On Distance Learning

With the “new normal in education” being forced down to the throats of those who are involved, turbulence in the transition is often met with hesitance. Heads and brains from higher officials have divided takes as to whether the school year must be pushed through or not. Regardless of what we deem as right and proper, we are to take the job and follow what is stipulated on the Department of Education’s memoranda and provisions. Thus, we brace ourselves to this new battlefield.

From the series of videos I have watched today, my takeaways are categorized in to three: pros, cons and realizations. 

PROS

Distance learning and the usage of different apps and softwares for blended learning are beneficial to the situation. We can battle the pandemic without sacrificing the school year. I was most delighted to find out some cool and techie apps that I envisioned to use someday in my class. I marvelled at how these applications can make learning both meaningful and engaging. Right after the videos, I tried Screencastify. I find the app really cool but not user-friendly at all. I can only record  a 5-Minute video of myself. Still, if you are just cautious about the content of your lesson. That 5 minutes is more than enough to capsulize the topic at hand. 

CONS

Though I find these cool apps engaging and noteworthy, one thing that I can think of that discourages me to try is the internet connection. Our connection is considered as one of the slowest on Earth. As per experience, my connection at home is not reliable thought I have already upgraded my monthly subscription. My phone on the other hand, is very picky with links and apps. Personally, there are some documents that I cannot save. It saddens me that some of these apps needed the Internet to be functional. Second, some apps are expensive. We can only manipulate a part of it’s usage. Third, as mentioned in one of the video, it cannot be for all.

Realizations

In doing distance learning, we educators should consider equity. Do all of the students have fair and equal opportunity to access these applications? Are we leaving behind someone? Are we being considerate of those who can’t catch up? I feel bad to those who are baffled as to this day about how this works. Still, as part of our commitment to this work, we learn, unlearn and relearn. We learn as one👍

The Guy From St. Ezekiel

        I am staring at the billions of fictional wish granting dots that are shimmering in the sky and seemingly laughing at me because I am foolish enough to still make a wish out of a fire ball. Well, if you are that hopeless romantic 7^th grader who happens to be enamored, enchanted and allured to an 8^th grader , whose name should not be mentioned for fear that the test- takers might laugh, you would do fatuous things. I am not proud admitting to anyone that I fell so hard but it is better to be stupid than to never had felt love ever.

          It was the first day of school and I was freaking late.  I remembered waking up so early that day but choosing the perfect OOTD consumed all my time. When I arrived, the flag ceremony had started and I had to wait for the whole rite to end. Fortunately, the latecomers were allowed to join the line when the patriotic pledge was recited. I ran and joined the line along with the other newbies. Already soaked with sweat, I aimed for my hankie and clumsily dropped it to the floor. I tried to use my peripheral vision to see who’s adjacent to me and my two eyes landed on an ethereal sight of a gorgeous creature.  I couldn’t stop staring, it is as if my eyes were designed to stare at this creation to feast, to appreciate and to LOVE? “Ohh, my God! You freaking idiot! What are you doing?” I said to myself admitting that it was a preposterous thing to do. “Instead of feasting that guy, why don’t you pick that hankie of yours and compose yourself” my logical self told me again.

After the morning activity, I picked up my hankie slowly so that I could have a better view to the guy adjacent to me. The teacher with a long straight hair held the microphone and said something that didn’t register to my senses because I was staring at him. Everything went mute. Time stopped. Heavy breathing. Everything felt right. I tried to smile. He ignored me.  It was not the most ideal way to start a school year but I thought it was the perfect opening for me to have something to hope for every day.

        Weeks past, I started to get some minor information about him. His friends are Jebu, Mark and Patrick and that he is close with Hannah, Shinley, Cheska and Alayne from St. Rita. Even though I couldn’t get near to him because we don’t have common friends. I can still access some details about him through Ate Riza who happens to be a walking encyclopedia about him. I also suspect that she likes him. She seems insecure whenever I start talking about him.  Well, we can never tell.

         Acquaintance party came and I thought it was the suited moment for introductions. When Ate Rica from ARSC let us play the “Bagay, Tao, Bagyo” I thought it was my chance.  The mechanics of the game was simple. It is just like playing Open the Basket except that when the host says “Bagyo”, we need to scamper and look for open homes. I tried to navigate him through my infallible eyes and located his position with a devastating confirmation that he is with Ate Danica Nicole. The hosts said “Bagyo” which was the cue for us to scatter. I ran fast as I could to be in his arms but a large build body bumped me and made me tripped down butt first.

