100 Things About Me (Rewritten)

 In light of my stroke and with the desire to preserve what I can still recall, I offer this list of one hundred things that define and reflect my journey. #everyoneシ゚ #strokesurvivor #100thingsaboutme

100 Things About Me

1. I was born on a Thursday.

2. I’m a Cancer, born on the year of the Dog.

3. My surname is uniquely foreign-sounding—a blend of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino roots.

4. I have a long first name but very short last name.

5. I have an identical twin brother.

6. I feel a twinge of sadness whenever people compare us.

7. I had my first crush at age 10—she didn't like me back.

8. I've had many crushes, but I rarely confessed.

9. In Junior High, I finally gathered the courage to court someone.

10. She dumped me right away.

11. I was on the honor roll during my school days.

12. I passed the examination to become a priest.

13. I was a grantee of GSIS.

14. I have a naturally funny face.

15. I have made a lot of acquaintances.

16. But only few closest friends.

17. I love watching movies—it's my kind of therapy.

18. I am a die-hard fan of Jacky Chan and Jet Li.

19. When I am in a forlorn mood I prefer staying alone.

20. I survived a serious vehicular accident as a child.

21. Despite the gravity of the accident, my family received no compensation—the person responsible was spared any consequence after my mother, out of relief that I survived, chose not to pursue charges.

22. I played basketball well—until a punch ended that chapter.

23. Intelligence is, quite frankly, my erogenous zone.

24. I hold a Business Administration degree.

25. I am a licensed professional teacher and earned a Masters' degree.

26. I've been granted two major scholarships.

27. I can easily forgive but I never forget.

28. My favorite food is a well-done mollusk.

29. I'm a certified chess maniac.

30. I used to play chess endlessly.

31. Longest was 2 days with no sleep.

32. I was a varsity chess player during my college days.

33. Now, I rarely play chess.

34. I don’t smoke.

35. I hate cigarettes—but not the smokers.

36. I am a beer drinker.

37. I enjoy beer, but only during special occasions.

38. I am a very competitive person.

39. I love technology and computers.

40. I first went online in 1992.

41. My favorite colors are orange and blue.

42. I’ve traveled to various countries.

43. My favorite city? Okinawa.

44. I speak English, Tagalog, and a bit of Spanish and Japanese.

45. I don’t quit easily.

46. I love singing and dancing (even if I don’t always hit the notes).

47. I am a loyal fan of Michael V.

48. My first car was box-type Mitsubitshi Lancer.

49. I know that true love exists.

50. Traveling is one of my life’s greatest joys.

51. I am a diet conscious.

52. But I love to eat.

53. I’ve made my fair share of poor decisions

54. I work best when I am being pushed to the limit.

55. The heaviest thing that I carried is an empty wallet.

56. I am an accidental winner.

57. I’ve had a checkered past—each chapter taught me something

58. I pick my battles.

59. I love on the spot jokes.

60. I am the person I am today due to my past.

61. I have had my sordid past.

62. I experienced "booze" 2 years after graduation from college.

63. Fun to be with.

64. Secretive.

65. Difficult to fathom and to be understood.

66. Quiet unless excited or tensed.

67. Takes pride in oneself.

68. Easily consoled.

69. Honest.

70. Concerned about people’s feelings.

71. Tactful.

72. Friendly.

73. Approachable.

74. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable.

75. Moody and easily hurt.

76. Witty and sparkly.

77. Spazzy at times.

78. Not revengeful.

79. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things.

80. Guides others physically and mentally.

81. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully.

82. Caring and loving.

83. Treats others equally.

84. Has a strong sense of sympathy.

85. Wary and sharp.

86. Judges people through observations.

87. No difficulties in studying.

88. Always broods about the past and the old friends.

89. Waits for friends.

90. Not aggressive unless provoked.

91. Loves to be loved.

92. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

93. Accepts problem as challenge.

94. I am my own worst critic, I become a better or worst person not because of others but because of me.

95. I was one of the 2014 Google for Education Certified Innovator for Southeast Asia

96. I was a grantee of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Multimedia Application.

97. I am a proud passer of the Career Executive Service Written Examination (CESWE), a key step toward becoming part of the Career Executive Service.

98. I am a stroke survivor.

99. I am a fighter. If you cut my hands and legs, I'd kill you with my teeth.

100. I am a work-in-progress—and I get better every day.

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Manila Day, Stroke Day: How June 24 Changed Everything for Me

 I apologize for the delay; I was unable to post for several months. I had a stroke last year, and this is my story.

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While the city blazed with parades, lights, and fanfare, my world dimmed in an instant.

I remember it clearly—or at least, I try to. The day began like any other Manila Day: warm air, buzzing streets, and that proud, defiant heartbeat only our capital knows. But somewhere between the laughter and the feast, my left arm went limp. My words began to slur. My heart knew before my mind could catch up: this was not normal.

I was having a stroke.

