Faith, Hope, and Love
When I was in elementary, one of my teachers gave me a spiritual booklet about love. There, I've known what the Bible says about Love. I memorized I Corinthians 13 verses 1-13.
At the last verse is this:
*"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."*
Yes, for sure, love is the greatest. But it still makes me wonder, why do these three remain. What do we call them? Are they virtues or characters? Sure, they are, you may say, but these three are not just are the most common gifts to Christians and they are eternal, transcending, and can be considered as driving forces in our human life.
**FAITH**
We often hear the quote "Faith can move mountains.", and why is that? According to the Bible, to have faith is to believe what is impossible, to see what is unseen. It is being sure and trusting that things that we hoped for will come into completion. It is an assurance that we have as we put our trust in the Lord and His will.
Faith is related to fear because most often than not, fear can consume a person. There are many kinds of fear, but the fear that faith is fighting over is the fear of the unknown, of the uncertain, of what is to come. To have faith means to overcome the fear of what is it that you don't know yet. To have faith means to lay down everything to Him and fully trust that whatever it is that He allows is something that you deserve. To have faith like closing your eyes while you walk on a tightrope, but you know, you're very sure, that Someone up there is going to hold you and guide you, and if you fall, He is there to catch you.
**HOPE**
Hope, when translated to the Filipino language means "*pag-asa*". (Read: *pag-asa, not paasa*.). My favorite band Switchfoot would always end their subscription email with the words "Hope is the anthem", referring to one of their songs. Personally, I like this word as it gives a sense of positivity when you hope for something.
I really like this verse from Jeremiah 29:11 giving us the promise that God has a plan for us, and this plan to give us hope and a future. Hope is something that you look forward to, something that is to be seen and received and felt in the future. Hope is not just simply a wish, hope is more related to having faith, it is trusting that the things that you hope for will be granted, as long as it is aligned to His will. Hope also means looking forward to what is beyond this human life, hope is waiting patiently for what is to come, for the perfection of our souls, for eternal life that is to be lived with Him.
**LOVE**
Love is the greatest. Love is defined in I Corinthians 13 as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, doesn't dishonor others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, doesn't keep a record of wrongs, doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.
Love is a lot of things. And all those words that define what love is are almost always related to action. I've attended one of Francis Kong's talks, and he said that LOVE is an ACTION WORD. I believe that it should be seen as more than a noun, it should be felt, and given, and received. It should be shown in many ways - through service, gifts, words, time, and intimacy.
We should not be confused with what is true love and artificial love. True love means more than physical attraction, it gives more importance to accept that the one you love is not perfect, he/she can be the opposite of it. When you write down the characteristics of the kind of partner that you wish to have, he/she may not tick off everything on the list, but you choose to live him/her anyway.
**Why is love the greatest of all?**
Love is the greatest because it is not easy to love, especially because of our flaws as human beings. It is easy to express love to the people that we love, however, as humans, we also get tired, frustrated, angry, and sometimes it's just so hard to love difficult people. But as God commands us to love others as we love Him, we should be capable of loving the unlovable.
Love is the greatest because when faith and hope fail, love remains.
Let's be reminded that God's commandments are summarized into two, and are rooted deeply in the concept of love.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
While we are still on Earth, it is our responsibility to love God above everything else and to love others as to how much we love ourselves. (See self-love is equally important as loving others.)
So let me end with quoting Ms. Kris Aquino:
"LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!"
Okay, don't forget faith and hope, too.
*Thanks for reading!*
I got in!
Yesterday was the start of our school's in-service training in preparation for the school year 2021-2022, which will still be in an online distance learning platform. I attended the meetings yesterday as a regular faculty member for I am waiting for the result of my scholarship application which they said was this June and yesterday, it was the second to the last day of June!
Sharing with you the timeline of my application:
February 5, 2021 - I submitted my application
February 17, 2021 - I received an email that I was shortlisted and I was scheduled for an interview.
February 24, 2021 - This is the day of my panel interview (online),
March 5, 2021 - I was told that I passed the interview and I have to send certified true copy of my documents/requirements.
March 16, 2021 - I submitted the complete documents.
April 28, 2021 - My placement form was submitted to Japan for their review and approval.
Initially, I made a special request to my principal to allow me to stay in the school until the supposed day of my departure. It was a long shot, but I still did it. Well, my request was not granted it might cause a possible disruption of the ongoing classes. Also, according to her, to avoid comparison between me and the substitute teacher since I am a well-loved teacher. Ahem! She gave me until the end of May to decide. This I had to haggle since the result from Japan will be in June, and there's no assurance that I will get in until a result is made.
It's June 28... and there is still no communication coming from the scholarship division. I am already thinking of the possibilities. What if I decide to stay for the school year but I get to be accepted in the scholarship, will I file a resignation letter? What if I apply for a leave of absence, but in the end, I don't get accepted in the scholarship, how do I support myself?
Well, anyway, today, while I was having a meeting with my subject grade level teammates, I received an email from the scholarship division.
There is the email. I was ecstatic. I was so happy.
On the other hand, I also got very nervous and somewhat anxious because all along I thought, I was waiting for the final result, only to find out that I have yet to be accepted to a university, and that will be known on or before the middle of August.
I understand that I have to make a decision already, and I am already prepared to file for a leave of absence from my work, yet I am still taking my chances. After I received the email, I called my immediate supervisor and told her my situation. She said that I should tell the principal as soon as possible.
So, I drafted a letter telling her of the updates regarding my scholarship. I did mention that I am still waiting for a university and that the duration of the scholarship will start in October 2021. But I understand that I have told them that I will be making a decision by the end of June, so, here I am making it.
I just hope that they would give me this whole month of July to fully prepare myself for the leave of absence. I told her in the letter that I will be back after the scholarship since it is a requirement for scholars to do so.
But what I'm praying for right now is that I get to be accepted into a university, and I get to fly to Japan and experience living there, Lord-willing. If it's not too much to ask, can you say a little prayer for me?
After all the bumps along the road that has happened in this journey of mine, I am always reminded to go back to God's word, His promise in Philippians 4:16 -
I have asked and He answered, now, I just have to wait and trust His will. The waiting is a painful process - something that will leave you anxious, and can turn into disbelief, but, it's a matter of trust, of faith that He will do whatever He wills to do, and what He does is always for the best of you.
*Thank you for reading!*
Feeling demotivated?
It's been days that I struggle to write on this platform. I am running out of ideas, of experiences to tell you.
I wanted to type in the letters, I have two drafts here that I haven't published yet because I know that they're incomplete. One is a story that I'm not sure how will go about. I just had an idea, but I don't know how to sustain it.
Why is it as if I'm just good at doing something in the beginning? And when the going gets tough, I begin to lose my motivation and will to be excellent, and do good? Maybe because I'm an extrovert, my motivation is fanned up due to external factors. I am not sure, is it about the money? affirmation? applause from people who don't know me?
Maybe all of those mentioned above, but even though I get to receive such, I still lose my motivation to write.
Maybe I am just tired.
I've been working a two jobs - a full-time job, and a part-time job. The part-time job makes me so tired for I have to become energetic in meeting the children as I teach them, with the use of animated voice while smiling all throughout. It sucks all my energy. I actually still don't know why I'm doing it - pride maybe, I don't really know. All I know is that is somehow gives me extra income, so, I am still working here and in July 7, I will be in my second month. Oh, how time flies.
Last Friday until yesterday, I attended a virtual seminar-workshop for evaluating learning materials in a publishing house. This is part of the hiring process of developmental evaluators for modules and special projects. As an assignment, we are to initially evaluate a material that should be submitted before 8 am later today, June 28.
Before I came here, I've just finished evaluating the material as part of the requirements. I know it was not my best, but I still did it anyway, and still submitted it (scheduled at 6 am later).
See? I tell you I am lacking motivation, yet I still do the things that are expected of me to do. I am still opening slots for my part-time job, I am going to attend the meeting tomorrow in my full-time job, I will be submitting the evaluated material in another part-time job, and I am writing this article here at 12:57 in the morning.
Am I really demotivated? Or I'm just tired?
Maybe I am just tired. I need inspiration, I need someone who would accompany me, or hold me and hug me and massage my neck coz it's too painful now. Or perhaps someone who would just make a random call and just be there talking to me, or even not talking to me, as long as he is present.
Is that what I really need? Is that what would motivate me? Is that what would make me feel less restless?
Maybe, I am not sure.
I am not sure of a lot of things, but I am sure of what I want - understanding, affection, intimacy, affirmation, care, service, time, most importantly, love.
When will I get these without asking for them?
You see, I feel demotivated again.
What should motivate me?
Self-love. Why do you still depend on your happiness based on other people? Why can't you be happy by just feeding yourself with things that would truly make you happy?
Family. You cannot choose your family. They maybe sometimes too hard to understand but at the end of the day, they're still your family. And at the end of the day, they're the ones who will never leave you, who will always support you without any form of judgment.
Growth. There's always room for growth. You are tired but think about it if you didn't try to do something new, then you would just be exactly where you are. If you want to leave and take a break from all the familiar things that surround you, then, by all means... do it.
Beauty in the Summit. There will always be hardships, complaints, rants, misunderstandings, bumps along the road, hindrances that can arise here and there, just walk towards your goal - to reach the summit. For in there, you will see the beauty and consequence of all the hardships that you have to encounter before you reach the top.
God tells you to be excellent in everything that you do. You are on a journey called life. It is not easy, but remember, you are not home yet. Better days are coming.
*Thanks for reading!*
My Grandpa
I'm a believer of the saying - "It takes a village to raise a child."
I, for one, is raised by a village or group of people who are working at our municipal hall.
I was literally raised by a lot of people from the municipal hall because my grandpa served as a mayor in our small town in Pangasinan for more than 30 years. I am not sure how many years was he serving when I was born but I get to realize that my first birthday party was held near the municipal hall since our house then was just at the back of it.
I can't vividly remember how the office staff too care of me when I was still a baby, but I saw many photos showing that they really did. They even called me and my brother the babies of the town, I didn't know how big deal it was to be the center of attention, I thought it was just normal.
When I reached the 1st Grade, my PapaLolo (Grandpa) is celebrating his birthday. Being the father of the town, there was sa celebration in the municipal auditorium. Our school was invited to take part in the celebration and to also give a special number. I was a part of the delegation, and for weeks, we practiced an interpretative dance number and at the end of it is a speech for my PapaLolo that I have to recite before the entire crowd.
This speech was given to me days to practice and memorize. A few days before the actual presentation, I have not yet memorized the speech. My teacher told me that they will just get a replacement for me. I said that I could do it, and also wondered why would I be replaced when the speech is about me as a granddaughter admiring her grandfather, and telling him her many thanks for being an inspiration. I didn't remember the speech, but I know the thought.
Then his birthday celebration came.
I went at the center of the stage, holding a lei.. and then I started...
Before I uttered the words, "Lolo, mahal na mahal ko po kayo.", my voice just cracked.
Gosh, I was crying.
I didn't know what to do, my tears are flowing immensely over my cheeks. I was sobbing in the middle of every sentence, or sobbing in between words. I was a mess, but I continued until the end.
Then, I went down the stairs from the stage to put on the lei to my PapaLolo and hugged and kissed him.
I have to get back to the stage becuase we will be performing the dance interpreting the song "Handog" by Florante.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p5oYfh39Jg
Everytime I listen to this song, I will always remember my PapaLolo, and that moment that I told him how much I love him. Yes, it was a memorized speech, but it was true, it was heartfelt, it was real... from the 6-year old me.
I miss my PapaLolo, I bet my life would be totally different if he's still living, and I'm still with them. I have a lot of questions that were unanswered, like where did he graduate in college, was it true that he took Political Science? How come that he's able to be the mayor for 3o+ years? What is it like to be a well-loved public servant? Why does he like ripe papaya with powdered milk on top so much?
Is he proud that I entered UP? Is he proud that I am teacher? Is he proud that I finished my masters at 30 years old? Is he proud of what my brother and I have become?
How I wish to talk to him, and asked many sensical questions. How will we talk when I am already an adult? It makes me wonder... I know it won't happen in my lifetime, but maybe, in the life after next.
*Thank you for reading!*
Slow down
We are living in a fast-paced world due to advancements in technology. Before, communication is very expensive. When you want to talk to your loved one who is living abroad, you have to pay for an overseas phone call, which costs tons. Another option is to send your loved one a snail mail, which is the least expensive but will take months for him/her to receive, and for you to have a return letter.
It is true that due to these innovations, our lives become more convenient. We can communicate directly with our relatives and friends with just a tap of our fingertips. We not only can send messages but also talk to them in real-time, with videos (and filters)!
Today, we can buy anything by logging into various online shopping apps (add to cart mo na yan. hehe). Technology came in handy especially during the pandemic when most offices and schools are closed. The form of communication is through different platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.
Yes, truly technology made great advances and convenience in human history, however, on the other side of the coin, this convenient life becomes complicated in a sense.
How can convenience become complex?
Because we live in in a fast-paced world, looking at our cellphones from the moment of waking up to eating, to dressing up, to studying, or to perform our job for the day, we sometimes neglect to pause, and stop for a while, and observe and smell the flowers.
Sure, there might not be any flower or plant in where you're currently located, but what I mean is to pause for a while, have a break, close your eyes, and refrain from using your gadgets.
One of the things that I learned when I was studying for my master's degree is about "nomophobia" or the fear of getting detached from your mobile phone. It is a psychological condition when one totally depends on their gadget, that when they aren't able to use or hold this gadget, they become so uneasy. There is a feeling of FOMO or fear of missing out.
I was born when technology is still in its early onset. I am not sure if there are already cellular phones during the time I was born, but I know one thing for sure, I've just learned how to use the internet when I was in my 3rd-year high school, and I was not very confident in doing it. So, having lived a life without too much technology, to now being able to live with technology, I realize the advantages and disadvantages of it.
Having no or limited technology means having more time to use certain things that widen my imagination. When I was a kid, I usually play outside with my friends and cousins, I vividly remember when we'll go to a small lagoon and catch tadpoles, well, I don't know why but we enjoyed doing it. Before when there were no gadgets yet, my cousin would lend me Sweet Valley Kids and Sweet Valley High pocketbooks that I enjoy reading. Before without apps on phones, I listen to music through the radio and wait for my song request to be played, if I am lucky that day. These are the simple things and pleasures that made me happy. I also realized that having limited technology made me learn to be patient.
What am I trying to point out here? Am I not wanting technology? Of course not, what I just want to share is to spend some time detaching from it, it's like fasting in a sense. Free yourself from social media or from using your phone or anything tech-related and you'll realize that there are so many other things that you can still do apart from scrolling, and watching videos.
In a fast-paced world, it's okay to slow down for a while... look at the stars, look at how they shine bright, look at the clouds, listen to the sound around you, close your eyes, free yourself from thinking about what are you gonna do or eat after, just live in the moment, live in the NOW.
Try to slow down...
*Thanks for reading!*
When is Enough?
How do you know when to stop?
While having lunch today with my sister, we heard a loud voice coming from our neighbor. His voice was so loud that we heard him shout at someone when our apartment unit is 1 apartment unit away from them.
We were busy eating when we heard him screaming and cursing... then I looked at my sister, she also looked at me.
We were quiet.
We actually froze for a good few seconds, and then she got up and closed and locked our door.
Then, we heard glasswares that were broken intentionally.
I was just seated where I was. I was afraid that something bad might happen.
My sister and I were terrified. We were stunned.
