Jurassic Summer 2011

What better way to enjoy summer than to go swimming. Vint and his friend Julius frolicking in a Dinosaur themed resort called "Sitio Lucia in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Cool place!

Robotics summer tutorial

To all parents, students, and computer enthusiasts. Have fun this summer, learn how to build and program the Lego NXT robot at the comforts of your homes. The Lego NXT is the latest intelligent robot that can be programmed even by kids to perform amazing tasks such as navigating, sensing, voice recognition and much more. The fee is P6000 for solo and P5000 for pairs. For more details please call or text 09162224218. Visit our website at http://robotsathome.webs.com/..

Read more: http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/3425393/recent/1/Robotics%2BTutorial

Ano ang pangarap mo sa ating bayan?

Today is election day. Let’s all go out and vote. I know this election will not be perfect, but it is all worth the try.
All our country needs are honest leaders to help us move towards the right direction. Yan ang pangarap kong mangyari sa ating bayan. Tulong-tulong tayong lahat to make this first automated election a success.
ABS-CBN came up with a worthwhile project it’s called Ambisyon 2010. Funding will be given to finance a short film on the important issues
about today’s elections. Out of 80 who submitted their concepts, the top 10 were made into short films directed by famous as well as
amateur indi-film directors.
Here are two of the 10, I’m still looking for the rest on the web:
Lupang Hinarang - Ditsi Carolino
A documentary film about the Sumilao farmers of Bukidnon.
Part 1


Part2


Ayos ka-Brilliante Mendoza
Mendoza’s film, “Ayos Ka” is a music video whose hopeful soundtrack is a stark contrast against images of poverty, prostitution, drugs and murder. This was initially banned by MTRCB for public viewing. The MTRCB claimed Mendoza’s film is “injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines and its people.”



Another film which will never be shown because it was given an X rating by MTRCB was Jeffrey Jeturian’s film which focused on the state of the economy. His camera follows a newspaper from the time it is delivered to a homeowner to when it is used to wipe feces from the foot of a cart-pushing vendor. Jeturian uses a newspaper printed with the same controversial advertisement that came out in early January trumpeting the administration’s economic successes. The film, called “Ganito tayo ngayon, Paano na tayo bukas?” ends with President Arroyo’s photo on the crumpled newspaper. The MTRCB said in its decision that the film was X-rated for “undermining the faith and confidence of the people in government.” Ikaw ano ang pangarap mo sa bayan natin?
source: http://pinoymoviexpress.blogspot.com/2010/03/anc-talks-about-mtrcbs-x-rating-of-2.html#ixzz0nPjvI8Qd

Sana maging kulay dilaw ang langit.

Vint's Kindergarten graduation

My son Vint made it through Kindergarten. Last March 19, 2010 he received his Certificate in Kinder at Immaculate Mother School. He amazingly got all the academic awards. Best in Reading, Best in Math, Best in Language, Best in Filipino, Best in Christian Living and Best in Spelling. Every year I get to attend graduation ceremonies of my own students and it always makes me emotional. But if it's your own son, you get even more teary eyed, you just can't explain the happiness of seeing your own son going up the stage and delivering the graduation speech. I's just Kindergarten, what more if it's high school or college. Well good luck Vint you'll go places especially if you become an astronaut.

Here are the highlights of the graduation ceremony.

Double Happiness

I remember double happiness as a brand of ping-pong balls that I used to buy in high school whenever I played table tennis, but today it has another meaning. With just a week to go before our school year ends may pahabol pa kaming awards. The first happiness goes to three of our very pretty Taekwondo coaches. You heard it right, ours is a boys school but we are blessed to have the three prettiest coaches in the Philippines: Meet Camille Alarilla, 22, Janice Lagman, 22, Rani Ortega, 24 – three Filipina beauties, brains and brawl all rolled into one. They are world champions in Taekwondo and just a few days ago they were declared Athletes of the Year by the PSA (Philippine Sports Commission). Tabi ka muna Manny Pacquiao, it's the girls turn to shine.

The second happiness, we made a website about the girls as our entry in the National Cyberfair web design contest and the results just came in today. We were declared the winner!
Here is our winning entry entitled Dolls and Kicks:
http://dollsandkicks.t35.com/champions.html


My web team will recieve their recognition on Tues March 9 at the Microsoft head Office in Ayala, Makati, congrats Camille, Janice, and Rani and of course congrats boys, make your Mama proud.
Enjoy your summer!
Here's how they kick butt:
http://www.capzles.com/#/bb9a37a8-2acc-40e0-a7e5-18e7e4fcb574/

Lipa, Batangas

11.16. 2007 ~ 11.19. 2007

Title: Carmelite Church in Lipa

A miracle happened in this church in 1948, Our Lady the Mediatrix of All Grace appeared to a Carmelite nun. During the apparition, it rained rose petals bearing the images of Christ and Mother Mary.

