A Mom and More

April 2010 LET Licensure Examinations Intensive Coaching at MindGym

A Mom and More — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:59:07 +0000

“Coaching is an ongoing relationship between the professional coach and the client, which focuses on the client taking action toward the realization of their vision, goals or desires. Coaching uses a process of inquiry and personal discovery to build the client’s level of awareness and responsibility and provides the client with structure, support and feedback. ” – College of Executive Coaching

I have not been blogging as often as I used to because I’ve been trying to develop myself in the field of nontraditional nonformal education. Simply, I am learning to be a teacher, mentor, trainer or coach — a possible lifelong career for a mom past 50 who desires to continue being useful, helpful and youthful.

This 23 January 2010, together with a very competent and compassionate coach Albert A. Basa (Top 3, April 2009 LET) and topnotchers and professional teachers, I will help conduct and administer another round of LET review for would-be teachers at the MindGym in Quezon City. With a new set of competencies, a change in the focus of evaluation and a host of other adjustments in the LET effected last October 2009 — part of a would-be teacher’s preparation for his/her licensure exams would be to choose a review center which would provide targeted refresher sessions and pertinent review materials for impact and time management.

Using proven memory techniques and study aids practiced by MindGym memory coach Albert, the LET review sessions would empower reviewees during test taking as they are given tips to easily memorize theories and concepts of psychology, philosophy and education — necessary for analyzing classroom situationals in the licensure exams.

While MindGym is a start up learning center, it’s performance as far as producing topnotchers and passers has been commendable. It has coached two of the October 2009 LET topnotchers: Angelica “Ericka” Villafuerte (Top 4) and Sheryll Raquipiso (Top 5). In teacher Ericka’s feedback at sulit.com.ph, she writes:

I took the exam last October 2009 and enrolling in MindGym was definitely the best decision I made in preparation for the LET.

The coaching was very thorough, and given that the class was limited to only a few people, we were able to set our own pace for the review. The MindGym coaches were very approachable and took the time to make sure that none of the reviewees were left behind. It also helped that we were free to ask questions or have something repeated for clarification.

Also, the environment was very conducive for learning and not very constricting (as I’ve heard that other review centers fill auditoriums with reviewees to the point that those in the back cannot even hear the lecturers, nor are all the questions entertained).

The drills were very helpful too as it trained us to work under pressure. It also allowed us to keep track of topics we were having difficulty with.

I can honestly say that I would not have been able to pass (and thankfully, top) the LET if not for MindGym.

Are you an education graduate who would like to take the licensure test for teachers soon? Or, do you know anyone who has been teaching for a while and still lacks the necessary license to get a permanent position or to get promoted in school. This intensive coaching at MindGym would be a good investment for a noble lifetime career: being a teacher. And I am blessed to be — not just a coach but the mom to all in this LET review.

My 2009 Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

A Mom and More — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:06:28 +0000

“Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
-Oren Arnold

When I was younger, gainfully employed and had the luxury of time, I’d start shopping for Christmas gifts for my parents, siblings, other relatives, friends, coworkers, business associates, and godchildren as early as July. I kept a list of people I had to buy gifts, send cards, or treat out for Christmas lunch or dinner. And, for myself I’d spend a sizable sum to prepare for all the Christmas parties I’d have to attend by buying new clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories (as if I were the Celebrant).

With each coming Christmas, I’d update my list and make sure that I’d leave no one out. Through the years, I’d have additions to my list that I’d become as busy as a Santa’s elves weeks before the 25th of December — wrapping my gifts and doing rush shopping for someone not in my list but who hands me a gift. At times, I even have to buy a second gift for a friend if I find out that I receive one which is too expensive compared to the gift that I gave away.

Over the years, I’ve experienced increasing stress as my gift shopping list continuously expanded. With my desire to buy the better gifts for those who are dearer to me, I end up frustrated since I no longer have time nor the funds to get them what they want. Eventually, I felt I’ve missed the true essence of gift giving — that of giving out of love, giving from the heart, and giving of one’s self. But I still continued giving since my gift recipients have learned to expect a gift from me each and every year and would feel slighted if I didn’t.

But, after I retired and times became harder and harder — even if I wanted to continue giving gifts to everyone, I had to change my gift-giving mindset. I began trimming down my gift shopping list until I have pared them down to the barest essentials: my immediate family members, my coworkers in school, and a couple of close friends who have shared my journey (through thick or thin).

Starting this Christmas, I thought I’d do themed gifting for my loved ones to begin a new trend in my personal gift giving cycle. I’ve chosen a theme similar to the global environmentalists’ cry: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Reduce

spending using credit cards and scout for the best price before buying a gift;
gift shopping for only the most important people (my family) and most worthy recipients (the workers and helpers who have been my “angels” in school) — to reduce undue stress;
clutter and piles of stuff for my gift recipient by giving a gift check or card, a magazine or online subscription, a concert ticket, a spa or facial coupon, a book or food certificate to a gift recipient’s favorite store or restaurant;
unwanted pounds, fats and calories gained by my recipient by omitting sweets, cakes, and cookies and substituting them with fresh fruits, juices, and non-oily seasoning and homemade condiments.

Reuse

old gift wrappers, cardboard, boxes, pieces of cloth, plastic, ribbons and other wrapping paraphernalia to wrap my gift creatively;
Christmas cards as gift tags instead of buying a deck of new cards;
sturdy paper bags from international brand shops to carry several gifts for individual family members;
idle materials and craft them into great personalized gifts to be kept for years as gifts of valuable time;
and revive my talent for writing my own Christmas greeting for e-cards rather than buying others’ canned commercial greetings; making short poems or prayers using my gift recipients initials or letters of his/her name;

Recycle

a friend’s photos from an old scrapbook and have it collaged for a photo mug, a shirt, a memorabilia frame, or mouse pad to rekindle friendship and remind a good friend of times past;
an unwanted item from the closet, read-but-almost new books gathering dust in the bookshelves, a hastily bought clothing or houseware on sale which has never been used for years, an extra corporate gift — to give to someone who will find it useful or to sell on ebay or other auction sites for cash to use for other gifts;
quotes which I have been collecting by compiling them into a stack of inspirationals grouped according to subject matter;
my kids’ artwork by having it professionally framed, and given away for an aunt or uncle’s den;
by patronizing eco-friendly groups selling items from recycled materials.

