3-hour class on Wednesdays. My first time ever! I so love having Wednesday classes. It's a cure from having idle moments. After work, I usually just get back in my cave and study again for next Wednesday's lessons. But I felt so alone already! And so, with my eyes closed, I walked away from my planner and flew my way to the city to enjoy a free afternoon.

I was with Laiza. We ate our happy food. Jollibee! I soooooooo love you! You take my loneliness away. Hehe.. I know it's not good to indulge oneself on junkfoods. But I can't help it! It just makes me soooo happy! :)


We strolled and I had a facial. Another happy moment! :)

And we didn't know what to do after. It was so early to go home. And I wasn't ready to spend another lonely night in BQ. And so we decided to disturb Ate Doli's peaceful evening. (She's a co-worker.)

We bought Bounty Fresh Chooks To Go (another favorite) and hopped our way with joyful hearts at Ate Doli's.



The rain fell so hard while we were there. I had to borrow slippers to not ruin my mother's shoes :).

And we walked through the rain! Ohhh.. How I love the rain. It's just my all-time-favorite moment. Nothing beats the music that the raindrops make, the cold breeze that touches my skin, and the cleansing feeling that it gives.

(It was a chillin' cold ride. Eeeeee...)

Life's simple pleasures are truly what makes it more exciting! :)

Children Make Me Happy

Last Sunday was a surprise! :)

I go home only on weekends so I always see to it to spend quality time with family. I love Sundays most especially. It's when everyone's at home. Lunch time is the happiest. Talks and laughters would reign all over the house.

But last Sunday was extra special. We were visited by tons of children. Hehe.. I just exaggerated that one. There were just actually four. But to us, that's a lot since we're all grown up and nieces are far. Thus, visits of children always excite us.


Revson and Heart are constant visitors. They are my most loved cousins. It's because of them that I discovered my love for children.


It was the first visit of Floy2x and Ella. They are not actually relatives. They are my cousins' cousins. The son and daughter of Shiela, my Aunt's sister-in-law.


I so love children. Their laughs and giggles are music to my ear. Even their cries, too. They are undeniably adorable. Children are like angels. They remind me that earth is still a wonderful place to live in. And that I believe, I'll be a wonderful mother :)

I'm Alive

I'm loving this song of Celine Dion at these moments. I love Celine Dion! :)

This is my latest song in my MP3 player. I needed some dance songs to get my cells moving after amazing mood swings. Happy moves create happy thoughts! I wanna move my feet and lift my hands, sway my hips and sing on top of my lungs. Whew! I really am so glad I'm alive :)

"I'm Alive"

Mmmm...
I get wings to fly
Oh, I'm alive

When you call on me
When I hear you breath
I get wings to fly
I feel that I'm alive

When you look at me
I can touch the sky
I know that I'm alive

When you bless the day
I just drift away
All my worries die
I'm glad that I'm alive

You've set my heart on fire
Filled me with love
Made me a woman on clouds above

I couldn't get much higher
My spirit takes flight
'Cause I'm alive

(When you call on me)
When you call on me
(When I hear you breath)
When I hear you breath
I get wings to fly
I feel that I'm alive
I am alive

(When you reach for me)
When you reach for me
Raising spirits high
God knows that

That I'll be the one
Standing by

Through good and through trying times

And it's only begun
I can't wait for the rest of my life

(When you call on me)
When you call on me
(When you reach for me)
When you reach for me
I get wings to fly
I feel that

(When you bless the day)
When you bless, you bless the day
I just drift away
All my worries die
I'm glad that I'm alive

When you bless the day
(I just drift away)
I just drift away
All my worries die
I know that I'm alive

I get wings to fly
God knows that I'm alive

This is my new happy song. Stay happy world! :)

Happy Birthday Ashly!

My second niece just turned two last Sunday! Happy Birthday Baby Ashly!

She's my eldest sister's 2nd child - the youngest for the next 5 months. She's again pregnant. Hopefully, it'll be a boy this time.

