10 Bagay sa Pagbubukas ng Klase

1. Kukunti ang mga estudyante. Mukhang may forever ang bakasyon nila. O baka ayaw na nilang bumalik sa pamantasan. Dadami na naman ang OSY pag nagkataon.
2. Parang hindi nagpalit ang taon. Tatlo lang ata ang bumati sa akin ng Happy New Year ngayon. Baka hindi happy ang New Year nila, naku wag naman sana buong taon.
3. Busy agad ang unang araw sa pamantasan. Naging busy din ang office ko para sa pag critic ng papel at slide presentation ng mga magdedefense. Bakit Kaya defense ang tawag sa defense? Ano Ito may kalaban at may sagupaan?
4. Mainit na. Di tulad ng dati na malamig pa rin. Nagbabago na ang panahon. Panahon na talaga para magbago tayo. Tsk tsk.
5. May nag treat saken ng meryenda. Bday treat daw nya yun. Sarap ng kinain ko hanggang mapansin kong nakalahati ko na ang bigay nyang soda. Biglang naisip ko, hindi na nga pala ako magsosoda simula ngayong taon. Kakayanin, yung pagmomove on nga sa kanya, kinaya ko eh. 
6. Dalawang shirts ang natanggap ko as New Year’s gifts. Ung isa galing sa atleta kong kaibigan at yung isa galing sa maganda kong kaibigan. Bukas sana may regalo uli. 
7. Lechong baboy ramo at pinakbet ang kinain ko for lunch kasama ng mga student teachers na bumisita sa office. Salamat kay Nanay Nering sa paghahanda ng tanghalian. Naisip ko may lechong unggoy din kaya (oops animal cruelty). Year of the Monkey po ang 2016. 
8. Natuwa ako sa Zoology class ko kanina. Sabi ko, kung dehumanize ang term para sa pang-aalipusta sa tao. Pwede ba nating sabihin na deanimalize ang pang-aabuso, pang-aalipusta at pambabastos sa hayop? Napangiti Lang sila. 
9. Kailan kaya ang tamang panahon para sa mga estudyanteng di pa nagpapasa ng requirements? Ayun, kunti lang ang nagsubmit kanina. Last year ko pa sinabi yun. Naku. 
10. Busy ang unang araw ng klase ngayong taon. Dami na agad errands and tasks. Kaya to. Parang kumakain Lang naman ng thumbtacks at staple wires eh. Haha. Welcome 2016.
Happy kiddo here! Maligayang pagbabalik sa eskwela!

Tropang teacher!

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. – Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)

Masayang mabuhay sa mundo lalo kapag alam mo na maraming nasa paligid mo na handang mahalin, pahalagahan at bigyan ka ng suporta. Minsan naisip ko, bakit kaya ginusto kong maging guro / dalub-guro gayong alam ko na wala naman talagang yumayaman sa pagiging ganito. Subalit, nasambit ko sa aking sarili – hindi naman kailangan ng masyadong maraming materyal na bagay para sumaya ang isang tao. Higit sa mga makamundong bagay, ang pagmamahal ng mga taong nakapaligid sa’yo ang lubos na mahalaga.

Nito lamang February 23, 2014, mula Sta. Rosa, Laguna ay nagkumahog ako sa pagluwas pabalik ng Zambales. Kailangan kong makarating bago mag-alas dose. Nagbitiw ako ng pangako kay Oliver (estudyante ko) na doon ako sa kanila manananghalian. Fiesta ng San Marcelino ng araw na yun. Kaya tiyak an masaya yun!

Masaya akong nananghalian kasama ng ilang mga kakilala at mga estudyante ko sa bahay nila Oliver. Mas masaya roon ay nang sinimulan na naming maglakad paikot sa bayan bilang pahagi ng San Marcelino Fiesta Civic Parade. Maraming mga kakatwang nangyari pero higit doon, ramdam ko ang saya kasama ng aking mga estudyante sa parada. Kulitan, takbuhan, taguan sa init ng araw, asaran at higit doon nakatikim ako ng sobrang “pambubully’ ng mga students ko. Haha. Pagkatapos ng parada, kainan uli. Busog na busog ako hindi lamang sa aking mga kinakain kundi maging sa masasayang kuwentuhan.

Salamat kay Oliver, Jayniel at Michelle sa napakaraming pagkain. At sa lahat ng mga BSED I na sumama sa akin sa napakasayang araw na ito. Hindi ko makakalimutan ang videoke kantahan kina Jayniel. Apat lang kami noon sa loob hanggang sa pumasok lahat ng BSED I doon. Nakadalawang kanta ako kahit epic ang boses ko, One Friend at Father and Son. Sabi nga ni Justine, yung mga kanta ko raw pang “friends.” Ewan ko basta yun lang gusto kong kantahin nun. Hindi ko rin makakalimutan yung napakagandang boses ni Cristine Gordo, grabe pang The Voice lang! Higit sa ikinatawa ko ang “knock knock’ eksena ni Ergelyn. Sobrang tawa kaming lahat. Hindi ko na sasabihin dito ang ginawang mass bullying sa akin ng BSED I about this “certain girl” na pinasimunuan ni Jeph at Renzo. Haha.

Masaya lang ako kaya pagbigyan na ang post kong ito! Thank you Lord for the gift of these awesome students/ friends! Isa nga talaga akong TROPANG TEACHER! Yun oh!

Balik Tanaw 2013

Taon ko ang 2013. Salamat Bro sa lahat-lahat ng mga nangyari sa taông ito. Salamat sa mga magagandang alaala at masasayang kaganapang Inyo pong ibinigay. Salamat sa mga taóng naging bahagi ng aking buhay sa isa na namang taông nakalipas  – sa aking mga kapamilya, mga kaibigan, mga kapwa dalubguro, mga estudyante noon at ngayon, mga kakilala at mga kaibigan. Salamat din sa walang hanggang patnubay, gabay at pagsubaybay. Salamat sa kalinawan ng isip, kahinahunan ng loob at kalakasan ng aking pangangatawan na siyang lalong nagpatingkad ng aking 2013.

            Hayaan nyong aking balik-tanawin ang isa na namang taông nakalipas sa pamamagitan ng 100 pinakamalalaking kaganapang nangyari sa aking buhay ngayong 2013.

