Hunter X Hunter

The long days of ‘no classes’ made me have an opportunity to sit down and watch. I cannot go out because I’m trying to recondition my self. I suddenly got sick after paying a visit to some of the wake of the casualties of Pepeng. Sad until now and thinking about that event is somewhat stalling.

So here comes a cartoon series that helped me cheer up. I’m not yet done watching the series but it did surprised me. I thought Hunter X Hunter is a cartoons about entertainment only. I was wrong. It teaches about values especially of respect, politeness, care and compassion to friends and animals. Aside from the wit, it incites the viewer to think deeply. Example, in one of the Hunter quiz given by the old lady, the question is: “If two of your children is kidnapped and you can only save one of them, which are you going to choose? One, your daughter; or two, your son?” Hmmm…tough question eh?

I love the innocence of Gon and his faith in people. The wisdom of Kurapica and of course Leorio’s foolishness is a comedy but he is compassionate. Maybe I can also see myself in Leorio. He’s an adult but the children, Gon, Kurapica and a third child, are teaching him the manners he he…Aside from that, he shows himself as tough, greedy and selfish in the outside to conceal his real self. He reasons money and greed as his intention to go through and pass the Hunter exam. But deep inside, he is going through all those trouble to acquire the money he need to become a doctor and heal people for free. He needs to portray that kind of character until he will be able to fulfill the plan. If not, it can be easily ruined by others.

These days, I have to show off myself as tough and hard to my students especially if the child is so weak. I noticed many of today’s generation are so weak. They were over-protected by their parents that if a problem and trial will come, they will easily give up. I don’t want them to become like that. Aside from that, I also have my personal reasons and just like Leorio, I have to stay like this for some time until the plan will materialize. Just like Leorio again, it is the students who also teaches me. Not through their year-end evaluation, but through their sharings, stories, answers to questions, characters and attitude. Just like what my high school teacher once told us.

Addicted to Boys Over Flower

I’m not the only one but I know there are millions out there who’s got a following of this Korean interpretation of hana yori dango Boys Over Flowers. The character’s looks are not the only reason why they’ve got millions of fans. Aside from nostalgia, I guess it’s also the message of the story and the real-life values/manners/virtues of the actors.

The drama inspires innocence, family, hope and with the witch-like mother of Gu Jun Pyo wreaking havoc to the life and family of Geum Jan Di, the latter did never harbor any ill feeling to the mother of her true love. Instead of revenge, she helped her realize what is more essential to her life. She opened her eyes to stop beeing greedy and channel her energies instead to the most valuable in her life: her family.

This is a story of teen-age romance. But instead of following the hollywood type of getting into a relationship in an instant, it teaches about being chaste. That is, knowing how to wait for the right time for love to get ripe before pullling it out from the tree.

Aside from the story, I’ve been trying to get a deeper glimpse of the actors in real life through the internet of course. It makes me happy that they are people of dignity, manners and compassion. Lee Min Ho (aka Gu Jun Pyo) is an ambassador to the UN’s food program, Gu Hye Sun (aka Geum Jan Di) built up a cafe for struggling artists to put up their work, Kim Bum loves to give charity to children, Kim Hyun Joong was so polite and toughtful that he sent his fans flowers to thank them for thinking about him when he was sick with H1N1 and even if it’s obvious that he’s not yet well, he sent fans affirmation telling them that he’s fine so that the fans will not worry. As for Woo Bin (another Kim in real life) is heard of as joining the army for his country? I’m not sure but even in his silence, fans can see his support to his fellow actors through the pix caught by fans. I’m happy that there are “idols” who exmplify and inspire good values to their fans.

Another one, Lee Min Ho in an interview said that he wants to be remembered as an actor who rose up because of DILIGENCE. Personally, I remember that line everytime I want to get lazy. Truely, they are characters and people worth of emmulation. And yes, I want to become like them and I’m on the process of refining my own self and character.

There are a lot of values and virtues notable of almost all Korean and Asian made movies. Values which the heart yearns to see, hear, preserve and promote . A universal and classical truth. The advocacy of values makes literature to stand out from the crowd and overcome the test of time.

For me, never mind if somewhat they are still lacking in acting skills and cinematography. Never mind if it is a low budget film. As long as the story is promoting good values, that is what I want in an entertainment.
under: movie
Tags: BOF

The Soloist

It's been a long time since I last visited my blog. Been busy posting them at friendster.I guess I'll just post some of them here...



A true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a talented musician suffering from schizophrenia. It tells about how he found friendship with Steve Lopez, an LA Times columnist. Out from this friendship, chronicles of the life and struggles with mental illness touch and inspires many readers. And through this movie, he continues to inspire, give hope and touch lives.