Church video

• 
  


• 
  

WHAT TO DO

Powered by Thinkfree Note

Support C-Wall the robot

Hi everybody my name is
C-Wall. I’m a Recyclabot created by Junji Vergara, a Sophomore student from Claret School. I made it to the top 5 out of 70 entries in the Recyclabot Making Contest sponsored by SM Cinema, SM Science Discovery Center in cooperation with Disney and Pixar movie Wall E.
This contest aims to find ways on how to recycle items considered trash, transforming them to something with value thus helping in the preservation of our environment.

I would like to ask for your support to vote for me to be number 1. The champion will receive P10,000, plus Science books and a computer showcase for the winning school. If you happen to visit the following SM Malls on the dates below, look for the cinema where Wall E is showing and you will find me there in the lobby. Ask for a voting form and please vote for me. I’m entry no. 13.



• July 28 to August 3-SM North EDSA
• August 3 to 10 SM Mega Mall
• August 11 to 17 SM Mall of Asia

Thank you very much.

Hope to see you there!

C-WALL

Claret Robotics Team

Kilyawan Boys Choir did it again

It was only two Saturdays ago when the Kilyawan boys choir performed in front of parents and teachers during our first PTC assembly. They were literally begging for airfare tickets to be able to participate in the World Choir Olympics in Austria. The amount that they need was staggering. Claret School donated P100,000 plus the amount that was collected that day from the parents and teachers would surely help.

Among the 45 members of the group were 15 grade school students currently enrolled in Claret and the rest were mostly Claretian alumni, among them Gian Karlo Dapul (the champion in this year’s English-Speaking Union (ESU) speech contest held in England). Their choir director is Mark Anthony A. Carpio, the present choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers and their manager is Ms. Hazel P. Copiaco, our grade school music teacher.

Yesterday they returned with a harvest of medals. They won 3 Gold Diplomas, 1 Gold Medal and 2 Silver Medals. It was the toughest contest that they have ever participated in so far. The 5th World Choir Games in Graz, Austria this July is the largest competition in the history of choir music. There were 441 ensembles from 93 nations that participated. The large number of participating choirs is complemented by folk dance groups and brass music bands which are going to turn this event into a unique festival of different cultures.
The Kilyawan boys choir also won Gold diplomas and Silver and Bronze medals in the 4th World Choir Games held in China in 2006.

Related stories:
Inquirer.net

First Dr. Heartbeat Robotics Competition

Congratulations to all the winners in the first Dr. Heartbeat Lego Mindstorms Competition held at the SM Mall of Asia Science Discovery Center
Here's a list of the winners for the two divisions:

Division 1: 6 to 11 years old
1st Place: Antonio Sales
2nd Place: Christian Ayala
3rd Place: Mildred Saquing

Division 2: 12 and up
1st Place: Miguel Apolo
2nd Place: German Salvador
3rd Place: Christian Pambuan

Special Awards
Mr. Congeniality: Marco Ayala
Most Patient: Joseph Tamayo
Most Inquisitive: Daryl Tongson
Best Engineer/Programmer: Alfonso Sales
Most Enthusiastic: Christian Ayala

Here are pictures from Aileen Apollo's Picassa album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/aileen.apolo/DrHeartbeatLegoNXTRoboticsCompetition

and here's what Aileen, a very supportive mother of Miguel, my brilliant student who won first place on his first ever Robotics Competition) have to say about it:
http://aileenapolo.blogspot.com/2008/06/miguel-wins-dr-heartbeat-nxt-robot.html

God is on our side!

A silver medal at the International Cyberfair 2008 competition! A competition participated in by thousands of students from different parts of the world. What more can we ask for? Thank you Lord! Here's our entry: a Claret school production play entitled "Joseph and the Technicolor dreamcoat" held at the Meralco Theatre only last February 1,3 and 4 2008. http://technicolordreamcoat.890m.com/

CyberFair engages students in powerful educational story-telling activities, which benefit students and their communities. So, enjoy your virtual journey around the globe and learn how education can unite people and communities.

ID 5455: The Technicolor Dreamcoat
Category: 8. Local Music and Art Forms
Claret School of Quezon City
Quezon City, PHILIPPINES

We struck Gold again!

Congratulations to the winners of the Philippine Schools Cyberfair 2008: Empower and Unite!

My web team members got 3 gold medals out of 8 categories as well as several honorable mention. Hurray!!

Close to 300 students participated in this year's Cyberfair and your accomplishment contributes in spreading the growth of Internet content in the country.