I've seen Ashly only once. That was during our vacation in Capiz the summer of 2009. She's now living in Tarlac (where my brother-in-law's family is) while her parents are working in Dubai.

When I saw her, she was just this cute little baby..



And look at her now....





I haven't recognized her at first look. I had to look for that signature look of her eyes and eyebrows. And not to mention her "triangle-holed" nose. Haha! We have something in common. :)

I just got these pictures from the facebook account of the wife of the brother of my brother-in-law (huh?! nosebleed. Hehe..) My sister is being tagged and she also tags me in all Ashly's pics. It was our only way to somehow witness her growth. It's like a fiesta at home when we have new pics of her, gathered around the computer adoring every part of her. It's so funny at times when there's just two or three pics and my mother would spend as if eternity in looking at the pictures all over again. And again. And again. Haaaayyy... Sometimes, a bulb would light up above my head. What if, I'll just give them another apo. Haha!

The family in Tarlac once in a while sends us CD of her videos. The usual cutie "firsts" of a child. Her first walk. First dance. First words. Just imagine the faces of my parents. The Lolo and Lola longing to embrace their little angel once again.

Last Sunday, we celebrated with her from afar. We had a super lunch, remembering her birthday. It was such a happy weekend since my sister from Davao also came home.

We called her and I was so amazed! She was already talking! My father's heart almost melted when she said, "I love u, Lolo." Ohhh... I was teary-eyed. It was so sweet of her. But I guess, my mother got a little jealous. Ashly has not mentioned Lola. :P And yes, I admit. I got a jealous, too. I wish she remembers our playtimes :(. But of course she doesn't. She was just a little less than a year that time.

I pray that you would grow into a wonderful child Ashly!

Love,

Tita Mai-mai

Alugbati is Malabar Spinach

Now I know!!! :)

Last night, I was cooking alugbati and kalabasa (squash) for dinner and I came to question myself about the English translation of my new favorite leafy vegetable. I immediately "googled" it and yes! It is Malabar Spinach. Sounds weird to me. :)



These leaves may not be even known in other parts of the Philippines. Or some would even think it's just one of those grasses. Haha.. I didn't like eating this before. It was so slimy for my taste. I even cursed it(literally) with the mongo. I always cry when I don't like the food on the table. I wasn't considerate of the feelings of my mother who prepares the food. Me and my "maarte" self. Sorry Ma. :P

But I started eating veggies after being fed up with so much fastfood. (Maybe that was 2 years ago). I also got conscious about my health. "We become what we eat." I remember reading that from a cookbook. And when I started living away from home, I missed the alugbati and the mongo and the squash and all others which I cursed before.

Now, I'm always excited for the weekend meals. And when I'm home, my mother and especially my father see to it that my new favorites are always served. :) Thank you soooo much for spoiling me! :)

Friends For Nearly A Lifetime

People amazingly bonded by differences remained to be friends for nearly a lifetime.

Yup... I'm just really so amazed how we stayed to be so strong amidst time and distance. Meet my lifetime friends!

(Lolo Bents, Harvey, Guimo, Me, and Borj.. minus Kuya Edgar and Luvvy)

This is my Pugadbaboy Family. The group was formed during highschool. Can't remember how. Can't remember why. You know highschool years. Teens always desire to belong. And we always go with people who somehow tell so much of who we also are. Our class then was divided into groups. Everyone belonged to a particular group. I was so blessed to be in uhmmm... 3 groups! :) Ahhh... I feel so loved...

I had a girl group called CREAM which was an acronym for our names - Cham, Rizza, Ems(that's me), Aprilyn, and Melody. (So smart of us to have thought about that huh.) This was actually my first group ever in highschool. But we haven't really sustained the bond because some went to other sections already. :( But of course, our hearts remain loyal to each other. I miss you girls!