I say, he is not only a talented musician but a great teacher too. The two-hour movie inspires in me determination, diligence and to treasure and make the best of where I’m in and what I have.

Many more reflection do I want to put into this blog. But the many tasks, tiredness and sleepiness from the day’s work keeps me away from doing it. Huhhhmmm… Well, at least the Soloist made me add one more post despite the heavy eyes.

Time to take some rest…zzzz
under: movie
Tags: movie

It Took Me This Long

October 24, 2008. I've finally decided to take the belt exams. Ready or not, in good physical condition or tired, I have to. I've stalled myself for too long a time.

I've been practicing karate for reasons of discipline and physical fitness only. The discipline part is already hard because as Sensei Jun said, "diay bagi yu ti kalaban yu ditoy" (During practices, it is the self that is the real opponent). To endure pain and push your body to the limits, to discipline the mind to counter the whinning self and focus on the training are already some challenge.

And yes! Finally, I've reached third kyu. But with the higher rank of belt comes greater challenges and responsibility. I have to constantly remind myself to train harder. To put more zeal in the trainings and stop thinking of myself and be a good example to the lower belts.

Here again, I see God's hands at work. He wants me to push harder and to overcome the self. He constantly reminds me of the past. Of Senseis and Sempais who are an inspiration. They are not only good at karate but what I like best at them is their character. A result of the dojokun they carry with them always. They taught me well by word and by example. If before I was their younger sister, now I have to be the elder.

Honestly, I am already the oldest student when it comes to age at the Epiphany gym. The other adults are I think somewhere else around the globe if not in the Philippines. Looking at these young bloods, I can see myself in them. Whatever attitude I carry, they might immitate it. Just like what my seniors have imbibed in me when I was their age. I wonder what am I influencing on them? Is it discipline or lazyness? Hope its the good one.

Responsibility and the invitation to take the challenge are the two things that kept me from advancing. Not only in karate but in some aspect of my life. But hey, I have to move on. I know I can do much more better than my current performance. I am now facing my 'Jungian dragon.' And the belt exams is only the beginning. (Hey, this decision might even push me to join a tournament ha ha...)

What I grasped from two people with great passion in their cause

June 7, 2008. The diocese sent all its teachers to listen to two people who are willing to share their passion and purpose in life. The theme of the day is "Teaching as a vocation." Whether the(the diocese) wants to motivate and inspire their teachers and staff or to make them think of not transferring to greener pastures, there really are a lot of wisdom learned and inspiration from that day. Well, for this blog, lets set aside first the issue of competitive salary and focus instead on the things I want to reflect from that day.

I would start first with the second speaker who gave her talk in the afternoon. She is Ms. Ma. Lourie Victor. A half kankana-ey and half bisaya who looks like a 19 year old college student instead of a 35 years old lady. She is with the episcopal office of the Indigenoeus Peoples. As she was standing there talking about her cause, I can surely say that all of her energies is geared toward the causes of the IP's here in the Philippines. Brilliant she is, heck she is a graduate of Microbiology in the University of the Philippines. And I am proud because she is also a product of the elementary school where I came from: Benguet State University Elementary School.
She studied in Manila all throughout her high school and college days missing her opportunities to be with her IP culture. And now that she has come back, I can see a lot of hunger to get to know more about her Igorot origins. She encouraged us teachers to help in the preservation of our Igorot culture especially our indigenous values. She gave one example. The value of inayan. A value which made the veterans of WWII not to mutilate the dead bodies of the enemies. A value that prevents one Igorot from giving shame to himself and to his community. A value that promotes respect and humility. But sadly, this value of inayan is being forgotten because it is not being taught anymore to our children. She is full of passion for her cause and she made it her vocation. She answered "yes" where the need is most. I admire her for her strength and her energy. She is older than me but I cannot sense any tinge of tiredness. She is full of life, driven and fueled by her passion: the Indigeneous Peoples, her root and identity.

Comparing myself with her, she made me realize not to give up on my own cause. For the passion will help me overcome my own self. When I was at the age of 23 'till last year, I feel like a 91 year old woman. Soooo tired with all the obstacles and disappointments coming my way. Sometimes, I even think that I am only waiting for my own death. I know prayer will help me but there are days I simply want to let go. Another weakness I have is my depression. I'm like an Irish, happy when she's depressed. I admit depression is one of the factors that's eating a lot of my energy. I stopped practicing karate for around three months because of depression. Hence, I have to condition again my body to be fit for my belt and for the next promotional exam. I'm just lucky my sensei is not a slave driver when it comes to practices.


