School Assignments and Helping Out

My cousin is currently busy doing her homework on the next bed. A worksheet, it may seem, on affixes and word definitions. I know I should already get some sleep but seeing her hard at it makes me feel a tad guilty if I sleep ahead. To be honest, I want to be sure that she gets her assignment done before we hit the sack.

She asked for my help earlier. Just to clarify the definition of the word liquify. Thankfully, my vocabulary has encompassed that word in my memory bank. But aside from that, she’s doing things on her own. She’s in her first semester in college, taking up Education Majoring on English.

Strikes me as weird that I am tempted on sharing the sentences that may speed up her process, but what’s most surprising is how I’m reining in the urge to do so. Must be the “educator” in me teaching her to be self-reliant and able to make use of her senses and faculties in the journey of learning.

In comparison, the daughter of our laundry lady has been frequently dropping by every night to ask help in her assignments thus making our home as her study den, and my cousin as a tutor. I think it was last Wednesday that my Mom, my cousin, and I became collectively involved in her assignment – the flag of the Philippines. I assumed it was part of the Independence Day commemoration in their school. For a fifth grader she was quite loud and a bit obnoxious. Add that to the fact that growing up alone there wasn’t too much noise or chatter at home for assignments, it was quite annoying. Nevertheless I let them be. Mom was eager to help her out (she wasn’t feeling any abdominal pains that night), my cousin offered to draw for her while I was listening to their conversations. I had to put my foot down on all the spoon-feeding they were doing. Told her that Mom rarely-to-almost-never helped me in doing my homework, and that she can find what she needs in books and in doing research. Whipped out my mom’s iPad and told her to read. She was still speaking very loudly (negatively) about herself but thankfully she listened.

The next day she was proud to report that her flag was the only one correct in her class. Since then, she’s become a regular visitor at home. Not that I can complain too much about it. At least there’s an extra pair of hands to help mom out at home and a VERY talkative little girl to entertain her during her moments of pain.

Point of reflection: There’s a fine line between helping out and in spoon-feeding learning. It boils down on what you want to develop in a person. Communication is a key to learning. It opens up many possibilities. But you must always be aware of where it leads both the teacher and the student.

For now, I would never have believed it if someone told me. i’d be helping out a fifth-grader on the human reproductive organ nor worry myself over a college student’s adjustment and school requirements. I would’ve laughed. Joke’s in me now.

A Letter to Gary Sinise

@GarySinise Hi!140 characters in twitter wouldn’t be enough to encompass what I would like to say. So please humor me with this homage of sorts to you and to one of the shows that I have come to love and follow all these years.

I just wanted to say how much I love how you portrayed your character Mac Taylor through all these years. I think it’s safe to even say I love the character Det. Mac Taylor in his whole being – the haunted widower with many sleepless nights (at the start), the stern yet compassionate boss, the highly intellectual and analytical scientist, the former marine, the quiet and dependable friend, and the all-around good guy. I’m pretty sure there are more defining qualities other fans could come up with but that’s my general idea.

CSINY has been my regular fix of procedural drama over the years that have passed. It was one show that I felt so at home with that watching each episode was like looking into the lives of long-time friends and sharing with them in their losses and triumphs in each episode. I loved how each character developed in every storyline and watching their personal lives unfurl with all that too-close-to-reality daily living scenarios. I enjoyed seeing the friendships made and love stories unfold (most especially the Danny-Lindsay arc). It was painful for me to see the character of Stella Bonasera to go too. Thankfully, her storyline upon leaving was more acceptable rather than that of Jessica Angell. When road bumps were introduced between each character’s relationship, it kept me looking forward how you’d all get past it and see it strengthen your bond. I truly admire each character’s individuality and how it contributed to such a great and entertaining show. I am always amazed in every episode especially the myriads of guest stars in your list.

I’m beginning to sound like a fangirl. But I doubt if my knowledge would qualify. So that’s all I can say for now. If you’ve actually read this then i truly, and deeply thank you! I admire you as an actor, but most especially as a person and your passion for your advocacies.

I’m still keeping my hopes up for more seasons. Take care always and, if it’s not too much to ask, please send my best regards to all the cast and crew of CSI:NY all the way from Davao, Philippines.

Only Music Can Understand

Madonna was right.

“Music makes the people come together.”

An unspoken bond – a link – was connected between me and my cousin late last night on to the early part of this morning (around 11PM to 1AM to be approximate). It may not have been something new in the atmosphere but it was a fresh and raw exchange of energy. Something that is akin to a teacher-learner interaction.