I am sure that my reduce, reuse, and recycle theme this Christmas would not only ease my stress but it would also refocus, reorient, and rechannel my gift giving to the true meaning, the real reason for the Christmas season and Christ’s birth: giving of one’s self, sharing from the heart, and loving beyond Christmas time — not just others but myself as well.

Any other gift ideas to match my gift theme this year?

Mom’s Pride — October 2009 LET Licensure Examination for Teachers Topnotchers from MindGym: Angelica Villafuerte and Sheryll Raquipiso

A Mom and More — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:31:44 +0000

It’s been a year since I passed the September 2008 LET and blogged about entering a “new door, a wider path, and hopefully, a more meaningful future as a mom to “more children” in my golden years.”

Since then, I took my first steps in becoming a teacher-mom by: operating MindGym Inc with April 2009 LET Top 3 Albert Basa, launching a summer art workshop with renowned portrait artist Mar Bongalon, handling academic tutorials with UP tutors, and helping coach and care for October 2009 LET takers at La Casa MIA. As expected, the financial rewards were meager compared to the hard work and sleepless nights of lesson preparations but the personal fulfillment — of enabling a child to pass his subjects, affirming an artistic potential, tapping a gift for super memory and empowering a would-be teacher to attain his/her dream (to pass the LET) – was immense.

Is it my luck, a coincidence or an unfolding purpose that for the past three LETs, I have shared in a LET topnotcher’s success?

September 2008 – My classmate Ariel Co (Top 7) asked me to go up the stage with him to receive his certificate and medal.
April 2009 – My multi-talented MindGym coach and friend, Albert Basa (Top 3) made me feel part of his vctory as if I were part of his family.
October 2009 – Two of our trainees at MindGym made it to the top: Angelica Villafuerte (Top 4) and Sheryll Raquipiso (Top 5).

Well, whether it’s luck, coincidence or a purpose, I beam with joy as a mom-friend-coach — contented in being a little lighted candle, a gentle nudging spirit, a wind beneath a trainee’s wings.

To our dear LET trainees at MindGym:

Thelma Domingo, Myra la Torre, Mary Ann Legaspi, Margie Maragrag, Sherleen Nicomdemus, Charisse Tuazon, Ma. Bernadez Reyes; Cherry Fe Aragon, Ria Barribal, Emmanuel Bitong, Michelle Carrasco, Cherish Diaz, Joanna Marie Ducusin, Zaldy Kuizon, Mary Ann Lastimosa, Rosally Montera, Joseph Pisco, Maureen Querijero, January Rivera, Mary Jane Sagud, Ginggrace Sarmiento, Alma Teh, Erloise Torres, Jeanneth Tropicales

and all other new teachers, Congratulations! Build on you dreams.

For those who will be taking the April 2010 LET Licensure Examination for Teachers as well as those who didn’t make it this time, call on me. Let’s work together.

Summer Art Workshop

A Mom and More — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:45:22 +0000

Interested in learning about basic art elements, techniques, and how to use materials and tools like pastels, watercolor, colored pencils, etc?

Join us for a summer art workshop this April – May 2009 at Mindgym, Inc!

Draw, paint, & express yourself through art
Get personalized coaching of your works from artist Mr. Mar Bongalon
Meet new friends and post your art in your own exhibit

Who can join? 7 years-old and up art enthusiasts!

Maximum of 10 students per class

For 10 sessions, inclusive of art materials, pay only P3,500.

Art classes will be held at La Casa Mia, 219 J.P. Rizal Street, Project 4, Quezon City (near Katipunan Avenue and Cubao).

My 2009 New Year’s Resolutions

A Mom and More — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:49:14 +0000

This is the first time that I have ever written my new year’s resolutions. I do not recall writing New Year’s resolutions in my past 51 years of life although I have always prayed and hoped to make myself better with each start of a new year. I have heard countless people making new year’s resolutions as a matter of tradition and then breaking them shortly, never committing nor working at plans to get them done – that I didn’t want to bother myself with the added pressure of having New Year’s resolutions and feeling guilty I failed to make them happen.

I read that New Year’s resolutions should be inspiring, specific, doable, and time-bounded. Moreover, these should set the direction of the days ahead, be congruent to our life goals, and spring us to act on areas in our lives which needs improvement. To achieve our resolutions, these should be broken into baby steps taken a day/week/month at a time; regularly evaluated, and adjusted. And, with visual reminders conspicuously written in our work stations, personal planners, or fridge doors, we can remain on track.

Curious about what people are pledging to do this 2009, I browsed the web and saw it replete with interesting accounts of New Year’s resolutions: for economic survival, for health and wellness, for writing efficiency, and for a happy family life (even with cheating husbands).

Here’s my own action list for 2009 as a mom and more. My detailed timetable and strategies would be too personal to share here; I will just post entries about my progress (and even bottlenecks) in the days ahead.

Assert, accept, add
Lighten, launch, love
Imagine, improve, ignore
Clear, connect, coach
Examine, exercise, earn

Posting this would serve as a reminder of — a priority I need to work on, the only asset I can optimize to fulfill my mission in life during hard times, and the VIP I’ve long set aside to please everyone — myself. This 2009, it’s about time that I recharge, rejuvenate, and repackage myself so that I will have something of value to continue offering, giving, and sharing with others.

P.S. This entry may seem stale with 1 January already weeks back but I’m glad I can post it just in time for the Chinese New Year. Kung Hei Fat Choy! (as if I’m Chinese)

2009 New Year’s Resolutions

A Mom and More — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:49:44 +0000

Assert, accept, add
Lighten, launch, love
Imagine, improve, ignore
Clear, connect, coach
Examine, exercise, earn

Posting this would serve as a reminder of — a priority I need to work on, the only asset I can optimize to fulfill my mission in life during hard times, and the VIP I’ve long set aside to please everyone – myself. This 2009, it’s about time that I recharge, rejuvenate, and repackage myself so that I will have something of value to continue offering, giving, and sharing with others.