The second person I learned a lot from is the speaker in the morning. He is a first year English teacher in the Ateneo de Manila high school department. Everybody calls him Sir Pagsie. An 81 years old Dr. Onofre Pagsanjan. For what he is and what he is doing now is because of his own choice. Makes me think where does this old man derive all of his energies when in fact he is supposed to be retired for 31 years now. Not to mention that he volunteers his afternoon time to teach voluntarily in a public school! Going home as late as 8pm everyday. Lucky he is, he is with a wonderful, patient and understanding wife.

Again, what makes this old man going around for 81 years and many more is his PASSION.PASSION coming out from his love to share and mold young people to become good if not better. Passion to share his love for Christ because it is the same love shared with him from people around him and priests who helped and inspired him. Passion rooted in his love of GOD. PASSION being nortured everytime he receives the body and blood of Christ in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Yes, he is an English teacher talking in front of us but God is always present in all of his sharings. We listened to him from around 8am 'till 12:20(with a snack break of course) and he admits his talk is more of a recollection rather than inspirational, he he he. But hey, what he just shared to us is his own life story, his passion and his cause which is teaching! I realized that if one's life is a journey with God, I say, his life is more of a testimony of God's unending love and even in silence, one becomes a witness of the presence and goodness of God.

Sir Pagsie, though multi awarded and he even beat the late Ninoy Aquino in an oratorical contest, is still best remembered by people and his students as the best teacher around. Even in his speech, I noticed that the words he used whether English or Tagalog are deep vocabularies. Ang lalalim ng mga salita niya. Hinders my mind from wondering around because its busy trying to lunderstand those heavy meaning words. Hmmm...I will read more books to have the same vocabulary as his's.

Even at that age, he talks with so much energy and he continiously moves his hands and body. He even sings some line to make us grasp and remember the point. The atmosphere he creates is gay and lively! Makes me doubt if he really is an 81 year old.

For half a day, there are a whole lot of things learned from sir Pagsie. Classroom management, the mission vision of the American Jesuits summarized in 5 C's, living a simple life, psychology of the students, the concept of not forgetting to integrate in our lessons the significant human experience, availability of the teacher to guide his students, his childhood and what he (and us) learned from his mother that if you want to reach your dream, you should do it with capa y espada! (Like a hero going to a battle with all cape and sword.)and yes, teaching as a vocation. And, many many many more wisdom he shared.

Well, for that morning, we have had an incidental recollection, entertainment, inspirational talk and of course, the five C's imbibed in our hearts. Sir pagsie inspires us that the five C's be one of our objectives for our students. That is to make or mold them to be a wo/man of...
1. Christ centered
2. Conscience
3. Compassion
4. Competence
5. Commitmment.

As for me, these five C's will not only be a goal to my students but also for myself. To check myself if all of the things I do and all I am is Christ centered. Sir Pagsie, I assume delivers well C number one simply by being himself. All he does and all of his talk leads to Christ and is centered on Christ! He even manages to tag along with him some 20 plus of his students to have a "penitensya" and have an incidental lesson on religion and theology at the UP chapel during holy week. Telling also the life story of the priest who touched him who is also the priest who founded that chapel.

Conscience. The diocese doesn't want us to produce people who are successfull
only. But people who are successfull but at the same time, people with conscience. Not thinking only for themselves but also taking into consideration the others especially the less priviledged. Sir Pagsie is proud of his former students who grew up with conscience but for the others (and many of them)who are unfortunately even in the congress, he said: "i'd rather not remember them". Well, values formation is the hardest part of teaching but as my SI(Supervising Instructor, Dr. Schlaaf) said when I was a practicumer, "If there is even one student who becomes a follower of Christ, it is still a success on the part of the teacher." Hmmm...have I one? I wish I have...

Compassion. Love even when not said is felt if it is genuine. One thing that makes Sir Pagsie the best teacher for his students is the love he have for them. The father in him and his availability to listen to his students. He know very well that these richy-rich sons of the elite are neglected when it comes to the attention of the parents. If there are doting parents, it is onely a few of the many. He does this without neglecting his role as a father and husband to his own family. And he even have time to share this love and love of God to the poor in the slums.

Competence. As a teacher, Sir Pagsie gained numereous medals and awards. Remembering what his mother said about capa y espada, he always make sure that his grade is in the line of 9 even when he was included in the lowest section in his entry as a freshman in the Ateneo high school. As for me, I cannot undo anymore my failures in my transcript but while I am still breathing, I am determined to continue improving myself aiming that I will also be included as one of the best. I believe it's never too late.

