This is the first time that I pondered on the (one) peso increase in our subdivision's tricycle fare. For the many times that fares have gone up, it is only now that I have to pause and take a second look at my money, how much change I'd be getting, and how much more (or less) will remain in my daily expense budget.
Flashback 1992, I recall the first ever tricycle fare that we usually pay when we were new to our place: P3.50 per head on an ordinary trip, P9.00 for a special trip. Going back to terminal is even cheaper at P2.50 per head. Now, more than two decades, the special trip cost then is currently the ordinary minimum fare. For individual special trip fare, you will now pay P22.00. P24.00 if you ride beyond 10PM and P30.00 for a special trip beyond midnight.
Things do change and it is during these times that flashbacks are too pleasant to recall. Then you tell yourself that lifestyle is better back then than the current high cost of living.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Is This Inflation I Am Feeling?
Friday, October 05, 2018
20 Reasons Why You Must Not Forget Your Teacher and Should Be Thankful To Them
After school, we step into a new phase in our life and take on the challenge of joining the corporate world, if not having your own business. The many years that prepared us in our current status in life is something we may not forget for as long as we live. And aside from our parents, who is the greatest factor in our life who taught us how to face the “real world” beyond the four corners of the classroom? Our teachers!
For this year’s celebration of National Teachers Month, September 5 to October 5, I am jotting down 20 things that I consider thanking our teachers for. You may have more on your list but I invite you to read on mine and go back to the time when our problems were just our home works, surprise quizzes, and projects submission. Oh, and did I already say thesis defense?
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| Grade 2 class of 1983, Trinity College of Quezon City (now Trinity University of Asia) |
1. Alphabetical name calling during graded recitations. Are you one of those thankful whose surnames start with the latter part of the alphabet? Or are you the first one to tremble when your teacher gets hold of that class record to do a roll call for graded recitation since your surname is either Alvarez, Atienza, or Aquino? I became thankful to this style of my teacher not because my surname starts with the letter “M” but because my alphabetizing skills improved. I always tend to count the number of students to be called before my teacher calls me--- in alphabetical order! But seriously, these graded recitations helped me to come to school prepared by reviewing our lessons regularly. So, thank you, teacher!
2. Surprise quizzes. “Get one half sheet of paper, lengthwise!” oopss… the quiz may be in the form of identification, multiple choice or true or false! “Get one half sheet of paper, crosswise!” uh-oh… does this mean that the surprise quiz will contain essay questions? Teachers who give surprise quizzes helped me to remember the lessons taught the previous day, or even do advance reading for the lesson to be taught next. And yes, it opened my eyes to always bring my own paper--- it’s better to be the giver than the beggar (of paper!) So, thank you, teacher!
3. Your only parent in school. Used to hear that saying that your teachers are your second parents? Actually, they are your ONLY parents when you are in school. When you and your mom or dad experienced that “sepanx” when you first attended school, it was your teacher who instantly welcomed you together with all other kids in the classroom. They let you feel comfortable. And not to mention, remember who washed your behind when your stomach ached and you needed to go? Yes, it’s beyond their duty but they gladly did it for us, anyway. So, thank you, teacher!
4. Ma’am, your secret buddy. Teachers play many roles in school. While many of us just see them standing in front of the blackboard most of the time, holding that chalk and eraser, some of us were able to unravel the other personality of our teacher--- being our confidant! Yes, especially when you are having trouble at home, your teacher becomes your instant spring board. And the best thing about it, he or she gives you sound advise
too. This personality of your teacher makes you feel still valuable during your growing up years when identity crisis is most often. So, thank you teacher!
5. Debate nemesis. Ever encountered having to stress a point with your teacher and nobody between you two ever wanted to give up their ideas? For constantly debating against my point, I learned to reason out professionally, yes, that is arguing with you without disregarding that you are still my senior and mentor, and learned to carefully think well about my ideas before saying it out in public. Also, mutual respect was born. So, thank you teacher!