P.S. This entry may seem stale with 1 January already weeks back but I’m glad I can post it just in time for the Chinese New Year. Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Rekindling friendships at Christmas

A Mom and More — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:25 +0000

With the tough times, Christmas is becoming less like the Christmases we used to have when we were younger. We read, hear and even speak about the need to brace ourselves for harder times to come. However, being cash-strapped and too busy making a living are not valid excuses for not keeping in touch with friends this Christmas.

A phone call, a text message, an email or even an old-fashioned Hallmark greeting card (conveying sincere feelings as below which we couldn’t really say directly) can help keep the glow of our friendships burning bright through the years without creating a big hole in our pockets, purses, or bank accounts.

Do you know that the hand
You first offered me in friendship
Is still what steadies me
When I am shaken,
Still what inspires me when I have doubts?
Do you know how often
Your patience and advice
Help me find perspectives
I haven’t seen, confidence I’ve lost?
Do you know that I’ve shared with you secrets
No one else will ever know,
Laughed about so many silly things
That few could ever understand?
Do you know that I cannot imagine
My life without you in it,
Without your support to boost me,
And your strength to inspire me?
Of course you do –
You know all this,
Good friends just know.

I have been blessed with true, old and tested friends who continue to share their lives (and secrets) with me, believe in me, encourage me, and love me as I am. Yes, we’ve talked for hours earlier this week before the phone lines get congested as Christmas approaches. And it felt sooo good: recollecting younger days, chuckling over funny times, and even shedding tears for unfulfilled dreams and expectations. It felt so Christmas-y knowing that somewhere, some friend will always be there to lift me up, give me hope and boost my strength to carry on (in these cashless days).

Merry Christmas web friend! You’ve kept me writing by reading on.

Unique Moments at Hail U. P. 100 Oblation Photo Shoot

A Mom and More — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:28:30 +0000

At the crack of dawn last 13 December 2008, I had a different U.P. Oblation experience and it made waking up at 4 a.m. worth it. It was not the typical APO oblation run I saw at Palma Hall last year where masked men ran around bare, giving roses to lucky ladies. It was not as jam-packed and public as the traditional oblation run which even girls and gurrls from nearby colleges patronized. It was a rare photo experience for local and international media and cameramen. It was a solemn symbolic rite of offering of oneself of (almost) 100 men to their alma mater’s 100th year.

Volunteer UP students, alumni, faculty and staff wore flesh-colored flimsy trunks (making them look naked) with fig leaves over their private parts. Some more daring men, however, opted to do away with their trunks for this once in a lifetime event. I admired the men who volunteered for this photoshoot, heedless of the after math of showing off their well trimmed abs and firms butts, fats and flabs or ribs and bones for the world to see.

It was an awesome sight to see these men lined side by side, as a brigade of ready soldiers, in the green field of the U.P. amphitheater. I sighed as I marveled at the 100 live oblation models (in unison, as if they rehearsed for a long time) raising their arms slowly, until they formed an arc; tilting their heads back simultaneously to face the sky – as the U.P. oblation statue at Quezon Hall. What a picture perfect moment! My husband took some video while my daughter clicked some interesting shots which I borrowed to show here. I savored the moments and wished that the 100 oblations who modeled for the photo shoot could go back to their own colleges and work stations with renewed enthusiasm to work for the U.P. ideals of leadership, excellence and service for the country.

If there will be a 101 U.P. oblations photo shoot next year, would you allow youre husband, boyfriend, son or brother join? Why not?

Photo Credits to my daughter: Aleli in Wonderland

See more of her U. P. 100 Oblation photos:

http://aleligaddiroselo.multiply.com/photos/album/150/Hail_U.P._Oblation_outtakes

http://aleligaddiroselo.multiply.com/photos/album/149/Hail_U.P._Oblation

Hail U.P. 100 Oblation!

A Mom and More — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:42:15 +0000

My daughter Aei just reminded me about a different U.P. Oblation affair which we must see at the crack of dawn on 13 December 2008. She says it would be great to watch and see this once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot of 100 real life oblations minus the masks and the running. Would this weekend’s experience change my perception and frustration about oblation runs which I blogged about at around this same time last year?

“Just like thousands of UP Alumni, I still value the Oblation as the main symbol of what the University of the Philippines stands for, fights for and delivers to the nation; the chosen rallying point for protests and social action; the enduring model of academic freedom, an inspiration for service and nationalism; my lifetime link to UP.

However, the 2007 Oblation Run I witnessed was just a show of bold and daring, nude men with flowers, balloons and streamers – not far from commercial TV identification plugs or intermissions to a long play. I did not see their bravery in standing up for their causes; they were speed walking, almost running, ashamed of their nakedness.”

Here’s a repost from Aei’s blog on the details of this event.

A hundred male University of the Philippines alumni, students, faculty, and staff will pay tribute to the UP icon, the Oblation, via a unique photo shoot on December 13, 2008 at the crack of dawn. The “100 Oblations” event will be one of the closing activities of the UP Centennial celebrations.

Called “Hail! U.P. Oblation”, the historical and visual gathering is estimated to take place at 6 a.m. at the UP Diliman Amphitheater behind Quezon Hall where the original Oblation monument stands. The event will be covered by foreign and local media organizations and professional photographers. The best photographs from Hail UP Oblation are being planned to be featured in a future UP Centennial coffee table book.

All are invited to witness this once-in-a-lifetime human ensemble and photo expedition as one of the final events of UP’s one hundred years of service to the country. Unlike the men of the Oblation Run, the 100 Oblation models will be wearing specially designed trunks with stylized fig leaves.

After the photo shoot event, “UP Para sa Bayan”, a public service fair offering free medical, dental, legal, veterinary, health promotions. education workshops, as well as traditional and non-traditional amenities, will take place at 7 a.m. The entire University Avenue and the UP Academic Oval will be filled with 100 tents offering various services to the public for a day.