Our neighbor keeps on shouting and cursing at his wife, telling her to leave the house... telling her that he owns the house and she has to leave. He keeps on repeating the tagalog curse "P*&@$#-}*@ &#!", addressing it to her.
I thought he was just addressing his wife to leave his house, he was also addressing it to his own son, and he keeps on claiming his ownership of the property. The son went out, we saw him from our window and he went to the other apartment unit that was owned by his eldest brother. He is the eldest son who owns the apartment unit after us, unfortunately, he was not there. He's at work.
Another adult is inside the apartment unit, I'm not sure who she is, but I think she is also related to them, maybe an in-law or something. She and the youngest son went outside, just in front of our unit. The youngest son called his eldest brother, and then he gave the phone to the woman, that's when I heard the woman (in-law) asking the eldest son to come home.
Then, there was silence.
I thought it was over until he's shouting again, cursing his wife, telling her to leave. Then I heard his wife answering him in Tagalog "Yes, I know. We will leave, we will just get our things."
That's when I realized and confirmed that when he addressed that she should leave, he was not only referring to her but also to his own son... because he owns the house. He doesn't care about them.
It's not new to me that this neighbor of mine is grumpy. It is unlikely for us to talk to him because there's a certain awkwardness when we do. I remember the time last year when I applied for an internet service provider, and when the ISP staff went to our apartment unit, and surveyed the area if it's possible for us to get a connection, our neighbor called his attention and asked him what he was doing, he did that while I was there, standing next to the ISP staff.
I explained to him that I applied to an internet service provider. And he said, that I should have told him first and that the staff should be careful because his car is parked right in front, and they may damage it during installation.
The staff told me that if they can't find an existing wire/connection, they would have to go as he was also afraid of the neighbor. I cannot blame him, for I too, felt intimidated and afraid of how he addressed us. Fortunately, there was an existing connection, and we can just use that, no need to install a new one.
Going back to m neighbor and his wife. I am not sure why he did that to her. We are able to talk to his wife from time to time, she is a nice person, she helps us and tells us information coming from the barangay about the garbage schedule, free flu vaccine, she also gave us barangay-assisted forms for the COVID-19 vaccination.
I see her as a good person, a good mother, and a good friend. Listening to how her husband shouts at her, I was wondering if there's anything that I could've done. Thankfully, there was no physical harm done, or else, I will blame myself for not doing anything.
I know verbal abuse is still abuse, and it should not be tolerated. But you have to understand too that I am just a neighbor, and I was really stunned. I didn't know what to do. Here in the Philippines, you can't just meddle in the middle of an argument or you'd be called *"pakialamera"* or *"chismosa"*. But something should be done.
I am not sure what happened next. But my sister said that our neighbor (the wife) is already in the house of their eldest son. I am just thankful that she has somewhere to go, and I hope it will get better.
It made me realize when do you know if it is already enough?
Why can't she just move out and go away, leave on her own, in a faraway place? If this is not the only time that she was verbally abused and looked down on by her own husband, why does she still stay and do things for him?
I am not sure what's her reason. I have no power and guts to ask, but whatever it is, I just pray that she'd know how valuable her life is, that she has a voice, she should not be silenced.
Help me pray for her. Right now, my sympathy is towards her. I am not sure about the sole reason for such a scene this morning, but no one deserves to be treated like a nobody, especially if you're husband and wife.
When two people get married, both agreed to be together through thick and thin, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health, no matter what. But apart from this promise is a commandment - for wives to submit to their husbands, and for husbands to love their wives.... and I think respect is one way to show how to love.
So, I think enough means to leave, run away, and move on when the other person makes you feel worthless, doesn't treat you well with love and respect, doesn't treat you as an essential part of the family.
Enough of abuse. Enough of mistreatment. Enough of inequality.
*Thanks for reading.*
Minus 140
Yesterday, I received my first salary deduction due to my absence from one of my classes last Sunday.
...and I was not even absent during the class.
I just had a technical issue that still confuses me until now. Okay, so here's what happened.
Since this is my first class in the afternoon, I had to test my devices if they're working properly. So, that's what I did. I checked my internet connection and my equipment. We are encouraged to take screenshots of the internet speed test and see to it that the speaker, microphone, and camera are working. And mind you, upon checking, they are all working perfectly fine.
I entered 6 minutes before the actual class time which is at 15:00. When you enter the classroom, the default setup a closed camera, but working audio. What I did is to just let it be, and just open the camera when the student arrives in the classroom.
But when she arrived, I cannot open my camera. So, as a protocol, we did the basic troubleshooting which is to exit and re-enter the classroom. She did that, but to no avail, my camera is still not working. I tried clearing the cache several times, and I asked her to call technical support. The tech support entered the classroom and told me to exit and enter. When I entered, it's still the same, and what's worse is that she can no longer hear my voice. There was a faulty camera and faulty audio. I tried entering the backup classroom, but it still didn't work.
I didn't know what to do, so I also sent a message to tech support based here, and I am troubleshooting while simultaneously conversing with the student via the classroom's chatbox. The photo above was the 7th minute of the class time with my camera still not working.
The tech support advice me of the following steps:
If you can't see your video inside the classroom. Please try to do the following:
or close the AC
Open an app that has a camera recording feature (camera app, facetime, Skype)
Test your camera in those apps then close after
Then re-login to AC and check your camera inside the classroom
I did it twice, the first time didn't work. The second time, it finally worked... however, it was already at the 18th minute, and my student had already exited the classroom.
So, I was left there waiting for her to return. Waiting for her to come and still have our class together. Waiting for her until the 25th minute. I don't wanna show my super stressed and super disappointed face, because I know that I will be penalized for this tech issue encountered.
The tech support said that I have to contact the lesson support for lesson memo and lesson tagging, so that's what I did. However, according to the lesson support, she has to wait for the validation from the tech if the problem was coming from my end or my student's. If it's from my student, then, I will not be tagged as absent, the system will automatically tag the student as absent, and I will be paid 50%, moreover, there will be no salary deduction... but if the problem is from my end, then, I'd be tagged as absent, and a penalty/fine will be deducted from my salary. I was expecting a deduction of PhP200 already.
I had 3 other lessons after the lesson with this particular student, and all my sessions WENT WELL. There was no problem, whatsoever.
After my lessons, the dispute team had informed me via email that they already had validated that the problem came from my end, thus, I should not tag the student as absent, and not make a lesson memo.
I was outraged. It still confuses me that I get to have tech difficulties when it's a class in this particular student. There was one time that she was not able to see the presentation, after several attempts of troubleshooting, we decided that she can just follow the reading material as I read it. There was another moment when she booked me for two consecutive sessions, and when we entered the classroom in the first session, she said that I had an audio issue and that she's hearing a "big noise". I tried fixing my microphone, etc... but she said that it was still there. I asked her if it's okay if we continue, and she complied. We continued with the lesson. When we entered the classroom for the second session, she cannot see the presentation again. So, we did the basic troubleshooting, but to no avail! I asked her to change a device, but it took her a long time to be able to connect through a different device. I tried to tell her to call tech support based on her country, but she said, they can't be contacted. So, we tried to fix and come up with a solution, but nothing happened. In the end, there was no lesson.
I'm just thankful that even though I always have this tech difficulty, she still doesn't give me bad feedback. However, I really wanted that the student to no longer book slots with me because we might experience the same. Unfortunately, she still booked two lessons this Saturday. So, I am not sure what's going to happen.
Will she give me bad feedback? Will I encounter another tech issue? Will I get another deduction?
I don't know. But I've already reported my observation to the support team, asking them to check why this keeps on happening to me only to a particular student, comparing it with my other classes which are always going smoothly. I have not received any response yet as of this posting.
At the end of it all, there's always a first time. Still thankful that it was not a PhP200.... but I don't want another minus 140.
(Hope she cancels the class on Sat. Lol.)
*Thanks for reading (my rant), it means a lot to be able to vent out! But don't worry, I'm okay now. :)*
I got Vaxed!
Yesterday, I had the first dose of my COVID-19 vaccine, and it was fine. I am fine. I am not experiencing any untoward side effects, whatsoever... Only a little pain or weight in the area where the vaccine was injected.
Since I am from Quezon City, and I belong to the A4 category, I decided to take part in the free vaccine from the local government unit. What I did was to sign up and create an account in EZConsult, a third-party app that you can download in App Store or Play Store. I registered for a vaccination, however, there were no vaccination slots or sites during the time that I signed in.
Thankfully, one of my friends who already got vaccinated told me to follow Quezon City Government on Twitter and/0r Facebook for they are posting announcements when will the openings of vaccination slots. So, I followed her advice and got myself waiting for the announced time and date where A4 workers can sign up. Unfortunately, there was a vast amount of people who entered the app that the app was not able to control, thus, network traffic has occurred leading us to not be able to enter the app.
So, people were outraged because an announcement was made yet, no booking was done. I can't even enter the EZConsult via the app or via a web browser. But what can we do? We can only wait for the next announcement.
After a few days, I saw one of my colleagues posted that she was able to open the app and book a slot, she also mentioned that there were many slots available, so, it's better to book right away. So, that's what I did, and I was able to book a slot on June 16, 2021, at 4-5 pm, I chose this because my housemate has also booked hers at the same time.
**VACCINE DAY**
My housemate is going to her office daily for reporting, so, I have to go there and fetch her. Our schedule is at 4:00 pm, but it stated there that we need to be there at around 3:45 PM. And so we went at around 3:30 pm since her office is near the vaccination site. We rode a cab and entered the vaccination site premises.
When we entered, there was a line of people near the entrance. So, we asked if that line was for the vaccine, and they said that it was for checking the registration details. By the way, we went there with a printout of the email sent to us upon registration containing the QR code. So, we lined up, but a girl announced that there's another line with surnames that start from A-E. Unfortunately, mine starts with P, so I have to stay in a long line. My housemate's surname starts with D, so she went to the other line which was short as compared to mine.
Just my two cents: It would be best that upon entering the premises, a step-by-step guide is posted already, and markers are put in place for the checking of "registration", etc.
After a few minutes of waiting, it's my turn for them to check for my registration. They asked for a government-issued ID, and then checked my name from a list. They also gave me a consent form that I have to fill out before the actual vaccination.
After the initial step, we went to a waiting area where we filled out the consent form. Someone goes around and tells us what other information do we need to input in the form. After some moments of waiting, we proceeded to the adjacent area for the orientation. A doctor discussed what vaccination is about, the importance of it and the so-called herd immunity, and why were are in such an area that is not "totally" conducive to vaccination but is okay for mass vaccination. He also discusses the Health Declaration Screening for Sinovac, another form that we have to fill out.
If someone is having certain health conditions as stated in the form, he/she will be in consultation with the doctor on-site. The rest who do not have any of those health issues can now proceed to the actual vaccination as soon as the filled-out forms were checked by the doctor.
Note: Please bring your own pen. Also, the Health Declaration Screening Form's questions are somewhat confusing. For example,
"Has no allergy to food, egg, medicines, and no asthma?"
Choices are: Yes or No.
So, you have to tick Yes. B
But come to think of it, if this question is asked to you, and you are required to answer a Yes. So the follow-up statement would be: "Yes, I have no allergy to food, egg, medicines and no asthma." It's actually correct, but it could be improved. :)
**So, I got VAXED!**
I just waited for a few minutes for my turn to get vaccinated. When I went there, they asked for the form, and a staff (I'm not sure though if he is a doctor or a nurse) writes my name on my vaccination card. After that, I sat on a chair to get my jab of the vaccine. I asked if I could take a video, and she said I can as long as she's not included. And so, I did but I won't show it here though. I'm shy.
It's like any other injections, it was fast, I didn't feel much pain, maybe because I've already thought about it, and my mind was already prepared. After the vaccination, we were asked to wait and have our blood pressure checked. Those who do not have any severe side-effects/reactions are good to go. My blood pressure's normal, and so, I was able to take a photo with my vaccination card.
The schedule of my second dose is 28 days after the day of my first dose. I will be returning to the same vaccination site on July 16, there's no need for me to book an appointment as it was already indicated there. Also, you should never lose your vaccination card as this is a "certification" that you've already received the vaccine, and more importantly, if you've already gotten your first dose, please return to get your second dose.
Sinovac is not my preferred vaccine brand, but I still took the opportunity, as they say, the best vaccine brand is the one available.
So, please sign up through your LGUs and have yourself vaxed! Let's defeat COVID-19!
*Thanks for reading!*
Superheroes in our midst.
If you have a superpower, what would that be?
That's what the fantasy world is trying to create in our minds, the ability to imagine the impossible - superhuman powers like super strength, flying, telekinesis, invisibility, flexibility, super-fast movement, x-ray vision, and so on.
But in the natural world, what does it really take to be a superhero? Or is there such a thing?
A superhero is defined as any fictional character that has superhuman powers such as the ones listed above. You might think of the DC Comics and Marvel Universe franchises which include Superman, Wonderwoman, Ironman, Spiderman, Captain America, X-Men, they are way too many to mention. Whichever "-verse" you're invested in, I know that you understand how these types of superhuman powers are too impossible to reach, well, at least for now.
But you know what, I think, everyone has the chance to become a superhero.
What?
No, not with the superhuman abilities mentioned above, but with human abilities that create superhuman impact. Actually, you might be able to see or know some superheroes who don't literally wear capes. We can start with our families.
Dad.
Why is dad considered to be a superhero? Well, for one, he takes responsibility for the household. Okay, I am not being patriarchal here, but in a society where the smallest unit is a family, it is "acceptable" that the father should head the household - heading the household doesn't necessarily mean dictating what should be done, what it means is to be able to provide for his family's needs and work together with everyone. A superhero father is someone who the family can lean on especially during times when things get rough, a superhero father is someone you can play along with, have jokes with, converse with. A superhero father does everything for his family, no matter what. Have you thanked your superhero dad yet? This Sunday is Father's Day, so, you should try to. :)
Mom.
Stereotypically, mothers are considered to be homemakers. Well, that's true. If your mother is a working mom alongside your dad, well, that's a plus point of being a true blue superhero mommy. Moms at home do everything for their families - cooking, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, budgeting, and many others. A mom doesn't stop being a mom after her children are already independent and on their own, she will always remain to be someone who could give unconditional love. Working moms are superhero moms, too - juggling work and family responsibilities seems so impossible to do, but not with a Mom, I bet you. Have you done something to show how grateful you are to your Mom yet? A simple gesture can mean the world to them.
Your kasambahay.
In the Philippines, most middle to upper-class households has their own *kasambahays,* those who tend the children and the home when Mom and Dad are working. They are the ones who look over the children, feed them, take care of them, and do the household cleaning, etc. Most of the time, these *kasambahays* also have their own families, but they reside with other families because they need a job that would help with their own families' needs. They are sometimes neglected, and always seen on the sidelines, but *kasambahays* are essential in a household. It becomes better when they get to build a relationship with the family members. Without them, the house may not be tended and well-taken care of with the absence of the household leaders. Thank them, if you have them.
They are just some of the superheroes that we encounter in our house every day. It's true that they don't have the superhuman power or abilities like Superman, Wonderwoman, Ironman, and Captain Marvel... but they are heroes in their own ways.
Thank you superhero today!
*Thanks for reading!*
Adulting 101
What makes you get up every morning?
If you'd answer the alarm clock, that's not what I'm asking, well, not literally.
I remember a TV commercial from a known brand of coffee asking the viewers the million-dollar question:
*"Para kanino ka bumabangon?"*
And that's exactly what I've also been meaning to ask. What's the reason behind you waking up and deciding to get up in the morning? There are many possible reasons why.