6. That expert with his/her own craft. In school we have different subjects. Most of the time we identify our teachers by the subject they teach. “Yung math teacher sa grade 5, natuto ako sa kanya!” It is indeed a blessing if you became a student of a teacher who knows his/her craft too well. My speech teacher really had that accent, my Noli Me Tangere professor really took us to the Spanish colony times, and my grade 6 music teacher has taught me to really appreciate Kapampangan folk songs. And some teachers seriously know if you are cheating on your project or not. For being masters of your own craft, and if not, still you strove to perfect the subject you are teaching us, so, thank you teacher!
7. Selling teachers. Who haven’t encountered a teacher who sells in your classroom? Yes, we all know this is prohibited but we just simply admire teachers who find other means to support the income they need for their family. They don’t force you to buy, anyway. These teachers taught me a lot of things, actually. First, being industrious is essential to keep you going day by day. Second, “diskarte.” They find ways to support the needs of their family or loved ones when we all know that their salary as teachers is insufficient. Third, it made me realize that our teachers are selfless. Since being a teacher alone already requires a lot of time and dedication, they still find ways to support their needs in some other ways. So, thank you teacher!
8. Multiple personality. Our teachers are very good at this. If they have 40 students in a classroom, their personality counts to 41. For understanding each and everyone of us, our different attitudes and the way we see things, so, thank you teacher!
9. Keeping us competitive. One of the things I will not forget in my grade school years is that math flash card competition wherein two students race in front then wins a point for the group. For every correct answer, one step forward. These kinds of competition encouraged us to master our lessons, and be competitive socially. So, thank you teacher!
10. Keeping us inspired to excel. When our teacher grouped us to dramatize a chapter in Iliad & Odyssey, or a kabanata in Florante at Laura, we strove very hard to perform our best--- from costumes to props, and of course the over-all performance. Then we always take a glance of our teacher’s facial expression if she is happy with our presentation. And we double our efforts when the teacher invites fellow mentors to judge us. It made us creative and it lessened our stage fright. So, thank you teacher!
11. Best coach ever. Have you been a representative of your school to a certain inter-school competition? Or perhaps an internal litmus program where you will represent your grade level? Yes, our teachers are not only supportive of us but also take time to coach us for
us to be able to give our best performance on stage ever. She teaches, reviews, and judge you personally before you get involved in that big thing. So, thank you teacher!
12. Knowing you by heart. Maybe for some, this isn’t a big deal, but when your teacher knows your nickname and calls you by it, it is something! Not only that. Some teachers know your personal life, knows who your parents are, siblings and relatives. This makes your relationship more personal and you become more comfortable with that kind of a mentor. So, thank you teacher!
13. Believing in us. That session between you and your teacher when you seem to fail on a certain subject. She doesn’t scold you, instead, she encourages you to give more of what you have, telling you that she believes in you. And she even offers to tutor you until you do well with that subject. Heart-warming, yes? So, thank you teacher!
14. Knowledge outside the classroom. During my time when Values Education isn’t a prerequisite to the school curriculum, my teacher has long been imparting lessons in life that enrich your personal values. She gives us situations and let us decide which path to take, then explain the pros and cons of our decision. When we reach our college years, lessons taught extend to our life-would-be after school--- that choosing carefully your career will shape our future and success in life. She gives us options, then guides us what is best to choose. So, thank you teacher!
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| Our dear mentor, Nanay Fe (rightmost), who taught us a lot about life values which we were able to apply after college. |
16. Scolding us for something. Most of us, no, ALL OF US have actually experienced a time when we are not paying attention to the lecture of our teacher for any reasons. When teacher caught us not being interested with the lesson, an instant recitation featuring yourself will come in a snap. Beyond shaming you in front of the whole class, this actually teaches you to enhance presence of mind, and become more resourceful when you grasp for that correct answer which she threw at you. So, thank you teacher!