1. Napili bilang maging Punong Patnugot ng The Ramonian, ang opisyal na institusyonal na pahayagan ng Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU) simula noong Oktubre 2013.
2. Naging bahagi ng Project Saysay, ang personal na proyekto ni Kuya Ian Alfonso, isang dakilang kuya, mahusay na mananalaksik at makabayang Filipino. Ang proyektong ito ay may layong ilapit ang mga mag-aaral sa bawat silid-aralan sa Pilipinas sa mga dakilang salita ng ating mga bayani. Naging katuwang ko ditto ang P.Saysay Team ng RMTU San Marcelino.
3. Naimbitahan ng St. James School ng Subic, Zambales na maging hurado ng kanilang taunang Mr. & Miss Intramural Meet.
4. Naimbitahan bilang maging tagapagsalita sa Columban College Basic Education Department hinggil sa paksang, “Environmental Protection in a Globalized Society.”
5. Nabigyan ng pagkakataong magturo sa Ramon Magsaysay Technological University – San Marcelino Campus nitong Hunyo 2013 bilang Instructor sa College of Education, Arts and Sciences. Humawak ng mga asignaturang Zoology, Astronomy, Physical Science, Biological Science at Physics ng unang semester.
6. Naatasang maging Tagapayo ng The Ethos, ang opisyal na pahayagang pang-mag-aaral ng RMTU San Marcelino Laboratory High School.
7. Nabigyan ng pagkakataong magturo sa RMTU Castillejos Campus ng ikalawang semester at humawak ng asignaturang Scientific and Technical Writing.
8. Naimbitahan ng Castillejos National High School (CNHS) na magbigay ng lektura hinggil sa Basic Journalism.
9. Naglunsad ng Journalism Workshop para sa mga mamamahayag pangkampus ng Ethos Publication.
10. Nagtungo ng Sitio Ibad, Aglao, San Marcelino, Zambales at nakilala ang mga batang katutubo doon. Nagbigay ng regalo para sa kanila at nagbigay ng kasiyahan.
11. Nakilala ang TOSP Batch Siklab sa isinagawang TOSP Zambales Formation 2013. Masayang nagging bahagi ng isa mga pinakamalaking gawaing ito ng TOSP-R3ACH.
12. Dinumog ng aking mga dating estudyante sa St. Thomas More Academy nang ako ako ay bumisita doon makalipas akong umalis noong Abril.
13. Naimbitahan ng PREDA Foundation na magbigay ng lektura hinggil sa Approaches in Environmental Protection.
14. Naimbitahan ng Secondary Schools Subic District upang umupo bilang isa sa mga hurado ng Journalism Group Contest (Radio Broadcasting and Desktop Publishing). Ako ang pinakabatang hurado kasama sina Sir Benedick at Ma’am Heidi.
15. Dumalo sa isang internasyonal na kumperensya sa Kasaysayan sa UP Diliman hinggil sa Galleon Trade at Pacific Ocean. Salamat kay Kuya Ian Alfonso sa imbitasyon. Doon ay nakita ko si Ate Reign!
16. Sumubok sa mga nakatatakot na ride sa Mall of Asia kasama si Ma’am Maryan Garcelan at Ma’am Mary Jane Blanco. The best!
17. Naglakad mula MOA hanggang Baclaran kasama ng aking mga kasamahang guro sa St. Thomas More Academy.
18. Gumala sa Alabang kasama ng Placid Boys para icelebrate ang birthday ni Irish at Lemuel!
19. Nanood ng ‘Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay’ kasama ng aking mga dating estudyante sa STMA pagkatapos ng Pasko (Earl, Jenny at Christy Joy).
20. Nanood ng ‘Boy, Girl, Bakla, Tomboy’ kasama ng aking mga dating estudyante sa Laboratory High School (Christer, Ann, Patricia at Yhen) at si Karl.
21. Naghost ng unang pagkakataon ng isang wedding. Special ito dahil ang kinasal ay isa sa aking College best buddies. Congratulations Drew and Yesha!
22. Nag-Divisoria kasama sina Ma’am Maryan at Ma’am Precy para sa mga field demo uniforms ng Third Year Moreans!
23. Umupo bilang panelist sa di-mabilang na thesis defense ng mga Morean Seniors. Ginisa ko lang naman sila ng bahagya.
24. Nailathala sa unang pagkakataon ang The Morean Gazette at naipamahagi sa mga estudyante at guro. Ang saya sa pakiramdam dahil ako ang tagapayo ng publikasyon!
25. Nagsilbing emcee kasama si Ma’am Precy sa Junior-Senior Promenade ng STMA. Kabado pero nagging masaya ang buong gabi!
26. Nag-swimming kasama ng aking mga anak sa III-St. Placid sa kanilang Farewell and End-of-School Party.
27. Dumalo ng kumperensyang pangkasaysayan  ng Bonifacio 150 kasama sina Sir Eric, Sir Marlon at Sir Jim.
28. Nakisaya sa BSED IV sa kanilang End-of-First-Sem getaway sa San Narciso. Natulog sa buhanginan hanggang sa nangaligkig, nakihila sa mga mangingisda sa kanilang lambat at marami pang iba.
29. Nagpakasaya sa Pundaquit Beach at nakipaghabulan sa mga daluyong sa aming CEAS Faculty Christmas Hurrahs.
30. Nabasag ang screen ng phone ko noong Friday the Thirteenth ng December. Marami akong realizations, 8 araw na hindi nagcellphone!
31. Inakyat ang bundok sa Morong, Bataan at nakitira sa mga katutubong Aeta doon ng halos dalawang araw para sa aming R3ACH Camp. Maraming nadiskubre at maraming natutunan!
32. Sinorpresa ng aking mga estudyante noong birthday ko lalo na ang BSED I. Sobrang saya!
33. Nanguna sa paglulunsad ng Science Exhibit ng aking mga LHS IV students. Marami akong nakitang bagong mahika ng syensya!
34. Nakapasa sa PNU Graduate School Admission Test! Grabe! Ang saya lang!
35. Nakuha ang aking lisensya bilang propesyonal na guro mula sa PRC! Iingatan ko ito!
36. Naging overall champion ang aming team, Third Year, sa STMA Sporstfest 2013. Yey! Salamat sa Placid, Peter, Philomena, Peregrine at Paul!
37. Dumalo ng Recognition Day ng aking mga anak sa Third Year sa STMA! Nakatutuwang pagmasdan ang kanilang mga ngiti kasama ang kanilang mga magulang!
38. Nakitang muli ang mga magulang ng aking mga mahal na Placid advisory class sa kahuli-hulihang Parent-Teacher Conference.
39. Nagsaya at nagparty sa aming Faculty Farewell Party. Doon ko nakausap nang matagal-tagal si Miss J.
40. Nagtungo ng Tagaytay kasama ang aking mga kapwa guro sa STMA. Nakita ng mga Pink Sisters at inakyat ang mataas na Tagaytay Summit. Informal date lang with Miss J.
41. Nakatanggap ng thank you letter mula kay Miss J with sweet cookies. Grabeng kilig ko doon! Hehe. Nakatago pa yun kasama ng 12-month customized calendar!
42. Nakilala ko ang aking mga College students ng first semester – makulit, magulo, maingay pero astig! Mahal nila ako at mahal ko rin sila. Salamat BSED I, BEED I, BEED II BEED III at BSED IV-Bio.
43. Naging class adviser sa Laboratory High School fourth year kahit hanggang October lang. Masaya akong nakilala ko kayong lahat! Salamat guys!
44. Napuyat kasama si Dude James sa bahay nila para tapusin ang isang requirement. Masaya lang magpuyat at maghintay magprint nang napakatagal!
45. Dinalaw ko si Lolo Floyd matapos ang ilang buwang di ko pagdalaw. Yun na pala ang huli naming pag-uusap. Binigyan nya ako ng relo. At ngayon ko lang naisip, ito ay nagsasabing huwag kong kakalimutang magbigay ng oras sa aking mga mahal sa buhay!