There are those who don't want to, yet, still decide to do so. There are those who take it slow, spend some more minutes on the bed, and close their eyes, until the next alarm, and the next, and the next, until they convince themselves to get up, get a shower, and proceed to live their day.
One of the reasons why I get up is simply because I'm already an adult, and an adult means I have a ton of responsibilities. Being an adult means getting up to work, for the following reasons:
**Being an adult means you've got bills to pay.**
Sorry to burst your bubble, but hey, you've got bills to pay. I am not living on my own, technically, because I rent an apartment with my sister and some of my friends. This is how I have lived since college. Being away from home means, making your own home, and part of it is to pay the rent, water and electric bills, food and groceries, and other home essentials. I also have personal bills to pay like my postpaid, insurance, etc. So, it's necessary for me to get up to work, and receive a salary. I also find other ways on how to gather more income like just recently, I have my part-time job, and I also write articles here at read.cash almost every day.
**Being an adult means that I have responsibilities.**
Yes, sure, you might tell me that I should not conform to the standard of what "adulting" means to the world... but, well, the standard of what an adult means to the world is true. Being an adult means having a sense of responsibility in everything that you do. It's unlike when I was still in school where my main responsibility is to study. I work now, so my main responsibility is to work, and be excellent at it. If I don't, then, I'll suffer the consequences. Just like in school, if I don't study hard, then I'd more likely get a failing grade, which would more likely upset my parents and those who help in my schooling. If I don't do my job properly, then I'd more likely lose the job which gives me my monthly income to pay the bills. Lol. Sorry if it goes back to the previous one, because, well, this is the reality.
**Being an adult means having a sense of fulfillment.**
To most people, success means having a job that pays more than what you need or having a flourishing business, building your dream house, having an expensive, travelling around the world, spending money in shopping without having to look at the tag price... Haha. For sure, that's how society dictates what success means. So, if you don't have this, does it mean that you're not successful? Yes, it's good to have a job that not only pays for the bills but also lets you enjoy it, but having money should not be the sole definition of success. For me, what success means is having a sense of fulfilment in everything that you do, having a sense of joy when you do your job, when you build a good relationship with people, and when you inspire others to become better, just like how you've been inspired by your role models.
**Being an adult means finding your purpose.**
I would like to share with you again a quote from the movie 3 Idiots: "Make your passion your profession." Why is it so hard for many people to get up in the morning and fulfill their responsibilities? The answer to this, I think, is the most people don't know what their purpose is. So, how do you know your purpose? Going back to the quote, you have to know yourself first, what you're good at, and build a career on that. Are you good at math, logic? Then, find a career path that would pay you for doing what you're good at. Are you creative, good in arts? Then, find a career path that would pay you for being one. I know it's not that simple, but trust me, it will be worth it. Aside from you getting paid for disciplines that you're good at, you'd also treat each workday as a play day, because you will get to enjoy what you're doing. Find your core, invest in it, and you will discover what you're capable of doing - and through this, you might just be doing your purpose.
So what's my point?
For you to become a happy adult, you have to know that whatever you're doing should have the following:
Meaning. Doing what you want to do, doing what you're good at.
Purpose. Doing it because you want to improve yourself, and okay, bills to pay.
Impact. Doing it because it doesn't only improve yourself, but also inspire and impact others.
Adulting is not just like a walk in the park... well, maybe, it is... but that park is Jurassic Park. It will be difficult to navigate, there's no formula to ace it, but take it one step at a time. Being mindful that it's more than what society tells you to do and to be, it should be what you know you can do, and how you do it excellently.
Thanks for reading, dear adult. Remember, we're in this together. :)
Uncertainties
1, 2, 3.... I'm counting the days.
At the end of this month, I have to make a very important decision that will run the course of my life in the next two years. If you have been reading my previous articles, I've shared that I am employed as a teacher in an exclusive girl's school, and just recently, I've applied as an online English teacher (part-time). So, what's the dilemma, if you may ask? I applied as an online English teacher because I might "lose my full-time job", well, technically, I won't because I am just going to file a leave of absence, if and only if, I get to be selected as one of the scholars of the Japanese government in Japan.
So, being the *sigurista* in me, I already informed my supervisor and principal that I am currently waiting for the final results of my application for the scholarship which is in June (well, this month). I asked if I can stay as a teacher until before my departure, assuming I get in. Unfortunately, due to the constraints of our current setup, they did not permit my request, but they gave me until the end of June to decide if I will stay as a full-time teacher, or pursue my scholarship. If I get in, I will be leaving sometime in September or October, and if that's the case, I should have a job that would sustain me from July to October, thus, I applied as an online English teacher.
If you will ask me what I really want? I will say, I want the scholarship in Japan. It's not every day that you'll be given this opportunity, so, I should just grab it. Also, maybe, there's a better future for me in Japan. After the scholarship, I can look for a job there and pursue a career in teaching. I am looking forward to being there. However, due to the pandemic, my hopes of leaving becomes weaker by the day.
Another thing, just recently, I was nominated to be part of the school's management pool. I've been in the institution for a decade now, and this type of opportunity is only given once. Actually, I was thinking, who would want me to be on the roster of candidates for an administrative position? I was about to decline it, yet, I remember that someone had believed in me that's why I was nominated, so, I sent my positive response.
And then, another opportunity for a part-time job is knocking. I applied as a content editor in a publishing company. They are requiring me to attend a virtual seminar workshop which is 2 days. Unfortunately, I already have a prior commitment (booked classes) on the dates that they've set. I sent them an email informing them about my situation. They hadn't replied yet.
Now, I am torn.
I don't know what to do. I just wanted to know the results of my scholarship, to be able to move forward. These are the possible scenarios:
If I get accepted for the scholarship before June ends, I have to file a leave of absence starting in July. Because I have no other source of income, I have to become a full-time English teacher, and that means more opening of slots for more chance of being booked. Right now, I only open at most 4 during weekdays, and 12 on weekends. 12 is tiring, what more if there are more openings and bookings? Also, will I get the other part-time job from the publishing company?
If I get accepted for the scholarship after June. I will have to file my resignation letter, which I don't want to do, even to think about it. I'm thinking what's gonna happen to me after my scholarship? I have to return to the school to share what I've learned from the scholarship, I have to have something to return to.
If I get accepted for the scholarship, what will happen to my chance of becoming an administrator? Will it ever come again?
If I don't get accepted for the scholarship, I have a chance to fight to become one of the school's administrators, which is actually something big, something different and challenging.
I don't know what to do. I know I have a lot on my plate. What should I do? Where should I go?
What I really desire is to move and live in another place. To experience a different culture, find happiness within me... to live happily on my own, and to see if it will make a difference to someone else's life.
I just want to spread my wings and fly, to find myself.... to go away and see what's my worth, to be fulfilled, to help my family, to build my future and my future family.
I guess God tests my patience. He says wait a little longer, my child... reminding me that it's never my will, but His will be done.
In my waiting, I should remain steadfast, continue doing what I do... and believing that He will make all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
For now, I will continue believing in His word:
Do not be anxious, just believe that He will bring peace and understanding. Yes, into His hands, I commit again... His will be done, His will be done.
I have a special request, can you please spare some time to pray for me, too? Thank you. Thank you for reading!
To those who were left behind...
What do you do if you knew that your partner is happy and gay?
Okay, that's a pun intended. Hmm, well, you wouldn't be here if you're not suspecting that s/he is, but hey, I can assure you that you are not alone. There are many people who also ask the same question.
When people come out and present themselves are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, many would commend and applaud this act, as these people realized who they really are, and decide that they don't want to live a double life anymore. I actually belong to those people who support them, applaud them, congratulate them because finally, they've accepted themselves, and let themselves be known to the world.
However, it is sad to know that before their decision to "come out", they still have a partner of the opposite sex. When a woman loves a man, and that man shows how respectful, loving, responsible he is, that woman goes nuts and expresses her love to the fullest. She is happy to have a man who's kind and respectful... but when she realizes that there seems to be something missing, she begins to ask a lot of questions.
"What is he up to? Why is he not romantically involved with me? Why is it that a hug or a kiss seems to be so impossible to be given? Why is it as if there's no sexual tension or desire existing between us? Why is it that he doesn't give much attention and affection to me?"
This now begins with a suspicion.
Then the suspicion would grow into her doing an action. Snooping over his belongings, his phone, his web history, everything that she can gather to confirm her suspicion. Of course, she wouldn't tell him yet, she has to confirm first and then (probably) confront him.
There you go... she saw that he has conversations with guys, web searches of hot guys, etc. However, she was confused too, as these conversations were harmless. When the other guy asks him for a video call, (Well, I'm not sure but in their world, a video call means making out or showing each other some sexual acts. There's always a sexual connotation when two guys talk over and decide to ask for a video call. Correct me if I'm wrong.) how he turns them down is actually telling something - that's he's not there to have a virtual sexual experience, he just wants someone to talk to, maybe talking to someone who would understand his struggle.
So, there, she finally decides to ask who is the guy he's talking to, and what's the reason why they're talking?
Did the boyfriend explain? No, he got mad at his girlfriend for lurking and invading his privacy. Hmm... actually, the boyfriend has a point. The girl should have not lurked over his privacy, but what can the girl do if her intuition tells her to still do so, to confirm, ask and confront, and do something about it.
But what she did was the opposite of getting mad.
She kept quiet and accepted his reaction. She asked for his explanation, but what she got is another question from him, will it make any difference when the boyfriend is talking to another person of the opposite sex? He said that talking to these guys and turning them down is what makes him proud of himself. He said he's not like others who are just there to satisfy their lust.
Then, she thought about it... yes, maybe, she doesn't know. What she just wants is an acceptable reason why would he need to talk to guys? Is talking to her not enough?
So, what happened after the confrontation?
Her boyfriend said he already deleted that app, and they talked about it and agreed that he will never be going to talk to guys ever again. Here she realized that her boyfriend really is struggling, yet, he still chose her to be his partner, not superficially. He said that he wants her and needs her, for good.
Loving him unconditionally, she remained and tried to understand the situation. They continued with their relationship.
You might ask why?
It's because she saw that her boyfriend loves her too. He may not show it physically, but there are other ways of how he shows that she means a lot to him - through his service, through his time, through his every effort to work it out for them.
But deep inside her heart, she knew that a day's gonna come when he will come out. Actually, she wished that he would come out and tell the world who he really is, and she will remain with him and support him, no matter what the cost is if he wants to. She made a promise to love him despite everything, to stay with him until he chooses to move away from her.
Her boyfriend confessed and came out to his family. Well, his family already knew. They talked about it, they accepted him, but at the end of the day, he said he loved her girlfriend and would want a family with her in the future.
But the question remains, will it be like this forever? If she stays with him, will she be able to accept everything until the very end? She's still asking, what if one day when they're already old aged, with children and grandchildren, and he realizes that he wants to be with someone else? Will she take it? Is she willing to accept the very fact that she can never be the perfect partner for him (well, actually, she already is, unfortunately, not for him)?
When he comes out to the world, what about her? What about the sacrifices that she had given? What about the choices that she made?
What about her?
Will she not be applauded too for being steadfast, understanding, accepting, and loving... to the point that she seems to feel uncared for, unappreciated, undesired?
What about her?
What will be left of her, apart from being brokenhearted after giving it all and expecting nothing in return?
What about her?
Think about her...
*Thanks for reading.*
Disclaimer: I have nothing against LGBTQIA+, I rejoice with you in your coming out. But I also want to give my best to the partners who were left behind, who kept silent, kept their secret, and not "out" them because it's not their coming out story to tell.
Choose Kindness, Always
Have you watched the movie, Wonder?
It's a story of a boy named August Pullman or Auggie who was born with facial differences as compared to common kids. It circled on the time that he had to be enrolled into a normal school after years of being homeschooled by his Mom, who is played by Julia Roberts.
Here's the trailer of the movie:
https://youtu.be/Z6OTanu6G2c?list=PLJ7A97yl9oXqLdBzIlB0Ivf6sn1dWYmqv
Not being in a "normal" school before made Auggie feel petrified of how people would see and perceive him to be. But Auggie is an intelligent kid, he loves Science and he loves to play games and be friends with kids like him.
He became friends with one of his classmates named Summer Dawson, when she sat next to him during lunch when nobody wants to sit with him on the first day of school. Summer is popular in the school but despite this, she doesn't always do the conventional thing that popular people do in school. It was during the lunch of the first day of school that they became instantly connected thinking that their names kinda relate because both of their names have something to do with summer. From then on, Auggie and Summer eat lunch together.
Another student who became close to Auggie is Jack Will. He was one of the students who were tasked to meet Auggie even before the start of the school to give him a tour around and make him become more familiar with the facilities. Jack Will does not love school as much as Auggie. He only likes certain subjects like PE and computer, lunch, and recess. Auggie helped him with his subjects, and because of that, they hang out a lot even after school.
Though Auggie gained friends, there are some who became his bullies. One of which is Julian Albans. Julian is rude to Auggie and encourages other kids to feel the same way as him. He is popular in school and is very well protected by his parents, as he is an only child. His popularity in school is like his trophy, it means a lot to him that this also became a reason for him to be mean to Auggie.
Auggie has a big sister named Via (Olivia) Pullman. Via is a great older sister, however, she sometimes feel that she is not as important as her borther Auggie. She feels like her Grans (Grandma) is the only one who sees her as special in the family, but her Grans already passed away. Even when she feels this way, she is still protective of her brother, she is a great sister and friend to Auggie.
Auggie's parents are Isabel and Nate Pullman, played by Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, respectively. Isabel is a loving mother of two, who gave up her career as a children's book illustrator to attend to Auggie's homeschooling. Nate Pullman, Auggie's dad is a businessman and head of the school board. Despite having these enormous responsibilities, he always makes his family a priority. He is a loving dad who can make them all laugh, to lighten everyone's spirits.
I would like to share with you my key takeways from the movie, Wonder.
**Being different doesn't mean being difficult.** You are different, you are unique, sometimes you might think of yourself less than the others. There are people who are more intelligent that you are, more artistic, more creative, more logical, more fluent, etc. You may have deformities not only in your physical appearance but may be in other aspects, but that doesn't give you automatic reasons to be difficult as a person. You always have to look at life in many perspectives, and choose the one that would make you happy and feeling less stressed (or none at all!).
**Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.** Cliche as it may sound, but this is true in all angles. How do you define beauty can say so much about your character. Ask yourself, what is your standard of beauty? Is it in good skin? Make up? Sexy body? I hope that you perceive beauty beyond that. Beauty makes much more sense if it is coming from the inside, your character in how you treat people.
**Stand up for yourself. Stand up for others.** One of the key themes of the movie is how Auggie stood up from his bullies. It is difficult to do that, but sometimes, you really gotta try. You should not be silent because nobody has the right to look down on you. If you see someone being bullied, don't just be an spectator, be an ally of the victim, do something about it. (Be like Summer!)
**Don't hide. Be yourself.** There's no other person who can become you except you. Be whoever you want to be, and you will realize that you are more than enough. You do not need to imitate other people, or hide under the sheets of your blanket - show to the world who you really are, and accept you for who you are. The world will see you and accept you, after you do.