Here are your winners!

1. Local Leaders
• Winner: Henry Medina: A Cornerstore of Service, St. Joseph's Academy

• Honorable Mention
o Famous San Pableños, MSC High School
o Pride of the Philippines - Ms. Lea Salonga, Claret School of Quezon City
2. Community Groups and Special Populations
• Winner: DLSAU We Answer the Call 2008, De La Salle Araneta University
3. Businesses and Organizations
• Winner: The Voice of the Youth, Claret School of Quezon City
• 1st Runner-up: Crystal Ice Cream - Las Piñeros All Time Favorite, St. Joseph's Academy
• Honorable Mention: BridgeIT, STI Academy (Las Pinas)
4. Local Specialties, Sports and Health (programs)
• Winner: Las Piñeros’ Crusade Against Measles, St. Joseph's Academy
• 1st runner-up: A New Age of Herbal Medicine, Iligan City National High School
• Honorable Mention:Explore the Magic of Coconuts, MSC High School
5. Local Attractions (Natural and Man Made)
• Winner: Philam Park, STI Academy (Las Pinas)
• 1st runner-up: Dipolog City: Jewel of Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga Del Norte National High School
• 2nd runner-up: San Pablo City - Seven Lakes, MSC High School
6. Historical Landmarks
• Winner: Genesis of Independence, Claret School of Quezon City (Elementary)
• Honorable Mention:
o Las Piñas: Our Own Treasure, St. Joseph's Academy
o Rock Force 2, Claret School of Quezon City (High School)
7. Environmental Awareness and Issues
• Winner: Cavite's Fight Against Red Tide, St. Joseph's Academy

• 1st runner-up: E-Junk: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Colegio San Agustin – Biñan, Laguna

• 2nd runner-up: Interrelatedness, MSC High School

• Honorable mention: Candaba - A Birds Paradise, Claret School of Quezon City
8. Local Culture, Music and Art Forms
• Winner: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Claret School of Quezon City
• 1st runner-up: Kinaray Artz, Antique National School

http://www.cyberfair.ph/

Redemption

Four years ago, a tall but rather skinny member of my robotics team stepped into the playing arena to compete in the finals of the 2nd National Robotics Olympiad which was held at the Alabang Town Center. It took the boy a couple of hours to assemble his lego robot. His robot will compete in the finals of a maze event.And now it’s crunch time! It was a tense moment for all of us. It was the first time for us to join in the Robotics Olympiad. We didn’t even expect to reach the finals and yet here we are. The winner will represent the country in the World Robotics Olympiad in Korea that year. All hopes of the team were on this skinny lad now. It became so quite all of a sudden as our brave grade 6 Claretian student prepares to switch on his robot. We heard the beeping sound as he pressed the green button to turn on the RCX, the brain of the Lego robot. It was a relief for us as it signified that he had placed good batteries. Gently he placed the robot on the playing field, just as his robot was about 6 inches away from the ground, a yellow brick from his robot fell-off and hit the ground first. It was as if time stood still! He attempted to put it back, but another part fell. Based on the rules all parts should be intact, any part from the robot that would fall could mean a deduction much worse a disqualification. The next few seconds was immortalized in the annals of Claret Robotics history and was retold countless of times to old and new robotics team members. The young boy out of frustration threw the robot into the judges’ feet. A loud crash was heard and all the lego pieces went flying in different directions. All three judges were in a state of shock. The young boy went out of the playing arena and cried like a baby. It took several minutes for me and other people including the judges to calm him down.That experience did not deter the young boy from doing greater things in his life. It drove him to strive harder to be the best that he can be in all other aspects of his life. He went on to become the valedictorian in grade 6, joined the Kilyawan boys choir and passed the entrance test at the Philippine Science high School. When he transferred, I have never heard of him since then.A couple of weeks ago, I saw a boy on television which looks very familiar. Yes it’s him alright. He became even more taller and good looking but still skinny. The boy’s name was flashed on television, his name: Gian Karlo Rosales Gapul, sixteen years old, Champion in the International Public Speaking Competition conducted in London by the English Speaking Union held last May 9, 2008. Gian bested more than 50 other contestants from 35 countries most of whom are college students who were members in the English Speaking Union in his speech curiously entitled Fish Mucus and Foot Fungus. This time he was very relaxed and added humor to his speech. Finally, Gian had redeemed himself bigtime! In November Gian will be presented with a certificate at the ESU Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace by his Royal Highness Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh. Most likely, the Queen herself will be present as well, since the English Speaking Union will make its 90th anniversary this year.Here is the winning speech of Gian Dapul:

