Moving Forward in EC2

Time flies really fast! Everything I dreamed of last year happened little by little this year. My heart was set on to it. My goals were align to every decisions I made. I did a lot of hard work. I sacrificed a lot. There were times when another things tried to switch on the plans, but I stuck to it. I stood it. And now, I'm in the place where I dreamed and prayed of - Exceptional Children's Education Center (EC2).

The environment in the school is very new to me. The children, the ways how to handle them, the kind of attitude I must show them, the words I must speak... almost everything. In short, I must be firm, consistent and precise. At first, I knew I should do a lot work until when the first week of Summer class in EC2, then I realized, this isn't going to be easy!

But my determination to improve myself, to learn a lot and to widen my perspective pushed me to go through it. My job in the school is quite challenging for me, but again my heart is already set on to it. My mind is very open to explore everything about the world.

I'm blessed enough to have colleagues like T. Mimi, T. Yami, Yani bb, Ate Jackie and of course T. Ray, the school director to have a kind of environment that is nurturing and open. Their presence really affects my work and the quality of life I have at this moment and will have in the future. T. Mimi who is very kind, has a wide knowledge about handling precious children, humble and a good person/friend/Ate. She helps me grow in the field of teaching kids. T. Yami who is generous of her time, talent and treasure all about in the school. I appreciate her so much that despite of giving up her main task in the school which is already mine, she is still there to help me out. Yani bb who has dreams exactly the same as my dreams, is my precious buddy. The journey I have with you is always memorable. Ate Jackie who is quite but loud gives me a kind of impact that nobody can do. And T. Ray who I think is, perfectionist just like me a little, straight-forward, generous in sharing about everything he learns in life, and has a vast-range knowledge about academics. Wow! He's oozing that kind of stock area in his brain. Truly, the people around you will affect the kind of life you want to be.

More over, as of last week, we had our culminating program. Too soon we realized that Summer Class was over and we will miss the kids. Too soon regular class in June will start. Too soon we will be busy again. And too soon, we will work and help each other in shaping every kids' future.

Credit to the Facebook Account of EC2 for these photos!

My Teaching Philosophy

Photo by Google

"Teaching is a noble profession." "Teachers are agents to our future." "Teachers are facilitators of the learning process.".....

Those are just few of the famous lines I heard from the my teachers about being a teacher which made me realize that "teaching" can yield amazing result when right ideas and beliefs are implemented in the classroom and when all these important ingredients are present in the recipe of the learning process, the learners will surely have its good taste of the future. 

I personally have my own beliefs and ideas when it comes to teaching. As for me, I believe that teaching is not just all about giving facts or theories to the learners or pushing them to memorize something, or depending solely on textbooks, or feeding all the needed information and etc. It is indeed all about letting the learners understand the whole concept of the topic, encouraging them to have pleasure in understanding, to develop them their holistic ability and to be open-minded.

I also believe that as a teacher I must have a strong and solid knowledge about the learning process. I must know what to teach. I must master the subject matter. I must seek other sources and materials used to aid in my teaching. I must not depend more on memorization of facts or theories but rather apprise them to comprehend for better learning. Compassion for the learners is also needed so that they will be encouraged from time to time especially if some things are difficult for them to grasp.  

Moreover, I must be a facilitator in my classroom. And as a facilitator, I must guide my learners through the subject matter in order to assist them in their own discoveries. I must allow then to have hands on activities so they can learn at their best. The constructivist learning theory in which I also believe with the fact that learners can construct their own learning in the classroom "learning by doing". Furthermore I must also be a disciplinarian. It will be such a nice feeling if someday you will see your learners successful in the area that they choose and they will thank you for your contribution in their lives. That’s fulfillment! 

On the contrary, I know that I must be aware of how to be more effective in my teaching. I know that there are many strategies available to use in teaching yet no one fits all the content. So, I must work hard on how I am going to deliver the subject. Though I don't have that ideal voice good for a big class which I know is very important however, I know that with the proper approach and command of teaching, learning will be more fun and effective.

So, that's it, somehow maybe, we are the same. 

I want to be a teacher! My desire is to teach. If I won't be in this area, I rather not in anyone.

Inspiring^^

I supposed to doodle the journey I had today merely because I believed it was also inspiring however, I bumped suddenly to this post in my facebook account via My Attitude - My Life - My Rules and made me realized that this is more inspiring than my story today.  

http://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=329235087114380&id=167821829922374&refid=13&m_sess=1GNZEP-m0ZqfDXW&_rdr#329235917114297 

The Elephant Rope

As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

Failure is part of learning; we should never give up the struggle in life.