Both Hail UP Oblation and UP Para sa Bayan are organized by the UP Alumni Association special committees.

With 100 unmasked oblation models bravely posing for the world to see in print, this U. P. Centennial oblation affair would truly be a weekender to look forward to. I hope that, this time, the chosen models can appropriately (artistically) depict the message of the oblation as it applies to the current times, that photographers find the best angles to preserve this centennial bash and that viewers may see beyond the nudity the very reason why the U. P. Oblation remains a unifying monument for a community in search for freedom.

Would you sacrifice waking up early on a weekend to witness this event? Yes? See you there.

PRC LET September 2008 Exam Results Out — Thank God I passed!

A Mom and More — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:13:22 +0000

When I least expected it, I got what I’ve long been waiting for. My friend Wee texted: We passed! at 10:34 p.m. 16th November 2008. I prayed and felt that I would pass. But, only after seeing my name on the list of successful examinees at Inquirer.net did I believe I really made it.

For me, passing the LET marks the opening of a new door, a wider path, and hopefully, a more meaningful future as a mom to “more children” in my golden years.

To all successful examinees, especially my friends Ariel (Top 7 for secondary teachers), Esmie, Jane, Mel, Tintin, Wee, and Winnie – Congratulations! May we be able to contribute, in our own way, our share in making a life better, a future hopeful and a world brighter — because we care enough to teach and share in the best way we can.

If you want to check LET results, you may click on these links for: elementary school teachers and secondary school teachers.

88 Happy Birthdays for DCP!

A Mom and More — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:02:27 +0000

Celebrating 88 years of life is a milestone we could only wish and pray for and look forward to — for our loved ones and for ourselves. But today, someone celebrates his 88th birthday for real: Demetrio C. Paz
(of Marikina) whom we fondly call “DCP” in the government corporation I used to work with. I am glad my daughter Aleli was able to greet him in person very early today after she spent time at the Paz’s home with her Sunny Hill grade school (SHS) friend Nika, DCPs grand daughter.

DCP was the first Corporate Planning Vice President I ever worked with as I began my career as power economist 29 years ago. I can still remember how he used to recount amusing stories about how he and his other pioneering colleagues in the Philippine electric power industry toiled to erect some of the first electric woodpoles in Laguna in the 1940s — to bring light to a few homes and establishments in Luzon. For an economics graduate like me, Working with DCP made learning the technicalities of power engineering, system planning and the power utility business — doable, interesting and fun. DCP has been generous to his staff when it came to approving field work in the provinces where we had to see for ourselves how the power system and market operates and to mingle with the men behind the gigantic power structures — to effectively use the hard and lifeless data we receive at our desks in Manila for the power projections we need to develop for the corporation.

DCP treated his staffers just like his very own family members. And this made working for him simple, light and fun. I still remember the wonderful “asaltos” we celebrated at his home every year where executives, employees, colleagues, suppliers and family members gather the night before his birthday — to welcome another great year ahead for him. Attending his asalto has become a tradition which no one dared to miss and regret later.

DCP was like a warm, affectionate and doting father to me. I was so touched to see him and his wife on my wedding day despite his hectic schedule. When he retired, my bond with DCP lived on through his daughter who became my co-parent at SHS and his grand daughter who remains Aleli’s friend to this day. During those times when I saw him attend school affairs of Nika and Aleli, I never fail to tell him: Sir, ang kisig pa rin ninyo, walang kakupas-kupas at parang hindi kayo tumatanda. Ano po ba sekreto ninyo? (Sir, you are still looking good, fresh and young. What’s your secret?) For a man who lived to be 88 today, I couldn’t believe his usual reply: alcohol, smoke, play and fun. In his charming ways, he didn’t exactly tell me his answers to his longevity. Instead he motioned with his hands and face: drinking, smoking, golfing and a naughty smile.

To my dear DCP, another Scorpion who left a positive sting in me (that I have developed my own kind of loving sting as well), I pray that the Lord may continue to shower your life with more happy tomorrows to look forward to. You have most of the things anyone could wish for in life by now, so here’s to you — 88 birthday greetings from all over the world to welcome another blessed year ahead of you.