FISH MUCUS AND FOOT FUNGUS
by Gian Dapul

Robo Fiesta

Find out the latest trends in Robotics technology by visiting the Robo fiesta at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA, Mandaluyong on August 25-26, 2007. http://www.e-gizmo.com/rfiesta.htm
Here’s the schedule of activities:

ROBOFIESTA@THE SHANGRI-LA
Schedule of Activities


From To Activity
24-Aug 2100 Ingress begins
Overnight set-up

25-Aug 1000 Mall opens

1130 Opening ceremonies
The Wiz music ushers in Tin Man: "Slide Some Oil Through Me"
Welcome Remarks by emcee and main sponsors
1200 1330 Adamson Robot and Energizer mascot signal activation of exhibits
Run Video Loop
Sumo Preparation
INK supervises Batibot ArtBots (whole afternoon)

1330 1430 Sumo competition - 2 trials

1430 1530 Lecture-demo by CP David of Raya School
"Basic Electronics for 6-year-olds"

1530 1630 Line Trace (High School) and Maze Slalom (Elementary) preparation
Run Video Loop
Activate exhibits
INK continues to supervise Batibot Artbots

1630 1730 Line Trace High School Competition: Pretzel Puzzle - 2 trials
Maze Slalom Elementary Competition - 2 trials

1730 1800 Mapua presentation: "Atlantis"

1800 1830 UP Mobot Lab presentation

1830 1930 Adamson presentation: "Building Surveillance" and "Wheelchair"

1930 2000 Activate exhibits
Open competitions in sumo, line trace and maze slalom for college and hobbyists
Run Video Loop

2000 DVD: Pinocchio 3000

2200 Robots locked in cabinets


26-Aug 1000 Mall opens

1130 Storm Troopers usher in C3PO to Star Wars music
Emcee gives brief welcome remarks
Energizer mascot and FAITH robo band lead activation of exhibits

1200 Maze Slalom(High School) and Line Trace (Elementary) preparation
Juan Sumulong demos Robotic Arm
Run Video Loop
INK conducts Batibot-Artbot on the spot art sessions all pm

1230 E-Gizmo demos their Hexapod and Biped robots

1300 1400 Maze Slalom High School competition simultaneous with
Pretzel Puzzle Line Trace Elementary Competitiom

1400 1500 Activation of exhibits
Richard Taylor and Manila Science High School team lecture-demo
"Lego Robotics and Physics Education"

1500 1530 Novaliches High School demos Janitor Robot

1530 1630 FELTA conducts E-Lab, segue to Family Competition

1630 1730 Run Video Loop
Activation of exhibits
AMA demos their 5-ft Humanoid

1730 AMA Humanoid and Energizer mascot usher in Awarding

1900 2000 DVD screening: Robots

2200 Dismantling and egress

How to get to the Shang? Visit their website at http://www.shangrila-plaza.com/

Filipino inmates shine on YouTube

Unbelievable! but yes it’s true, inmates from a prison center in Cebu City Philippines have hit the number one slot on YouTube with more than 5 million viewers and counting. Their rendition of Michael Jackson’s “thriller” dance number made them popular throughout the world. It’s just amazing how these hardened criminals were turned into graceful dancers. Their dance also gave them a new purpose in life.

Their rise to fame did not come easy. They first got my attention last March when my students told me something about “algorithm march”. A popular Japanese dance step which was interpreted by the CPDRC Cebu inmates with 967 people dancing to the algorithm march, they have set a new record performance of the “Algorithm march”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjMd2Vabcv8&mode=related&search=
I just couldn’t figure out at first how the guards were able to convince these inmates to dance, but from the looks of it, they were enjoying it.

And now here comes world recognition. With another dance step to the tune of “Thriller”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMnk7lh9M3o, they have reached fame where no one could have ever imagined. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTFBy_71U1s&mode=related&search=
The whole prison camp is now a tourist attraction and support in terms of praises as well as financial rewards are starting to pour in. I’m just hoping it reaches the inmates who have made a lot of sacrifices perfecting their numbers and not just to a handful of organizers and prison guards.

Of True Colors and Senseless Killings

An unfortunate event unfolded in our country this April and I would just like to express my sentiments about it and how I am saddened by the fact that those who are often seen on rallies and on television advocating for justice are silent about it.

The gruesome death of a fellow teacher shocked everyone that knew her. Julia Fordham, a 40 year old American Peace Corps volunteer dropped everything, including her job as a Journalist in 2005 to join the US Peace Corps to serve on a 2 year volunteer work in the Philippines . Julia worked in various publications, among them the St. Petersburg ( Florida ) Times, People Magazine, Star Magazine, FoxNEWS.com, ABCNews.com, and CourtTVNews.com. before she became a US Peace Corps. Volunteer.

