Message Extraordinaire

Though, I've read some of the items here below - I felt a child in me upon reading it again!
• ITALY: I Trust And Love You.
• BURMA: Between Us, Remember Me Always.
• CANADA: Cute And Nice Action that Developed into Attraction,
• CHINA: Come Here I Need Affection.
• EGYPT: Everything’s Great, You Pretty Thing!
• FRANCE: Friendships Remain And Never Can End.
• HOLLAND: Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies.
• INDIA: I Nearly Died In Adoration.
• IRAN: Ikaw Rin Ang Nawalan.
• JAPAN: Just Always Pray At Night.
• KENYA: Keep Everything Nice, Yet Amusing
• KOREA: Keep Optimistic Regardless of Every Adversity.
• LIBYA: Love Is Beautiful, You Also.
• NEPAL: Never Ever Part As Lovers.
• PERU: Porget Everyone Remember Us.
• RUSSIA: Romance Under the Sky & Stars is Intimate Always.
• THAILAND: Totally Happy Always In Love And Never Dull.
• YEMEN: Yugyugan Every Morning, Every Night.
• BALIWAG: Beauty And Love I Will Always Give.
• CEBU: Change Everything But Us.
• IMUS: I Miss U, Sweetheart.
• MALABON: May A Lasting Affair Be Ours Now.
• MANILA: May All Nights Inspire Love Always.
• PARANAQUE: Please Always Remain Adorable, Nice And Quiet Under Edsa
• PASAY: Pretty And Sexy Are You.
• PASIG: Please Always Say I’m Gorgeous.
• TONDO: Tonight’s Our Night, Dearest One.
• MARLBORO: Men Always Remember Love Because Of Romance Only.
• YAMAHA: You Are Always My Angel! Happy Anniversary!
And the winner is:
PHILIPPINES: Pinoys Have Internet Love Idioms Practically Pasaway, Imbyerna, Nakakaloka, Ek-ekan Sayings.
Credit goes to Francis Mari Picart.

Reminders to DepEd Artists and Illustrators

Hello DepEd Artists and Illustrators! It's been a day since we concluded the 2014 Preparation of Visuals for K to 12 Grades 4 and 10 Learning Resources Workshop . We at IMCS had a blast and I hope you all did too. As a reminder, I had posted presentations of UP-CFA speakers in my Google drive and you may access these through this link https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_MdVbUmPeq1OTFLUlBiZXBTZ0k&usp=sharing Thank you!

The Long Wait Is Over

Yeheey!

Tomorrow and the next day after will be life-changing days for me.  I still do not know what are at stake.  After completing my Non-Disclosure Agreement with G....e I hope things will be better.  I am anticipating a collaborative, imaginative, and fruitful days ahead.  Sana marami ring ipamigay ng tools and goodies.  I really do not know what to expect.  I wish to have more blessings!

Big Event Cancelled Due to Super Mario's Wrath!

September 19, 2014

Not to be considered a super typhoon caused a wonderful event to be cancelled last September 20-24, 2014.  The venue, kits, facilitators were ready but Super Mario beat them all as it crushed National Capital Regions, specifically, Marikina City where our workshop is to be held.

I immediately got a message from colleagues that the workshop was cancelled.  Being one of the lead persons, I have to call the participants - I took the liberty of sending texts, email, and social networking messages to all the I could reach, however, as I search for my cellphone and browsed the directory, it's all gone!

I have been seeing lots of messages from my SIM card as I transferred it to my daughter's phone but no name appeared and it just added to my dilemma. Little by little, I informed those who texted me and thanks God, they responded positively.

To all our participants from the DepEd regions,  divisions (visual artists and illustrators) see you soon and I hope to finally see you!

Accepted and Happy With It!

Yeheeey!  God is so good.  I just got an email that I am accepted as a Google Teacher and I just got a ticket to attend a two-day collaborative seminar of experts at AIM Conference Training Center.  I'm so blessed!