Thank you to the group Alternative Thinking for this post

ME and The 10 Things

Describing ones own personality is really hard. For me, the only person who can describe us are those people who have been with us for a long time like family and some closed friends who have been with us through thick and thin. Just like what Eleanor Rooseverlt, a famous author, "People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built."  Just like me, I won't be able build the traits I have at present if it was not because of the different experiences I had in the past and it helped building myself better mundane. I don't know why but these are some of the 10 things ME and the "________" photos in-line with tonight's post.

1. Me and the CHOCOLATES

Chocolates from someone special in the past. It represents life's sweetest memories of family gatherings, happy acquiantances with friends and some sweet-smelling encounters with a person closest to out hearts. He gave this to me because he knew that I love chocolates a lot and because he just came home from working abroad. There's always a great blessing when you give. Appreciation should be showed when someone gives us something even if we don't like it that much.

2. Me and the HEADBAND and GLASSES

When I started my life here in the city, I also started to learn how to take care more of myself like, getting dressed well, choosing an appropriate clothes for me, I mean better ones now, and buying some "kikay" stuffs like this pretty headband.The glasses that I used to wear now to see things clearly. It's like taking one step at a time, slowly but surely with clear vision that the decision is good and that will bring brighter tomorrows.

3. Me and the MONEY

Along with those physical changes I've done to myself, I also learned to budget, save and prioritize the things I needed to with my earnings.

4. Me and the SEA

Ever since I really like to go to the beach not because I want to swim, I should say I can't swim. But because it relaxes and refreshes me. If things go wrong and when I need time to think, I used to go to the beach or any place which has an overview of the sea. The waves are like trials in which I need to overcome. Luckily, when I try to look back, I am proud to say, I surpassed yesterday's trials and became a more profound individual.

5. Me and the GIANT HARP

One of my frustrations is to learn how to play an instrument. I always feel envious seeing my friends or family members who can play instrument. I feel like I was being deprieved of the chance to learn it but of course, I know that there are things that aren't good for me at the specific instances. Though I don't know anything about it, I am still dreaming that one day, I'll be able to learn even just the basic.

6. Me and the ZIPLINE GEAR

I realized that heights isn't that scary for me. Taking risk in life sometimes is like giving yourself a try on the doubtful things you know. Holding on to your beliefs and letting yourself continue to shine in the areas you know you are fully-geared up with all the casualties of life to pull you up.

7. Me and the BIKE

Learning how to bike at 25. Possibly can or can't? It's not yet too late to learn things we want to and it will always not too late to change wrongs decisions we have in the past.

8. Me and the FAVORITE HOBBY

I love sleeping. My friends know that.When irrirations strike up unexpectedly, the only cure is to rest. No side effects but surely after taking it for quite some time, you'll be better.

9. Me and the GROUND

Whatever happens I want to stay my feet on the ground. Nothing is worth to be proud of except doing good things for others. School achievements, beauty or wealth aren't the only things to boast. Character is the only thing I have.

10. Me and the 25th BIRTHDAY CAKE

I celebrated my silver year at the office because it was a regular working day. I was happy though. The most important thing happened to me was to realized that I am getting older and grateful. Every year I always look forward to celebrate my existence and to know the different changes that take place.

All Cheers for 2011... A Toast for 2012 ",))

It has been a blessing to me since the first day of 2011 and I can't keep my eyes close knowing that few hours from now, this year will be over. A lot of unexpected things happened, life's twists and turns, a roller-coaster ride of relationship, a major misunderstanding of friendship and abundant blessings here and there. Yet most of them gave me different feelings such like; pain, doubts, touched, amazed, tame, burst me in tears, abrupt and so on- in short I had mixed emotions. From family, friends, to work, different relationships and other outside yet personal commitment. However, on a lighter side it fed me with varieties of lessons I couldn't ignore. Those lessons helped me become who I am today and more than anything else I am grateful of such experiences.

Let me tell you what major things happened to me during this entire year.

As I remember, nothing so special about this month. I mean, there wasn't anything that caused me to worry or be blown away and distracted. I must say, I started my year right.