        “Excuse me Miss! Are you okay” that panira moment guy said.

        “ Yeah, I’m fine.” I said pithily.

        “ I’m Clint by the way”, he said.

         “ Sure! Thanks for bumping me” I said sarcastically.

        “No problemus! It was nice bumping you anyway” he smiled playfully and left.

I tried to look again for my guy and can’t seem to find him so I carelessly walked backwards and bumped to something solid again. I was about to nag but when I looked up it was him. Everything went mute. Time stopped. Heavy breathing. Everything felt right. I tried to smile. And he smiled at me too. I tried to regain my strength so I can get up but my knees were trembling and my heart exploded into thousands of butterflies. The night, though was imperfect, felt magical because I had my encounter with the guy from St. Ezekiel.

After that night, I spent the entire month of the school year dreaming and day dreaming of a gazillion of what-if’s. I scribbled his name in the pages of my favorite books. I ordered countless Starbucks coffee using his name. I attended his basketball games. I even planned already our future wedding. But then, one day, the guy from St. Ezekiel stopped attending his classes. The guy from St. Ezekiel no longer walked in the corridors of our school. The guy from St. Ezekiel has stopped bringing sunshine to everyone he knew. The guy from St. Ezekiel is gone forever.

My heart breaks into pieces and the butterflies in my chest have not departed yet. Tragic is the most appropriate word to describe how it ended. But the tragedy should not overlooked the eternal sunshine he has given not only to me but to everyone. Though his death was clouded with confusion and everyone has their version of truth as to why he ended it. But I choose to believe that he just picked his wings and went on an endless adventure somewhere. Someday, we might meet in a place where I could finally him Emmanuel, the guy from St. Ezekiel.

The Tough Get Going by Marilyn C. Braganza (Reaction Paper)

Reaction Paper

“The Tough Get Going”

Marilyn C. Braganza

“Teach students what is ideal, but never deprive them of what is essential” are words that resonated in my head when I read “The Tough Get Going” by Marilyn C. Braganza. The article brewed perennial challenges English teachers face in the public sectors where extreme variedness of students are present. The writer made classic representations of the kind of students the public sector has and how English teachers usually deal with these kind of scenarios. In a nutshell, the article was about the dilemma to whether code switch or not, how socio-economic status plays in learning and how to teach ideally and essentially. The article reminded me that dedication and compassion aside from competitiveness and intelligence are needed aspects to teaching.

To teach is to exhaust all possible means to meet the planned ends of the lesson. However, predicaments like language barrier, low self-confidence and motivation, and socio-economic status pose a great challenge. In the article, the writer highlighted a heavily accented Bagobo student, Jolan. His fear to be ridiculed because of his accent lowered his self-confidence which hindered him to participate in class recitations. There are many Jolans in the public sector however, only few Teacher Marilyn in the workforce who will see to it that she will not fail the student. “Every week I spent one hour with Jolan to build his self-confidence and make him realize that it was okey to be different”, Teacher Marlyn mentioned in the article which allows us to see that she manages to achieve her ideals in English instruction by attending to Jolan’s need. The interplay of motivation and communication was utilized by the teacher as well. In one occasion, a naughty boy used incoherent sentences to inform her why he was absent in the class. Instead of correcting him, the teacher reacted in a very endearing way. She mentioned “I congratulated him for communicating his message. Letting him feel that he was understood was the best motivation for learning”. This action shows us that as English teachers, even in our dire need of perfection, we must not overlooked the exerted efforts of the child. Reinforced positive behavior can spark a positive change in one’s motivation.

The teacher also introduced us to Nerissa, a 15-year-old girl who walks two and half-kilometers to and from school every day. Nerissa as mentioned in the article is the classic representation of a typical student from the public sector. In my own experience, I have students who are fishermen at night, working scholars and farmers. These students are also the usual students who do not fully comprehend how computer works and the idea of internet. This scenario will allow us to ponder on reality that amidst privileges and industrial development, there are still people out there who struggles to make their way through. The Nerissas in our classrooms are the striving class who need more teachers that see their individual struggles and will not fall on the trap of generic judgments. Thus, as agent’s in-charge for their learning, we must see to it that we put our feet in their shoes so that we can make ways to fill their needs.

The article opened up to a window in teaching that I sometimes refuse to look into. I sometimes go for the easy way in teaching which is to provide a generic medicine for generic diagnosis. I often seek perfection which sometimes lead to outright criticisms to every wrong pronunciation or ungrammatical statement. These practices are completely unacceptable in a sense that English teaching should not be a subject-oriented feat but a learner-centered advocacy. English teachers should not only be trained to be good communicators of the target language but should be also good at communicating holistic goals. English teachers must be dedicated, compassionate and patient because after all the purpose of language learning is not only to let them speak the language but to let them use the language for existential expression.