Waiting for the Result of the 2014 GTA-SEA Result

This would be the day the results of the 2014 GTA-SEA application will be revealed.  The time gets to be closer than I thought and I felt very impatient.  Should I fail to get being shortlisted it would be the 2nd time I will feel the pain and heartache.  First, it was the scholarship in Australia which I didn't get and now this Google Teacher Academy program.  The competition(s) are very strong but I am relying on my proximity to the venue which I think other South East Asean counterparts would be hard to enjoy since the hotel and food accommodations are not free.  A factor that I eye also would be my being in the Department of Education Central Office.

However, as the time gets going the going gets tough.  It is almost 5 PM and I still didn't get an email and I am so worried.  Hopefully, I will be chosen.  God please help me.

2014 Google Teacher Academy Application

Hello guys!

It's been a long while since I last posted here, right?  Well it was because I was too busy with my current task at the office.  It was about the emergency purchase of textbooks for the Typhoon Yolanda hit victims.

Well, today, I will share with you my interest in joining the 2014 Google Teacher Academy application.

Two weeks ago, I accidentally saw a link from one of my friends at Facebook where a big event will be hosted by Google in Manila this year.  I got curious and my enthusiasm incredibly increased as the topic was about teacher - a Google teacher - specifically.  I hastily applied and filled out online information on the link given to me.  There was one challenge though, I have to submit a 1-minute video presentation about a certain topic to qualify.  Since, I was too busy with my current load I just finished the video this morning at 2:30 a.m.  With no special equipment and tools at hand I just dig on my arsenal and edited my work.

Hopefully, I will get a nod from the 2014 GTA judges.

See and enjoy my work guys!

You can also see this video in YouTube by clicking this GTA link.

Whatta Headache!

'been experiencing too much headache after the IELTS examination.  Reading had been my problem since the start of the review.  Hopefully, with Lord's grace, I will pass the test.  To God be the glory!

Birthday Challenges!

Just experienced tremendous challenges during my birthday celebration.  Firstly, a super typhoon devastated some parts of Numancia Residences where I live.  No water, no electriciy, and no food since everything happened so fast.

After the typhoon, my family and I was able to go outside and we went to the Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila.  I immediately got my Shakeys card inside my wallet, of course to get my free birthday pizza, only to be told that they were offline.  I am so upset.

We just went to another store "Karate Kid" after that, we spent the rest of the day at the mall.

Keep safe guys!

So Blessed!

On July 9, 2014 (previously scheduled on July 7), I will start the IELTS review for free (thank you DepEd) with my colleagues in Makati.  Hopefully, I will be able to improve my English and use it effectively.  It will be almost 3 weeks, July 9, to 25, 2014, of long and painstaking struggle.     Guide me Lord and give me your wisdom!

Answered Prayer!

I heard this morning that I passed the 1st Step in the Australia Awards Scholarships for the 2015 January Intake Applicants, meaning, I passed the paper qualification.  I now have to pass the IELTS and the rigorous interviews at the Department of Education Central Office. Lord, please guide me again and give me your wisdom so that I can hurdle all these challenges.  Bless me God!

Hear My Petition Lord

Lord, please intercede in my behalf.  I would like to study abroad as scholarships were offered by Australia. Grant Lord that my superior will nominate me so that I could compete with the best here in the department and the rest of the applicants nationwide.  Bless me God!

God is Good!

I am so blessed today.  After long months of waiting for the rationalization program of the Department of Education I finally got the assurance that I will be retained and will not be able to have a co-terminus item (CTI).  I was interviewed by my Director and by my superior at the Evaluation and Training Division.  Thank you Lord for the advanced gift on my birthday.

Bonding Time with my Family @ Lucky Chinatown Mall

What a nice feeling to share moments with my family at the Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila, Philippines.

Death Found Me

(c) Joselito Asi

Your words had me stalled
I faded
Time stopped
I felt I was trapped.

I got lost and I felt empty
Alone and full of misery.