46. Nagpuntang Zoobic Safari kasama ang aking mga Zoology students. Ang saya lang kasama ng mga animals!
47. Nag-hiking sa Tower sa Balaybay kasama ng aking mga BEED1 at BSED1 students! Nakakapagod na masaya! Sumakay sa ibabaw ng jeepney papuntang WLAC!
48. Nakapag-enroll ng second semester sa graduate school sa pangarap kong pamantasan, ang Philippine Normal University (PNU)! Kumuha ako ng Master of Arts in Science Education in Biology! Sana matapos ko agad!
49. Nanguna sa paglulunsad ng Science Exhibit ng BEED1 at BSED1 sa Gabaldon Building.
50. Naimbitahang magsalita sa Kapihan kay Boni. Tinalakay ko ang mga naging akdang isinulat ni Gat Andres Bonifacio. Ito ay kaugnay ng kanyang sekwisentenaryong kaarawan.
51. Nagpakasaya noong Pasko kasama ng aking mga kapatid! Kainan, kantahan at kuwentuhan!
52. Nag-enjoy sa Faculty Christmas Party ng RMTU San Marcelino! Saya ng mga parlor games at maraming pagkain!
53. Nag-enjoy sa LHS General Christmas Party! Nabusog at natawa nang sobra sobra! Kanta to the max pa!
54. Nagbigay ng career guidance sa Subic National High School. Nakita ko ang ilan sa aking mga nagging estudyante noong practicum teaching!
55. Nag-guest sa Radyo Natin Iba. Tinalakay ang mga updates ng university. Kasama ko si Sir Angel. Saya lang!
56. Dumalo sa mga di-mabilang na seminars sa College of Law Con Hall kasama ng mga higher-ups. Dami kong natutunan!
57. Na-ipublish ang unang sipi ng The Ramonian, ang opisyal na pahayagan ng RMTU. Ang saya sa pakiramdam!
58. Nakasama sina Renz at Ram sa isa sa aking mga passion project – ang pagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa mga kabataang Filipino!
59. Nakasaksi sa unang pagkakataon ng isang theatrical play. At huwag ka, ito ay pagtatanghal alay kay Gat Andres Bonifacio ng Dulaang UP sa kanilang itinanghal na ‘Teatro Porvenir.’
60.  Nakilala ang mga Science Majors, ang Biological Science at Physical Science Majors, Batch 2013-2014. Sana matapos talaga nila!
61. Nag-emcee ng isang universitywide seminar, Seminar on Outcomes-Based Assessment. KInaya naman! Nakita ko si Ma’am Lora Yusi ng CHED! Saya sa pakiramdam!
62. Sumakay sa unang pagkakataon sa Viking. Grabe! Parang lumilipad ako sa alapaap! Kasama ang aking mga dating LHS4 students.
63. Nag-enjoy sa bukid ni Daddy noong sembreak kasama ang buong pamilya. Nakumpleto kami uli!
64. Nagtakutan kasama sina Justine, John Eric, John, Vic, Yasha, Leo at Joyce sa Tumba-Tumba sa San Antonio! First time ko yun. Sobrang gabi na nakauwi!
65. Dinalaw si Mama Letecia sa sementeryo kasama ng aking apat na kapatid! First time na kumpleto kami!
66. Nag-moviedate kasama sina Ma’am Kenn, Sir Eric at Sir Marlon sa SM Olongapo.
67. Nag-swimming sa Enchanted Bukid at nag-overnight kasama ng aking mga LHS4 advisory class.
68. Nag-enjoy alagaan ang Pink Panthers team noong Intrams! Cheer lang nang cheer!
69. Naanyayahang maging panauhing pandangal sa Buwan ng Wika 2013 ng RMTU San Marcelino. Like ko ang WiFi, like ko ang Wikang Filipino!
70. Naimbitahang magsalita sa Leadership Training and Team Building Camp ng RMTU South Campuses. Dito talaga ako umiyak nang sobra habang nagsasalita. Ibang klase pag puso talaga ang nagsalita!
71. Tinapos ang special issue ng CAVM Newsletter ng buong magdamag! Masaya lang na nasiyahan ang mga AACCUP accreditors!
72. Nakadaupang-palad ang mga Petron senior scholars sa isinagawang life and career workshop sa Universidad de Manila. Naiibang karanasan!
73. Bomoto ng dalawang beses, local at barangay elections!
74. Nag-coach sa 1^st Science Quiz Contest ng San Marcelino Water District at nag-second runner-up ang contestant ko, Ms. Emmie Lou Olaguir! Nakakaproud!
75. Nag-enjoy sa swimming kasama ng aking mga bunso sa St. Catherine! Kahit muntikan nang masira ang iphone ni Drei. Haha.
76. Nasaksihan ang 4^th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition kasama ang aking mga kapwa guro sa STMA.
77. Naenjoy ang birthday party ni Ma’am Avel. Kainan, kwentuhan at kantahan!
78. Naggala sa MOA at kumain kasama ang aking bro, Mark Villegas. Sarap ng seafoods!
79. Natouch sa aking III-St. Placid advisory class noong Teacher’s Day ng STMA, February 15. Salamat mga anak sa big card at mga regalo!
80. Nag-enjoy talaga sa Intrams lalo sa practice ng Field Demo kasama ang panonood ng sine pagkatapos.
81. Nagfacilitate ng leadership training sa University of the Assumption. At nakilala pa lalo ang aking mga kasamahan sa TOSP R3ACH.
82. Nagfacilitate ng break-out session sa AYLC Caravan sa Republic Central Colleges sa Angeles City. Nakilala ko ang ilan sa aking mga kapatid sa AYLAII Central Luzon.
83. Nag-enjoy sa mga bata sa leadership training para sa Diocese of San Fernando sa Arayat, Pampanga.
84. Naimbitahan ng PREDA Foundation na magbigay ng seminar workshop sa Basic Journalism para sa plano ng AKBAY na magkaroon ng sariling newsletter.
85. Naimbitahang magbigay ng input sa leadership training ng AKBAY PREDA Foundation na ginanap sa D’ Farm, Masinloc, Zambales.
86. Na-enjoy ang McDo treat kasama ng mga Peter Boys pagkatapos nilang ibigay ang kopya ng kanilang isinadulang pelikula ng Noli Me Tangere! Sana maulit!
87. Nagdeactivate ng Facebook ko. Medyo naburnout lang! Medyo lang naman!
88. Nabili ko ang bago kong lappy, early Christmas gift ko sa sarili ko.
89. Naging bahagi ng isa sa mga pinakamalalaking proyekto ng TOSP R3ACH, ang aming Batch project, ang Project Sibol na isinagawa sa GK Tibagan sa Tarlac.
90. Dumalo noong Pebrero ng CALABARZON Regional Schools Press Conference sa Batangas kasama si Dianne Espanillo. Proud coach!
91. Nagsilbing Commencement Speaker sa aking elementary alma mater, Balaybay Resettlement Elementary School.
92. Nagsilbing Guest Speaker sa Day Care Center of Balaybay Resettlement Moving-Up Cereminies.
93. Nagsilbing Commencement Speaker sa aking high school alma mater, Castileljos Resettlement High School.
94. Nagsilbing Graduation Speaker sa private school sa Dasmarinas, Cavite. Naenjoy ko yun nang sobra!
95. Nag-enjoy sa BSED I Swimming getaway kahit hindi ako nakapagswimming. Sana nagustuhan nila yung ice cream na dala ko!
96. Naipagpatuloy ko ang aking annual Christmas card writing at ibinigay ko sa ilan sa aking mga estudyante.
97. Na-enjoy ang mga family birthday celebrations at get-together. Masaya kasama ang pamilya lalo pag may Videoke!
98. Nagpresent ng aking research sa Annual Research Review ng RMTU. Kabado pero kinaya. Kasama ko si Ma’am Kenn at Ma’am Jo!
99. Nagpunta ng Book Fair sa Mall of Asia at pumili ng mga libro para sa pamantasan.
100. Higit sa lahat, nabiyayaan ni Bro ng napakaraming biyaya at pagpapala ngayong 2013. Tunay na wala na akong mahihiling kundi ang patuloy na pagbuhos ng mga ito!

