My 27 years of existence... JOURNEY thru life...

Realization: I have written a lot of things about me months ago... I was looking for an article to read in the net when I thought of the things na sinulat ko noon. I have a blogspot account, I suddenly remember. Hehehehe... The last one I think was summer this year. Few people had read those articles,maybe beacause most of my friends either they have no time to read the article or they are not interested at all...

I am now 27 years old and still I really don't know what i had accomplished in life. (meron kaya?) Well, I really don't know.

Last July 20 was my 27th year. I know I'm getting older and older. I publishe a shout out on my Facebook account saying: "It's going to be a BIG Bigday tom". Surprisingly,many people (those who are part of my friends list) reacted tomy shout out... Funny, because they allknow, of course that it's my birthday the next day. Several people started greeting me saying "Happy Birthday Sir!". I was flattered they did greet me. Few hours past, more andmore people are greeting me. Surprise that even my former students in the former school (LDRM) started to gree me also... Wow! I was very happy, smiling while reading and giving back comments (Thank you note) to them. I don't know if it is still part of being a teacher to be greeted by the student but I was so happy on the night before my birthday. ; )

On the day of my birthday, still a lot of messages came in... Greetings from those people who was my students before. That time I realized a lot of things. I had touched so many lives before. Good, bad, happy, sad memories... I'm so happy that in their greetings they would add questions like: "Sir, do you still remember?" and I would comment: "Yes of course! how could forget you, you're my student before!". Being remembered by a former students is a flattering thing. I was able to chat to some of them, kamustahan, asking them regarding their studies, their present school, etc.. And they happily respond to my questions.. End part of the conversation is a piece of advice: "mag-aral ng mabuti ha".

27 years and yet single... hahahah... most of the people say na kadalasan sa mga teachers ay di na nakakapag-asawa...hahaha... katakot yata yun... i have plans of settling downnof course but i think it's not yet the right time. i still have a lot of plans pa eh. a lot, lot more... most of my batchmates in high school (St. Joseph Academy) were surprise seing me, because of such technology I was able to contact and talk to them oftentimes unlike before. They are all one click away... a keyboard away...

27 but happy... happy with my work, happy with all the things i have, happy being with my true friends... TEACHING... it's my passion... I have three siblings and all of them had their own family already... not only that, they had their own kid too! our eldest had a 7 month old daughter, my brother (who is next to me) had a 4 month old son, and our yougest had a 1 year old son... Pressure... hahahaha... ako na lng ang single sa aming apat... I love all my pamangkins of course... Whenever we see each other at home (Taguig) it seems like nothing had change, we still the old "we"... makukulit, magugulo, maiingay, masasaya at kung anu-ano pa... Sunday is our family day... it is the day when we are all present in our house in Taguig... bonding time, food trip, chats, asaran, etc... I'm very happy and proud to have such family...

27, 28, 29, 30, ..... 70, 80, even 90... i would still and always be happy... happy and proud being a teacher, a brother, a friend... a husband (malay naten hahahaha)....

When I Stopped teaching History and start teaching students...

I was moved by the video about Teddy and his teacher shown to us by the speaker in a seminar at Southridge.

After watching it,I came to realize that what i am teaching my students about my subject (History) is not enough. At first, I thought that giving full knowledge to my students about History would be enough to develop them as responsible human beings. But i overlooked everything. I could still feel and see the emptiness in them. I paused for a while and thought of a solution for the emptiness to become full. For everything to be filled up.

After graduating college, I envisioned my self of becoming a great teacher. I was confident about the subject I am teaching. I felt ready for the world. Ready to make a difference, ready to change the whole world. I took the responsibility of molding my students to become better people and responsible individuals. Everything was set, everything was ready, I am ready.

Here comes my first year of teaching,full of challenges (problems, conflicts, shortcomings). Still I feel confident. Little by little, I noticed that my students becomes familiar of my routine inside the classroom. At first it excites them but in the end became tired. Ignoring everything I did continue what I am doing. I feel confident.

Later, I feel the need of stopping what I am doing. I have to stop day dreaming. I have to face the reality. I have to stop teaching History and start teaching students.

TEACHING STUDENTS?! What's the difference? I am a teacher, I am teaching... That's it!!! Nothing else. But, I still feel half-full as a teacher. Something is missing.