I felt both in love and out of love during this month because I was ready to face the coming of the person I assumed to be my prince. I was in love with my relationship I had with "bhe". I was okay when he was on board (I mean we were okay) last year of May. At first everything went well, he asked me to wait and I waited. But a couple of months still at 2010, I received an unexpected and unclear message  from him which brought me to swift the way I considered him, that he will be no longer my beau when he will come. It was very painful because it was hanging and the fact that we couldn't communicate well due to distance and the high cost. I admit, coping up and moving on were really hard and even harder because I had so many unanswered questions. I was then out of love, disappointed and completely devastated. But then, I know I have to continue the life I want to live like. So with the help of some great friends that continues to shine  with their encouragement, going back on the tract was as easy as 123.

March, bhe's birthday and his return. I was really fine. Though I was trying to hold my desire of not seeing him and of burying all the questions I wanted to ask. For the last trimester of last year, I told myself already to forgive him and laid at rest all that had happened between him and me. He was then trying to communicate with me to fix things right yet in me, I was controlling not to entertain because I was hurt and as much as possible I didn't want him to see me crying in pain. At the end, I decided to finally meet him once and for all to talk and to clear things up. It wasn't easy. After the emotional meeting, I was found myself at peace and free. I learned to let go of those feelings and was happy then.

My major exam... my birthday... and my trip to Bohol. This month I realized that with prayers and faith anything is possible even the most impossible things for human being. God answers! and God really answered mine. At this month, I realized to take things slowly. I mean, taking time to decide on something I want to do for myself. After the trip to Bohol which gave me so much fun and was full of lessons learned through the Singles National Conference about Man-Woman, I had time to think about myself and the people around me more. Realizing their importance and wants in life. I had better understanding about them.

Discovering stranger! Summer season! Nothing so special except that I came to know Mr. Aniban, an Elimite that I knew first during the last month of conference in Bohol. He was such a good person and I was really blessed when I got to know him a little accidentally. Another thing, I honestly also had a short-term relationship with a super kind person. Unfortunately, I felt sorry because it was too short but the separation was for our own good - for now! Too late then I realized. On the other hand, this month was also the birthday of the person I do not know personally and she is either. However, I admit that this person inspired me to write again and express everything I want to say. I read her blogs and most of her sentiments are also mine. She's a smart cookie and I admire her with all her achievements because somehow I also want to achieve what she had for we both in the same line - teaching! I somehow feel envious. Yet, I know that God has something reserve for me to do and I totally understand that I have other journey to walk. I just want to thank this person "Emalyn", because she inspires me and I was/am blessed with everything I know about her. May God bless her even more!

He came back!
Minding all the things happened months ago, bhe came back. It wasn't that easy and quick. I took time. Though the feelings were still the same but I took time. The communication was constant. I was confused. That was the only thing I knew about me at that time. Anyway, so much for that,  Ate got her job this month also and she was extremely happy for it was her dream job and the place. Good for her! My younger siblings are about to graduate. Three (3) of them lack only 1 more year. So, budgeting was my main concern. Happy for them anyway!

We were together again! 22nd of this month to be exact when I made a decision to be with bhe the second time around. They said it will be sweeter hahaha yet I will say, it wasn't that sweeter. I was happy being with him. I was happy because he won me back. I was happy because he made effort. He communicated constantly. At that time, I felt very important amidst all the negative thoughts I had back in my mind. However, never those thoughts won. My heart and feelings prevailed. I must say, it was the best thing happened to me this month. The feeling of being in love and be loved was the happiest.... I had also my eye checked and was advised to wear glasses now.

Papa's first month of not working anymore and it was also during this month when he experienced severe attack of his asthma. It was extremely terrible. Repeatedly, I couldn't imagine him being in that situation if we weren't have all those blessings of money for the entire medication just to get him well. It was our first time seeing papa suffered a lot. Each time I saw papa, I felt broken because I knew how he tried himself to live and to catch his breathing just to be alive still. Mama at that time was really supportive. She never left papa's side in a single minute and she was the one who took care of him very well. After almost a month, he was getting better. Then, I realized my parent's hard work and love for each other. They both deserved to be rewarded. The prayers of many people helped him get well.

The most unforgettable month this year! So much tears flowed, so much heartaches, so much pain yet it was so much a lesson to learn. Everything happened to me this month were all first time and recovering from a delirious health situation wasn't that easy. I couldn't believe it. It was really a bitter pill to swallow. After all, I was still grateful. I just don't want to hold any grudges or bitterness though the scars and trauma will always be here. Then, I decided to set my sights on doing all the things I want to.  This time, all I want is to forgive, if I can - I want to forget it and to love even the most difficult and unacceptable thing for me. I wish to love. I wish to accept. I wish to understand. 