I taught her chords and basic plucking; she -in her quest for the songs she wanted to play – taught me new chords and a new plucking pattern. The desire to learn and the willingness to teach was as palpable as the guitar strings in our hands.

Quite a new experience for me. Knowing that my cousins are usually scared, shy, or intimidated by me and have one of those cousins slowly open up to me all because of a transfer of learning if you may… Of music.

Music-playing

The pull on my heartstrings as I listen to music suddenly compels me to play the guitar – the only musical instrument that I am able to finish a song with.

I’m no good at it but thankfully I can carry a tune with a few songs just within my range. I guess it’s much easier now to practice and play sheet music compared when I was still learning. And the fact that some old songs have been revived in simpler chords. New songs too have various versions that are easily accessible.

Nostalgia grips me at times as I strum the chords, pluck guitar strings, and use my dad’s guitar pick. Like I’m transported back to Sunday jamming sessions with him and learning complicated bass chords to add pizzaz to my music. I wonder if he’ll be proud of me now or would his endearing musical perfectionism would once again strike.

I miss you Dad.

Reconnected

Finally!!!  After more than a week of no internet connection from our DSL service provider, I’m back online!  I never really thought about how much staying online has become somewhat a necessity for me.

Rather than be annoyed with the CSR who faced my mom last week when she paid for the bill and complain about our connection (stating that the cause was an outage in our area), I’m just glad it’s finally up and running as of tonight after calling the Help-Desk.  Maybe realized that any further delay in response would become VERY detrimental to their reputation.

I hope mom’s happy too now that she can receive calls from her sisters abroad.

Vivid Dreams

I dreamt vividly last night. And remembered it clearly upon waking. Like the feeling of tangibly touching your armor, and you whispering your joy that I loved the armor you made for me.

It was SO COOL and at the same time too weird. I’ve never had a superhero type of dream in my life. Not that I can remember…

Then your friends came along and it was time to save the world. And that’s when I woke up.

You occupy my thoughts at times that reality and fantasy blur along the lines. If only I were a Level 5 dreamer.

The Cycling Chronicles: Biker Buddies

As I mentioned in my previous post, me and 2 other officemates have become bike enthusiasts as part of our wellness program in the office. So here are some snippets of what happened last May 11, 2013.

The Cycling Chronicles: Upgrade Phase 2.1

It’s been more than a year since I had my mountain bike for a phase 1 upgrade. (Click here for my bike upgrade post) I remember telling kuya ROCKY (the person/mechanic who assemble my bike) that my next target for upgrading would be changing my gears to newer ones – particularly the rear gears or cassettes and the crank. In addition, I planned on upgrading my handlebar and stem (for a longer space in putting in accessories such as night light or ipod/mobile phone mount). But since I took a short sabbatical on my cycling, and financial constraints, I wasn’t able to follow through with my plan nor fully upgrade the targeted bike parts.

It was only recently that I returned to cycling and started riding my bike to work (only on Saturdays) last May 3, 2013). After having the inner tube of my rear wheel changed to a new one, I was geared to go. But when I encountered problems in shifting gears and constricting break pads, I started to worry. It was difficult to fine-tune your own bike if you’re not too familiar with what you should look out for. So rather than force on my inability, it was better to leave it be for the moment have those who are more knowledgeable check it out.

Last Saturday (May 11, 2013), my officemates and I planned on going for an afternoon bike ride at the same time fix Lesley’s bike. So off we went to an adventure – an adventure which I will post soon. I was shocked (to say the last) that one bike shop was charging Php250 just for adjusting my gears. So scratch that. When we passed by TYK along Sales St., we dropped by and had my bike checked there instead. They offered a more affordable price (plus the place was air-conditioned and had a bike stand for parking).

While browsing along their aisles of bike displays and spare parts, I came across their cassette display which were quite affordable and would fit my upgrade plan and set my mind at ease for safely riding my bike. Thus, I present to you my upgraded cassettes.

I know, I know… quite a lengthy introduction for just a piece of upgrade. But it was just very timely that the removable piece that was giving me great concern was one of the spare parts I fully intended to upgrade. So there are a couple more parts before I reach my mountain bike’s STARK 3.0 phase but it’s a slow but steady process.

Looking forward to more Saturday afternoon bike runs that are fun, exhilarating, and safe with my new biker buddies!

P.S. Wondering about the “STARK” thing? Well I have this app in my iTouch called Bike Repair that lets you input details on your bike – including what’s your bike name. So rather than using my “Name’s bike”, I thought Stark would do. (And yes, I am SOOOO into Iron Man too! That’s why!)