 Thanks Bro! The best ka talaga! Maligaya, masagana, manigo at maalwang Bagong Taon sa lahat! 

Castillejos, Zambales

Enero 1, 2014

Balik Tanaw 2011

Ang taong 2011 ay tuluyan na namang mamamaalam. Muli ang mga kaganapan na nangyari sa taong ito ay magiging bahagi na naman ng kasaysayan. Ngunit bago pa man tuluyang magtapos ang taon, hangad ko munang balikan at magbalik-tanaw sa taong 2011 na tunay na naging makabuluhan, makahulugan at tigib ng alaala. Heto’t samahan ninyo akong gaygayin ang talaan ng aking mga di makaliligtaang karanasan sa taong ito.

1. Nahalal na Auditor ng AKBAY (Bataan-Olongapo-Zambales Youth Organization) ng PREDA Foundation.
2. Napaiyak ni Susan David sa Mara Clara nang kanyang sabihing, “ang pagiging magulang sa kanyang anak ay ang pinakamataas na propesyon.”
3. Nanalo sa SSG Bingo Royale Fund Raising Drive sa unang pagkakataon.
4. Nakuha ang 3^rd Place sa International Affairs Quiz Bee Competition. Salamat kay Sir Eric sa training at kay James na nakasama ko sa contest.
5. Nakabonding ang pamilya sa Aplaya del Matang-ib sa Subic. Sobrang saya!
6. Nag-Luzonwide sa ikalawang pagkakataon na  ginanap sa Baguio City kasama ni Ma’am Lors, Manuel at Bryan. Nakapag-uwi ng 4^th place sa DevCom Writing at 6^th place sa Copyreading.
7. Dumalo ng Ayala Young Leaders Congress sa Alfonso, Cavite kasama ng 80 pinunong mag-aaral mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Nakakilala ng mga bagong kaibigan at nakaranas ng mga kakaibang karanasan.
8. Nakatanggap ng maraming freebies mula sa Ayala Group of Companies.
9. Nagtanghal ng isang presentation kasama ang Kalembang Group.
10. Pinangunahan ang pag-oorganize ng 1^st Campus Day ng RMTU San Marcelino Campus kung saan kinilala ang aming klase (BSED III) bilang overall champion.
11. Nag-stargazing sa UP-NISMED sa Diliman, Quezon City. Nag-enjoy kasama sina James, Manuel, Jaypee at Ryan.
12. Nakiisa sa People Power Run sa Iba, Zambales kasama ng aking mga ka-AKBAY. Matapos noon ay nakilahok sa fiesta ng San Marcelino, Zambales.
13. Nagsilbing Keynote Speaker sa 2^nd Inter-Collegiate Debate ng RMTU San Marcelino Campus. Salamat kay Sir Eric Ebro sa imbitasyon.
14. Nagkaroon ng bagong lakas makatapos dumalo sa Youth encounter na isinagawa sa PREDA Foundation.
15. Nagfacilitate ng symposium kasama ni Edjohn Harold Tomboc hinggil sa K+12 Basic Education.
16. Sumaksi sa elementary graduation ng aking kapatid na si Francis sa Balaybay Resettlement Elementary School.
17. Nag-enjoy sa Buhawen Trip kasama sina Divine, James, Manuel, Jaypee, Alvin Timbol at Alvin Panes. Nagbangka sa Manuepe Lake at pumitas ng mga niyog at kaimito.
18. Nag-layout sa ikatlong pagkakataon ng commencement program ng RMTU South Zambales Campuses kasama si Ma’am Lors at Sir Ferdz.
19. Nakatanggap ng National Achievement Award sa ginanap na Recognition Day sa RMTU San Marcelino Campus.
20. Dumalo sa Commencement Rites ni Ate Davielyn sa Oxford Colleges – Oxford Philippines International School sa Imus, Cavite.
21. Nagcover ng Commencement Rites ng RMTU South Zambales Campuses kasama ni Arianne.
22. Gumala kasama ni James at Ryan sa Olongapo. Nag-explore nang nag-explore.
23. Naging ninong sa pangatlong pagkakataon kasama sina Luzzel, Sarah, Glory at Riliza.
24. Dumalo sa READLANI Sportsfest kasama ang mga AKBAY sa Palayan City. Nagsilbing game umpire sa Scrabble.
25. Naging bahagi ng 38^th Alumni Homecoming ng San Agustin High School kasama si Sir Earl.
26. Nakibahagi sa pagdiriwang ng Lenten Season sa aming bayan. Nasaksihan ang iba’t ibang live kubol at nakilahok sa prusisyon.
27. Nagtungong Makati City para sa aking interview sa Ninoy and Cory Aquino Ledaership Journey. Matapos ay nananghalian kasama ng aking mga AYLC batchmates sa Ayala Foundation.
28. Nagdasal sa Naga City Cathedral sa Naga City, Camarines Sur.
29. Nag-island hopping sa Caramoan, Camarines Sur at nalagpasan ang 11 survivor challenges kasama ng Tribung Sparrow.
30. Nanalo ng 3^rd Place sa National Enviornment Essay Writing Contest na ginanap sa Camarines Sur.
31. Nag-enjoy sa Rizal Educational Trip naming magkakaklase (BSED III). Bumisita sa Rizal Shrine sa Calamba City, sa Fort Santiago sa Intramuros, sa National Museum at sa SM North EDSA.
32. Nag-produce ng isang film, ang Rizal Biographical Film kasama ng BSED III Rizartistas Team of Actors kaugnay ng aming Rizal subject. Nagshooting kung saan-saang lugar.
33. Nagsilbing tagapagsalita sa Welcome and Orientation Program ng RMTU San Marcelino Campus kasama ni Bryan Balmeo. Salamat kay Ma’am Milmor sa imbitasyon at sa lunch treat sa Coffee Shop.
34. Nagtungo sa opisina ng tatlong alkade sa iisang araw – sa Castillejos, sa San Marcelino at sa Subic – para sa Rizal Festival 2011.
35. Naging overall chairman sa Rizal Festival 2011: Pepe at 150 kaagapay ang buong BSED IV, ang kauna-unahang pagdiriwang sa RMTU.
36. Napili bilang Managing Editor ng Technoscribe matapos magsilbi bilang Editor in Chief ng dalawang taon.
37. Naranasan maging tunay na guro sa loob ng apat na buwan sa Subic National High School. Salamat sa II-Anthurium, II-Sunflower, II-Catlleya at II-Mendel sa pagtawag sa aking “Sir.”
38. Nagsilbing emcee sa ikaapat na pagkakataon sa Acquaintance Party and Induction Ceremonies ng RMTU San Marcelino.
39. Naparangalan bilang 2011 United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) Outstanding Youth Leader for Environment na ginanap sa Iloilo City.
40. Nagsilbing Resource Speaker sa Campus Journalism  sa tatlong secondary schools – San Agustin High School, San Miguel National High School at Josephine F. Khonghun (JFK) Special Education Center.
41. Nagulantang sa lakas ng lindol na yumanig sa halos lahat ng parte ng bansa.
42. Nag-island hopping sa Guimaras at natikman ang Guimaras mango.
43. Nagkaroon kami ng mini-reunion ng AYLC batchmates ko sa Iloilo.
44. Nagsilbing International Resource Speaker sa ginanap na forum on environment sa Iloilo City.
45. Bumisita sa tatlong malalaking pamantasan – Central Philippine University sa Iloilo, Universidad de Sta. Isabel sa Naga City at Benguet State University sa La Trinidad, Benguet.
46. Natikman ang batchoy ng Iloilo kasama ng aking mga ka-Kislap.
47. Nanalo ng 2^nd Place sa International Essay Writing Contest tungkol sa Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) na ginanap sa Iloilo City.
48. Nagdiwang ng kaarawan ni Edjohn at victory ko sa Joliibee Subic kasama ng aking mga co-interns sa Subic National High School.
49. Nagsilbing Resource Speaker sa SSG Leadership and Writing Workshop ng RMTU San Marcelino Campus.
50. Nag-edit ng mga documents ng 16 oras sa RMTU Masinloc para sa Ayala Young Leaders Congress.
51. Nakatanggap ng hindi mabilang na pagbati noong aking kaarawan mula sa mga kabiga, mga guro, kakilala at mga kamag-anak.
52. Nakiisa sa Kilos Protesta Laban sa Planta kasama ng mga mamamayan at kabataan ng Zambales at Olongapo.
53. Nagsilbing Judge sa Search for Mr. & Ms. Intramural Meet ng San Miguel National High School.
54. Nakiisa sa International Coastal Clean up Drive na isinagawa sa SBMA kasama ng iba’t ibang kabataan ng Olongapo at Zambales.
55. Bumili ng ikapitong aklat ni Bob Ong, Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan.
56. Na-inspired sa mga pelikulang aking natunghayan kabilang sa mga ito ang “”The Clown and the King,” “Long-Legged Beauty,” at “A Mother’s Son.”.
57. Nakatanggap ng “Happy Teachers Day,” na pagbati mula sa aking unang mga estudyante.
58. Napagtagumpayan ang aking Final Demonstration Teaching. Nabagbag sa mga positibong komento ng mga hurado sa aking isinagawang pagtuturo sa II-Anthurium.
59. Naimbitahang magsilbi bilang Hurado sa San Miguel National High School English Olympics.
60. Nabisita ang Baclayon Church, Chocolate Hills, Man-made Forest at Tarsier Sanctuary ng Bohol.
61. Nakilala si Juana Change (Mae Paner), Atty. Alex Lacson, Tina Monson Palama, Marites Vitug, Gov. Among Ed Panlilio at iba pang kilalang personalidad.
62. Nagwagi ng unang karangalan sa BIDA National Essay Writing Contest sa Bohol.
63. Humalakhak sa pinanood na Praybeyt Benjamin sa movie theater ng Tagbilaran City.
64. Nag-enjoy sa paggawa ng scrapbook ng mga liham at litrato mula sa aking mga unang estudyante.
65. Nag-presswork kasama ni James Robison sa kanilang bahay sa Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales.
66. Tumanggap ng mga regalo sa aking mga propesor at director ng pamantasan matapos makamit ang 2011 UNAP-OYLA award.
67. Naging bahagi ng RMTU Bulletin bilang Contributor.
68. Nagwagi ng 3^rd Place sa Copyreading sa ATSPAR kasama ni Manuel na nanalong 5^th Place sa Photojournalism.
69. Nag-enjoy sa Cabanatuan City kasama ni Manuel, Bryan, Jhouven at Ma’am Reynalyn.
70. Nakiisa sa tagumpay ng aking mga sinanay na campus journalists sa high school.
71. Nahilig sa pagbabasa ng E-Book lalo na ang Chicken Soup for the Soul.
72. Natouch sa mga aklat ni Og Mandino – Gift of Acabara and The Greatest Success in the World.
73. Napagtagumpayan ang aking defense sa Educational Research sa tulong na rin ni Edjohn at ng BEED IV.
74. Nag-enjoy sa 30^th Founding Anniversary ng Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales kasama ni Divine, Shane at SFG.
75. Nahalal bilang Mangaing Editor ng The Leader, opisyal na publikasyon ng National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute sa Baguio City.
76. Binisita ang Bell Church ng La Trinidad, Benguet.
77. Natuwa sa Belenismo Festival ng Tarlac.
78. Natuwa sa IV-Amethyst Batch 2008 Reunion Galore sa Villa Fe Resort, San Narciso, Zambales.
79. Nag-enjoy sa Christmas Party ng II-Anthurium.
80. Naligayahan sa ginanap na BSED IV Christmas Party. Sarap ng mga pagkain at saya ng videoke singing.
81. Nanalo ng 1^st Place sa Spelling Bee at 1^st Place sa Wordsmith sa ginanap na Students’ Day.
82. Natuwa sa pagkapanalo ng BSED IV Room bilang Most Christmas Decorative Classroom 2011.
83. Naenjoy ang bawat araw ng aking pagtuturo sa Subic National High School kasama ng II-Anthurium, II-Sunflower at II-Cattleya.
84. Nagdiwang ng Christmas kasama ang  buong pamilya at ni James sa bahay.
85. Umakyat ng puno ng niyog ng 50 metro ang taas at saka tumawid ng lubid, at tumalon pababa sa Alfonso, Cavite.
86. Nakasakay ng napakalaking motorboat ng halos apat na oras papuntang Caramoan Islands sa Camarines Sur.
87. Nag-inuman kasama nila JB, Jinno, Ralf, Judy, Sherlyn, Clarizel at Marvin kasma si Sir Charlie matapos makilamay kina Gener.
88. Napadpad sa tatlong lalawigan ng Visayas – Iloilo, Guimaras at Bohol. Minadao na lang!
89. Nairita sa halos dalawang linngong walang kuryente sa aming bahay.
90. Bumisita sa unang pagkakataon sa kabubukas na SM City Olongapo kasama ng aking mga kapatid.
91. Nag-offer sa huling araw ng misa de gallo sa San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.
92. Nag-enjoy sa AKBAY Christmas Party sa Ponds and Pines.
93. Nanalo ng Pinoy Henyo at Race Relay sa Christmas Party ng PREDA Foundation.
94. Naging bahagi ng pahayagang The Philippine Star bilang contributor ng Inbox World.
95. Tumanggap ng balde-baldeng papuri mula sa mga kaibigan, guro, kapamilya at kaklase.
96. Tinapos ang aking action research, narrative report na lang!
97. Umiyak nang umiyak noong NRYLI sa Baguio City dahil sa aming activity sa pangalawang pagkakataon.
98. Nalunod sa Aplaya del Matang-ib nang nag-outing ang pamilya noong birthday ni Daddy. Akala ko ay katapusan ko na iyon.
99. Sumali sa isang national online essay writing contest kasama ni James at Michael. Hanggang nagyon, hinihintay pa rin naming ang resulta ng patimpalak.
100. Nakatanggap ng di-mabilang ng biyaya mula sa Kanya, nakakilala ng napakaraming kaibigan mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas, nakatanggap ng di-mabilang na papuri at pagbati mula sa mga kaibigan, mga guro at mga kasama.