1. Afrikaans: Veels geluk met jou verjaarsdag!
2. Alsatian: Gueter geburtsdaa!
3. Arabic: Eid milaad saeed! or Kul sana wa inta/i tayeb/a! (masculine/feminie)
4. Armenian: Taredartzet shnorhavor! or Tsenund shnorhavor!
5. Brazil: Parabens a voce!
6. Breton: Deiz-ha-bloaz laouen deoc’h!
7. Bulgarian: Chestit Rojden Den!
x. Cambodian: Som owie nek mein aryouk yrinyu!
8. Catalan: Per molts anys!
9. Chinese-Cantonese: Sun Yat Fai Lok!
10. Chinese-Mandarin: Sheng ri kuai le!
11. Croatian: Sretan Rodjendan!
12. Czech: Vsechno nejlepsi!
13. Danish: Tillykke med fodselsdagen!
14. Dutch-Flemish: Gelukkige verjaardag! or Prettige verjaardag!
15. Dutch: Hartelijk gefeliciteerd! or Van harte gefeliciteerd met jeverjaardag!
16. English: Happy Birthday!
17. Esperanto: Felichan Naskightagon!
18. Estonian: Palju onne sunnipaevaks!
19. Euskera: Zorionak zure urtebetetze egunean!
20. Filipino-Kapangpangan: Mayap a Kabaitan!
21. Filipino-Tagalog: Maligayang Bati!
22. Filipino-Visaya: Maligayang Kaadlawan!
23. Finnish: Hyvaa syntymapaivaa!
24. French: Joyeux Anniversaire!
25. Frisian: Lokkiche jierdei!
26. Gaelic: Co` latha breith sona dhut!
27. German: Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
28. German-Badisch: Allis Guedi zu dim Fescht!
29. German-Bavarian: Ois Guade zu Deim Geburdstog!
30. German-Bernese: Es Muentschi zum Geburri!
31. German-Saarlaendisch: Alles Gudde for dei Gebordsdaach!
32. Greek: Eftixismena Gennethlia! or Xronia polla!
33. Hawaiian: Hau`oli la hanau!
34. Hebrew: Yom Huledet Same’ach!
35. Hungarian: Boldog szuletesnapot!
36. Icelandic: Til hamingju med afmaelisdaginn!
37. Indian-Malayalam: Pirannal Aasamsakal!
38. Indian-Marathi: Wadhdiwasachya Shubhechhya!
39. Indian-Gujrati: Janam Divas Mubarak!
40. Indian-Hindi: Janam Din ki badhai!
41. Indian-Kannada: Huttu Habbada Shubhashayagalu!
42. Indian – Rajasthani: Janam ghaanth ri badhai, khoob jeeyo!
43. Indian-Tamil: Piranda naal vaazhthukkal!
44. Indonesian: Selamat Ulang Tahun!
45. Irish-gaelic: La-breithe mhaith agat! or Co` latha breith sonadhut!
46. Italian: Buon Compleanno!
47. Japanese: Otanjou-bi Omedetou Gozaimasu!
48. Javaans-Indonesia: Slamet Ulang Taunmoe!
49. Korean: Sang il nal chuk a hap ni da!
50. Klingon: Quchjaj qoSlIj!
51. Kyrgyz: Tulgan kunum menen!
52. Latin: Fortuno natalis!
53. Latvian: Daudz laimes dzimsanas diena!
54. Lithuanian: Sveikinu su gimtadieniu! or Geriausi linkejimai gimtadienio proga!
55. Luxembourg: Vill Gleck fir daei Geburtsdaag!
56. Macedonian: Sreken roden den!
57. Malaysian: Selamat Hari Jadi!
58. Maltese: Nifrahlek ghal gheluq snienek!
59. Maori: Kia huritau ki a koe!
60. Norwegian: Gratulerer med dagen!
61. Pakistan-Gujrati: Saal Mubarak!
62. Pakistan-Urdu: Saalgirah Mubarak!
63. Papiamento (lower Dutch Antilles): Masha Pabien I hopi aña mas!
64. Persian: Tavalodet Mobarak!
65. Polish: Wszystkiego Najlepszego!
66. Portuguese: Feliz Aniversario! or Parabens!
67. Portuguese-Brazil: Parabens pelo seu aniversario!
68. Romanian: La Multi Ani!
69. Russian: S dnem rozhdenia! or Pazdravliayu s dniom rozhdenia!
70. Samoan: Manuia lou aso fanau!
71. Serbian: Srecan Rodjendan!
72. Slovene: Vse najboljse za rojstni dan!
73. South Afican-Xhosa: Mini emnandi Kuwe!
74. Spanish: Feliz Cumpleanos!
75. Sri Lankan: Suba Upan dinayak vewa!
76. Sundanese: Wilujeng Tepang Taun!
77. Surinamese: Mi fresteri ju!
78. Swahili: Hongera!
79. Swedish: Grattis paa foedelsedagen!
80. Switzerland: Vill Glück zum Geburri!
xx. Syrian-Orthodox: Tahnyotho or brigo!
81. Telugu: Puttina Roju Shubakanksalu!
82. Thai: Suk San Wan Keut!
83. Tibetian: Droonkher Tashi Delek!
84. Turkish: Dogum gunun kutlu olsun!
85. Ukrainian: Mnohiya lita!
86. Vietnamese: Chuc Mung Sinh Nhat!
87. Welsh: Pen-blwydd Hapus i Chi!
88. Yiddish: A Freilichem Geborentog

Reader, any ingredient/s for a long and happy life which you’d like to share with me?

September 2008 LET Licensure Examination for Teachers: my random thoughts

A Mom and More — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:42:54 +0000

It has been a month since the LET was administered to would-be teachers: some novices who are fresh from college (and need a LET for an entry job), some re-takers who have long been teaching (but were not lucky to pass previous tests yet) and some second coursers (professionals in other fields who took basic education units to embark on an educator’s role). I belong to the last group. At 50, I thought learning to teach may be a step forward for me: to remain young, to repackage myself and to move forward in my life journey.

Presently, online sites, blogs, and discussion boards related to the Philippine Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) licensure exams are now bursting with a mix of comments from LET takers: anxious, impatient, resigned or hopeful about forthcoming test results. I look forward to the results also but not with as much apprehension and stress as younger examinees — because with or without a license, I want to be part of people’s lifelong learning experiences in my own capacity. While everyone anticipates the LET results, I mull over these random thoughts.

1. As a mom, when Aaron and Aleli were in prep, elementary and high school, was I ever concerned that their teachers were licensed?

No. I remember I was more watchful of the way teachers understood my kids’ tantrums and moods; their show of concern when my kids were sick, forgot their lunch, or got low in their favorite subjects; their personal values/mannerisms/pronunciation and how these were copied by my kids. I appreciated teachers who tapped my kids potentials and pushed them to perform better; who stood by them even if they’ve not won an interschool art or science contest. I’ve been touched by teacher who proxied for me as loving guardians to my kids when I frequently left for office out-of-town trips. I was mindful of teachers who were unreasonably stern, rigid and harsh; those who taught with mediocrity; and those who passed on their responsibilities to parents in the guise of school-home partnership strategies of learning.

2. Is passing the LET a sufficient measure of a beginning or novice teacher’s teaching competencies?

No. Personally, I think the LET merely establishes a floor — reflecting a broad range of basic knowledge, skills, abilities and dispositions – which may help ensure that new teachers can perform responsibly with the minimal competence desirable for fresh entrants in the classrooms. For me it should not be taken as a single measure of an education graduate’s potential for effective teaching in school. For national standardization and hiring though, in the absence of any valid basis of competency, the LET would do for entrants. But, it should be taken with the consideration that teaching competencies improve over time through continued practice, skills upgradeing, faculty feedback, mastery and professional development. New teachers, just like other career newbies, are works in progress with much room to grow and improve over time.