**Choose kindness, always.** On the first day of Auggie's homeroom class, his teacher discussed a precept that their class should be obeying. Summer read this as written on the board: "When given the choice of being right or being kind, choose kind." Oftentimes, when we are in a heated argument, the tendency is for us to defend ourselves, show the other party that we are right, and they are wrong. Prove to them by telling them hard facts, so on and so on... I'm not saying that you should just stay silent, what I'm saying is for you to be kind. Kind means not being rude. Kind means being considerable and understanding. Kind means listening to the other party's argument/plight.
https://youtu.be/Df8ymFH_smg
So, when you're in a situation where you are to choose whether you'd be right or be kind, choose KIND....always.
*Thanks for reading!*
Get Vaxed!
COVID-19 is still present, even when it's not invited to the party.
Coronavirus likes to be at parties. It likes to socialize and jump from one person to another especially if the persons are too physically close with each other. Coronavirus likes to stay on surfaces, standby, and wait for a person to touch the surface. Now, when the person finally touches the surface with Coronavirus on it, Coronavirus will wait for the person to touch his/her face so that it can finally make its way inside that person's body.
Okay, so COVID-19 is still here, it seems like it's far from being eliminated due to its increasing susceptibility and its ability to change and form into different variants. We were already provided with the following ways to not get ourselves infected by the virus, all we need is to be them religiously (which we do btw for more than a year now).
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Maintain physical distancing.
Avoid touching your face.
Wear facemasks (and face shields, well here in the Philippines, we still do.)
Eat healthy foods.
Drink water and vitamins.
Disinfect.
Stay at home.
Despite doing these practices, COVID-19 is still here. What do we do aside from the true-blue proven, safe, and effective means of warding off the virus?
GET VACCINATED!
**What are vaccines and why are they proven safe and effective?**
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "a vaccine **stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies**, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease. **After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity** to that disease, without having to get the disease first."
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vpd-vac-basics.html
Vaccines have been here for so long. The first-ever vaccine was that of Edward Jenner. He is often considered the father of vaccines because he was the first one to scientifically test a method to protect against smallpox. What he did in his method was to take material from a blister of a person with cowpox and inoculate it into another person's skin. This method underwent medical and technological changes over the next 200 years, and eventually resulted in the eradication of smallpox.
The rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur was the next vaccine that has made a very large impact on human diseases. After which, due to the advancement of Science in the field of bacteriology, antitoxins and vaccines were created such as against diphtheria, tetanus, anthrax, cholera, plague, typhoid, tuberculosis, and more were developed.
Due to its safety and effectiveness, research has emerged for vaccine development and methods for growing viruses in the laboratory became popular that made rapid discoveries and innovations, one of which is the creation of the polio vaccine. Apart from this, researchers targeted to develop vaccines against other common childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, among others.
**How do vaccines work?**
Developing a vaccine need thorough, accurate, and precise methods to be able to prevent a certain disease from spreading - and that's what scientists do!
To give you an idea about how vaccines work, here's a simple chart:
The vaccine contains a weakened, inactive or harmless disease agent. This vaccine will be injected into the person.
The receiver of the vaccine's immune systems will recognize that weakened, inactive or harmless disease agents, and will produce antibodies in response to what it has recognized.
If the receiver of the vaccine is infected later, his/her immune system is ready to fight off the disease/infection.
So, what's keeping people from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? To encourage you to take the vaccine, here are some myths about it according to the CDC:
Myth: COVID-19 can alter one's DNA. This is not true as the vaccine does not interact with our DNA in any way. According to CDC, both the two types of COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA and viral vector COVID-19) "deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cells, which is where the DNA is located.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines make people magnetic. Not true, COVID-19 vaccines don't contain any materials/substance that "can produce electromagnetic field".
Myth: COVID-19 vaccine can prevent a woman from getting pregnant in the future. There are no studies showing that the COVID-19 vaccine causes problems with pregnancy or brings issues on fertility.
Myth: People vaccinated with COVID-19 can test positive on a viral test. Of course not, it will not cause you to test positive in viral tests. When we say viral tests, a.k.a. swab tests, which are done to be able to know if one is infected with the virus.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccine can make you sick with COVID-19. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines (at least the ones developed in the US) contain live Coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
If you are a medical health worker, senior citizen, have a co-morbidity condition like chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic kidney disease, then you are prioritized to receive the vaccine. Think about it, vaccines have been here for a very long time, and they are safe and effective. Yes, you might encounter news like some people are experiencing side-effects, but that's normal, and it's nothing compared to you suffering from the actual illness.
So, it's your choice. Do it for yourself, do it for the people around you. You may contact your local government unit for further information and assistance.
*Thanks for reading!*
Sweet Tooth
I just finished watching the Netflix series "Sweet Tooth" last night. And all I can say is, wow! It's a work of fiction and fantasy but is super related to the breakout of a virus that we're experiencing today.
To give you a quick background, the story circled on a kid named Gus who is part-human, part-deer. In this series, Gus is called a hybrid. Ten years ago, a virus emerged together with the birth of hybrids. They called this time "The Great Crumble". For ten years, Gus was secluded in Yellowstone National Park with his Pubba to protect him from bad men who fear and hunt hybrids like him. After his Pubba died, he met and became friends with Jepperd aka Big Man, and together, they set out on a journey (or an adventure) to find Gus' mom in Colorado.
Season 1 only has 8 episodes, each episode lasts for about an hour. Season 1 circled on Gus being hopeful to find the truth about him, meet his "Mom", and knowing what friendship is by forming a relationship with Big Man and Bear. You should definitely watch it, and you'll tell me that you want to know more after the first season.
Now, after being amazed by this brilliant work of art, I would like to share with you a few things that I've learned from the series.
**Nature knows best.**
Mother Nature sure knows how to turn her world upside down. You may agree or disagree, but I can say that there is a high tendency for people to become greedy, selfish, only wanting things for themselves, which in turn, neglects other people or neglects the environment. Nature can become good or cruel, depending on what or when she wants to be. I also liked the fact that this post-apocalyptic scenario is not the same as others as this shows how Mother Nature has taken over its course through the lush green forests and terrain, the beautiful flowers that bloom, the emergence of animals or you know, hybrids.
**Friends are the family we choose.**
A connection can be formed between or among persons who are not related to each other by blood. Of course, you may say that blood is thicker than water, and I agree. However, water is also a necessity. The friends that choose to be with you in whatever season of your life are the types of friends that you can call your family. SPOILER ALERT: Gus may not have a real family, but he has found one with Big Man and Bear, the two people who are willing to protect him, whatever the cost is.
**Hope is a gift of tomorrow.**
Gus is innocent and vulnerable. This innocence and vulnerability make you want to hug him and tell him that everything's gonna be alright. He is an epitome of hope as his character, though young and inexperienced, seem to have bold decisions about what he wanted to do and achieve, whatever it takes. He wanted to search for his mom, not knowing about anything outside the fence, but he still pursued and actually made friends along the way - friends who would later become family.
**A mistake can become a lesson.**
People make mistakes all the time, but reflecting on them, trying to improve, and not do the same mistake again becomes a lesson. Sometimes people decide to do stupid things due to their cloudy emotions, or even due to fear. Big Man seems to be someone who is proud of himself, being a huge American football star in his time before The Great Crumble. In the later episodes, it was shown how fear had consumed him when he saw that his baby was also a hybrid, leading him to run away... yet, he came back, only to find out that his wife and child are nowhere to be found. It was still unclear though why he became part of the Last Men (those who kill hybrids). But being with Gus, it became clear to him that running away from his family during the most difficult times is not a good act to do. Being with Gus shows how he has learned to stay put and become a responsible friend/family.
I am recommending you to watch Sweet Tooth because you will be amazed at how this fantasy drama becomes an adventure of a lifetime. The cinematography is superb, too. So, catch it and wait for the coming seasons to come.
*Thank you for reading!*
What's your worth?
I searched for the synonyms of the word "worth" on the internet, and here's the list:
From the list above, I selected those words that I found to be more related to how I understand the meaning of the word "worth".
Cost. Price. Quality. Valuation/Value. Desirability. Equivalance. Importance. Merit. Significance. Usefulness. Utility. Weight.
Sometimes people ask "What's your worth?" Does it mean that you are for sale? To some, yes, it means literally that way, but if you look at it metaphorically, you would understand what type of worth am I talking about.
How do you know your worth? How do you know if the people that you give your attention, affection, care, concern, and love is giving you what's worthy of you? How do you assess if something that you receive is worthy compared to something that you're giving? Simply put, how do you understand worth?
In this day and age, worth means paying a price, a value, something that involves money. Worth is a common term in the marketplace. Worth means how much, how many, in exchange for money or service. Worth is a price that one is willing to pay to be able to receive a product or service that is equivalent to the amount that he/she paid.
But, what does worth mean to a person?
If you are asked, "What's your worth?" How will you answer? Will you be assessing yourself, and think of a number that is tantamount to your whole being?
There are times you will be in a situation when you think that what you accept is what you rightfully deserve. There are times when you feel hurt by other people, but you choose to be the bigger person, and not mind that pain that they've caused you. Even if you feel the pain inside you, you think that you deserve it, because you doubt yourself and think that you're a nobody anyway.
When you're in a situation where you feel like you're the only one who's making an effort, always understanding the other person, fulfilling his/her visions, and making them your own, being patient with he/she becomes difficult, and the list goes on and on... Sometimes, this person that you truly care about, give your full attention to, love very much can also be the same person who doesn't recognize your worth at all.
Why?
There could be 3 reasons.
They benefit from you. You're the giver, the one who doesn't ask anything in return. You always are willing to do the extra effort, go the extra mile, give it all without expecting anything from them. Why do you do this? Because of the notion of giving until there's nothing left. Sometimes, you might think that if the relationship doesn't work in the future, you can tell that you had no regrets, and that you've been good. However, have you ever thought of how this kind of thinking consumes you? Have you ever thought of you being in the receiving end to? Have you ever thought that you deserve the things that you're willing to give?
They never think that you will leave them, whatever they may do. In Filipino, this means them being *"kampante",* meaning you just being there. You will be around, no matter what, whether they make an effort or not. Don't get me wrong, they also make an effort and make you feel special, and you love those moments, those moments that can be counted using your fingers. They know that you will stick with them because you promised to do so. But think about it, will they do the same for you? Will they be around for you and prioritize you above anything else?
They love you because they need you. I remember one line from a 2004 movie "Milan" when the role of Claudine Barretto asked the role of Piolo Pascual: "Mahal mo ako dahil kailangan mo ako, kailangan mo ako kaya mahal mo ako?" There's a difference between loving a person because you need him/her, and needing a person that's why you love him/her. Loving should be mutual, it's a give-and-take relationship. It should not be grounded on the necessity of having someone beside you to guide you and to give everything that you ever need or want. Loving has to be founded with a desire of someone, and you having that same desire to be with that someone. You do not love a person because you need them to be with you. It's not loving, it's called selfishness.
If you're in one of the situations I mentioned above, please look at yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself, is this what I truly deserve? Don't ever think that you don't deserve to be happy. Don't ever think that you need someone to complete you and give you happiness. Being happy is a decision, and guess what, you have that decision in your hands. You have to know your worth, you have to assert yourself and tell them what you rightfully deserve - not just a spare change, not only what is left out of the many, but what is RIGHT.
It's okay to choose yourself above everything. Love yourself, too. Because only by loving yourself will you truly know your worth. Only by loving yourself, you will truly understand what you need. Never settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Remember, you are worth it. :)
The Agony of Waiting
I think I'm getting tired of waiting.
I just turned 33 last week. Gosh, I realized, I've been in the academe for a decade now. I started out as a young 23 years old who came from a job that's neither related to the course that I took in college and the work that I am about to venture on which is becoming a teacher.
I took on the job of teaching because I wanted something to change in my life. It was a gamble. I didn't know how to become a teacher, I have no experience, whatsoever, only a desire to learn, and a desire to change my direction, and change my location.
I was raised in a broken family. I have never experienced living with both my biological parents. When my maternal grandparents died, I had to choose where to live - with my mother or with my father. I chose the latter. When I live with my father, he was too strict that I end up doing things that are not approved of, but still, I stayed in the route that I have to take, finish high school, and leave the province and pursue a college degree in a faraway place of Los Banos, Laguna.
My waiting time has finally ended when at long last, I will be leaving the doors of my house and be able to gain freedom from my father's strictness, or so I thought.
When I entered the university, I was culture-shocked! But I think I became a better person as this was the time that I got to know and accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. This was something that is dreaded by my father who is also "recruiting" me to be part of his faith/church.
Anyway, my college life was filled with memories, ups and downs, friendships that come and go, and friendships that stayed and remained until today. I was not the brightest among my batch, I have failed Trigonometry, and almost failed Chemistry... but I continued fighting and proving that I am worthy to be in that prestigious university. I was not able to finish my degree in four years. I had a pending thesis manuscript that needs to be written, checked, edited, and submitted. It was the second time that I have to wait for me to achieve my college diploma. I was extended for a year, summer of 2008, first semester 2008-2009, second semester 2008-2009, enrolling only 1 unit for each semester.
I entered the university as a young freshman at 16 years old, and graduated 5 years later. Well, they say quality education takes time. My waiting time has finally ended when thankfully, I became part of the graduating class of 2009. The class that were soaked wet in rainwater. Lol.
If there's a short time that I've waited, that is when I landed on my first job as a project coordinator of a budding non-government organization. But the waiting part happened while I was part of the staff. I received a considerable amount for a fresh graduate, but I realized, it's leading me nowhere. I stayed for 2 years in the NGO, commenced with a national event in ULTRA Pasig and exited my way to become a teacher.
Now, here I am, 10 years - still in the institution that led me out of Los Banos. I've started out as a neophyte, I can say someone who is totally clueless of what to do and how to do it, but is willing to learn and gamble my passion for learning and inspiring young learners. I can bravely say that I've improved in this craft, from the clueless person who did not have any background knowledge on pedagogical styles, I can now tell much of it based on my experience, however, I can agree that I am still learning new things about the art of teaching and learning, every single day.
I accepted my 5th-year service award, and I looked back and reflected on what have I learned during those times, I think it was a combination of hard work, and "luck" as my bosses have seen the potential in me that they let me stay. In my sixth year up until now, I am waiting for something to happen - I am not sure what that is, but I think I am grooming myself for better things ahead of me.
I am super intimidated by the caliber of people that I work with. They are good, excellent teachers, fully knowledgeable of their subject matter. I honestly tend to compare myself with them, and I see myself as just someone who's going with the flow, and actually trying to stay afloat and relevant in the sea of impossibilities. I took my master's degree and carried on with the challenge of finishing it with flying colors, I was also thinking that this can get me to become promoted and have a bigger amount of salary, but well, hmm, it did not happen, unfortunately. I was being promoted one step at a time until this year, it was no promotion for everyone due to the pandemic. Then, it hit me.
How long will I wait to be able to cross the line, the levels? I am getting tired of waiting, I am telling myself. But, if I quit, where will I be? That's another question that I am also asking myself when random thoughts of quitting makes its whispers to my ears.
Then, just a few days ago, I received an email. It says that I've been nominated as part of the selection for management roles in the institution. I initially laughed, because, well, here are my thoughts:
"What? Are you kidding? Why me? Are you serious?"
I do not see myself becoming an administrator as I think I'm too young to become one and lead a whole bunch of people having different personalities. Okay, maybe I'm a bit overthinking it. But, well, yes, why am I even included? Then, I realized someone noticed me, my potential, someone nominated me because someone believed in me.
I received the email on June 2, and we are to submit our info sheet on June 5, at 12 noon. I waited until June 5 to finally decide if I will submit my info sheet or not.