Escaping Thoughts: Recent News Reports on Students

Lately, the news has reported about students attempting to take others lives (or those who have done so), and students who have attempted to take their lives (and of those who did). Has it become a trend already???

I pray that my dear students would always be smart enough to see the bright side of things and dispel any thought in taking one’s life (or another for that matter).

To share the words of wisdom of our distinguished headmaster from the Recognition Exercises earlier this morning, (parents, guardians, and teachers) let us practice the 3 As: Attention – give enough attention to your children; Affection – show how much they mean to you; and Affirmation – validate the accomplishments of your children.

Simple things but let us remember that “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Leo Buscaglia”

Meeting Trauma Survivors (from Typhoon Pablo)

My hometown is well-known for its “typhoon-free” slogans and promotions.  In all my years of living here, I can honestly attest to that.  I’ve only experienced storms and typhoons in Cebu (during my vacation when I was around 8 years old),  in Manila (it was Milenyo or International name Xangsane that hit the Philippines while I was still working there – which I just thought was strong winds and harsh rains since I wasn’t used to storms), and in Bohol (I think it was Ofel – international name Son-Tinh that had me and my travel partner stranded in going to Bohol).

So when the alert was raised that Pablo (international name BOPHA) was entering our region’s area of responsibility, a sense of foreboding came over me.  I was reminded of a conversation I had with my dad before that storms are slowly changing their paths and it won’t be soon before long that the Davao region would be greatly affected.

Well my dad was no Nostradamus of his time, but his words rang truth as seen by the wake of Pablo.  I think it was the first time that schools declared “No classes” due to a storm.  And for my hometown, it was signal #2.  A couple of my officemates missed their flight to Manila for a seminar because all flights were cancelled as well.  All school activities were suspended or cancelled to keep people safe during such a time.

Although Davao wasn’t too affected, our neighboring provinces weren’t spared.  News of the devastation of the storm were plastered in news.  Families were greatly affected, livelihood such as banana and coconut farming were washed over, even fishermen weren’t spared since a lot of people didn’t want to buy their goods for fear that their captured fishes were able to eat human flesh. (morbid actually.)

It was around December 3-5, 2012 that the typhoon made its presence known to the Davao Region.  A first as most locals can remember thus people weren’t totally prepared on what would happen.  December 5, an invitation to extend our help to the affected areas were given to our office and I for one willingly confirmed my desire.  However, instead of a 2-day outreach, a change in schedule landed me on a 1 day outreach (for Psychosocial Debriefing) to one of the provinces that were hit – Caraga.

To explain better, here are some photos for you to see:

Raring to go

We left around 6am to start our 5-hour travel to Caraga.  I wasn’t able to take photos of the banana and coconut fields but along the road, you could clearly see how strong the winds were manifested by the bowing of the trees towards the direction we were heading.  The mountains that were once full of proud lines of trees, were now barren as if a greater being was playing pick-up sticks using the coconut trees for sticks.

When we reached Caraga’s Poblacion, the site that greeted us was very disarming.  Houses with no roofs, muddied roads, logs and debris around every corner.

Collapse of roofing from a new building in Caraga

Houses hit by Pablo

Packed inside the evacuation center

According to our leader, Caraga was the fastest in responding to all the alerts and were even able to evacuate the local residents (especially those along the shoreline) and house them in their designated evacuation center.  Aside from that, they were proactively thinking of other designated evacuation centers should the first one collapse.

The Office that made the evacuation possible – saving lives of many residents

Relief Goods for Distribution

Going over details gathered

An overview of the shoreline in Caraga

Residents could still remember how the events unfolded during those days that Pablo enraged the province.  Thankfully, they are still able to move past what has transpired and are currently moving forward in reclaiming their lives and livelihood.

Getting Together

What came washing ashore

Life still goes on

After our sojourn at the Poblacion, we went to the broken bridge that highly affected the transportation of relief goods to more affected areas such as Baganga, Cateel, and Boston Davao Oriental.

The bridge leading to Baganga, Davao Oriental

Making ends meet

Pile-up

Crossing Over

This DPWH worker has been working for 24 hours in pulling across the line for travelling the river via man-made raft.  Some of our companions helped him in pulling while we were there.

Pull for safety

Until now, relief operations are still ongoing all over the city (and perhaps even the country) to continuously aid the Pablo survivors.  Hopefully I can still come along to assist in another session of debriefing in the areas that experienced tropical storm Bopha.

Let us extend a helping hand to the survivors and make this Christmas season more meaningful.