When I enter Southridge and start teaching at the Afternoon School, I realized a lot of things. There is something beyond just teaching. There is something more than teaching History. There is something more important than teaching this subject.

YOU HAVE TO TEACH WITH A HEART....

This is the time when i stopped teaching History and started teaching SR-AS students...

Ang Pagiging Magaling....

Minsan naisip ko, magaling ba talaga ako o naggagaling galingan lang? Paano ba nasusukat ang galing? Ano ba talaga ang tunay na kagalingan? Sino ba ang makakapbsabe na magaling ang isang tao? Hay... napakahirap sagutin ng tanung?

Ikaw, anu ba ang basehan mo ng kagalingan? Paanu mo masasabe ng magaling ang isang tao?

Bilang isang guro, mahirap kilalanin kung sinu ang magaling na mag-aaral sa klase mo. Akala mo dahil mataas ang mga marka nya ay magaling na sya... Hinde pala... May pagkakataon naman na hnde sapat ang kabaitan para tawagin mo ang isang mag-aaral na magaling.

Sa iba't-ibnag larangan ay may taong maaari nating tawaging magaling. Sa pagtuturo, sa pag-aaral, sa pagkukumpuni ng kahit anu, sa paggawa ng mga sirang gamit, sa pagiging lider, sa pagiging miyembro, atkung anu-ano pa.

Gusto ko lng malaman.... anu ang basehan mo ng pagiging magaling?

"Yes We Can"

Civics and History Week '09
"Save our History, Save our Nation"

At the opening ceremony of this year's Civics and History week, the Afternoon School conducted a talk about Youth Empowerment. Mr. Dave Romano, a friend of Mr. Chock Encabo, was invited as the speaker. He's talk was entitled: "Yes I Can". He started his talk my by asking the students the five important questions. Unknowingly, it was an activity to test their level of confidence. He mentioned to the boys that, as the task or responsibility is getting bigger their level of confidence started to deteriorate. This is expected from the boys of AS. They are afraid of taking the risk. They are not that confident yet in taking bigger responsibilities. They all have the capabilities but they are all afraid to try.

"Yes I Can!!!"
A word quoted by Kuya Dave from the present president of the United States of America. A very strong word of confidence from a man who confidently won the election of being the president of the Land of Opportunity. Though he's not a pure American, though he's black, though his young, though his bloodline were not politician he still manage to convince the whole America that "Yes He Can". A strong words that became a great motivation for the Afternoon School students of Southridge to persevere more and aim high.

At middle of his talk ha had some activities were the boys are to answer some questions regarding decision making. Many questions were asked. The boys actively participated in the activities. The talk was very alive and interactive. I can see from the students that they're enjoying and at the same time learning a lot from the talk. One of the tips given by Kuya Dave, and has a very good impact to the boys, was about having a "compelling goal". Through this, the boys realized that everything ispossible, everything is achievable, everything is reachable...

Kuya Dave mentioned at the beginning of his talk that his talk would basically run for four (4) hours and more. But he only have one (1) hour. Though limited but it was worthy enough for the students of SR Afternoon School. Every minute of his talk is priceless, every word he uttered is meaningful. Indirectly, this causes the boys to revisit again their goals in life and to start anew. It was a very meaningful talk that really empowered the students of Southridge Afternoon School.

As to end this, I would like to thank our speaker Kuya Dave Romano for the empowering talk he gave to the students. It's a previlege to have you in our school.

"Yes We Can"

of being independent...

What's good about living all by your self is....


When i was young, i was so afraid of living the house without my parents. I was also afraid of going somewhere without them accompanying me. Maybe because i was used to it. I have 3 siblings, i am the second of the four. I am the eldest son. I got my name from my father. But later in college I shortened it to three letter name. "Rey"....

But my friends used to call me "Belen" before. It's my last name. Sick and tired of it, I decided to make use of my new name... "Rey"...

But at home, most of them call me "Sir", because i am a teacher. I get use to it already. Sometimes they would call me "Sir Rey"... nice name...