Ang 100 pirasong kaganapan na ito ay ilan lamang sa mga di-makaliligtaang pangyayari sa aking buhay ngayong 2011. Hangad ko gaya ng iba na patuloy ang buhos ng mga pagpapala at biyaya sa pagbubukas ng taong 2011 maging sa mga susunod pang taon.

Higit sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa Dakilang Maykapal sa pagbibigay sa aking ng pagkakataong makapaglakbay sa taong 2011 at sa pagbibigay sa aking ng pangalawang buhay mula sa aking naranasang pagkalunod. Batid ko na ang aking paglalakbay sa mundo ay hindi pa dapat matapos sapagkat marami pa ang nais na ipagawa sa akin ang Dakilang Ama.

 Salamat rin sa lahat ng mga taong nagsilbing gabay at patnubay ko sa pakikibaka sa mga pagsubok ng buhay. Ang mga karanasan at aral na aking natutunan ngayon ay hindi ko makalilimutang balik-tanawin.

Isang makabuluhan, makahulugan at manigong 2012 sa lahat!

Principles of Success for the Filipino Youth

A Precious Gift Indeed

July 18, 2011 at exactly 7:24 pm, I received an unexpected text message. The text came from an unregistered number. I immediately read it, without any idea:

I’m Prof. Serafin Arviola from the UNAP Award Committee for 2011 Outstanding Youth Leader. Your application belongs to the Top 8 in ranking. Please send via e-mail at sarviola2002@gmail.com tomorrow at 2:00 pm if you will accept the award personally on August 3 at 2:00 pm with President Benigno S. Aquino III at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City. Otherwise, we will give the award to the candidate who is next in rank. Please be informed also that transportation and accommodation in Iloilo shall be shouldered by the awardees. Thank you!