On another angle, for oldies like me with decades of hands-on teaching experience from the work place, home and community, the LET imposes an unnecessary restraint to be of immediate help in remedying the shortage for teachers proficient in specific fields. If I were not challenged enough to have (some sort of) a passport to teaching, I would have foregone the LET since I felt it’s not practical for me to memorize general knowledge (supposedly stocked) which have changed since the time I learned them several decades back. Though it was difficult to retain knowledge items in my short-term memory solely for LET use, I conditoned myself so I could be part of the teachers’ fold.

3. Is it an assurance of quality teachers for the Philippine educational system?

The LET will definitely not assure the country of a pool of quality teachers. The task of teaching is multi-faceted, complicated, and demanding and requires teachers to have a wide array of knowledge, abilities, skills and attitudes. Teachers have to teach students new knowledge and use this knowledge together with learned skills meaningfully. Teachers have to motivate and be sensitive to needs of students with varied personalities, cultures and learning needs. They have to plan lessons, prepare instructional aids and manage the classroom and overall learning environment. Considering all these functions of a teacher, a paper and pencil test as the LET will never be a sufficient gauge or single measure for ensuring quality teaching.

4. What valuable lessons did I learn from the LET?

a. Commitment to accomplish something requires finding and making time even when there seems to be none. I scheduled at least an hour of review a day on weekdays a month before the LET; however, I met intervening activities (on top of my regular home work load) which couldn’t be deferred. There were family concerns which had to be prioritized, new tutees who urgently needed help with their school work, and family reunions where attendance was a must for all. I managed with quality sleep of 3-4 hours a day and loaded myself with Stresstabs, vitamin C, and food on demand. It worked for me.

b. I can’t do it all, I demanded for a little help. For a week, I took a leave from being a mom and wife and from home chores. My husband and kids had no choice but to contend with dirty floors, dried up plants, piles of dishes on the sink, and food to go (unless husband gets inspired to cook). This gave me a liberating feeling that I am worthy of time and some leeway to accomplish what I want, of putting myself first. For almost all times in the past, I strived to meet everyone else’s needs, demands, expectations and requests without thinking of my own (as a typical firstborn and person pleaser would).

c. Focus is powerful in getting things done, meeting targets and even budgets. Since I tend to have multiple goals at a given time, I consciously decided to concentrate on reading only LET review materials for the review hour I planned. For several days, this was so difficult for me since I stashed up on self-improvement books I got on bargain and just couldn’t resist opening and finishing a chapter or two of any book I lay my hands on. After nights of dealing with my book tempters, I would be seen propped up in bed and holding my reviewer but in deep slumber. To focus on LET review (with barely two weeks left), I fixed up a study room at my sister’s space and committed time to do nothing else but review.

d. Cooperative learning works. Group review and practice with my resourceful and unselfish classmates (Ariel, Jane, Tintin, Wee and Winnie) made reviewing fun and learning new stuff lighter and easier. With them, my knowledge gaps were filled, some hazy mock test items were reasonably answered, and my “just-to-pass” attitude progressed into getting higher than 75.

e. Being alone opens up realities which we often fail to see and accept; it allows us to experience our genuine selves as we rarely do. At the LET venue, I was all alone but I didn’t feel sad. I did not see any familiar face in the test venue, not even the shadow of some acquaintance. I was the oldest examinee in the room (most have been through college only over the past 3-5 years). I was the only one who wore a skirt (to shorten lost time in taking restroom trips), long sleeves and closed shoes – since I interpreted the LET dress code to mean dressing “as a teacher” should. I was the only one in the room who brought a big bag of snacks and drinks (as if going on a picnic with the family). Being alone made me empathize with the stress of a third time LET examinee, feel like the mother who accompanied her daughter to her test room (and even brought meals for her during the break), and appreciate loved ones who took time to text messages of encouragement the whole day — to think beyond myself.

f. Not all “practice makes perfect”. Reading and hearing about the corruptibility of licensure tests, I relaxed myself and worked only for a grade a little higher than 75 (a first in my life since I’ve always had a perfectionist’s tendency). This proved to be a good position to take; otherwise, I would have been so frustrated and stressed with the type of test items which came out during the LET. (I couldn’t list the flaws I noticed because of a confidentiality agreement which LET takers were made to sign.) Practicing for the LET using past years’ items and commercial reviewers may not ensure a perfect score; however, it familiarizes the examinee not only with sample test items and answers but also with some human errors one would surely stumble upon in the actual test. The erroneous answer keys, some typo errors (which made test items senseless) and items with no plausible answers cited in some LET reviewers served as simulations of the real LET. With mock up tests, I had an authentic learning experience in test taking which allowed me to use my time efficiently.

g. God will lead the way. While writing this blog, I am not yet sure if I will pass the LET or not. What I am sure of is that since I’ve done my best to review for the licensure and prayed hard enough for God’s guidance (with the help of the sisters of Sta. Clara), the LET would be an answer to my prayer for a direction to take. Passing the LET would mean taking a new path towards the education field; else, it’s time for me to redirect my future towards other paths which continue to remain open for me to pursue.

My family, taking the global financial crisis in strides: Manila F.A.M.E., 7th AGORA Conference and Lomographics

A Mom and More — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:36:22 +0000

While everybody’s talking about, watching and reading the news, and more often than not, worrying about what the future may bring – my family and I have moved on with our daily affairs. This October is a hectic month for my siblings in the export business, my husband in direct marketing and my son in lomography; they all have major projects to showcase this month and I proudly share them with you in this blog.

I believe this busy-ness, reflective of our drive to attain our life goals, helps my family defuse qualms about the grim effects of the much publicized second Great Depression (which is said to be unfolding before us). It gives us the upbeat feeling of waking up to each new morning and seeing progress in our work. It allows us to shine brighter and be more creative amidst resource deficiencies and to help send out sparks of hope to others. Most of all, it leads us back to or keeps us hitched to a loving God of supreme possibilities in our life journey.