June 5, 11 am. I've submitted my info sheet. I submitted because I've been here for 10 years, and I was looking for a change... something that would take me to a different course, something different, something challenging. I never realized that I was waiting for this to happen when this opportunity actually knocked on my door, right before my very eyes.
Yes, it's true that I am not confident with my abilities, but maybe I am wrong because someone believed in me, and I owe it to him/her to take the first step, and see where this leads me. I am not saying that I am the sure "winner" in the selection process, but this is just the start of another journey... and here I am thinking and telling myself...
Am I really tired of waiting?
God says in His word to Wait on Him and have courage, and He will strengthen me, if I only wait on Him.
*Thank you for reading!*
100 Lessons Done
Tomorrow marks my 30th day to be launched as a Newly Qualified Teacher in my part-time job as an English tutor. As of today, I was able to fulfill the 100 lessons required for me to reach a new level for promotion.
I was kinda late, actually, because some of my co-mentees had already undergone their training for the new teaching level, and they are now tagged as new level teachers. It took me a little while because I only book at most 3 lessons per day (peak hour slots during the weekdays) since I started, and my weekends are only up to 6 classes during peak hours.
Knowing myself, I am a competitive person, so, seeing them being able to reach a new level makes me want to do it for myself, too. However, due to time constraints, and the inconvenience of teaching in very hot weather, I opted to only teach during the night. Also, I was justifying that this is only a part-time job, and I am contented with the amount that it brings to the table, it's not as big as the others, but it can be a good additional income source.
When I started opening slots, I was expecting that only a few students will be booking my opened slots, however, since I am a new teacher, we are protected and are advertised by the platform for a period of 60 days. After the protection period, we are already on our own. I am grateful that my slots are often booked and that I have regular students who book me for two straight weeks. There are also returning students who book my slots. Moreover, new students become our Mission, when they like us, they will book us again and become potential regular students. As of now, I have 3 regular students. I teach these students at 18:30, 19:30 during the weekdays, and 10:00-11:30 on the weekends.
I realized that it is not easy to get students like you. Their interests and styles differ from one another, so, it's up to you as their teacher to build rapport with them. In one of my previous articles, I mentioned that I've had bad feedback from some of my students and it really made me think if I am doing this right. As I evaluated myself, I think I am doing my very best, carrying myself confidently, and preparing the lessons beforehand. I am not just out of bed and decide to wing it, I put my efforts into making props and other paraphernalia like realia, drawing, etc. I also review the lessons beforehand, research the correct pronunciation of certain words that I am unsure of. Unfortunately, there will be some students who would give you very bad feedback on your performance after you've pretty much done whatever you can to make the lesson engaging and interesting. All I can say is that it's okay, you can always appeal and tell them why the bad feedback was unfair to you.
So, now I am waiting for an opening of a training session for new level qualification, but the dates of the training were all fully-booked. It's good that we have a mentor from who we can ask questions, and there's actually a training request form that we can fill out to be able to join a particular training of our liking.
I would like to end this short article with some encouragement for new, aspiring teachers in the online platform. I am not sure why you chose to be here, I have my own reasons but mine may not be the same as yours. So, whatever it is, always remember these things:
**You are a teacher, a molder of young minds.** - It's not easy to become one, it's also painful that sometimes, our efforts are not appreciated enough (in terms of good feedback, and even salaries), but always go back to the very reason why you chose this profession - not only for yourself but more so for the young minds that depend on you.
**Don't be too hard on yourself**. If you are tired and not feeling well, take a day off and rest. Think about your health, whether it be physical, mental, emotional health. Take a break, pause for a while. It's okay to just relax and chill, it's okay to think of yourself.
**Do your best.** Yes, I've mentioned that sometimes we are unappreciated, but is it a reason for us to not be excellent in our jobs? I always remind myself of that meaning of integrity - being excellent even when no one is looking. I am a mentor myself of new teachers in the school where I work full-time, and one of the questions that my mentee has asked me is what to do during a class observation. I told her, to do what you always do - with or without an observer. Because I speak for authenticity, you should not only do your best because a rater is at the back of the classroom, looking at all the angles of how you handle your class. Think of the observation as a regular class, or better yet, think for your every class like an observation - and you will be able to practice to become excellent every single day.
Teacher, do not be discouraged. You are doing the very best that you can. You are doing this for your growth, for your satisfaction, for your family, for your students, for society, for the world.
I would like to say thank you, Teacher, for everything that you do. :)
The Truth About P!nk
P!nk is one of the most versatile artists of this generation. I was in high school when I first heard her song "Get the Party Started" from her Missundaztood album way back in 2001. I honestly did not like the song as I was in the phase of loving alternative rock band songs, but I knew the song because it has this lingering upbeat and catching lyrics...
I'm coming up so you better get this party started. (I'm coming up, I'm coming!)
It was a very popular song at that time and P!nk is making a name for herself, not your ordinary pop star. She is one with angst, one with songs that speaks about the truth - turmoil that's happening inside a person. Her songs talk about the showbiz industry, that you have to change yourself for you to be able to get fame and fortune. Look at these lyrics from her song "Don't let me get me":
LA told me, "You'll be a pop star,
All you have to change is everything you are"
Tired of being compared to damn Britney Spears
She's so pretty, that just ain't me
As I've said, she is not the typical pop star that everyone was going gaga over during her days, but she revealed something that is deeper than fame and fortune, that there's a battle inside each one of us - to be yourself or to be someone else as the society is dictating.
It was not until 2011 that I re-discovered her beautiful artistry. I was too late, trying to be cool listening to alternative songs, punk-rock, and indie music among others. (Okay, they are good also by the way, but some pop songs are also worthy of our praise like P!nk's.). During this time, I became obsessed with her most recent album which is "The Truth About Love". I actually got myself a copy of her album and played all her songs from start to finish on loop! This was also the time that I realized that I've been missing a lot not knowing her ingenuity in music. I researched her albums in the past and found some favorites aside from Just Like a Pill which I sing in the karaoke all the time, btw.
I particularly liked her song "Stupid Girls" from her 2006 album "I'm Not Dead". The song Stupid Girls talks about how young girls lack great female role models who should be encouraging and empowering them instead of wasting their time thinking about their looks, how they present themselves to people, starving themselves, being unhealthy, and doing dumb things just to be noticed by guys. This is one hell of a wake-up call to the girls in that generation until today. You can watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/IIREtkpAnQQ
The album "Funhouse" is one of my favorites from her. The songs that really struck me are "So What", "Please Don't Leave Me", and "Funhouse". According to her, this album is the most vulnerable to her as most of the songs are coming from her recent separation from her husband Carey Hart. The music video of "So What" also features her husband. It was funny that it hurts. It's as if getting over a breakup but still loving the person, but you're angry, but you still love the person. Lol. I love you, P!nk. Here's the video, btw.
https://youtu.be/FJfFZqTlWrQ
Then 2012 came with the album "The Truth About Love". THIS is my favorite album among all the other albums. As I've mentioned, this album is my turning point - I became obsessed with her music and artistry! I memorized everything from the first to the last song! I know you're familiar with the song "Just Give Me A Reason" featuring Nate Ruess from the band Fun. According to some interviews, this is another album that's an anthem of her complicated life, she drew inspiration from her exhausting experience of searching for love, she also said that writing the songs was an expression of what her life is at the moment and her newfound happiness which is motherhood. Gladly, she and Carey got back together before this album was released.
Another favorite song of mine from the album is "True Love". This one really hit me hard as I've experienced breaking up with my partner during this time. This song is talking about how much you want to hate a person who has hurt you, but it only goes to show that you love him/her too deeply. I especially like the song lyrics
Why I'm still here, or where could I go
You're the only love I've ever known
But I hate you, I reallyhate you,
So much, I think it must be
True love, true love
No one else can break my heart like you
https://youtu.be/zsmUOdmm02A
Of course the song "Just Give Me a Reason" is the winner of it all. I was mending a broken heart from my heartbreak with my partner during that time. I know deep in my heart that the very reason why we broke up does not mean that we don't love each other anymore. It's just a season of growing apart, being mature without in each other's arms. These lyrics hit me hard, so so hard...
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
This song gave me hope that this time of being apart is only a bent or curved part of the road, and we will be together when the time comes... at the right time. After two years, we became together once again, and we are still together until now. :)
The next two studio albums she released were "Beautiful Trauma" which I really really liked too, she released the single with the same title and I think the melody is brilliant, it's a beautiful song showing how vulnerable are we when loving, but we keep on fighting for the one that we love. P!nk, you are genius!
The most current album she released was "Hurts 2B Human" with a released single of the same title featuring Khalid. This song talks about the vulnerabilities and pain that are part of being a human. In this song, P!nk is narrating as a pessimistic person, with negative perspectives about life. Khalid, on the other hand, is the more optimistic, reassuring her partner (P!nk) that they have already experienced "defeating all odds" and that "he has her back". The song's premise is finding a partner who can hold you and whom you can hold onto, and thinking that you'd be able to overcome adversity as long as you work together, supporting each other, loving each other.
https://youtu.be/Z25aDKQ7Ojw
P!nk's music and lyrics are the epitome of honesty, bravery, even vulnerability. She is able to incorporate all these types of emotions in her songs. I admire her ability to do such, her ability to speak up and sing her hearts out, expressing herself, sharing her music, and letting the world know it's alright to be hurt, to be angry, to love, to feel pain, to cry, to laugh, to celebrate, to be who you are. :).
*If you're willing to be my*
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*Thanks for reading!*
What is LOVE?
Love is just another four-letter word.
It's so simple, yet sometimes, it becomes so complicated. Love has a lot of meanings to different people. Some people try to understand the concept of love by thinking of their significant other. Others see love as the kind of love that a mother has for her child. There are those who see love as platonic - something that you give to the people you care about a lot, maybe it is your brother, sister, a friend, your village people, etc. The list goes on and on...
If you happen to look at love as any of the ones mentioned above, then, you are correct. Love is spelled simply, but its meaning can be interpreted in many ways. They said there are different types of love, and here are those:
**Philia** is affectionate love. This type of love is the kind of love that occurs between friends, not the romantic type. Some others may say this is what is known as platonic love. There's a deep connection that is shared between two persons that do not necessarily link to romantic attraction.
**Eros** is romantic love. It is the kind of love that is innate for most people. It is a kind of passionate love that is displayed through physical affection like kissing, hugging, and holding each other's hands. This kind of love happens when you desire someone to be with them, closer to them, touching, and caressing them.
**Pragma** is the love that matures over time. This can be seen as an everlasting love between a couple that has mutual respect, effort, and understanding for one another over many years of being together. This is the kind of love that can be associated with the words "commitment" and "dedication", something that is not just the spur of the moment, but a decision that is to be made for life, in good times and in bad, with or without physical affection. It's wanting to be together, no matter what, no matter when, no matter how.
**Storge** is familial love. I like this one! This is the kind of love that is innate between parents and their children. This can also be the kind of love between best of friends. This type of love is one that is built upon acceptance and an in-depth emotional connection. Something that is too hard to be broken, something that will never be taken out of a person.
**Philautia** is self-love. Right now, this kind of love should matter, too. It is recognizing that you are worthy and enough. It is being kind to yourself and giving yourself what you need (and want!). It begins by acknowledging that you have a responsibility to take care of yourself. I remember the song lyrics, "Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all..." This rings so much as you can't give love if you don't have it in you.
**Agape** is selfless love. It is a kind of love that has no boundary, limitless, and unconditional. They say that this is the highest level of love to offer - meaning, you give without expecting anything in return. When I hear the word agape, I know as humans, we can't completely offer agape love to another human. An example of this kind of love is the love of God towards humankind. We are completely undeserving of His love and grace and mercy, yet He still chose to sacrifice His only begotten Son to die for our sins. Agape is one tough kind of love to offer.
Whatever type of love you think you're experiencing or have already experienced, I want to share with you one thing - whatever love it is that you have, remember that LOVE is an ACTION word. Knowing what love is important, but doing LOVE is what really matters.
You can show your LOVE through different ways:
Words of affirmation - Tell him/her that he/she looks good, smells good, or he/she did a great job. Tell your loved ones that you are proud of them. A simple affirmation can change a person's mood. :)
Acts of kindness or service - Don't just say, do. Give him/her a cup of coffee in the morning, do the chores, wash the laundry, give him/her a massage, the list goes on and on... You can show that you appreciate and love them by doing something for them.
Giving of gifts - Giving presents is another form of showing your love to a person, it doesn't necessarily mean that you give him/her an expensive gift. Whatever you can give, as long as you put effort and time into it, will be greatly appreciated by someone who loves you back. If you can buy flowers for him/her, then it's good. But if you can't, then just draw something, or pick some flowers, it will mean the same! :)
Physical touch - Give your partner a kiss or a hug when he/she least expects it. Make room for cuddles, for some touching of hair, or of his/her face, for holding of hands. :)
Spending quality time. - Love they say can be spelled as T-I-M-E. Spending quality time with each other is a necessity. Whether it be just talking with each other after a long day, sending a message in the middle of the day just saying that you thought about him/her, or by just being together, doing work stuff, not talking, but just being there for each other. It goes a long way.
Remember that Love is not just another four-letter word. Love is an action word, so take action. LOVE!
*Thanks for reading!*
I love Switchfoot!
If you're a surfer, you may be familiar with the term *switchfoot*. I am not a surfer, but I get to learn Switchfoot because of a band that's named Switchfoot. :)
Switchfoot is a rock band based in San Diego, California. It's composed of five members - brothers Jon Foreman (lead vocals, guitar) and Tim Foreman (bass guitar), Chad Butler (drums), Jerome Fontamillas (keyboards, etc.), and Drew Shirley (lead guitar).
You may not know them as a band but, one of their songs that came to popularity is "I dare you to move" from the 2002 movie "A Walk to Remember" starring Mandy Moore and Shayne West. Other Switchfoot songs are also included in the movie's OST, these are "You", "Learning to Breathe" (my bio, you already know), and the most famous "Only Hope". What? Yes, the song that Mandy Moore sang in the movie is a Switchfoot original.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXetsxNT9QM
Moreover, the song "Someday We'll Know" was sung by Mandy Moore and Jon Foreman, the lead vocalist of Switchfoot. Amazing, right? I didn't realize that I have already fallen in love with Switchfoot music through the movie's OST. Btw, I was in high school when the movie came out, and its OST was already playing tons inside my head. I didn't have an original copy of the OST, I just borrowed a "burned" CD from my aunt who has the same taste in music as me.
When I entered college in 2004, I was totally clueless about who the singer of the songs was in the OST. Not until I came across some friends from a Christian church. As part of the music team, I became more aware of the songs, bands, and artists in the "Christian Music" scene. I began listening to online radios such as K-Love, and NU107's Christian music show "Against the Flow" hosted by Ptr. Jordan Escusa.
Because of this, I became so in love with Switchfoot. I've researched and learned the lyrics of their songs. Know the band members, know that they are not a Christian band, but they are Christians in a band...etc. etc. I really admired their process of songwriting, especially that of Jon Foreman. I consumed their music from their very first album Legend of Chin, until the latest one that they had in 2005 which is "Nothing is Sound".
In 2007, one of my Ates in the church gave us a treat - that is to watch Switchfoot's first-ever concert in Manila. She paid half (PhP600) of our ticket price which is PhP1,200.00. We were a total of 10 people in that van going to watch Switchfoot Live in Manila at Cuneta Astrodome on September 10, 2006. It was my very first legit concert, I was so excited to see my favorite band perform before my very eyes!!!