But anyway, going back to my title... "of being independent".... Nowadays, people would have their own place to live, especially those who can afford to. Living alone and away from their family was never a problem with them.

time would really come that you have to do this. When i started working, i decided to live with my friends in a small boarding house. Trying to be independent, without realizing the great responsibility it would cause me. It was hard at first, but later on, i was beginning to enjoy it. I have this feeling of freedom... liberty... independence...

I developed the sense of responsibility. Because i am alone, i could whatever i want. I could go to places without asking permission from my parents. I make decisions for my self.Independence it is... It's good to be free... But i have to be responsible with everything. In every good or bad action there's always a consequence. It acme to a point that i made the wrong decision. It haunted me. I was so wrong that even my work was affected. I kept it to myself. I have to solve it alone. I took me more than a year to recover. Whew!!! good thing i was able to correct everything.

Being independent isn't always fun. It's not about fun. It is like having a great power with a great responsibility. You have to be good with whatever you do, there's no room for mistakes. But it's inevitable, that is why you have to be prepared, always... Be sure to resolve everything before it become worst...

You better think not only twice but hundred times... Good luck!!!

Is teaching a profession... a continuation

College life could be so tough especially if you still don't know what are your plans. before graduating from high school i was able to apply in a university in which i do not know if i had a good chance of being admitted. it's the only university i applied for. what's in my mind during that time is that i'm graduating and so i can look for a job now and star earning money. but it wasn't too easy. i went on a job interview, i thought i was ready but during the interview i can't even face my interviewee. as a result, they didn't accepted me for the job. after my job interview, i had to rush to this university for my interview also, not for a job but for being a student. i learned my lesson, i have to be confident in everything that i would say to the interviewee. this time i prepared my self. the interviewee ask me: why do you want to take up BS Physics? and i answered confidently : because i was inspired by my physics teacher. i wanted to become like her -- a very inspiring, dedicated, intelligent teacher.
To make the long story short, i was accepted in the said university. here comes the first day. First year section 9. where is my buddy? i met him during the orientation for the freshmen. first subject: values education, hehehehe... i was happy to know that i've got physics subject again. now i can refresh everything. but half of it is chemistry... i was worried... i hate chemistry, i'd never liked this subject. never... it made everything worst, got 2.75 in my physical science class. i'm losing my chance of becoming a physics teacher...
A month before the end of the second semester, releasing of the result of the majorship exam. i took up BSE physics majorship exam which is first on my list, second is BSE social science and third is BEED (Bachelor of Elementary Education). I passed none of the three, i really felt bad about it. i am so disappointed. i went to the students affairs office for some advice, she told me that there are still other departments who are open for application. i don't want to waste time. i decided to take history exam... after three days i was happy to know that i passed the qualifying exam. This is how i ended up teaching history for four years now.
I never expected the subject to be so interesting! I thought history is boring, but i was wrong. With a combination of interactive activities and well-educated professors --- you'll enjoy and learn a lot from the subject.
i failed my physics teacher of her expectation from me. i went back to my high school to visit her. she was so excited to hear from me. i told her i was not able to make it. i am not a physics major but a history major. She look at me and smile. and then she said: it doesn't matter if your a physics or history major. what matters most is you love what you are doing and contented with what you have right now. Inspire others.

is teaching a profession?

"In education, a teacher is one who helps students or pupils, often in a school, as well as in a family, religious or community setting. A teacher is an acknowledged guide or helper in processes of learning. A teacher's role may vary between cultures. Academic subjects are emphasized in many societies, but a teacher's duties may include instruction in craftsmanship or vocational training, spirituality, civics, community roles, or life skills. In modern schools and most contemporary occidental societies, where scientific pedagogy is practiced, the teacher is defined as a specialized profession on the same level as many other professions."

This is an an article from wikipedia got my attention and so i decided to create an article bout it. Teaching is indeed a big responsibility, you really have to work hard in order for you to be in this profession. Being a teacher is , i guess, is a not a profession but a vocation. just imagine the number of students you faced everyday, the pile of works in your table inside the faculty room, not to mention the works you brought home. being a teacher needs patience, u should be hardworking and willing to set aside of your personal life (even love life) for the sake of a student who needs your help. sometimes you even forgot to eat ur meals because there are lots of papers piled up in your table to be check. so many dealines, a lot of things to submit, and a lot of problematic students to help everyday. sometimes, i was kinda thinking "what if im not a teacher"? will i be this kind of person? will i be like this?