Committment. Here comes the challenge. It is not just a matter of being a committed teacher but staying committed to San Jose High School. I know the calling is to stay in my alma mater for sometime. After some thinking, well I guess it's worth the sacrifice to forego of that high salary in exchange of the service I can render to my school. I will not yet join the exodus to greener pasture. Mas madali sanang umalis kung hindi lahat sila nagsisi job-hoping. Oh well, i'll just entrust then my future to God. Anyway, it is his calling. My yes to the vocation He is asking from me. For how long? Only God knows. But I strongly believe He will not forsake me.

To sum up in two lines the things that I learned from Ms. Victor and Sir Pagsie is a quote from Roldan. Who is Roldan? Well, "if you don't know him, never mind as long as you remember these two lines," as sir Pagsie said.:

LOVE your CALLING with PASSION
it is the MEANING of your LIFE. - Roldan

Passion, Purpose and Mission

Fr. Bacani in our seminar said that if the teacher has the passion, creativity and drive for transformative education will come from it. But if the teacher doesn't believe anymore in what he is teaching, then the passion will die down and it will be just another regular subject, creating students who are successfull in their fields but lacking in conscience and love of God.

To be a CLE (Christian Living Education) teacher is tough. The challenge of this clause: "Walk what you talk" is already tough, I also have to live with sticking with my commitment learning to trust God that I and my career will not become stagnant.Honestly, the low income almost enticed me to transfer to a school where the pay is double and the other one, triple my current income.

Passion to spread the Good New? Yes, I still have that. Yes, I can still fulfill my mission even if I transfer school. But what about God's purpose for me at this time? It is being challenged.

There are two factors affecting my passion:

1. As a young professional, it is the trend to aim where you can get the highest salary ever. That's why even in the field of education, many fresh graduates transfer from one school to the other, always seeking who can give them the highest compensation for their skill and talent. It is a force that even affects me. That's why in the past days, I feel left out because I am the one of the few who remained to stay and people around are still wondering why am I still there? This is somewhat affecting my Passion.

2. In the faculty, I cannot deny that there are people who are bitter and in other words, teachers who lost their passion. They may only be one or two but if one is always with them especially if they are in your department, in one way or the other, they can erase or remove the passion out of you. This already happened to a dear friend, driving her to not to reapply again. It caused a lot of hurt in her part. Maybe she has forgiven her but we all know that the other person can repeat history.

On the other hand, I came to realize that the more that that passion is being challenged, the more that the purpose and mission is being reminded and strengthened. The passion drives me to be the best teacher for this world. My mission nortures this passion. And God's purpose for me gives me the strength to carry on and leads me on the steps that I take.

But what keeps these three intact? Prayer. Somewhere in our seminar, Fr. Bacani also mentioned that if the passion is waning or is already is gone, do not forget PRAYER. Everytime that I feel so down, I still pray even if I don't feel like doing so. Just like last week when I'm planning on a career move, because of prayer, maybe I have totally forgotten God's purpose for me. I could have joined tha band-wagon. Prayer also reminded me that the hardships these days are temporary. I can feel God's promise for me that even in this lifetime, he will go on blessing me and my family. That this story will become a testimony of God's faithfullness.

Anticipating this school year

May 26, 2008 will be the day i'll be reporting for another school year. That would be the first day of enrollment and everybody will be busy again.

For some days now, I am anticipating what would the environment be with the coming of 10 or more new co-teachers. I am excited to know them and work with. Excited also for another chance to continue to learn more and master my craft as an educator. And excited also to know my load: that means, will I be teaching the higher years? Will my Arts 2 load be replaced with the Values Education Subjects? Will the BEC load be given back to us CLE teachers or will they remain to be handled by the advisers? What will be my advisory class? the question goes on and on but I'll have to patiently wait.

(Sigh) but honestly, with the excitement comes the same question that's bothering me for some time now. That is, to stay or follow the trend.

I enjoy my job and service in my alma mater and wish I would stay there 'till retirement but with the exodus of teachers for a greener pasture, I realized that success even in the teaching profession is also composed of good, if not the best financial compensation and appreciation of the administration of its teacher's efforts. Two co-workers who became close friends already resigned and another one is expected to leave after one or two years. My former teachers who became co-workers are also gone.

I don't know until when will this lingering question bother my mind but for this school year, i'll still try to continue mastering my craft. As one line that struck me in our seminar today says: " ...strive not only be the best in the world but be the best 'for' the world whatever your profession is."