During those times, we don't have much technology yet - cameras were too expensive, and phones don't have good cameras yet. Well, I didn't own a camera phone then. I remember we are not part of the mosh pit, so, we have seats for us, but we were at the very front of the line after mosh pit. Since we wanted to feel the jive, we went to mosh pit and I was able to go to the right side of the stage and hold Jon Foreman's hand when he went almost-crowd surfing.
Below is a photo from Switchfoot, I circled my friend. She was standing in her seat. Btw, that's where we were originally situated during the concert, but in this shot, I was already in the mosh pit with the mosh crowd!
We also met the members of the band Hale and we also saw Rica Peralejo and Anne Curtis after the show. It was a moment to remember! This was a benefit concert for the International Justice Mission and a promotion to their album "Oh! Gravity".
Four years after, I was able to watch them for the second time around. The date was April 30, 2011. I purchased the ticket months before it was promoted. I remembered just typing Switchfoot concert in Manila, and a Facebook page popped out of my window showing that there is a concert in April 2011. Days before it, I won in a meet-and-greet contest via Warner Music.
This was our Switchfam photo with the band. I was speechless when I got to talk to them and asked them to sign a poster/tarp that I've printed out. Lol. I also got to give all of them Philippine-themed shirts that the rest of them wore after the concert. At this concert, they were promoting their album Hello Hurricane under their independent record label as distributed by Atlantic known as the **lowercase people records**. This was the same year that they bagged a Grammy Award for the Best Rock Gospel Album.
Btw, that was me. I saw that photo from their website and recognized myself in the crowd. Lol. In this concert, I see to it that I will be at the very front of the band.
I continued supporting them all throughout these years. I know it's a long shot to ask them to come back to the country for another concert. First, because they are not mainstream artists, and though they have a following, it isn't as huge as that of other bands from the UK or the US. So, I kept my hopes low.... until one day they announced that they will be visiting Manila for an Easter Sunday show for FREE!!! Special thanks to Church Simplified for making this possible. I only have to purchase t-shirts for me to get a ticket to the show. When the day came (March 27, 2016), I saw to it that I will be in the front line... Lol. So, I went there as early as 1:00 PM for a 7:00 PM show. I was able to watch them do the soundcheck, and I also came across Jon Foreman walking at BGC Ampitheater. So, we took the chance to chat and take a photo with him.
I wore my Switchfoot shirt that was purchased in 2011 during their last concert. The photos below show how we met Jon Foreman while he was walking along the Amphitheater, and how we were able to have quick snapshots and chitchat with this awesome guy!
They also went to film the music video of Float during this time of their visit. If you think this couldn't get any better, well, the show was awesome, as always... and another surprise was revealed! They will be back the following year to have another Easter Sunday show.
https://youtu.be/Euf3uk0QIaY
So, you might already know. I again purchased the shirts that I need to purchase to get a ticket for their concert on April 16, 2017. Hmm, I do have a better phone camera to use during this time, at long last. Lol.
This was Jon right in front of me when he did his almost-crowd surfing. I really like the vibe and energy that they give whenever they perform. Truly, music is a universal language - it binds us, people, together. I love it when the crowd sings harmoniously, singing every word, every lyric as if it's our own.
After their show in BGC Ampitheater, they went to Cebu to do another show. I wish I could've been there, too. But, well, watching them live for two consecutive years is enough. Right now, they stopped touring due to the pandemic, but they released a show known as the Fantastic Not Traveling Music Show (FNTMS) where you can watch their live stream every month with some bonus extras like live stream before the actual show or even a Zoom meeting with them!
I will never get tired of supporting a band that has been an inspiration not only to me but to many people across the globe. They are not just performing for money, they are performing for a greater cause - to reach out to every community, wherever it may be, and spread a message of love and hope, because as they always say, and definitely agree - Hope is the anthem. :)
You can visit switchfoot.com for more information about the band. :) You can also watch them on YouTube if you like. Ciao!
10 Years as an Educator
Yesterday marked my 10th year as a teacher. Wow. I didn't realize that it already has been a decade. I took some time to reflect on the learnings that I can say I had gained in this 10-year journey.
But first, let me give you a background of why where I am today. To those of you who read my previous article "How did I become a teacher", you might probably remember that I was not a graduate of a bachelor's degree in education, I was actually a graduate of a hardcore and specialized branch of Science/Biology which is Forestry. Woah, you might not even know what that is... anyway, deep inside me is the desire to teach and be a molder of young minds, so when an opportunity to teach knocked on my door, I grabbed it... and it has been 10 years since I grabbed that opportunity.
So, what have I learned in my 10-year journey?
**Being a teacher needs patience, lots of it**. Yes, one of the qualities of being a good teacher is to be patient. Imagine being with kids, you might argue but you're teaching the high school level, it doesn't take a lot of patience as compared to kindergarten... but I tell you, it's different, yes, but it still entails you to have patience - lots of it. Patience comes in handy when you've already given your students instruction, and then they would ask you literally about what you've just mentioned, and so you tried to explain it again, and another one will ask the same question. Haha. So, if you don't like to repeat again and again, then, you need to build more patience.
Are you running out of your patience battery? Please recharge right away or else, it's either you blow up, or others will.
**Being a teacher won't make you rich**. If you have the ambition to become a rich person, then, being a teacher may not be the career for you. This may sound discouraging, but the truth is, we sometimes are overworked and are underpaid. The amount of workload that we do doesn't just happen in the actual teaching session with the students (whether online or face-t0-face), but it actually goes round the clock. Planning a lesson, looking for interesting materials, researching, checking assessments, giving feedback, being available when a student asks for questions or clarifications even beyond class hours, talking to parents regarding their child's status, and so on... I know it's part of our job, but sometimes, it becomes discouraging when the amount of work that you do is not tantamount to the salary that you are receiving, but we still do it anyway, for the kids, always for the kids.
**Being a teacher means being selfless**. Being a teacher means being selfless. When you have a student who is in need, you will do your best to fulfill your role as a second parent. This need may be in the form of different types of support like advising, cheering for them, or even just merely listening to whatever they say. When a group of students asks you to look over them when they need to make a project in school beyond school hours, you say yes to them. When they have a fundraising activity, and they need to sell their baked goodies, shirts, hoodies, etc., you buy from them. When they finished their exams, and you want to give them a reward and make them feel stress-free, you will treat the class with ice cream or pizza. Why do you do such? Because being a teacher means supporting them in any way that you can, even when you're not sure if there's something left in your pocket.
**Being a teacher means non-stop learning.** Being in the academe entails you to realize that there's a need to improve yourself - think about professional development. Teachers attend seminars (now webinars) not only for promotion but also for self-improvement for their ever-changing types of learners. We, teachers, need to learn new things, new styles, new technologies to be able to become at par with the teaching standards that are expected of us. When there was a change in the Science curriculum as part of the K-12 DepEd curriculum, we needed to adjust and learn how to teach subjects that were originally not taught by us. For example, originally, I was only teaching Biology to 2nd year high schoolers (Grade 10) but because of the shift to a spiral curriculum, I also have to learn to teach Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Now, because of the pandemic situation, we have to learn how to create effective instructional materials for both synchronous and asynchronous classes, make ourselves more open to challenges in the online classroom and learn the basics of troubleshooting, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. And again, for what reason? - For the kids.
**Being a teacher is touching someone's life.** I may not be the best, articulate, and most intelligent teacher that my students have, but I know, in one way or another, I was able to impart my good values to them. I remember one time one of my students approached me and told me that she was applying for a pre-med course in one of the prestigious schools here in the Philippines. She was my student in her 2nd year in HS, this happened when she's already graduating. She asked if I could make a recommendation letter for her because she said that she was inspired by the manner that I taught Biology to them, she became more fascinated to pursue a career that's directly related to it. Man, it was a proud moment for me, and I was also thrilled at the same time. When I started having homeroom classes, I always share the bible verse 1 Corinthians 10:23 - "Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial." whenever we discuss something about obeying the rules, making decisions, doing something. I was not aware that this verse was imbibed in them. There was one time when one student recited and related these words in their Christian Life (CL) class and told their teacher that it was from me, the teacher laughed and asked them if the words are really from me. The students said yes. After the class, their CL teacher shared this story with me, and we both laughed. During our homeroom time, I told them that I appreciated that they were able to remember what I was sharing, but also clarified that the words are not from me, I was only a means to share God's word (through the Apostle Paul) to them. We all laughed hard. Oh, I miss that class!
A teacher is a noble profession. I am not saying this because I am one. I am saying this based on experience. So, right now you may be thinking of a teacher that has touched or even changed your life or perspective, go back to him/her, send a message, tell your teacher your appreciation for him/her. It's not the grandest of things - the little ones, those small acts of kindness that you've received from him/her. I bet you, he/she would appreciate it.
If you're a teacher like me, always remember that you are not alone. You may be in a dark position right now, not knowing what to do, you may be in agony and uncertainly, just remember the very reason why you keep doing what you do - the very reason why we teach is for the kids, always for the kids...
*Thank you for reading!*
It's okay to say No.
Being an extrovert, I have the tendency to please people. I didn't realize that until I've some of my friends told me about my tendency to do such a thing. There were moments when I thought I was being a good friend by saying yes to everything that the other person is asking/requesting me to do, only to realize that there are certain things that I shouldn't do because I don't want to do it. I tend to overthink about the other person's reaction if the request is not granted, only to find out that I was just being used, and I was too gullible to be used by them.
I want to give you some instances. As part of a big group of friends in my workplace or "workada", we agreed to celebrate each other's birthdays by giving each celebrator something (cake, gift, etc.). I was willingly doing it for a couple of years already when I realized that I was the only one who's willing to do it. If I will not initiate, no one ever will. Is what I'm doing a bad thing? Of course, it isn't... it's my nature as a friend to do something special for my friends, but if it's been going on like this for a couple of years already, something is not right anymore.
Another instance, I was taking up courses as part of the requirements for my master's degree with some of my colleagues. It's actually a fast-track degree, so we are always classmates in most of the subjects that we're taking. We also had a motto - "We're all in this together!", like that of the Wild Cats in the movie High School Musical. We help each other in doing our research, projects, etc. But of course, during exams, I am on my own, and they are on their own.
In one of our subject, each of us is required to report a certain topic. So, I worked on my topic, did some research, make my presentation. I was finished already when one of my colleagues/classmates asked for a copy of my report presentation. Since I lived by our motto, I willingly gave the presentation to that person because that person said that he would just get some pointers from my presentation, etc. Well, it's all good right, I just gave a helping hand because we're all in this together. That did not happen once, he again asked for a copy of my research paper and told me that he would just get some ideas about how to go about his... Okay, the kind person in me gave it again willingly.
And then came the third time, it was a research paper for a final project in one of our subjects. Since this final project is done in pairs, I asked my partner if we could send the copy to our colleague. My research partner was adamant about it. He asked who's asking, and I told him that it was this colleague/classmate of ours. Then, he told me that this guy also asked for his report, his research paper in our previous subjects, and he told me that he didn't give his because it was a personal output. I was in shock. That guy asked not only me but a lot of us, and I was the only one who gave him the things that he needed!
Then my research partner reminded me of the bad experience that we had with this guy in the previous years. This guy had instructional material that we wanted to borrow from him to be used for our students. It's not that we will get all the credit for his work, but we requested if we can use his work in our classes, for students' consumption - he turned us down. I realized that this guy will ask for my help and when we ask him about his, he was not willing to give any. It's as if we will be selling that material and make money from it. No! We asked him nicely and the very reason why we're asking is that he's not going to use it anymore - it was not for us, but for our students!
This made me furious about how this guy is so manipulative especially towards someone like me who's naive. I realized that there are certain types of people who will only use you for their own gain and will only remember you because they get something from you.
So, if you're like me who's trying to please everybody. Stop what you're doing. Think about it, think about yourself first. It is not being selfish, it is taking control of the situation. Before you say yes, consider what you'd feel if you do it, will you feel happy or will you feel used? If you will help them, will it help you also?
Don't feel guilty about saying no especially to people who also say no to you. You deserve to be treated with respect. You don't deserve to be manipulated and used all the time. Remember, you have the power to overcome pleasing people. If you don't like what they're asking you to do, speak up! Say what you need to say, and by this, you will gain freedom from their hands.
Do you deserve to be treated less of a person?
Think about it. Yes or No?
05.31
It was May 31st, six years ago that we became partners again.
You're maybe confused. Okay, I'm going to tell you the story of how I met my partner in life.
It was April of 2011 when I landed a teaching job in an exclusive all-girls school in the Metro. The principal said we will have our orientation starting on May 23, 2011. We were a huge group. I think we were 31 in total in the unit. I sat there quietly, just smiling at my "batchmates". I didn't notice him that time because he was silent. I was silent, too. He was the new Art teacher, I am the new Biology teacher. Mind you, I was always fascinated with visual artists, maybe because this is something that I am frustrated to not have. So, I asked him and showed him a portrait of mine commissioned to a friend, and he just smiled and said something about the shadows, etc. I DID NOT UNDERSTAND A BIT. Lol
Then, we continued attending the orientation until we were officially endorsed as new teachers to the faculty on June 1, 2011.
During the first year of teaching, we just exchanged our hi's and hello's. My faculty room is separated from his. Our other batchmates built a closer relationship with each other, I actually separated myself from them because I was too shy to join that they've already built a relationship with one another.
At the end of our in-service training, we will have our annual faculty outing. It was May 26, 2012. We went to Ocean Adventure, I was with my teammates, he was with his. Before we go back to Manila, we were allowed to go to Duty-Free.. and as I was roaming around, we bumped into each other. There, I got the chance to talk to him and send my condolences (I've known that he lost his grandfather on the 25th, which was coincidentally my birthday.). Then, we looked for things to buy, he asked me if it's okay for him to buy a can of biscuits for the wake of his Lolo, I told him, it's okay, I can accompany him. I was looking for peanut butter and then he told me, he'll just give me a peanut butter that's rich and creamier than the ones sold in supermarkets, we talked and I think we just clicked.
From that day on, I had a happy crush - it was him.
We went back to school in June and he fulfilled his promise, he gave me the peanut butter that he was telling me about. It was true! It was creamy and super delicious!
Here, I thought... Oh wait, I think I'm liking him more. But of course, I didn't just jump to the conclusion that he likes me back. Maybe he is just being a super nice friend, so I kept it that way. I see him being nice to our other batchmates too, so, I should never assume or something like that.
We were first-time homeroom teachers during that time. We shared tips and things with each other. I even got to join him in a mural painting in one of the children's hospitals in the metro. Oh man, he's such a good artist, and super humble at that. I silently admired him more from the corners.
So we went on like this for a couple of months... I was already feeling that there is something special going on between us, as we were open to one of our colleagues about our admiration for each other. Our colleague didn't exactly say that there is something, but I knew it, I think it was intuition. But still, I kept quiet. There was one time when we were in the cab and he just uttered something about me being a special part of him, but, it was all vague, and I think we are not yet ready to pour out our feelings with each other.
Then, I joined him in another mural painting session in November of 2012. This time, it was just the two of us. We enjoyed each other's company, we ate on the roadside where we painted a designated wall for us. I helped him paint a Philippine native tree species as shown in the picture below.
During this time, I know that we have something special, but there's no label. We are friendly towards each other, eating together most of the time, but still, I am convinced that there's nothing going on between us. Because of our closeness, I was able to get to know him better, his likes, his life, his family, his struggles, his dreams, etc. I was able to know that he hadn't, in his whole life had a cake for his birthday. So, I arranged it to happen, come December 24, 2012.