PCPGTVSFA's Glory

                All winners bring home the trophy, the pride and the recognition but sometimes the losers get to bring home those too. During the Drum and Bugle Competition in the Municipality of Bien Unido, the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Technical Vocational School of Fisheries and Arts’ Drum and Lyre Corps wasn’t able to bring home the bacon but with us tonight are the trophy of grace, the pride of glory and the recognition of resiliency. In this sense, no one actually loses. (Feeling lang gyud nako, feeler baya ko)

                 I would like to dedicate this whole post to the glorious metamorphosis of the Pres. Carlos P. Garcia Technical Vocational School of Fisheries and Arts’ Drum and Lyre Corps Family. The hardwork, the seemingly endless whines, and the financial sighs finally paid off. Over the years, our family is branded as the underdogs who forced our way to the stage even with empty courage and pockets. Today, a whole new fighter face was unveiled.  Contrary to our former presentations, this year, we have shaken the enemy’s core and left our countless critics awed and dumbfounded. This year we placed the damn in  the phrase a DAMN GOOD FIGHT. Today, we are no longer the team mocked as “cheap” “palumag apil unya maot” and “taga CPG nanggi Tsinelas”. Today we are the “ AYAW’G KUMPYANSA MUBIHAG PA NI”. Today we walked away not with the trophy but with that sense of fulfilment that we are not just the words our critics clothe us. We are no longer at the mercy of any school. We are no longer the caterpillar sulking in the cocoon of inferiorities. We are now the threat, the bomb, the grenade--- the new face of competition. Our version 2.0 is already a rewarding phenomenon for us and all thanks to the people behind it.

The rivalry between the competing schools, HCA and PCPGTVSFA is as perennial as the grass. Notwithstanding the current work I am in, a part of me will always be an HCAnian. I would like to congratulate Holy Child Academy for winning the Drum and Bugle Corps  Competition. I, myself, is a true blue HCAnian and a part of my heart is cheering for the success of the family. Your achievement is also the achievement of our souls who once competed in this fast-paced and incredible competition. The honor and glory is always relative for us who are true born HCAnians. In short, my loyalist self is dancing with the rhythm of your momentous reign again. In the arena of drums, lyres, and dances, your flag waves for all of us, your children Mark Jory Paredes ( Flagbearer, 2007-2010), Mary Cecille Auxtero (Majorette) and Mary Cielo A. Padillo (Flagbearer, 2008-2009).

P.S. The updated version of our family is a dream realized with the help of the people who have supported us financially. I cannot name each and everyone but we are grateful for the aid that these people have showered to us. Aside from the sponsors, I would also like to mention and highlight the brilliance of my good friend, Mark Jory Paredes and the perseverance and dedication of my sister, Mary Cecille Auxtero. God knows how many squabbles and over-the-meal fights we had these past few weeks.

               

               

Unwrapping of Bohemian Rhapsody

Unwrapping Bohemian Rhapsody

  Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day

-Fox Movies

             

  “Is this the real life? or Is this just fantasy?” It is a fitting question regarding the biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody. Are we going to get the facts? Or will it be heavily filtered? Behind all the dramas and replacements in the making of the film, amidst arguments as to what should be the focus of the film, the production have presented a safe and non-scandalous narration of Freddie Mercury’s life and the making of the legendary band, Queen. The film is an 8 out 10. Despite the spectacular performance of Rami Malek (Freddie Mercury), the weak points were in the montage of events and the angle of what story should be told. It seemed like a page of each chapter was taken, placed together and created a surface level of narration.

Casting is on point

                The casting director did a splendid job in choosing the actors to play the members of the Queen. Rami Malek who played Freddie has given his best shot in his portrayal. Ben Hardy who played Roger Taylor, Joseph Mazello who played John Deacon, and Gwilym Lee who played Brian May in the film were the spitting look-alikes of the original members. Their portrayals were so on point that during the Live Aid Concert in1985 I cannot see any hint of Malek and the rest of the cast. It was really mind-whacking! Aside from that, that acts, gestures, dance moves were copied exactly as to how it happened during that fateful LiveAid concert.