17. Little things mean a lot. Sometimes, we are so engaged with the daily routine in the classroom, we suddenly realize something when our teacher tells us a comment about our classroom performances. A simple commendation opens up the idea that “hey, I have done that, really? I must be good with it!” For opening up this big idea through small words, thank you teacher!
18. Strictness that we later on realized why. They say high school is the age of rebellion. When teachers become too strict, its either we tend to complain or simply go against the rules. Kudos to our teachers who patiently explain the need to be strict--- after all, everything is for our own good. So, thank you teacher!
19. Fairness counts. Who doesn’t believe that teachers play favorites? While we are not generalizing, it is common that they like students who excel in their academics and are active in extra-curricular activities. But when it comes to students’ concern, your teachers exercise fairness and are mindful of their judgement. So, thank you teacher!
20. For choosing to be a teacher. I’ve heard many times that being a teacher is not a profession but is a vocation. With the little monetary compensation they are getting (at least here in our country), we would like to heartily thank you for sticking it out being a teacher. It isn’t an easy task but we do know it also isn’t easy to give up just like that. Since you have come to love what you are doing, and for the priceless contribution that you give our society--- to produce good, educated citizens that will build our community and our country in the future. So, thank you teacher!
Friday, September 14, 2018
Mangkhut - Ompong Typhoon
Today, Manila is threatened by a strong typhoon, Ompong (international name "Mangkhut") with maximum sustained winds of over 200 kilometers per hour, and gustiness of up to 255 kilometers per hour. Its track forecast is north-northwest and will traverse Northern Luzon. Landfall is expected to happen in Cagayan-Isabela area by morning of Saturday, September 15. Hopefully it will leave the country speedily as its movement at 25 km/hr is faster than the usual typhoon speed at seven to 10 km/hour.
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| Since Monday, Ompong's track has slightly lowered, westward to make a landfall in Cagayan-Isabela area |
I'd like to believe that we are already prepared when these kind of calamities strike the country. In a year, the average number of typhoon that visits the country is 20. With this, it is with high hope that aside from the national government and local government units, the common people already know how to prepare and deal with this weather condition.
Let us ask for divine intervention that Ompong will leave the country with least effect in terms of damages and moreso, pray for zero casualty.
Sunday, June 03, 2018
Ingat Ka (Jon's Cover)
I have been longing to save my very first mobile videoke recording and I thought last night after my late, late work in Lancaster New City, was the perfect time to record and finally save a copy of it. My excuse with this video? Well, I was already tired and sleepy. You may say bangag in other words, so there you go. hahaha!
No haters please... pagbigyan nyo na ko. haha. I promise to do better next time. :P
Sunday, April 29, 2018
The Uncle Bernard Story
Today, uncle Bernard was laid to rest. The story of his last two days I found really amazing, that even his children, my cousins Marie & Bernie, were in great awe upon realizing the developments before he breathed his last. I'll recall, to the best of my memory, the story told by my cousins to the relatives present, before uncle was buried...