My second girl group (actually semi-girl group because we had one boy), was the Healthy Babies. Our then DJ friend, Kuya Chester of 98.3 Home Radio (still my fave station!), gave that name to us because almost everyone was healthy/chubby except ME :) (By the way, Kuya Chester is now a policeman. Isn't that amazing?!?) These girls are my other lifetime friends. We've been through a lot together. Can't imagine my life without them. Though each one's busy building their families, their careers, we still see each other, especially during the important events of our lives. I never would have survived highschool without you my dear friends. I love you all!

(Just some of the HB. We're actually 11. Haven't scanned the pic where we're complete.)

And the third was the Pugadbaboy. This really is a unique group. The extremes, I guess :) The upper extremes I must say. :)

We had "The Valedictorian" with us. Oops.. That would not be me (sadly). That's Guimo. The most intelligent and humble creature on earth. He's so blessed with lots of talent. An awesome writer and "drawer". Hehe.. (Kinuha mo na lahat Guims.)

We had "The Talkative." Well, I'd rather say, the most vibrant, the most outgoing, and the most "happy" man on earth. That would be Borj. He's a singer, a dancer, a photographer, a director, choreographer, dubber, best actor (He can make a comedy script so dramatic and the other way around. Could you imagine how brilliant that is?!) And wait, before I forget, the sought-after prince. :P

We also had the "The President". The grand slam president, Harvey. Everyone loved his leadership. We couldn't let him go even if he ousted himself from office. Haha! That was a very memorable moment. The most responsible and organized person! So admiring! And hey, he's a walking bookstore. You need stapler? scotchtape? extra ballpen? My gosh! He had it all!

We had "The Quiet Artist" but charming Kuya Edgar, my most gentleman bestfriend. Everyone loved him. He was the mabait type. He sings, plays the guitar, draws well, and a mathematician! What more can you ask for?

We also had "The Singer". That would be my other bestfriend (girl version:) Desiree. But I call her Luvvy. She's also a dancer, an actress, and a beauty queen!

We had "The Scientist", Bents. I call him Lolo Bents. (Because again it was a family. We had our own roles :P). He just soooooo loved science. It's as if he knows every scientific phenomenon on earth! Whew!! You need not to read a book. Ask Lolo Bents and he has the answer. Hehe.. And he was the grandslam Most Punctual!

And we also had the Uhhummm... Me... Omg! Who was I again? I wasn't the singer nor the dancer nor the artist. How come I wasn't the upper extreme?! Oh! I remember! I was "The Contact Person". Haha! What a role!

What I love about being in a dominant guy group is that, a girl feels so taken cared of. I feel protected and secured and so loved :) Luvvy and I are sooooooo blessed! :)

The family had a reunion because Lolo Bents came home from Mindoro(his workplace). We always do that. We see each other when he comes home...To catch up on things. Just minus Luvvy and Kuya this time. (work related excuse). But we had Sahara with us. :) Papa Guims' "love interest". Hehe.. Sometimes, she plays to be the cousin.


(with Sahara)


So fun to be with you everytime guys! Ours is a living proof that friendships grow amidst time and distance! Love you all! Huggggggggggssss!!! :)

On Being A Teacher

I've been teaching for a little more than four years. And I'm still loving it. My first year was a blast. "I was born to teach." That I held in my heart. I was so fired up! Every moment was as if living a dream. Standing in a room filled with hungry minds just made me so eager to be at my best always. The styles of teaching and the values I learned from my teachers were my weapons. I had nothing more. And as the years passed, I learned how to be a teacher on my own.

But those four years were not all shining moments. There was one year (the 3rd year) when I questioned this path. I got tired. I got so used up that I thought the best thing was to give up and find another career as early as then so I wouldn't have to regret sticking to something I don't really love.

Those were dark times. I didn't find any joy in anything. In the classroom. In making my lessons, exams, grades. Everything seemed to be a burden. It was hard waking up in the morning. I always had my shoulders sagged and my feet seemed to be very heavy when it was time to go to work. I was always wishing for holidays. I had several plans of skipping classes. I was deeply convincing myself that it was for me but I found no affirmation at all. My heart was so dry for teaching.