Julia’s body was recovered in a shallow grave by Philippine soldiers 10 days after she was reported missing. in the vicinity of Batad village. Julia went on a hiking trip by herself in the famous Banaue Rice Terraces. Her face could be hardly recognized. Her head was repeatedly hit by a blunt instrument. A bloodstained piece of wood used in pounding rice was found near a suspect’s house. Investigators were looking into "robbery with homicide or rape with homicide.” as the motive for killing. Julia was cremated and her ashes were sent back to the United States and the suspect is still in hiding.

I just couldn’t understand some groups for keeping mum about it. When a Filipina woman was raped by 20 year old Daniel Smith, an American marine who met the woman in a bar, many activists were at the forefront in decrying the incident. For some groups, it became a rally point to bash everything wrong with Philippine - American relations over the last 100 years. Blinded by rage, burning American flags and shouting invectives at the guy became the order of the day throughout the hearings. Smith was found guilty and is now serving his 40 year jail. term. He deserves to be in jail for his crime, no question about it but to develop so much hate is something else. As if it was the only crime committed in this country. One thing that I support the activists was for the demand that Smith should serve his term in a Philippine jail and not in the comforts of his own cell at the US embassy. Last week Smith was rushed to a hospital complaining of stomach pains. He had a gall bladder emergency operation . While undergoing recovery, a party list group who call themselves “Samahang Mangagawa” staged a rally in front of the US embassy demanding Smith’s immediate return to jail not even caring if the man is dying or not.. Even prisoners have rights too you know. Fearing that he might be slipped out of the country, the rallies never stopped until he was well enough to be returned back to his cell after a few days from the hospital.

However, the irony of it was when 7 government workers who were tasked to build a road in Jolo were kidnapped and beheaded by the Abbu-Sayaff group when the government refused to pay P5 million pesos in ransom the other week no rallies were held by any groups. Even the party list group which is supposed to be about the welfare of the workers never marched to the streets condemning the deaths of their fellow workers. No one from their ranks showed up to show any sympathy to the families of the victims who were mostly poor and now the head of the family is dead! I just wish that the activists can also give the same kind of passion to Julia and the Abbu-Sayaff victims.

Well now, it’s the other way around, in Julia’s case when she was missing for ten days, hundreds of people in Laguna, Bicol and in the US were conducting nightly vigils and prayer meetings for the safety of Julia. They knew how Julia loved the Filipinos so much especially the poor and they too cared so much for Julia. Those women groups who were shouting at the top of their voices talking about the rights and dignity of a woman were nowhere to be found. Why? Is it because the color of her skin is white! Isn’t Julia a woman too? . When her mangled body was found , did we see any Filipino flags being burned in the Philippine embassy in the US? The answer is no. People abroad knew that what happened was a crime and it could happen to anybody, anywhere not just in the Philippines .. Instead of hate, the parents and relatives of Julia thanked the dozens of police, soldiers and volunteers who have helped searched for Julia for several days and nights. The Filipina victim and Julia both equally deserve justice. While the Filipina woman got her justice, Julia’s killer is still at large and now that she’s dead who will speak for her?
To some people they probably think that even US Peace Corps volunteers are symbols of American Imperialism. I beg to disagree with them. I had my own personal experience with US peace Corps volunteers. When I was 13 years old, my dad worked as a Director in YMCA in San Pablo City and one of our privileges is to avail of free housing inside the YMCA compound. It’s nothing compared to a country club but there’s a very nice swimming pool where I learned how to swim. Once a week a group of students from a special school for children with disabilities come to swim in the YMCA pool. Aside from a Filipino teacher, the children have with them a female US Peace Corps volunteer. She became much a part of our family because of her frequent visits at the YMCA helping out in organizing many sports activities for the youth together with my dad.. Until now I still remember her name. Her name was Robin . In one of their swimming sessions, Robin came late because she had to attend to other projects in the community. Nobody noticed that one of the teenage boys about the age of 15 but with a mentality of an 8 year old in the group went into the deeper part of the pool and he drowned. Robin arrived just in time to see people pointing at a human figure under 10 feet of water, she immediately jumped into the pool while still in her working clothes and rubber shoes on. When she got the boy out of the water, the boy was lifeless , she gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and perform CPR. People around were saying that the boy was already dead, but she never gave up. After a few more minutes, the boy started moving and coughed out water, he was revived by Robin.. She became an instant hero to most of us there.