Our Christmas vacation started on the week of December 17, but I stayed until the 24th in Metro Manila to have a "date" with my future partner. So, we met at a mall and we celebrated his birthday. I asked him to come to my house because my gift is there. So, we went there, and then, to his surprise, it was a lego cake!
This cake symbolizes everything that he loves- legos, Astroboy (that kinda looks just like him), and of course, his first-ever birthday cake. We did not eat the cake because I asked him to go home and bring the cake so he can celebrate with his family, I went home to my family as well to spend Christmas with them. He said, this was his most memorable birthday to date. I was so glad that my efforts had paid off. :)
It was a new year, and we were good. We are still friends despite the Birthday/Christmas date that we had. Then, it was January 19th, a Saturday, I had to come to school to attend a seminar by Francis Kong. The seminar was so nice, I remembered he shared that "Love is an action word." I was inspired. In the afternoon, he was there, too. He has to accompany some of his students to a contest in one school. When he came, we decided to eat in a nearby restaurant together with two friends who are a couple. After we ate to our heart's content, we went to a milkshake house and ordered a sumptuous milkshake. Haha. I was so full! I think, he was, too. It's time to go home and we decided to ride a jeepney together and go to the UP's football field. There, we stayed for a while... and there, he started confessing that he loves me already. I was stunned, but I also feel the same way. But I kept quiet, I. can't think of the right words to say. He said, he is not expecting that I get to answer him right away... but well, I did. I said yes because I really feel the same way.
We were new to this relationship thing, and we had a few differences in how we look at it. I get to have food on my table during breakfast, something that he prepared, and I get to give him food during lunch. Unfortunately, after two months, there came some miscommunication and misunderstanding.
We had to break apart from each other.
It was April 2013. We were on a nice island in Camarines Norte when this breakup happened. It was supposed to be 3 days of bliss and getting together and building memories with each other, but what we had there is just a painful memory. I was not ready, I was stunned, I was shocked. I cried tons, I drank a lot. Was I not worthy enough? Was I just some girl who to be taken for granted?
But being me, I know I had to be the bigger person. I understand why he had to cut off our blooming relationship. Cliche as it may sound, but it was really not me. It was the timing, it was the expectations, it was some responsibilities that he's too pressured to handle.
The next couple of months were painful. I still feel hurt, I wanted to go away and resign, I can't see the one who broke my heart on a daily basis, but I realized why would I do that? I did not do anything wrong, and I can overcome... or so I thought.
During those times, we remained friends. I was there for him, he was there for me, too. We were happy. Actually, we have come to know each other more during those years of just being friends. We had some ups and downs as friends, too... but we still continued being each other's confidante, we still supported each other. I know I still have feelings for him, I know deep in my heart, that he still has feelings for me. But he said, he wants what's best for me, and he has to let me go because he is not deserving of the love that I'm giving.
December 2014. I cut my hair short, pixie-cut. I did this because I want to move on, and be free from him. I wanted to soar my wings and be happy and meet new people that would love me and accept me for who I am. I thought that I should not give my full attention to someone who can't be with me and love me more than a friend. I have to do this to help myself. So, I sent him a message and told him that I have to distance myself from him because I have to help myself move on. He didn't say a word, but he respected my decision.
There were crying days after, but I stood my ground. However, when he went to Singapore, I was dumbfounded. I miss his presence. When he came back, he gave me a special gift, one that is different from what he gave to all the others. I felt special. We talked over coffee and just said that we should remain friends, no more, no less. (I have heard him say that he loves me several times before this coffee event, btw so it was confusing for me.) Yet, I knew that he can never give his full self due to his responsibility at home. He can't juggle having a relationship while he has to lead his household. I accepted his fate, and because of this, I admired him more.
April 2015. I was in constant communication with him before this happened, we actually had set an "EK Date" with some of our friends. It turned out that it was just 4 of us. I was the only girl, with me are three boys. We were inseparable, riding the Flying Fiesta where he held hands, screaming our hearts out in the Space Shuttle, being together in the 360-degree turn (I forgot the name of the ride.) - it was so much fun! I enjoyed it, I realized I miss him so much.
But an unfortunate event happened, he lost his grandma. We were in constant communication during this time, and I arrange for our friends to visit their house and show support to his family during his grandma's wake. I hugged him and gave my condolences. I also went to the funeral of his grandma, his family told me to guide him as we walk towards his grandma's grave. I knew he was hurt, it was painful, and I remained there as a friend to him. His mother invited me to their grandma's 9th day. So, I agreed and went with them to a family outing. It was clear to me though that inviting me was only a friendly gesture. After the event, his mom talked to me and invited me again to their home on his grandma's 40th day.
May 25, 2015 - It was my 26th birthday. When I went to school, I saw a letter and a bouquet of flowers on my table. It was from him thanking me for the goodness and impact that I had made in his life. He thanked me for the lessons that I were able to impart to him and I was able to make him realize. I was happy and flattered by his gesture.
Remember when his mom told me to go visit them on his grandma's 40th? It was May 31, 2015, and so I went.
I will never forget this date because it was the day that he finally introduced me to his family as his partner in life. Wait, what? How did it happen? Did we talk about this? Are you sure of what you're saying? Well, I was in total shock.
After his introduction, we talked, I asked him if he was serious, and he said, yes, and explained to me that his love for me was and is always there. The two years of being apart - he didn't consider a breakup, but rather, growing up. I think it was my happiest day ever!
Now, it's 6 years later after that very important event of my life. I am still with him, he's still with me. We had withstood a lot of challenges, we had become more understanding with one another, we had learned to compromise and compensate to the best of our abilities. We are not perfect, but we chose to stay, for good.
Happy 5.31, my Dear! You are worth it. I love you.
The Top 11 Hints for Life
I was in the 6th Grade when I came across these quotations that I've memorized with all my heart. I am not sure if it is published somewhere else, so, I would just try to share them with you. So, here it goes.
Hint 1: "It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is more painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let that person know how you feel."
Ahhh, there is this agony of loving someone and not being able get the same love and affection that you're willing to give to him/her, but it's true that there's more pain and agony of not being able to tell someone that you love him/her, regretting it in the end when that person has already committed to another person. Why don't you find the courage to express what you really feel? Are you afraid of rejection? Are you afraid of not being wanted by someone you really really like? Are you afraid that it will be painful so just shrug it off?
Hint 2: "A sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, only to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go."
You spend years and years looking for that one person who you think will be the answer to your longingness... and then you spend more years being with the very person you've dreamed of, but then you get disappointed, hurt, unloved, but you still chose to be with that person for another couple of years... then, it was becoming clear, he/she is not the one for you... no matter how much you try, it will never work. You did your best, my friend, it's time to make a change. You don't need to feel less of a person because you're beautiful, you're capable, you can stand up from the ground, pick yourself up, and pack your bags and go... make yourself happy!
Hint 3. "The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch, swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had."
Do you have a best friend? I personally don't think I have one. I was glued to the idea that a best friend is someone who knows you right from the start. I have many friends in the many seasons of my life, but I think I don't consider any of them the "best", but I may not consider them the best, there are times when being with them at the moment makes them the best for me and to me. It's just true that there are friendships that don't need a lot of talking, the mere presence of someone in your happiest and even in your darkest hours makes them the best. Just being there, silently. Just being there, with no words to utter. Just being there.
Hint 4. "It's true that we don't know what we got until it's gone. It's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives."
We oftentimes take something or someone for granted especially when we know that they'll just be there. But the moment that they choose to leave, we realize the importance and impact that this something or someone has over us. I also believe that we think we are too busy doing our lives, and sometimes never realizing that something is missing. Then, someone or something comes knocking at our front door, then you realize this is what you've been always missing right from the start.
Hint 5. "It only takes a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone."
Liking a person can happen in a breeze. In most movies, it shows that loving a person can be possible in just a day. Is it really possible? I am not sure, but no matter how long or short the process is in loving each other... when that person is no longer part of you, you will still remember the memories - good or bad. Cue in Fall Out Boy's
Hint 6. "Don't go for looks, they can deceive. Don't go for wealth, even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it only takes a smile to make a dark day seem bright."
Some of us have a list of qualifications in choosing a partner in life. I, too, have a long list myself. Only to realize that the qualifications that we set are not met by one person alone. That will be impossible, I tell you. But despite not having those qualifications, we still choose that person. Why? Let's just say that loving someone entails accepting him/her with all the good and the bad, the perfect and the imperfect, the smooth and crooked edged, choosing the very person opposite of your list - all in.
Hint 7. "Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to."
The best things in life are free like DREAMS, AMBITIONS, ASPIRATIONS. But don't let them remain only in your head. You have to work it out and make your dreams possible! Remember, you don't want to live a life of regrets so go out there and chase your dream, it may be a long journey, there may be bumps along the way, maybe it's like reaching the summit when mountain climbing, but I tell you, it will be all worth it in the end!
Hint 8. "Always put yourself in the other's shoes, if you feel it hurts you, it probably hurts the other too."
One of the best lessons that I've learned in my life is to always be considerate of other people. It's true that I have my own struggles and I can whine about it or rant about it, but other people might have their own struggles, too. And this does not give me the right to tell that what I'm into is more valid than theirs. I believe that to each his own, so, never compare your struggles, but if you do, choose empathy, always.
Hint 9. "A careless word may kindle strife, a cruel word may wreck a life. A timely word may level stress, a loving word may heal and bless."
Words are powerful. It can make you or break you. I remember reading a passage in the Bible about how powerful words are as stated in Matthew 12:37; "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.” The tongue is such a small part of the human body but it can start a flame, a wildfire if not controlled right away. I also remember another verse which states "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." What we choose to say tells what our thoughts are, and eventually telling who we really are. So be careful with your words, always be mindful that the words that we utter should bless, not just impress.
Hint 10. "The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes."
Are you a half-full cup or a half-empty cup type of person? You see, it's all about perspective. In this life, you are not in a race with other people, you run on your own to win the greatest prize - a seat in heaven with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Happiness can only be achieved with contentment, and being content means having what is needed right before your eyes. When I watch documentaries/movies about celebrities who came from humble beginnings and then succeeded in their craft, having all the fame and fortune, only to feel empty inside. I wonder why? Are they not happy about achieving the very life that they've dreamed of? Of course, they are happy, but there was something along the way that changed their perspective. It's not about the money, money, money (Jessie J), it's not about the fame anymore, it's living a meaningful life that's missing. To whom are they dedicating their fame and fortune? There should always be a heart check from time to time. You gain all the goodness in the world, yet it forfeits your soul, how good could it be? Remember, we came to this world without anything, and we will leave this world just the same. So choose what matters, choose goodness, choose happiness with contentment.
Hint 11. "Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear. :( When you were born you were crying and everyone around was smiling. Live life so that when you die, you are smiling and everyone around you is crying."
This last quote begins with a sad reality of knowing someone, loving someone, and losing someone... but the next words give us the perspective of living your life well. It actually makes me think of my days here on Earth - do I live my life to the fullest? Do I inspire people? How will they remember me when I die? Will I have an impact on people's lives? Will I be worthy to be called their friend? I may not know what the future holds, but I know in my heart that I should be careful with how to live my life... yes, careful and carefree at the same time - living life in goodness, contentment, empathy, and love - and that's what matters!
*Thanks for reading!*
Relationship Types
They say it takes two to tango.
This is true in a partnership between two people. Whether it be a romantic relationship, a friendship, a sibling relationship, a business partnership... As long as there are two of you working on a relationship or a project, or whatever there is, it will not work if only one gets all the benefit, and the other becomes neglected, or worse, harmed in the process.
In ecology, there is what we call symbiosis or a symbiotic relationship. The term "symbiosis" came from the Greek word "συμβίωσις" which means living together. Symbiosis can be any type of close biological interaction or relationship between two organisms, and it could be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.
Oh, wait... did I just say parasitic? (Wait, there's more on this later.)
**Mutualistic relationship** - In a biological ecosystem, a mutual relationship exists when two organisms are benefitting from each other. Think of it as the "give-and-take relationship". One common example of a biological mutual relationship is the relationship between a bee and a flower.
The bee gets its nectar and pollen from the flower - things needed by the worker bees to feed the entire colony. The flower benefits from the bees when the bees spread out their pollen from flower to flower in the process known as pollination. Here, the flower is able to reproduce its own.
Another known example of a mutualistic relationship is that between the clownfish (Nemo!!!) and the sea anemone. The clownfish eat the small invertebrates that can potentially harm the sea anemone. The sea anemone can also benefit from the fecal matter of the clownfish as a source of nutrients for its growth. The clownfish, on the other hand, benefits as the sea anemone's stinging cells protect it from potential predators. Now, imagine that there's no perfect relationship, but this mutualistic interaction is close to it as neither of the two is harmed, but is actually getting something from each other, and as we all know, we all have needs that should be provided by each other willingly.
**Commensalistic relationship** - This is more known as commensalism. In a biological ecosystem, commensalism is a relationship between two organisms where one is benefitted and the other is neither benefitted nor harmed. An example of this relationship is the relationship between cattle egrets and cattles. In this example, the cattle egrets eat the insects that surround the cattle when they are grazing. The cattle is unaffected here, it does not benefit or harmed while the egrets are gaining food from this relationship.
Another example is the relationship between the Goby fish that live on other sea animals. The Goby fish changes color to blend with its host, which makes them protected from their predators.
Looking at human relationships, I think there are times when one person gets benefitted from the relationship, and the other person is simply just being around. I am not sure, maybe they just both want to be around each other, but one person gains more from the relationship than the other.
This can happen when the two of you in the relationship don't have a sense of "equality". Sometimes, one person gives a whole lot of love, but the other person gives too, but not in the same way as the other person does. I am not sure if I explained it thoroughly here, though. Maybe you can share a thought or two?
**Parasitic relationship** - Yes, I know. You might be asking why is this a part of symbiosis? In reality, I thought, symbiosis is a relationship that does no harm, but I am incorrect. Symbiosis only states that there is an existing long-term relationship between two organisms, but the dynamics of this relationship are not defined clearly. It becomes a type of symbiotic parasitic relationship/interaction when one gets benefitted and the other gets harmed. One perfect example of a parasitic relationship is when fleas and mosquitoes feed on blood from other organisms.
Here, the human is the host and the mosquito is the parasite. In this type of parasitism, the human (host) needs to stay alive so the parasite can still feed on its blood. The human (host) gets harmed because it can leave a feeling of itchiness, or worse, the mosquito is a carrier of dengue or malaria that can affect the human.
I've seen many human relationships where one gets benefitted while the other becomes harmed. I am not sure, but based on my observation, the person who gets harmed is the one who is scared of losing the other person. So, for him/her not to lose the other, he/she would do everything to keep their relationship, even up to the point where he/she is physically, emotionally, or mentally hurt/harmed. This is not the best kind of relationship there is, because I believe that when one begins to lay a hand on you, or say bad things towards you, gets all the energy/money/dignity from you, then, it is no longer considered a good relationship. These red flags should become your reason to move out of that unhealthy relationship and build one that is the complete opposite with another well-deserving person - someone who would also give you what you deserve or even more.
I would like to end with a quote that I memorized since I was in the 6th grade. It goes like this:
"The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch, swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had."