For years, uncle Bernard has been a vocal critic of our faith, the Iglesia Ni Cristo. He engages into loud debates with family, and sometimes with our auntie Joy (his sister-in-law.) I should know since we all live in one house when we were kids. It was a usual scenario at home and we have all grown to tolerate that set-up. Interestingly, the Children's Worship Service (Pagsamba Ng Kabataan) is held in our house--- an ancestral home inherited by the family of Lolo Felising & Lola Naty. During pagsamba day, uncle Bernard prepares the things to be used, ahead of the officers. Then he cleans the house after it has been used. That's his weekly routine. For many years he has been Catholic, then he eventually joined another faith--- Ang Dating Daan, which is equally a vocal critic of the INC. Uncle Bernard's health deteriorated as he suffered from kidney problems. For a while he will feel all right but most of the time he endures pain. Then two days before his passing, a thing we can consider a miracle just flashed before his family's eyes. His family talked to him about joining the INC while he still was able. He got mad and said something against the INC, much more to the Church Administration. So the family did not force the issue again. That same day, as his diaper was being changed, my cousin noticed that uncle Bernard wasn't moving already. They thought he passed out and he was in a state of coma. Before they were able to take him to the hospital, their church minister knocked on the door and was looking for my other cousin. Right then and there, they asked for a prayer for uncle Bernard, bearing the faith of the family. Incredibly even before the prayer ended, my cousin Marie felt a hand suddenly held her foot. After the prayer, they found out that uncle Bernard gained consciousness and was able to mobilize his hands. Then he asked them if he is already willing to embrace the INC faith... he surprisingly answered "yes." The minister repeated the question to make sure my uncle was already fully conscious, and asked if he is willing to undergo the Bible study and finish listening to the basic doctrines--- a prerequisite for baptism inside the church. To their disbelief, he again said "yes." So the minister arranged for his Bible study. My nephew, who is a church worker, conducted his continuous lessons so they can finish right away. At the end of each lesson, he asks, "Papa, anong likas na kalagayan ng ating Panginoong JesuCristo?" Uncle Bernard will immediately reply "tao." "Siya ba ay Diyos," my nephew will ask, then uncle will respond "hindi sya Diyos." Papa, bakit gusto mong mag-Iglesia Ni Cristo?" Uncle Bernard would reply, "dahil gusto kong maligtas." In one instance, my nephew told his lolo, "Papa, mananalangin na tayo ha?" Uncle candidly replied "Paano yan, di ko kayang tumayo?" Then cousin Marie told him that he just needed to close his eyes and answer during the prayer. Right then and there, he shut his eyes and got ready for the prayer. Uncle, for some occasions, even reminded his wife, Auntie Tet that they are attending pagsamba, and that they dress up early. The family wrote to the Church Administration requesting to facilitate baptism for uncle Bernard, citing his condition. A day after, my cousin Marie was called by the district minister to inform her that their letter was already recieved by the Church Administration. Uncle Bernard passed away before he was to receive baptism, but his faith amazingly took a 180-degrees turn before he breathed his last. That testimony awed us all this afternoon as it was related to us.
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| final destination |
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| cousins with Auntie Joy (extreme right) |
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| Relatives present at the burial |
Meanwhile, I have posted earlier in my Facebook timeline, my memory of Uncle Bernard:
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Sumobra Sa Kagitingan
Kahapon ay araw ng kagitingan. Bilang isang magiting na ama, sinamahan ko ang aking panganay na anak sa kanilang aktibidad sa PNK--- ang PNK Unity Games na kung saan naglaro ang mga kabataan ng ilang larong-Pinoy: patintero, agawang base, sipa at chines garter. Sa isang bahagi ng basketball court kung saan idinaraos ang mga palaro, may ilang humahataw ng raketa ng badminton. Nakakita ako ng isang raketang walang gumagamit at nakipag-laro ng "doubles." Sa sobrang kagitingan ko, hinabol ko ang bola ngunit sa di ko malamang dahilan ay tila nagkaroon ako ng miscalculation sa mga hakbang... hindi lumapat ang aking mga paa sa sahig at ilang hakbang pa ay tuluyan na akong napadapa rito. "O, anong nangyari kay kuya Jon?" sabi nung nagho-host ng palaro ng mga bata, "palakpakan natin siya!" Sa gitna ng mga palakpakan ay nakuha ko pa talagang ngumiti (magiting nga kase ako di ba?) ngunit may ilang segundong hindi makapagsalita bunga ng pagkakabagsak din ng aking dibdib sa sementadong basketball court. alam kong naitukod ko ang isang bahagi ng kanang kamay ko at ilang sandali nga lang, nagsimula itong mamaga:
Saturday, April 07, 2018
New Era University Glee Club @ 40
Went to visit my brothers and sisters in NEU glee club during their rehearsal earlier. When I arrived in the main building gym, I saw them preparing for panata. I didn't bother entering the door until they've finished the divine obligation. As I stare at them from the doorway, a bit of flashback ran into my memory. We used to be these young students--- so hardworking, dedicated, and prayerful. When they're done, I entered the gym and asked if Ma'am Jovy was there (Ma'am Jovy took over the role of Nanay Fe when the latter rested already.) The member told me she wasn't there but Patrick (the current president) and some alumni members were inside. I was greeted by Cheeno (an alumni and also a former president of the group) and the current members as well. I greeted them back as they gathered around me when I was introduced as a former president of the group but I told them I don't have any speeches. But wished them good luck, anyway. As they went to their respective routines, I stayed for a while and watched them. Youthful energy hasn't withered, excitement can still be felt, but this time, I noticed, they seem to have more "freehand" on the performance. No strict mentor supervising and calling the shots during the rehearsal, but still looks promising. Can't wait to see my brethren perform on Tuesday!