I didn't know exactly what was the turning point of loving it back. But I'm so glad I'm loving it back! :) Now, I again am saying, "I was born to be a teacher." Now, I am better! :)

1. I prepare my lessons well and so ahead of time.
2. I'm looking for ways to make my students enjoy my class, learn my lessons, and not just learn them but retain them.
3. It's not about what I know but how I am able to make them know.
4. It's how I love math that I'm able to make them love it also.
5. It's how I value my profession so they'll be inspired to be educators, too.
6. I always make sure that I start my day right so I'll feel good about myself and that I can share the joyful experience with my students.

My fulfillment as a teacher is that my students would go out of my classroom with a smile in their hearts and that they'll desire to come back the next meeting not because they have to but because they'd love to.

Non Stop Missing

It's been a little less than a month of missing each other after Ate My has transferred workplace. We're still in the emotional stage. Our messages would always be how grateful and blessed we were of having each other, that we miss our wonderful moments together.

It's quite funny for me sometimes because I'm getting used to not having her around but at times when I'm reminded that this would mean forever, I find myself half sorrowful. And every everytime that happens, I would visually tap my shoulder and would half-talk to myself saying I would be ok.



Maybe that was two weeks after her transfer, I visited her new world. It was a laugh-filled moment, as it always is when we don't see each other for long. We talked a lot, as what it would always be also when we failed to update each other for quite some time.

I felt a little tight in my throat when we were in her cubicle and when she said she was glad to see me and that she missed me so. I did not say any word because surely my tears would accompany whatever I would have said.



Well, I know this missing wouldn't stop. What I'm hoping now is that when I think about her, I would forget the pain and just experience pure joy.

Grow

I was listening to an Audiobook "50 Things I'm Going To Do Today" by Brian Johnson and the first thing that he said was GROW!

Then I smiled. :) I flashed a big smile even in class. But I was sure that not one of my students saw me. I was seated behind them all. They were busy with the exercise that I gave them. I was in my computer class. The one I was so excited about for so long. It was something I dreamt of. Computer + Math = paradise!!!

When it was offered to me, my cells were as if jumping and running and screaming. I felt my blood rushing through my every vein! Then I started my research. I've prepared for months. I was not that excited. Just so-so... :P

Some of my plans for the subject were not possible. Some of the softwares I prepared wouldn't run in a diffrent operating system. I got frustrated at first. But there were even more wonderful opportunities for better teaching the subject which came along.

I again remembered someone saying, "Everything I need comes to me." So I just take it easy because things just unfold right before my eyes as I need them.

And here I am enjoying every chance of growth! :)

I'm loving this teaching life! :)

I believe I am at my best state as a teacher! :)

A Different Life Without Her Near

I've been preparing for this moment. And I'm grateful because she prepared me before this would really happen. When everyone was caught unaware of her transferring to another workplace, I found my heart at ease. She's been praying for this. And I have been praying for her.

Ate My, my closest friend for the past two years has transferred to Davao.

I'm not good at letting go's. But as the circumstance would ask, I could manage. Like what she has always reminded me, "It's a process."

And I'm now in the process of letting go. Not letting HER go. But letting IT go. What am I really letting go? Hmmmm... Everyone says it's ok. She would just be 3 hours away.. Yeah. I know. Davao is not that far. But it still would be very different. We've lived under the same roof for 2 years. I see her more often than I see my mother. And it's painful to visualize a day when she wouldn't really be around physically. Thus, I'm letting go of some things which we used to have but will never be having anymore...FOREVER.

But I choose not to mourn. Because apart from the physical presence of our friendship which would now be broken, this is a moment to celebrate. I celebrate her victory because this is a dream come true for her.