I was caught in total silence. Then I started reading the message again. Yes! This was it! This was the result I have been waiting for. After 18 days of waiting, finally the result came. My application to the United Nations Association of the Philippines Outstanding Youth Leadership Awards was indeed worth waiting. I jumped in jubilance and shouted in gratitude as I yelled up above, “Thank you Lord! Thank you! Thank you!”

Tears started to stream out of my eyes. I still can’t believe that I made it to this prestigious national search. My siblings asked me, “anong meron?” I laughed in tears as I said, “Nakapasok ako sa search. Aawardan ako sa Iloilo ni Presidente.” Then they greeted me in chorus, “Congratulations!”

So glad to receive the good news, I posted in my Facebook, “Thanks God! Thanks for the overflowing blessings.” ‘Tis a very advance gift! Then I started scribbling a message of thanks for my mentors who recommended me for the search and sent it via phone. I likewise thanked my friends and colleagues for helping me through.

My phone inbox and my Facebook account were flooded with congratulatory messages and it’s my pleasure to share them in this space as a way of my profound thanks to them.

Ano ba yan Dan. Grabe na ito. Wag ka sanang makakalimot. Dito lang ako. I’m so happy Dan! Nagbunga paghihirap natin. Grabe yung preparation natin huh. Dan, di pa talaga ako makapaniwala. You deserve the highest award RMTU could give. M,hn,ik6nhk0jbnim,I’m so proud of you Dan. Grabe! – Sir Jerry S. Cristobal

Congratz Kuya! You deserve it. Keep it up. I’m so proud of you! Malayo pa mararating mo kuya. Don’t ever change. Always keep your feet on the ground huh, wag kalimutan yun. Thanks din for being a part of your success. – Ma’amArselita M. Paranada

Congrats Dan! Very proud ngayon ang RMTU! You ’re so blessed. – Ma’am Junette Agpalo

Wow congrats! I’m proud of you Dan! You deserve it! – Ma’am Lorina P. Bundang

Ang galing naman, binabati kita iho. You deserve it! – Ma’am Mendaluz Laguatan

Congratulations! I have nothing to say but stay as you are and always be a blessing to everyone. – Sir Eric DS Ebro

Congratulations Dan! So proud of you! Wow! Galing-galing talaga! You’re exceptional. “The Danilo Rogayan,” ahem pasalubong na lang hehe. Congratz again, I was not surprise! – Sir Bernard M. Cambe

Congratulations Dan! I’m happy to know that you’re an outstanding awardee. Keep up the good work. I wish you more success in the future, I know you will! – Prof. Luz N. Corpuz

Congratz! You deserve that! – Ma’am Reyna Lyn A. Sahagun

Congrats Dan! We are proud of you. You’re a pride of RMTU and Zambales. Godspeed! You are more than deserving naman, congratz! – Sir Marlon N. Fulgencio

God bless dear. You deserve it! – Dr. Jo A. Espiritu

Congrats! Alam ko dahil sa tiyagaat talino mo kaya nakuha mo. – Ma’am Amy V. Aguado

Wow! Galing galing naman kuya. Congrats and we’re very proud for you being a member of RMTU family. Yehey! – Ma’am Nora A. Alcayaga

Hi Dan! Congratulations! Masaya ako para sa iyo! I know you deserve it. Proud ako na kaibigan ko ang awardee ng Outstanding Young Leader Award of the Philippines. Pwede papic and paautograph next time we meet? Hehe. Napatunayan mo, kaya mo naman di ba? Congrats din sa parents mo. I know you’re mom is watching over you, at I’m sure sya for you. Congratz again. God bless! – Ma’am Marie Edurain

I’m very proud of you, Dan. Congratz! You deserve it! Isa ako sa talagang nagmamalaki sa kung anumang blessings ang natatanggap mo. Sana di magbago ang Danilo Rogayanna isang mapagkumbabang tao. It’s my honor that I once a teacher of you. You’re a good example of a student na lagi kong ibinibida sa klase ko, kaya well-known and kuya Danilo Rogayan sa San Agustin. Hay, no kidding! Basta promise ko sa’yo forever kong ipagpe-pray success mo sa buhay, sa education, career and of course lovelife. Hehe. Alam ko balance ka lang. – Ma’am Marites A. Abelon

Congrats ha. I’m proud of you. Congrats sa award mo ha… Keep up the good work.. Keep inspiring the youth of Castillejos. – Councilor Mike Felarca

Ang galing mo Dan, napapaluha ako. Ang galling galling talaga. You’re the best. I’m very proud of you! God is so great. Napakalayo na ng narating mo Dan. Grabe, napakaproud ko sa’yo. Saludo ako sa’yo Dan! – Sonny A. Santos

Congrats Dan! May the Lord bless your heart and guide you always! – Jumaica Pullido

Congratulations! Kaya proud na proud mga Ramonias eh! – Divine Grace L. Valencia

Congratz Sir. Layo na naabot mo… at sa layo, yung maleta mo dito, di mo na makuha-kuha. Hehe. – Andrew V. Paje

WOW! Congratulations! Based on what I see, it is a well-deserved honor. I will make sure that I will be able to meet you next year sometime in February! – Sir Danny Arimboanga

Congratulations Kuya Dandan. Proud po ako sa’yo! –  Manuel Q. Garcia Jr.

Congrats sa mga achievements mo. Mas malayo pa dyan mararating mo. God bless Dan! – Adonis delos Santos

Congratulations Kuya Danilo Villar Rogayan Jr. We’re very proud of you! – Anjanette Paje

Congratz Kuya! We’re proud of you! You are not only a pride of RMTU but a pride of Zamabales as well. – Clarizel May M. Kuhutan

I’m so proud of you talaga ading. I’m sure, your parents are so much proud of you. Iba ka talaga! Thumbs up talaga ako sa’yo. – Beverly Beltran

Congratulations Dan! We’re proud of you! You deserve it! – Davielyn Joy V. Rogayan

Wow! Taray mo, congratz! – Lalaine Ballon

Congratz Dan! You really deserve it! Galing mo talaga! Saludo ako sa’yo! – John Ray Minas

Hi Dan! I’m so sorry for the late greetings…I received your txt but been so busy. Anyway, I just want to extend my warmest CONGRATULATIONS to you. You really deserve it! Now, I have a whole lot of reasons to meet you. I’m so proud of you…Keep it up! – Ronz Epiz

Congratulations dear… thumbs up! – Ma’am  Karen P. Andres

Congrats Sir DAN! nice one,,,hehe. – Regina Asuncion

Naka2 WOW! talga nman…SUPER THUMBS UP!!!Sir Dan… – Jerlyn Dela Cruz

Congratzzz sir . dan…..more blessings to come,… – Alvin Fababier

Talaga naman…. di paawat eh…congratulations uli!!!!! Keep up the good work at huwag makalimot magpasalamat sa Ama sa lahat ng blessings na natatanggap mo po. –Ma’am  Ma. Milmor M. More

Congratulations for another great achievement… keep on realizing your dreams… – Sir Ferdinand V. Tamoria

Congrats Dan! Grabe. Amethyst pride! We’re all proud to be your classmate. God bless you more. Congrats Danilo! – Adrielle dela Fuente

Sa wakas na-gets ko na.. haha.. Congratz kua dan.!!! Grabe ibang level kn tlga… haha..Kelan ba tau pupunta? haha.. Congratz uli!!! You deserve it! GBU! go bsed4! haha. – Bryan Jester Balmeo

CONGRATULATIONS!!! galing2..yohoo!!!ikaw na Danilo Villar Rogayan Jr!!!hahaha – Arianne P. Eugenio