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| PANATA: It's what keeps the group going... through the years! |
Saturday, March 03, 2018
15 Years of Having an Online Journal
My blog turns 15 today, March 3rd. For a blogger who still manages to keep his online diary up-to-date, it is really something. I, for one, has abandoned updating my daily life account, for the past years. When I look back at my "younger" posts, I come to appreciate the frequent updates I used to posts way back my early blogging years. So I somehow envy the bloggers who still take time to record their day-to-day activities, which in time, will turn out to be memories. My blog has been a witness of my life since 03-03-03. Through the years that I haven't updated much already, a lot of things already happened. But the most memorable ones were documented, at least in my year-ender posts.
Today I take yet another role of a dad, spending my day with my family and having so much priceless time with our youngest family member. It's a delight to just stare at your little one tirelessly walk around the house. Soon, he'll be more firm in using his feet and go even farther.
Here's to more years of parenthood... and hopefully, blogging more often!
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Mamsi's Here!!!
First stop, JOLLIBEE!
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| she ordered palabok fiesta. obviously, it's longer to prepare than my chicken-spag! |
After settling her things at home, she just had to visit the nail salon. Right away, two persons are doing her manicure & pedicure... tutyal! :P
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| pampering time... coz it's always more affordable in the Philippines! |
Monday, January 08, 2018
#EKfinity 010818
Today is my official 2nd time to be a godparent to a wedding. Can't say "no" to Kate whom I've known from PNK when I transferred to the locale of Taytay. It's flattering to realize that people trust you in terms of the advice you can give them in their life. Her ex-boyfriend (who is now her husband) is not unfamiliar to me either. I met Efren even way much earlier than Kate--- but fate must have been perfect for the three of us because I also met Ef in the same organization: PNK. I was asked to give a short message for the newly-wed earlier during the reception. All I could say was their future kids will be lucky enough to have such responsible parents who always know how to take good care of little kids.
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| (upper left, clockwise) that label: "ninong"; the newly weds & I; their towering wedding cake; sumptuous food; my "kumpares" including Bro. Jojo |
Perks of always in attendance to weddings: you get to renew hearing God's instructions for a successful and blessed family life. Perks of being a "ninong": aside from the trust the new couple gave you, you eat plenty without having to line up in the buffet station.CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES, Ef & Kate!
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
Blessed Start of Year
Just finished attending the worship service for the reaffirmation of oath of all officers. It's just perfect to be attending this holy occasion on the birth anniversary of our former leader, Bro. EGM. Also, I am still in awe to the magnificent house of worship of the locale of Village East which was dedicated last year. My family & I have returned here from being away for four years.
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| with the Delos Reyes family (upper right); and the Villager boys (below right) |
* mahalaga ang pagtataglay ng pananampalataya* ang pananampalataya ay katunayan ng mga bagay na di nakikita, kapanatagan sa mga bagay na hinihintay (Heb.11:1)* ang mga tuntunin ay nilagda upang matupad ang doktrina* hangad ng Pamamahala na pakinabangan ng Diyos ang pagtupad ng mga maytungkulin dahil nagiging pakinabang din ito sa isang maytungkulin* Kumpletuhin ang takbuhin na ibinigay ng Diyos sa atin!#ReaffirmationOfOath