Planning! It's time to end! It's time to move on! It's time to embrace new things! and it's time to plan for a better and brighter future! Wow!... Switching directions and plans have been in my mind this month. I want to pass the board next year, I want to run again, I want to stop my morning shift, I want to work something different - a place, a classroom situation already or anything as long as it's different by next year and I want to go back studying. Everything shifted after last month and all I have is hope and faith in the Lord that by His grace, all these things will be possible.

Papa's better health condition and a fine me! This was also my last month of serving Elim Singles as Promo/Docu Servant Head. It was so sad and happy. Sad, because I will surely miss everyone in this ministry including the pressures, meetings, deadlines, videos, planning, co-servants, dwellers and everything about the ministry. Leaving them wasn't that easy for me. Yet, I'm happy, because I know I'm moving forward for a better place to do different service.  November was a month of decision for I was already in my new place before this month ended. The place was an answered prayer. :)

Last month! Excited me!
I had a different Christmas and New Year. Before this month will close, I already filled for April 2012's board exam and had my last eye check for this year.




With all the things happened to me, all I want to say is "THANK YOU" to all the people who had been a part of me through thick and thin or by accident. Yow, the one who cheered me up when I was really down, confused, bothered, hurt, in pain, in difficult trials in life and in almost everyday of my life. Yani bb whose presence in the office is undeniable. T. Lou, T. Hilfe, T. Cris, T. Florence, T. Rydna, T. Lana, T. Rogie, T. Alma, T. Sheila, T. Des, T. Cheriza and the rest of the new batch of teachers in K & P, thank you. I won't be able to work like the way I work if you're not there as well.  Kuya Danny, Ate Divine, Ventot, Dodong Ace, Kuya Eric, Kuya Randy, Ate Jean, Ate Steph, Ate Daisy, Ate Zabeth, and Donna, my friends in the ministry who lifted me up when I am oppressed. Kuya Boie and Ate Wilma, servant heads in Elim Carmen, who in one way or the other encouraged me continuously. Ate Faith, my faci whose guidance and words serve as my inspiration in doing all God's plan for me one at a time and who taught me to be in God's presence all the time. Jing, who gave and shared a lot of presence and unforgettable moments to me this year and who contributed one of the grandest tests in life. I know and I strongly believe that God has something for me to learn why all those things happened in this year. Most of all, even if I was in a roller coaster ride of emotions, I want to end this year with a great smile not just on my face but as well as in my heart to show that everything in me is okay now. 


To entertain the other side of the coin, I told myself to let go of all those negatives vibrations for it does no good in my life if I will continue to live with it. To forgive is another main concern and to surrender those things I can't keep for long.  This what I realized, sometimes, we are all caught up in the idea of pleasing everybody but in the end, we are the ones who are unhappy. It's not wrong to follow your heart or to defy all the odds. Live your life the way you want it to be, share it with someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, because after all, more than anything else, the general rule is pleasing the Almighty and not fearing the second rate opinion of somebody else.


And to everyone who has been my comforter, adviser, friends, lover, colleagues, buddy, enemy hahaha "SALAMAT KAAYO". May all of you will have a prosperous New Year. 2011 wouldn't have been this colorful, fun, exciting and challenging without you. So, before this year takes its course, I want to have my first step for the next year by letting you know that, for all those times that you've been with me, those were the happiest and the most memorable. Let me apologize also for the occurrence for being in my indifference, tactless sometimes and for being insensitive. I really appreciate so much of your presence. Nothing can compare your indisputable and unquestionable "you". Kamsahamida for being part of my 2011 book of life and hope to see you to my next pages in 2012 a lot better. Happy New year everyone! May God bless you with His tidings of love!

All cheers for a great 2011 and A hopeful toast for 2012 ^^

Photo Source: Google 

A New Route

Source: "Google"

I know people who feel like they’ve wasted years of their lives because of poor choices. They spent years in a relationship that was toxic, years with an addiction, years at a job where they weren’t fulfilled. But you have to realize, nothing you have been through is ever wasted.