I'm wasted
'but kept on walking...
and walking still...
until death found me.

Para kay Gigi Reyes

Para kay "Gigi Reyes":

Siguro naman sa pag-uwi mo ay may mabuti kang maitutulong sa ating bansa. Aping api na ang bansang Pilipinas alam mo iyan. Ituwid mo na ang sa tingin naming mga ordinaryong mamayan ay patuloy na pagyurak sa kaban ng bayan. Nakapagtataka naman kung bakit kaapelyido mo pa ang isang heneral na katulad mo'y nadamay rin sa akusasyon sa paglustay ng yaman ng Pilipinas. Subalit marahil ay iba ka sa kanya dahil buhay ka at may pagkakataon ka pang ipaalam sa bayan ang iyong nalalaman sa tandisang paglustay ng ating yaman. Ibangon mo ang iyong pangalan at ang karangalan. Nawa'y mabigyan mo nang linaw ang dumidilim na katotohanan. Sana ang lahat nang ikikilos mo ay para sa bayan!

#20PHNET Forum Program ISOC-PH

Just attended the #20PHNET Forum Program for ISOC-PH at Asian Institute of Management, Makati, Philippines.  Can you believe it?  The Philippines is now celebrating the 20th-year of internet use. I'm so glad I was able to celebrate this milestone with the IT experts and techies.  Congratulations Philippines.

Focus of Education

We have had an intellectual discussion this morning during our usual Monday morning activities at our office. My director pointed out that the foci of education on the 20th century are the "resources of the learners (i.e. textbook, classrooms, and teachers)" and on the 21st century the focus of education is "what the learners are learning (i.e., assessment, etc.)."

Dingdong Dantes and I

What a sudden turn of events!  I was walking near the Bulwagan ng Karunungan Hall after the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Department of Education, Central Office when I overheard that the GMA actor Dingdong Dantes would be visiting in the afternoon.  I felt extremely happy about it since he was my daughter's favorite actor.  I thought that a photo-opportunity with Dingdong would be a surprised gift to Betty since I would present her the Dingdong and I would-be photo.

However, bulk of work loads at the office caused me to forget everything that I planned, until at about 7:00 p.m., I was reminded by my colleagues that the actor was still there at the BK Hall.  I immediately went down with one of my friends and  took our chance to meet Dingdong.  Luckily, he was still there.  The actor was so kind to give me this pose.

Dingdong and I

Accidents happen in the most unexpected moments!

March 4, 2014

Yesterday, I was bumped by a slow-moving white vehicle's right side mirror at San Antonio Village, Pasig City between 6:30-7:00 p.m. but I did not react right away since I did not feel any pain. Now, the tingling sting on my shoulder is so annoying.

March 5, 2014

This morning, while I accompany my wife to Quiapo (Avancena HS) for the NAT examination, I heard a sudden sound on my backpack's zipper I took a peek and it was indeed opened. A guy appeared from my left side and I immediately threw an elbow (the one I was bumped yesterday, remember?) on him but it didn't catch his face. At an instant, I stepped on his slipper so that he couldn't move away - but he was able to escape. I was trying to measure this guy if I could beat him in a fistfight, which I felt I could, I moved towards him and as I was about to take a desperation punch two individuals appeared from nowhere. This caused me to change my mind and instead protected my wife by just leaving the place. I'm glad it was over. My wife told me not to return to that place again!

Luneta Chess Blitz Tournament 2014

Tied for  1st to 3rd places at the just concluded Luneta Chess Blitz Tournament with a score of 4 out of 5 points. Carrying 4/4 points in the penultimate round but got ambushed in the final round by "Kuting" in a very exciting game. Tie-break was not so helpful as I ended with 15 Buchholz against my opponents 17 and 11.5 respectively.

My First Five Days in Okinawa, Japan

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in years 2007 to 2008?  Well, the training course was about the “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education.  I will share with you my experiences on my first five days in Okinawa, Japan.