in my high school years, i never thought of becoming a teacher. i was thinking of becoming a doctor, an engineer or a politician maybe. hahahaha! but really i never thought of becoming a teacher. in my 4th year, i transferred here in manila. i studied at Pasay City East High School. being new to the school of course, i was a bit shy and ashamed of myself (promdi eh). i befriended everybody. i belonged to a class which is 2nd to the lowest section. there are 17 section and i was in section 15. well the first quarter turn out to be good, i became the top 1 in the class, which made me very famous. and so my classmates always asked me about our assignments, rely on me in doing our projects and even voted for me to be the class representative in every competition in the school. but still i never thought of becoming a teacher.

here comes the second sem, there is this science teacher who inspired me much. i like her style of teaching. we learn a lot from her. from that very day, i said to myself.... i wanted to become a teacher!!!!

and so here i am, fulfilling my dream, enjoying what i do in life, contented with what im doing and willing to inspire others.

Summer Vacation Career Tips

You may feel that during the rest of the year you simply don't have time to even think about your future career, let alone do something about it. Although you may be equally busy in the summer, this is a great time to step back and think about your short-term and long-term career plans. Start by making a list of some reasonable summer goals. What are some of the key factors that you want to have settled by the end of the summer? Commit your ideas to writing and start prioritizing your needs. At the end of the summer, review and assess your new skills, interests and establish more goals for the year.

Here are my 10 tips for what you can do this summer to advance your career:

1. Explore Your Options
Try to progress from feeling "clueless" to narrowing down your options to your top ten, and then preferably to your top 3 to 5 choices. Start early and investigate what is required to break into those fields including the educational requirements and starting salaries. Your local library might have a career section of directories and other resources. Will you pursue work or further education?

If you are considering more education, gather catalogs of schools that interest you, work on your personal statement/essay, study and register for the SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT or other appropriate test. Plan some road trips to your top choice schools.

2. Strengthen Your Resume
There is no better time to write it than summer. If you already have a resume, be sure you update it with any new experience. A strong resume can produce multiple interviews. Have it critiqued and to make sure you are on track.

3. Volunteer Into A Career
Learn as much as you can about your options from volunteering. Make it meaningful and try to take on as many projects and responsibilities as possible. Any employer will expect you to have relevant experience in the form of work experience, volunteering, part-time jobs, in addition to strong academic credentials.

4. Network

Conduct informational interviews and meet people that can help you achieve your goals. Shadow someone in the field for a day or a week to get a taste of the profession. Tap into the networks of your family and friends to develop relationships with professionals and to generate other leads. Listen to what advice they give you on how to prepare for your career and be successful. Since career development is voluntary, take charge and responsibility for the choices and the opportunities available to you. Collect business cards for future reference.

5. Buy An Interview Suit
Make sure you have the proper interview attire; get it done during the summer when you have time.

6. Develop Transferable Skills
Most employers can teach you to perform a specific job, and so what they really seek in job candidates are "soft skills." These can be used in almost any career and can include teamwork, problem solving, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Any organization will also expect that you come to the job with motivation, initiative, positive attitude, ethics, and analytical qualities.

7. Obtain Strong References
When you do your full blown job search, an employer will ask you for references to confirm your abilities. Be relationship oriented with your references since you will need them to make a difference in your candidacy. If you apply to graduate school, they may be essential for being accepted. The Career Services office at your college may allow you to establish a Credentials File for storing your letters.

8. Read Three Career Development Books
During the downtime of the summer, I recommend that you read at least one relevant career book during each of the months of June, July and August. I might recommend What Color is Your Parachute, Do What You Are and Sweaty Palms. Read about various industries, employers, and specific job titles. When you think about how much time you will be spending at work, this type of research will be a real investment.

9. Take A Course
A summer class might help you catch up with credits, stay ahead of your course of study or help you learn a transferable skill. It may also lead to some networking opportunities. Learning a new computer application will also look attractive on your resume.

10.Get Advice
Contact your "dream team" of advisors and friends and give them an update. Let them know how your summer is going and ask them for three tips to move your career forward. Regular meetings with a professional career counselor in your area will also shape your decision-making and help you focus on what you want to be when you grow up.