Manila F.A.M.E. International (16-19 October 2008)

http://www.manilafame.com/en/?idpg=ZmFpcmhpZ2hsaWdodA

My siblings Arlene and Arthur of Paper Capers International http://papercapers.net/?page_id=3

http://www.manilafame.com/en/?idpg=ZXhoaWJpdG9ybGlzdHNvZQ==&prodcat=&rid=NzAw&countnuma=5

have spent countless days sourcing eco-friendly and sustainable materials aside from paper and have barely slept these past weeks to produce novelty packaging boxes to exhibit at this show and capture new foreign buyers to weather the global slump.

I have never seen them as stressed as they were these past months since they started joining CITEM exhibits 22 years ago. As entrepreneurs, I feel proud that they have gone beyond just thinking about how much profits their factory would earn and what things they could buy for themselves; they have found joy in sharing their blessings with their lowly workers and needy family/friends (including me) and could only pray for more orders to be able to carry on their business and help maintain their manpower, most of whom have been with the factory since its birth.

Being a regular guest of the F.A.M.E. for the past two decades, I would strongly urge you to spend this Sunday with your family at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex from 11 am to 4pm (for only P200 entrance fee), to experience and be proud of the Filipino’s exceptional creativity and fine craftmanship in products for living and accessorizing, and better yet, realize that we have been blessed with unique talents to use and to survive.

7th Agora Conference 2008 (20 October 2008)

Like my siblings, my husband and his colleagues at the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) see the global market as teeming with opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to tap. Sometime around midyear, my husband involved my daughter in preparing the advertisement and logo for PMA’s 7th Agora conference with the thrust: Marketing Possibilities, Global Opportunities. Since then, on top of his daily work stresses, my husband had to attend to this PMA assignment as coordinator for the affair. The onset of the global financial crisis made him overly anxious and worried as some sponsors backed out, companies went on belt tightening measure and declined to participate, and some past year attendees just kept mum as the conference date drew closer. Naturally, his worries spilt over at home and we just had to understand this extra load.

Challenges often open up paths which we seldom tread on. True enough, this week, PMA saw an influx of conference participants from the business academe as conference fees for this group were reduced from P 3000 to P 2000, in keeping with the times.

Walk-ins are welcome to the conference http://www.philmarketing.com.ph/index.php?hd=feat&sec=2
this Monday, 20 October 2008, from 8 a.m. to 5 pm at the Grand Ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel Manila, where Filipino marketing mentors share their experience in embracing and growing from globalization and insights in meeting the impending economic crunch.

Lomographics (24 October 2008)

My son seems impervious to global going ons and works incessantly (with nonstop music and Gyunyo as his only intermission break) as Graphic Designer/Online Marketing Associate for the Lomographic Society International Vienna, Austria. I wish I could be as focused, rigid and determined as he is in meeting his financial goals (I have always been a generalist with too many soft spots). Even his extracurriculars revolve around graphic design and lomography.

http://images.kazarareta.multiply.com/image/2/photos/893/500×500/1/LOMOGRAPHIC-EXHIBIT.jpg?et=ExpUp0UOiVZ4kgaxXs56Lg&nmid=118874990

This Lomographics collabo-experiment exhibition of lomographers, artists and writers at the Team Manila Studio, 7 p.m. on 24 October 2008 – where he is listed as exhibitor – gives me confidence in the Filipino youth’s distinct artistry and bright future in a global niche of their own. As a mom, this gives me a sense of fulfillment and pride in seeing my son keep in step with pacesetters of his chosen career.

I have also taken my life in strides for the past years, even without the global financial crisis. This blog chronicled some hurdles satisfactory met with the Lord’s strength and guidance.

How do you and your family plan to surmount the global crisis and cope successfully with these times?

2008 UP Centennial – Happy 100th to my alma mater

A Mom and More — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:01:38 +0000

Today, a very dear mom turns one hundred years old: my alma mater, the University of the Philippines. And, this inspires me to recall the meaningful UP days which have made me what I am now: a mom and more.

I was sweet sixteen (but looking like Miss Tapia in thick round glasses) in 1974 when I first had a taste of UP’s nourishment for the mind, body and soul. Passing the UPCAT meant: breathing in fresh air as I gained a bit of independence from my parents; liberating myself from my strict Catholic education at St. Bridget’s School and the University of Sto. Tomas High School; and embracing a whole new world of learning, of living and even, of loving.

Looking back at my college days gives me vivid memories of taking part in the tail-end days of student activism through associations with members of the Consultative Committee on Student Affairs (or CONCOMSA, a quasi-UP student council then) and the Philippine Collegian (even if I never really wrote any article for the school organ.) Though I was just a freshman, I was lucky to have found my way in the company of some senior, socially conscious and involved students, to name a few: Diwa Gunigundo, Fermin Adriano, Tina Pargas, Etta Rosales, Lorna Paras and Zosimo Lee. Small cell group meetings/teach-ins taught me about the true stories behind Philippine history: American colonialism, Filipino dissent, and the need for counter-consciousness — starting with myself. My participation in prayer rallies made me realize the essence of prayer and unity in an era of greed, suppression and violence – giving life to the Christian values I learned in my past schools.

As a member of the UP Student Catholic Action (UPSCA), I rendered community service at Constitution Hills (now the area where the Commission of Audit is sited) and this opened my eyes to the stark poverty of people in the slums. I still remember helping the residents of Constitution Hills gather PLDT yellow pages, newspapers and used computer paper, recycle these into bags with a little gawgaw (starch) and sell these as supot (bag) for tinapa (dried fish) in the nearby markets to buy a day’s meal. Passing through a military check post at the entrance of the area was a breeze since I did not look like an activist as other UP community organizers have been– I appeared innocent as a petite, “totay” (young girl) student in hot pants and Happy Feet bakya (wooden clogs). Though I liked serving the community, my involvement took a sudden halt for security reasons. God must have had other plans for me because He prevented me from going to the community at a time when all community organizers where either picked up, detained, placed under surveillance or house arrest. A severe tooth ache which made a dental visit urgent shielded me from trouble.