Congratulations too, Danilo Villar Rogayan Jr! Magkasama naman tayo ulit sa parangal na ito. 🙂 See you here in Iloilo! – JP Peñol

Congratulations Mr. Rogayan for such an awesome and a very outstanding achievement….We, here in America are very proud of you. – Ms. Beverlyn Antonio-Lindee

Our Mother Balaybay must be very proud of you! You are one good example of our youth deserved such a recognition for an outstanding achievement. Congratulations!!! – Mr. Bong Cortez

A budding leader, we’ll see more of you doing great things. Refreshing. Congratulations! – Ms. Constante Foronda

Congratulations! – Congw. Mitos H. Magsaysay

Wow thats great! Congrats danny and keep up the good work. Am so proud of your success. – Mdm. Wilma D. Billman

CONGRATZ!!!!…KAW NA NGA!!..PINOI HENYO!!.hehehehe… – Ailene Joy Belmonte

Congratulations Dan… We are very proud of you. Ipagpatuloy mo ang iyong adhikakain. Nasa likod mo kami para maproteksyonan at mapaganda ang ating environment. – Mr. Reynaldo Rodolfo

Ang galing mo talaga Dan….congratulations…baka di mo na mabuhat mga medals mo sa graduation ah. – Ma’am  Letecia Adoro

Praise and thanks God! That will be great kapatid!Pakisend mo sa akin yung details ng award so i can share it sa AYLA family. Walang anuman, maraming salamat sa oportunidad upang makatulong sa kapwa lider kabataan at sa pagbabahagi ng iyong sarili.I’m so happy and proud of you kapatid.! God bless! – Kuya Joseph Navarro

Galing galing mo talaga Dan! Iba ka talaga! – Lashaundra Mae D. Ballon

Congratz Dan! Keep up the good work. I know you can reach all your dreams in life. May the good Lord guide you always. Ganyan talaga si God. He always gives rewards and blessings for good people like you. Pag alam Nyang deserve at pinaghihirapan mo, ibibigay Nya. – Lhea R. Garcia

Congrats! You deserve it. But don’t forget to keep your feet on the ground. God bless! – Melissa

Congratz, deserving ka naman Kuya Dan. Proud kaming BSED 4 sa naachieve mo Dan! – Princes dela Rosa

Wow! Congrats Sir! You really are deserving. – Ailyn D. Caritativo

Ang galing mo Dan, so proud of you! That was expected. Galing mo, di na kita masight! – Ramish Baldoza

These congratulatory messages would always be engraved in my heart. You are all part of this achievement.

Thanks to all of you especially to my mom up there for letting me see the splendor of the world and the gifts of nature. Thanks to my Dad and the rest of my family for the love and support. To all my mentors, from elementary up to now, for the never ending encouragement. Special mention to Sir Jerry for the big help.

To all my friends, colleagues, batch mates, classmates and schoolmates, thank you for the inspiration.

Above all, thank you Lord for such a precious gift! Thank you for the abounding graces that You incessantly showering upon me. I pray for humility, happiness and good health and may I continue to be a blessing to others.

Few days to go, I will be flying to Iloilo to receive the Outstanding Youth Leader Award for Environment Category. This accolade will be another source of motivation and inspiration for me to do more for the environment and for nation-building.

Maraming salamat po!

 

For details, you might want to read this.

First Day High at Subic National High

July 4, 2011. I woke up so early. Prepared myself for the first day of my practice teaching (PT). I checked if I had everything to bring before I left home. Traveled for about 20 minutes and arrived at exactly 6:15 am at the school. My classmate Grace was waiting at the shed outside, she was waiting for our other classmates. I decided to stay with her. Waiting… waiting… waiting… until finally we all went inside the school at about 7:15 am. After logging our names in the logbook at the Security Guard’s house, we found ourselves walking through the grounds of Subic National High School (SNHS). SNHS will now serve as our second school, an institution where we will practice our craft – teaching.

I, together with my other eight classmates, went at the Principal’s Office for the delegation of our respective cooperating teachers (CT). Ma’am Evelyn, the Science Coordinator, told me and Edjohn to go with her, so we did. I was deployed to Ma’am Loida A. Mercado while Edjohn was deployed to Ms. Joji E. Agustin.

After the deployment, I stayed at the Stock Room where Ma’am Loida was staying. We had a brief conversation about the curriculum and the teaching procedure. She told me that she is now using the UBD in teaching Biology – understanding by design – which is an activity-based curriculum. After the orientation, Ma’am Loida and I went to our first class, the II- Anthurium. I was introduced by my CT to more or less 60 students in the class. I was nervous but as I saw the smiles on the students’ faces, my worry jumped away. The discussion started. I stayed at the back to observe. I have one week to do my observation before I engage myself to actual teaching.

Just after a few minutes, Ma’am Loida was told that there would be a briefing of the CTs and student teachers (ST) at the Principal’s office. We left the room and attended the briefing. The CTs and the principal had a strong deliberation about the deployment of STs as well as the issue on the UBD curriculum. As the CTs were deliberating, I and my other classmates also had a deliberation on the issues. I asserted that we should be teaching freshmen and sophomores and insisted that we shall teach on the morning session. SNHS has two shifts, 6:30 am to 12:00 nn for the morning session (1^st and 2^nd year) while 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm for the evening session (3^rd year and 4^th year).

After the deliberations, everything was put in order. Finally, each of us had our respective CTs. We went with our respective CTs and informed us regarding the deliberations that transpired.

Meanwhile, Ma’am Loida gave me my schedule. I was happy to know that I will be teaching Biology subject for three classes, each class is composed of 60 students. My first class is 8:10 to 9:10 in the morning for II-Anthurium to be immediately  followed by II-Sunflower, from 9:10 to 10:10 am. I got a break for forty minutes then from 10:50 to 11:50, I will be doing my lesson planning and instructional material (IM) preparation. From 11:50 to 12:50, I will be attending another class, the II-Cattleya before I take my lunch at 1:00 pm. After lunch, I will engage myself in the checking of outputs then at 2:30 to 3:30, I am tasked to observe the Special Science Curriculum class in II-Mendel.

The first day of my PT was indeed great! I’m happy to meet my CT and my almost 180 students in the regular classes and 30 in my SSC observation class. Likewise, I got acquainted with the UBD elements – explore, firm up, deepen and transfer. I am optimistic that I would be able to carry out these elements when my turn in teaching arrives. As to my students, though they are not in higher sections, still I am grateful because I see in them their desire to learn. I hope I would be able to influence their lives positively as I teach in them not only the lessons on Biology but also lessons in life. I expect them to be environmentally-conscious and socially aware individuals under my tutelage. Likewise, I hope that I would be able to memorize all their names; I have until October to do that.

When I arrived home, I worked on my class record, entered the names of my students and prepared my LP notebook for next week actual teaching.

Today was just the beginning of my journey towards the real world of teaching. Little by little, my dream to become an educator is now coming into fruition.

Teaching… would always be my passion and mission alike.

 

Note: The author is a senior student taking up a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Biological Science at the Ramon Magsaysay Technological University – San Marcelino Campus in Zambales.

Culture Media

I was always asked by many why I did not get English as my field of specialization rather than Biological Science. They assert that English is of great help especially in campus journalism where I am into. At first, I am mum about it until one day I proved them wrong. Biology, the science of life, also helps me in my journalistic adventures.

During my Microbiology class, our professor introduced to us the culture media which he defined as the nutrient substances that are used to cultivate microorganisms. Upon learning about it, I myself contemplated and thought that if Science has a culture media, then Journalism shall also have one.