For two years of being together (as friends not just workmates), I'm blessed to be a witness of almost every aspect of her life. Ate My is my co-worker, my housemate, my friend, my "co-fabulous" woman, and my sister in Christ. :)

As a worker

She's a goal-setter. But definitely more of a go-getter. She knows what she wants. She knows how and works hard to get it. She always looks for ways to increase her value as an employee. She's undeniably an asset of the university. She never stops learning and thus she offers better outputs everytime.



I'll miss her wisdom about career, goals, dreams, and being a teacher. I'll miss her vibrant aura in the office, giving smiles to everyone.




As a teacher

Her students adore her. She's a favorite. She always desires to be a role model and an inspiration of her students. She studies hard so she can impart more. To some extent, she gets to know her students' personal lives so she can understand them better.



I'll miss her pursuit of always being the best educator everytime.



As a housemate

She's so cheerful. The Bachelorette's Quarter is of different atmosphere when she's in it. She's the source of loud laughters and silent cries (sometimes also loud when pain is just so strong. She couldn't fight the urge to shout it out :P).



She's a generous giver and sharer. :) We share a lot of things. The rice cooker. The knife. The plates. (When she was gone, I realized I haven't had my own knife for 2 years. Amazing realization. :P)

She has become my sister since we started living in BQ together. We do almost all things together. We cook together. We eat together. Going to the market. Washing clothes. Singing in the bathroom. Gardening. Walking. Playing badminton, bowling. Birthday dinners hopping. Tuesday nights out.




We became each other's confidant. We talk about almost everything, if not everything. We love talking after work. We find ourselves resting at the sala, opening a pack of Mr. Chips or Cream-O or offering each other apple or orange. Silence would reign for a while. Then we would look at the emptiness and she would suddenly pop up a question. Two possible things would happen. Either we would end up laughing at the top of our lungs or hugging each other because we were already shedding tears.


I'll miss her presence in BQ. It's a whole different world without her there.



As A Friend

She's so loving. She has a gift of making people feel good about themselves that's why she makes friends easily. She has a genuine heart. She gives light to her friends' soul. She's so fun to be with. She's so honest with how she feels and is not hesitant to tell even the most embarrassing things about her. She makes you laugh. She makes you cry. She's with you physically and emotionally. She has a good ear for people in pain and a good hand for people in need.



She's the closest friend I have now. Noone understands me better than she does. Sometimes, we just look at each other and we understand. I don't share my life too often. Only few people know the real me. But she knows me so well. She would know how I feel by just looking through my eyes. (I'm usually good at hiding my feelings but she still can read me. Haaayyy.. Disadvantage. :P)




I'll miss hanging around with her. She brings out the best in me. It's just so rare to find a person who would connect even through the soul.


As A Woman

She's so fabulous. I just admire her womanhood. Her beauty from inside radiates on the outside. She's a picture of strength and fragility in one.



She can do a lot of things on her own. She can endure every trial. But at times, she can be so delicate that it would need a lot of care to handle her.


I've somehow seen her grow into a beautiful butterfly. And now, she continuously flies with colorful wings which evolves and becomes more colorful each day. And I'm so excited to witness her fly even higher...to an even more beautiful garden.


I'll miss our "fabulous women" moments. We both enjoy our womanhood sooooooo much that it would be different not having her near enough to share every fabulous event in our lives. :)




And now that she has started a new life away from here, I still hold her so close to my heart. In that way, I feel her near from afar.

Creamy Carbonara

Want to do something special for the day? You feel like cooking? I have an easy and delicious recipe for you :)

I got this recipe from the internet some time ago and have modified it a little bit to fit the discriminating taste buds of my family. :) My brothers want it more meaty. My mother wants it to have more mushrooms. And I want it cremier. :)

I've tried this several times at home when my brothers request for a quite heavy afternoon snack. It's so easy to prepare and very affordable. :) For a 400 or 500 gram pasta, it'll cost you a little less than P300. And it can serve 6-8 persons.