UP kept alive in me — a passion to help, serve and heal others. After the Constitution Hill incident, I thought I about pursuing my high school ambition of becoming a doctor so I could help others in a different field while ensuring that my siblings get their college education as well. On my third year, I decided to shift from Business Administration and Accountancy (a 5-year course) to Business Economics (a 4-year course which I was able to finish in 3 1/2 years) so that I could work immediately, earn enough to send my siblings to school and eventually, go to Med School as I dreamt. I never became a doctor because life got me elsewhere; I became a hardworking, honest and competent public servant in a public utility corporation through my early retirement.

UP did not just feed my mind with ideas and my soul with morals, UP also introduced me to love. UP charged a UP SEMen (Society of Emancipated Men) and fellow EcoSocer (UP Economics Society) to become a silent partner as I prepared my undergrad thesis and eight years later, my chosen partner for life and father to Aaron and Aleli.

But, this is not the end of my UP story. When I was about to turn 50, my thoughts about starting on a new journey, continuing to be of service to others and living a life of significance – made me go back to UP. In 2007, after over 30 years away from UP, I enrolled in a certificate course in professional education and surprised almost everyone I met when I told them that my student number was unmistakably 74-03860 and that I’d like to study again. Learning and studying with classmates even younger than my own children renewed my zest for life: hopeful of things to come; eager for lifelong learning; and striped of shoulds, biases, hostilities and fears – ultimately giving birth to a better me, the daughter of a centenarian who would surely last for centuries more in its pursuit of service and excellence.

Today, in lieu of a happy birthday song, here’s to UP on her 100th year, a timeless song
of the love, lasting bond, and loyalty that her sons, daughters and grandchildren will always have for her:

U.P. beloved, thou Alma Mater dear
For thee united, our joyful voices hear
Far tho we wander, o’er island yonder
Loyal thy sons we’ll ever be
Loyal thy sons we’ll ever be.
Echo the watchword, the Red and Green forever.
Give out the password, to the Hall of Brave sons rare.
Sing forth the message, ring out with courage
All hail, thou hope of our dear land,
All hail, thou hope of our dear land.

or the more popular: U.P. Naming Mahal:

U.P. naming mahal, pamantasang hirang
Ang tinig namin, sana’y inyong dinggin
Malayong lupain, amin mang marating
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin.
Luntian at pula, Sagisag magpakailanman
Ating pagdiwang, bulwagan ng dangal
Humayo’t itanghal, giting at tapang
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan.

Do you also feel that UP is part of what you are today? What is your UP story?

If you missed out some updates of the UP Centennial, here are some sites which may keep you on board. Let’s celebrate UP @ 100!

History of UP: http://www.slideshare.net/radiantview/2008-up-centennial-celebration-philippines
Official site of UP Centennial 1908-2008: http://centennial.up.edu.ph/?page_id=29
UP Alumni News and activities: http://www.upalumni.ph/index.html

Towards an Independence Day from Life Traps

A Mom and More — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:45:40 +0000

Today, 12 June 2008, I celebrated Philippine Independence in my own personal way. Unlike in the past, I did not have to wave the Philippine flag as the national anthem played in school. I did not get stuck in front of the TV watching colorful floats of various socio-civic-public and business groups. I did not go to Rizal Park to do mass calisthenics nor join the parade of contingents of a government corporation (as required of public servants in the martial law days). I did not wear Filipiniana in keeping with the centennial celebration of Philippine independence in 1998 for the launch of the Reader’s Digest book: Kasaysayan – which my husband’s office distributed.

But, I spent the day meaningfully taking first steps to liberate myself from: home clutter, inertia to write, and life traps.

1. I’ve began to de-clutter and clean-up. Since it would surely take me months to sort, decide to throw or retain, and organize important stuff I’ve accumulated for the past five decades – for time management, I set aside just half of the day for a start. I targeted three boxes (blocking the door of our stock room) which contained photocopied references, handouts, loose notes, and term papers from education courses I took the past year. I sorted through reams of paper, rushing myself to decide which to: toss in the trash, give-away to a friend, bind for future use or temporarily keep out of sight (in a “may use” box). With a day helper’s assistance in punching holes and binding related papers together, I was content to have six binders of neatly organized materials from my six education courses by lunch time.

2. I’ve managed to write this blog after some time of slack, anxiety, too much ideas, and pending workloads – causing a writer’s block. I have drafted several blogs which I never posted at all because of my notion that I should write error-free, grammatically acceptable and information-laden blogs which are just 300- to 500-words long, as most blog writers recommend. This is a reflection of my self-conscious and perfectionist nature which oftentimes make writing burdensome than enjoyable for me.

3. I’ve started my own life trap therapy. This matches my goal of sustained self-discovery and self-improvement even at 50. I have been reading the book “Reinventing Your Life: How to Break Free From Negative Life Patterns” by Jeffrey E. Young and Janet S. Klosko since the past weekend. Using Young’s questionnaire, I realized that I have life traps (a negatively controlling set of beliefs), a self-destructive pattern or schema which I repeatedly confront and which robs me of the happiness and fulfillment I could have had in my relationships, work and life in general.

These two leading American psychologists described (and suggested solutions) to eleven life traps. I recognized two major life traps operating in me, both dealing with self-expression or the ability to express what one wants and get one’s true needs met. The first is called the subjugation life trap wherein one sacrifices one’s own needs and desires to please others and to satisfy others’ needs such that one’s needs are never met. My other life trap is called the unrelenting standards life trap which is typical of people who set rigid standards and have very high expectations of themselves at the expense of happiness, health and even relationships.

So far, I’ve also read that life traps originate in childhood and reverberates through our lives. And because of this, parents have to be extra careful about the kind of parenting style they use on their children since these determine how children later on think, feel, act and relate to others. My life taps were probably linked to my being a first-born child who experienced being overprotected, one who had to obey and conform to my parents’ rules as a role model for my siblings (including making it to the top in school), one who had to always give-in as the eldest child and who had to please others always, one who had to help and be around when problem situations arise.

I am glad that life traps can be addressed successfully if we desire to. And, I have just taken my first step towards liberation from my life traps – identifying and recognizing these traps. With the baby steps I took today, just as our country proclaimed its first independence from colonial bondage on 12 June, 110 years ago – I am certain that I am now on the road to freedom from home clutter, writer’s block and life traps.