I started forming impressions on Japan as soon as my foot landed at the Narita Airport. After I was through with the landing procedure of the Bureau of Immigration, I took my stuff and lifted them from the baggage carousel. As soon as I approached the JICA lady officer at the airport, I was provided with a ticket to a limousine bus, then she gave me a detailed instruction on what to do next, thereafter, she escorted me to the bus stop and instructed me go to the Haneda Airport.  I traveled again by plane to Naha Airport where I was cheerfully assisted by another JICA staff to my final destination - Okinawa International Center (OIC). At the OIC, a room key and a meal card were given to me, some personnel offered explanations as to how these card and other amenities of the center be used. I felt I was never away from home especially after two young Filipinos (Erik and Cris) entertained me by telling wonderful experiences during their first week of stay.

I immediately bought call cards to call my wife and daughter in the Philippines.  My first day ended at Room 235 of OIC,  the weather was so cold, and so am I.  I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and started the 2nd day at the Tsukudo (dining area).  I saw various participants from different countries and it seems that a U.N. convention was being held there.  Cris san guided me to the canteen and  showed me how to use my meal card.

After eating, I was visited by my coordinator (from MTEC) who briefed me about important matters like house rules, courtesy, meetings and many other more.

I was able to meet my classmates for the training and various participants from other courses.  It was fun to meet them and our sponsors as well. 

I was late during the 3rd day meeting with the participants and sponsors and I felt so sad.  I was not able to control myself and I overslept.  Perhaps, it was due to the changing of weather condition which I was not accustomed to.  I saw that my colleagues were given calling cards by Japanese staff from prestigious companies.  Damn me, for not waking up on time!  I felt I was a little form surrounded by the head and foot of a parenthesis.  But I was able to recover as my name was called to give a brief self-introduction.  I stood up and immediately recited my prepared speech – in Japanese of course!  I felt relieved after that.

The 4th day was spent at Urasoe City, wherein, the participants were introduced to the mayor, and we were given keys to the city,  at the same time, we were issued non-resident alien cards for us to be able to formally live and mingle with the locals.  Astounding!

In the afternoon a raffle was set for the participants – a visit to the Chaurami Aquarium.

The 5th day was spent studying Japanese culture and discussing their form of government, especially Diet, etc.

I got interested to go to the Chaurami Aquarium because of the feedback I received from my friends in Okinawa.  They told me that it was extremely beautiful.  My enthusiasm to go there was further intensified by the fact that only few participants will be able to go there due to limited number of slots.  It would really rely on luck.  So I was praying very hard that my name would be called.

Oh... how can I forget the raffle day for the trainee to attend an Observation Tour at Okinawa Aquarium. The slots for the participants were 53, but more than 80 persons signed up in the manifesto. So what the JICA staff did was picked 53 individuals by random. Sad to say I was not chosen.

But the big fighter that I am, I did not quit.  I know that somewhere along the way some trainees who were selected would not be able to join the trip for some reasons or another. So I thought waiting early in the morning of the next day would be a great idea... maybe I could get a slot... oh just maybe...

The next day I immediately went to the registration room but got shocked after I saw five other individuals, ahead of me, forming a long queue in case someone back-out of the trip (I thought I was the only one with that kind of thinking). So I was kinda praying that God would give me a chance to join the trip - then two people called the staff that they won't be able to join (as expected of course)... another three sent peelers that they won't be able to make it... after 10 minutes.  I lost the count.  I was left alone in the line and I was so nervous, my heart was pounding too fast, maybe if you would come nearer to where I stood you would hear my anxious heartbeat.

 But no more participants backed-out.

The coordinator then signaled the driver to start the engine.  I got so frustrated and upset.   I prepared myself to leave and never to look back again...

While walking (with my head showing a melancholic despair), I felt a soft tap on my shoulder - "Common join us young man!"

 I consider myself fortunate that these two generous people from the bus company agreed to accommodate me in a two-seater bench...

and the rest was history.