Ingredients:

400 g pasta (Any type. Be experimental on the type of pasta.it's fun! :)..)
200 g cooked ham, sliced into dice (I use the Sunpride cooked ham. Never tried anything else.)
1 big can mushroom ( Mushrooms are delicious!)
2 250 g Nestle cream (or Alaska. For me, it doesn't really make a difference)
1 smallest size of Eden cheese :) (For cost-cutting purposes :)...)
2 beef cubes (It's what I use so I don't have to experiment with other seasoning)
2 tbsp of butter (It adds to the taste and aroma. But vegetable oil will do)
1 medium white onion
1 tbsp minced garlic

Steps:
1. Cook pasta according to label instructions. Set aside.
2. Saute onion and garlic with the butter. Be careful not to overheat the pan so as not to burn the butter.
3. Add in the diced ham and cook for a little while until slightly brown.
4. Add in the mushrooms. Mix until slightly brown. Or just until it mixes well with the ham.
5. Add the Nestle Cream and simmer until it slightly boils. (You can also add half cup of water.)
6. Add the cubes and the cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the pasta and mix well.

There!!! You have a creamy pasta carbonara! :)


Tips:
1. Carbonara is best served when hot.
2. You can use chicken strips instead of ham. And chicken cubes instead of beef.
3. There are pastas which are bought in 500g packs. Use 3 packs of Cream so as to achieve the creaminess even until you reheat it for the next day.
4. Presentation says it best. So, in everything you cook, use the best serving dish! :)

Happy cooking! :)

My First Day High :)

Just done with my first day of class this semester!!! :) And I'm feeling ohhh sooo good about it. :) I've never felt so excited to start a sem and never been this fulfilled after the first day! :) A very great way to start something so wonderful and successful.

I had a very nice schedule and very interesting subjects. Well, actually I'll only be teaching Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics this sem. There's been a shuffle with the teaching loads because of the two newly-hired lecturers in replacement of a professor(my thesis' adviser) who's on a study leave.

So this sem is somewhat a new change in the department and in me. But as I have perceived changes, this one is such an advantage to me.

1. I'll be handling students all from the College of Education. The first time ever in my career. I got excited about this because I remember a vision of mine not so long ago that I'll be teaching teachers and future teachers. (The Lord answers my prayers so fast:)....)

2. I am positively forced to change my teaching strategies from lots of lecturers (a strategy that I apply to engineering students because they have good math foundations in high school and topics in algebra and trigonometry are mostly effective with the use of lecture method) to different teaching styles which would create a better learning appreciation of my BS Elementary Education students. (They are not so into math and thus, I have to make them at least like it. And to do that, I have to find ways to make them so. :) Quite challenging and I like this. )

3. I am offered to teach a newly-offered subject. Still in education. It's a Seminar on Technology in Mathematics. It was given to me before the end of the last semester and I have actually prepared for it during summer. :) I'm always excited about learning new things from computers and this subject greatly captured that interest. I pray that I'll be able to provide my students the required skills that are expected of them.

4. For the first time ever, I'll have a Wednesday class. :) In this university, we only have regular classes four days a week. A wednesday is an activity day. But due to the excess of classes maybe and the limited laboratory schedule, that computer class I've mentioned will be on a Wednesday. This would mean a no-idle day for me. :)

5. I'll have classes in another building. Another first time ever. (Maybe I should have entitled this post "First Times" :)...) This for me is another advantage because I'll be in a new environment which would mean a fresher aura. Fresher energy and thus, fresher perspective and fresher attitude! :)

There!!! The things that I'm so glad about my first day of this school year.

May my excitement and enthusiasm be continually renewed throughout the semester that every day will be as if my First Day! :)

Summer Is Officially Over

For a person working in the academe, start of classes signals the end of summer. And yes, this day is the end of my summer 2010.

What did I have for summer?

Just as what I've envisioned it to be. I had no major trips. I had no major getaways. I had no major gatherings which I attended to.