And now here comes this sad news about the death of Julia. It’s just disheartening. She has done a lot to this country just like what Robin did, while others choose to leave this country in search of a better future, she came here as a volunteer teacher. Her first assignment was to be a high school English teacher at Donsol High School in Sorsogon. She lived in a Nipa Hut among the poor a stark contrast to her cozy studio typed apartment back in New York . She was with them when typhoon “Milenyo” hit the country and live to tell her experience.
Her Friend and former media colleague Josh Jennings Moss recalls how Campbell was as a journalist. In his blog Wanderings and Wonderings of J. Jennings Moss, Moss wrote:
"She kept pursuing a career in news, no matter how many bosses told her to get lost. She was the best kind of journalist, the kind that always asked questions, that was never satisfied. It was this quality that didn't curry favor with her employers as she applied the same tenacity to her work environment as she did the job itself.

"So I was surprised with her plan to join the Peace Corps more than two years ago. But I was so proud of her and admired her commitment to changing her life 180 degrees. Few people would have taken that chance. I don't think I would have."

I wish to share with you her personal story, In a blog called blogutopia.wordpress.com Julia wrote her story to her friend Luke:

The Story of a US Peace Corps Volunteer
Ms. Julia Campbell
When I first came to the Philippines in March 2005, I was like a brand new baby. I had to learn how to do simple things – even something as simple as a trip to the CR. A tabo, what is that?
And of course, even though Filipinos are so good in English, I didn’t know the native language and had to learn from the beginning: Kumusta ka? Mabuti naman. And even a stroll down the street became a new experience. Suddenly, the anonymity I had on New York City was gone. Hundreds of eyes followed my every move. And I had a new name: Joe.
After the initial culture shock, I settled into my new life in the Philippines , especially here in Bicol. I was first assigned to a high school in Donsol, Sorsogon. I moved into a nipa hut near the beach. I fell in love with sili and learned to magpiga with the rest of them.
I’d left the hustle and bustle of New York City behind for a quieter place… or so I thought! That’s before I was introduced to the Filipino rooster. (Apparently, they can’t tell time.) Though I confess I don’t like the mga manok, I have found my new Filipino friends quite charming. Everyone seemed suddenly interested in me. Was I married? How old was I? Have I learned to eat rice? And will I marry a Filipino? No. Secreto. Yes! Three times a day! And, siguro.
I joined the US Peace Corps, the American government’s all-volunteer service corps, because I wanted to help people. I’m just one of 7,749 volunteers in 73 countries around the world. After several years as a journalist and a teacher in New York , I wanted more out of life, something a bit more meaningful. Having a good job – something I admit Americans take for granted – wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to give something back to the world that had treated me so well.
After a year-long application process, my decision had not changed and I was asked to serve in the Philippines . I didn’t know all that much about the Philippines before I got my assignment: Imelda Marcos and her shoes (sorry!), Manila and chicken adobo. (My neighbor back in Brooklyn is a Fil-Am and often fixed his Mom’s recipe.) I’ve come a long way since then.
Having survived typhoon Milenyo back in Sorsogon in late September, I started here at the Divine Word College of Legazpi in early November to teach English for one Semester. Teaching in high school is a challenge because the students are not yet mature. It’s been a wonderful challenge to move to the college level and to meet so many hardworking, smart and dedicated teachers and students.
Of course, on November 30, 2006, I was shocked and suddenly saddened by the experience of typhoon Reming. Though I had experienced hurricanes of lesser strength back in the States, this was my first real close up with a natural disaster. I lived through a disaster of a different kind on September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked my city and killed 3,000. So the experience of a traumatic event was not altogether new. The occurrence of typhoon Reming- my apartment on Marquez Street flooded to my waist – gave me a new insight into the Filipino people.
While Americans might take time to wallow in pity, my new Filipino neighbors did not. They got right to work the next morning cleaning and putting things back together again. I felt shame that I, too, did not have the physical or emotional strength to clean out the mud and debris right away. As one resident of Padang – where I volunteered in relief efforts for three weeks – told me, “Filipinos are fighters and will survive.” I believed him. Bicol will recover.
So even though I will be here for such a short time, it will be bittersweet when I return home to America next June. I will take home with me some fond memories and some Filipino ways. I may never eat with a fork and knife again, rice may just become my staple food and my lips will surely point in the direction of my home away from home – the Philippines .
Julia kept a blog about her experiences in the Philippines . I have been reading all the entries one by one, and each time I read I learned something. I went through a lot of emotions reading her blog. I laughed, cried, I got angry, embarrassed , ashamed , felt proud as Julia described the traits of being a Filipino, as she herself was assimilated into the Filipino culture in less than two years of her stay in the country. She became a better Filipino compared to me. . She went home a little bit early. Her duty should have ended in June, but her life ended in April. Maybe you too can learn that there are Americans like Julia who are genuinely concerned about the plight of the Filipino people and not be blinded like others did. Not all Americans represent evil in this country. And maybe, just maybe you can show some appreciation to what Julia and other US Peace Corps volunteers are doing in our country. I salute you Julia, you are my new hero. May the angels in heaven enjoy singing videoke with you and give you all the comforts that you need and with your passing may more Filipinos learn to love their own country in spite of the many difficulties just like the way you learn to love your second home.
If you have time, better yet make time to read her blog from the day she came to the Philippines up to her last entry. You will learn to love her, promise!
http://juliainthephilippines.blogspot.com/

