Brigada Eskwela 2012

Each year, two weeks before the opening of classes in June, parents, teachers, students, civic and business groups, local government units, non-government units, and other community residents will help one another for the annual school maintenance program called the BRIGADA ESKWELA.

This is actually my fourth BRIGADA ESKWELA since I entered the teaching profession in 2008. But this year is somewhat special for me. The reason, I finally have a classroom to prepare for the School Year 2012-2013. I was given my first advisory class last school year, but I was unlucky enough to have my class literally 'under the mango tree.'

Learning was fun under the mango tree!

Thank God this year, I am assigned to a classroom. My class will be occupying the dilapidated Modular Building, the first building built at Carmen National High School since it was founded. For quite a few years, it was not used to hold classes, but since we lack classrooms we need to recycle the old building into a room conducive for learning. Yet, I am so happy for this improvement, it is much better than holding a class under the mango tree!

I was really tempted to call the producers of the show Extreme Makeover hoping that they will make a classroom makeover episode. But no, thanks, I need to rely on myself and with some concerned students for this task.

Briefing with our principal, Mrs. Fedilina C. Entero before the start of Brigada Eskwela

Cleaning Time!!!

Transferring the chairs to my assigned room with the help of some students.

Painting the wall with apple green color to have a fresher look.

I know I still have many things to do to make this place a great learning avenue for my students. Wish me luck guys!!!

Carmen - Still a Big Winner of Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras'09

The Municipality of Carmen Sinulog Contingent bagged the third prize for the free interpretation category, third place in street dancing and the best in musicality. If you will add up all the cash prizes, it is equivalent to the prize of the first placer. But I believe Carmenanons did not think about the money, they see it more as another successful, fruitful and meaningful offering to the Sto. Niño.



Congratulations to all!

Viva! Viva! Pit Señor!

Municipality of Carmen Sinulog 2009 Contingent

As a teacher you will have a thousand of privileges and of course what comes with it are also a thousand of responsibilities. In just a span of eight months, I was able to become a host of different school and community programs, a judge of different socio-cultural contests, contest facilitator, volleyball coach, stage play trainer, show writer/director, quiz master, oration coach, speech choir trainer, and the most recent task is, to be the chaperone of the Sinulog performers of the Municipality of Carmen Contingent for the Sinulog Grand Mardi Gras 2009. But I consider this task more of a privilege than a duty; it is because I was able to witness together with my colleagues how the dancers, the musicians and the props men were improving from the day one of the practice until last night for their dress rehearsal.

I had really witnessed how their choreographer Angelo Manapsal, who was also responsible for making The Carmen National High School Contingent won the Sinulog sa Kabataan 2008, imparted his knowledge, skills and grace to the dancers. Angelo did a marvelous task in demonstrating every steps and actions of the dance, supervising every detail of the costumes and props, creating the music and beat with the drummers and buglers and giving instructions to the props men and other performers. The tasks of the teachers actually were to check the attendance and to distribute the snacks or meals to the performers. It was quiet a simple assignment, but we were proud of our little effort in showing Carmen our love and support.

Last night, the performers were having their dress rehearsal. Fr. Benjamin Cotapay offered a mass and blessed all the costumes. Government officials headed by the energetic Mayor Sonia Q. Pua were present to witness the event. Different government and non-government organizations of Carmen were also there, and of course I should never fail to mention some of the Carmenanons who were very excited and proud to watch for the firs time the dancers in their African inspired costumes. I know Angelo and the performers were all nervous for the high expectations of the Carmenanons. After the practice, I became confident to say that the performers never failed us, we had really seen how they were giving all their best, performing as if it was their last. But of course the best presentation is yet to come, that would be on the Grand Mardi Gras Day, January 18, 2009.

Good luck Carmenanons! And kudos to all, for the unity and cooperation you have showed to the whole Christian world.

Viva Pit Señor!

Proud Teacher

Many people were flabbergasted about my decision on shifting career, from being a Physical Therapist to become a Secondary School Teacher. What surprised me most are the negative reactions I got from the people I never thought would react that way, my friends who are teachers. They really discouraged me of pursuing this career. They have their different reasons, and surely they can validate them; but still I stick and remained firm with my decision on becoming a full pledge educator.

I think that I am called to be a teacher; a true vocation that I believe will enable me to attain self actualization. To treat patients as a Physical Therapist and see their progress is very self fulfilling, but I feel that there are greater things I can do as a teacher. To be the students guide, to open doors for varied experiences in life, to touch their hearts and to motivate them to reach the highest peak of their goal are the things I like to do as at teacher.

All these things are the reasons why I took up teaching. I know there will be more surprises and trials that will come along the way, but at the end of the day I will be proud to say, “I am a teacher”.