1. I had my first summer classes ever and I had so much fun! :) Work was my life this summer.
2. I had generous amount of focus dedicated to my thesis! :) The one thing I've been dying to start for the longest time ever! The audiobook was right. The desire just fires up when you actually have started. Stop planning. Start acting! :)
3. I served the SFC's Christian Life program! :) And I'm so happy with the presence of my two good-old-friends Guimo and Harvey. :)



4. I had generous time spent with family! :) I love being at home. Good food. Good laughs. Good rest. Good conversation. Great people. Great love. :)
5. I had few stuff for myself - an MP4 player which I adored so much. I love listening to audiobooks to avoid idle moments. I listen to few when I'm washing my clothes, on the ride, waiting for a friend, before sleeping, or just anytime that I feel the desire to be filled with wisdom. I also had an external hard disk :) The thing that I've been dying to have for quite some time.
6. I had great time for myself! :) Even in the midst of busy days, I took time to dig in my inner being and it's always worth knowing the intimate part of me. :)


I become a better person everytime! I'm loving me each day!



It's not a typical summer that everyone desired to have. But it was a summer I so planned and wanted.

Nothing beats a fulfillment of a desired vision. It's just the way I wanted it to be! :)

And tomorrow will be a start of a new school year! :) I've never been as excited. I always am, actually, everytime. But this time is quite different. I feel so fired up and ready to give the best of everything that I am! :)

"I will work more than I'm paid for!"

Change Can Be Exciting After All

The past month, I went through an emotional struggle on changes. Actually, the changes weren't happening yet. I was just so into the future consequences of the things which were about to change. I engrossed myself too much on the negative effects of those changes. But I haven't anticipated the good things which would also go with them.

But thank God for the grace of enlightenment. Just about the changes truly occurred, I've handled and managed my emotions well and had actually tried to view everything from the good side.

And guess what, it's just in the matter of how you perceive things. I'm now happy with the changes in other people's lives which would partly affect mine. Partly and greatly, as well. :) Uhhhmmmm... That's about it. I can't explain further. Hehe...

Thanks to my one-week mantra. "I will handle my emotions gracefully."

And I know I've handled this one more gracefully than I ever thought.

I'm now more excited of what will come ahead of me. And of I will be able to overcome every challenge! :)

A Noble Act of Service

Our highschool batch holds reunion every December. We don't want to miss each other so much so we make it sure to see each other at least once a year. :) And we don't want to be surprised of each other's life's events so we catch up often. :)

Last December, we decided to do a noble act for our alma mater, the General Santos City High School. And via suggestion of our dearly loved adviser, we agreed to join the brigada eskwela this year.

"Brigada Eskwela is a schools maintenance program nationwide that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, effort, and resources in ensuring that all public schools are ready in time for school opening. It is a week-long event where communities, parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non-government organizations, and private individuals including teacher and student volunteers devote their time and skills to do repairs and maintenance work in public schools."

We called for pledges and had raised a generous amount. (I love you Einstein pips for having a kind and gratitude-filled heart!)

Harvey, Guimo and I had an ocular survey weeks before the Brigada to coordinate with the school officials for the needed service.



We also met our teachers and had a visit to our classrooms. :) Super fun! :)





Our Science Curriculum Coordinator, Ma'am Almasin emphasized the need for the repainting of ceilings of the 8 sci-curr rooms. And so it was. We were to paint the ceilings!!! :) We canvassed for paints and painting materials and our pledges were good enough to supply the 32 liters of paint. Yey! We got excited! :)

And then the day came! It wasJune 1, 2010. The day when Einstein '02 got back to GSCHS to show gratitude to our teachers and our school. After 8 years, we were back! All the good memories flashed back. We were not only there to visit but more than our presence, we brought something else. Something to share to our beloved school and to the present city highians. 

(The gang with our adviser Sir Gani and Sci-curr coordinator, Ma'am Almasin.)

(My first time to paint. :) I had fun!)