Campus journalists like me uphold responsibility thru unbiased and impartial reporting- not prejudiced and unfounded. Being in the field is not that easy, I am  under scrutiny of innumerable eyes and countless ears inside, outside and around the university. I would receive variety of reactions-some compliments, bad feedbacks and worst… hysterical reactions, which I find very ridiculous! I always love criticisms, both constructive and destructive especially about my write-ups. With the freedom of expression I have, I always make sure that I write in the interest of my readers and not of my personal aggrandizement. I have always been telling  my colleagues that we are not writing to impress but to express what we feel with a given limitation.

Thus, culture media is very indispensable that every campus journalist should adhere to. Culture media here would refer to the culture that media should portray toward a responsible press and accountable reporting. This culture media shall be constituted with the five vital cultures that a campus journalist should cultivate upon himself – the culture of responsibility, culture of credibility, culture of humanity, culture of accuracy and culture of fairness.

I know that everyone is aware of the tragic nightmare that transpired in the heart of our nation last August 23 just this year when a former Manila police officer hijacked a tourist bus in an outrageous attempt to reinstate him in the government service. The horrible-quite-hilarious scene, which left eight foreign tourists and the hostage-taker dead, was witnessed in the four corners of the globe through our local media.

Personally, I felt terribly ashamed of this bus siege debacle which ran for 11 hours; it seems that it’s a drama in the television as local media covers it live. Yes, I would conform that the media committed feckless reporting and irresponsible coverage on this heartrending crisis. But the media should not solely be blamed on this bus carnage for I strongly deem that media  just carried out their responsibility to give the important updates for the people .

Divergently speaking, the culture media is very necessary especially in this situation. A journalist should have the culture of responsibility which means that journalist should think if reporting such situation would help in the resolution of the problem or would just aggravate the situation. The culture of credibility which illustrates one’s trustworthiness in delivering the facts to the public. The culture of humanity or the significance of the news in promoting peace and unity and fostering brotherhood among the people. The culture of accuracy or giving precise data for public’s information. And the culture of fairness which ensures the objectivity of the report being conveyed.

Adios!

Author’s Note:

This article was published in the Divergent Column of the author in the Technoscribe, the official student publication of Ramon Magsaysay Technological University – San Marcelino Campus, San Marcelino, Zambales, Vol. XII No. 1 issue (June – October 2010).

AYLC: Answering the Youth’s Leadership Challenges

The author (second from right) with the Zobel de Ayalas.

The journey towards Ayala Young Leaders Congress is a steep rocky mountain, arduous to climb, yet exciting and fulfilling to reach its summit. Preparing all the necessary documents for the application to this prestigious search really entailed sacrifice and patience. But I didn’t let myself be discouraged; I joined the search and submitted my application.

December 16, 2011. I was then traversing the long and winding thoroughfares of Baguio City to attend a national conference when Sir Jerry, my AYLC adviser, received a call from the university informing him of a letter sent by the AYLC Secretariat. After that call, Sir Jerry gleefully said “Congratulations Dan, you and Totoy made it to the Ayala.” I just smiled but deep inside, my intestines were jumping in gladness. I can’t shout my jubilance that time for I might bother all the other 60 passengers inside the bus. Then I whispered above, “Thank you Lord!”

‘Twas indeed a great morning; GOD has listened to my prayers. After the long wait, the good news has come. A simple DAN made it to the elite list of the Outstanding Ayala Young Leaders in the Philippines. I remembered myself telling Totoy that time in the bus, “GOD gave me this gift, a consolation to all my leadership sacrifices… for my endeavors as a leader do not wait payment in return.”

Then the rest was history until I found myself traveling on the morning of February 9, 2011 passing through the highland Tagaytay City bound to Alfonso, Cavite where the 13^th Ayala Young Leaders Congress will be conducted. A waving welcome of the facilitators, staff and AYLC alumni greeted us as we reached our destination.

Being part of AYLC 2011, tagged as the Batch KISLAP, was more than a prestige and honor, it was for me a gift and a great blessing bestowed upon by God, a very rare opportunity and a life-transforming experience one would truly treasure throughout his life, just like what it did to me.

The congress truly touched my heart and enriched my mind in a very unique way. The insights and thought-provoking words uttered by multitude of great leaders, guest speakers, facilitators and my fellow delegates moved me in a way I have never felt before. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts with my session group members, my endeared Kalembang Group. Equal enjoyment I felt in executing various challenges with the L outdoor group, a group bonded with teamwork and unison.

Meeting, talking and knowing the 80 most promising and brightest young leaders of the archipelago really excited me the most in the congress. Yet, I wasn’t able to meet them all in the congress; still I always find time to know each one of them through various means that I know. The reflections and sharings emerged after every course, activity and session as well as the powerful words and motivating phrases about servant leadership awakened me into a better perspective.

Listening to the panel discussions inspired and invigorated me so much. Every piece of insights I got from each panelist will always be kept in my heart and mind. Doing all the course challenges and the sharing of learnings afterwards, kept me most alive in the congress. While the cheers and encouraging yells of my co-delegates whenever I perform the challenges, energized me a lot. Talking to my fellow youth leaders during the congress, and picking valuable lessons from them, raged the burning passion of leadership in me.

The congress taught me a myriad of priceless lessons. More than knowing myself well, I have relearned the value of teamwork and unity; that concerted effort among the group members would always lead to success and victory. I have also relearned the value of listening. One should not always the one who talks and he should sometimes need to listen, for listening would always pilot the group to understanding and would lead to clearer plans and actions. The value of giving your trust to your colleagues is also one of the lessons I have relearned in the congress. One should never doubt the capacity of his members if he really wants to achieve the next value, the value of creating good rapport with your co-members.

I have gained a lot of insights and experiences which I believe would truly help me so much. All the learnings I acquired from AYLC molded me more into a better individual, better leader and a better member of our family. It changed some of my perspectives in life into a more optimistic one.

I could affirm that attending the congress for three days transformed me into a more grown-up DAN. I became more sensitive to the feelings of others, especially of my colleagues in an organization. I became more passionate in responding to my social responsibility as I always believe that I exist not only for myself but also for others. Likewise, I became more energized to continue my visions towards contriving substantial transformations in our community and in the nation as a whole. And became more appreciative to the things which I know will make me a better person.

After the congress, I was able to live up and continue upholding the precious thoughts, lessons and insights I have learned as I continue to be an effective instrument for change. And I realized that all what I’ve learned in AYLC is worthless if I will not be able to apply these in the real world and that is serving our community towards transforming the lives of my fellow men and sustaining the passion for service and leadership.

I would always be grateful that in once in my life, I attended a national congress, not an ordinary one, but a congress on which I came to know myself, I came to know other great youth leaders in the country and came to know that I could do more towards building the nation.

Indeed, the 13^th Ayala Young Leaders Congress is a collage of treasured memories, fountain of unforgettable moments, haven of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, threshold of meeting great leaders and a rare opportunity of knowing oneself and one’s leadership potentialities better.

Author’s Note:

Danilo V. Rogayan Jr. is a current senior student of Ramon Magsaysay Technological University – San Marcelino Campus in San Marcelino, Zambales, taking up a Degree in Secondary Education, Major in Biological Science. He was one of the 81 delegates in the 13^th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress on February 9-11, 2011 at Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines.

6th National Kampo Kalikasan Souvenirs

I really am thankful to God for giving me  precious souvenirs from my three-day travel in Caramoan, Camarines Sur last April 29 to May 1, 2011. First, I was able to garner 3rd place in both the National Environment Essay Writing Contest and Enviro-Quiz Bee.

More than the gifts of nature and the panoramic views of the Caramoan islands, I was also able to meet precious diamonds in the name of my new found friends.

Indeed, Caramoan adventure, was a remarkable experience!