The Elements

Dear Friends,

Today, I’m going to share with you a compelling story of 80 amazing students, teachers and staff of Claret School of Isabela Basilan. They came to Claret School last February 14 , 2006 for a 3 day performance for a musical play entitled “The Elements”. The elements is the story of Basilan presented in a unique way. Combining dance, music, myth, actual events, dazzling costumes, and modern technology all rolled into one. It caught everybody by surprise. Who would ever expect that a group of students from the remotest and perceived to be the most troubled spot in the Philippines could come up with such a world class play, and to think that the students were all amateurs is just so inspiring. Basilan was a battlefield for more than 30 years between Christians and Muslims and here you are, a musical play with both Christians and Muslims in the cast, not only that, the students speak in several native dialects such as Chavacano, Visayan, Yakan and Tausog and yet they were able to unite and come up with a superb performance. Isn’t that a lesson for us adults? My web team came up with this website in three weeks time to show our appreciation for the cast of “The Elements” and also as an entry to a web contest. We actually finished a different entry for the contest and my students have worked on it for 8 months. I asked the boys if they are willing to drop it in favor of “The Elements” since the people involved were more closer to our hearts. They will also have to make a lot of sacrifices since we have to start all over again and finish it in 3 weeks. When I heard all of them saying a resounding YES!, I knew we were on "something different, something special” just like what Megan, the "goddess of water" said in her closing speech in the play. We were no longer after winning any contests, we were after something bigger. We want to tell the world, the story of Basilan. We hope that this website will change even just a little bit about the people’s perception of Basilan. We want people to invest in Basilan and provide job opportunities and not mere dole outs.
If you are going to view the site, I suggest bring your snacks and drinks, it’s just like watching a movie, well, it’s not that long. Please start from the beginning. you won’t understand the whole thing if you start in the middle. Go over the links one by one starting from the top. And when you are finished, please say something nice to the students of Basilan, inspire them to follow their dreams in spite of the hardships that they have to overcome. They will be reading every peace of information coming from you. The future of Basilan belongs to these kids. I don’t cry easily but when I started receiving text messages (they do have cell phones and internet too) from the cast who are now back in Basilan saying “SUPER THANK YOU FOR THE WEBSITE” tears just flowed in my eyes. I knew then that this site will make a difference in their lives too.
So here it is: http://elements07.125mb.com/



Megan
The goddess of water
a grade 6 pupil who gave
an awesome curtain
call speech



Danielle
"The goddess of Wind" and myself




Crizel
"The goddess of fire"
sets the whole stage
ablazed with her
performance.

Youth Radio

Here's a very inspiring letter I got from one of my favorite teachers abroad, Ms. Sol. Thank you so much for your appreciation. Rest assure we will do our best to put the Philippines on the web community map.

Hi ROX,

I wanted to cry when I listened to this: http://youthradio. wordpress. com/ . You made me feel so special Rox.

I am proud of you, and your students. You probably have no idea yet what kind of network of education leaders Kevin and I are in here in the US. The National Writing Project is the premier effort to improve writing in America. Through its professional development model, NWP builds the leadership, programs, and research needed for teachers to help their students become successful writers and learners.

This is a National initiative and there are 180 sites across America. I am a Teacher Consultant to the DC Area Writing Project and Kevin is a Teacher Consultant to the Western Massachusetts Writing Project. This model of "Teachers Teaching Teachers" is what I really want to adapt here in our Pinoy Teachers Network. We are focusing on the teacher training and professional development, just like what we're doing in PTN.

ROX, the podcast you did with Youth Radio http://youthradio. wordpress. com/ will go a long way! Kevin presents his innovative projects in National Conventions of teacher leaders and this Youth Radio project is one of his great ideas. This is model of interacting with Filipino student back home with our students here abroad is what I want to propose to Gilas and SYNERGEIA, which is cost effective and very feasible. Keep going... please do this for our students, let the world know how globally competitive Filipino students are! I hope more Filipino teachers here in PTN could join Youth Radio with their students...

ROX, Please tell your students I am very proud of them! This write up os from the Youth Radio site:

Cheers!