        

   The debaucheries of Freddie was subtly shown in the film as per request of May and Taylor. The progression of Queen’s success is very smooth, the band’s struggle to break free from conventions were given less attention. Less emphasis was also given to Jim Hutton whose order of appearance never really happened in real life. I find the scene of Freddie confessing to Mary Austin that he is bisexual as not impactful. In that momentum day of the Live Aid Concert, I think there is dumping of scenes because Freddie has to look for Jim Hutton, then introduced Jim to his family and proceeded to rock the Wimbley Stadium. He has to do lots of things in one day. According to the film crew and directors, it was hard to sum up the greatness of Freddie and the Band into a 2 hour movie.

          Freddie's disease which took his life was not also thoroughly shown. In real life, he was tested twice. On the second test, he had the disease. It was as if Freddie had faced AIDS alone when in real life, Jim never left his side.

Why you should watch it?

                As a 90’s kid, I have heard of the rock anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the Champions, We Will Rock You and others but never had I dug on the artists behind it. The film had opened a new door for me to appreciate the majesty of Queen. After watching the film, for sure you might want to go to Youtube and rape the replay button in some of Queen’s performances or go on a scavenger hunt for more videos of Freddie Mercury like I did. The film has this hooking phenomenon that will make you want more. In short, the film is addicting!

              My favorite part of the movie is when Freddie went to see the doctor. As he passed by a patient who also had the disease, the patient sang "Ayyoo". In response, Freddie sang "Ayyoo". It was as if they were confirming that no one is alone in fighting the disease.

  I am recommending you to watch this film because Malek is great in here. The film will not only captivate your ears but will also leave a scar in your heart because we lost a legend. It would even leave you to wondering why are we born in a generation without Freddie? To sum up, the film is real (despite the wrong timeline), it may seem like a fantasy but I guess that’s the art of Bohemian Rhapsody.Truth is in question but it’s always in tune.

Sources:

https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=Bohemian+Rhapsody+photos&rlz=1C1GCEA_enPH817PH817&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=EtDEPKnshib4JM%253A%252C6LRZfDtraUri6M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQwkhZcAwckqBU1mS-9vzFPKbh8Zw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwim85ThgP7eAhVUVH0KHWnDDcsQ9QEwBXoECAIQDg#imgrc=p0D1jluTG9ETjM:

https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/bohemian-rhapsody

911

If one day, you finally heed the call of your wrist and decided to make a heaven out of your slit.

If one day, you have neated all of your clothes and prepared all your notes.

If one day, you have drown yourself and made tiny bubbles of help

If one day, you have pulled the trigger and finally silenced the voices in your head

If that day comes, 

If it will come,

May your spirit stay and your violet-bruised body be the remnants of an unsaid story.

May you hear cries and laments that will hopefully quench the hunger of your soul.

May you go over the 2am conversations we had and let me know why wasn’t it enough?

May you read the words I have woven as your epitaph.

“To the weary soul I know, I love you. In that great space, may love find you too”

May you forgive me...

Forgive me for sending you gifts instead of asking how are you.

Forgive me for depriving you of the right to be depressed just because I think your problem is less.

Forgive me for trying to fix you when all you wanted was to shred a part of you.

Forgive me for injecting you positivity when all you needed was serenity...

to be calm amidst all qualms

to be at peace while everything else is in pieces

to be accepted while everything else is coated. 

And if one day, if it’s my turn to leave the earth and meet the Creator I have avoided

I’ll ask a favor before He sends me to a hell or a cave full of unsaved.

For the last time, I’d like Him to grant me the favor of meeting you.

so that I can finally ask what I have never ask,

How are you?

What are you feeling today?

I’m glad I met you!

I appreciate you!

We need you!

I Still Have Your Loveletters

I still have your love letters by the way.

Enveloped with the love I can still give until today.

I still read them as if we didn’t mutter our goobyes and curse each other every night.

I tucked them gently closer to my chest and try to reminsce all the memories we thought can outstand the rest.

 I still have your love letters by the way

though I have seen you across the street with somebody,

You changed your status to in a relationship today

You have never bothered greeting me on my birthday 

and have seenzoned all my messages on a Christmas Day.

But who cares?h

I have your love letters anyway. 

I still have your love letters by the way

though you never talked to me 

we never patched things like it should be

we let the wolves howl our longings to the moon

and you never move an inch in your hate throne.

Nevertheless, your loveletters are still at home.

Each night, I read them again and again

mouthing every word as if freshly spoken, 

remembering a shadow who once promised his love never be shaken

and shaming oneself for the desperate waiting.

Until that time when grief has spent itself,

regrets become jokes in private,

pains no longer hide in the closet,

I’ll keep the loveletters waiting for just one final visit.