Your past experiences, good and bad have deposited something on the inside of you. Those challenges have sharpened you to help make you who you are today. When the enemy brings hardship into your life, God has a way of taking that experience and turning it around for your advantage. You may think you’ve hit a dead end, but if you’ll stay in faith, you will see God begin to open up a new route. He’ll put the right people in your path, the right opportunities, the right circumstances to move you forward toward your God-given destiny.

Today, don’t focus on what’s happened in your past, focus on what God will do in your future. He wants to restore your soul and revive your dreams. Keep believing, keep expecting, keep hoping because God has a new route for your future!

-by Joel Osteen

P.S.

Not all days are good. One day you can be smiling widely, and the next you could be crying pales of tears. God never promised sweet days everyday. But HE promised to give us things for our BEST Interest. It may not be exactly how we want things to happen, but it is what’s BEST. Just keep the faith! Keep believing! Our GOD favors the faithful!

-Christine Fernandez

P.S

Praise God! This blog gave me the strength to hold on to HIS promise of future full of hope (Jer.29:11). Yes, GOD is good and will always be good. I will keep the faith. I will wait. I will be grateful, no matter what. HE knows BEST for me. 

-Vanch

Improve Your Relationship By Taking Care of Yourself First

Photo source: Google

For human being, having a good, happy, faithful, God-fearing and harmonious relationship is very important and it's everyone's dream. Both male and female long for a long and lasting partnership yet due to some unpredictable circumstances, breaking up the cord that bind them is the common solution to this situation.  This article about relationship caught my attention this evening and it gave me the urge to share this to others through here. I believe we all had been into an on/off relationships, some might be so painful that we felt miserable and dying after because we lost the one we thought our prince or princess. Some might be in the decree of begging love from others just to fill in that void they have in their inner selves. Some felt so easy but deep inside they're struggling from anguish. No matter what it is, I hope this article will help you in preparation for your next desired relationship. God bless you! 

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It’s important for you to take care of yourself before you try to fix your relationship. The old saying ‘You can’t give away what you don’t have” applies here. Until you are peaceful and happy, you won’t have a peaceful, happy relationship.

If you skip these steps and jump immediately into the murky waters of your troubled relationship, you are at high risk for going under. That’s why it’s so important to do all you can to stabilize yourself before you get in over your head.

Before you confront core relationship issues, first follow these two steps to increase your chances of success:

1. Commit to being okay no matter what happens.

Make yourself a promise that you’re going to take good care of yourself and be okay no matter what happens in your relationship. If your happiness absolutely depends on your partner being a part of your life, then you’ll feel fearful and powerless. As a result, you’ll be more likely to engage in ineffective behaviors such as begging and pleading. The more this happens, the less your partner is to want to stay in the relationship. Why is this?

One reason is that you will be perceived as emotionally needy and dependent. Whatever someone else does for you will never be enough because you’ll always want more from that person. Your partner can sense this and will be afraid of being consumed by your never-ending demands for attention and care.

Another reason is that it’s too heavy of a burden to feel totally responsible for another person’s happiness. Most people want to run the other way when that’s the case. A partner who does try to be everything to the other person will eventually feel resentment and anger at being put in such a demanding position. And any sense of playfulness and fun, which is so vital to an enduring relationship, will be snuffed out.

By showing respect for yourself and belief in your ability to thrive whether in a relationship or not, you’ll be coming from a place of empowerment and strength. These attributes attract others and engender respect, making you a more desirable partner.

2.Commit to putting more fun in your life even when you’re feeling miserable.

Don’t wait until your relationship is perfect to plan fun activities for yourself. Sign up for a community class to learn about kayaking, gourmet cooking, or drumming. Make a list of places in your town or a nearby one that you’d like to visit. Branch out, learn new skills, and broaden your world.

When you’re active and having fun, you’ll be happier. An extra benefit will be that you’ll also appear more attractive to your partner. Individuals who are happy have a natural sex appeal that draws others to them. When you’re living life with gusto and a sense of adventure, irregardless of the state of your relationship, your partner is more likely to want to spend time with you.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wait and see what happens in your relationship before you take steps to create a more satisfying life. After all, would you rather spend time with someone who is miserable and unhappy or with someone who is doing interesting, fun things and enjoying life? Enthusiasm and a sense of fun are powerful aphrodisiacs that attract others like a magnet.

The more centered, balanced, and happy you are, the more you increase the odds that you’ll be able to create a happy, healthy relationship.

Source:  http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Wasson1.html