MARISOL
http://teachersol.blogspot.com


And here's another sweet one from Giselle Bombay from the University of the Philippines Open University

Hi Rox,

My husband is a Claretian (elem to high) and I had been telling him stories about you and your projects. I told him that few teachers are like you - swerte claret sa iyo, ah.

Me and our kids are all UP bred from elem to college (husband ko college days lang ang UP) and we get a kick out of lovingly kidding him whenever we have reunions because he the only "different" one. But when I told them about you, syempre, my husband is proud because his alma mater is still a good school after all.

Keep up the good work!

Giselle

Here's the blurb about the Philippines. (I learned what a blurb is from Kevin Hodgson's Youth Radio) Pag di mo alam hanapin mo ang meaning, teacher ka pa naman he he!

More about the Claret School and the Philippines:


Claret School of Quezon City is located at the heart of Quezon City, Philippines. It is an exclusive Catholic school for boys with a population of 3000+ students from pre-school to high school. The school’s website is www.claretschool.edu.ph The Claretian’s main website is http://missionaries.claret.org/ The Claret Robotics Team is one of the many extra-curricular activities offered by the school to its students. It is made up of 15 members from the grade school and high school department. The boys enjoy constructing lego robots, programming and competing with other schools. Their adviser is Mr. Rox Cosico. http://roxclaret.blogspot.com/



The Philippines is made up of 7,101 islands . http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/ The capital of the Philippines is Manila and Claret School is just 30 minutes away from Manila by car. Quezon City is a highly urbanized area. The Philippines is a tropical paradise. Many of the islands in the Philippines are great tourist destinations. Among them Boracay, Bohol, Palawan and Siargao These places are known for their white sand beaches, tropical fruits and friendly people. There are many islands that are yet to be visited by travelers. In Panglao island in Bohol alone, thousands of new marine species which were never been seen before were discovered by a worldwide team of marine scientists in 2004 and 2005. http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view_article.php?article_id=51459

http://www.experiencephilippines.ph/Global/traveljournal.php.

Blaise's First Communion

My son Blaise had his first communion at the Mary Immaculate Church (Claret Church). It's nice to hear 300 childrens' voices singing with matching actions. The children were terrific in their performance! Blaise was his usual self, ever playful. He received dagger looks from his teacher when he made faces while I'm taking his video. I immediately run off away from him before his adviser brings both of us to the principal's office he he.
Trivia:
What does the church in U.P. Diliman and the Mary Immaculate Church in Mahinhin St., Teacher's Village have in common?
Answer: Both churches were disc shaped and both were designed by the late Leandro Locsin, a national artist in the field of Architecture.

Christmas with the Aetas

We have a special Christmas party. We have to trek for 45 minutes on a rugged uphill climb to reach the new resettlement area for the Aetas that were displaced twice from their orginal dwellings. The first was during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption and the second one was when their site was again demolished to give way to a new superhighway. This is where our taxes go. A multi-million dollar superhighway being built to connect Subic with Clark
We were one of the few people allowed to pass through the new superhighway under construction. I'll never forget this moment, I just have to get out of the bus and take some pictures. The road cuts through hills and mountains.


End of the road. We have to hike from this point onwards.

It was worth the climb, the view from the top was fantastic. The aetas gave us a warm welcome. Inspite of their hardships, people are smiling everywhere.


I met a pregnant mother and her daughter on the way up to their resettlement area. I could just imagine how she would give birth in this place. The nearest hospital is hundreds of kilometers away.

I feel ashame each time I complain about how slow the internet connection is, here the Aetas have no electricity.
I feel ashame each time I have left-over food on my plate, the Aetas have to share their food on common plates.
I feel ashame each time I complain about traffic while I'm driving, the Aeta children have to walk 45 minutes to go down from their village to go to the nearest school and another 45 minutes to go back to their houses.
I feel ashame that I complain about my old pair of shoes, the Aeta children walk barefoot. But most of all I feel ashame of other people who do nothing but criticize and yet does not lift a finger to help others who are in need.


There's a price to pay for progress. Unluckily, this Aeta children are one of them. They have to move deeper into the forest since their former place were now bulldozed to pave the way for the new superhighway. The good news is that they were properly resettled with the help of the government and NGO's.

Circle Song

The Circle Song was sang by various students from Taiwan, Boston, Australia and the Philippines. It's a song about friendship. Watch closely as the song spreads around the world.


You can watch the other performers from this site:

http://web.mac.com/jacksonschool/iWeb/Site%202/Song.html
When you reach the site click on RECORDINS in the menu at the top.
or click the link below:
http://web.mac.com/jacksonschool/iWeb/Site%202/Recordings.html