Good relationships need not be extravagant, a good relationship will work if both of you are happy to be in there. There is no measurement of who gives more or who takes more, as long as you both know that you both give and receive, sometimes more, sometimes less... What matters is you learn how to appreciate each other more than to expect from each other. BOTH should be in it, doing it, living it. Remember that it takes TWO to tango. :)
*Thank you for reading!*
Hot. Hotter. HOTTEST.
53 degrees Celsius
That's the highest computed heat index in the Philippines as of today, May 27, 2021. This figure was recorded from Dagupan City, Pangasinan last May 14, 2021.
The truth is, the Philippines, being a tropical country doesn't have a summer season. I know that April - May is referred to as the summer months of the Philippines, when in fact, we only have two seasons - the rainy season and the dry season. According to PAG-ASA, the climate of the country can be based on temperature and rainfall. The rainy season falls from June to November, while the dry season is from December to May. The dry season can further be categorized into two - (a) the cool dry season which is from December to February, the time where there is a cool breeze and we sometimes don't need an electric fan or air conditioning unit to survive the day or the night, and (b) the hot dry season which is from March to May - the very season that we are all experiencing today!
PAG-ASA reported that there is a "gradual shift of wind direction from northeasterly to easterly over most parts of the country" which signified the end of the northeast monsoon or the *amihan* season.
**So, it's true that the hot dry season a.k.a. "summer" is here and it seems like it's going nowhere. :(**
We were actually prompted by PAG-ASA last March that "Day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer, though isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur." What they said was actually true, except for the isolated thunderstorms that are nowhere in sight!
Every afternoon, it seems like rain's gonna fall, only to realize that it's a prank. So, for how many days, I just didn't want to keep my hopes up. But I really do wish for rain to occur, not just a sprinkle of water for 5 minutes, but something that would make the surroundings cooler and more manageable to live in.
But since I am not Storm of X-Men, I can only hope for the best and do my part to take extra precautionary measures to minimize my stress on this matter and also keep myself healthy during these times of dryness and heat. I would like to share with you some tips on how to withstand this very unsatisfying season that we're all experiencing. But first, let's understand what HEAT INDEX means.
HEAT INDEX is not the actual temperature but the apparent temperature that a human perceives or feels as how the temperature affects their body. It is actually a level of discomfort an average person perceives or feels resulting from the combined effects of temperature and humidity. The table below shows the effects of heat index in our bodies at differing temperatures.
So, if Dagupan City reached a heat index of 53 degrees C, then, it is actually quite dangerous for a person to be exposed to such. The range of 32-41 degrees Celsius is actually already serious as there should be extreme caution towards going outside and doing certain activities. And the average heat indexes reported in the country is already in this range. It is really alarming to know this. So, what should be done to prevent yourself from heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke?
Here are some practical tips that all of us can practice in the "summer" season:
Stay indoors. Due to lockdown, we really can't go outside, so, if you're at home, find a place where there is the lowest amount of sunshine, maybe in the lowest floor of you live in a two-storey or taller house/building.
Wear light colored clothing. In Science, it is known that white is the reflection of all colors, that means all the heat bounces off from any white colored thing. On the other hand, black absorbs all the heat energy in colors, so, it's hotter when you wear dark colored clothing.
Hydrate regularly. Drink plenty of water to keep your body cool.
Drink water because it is the most important drink. Avoid alcoholic beverages as these types of beverage dehydrates the body.
Eat smaller meals however, you can eat more often. Avoid eating protein-rich foods as these can increase your metabolic heat.
Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen should be a necessity, because this product can protect us from the harmful UV rays which can greatly reduce sunburn. In the long run, applying sunscreen can also decrease the chances of having skin cancer by 50%.
These are just some of the simple ways that we can all do to protect ourselves from the heat that can do us harm. Wherever you are, please be safe and stay healthy!
*Thanks for reading! :)*
Super Moon and Lunar Eclipse 2021
The moon is mesmerizing. When I look from below, I can see the beauty of its shining light. I am quite excited tonight because the full moon is this year's closest full moon of the year. Since it is closest to Earth tonight, it means it's the biggest and brightest, that's why it is called a **supermoon**... and I can't be more excited to watch it in its splendor!
But wait, there's more! Tonight, at around 7:00 PM (Philippine Time), a total lunar eclipse will happen as the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon thus blocking the Sun's rays from directly reaching the Moon. This will make the Moon fully in the Earth's shadow. What's more exciting is that you will see the Moon turning into a shade of red for a period of 14 minutes during this total lunar eclipse.
Given favorable weather conditions, you will be able to witness it if you are from East Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and America. It will also be visible from some parts of the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Indian oceans.
**Super Blood Moon**
The source of the Moon's red shade that will be seen for a couple of minutes comes from the light filtered through all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth. Amazing isn't it?
As sunlight travels to Earth, it bends and scatters through its atmosphere. In a lunar eclipse, this filtered sunlight travels through the Earth's atmosphere and moves towards the Moon's surface.
Tonight, it is known to be the **Super Blood Moon**, apart from its reddish-orange in color, it is really big as well due to its proximity to the Earth. NASA mentioned that if there is more dust or clouds in the Earth's atmosphere, then the redder will the Moon appear. It was also stated by NASA however that not all all Supermoons are considered as Bloon moons or having a red shade in its appearance because an eclipse is not taking place simultaneously in all cases.
This occurence hadn't happened in almost six years, and the next total lunar eclipse won't happen until May 2022. That's why tonight is uniquely different and super special!
**Moon is not a Light Source, It's only a Reflector of Light**
I am amazed of the Moon's beauty especially when I see it shining brightly at night. I remember when I was a kid, I had this book about the Moon, how does it look like, the Lunar rover, so on and so forth. I remember that it states that the Moon is rocky, and has lots of craters. These craters are formed from asteroid impacts millions of years ago. The craters are shallow and some are deep.
It was in college when I came over a book entitled "It's not about me. Teen Edition" by Max Lucado. This book tells us to live a God-centered life because we are too busy trying to live a selfish life, having our own terms and conditions, desiring to make our decisions using our own free will, not consulting anything or anyone whether it will lead to a good or bad consequence.
But what struck me the most in the book was when Max Lucado stated that we are like the Moon. As I've mentioned, most of us are mesmerized by the Moon's beauty and its ability to give light during the darkness of night, but in reality, the Moon, when we look closely, its composition by weight is roughly 43% oxygen, 20% silicon, 19% magnesium, 10% iron, 3 % aluminum, <1% chrmomium, titatinium, and manganese. The truth is that there's no life being held on the Moon's surface. There's no light being illuminated by it on its own, there's no light that is coming from it at all.
So, where does it light come from?
It comes from the ultimate source of light on Earth and in the whole solar system - the Sun. The Sun is continuously shining and giving heat and light to Earth, and also to the Moon. The Moon only reflects the light that is coming from the Sun, so, its but important to recognize that its light and its beauty comes from a source that illuminates and shines brightly as ever.
I came to realize through this book that we are indeed just like the Moon - we are lifeless if not for the very light that is given off by our ultimate light source which is the Sun. In a Christian point of view, the Sun is analogous to God.
Us, being the Moon, can only shine bright and beautifully because of our ultimate source of brightness and beauty - God. We are mere reflectors of God's light and glory, for without Him, we are nothing.
**Super Blood Moon and Me**
The Super Blood Moon tonight is a reminder that no matter how we beautiful we think we are, without the ultimate source of this beauty, we are nothing. Doing good things should come out naturally, but it should not be credited to us, from our own means. We should remember that whatever we do should stem out from the guidance and love and kindness and beauty from the ultimate source of it all - God.
*Thank you for reading!*
The Academic in the Pandemic
Due to the pandemic, most of the companies that provide services have gone to online transactions - even schools, from traditional face-to-face classes, we were challenged to meet the demands of online distance learning or ODL.
First, I would like to discuss what are the differences among these three types of learning modality - distance learning, online learning, and online distance learning.
**DL vs. OL vs. ODL**
**Distance Learning (DL)** is a type of learning that happens when the students and teachers are not meeting at a particular place and a particular time. Distance learning usually makes use of learning modules. A learning module is a tool/material that is prepared by the teacher. It is arranged in a logical and sequential manner which can guide the students through the content and assessments/evaluation. This can be given out to students through print or can be given online.
**Online Learning (OL)** is a type of learning that uses digital technology, particularly the Internet. This is often called e-learning but is more commonly thought to be under the umbrella of distance learning, however, OL can also be done simultaneously in a classroom (e.g. Teacher asks the students to perform a WebQuest activity where students visit a website to perform activities and answer questions pertinent to the lesson.
**Online Distance Learning (ODL)** is a type of learning that uses the Internet to supervise learning whether synchronously or asynchronously. This type of learning is a fusion of the previously mentioned types of learning setup or modality. ODL is what my school adapted to use during the pandemic because the primary reason is the safety of the students and employees as we are all staying at home.
ODL is also divided into two types - synchronous learning where the teacher and students meet online at a particular schedule. This is usually done to the lower grade levels as they are the very ones that need maximum supervision with the need to practice routine through repetition. Moreover, they also need more interaction with their teacher and peers through visual and verbal communication. The other type of ODL which is asynchronous learning happens when the students learn content through a thoroughly designed module in any place, at any given time as long as they meet the deadline of tasks, as stated in the module. Asynchronous sessions are more appropriate to higher grade levels as it is important for them to practice independence in learning. Here's a list of the advantages of both synchronous and asynchronous learning:
I personally would recommend a good amount of both types of learning, especially to high school learners, as they are in need of the feeling of connectedness, urgent and immediate feedback, rapport-building, and collaboration. They also need a good amount of asynchronous classes because they should be able to practice independence and responsibility on their own learning. This supposedly would engage them to be disciplined and resourceful as they learn the content.
**Schooling in Pandemic**
Surely, this pandemic has caught us all off-guard. We didn't even realize that the last time that we will be physically seeing our friends, classmates, and teachers in school will be last year. This pandemic has caught the teachers off-guard for they have to learn to deliver through online distance learning and be able to come up with fun ways to engage the learners taking into account the ultimate goal of making the students learn through every task that is required of them.
So, if you are a student who is struggling to juggle your homework, performance tasks, quizzes, seatwork, research paper, and the like... remember that you're not alone who is struggling - the other side of the screen that you see during the synchronous sessions also feels anxious, tired, and sleepy, just as you are. Despite it all, they still continue to deliver and make themselves better for you.
If you are a teacher just like me who is feeling unmotivated, frustrated, tired, unappreciated, and all the other feels... please remember that I feel you and I am here for you. Always bear in mind that it is okay to pause for a while, take a break, sleep soundly, and then face the battle again. You don't have to feel guilty if you watch an episode or two of a Netflix show, before checking your student's work. It's normal, it's understandable, and I know that you are responsible - that you will be able to accomplish what you have set to do. So, take it easy. It shall come to pass.
I've discussed the many faces/types of learning modalities in the first section. Each is unique in its own way, but whatever modality you're using right now... if you're a student, please be serious about it, do your tasks with a happy heart, have the thirst for learning and learning more, think that your teachers worked hard just to give you a learning experience that you will never forget. If you're a teacher, I know you can't do anything about it because you're just an employee. But please know that whatever you do, do it excellently. If you're a seasoned teacher, be open to learning about teaching with the use of technology - I know it ain't easy, but slowly, with the help of your child or friends, you will get there and be able to discover and unravel the wonders of ODL. If you are a new teacher, I know you're scared - despite being confident of using technology, you are afraid if you're doing the right thing. I know you need validation at times, please know that you just have to do your very best, and if in any case, you're not sure of what to do next, you will always have a mentor to talk to, or friends to ask from. Teachers, you are not alone. We are in this together, and by togetherness, we will win this and ace the academic in the pandemic.
*Thank you for reading!*
My Second Birthday in a Pandemic
March 15, 2020.
The day that started the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) here in the Philippines. In other countries, this is known as the lockdown period where no one is to go outside to prevent people from acquiring the disease COVID-19.
I am working as a full-time teacher in a private institution in Quezon City, Philippines. The last day that I was able to see my colleagues and my students was on March 9, 2020. It was a typical day, we didn't realize that it will be the last day of seeing each other face to face inside the school campus.
So, I decided to go home to the province and spend at least 2 weeks for a month, because I thought everything will go back to "normal" after that period of ECQ, or so I thought... that two weeks of being at home, was extended to a month, to two months, until I decided to go back to the Metro because of our unstable electricity and internet connection in June of last year.
That was the longest time that I've stayed at my father's house since I entered college. I was only 15 years old when I left home to pursue my studies at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna. I finished my degree in 5 years, then I landed a job right after my graduation. I stayed for another two years in Los Banos until I got a teaching job in Quezon City, where I am still currently working.
My birthday is celebrated on the 25th of May. For many years, I've never celebrated my birthday at home because I was away - doing summer classes and after college, because I have a full-time job. I don't remember when was the last time that I spend and celebrated my birthday with my most immediate family. So, last year, it was a really special day for me because it's the first time in so long that I get to celebrate with my family. Unfortunately, my birthday was celebrated with restrictions, as we were still in lockdown during that time. Nevertheless, some of my cousins and other relatives came to the house per batch to be able to celebrate with me. I only had a limited budget during that time, so, I opted to cook pancit bihon, and maja blanca. My uncle gave me a cash gift. I asked my cousins to use the money that my uncle gave me was used to buy roasted chicken. Another cousin of mine who's already working gave me baked macaroni as her gift. My sister who is staying in QC during that time asked my cousins to buy a cake for me. So, they came to the house with something like a potluck. I was surprised! I am grateful to them. :)
It was a simple celebration of my second year in my third decade in life. (So, that's my age. Please just analyze what it is.). I was happy because I get to spend my birthday with my immediate family, even when the celebration was only simple, it really made me happy.
As I've mentioned, I came back to the city on June 10, 2021, and from that on, I was not able to go back to the province due to the restrictions in terms of transportation, etc. So, I worked online as a full-time teacher in my institution, I only get to go out to do important and most essential stuff like buying groceries, and going to the market. I sometimes go to my partner's house and stay there for a couple of weeks.
Fast forward to today. It's May 23, 2021.
My sister and I decided to celebrate our birthday today because we will be going to our partner's houses to celebrate with them. My birthday is on the 25th, hers is on the 27th. We are staying in an apartment here with one of my college buddies. Since we were not able to celebrate our housemate's birthday last February, we decided to celebrate hers too.
We're thankful that our father sent us money to be used for our celebration! Wow, for the first time in so many years. Lol. (We love you, Papa!). So, we decided to just order birthday food from Amber, one of the most popular restaurants that offer delicious "handaan" food like spaghetti, barbecue, lumpiang shanghai, pichi-pichi, among others. I also ordered a chocolate cake from Chocolat with the dedication - HBD to us :). Our housemate also ordered 2 boxes of pizza and a tub of avocado ice cream! Yay!
Before the food arrived, we went out to buy some decors from a nearby flower shop. There, I saw the sunflowers, and I bought 3 sunflowers, one for each of us. Our celebration was so simple, we took a lot of photos first before diving into eating the food - the food was too much! I thought we can finish everything.
More than the food, we give importance to the joy of celebrating a special occasion with your friends and family. I know that right now, we are still facing a pandemic and that we should normalize the "new normal", it's just sad to think that we can not be with our loved ones during such special moments of our lives. The joy of celebrating your life with your family and friends - sharing a burst of laughter or two or too much is what I long and miss.
This is my second birthday in a pandemic, it may sound sad, but my only hope is that we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel, that there will come a time that the Filipino families will be able to be together again - celebrating not just a simple joyous occasion, but celebrating each other!
@rayselp