While others were marching in celebration, I was being wheeled into a hospital, not knowing if I would ever march again.

The irony bit hard—on the day Manila was born, I almost died.

The days that followed were blurred pain and silent prayers. I couldn’t move my hand. My body, once strong and steady, had become unfamiliar. I was a prisoner in my own skin. But something in me, something Manila-bred and fire-forged, refused to give up.

I fought.

One twitch became a movement. A breath became a sentence. One step became two. Then three.

Now, one year later, I don’t just celebrate Manila Day — I honor it as my second birthday. Not the day I was born, but the day I was reborn.

I am not the same man I was.

I am slower, maybe. But I am deeper. Wiser. Grateful.

The left hand may still be stubborn, but the heart? It’s unstoppable.

So today, as the city raises its flags — so do I.

A survivor. A warrior. A living testament to the spirit of this city and the strength that rises when all else falls.

Happy Manila Day. Happy Survival Day.

#everyone #strokesurvivor

PCAP Gathering @FoodbytheCourt

 I had a blast at the PCAP Gathering yesterday (February 10, 2024) at Gil Puyat, Makati City.  For the first time, I was able to attend a group of chess arbiters, players, and owners.

Not only that the food were free - some games offered so many prizes for the interesting games.  There were also raffles.  My wife and I unexpectedly won two of them.  Yeheey.  One of the events was called "Chess Palaro" wherein each team composed of five members will play against 3 other teams.  I was just a substitute because I have not yet found a team, luckily, an arbiter back-out at the last minute due to previous commitments.  My group was so lucky that we tied for first (1-3) after 2 difficult games and won a very lucrative prize.  

Atty. Paul, the PCAP Commissioner, Chairman Michael Ong Chua, and Engr. Jojo of Team Camarines offered a substantial number of prizes for the participants.  Hats off to them.

I am looking forward to another PCAP event. 

Served as a Learning Manager during the MATATAG NTOT

 I accidentally landed a Learning Manager (LM) stint during the MATATAG NTOT last Febuary 5-9, 2024 at the Red Hotel, Quezon City.

Last Friday, February 2, two of my colleagues and I were called at the Office of the Director, NEAP and we were told that they were lacking 9 LMs and 6 documenters for the event.  I was hesitant at first since I have no training whatsoever on that kind of undertaking. I was about to back-out, but I remembered that I already have the Travel Authority (TA).  I thought I will just be a participant.  

After 30 minutes of discussion with Dir. Lea (NEAP) I accepted the task to be an LM since time is of the essence.  Additionally, I was also looking for leadership and management training, I thought it would be a good time.

Came the date of the workshop, I led the group of Grade 1 participants composed of CLMD chiefs, PSDS,  education supervisors, principals, school heads, and master teachers.  My tasks were assigned the group to have management of learning (MOLs), introduce participants, help the participants to be comfortable during the meeting, take photos, and the lists goes on and on.  I should fill the gap and patch it. 

I never knew that the work as an LM will be so taxing, but just like a knight helping her damsel in distress I took the challenge. I religiously performed the itinerary; it is quite boring - yes but it's worth it.  What were the challenges during the event? Too many to mention.  During the break, the elevator was full, the food was sometimes not delivered on time or perhaps lacking, the air condition was not that cold during the afternoon, the internet connectivity was poor, etc.  But I can't complain. I know it is a part of a learning process.  The ideal scenario was that all things must be working but really, it's not.  So I need to be patient, or the facilitators must.

With 600+ participants, 18 classes (break-out rooms), and a number of Program Management Team (PMT) - the event was really challenging. It's good that Director Lea (NEAP) and Director Sam (BCD) who guided us along the way.

At the end of the training, I learned that on the bidding documents there must only be 8 break-out rooms stated but the facilitators didn't know that even the participants.  Well, I just keep on complaining!

I just realized that there was a story behind a story.  As a leader, I must be patient.  What an experience.

A Brief: Socorro A. Pilor

From My Old Files: A Woman Who Taught Us More Than Mathematics

In one of those unexpected twists life throws our way, I once found myself tasked with introducing the Director of the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat — my former boss, Ms. Socorro A. Pilor — to a distinguished audience. I remember thinking, How do you condense a lifetime of dedication, brilliance, and humility into a few minutes at the podium?

Years have passed since that day, but while sorting through my old files in a quiet moment, I found the worn sheet of paper with my introduction still intact. And as I read it again, I realized it wasn’t just an introduction. It was a testament to a life’s work — and the story deserved to be told again.

Ms. Socorro A. Pilor’s journey began at St. Paul College, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education, major in Mathematics and minor in English. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics from De La Salle University, this time as a scholar of the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines.
From her earliest years as a young teacher at her alma mater — juggling math and English classes, inspiring both high school and college students — she showed a rare dedication to her craft. But she was not content to simply teach; she wanted to grow. That drive took her to the Division of City Schools in Manila, where she joined the ranks of Manila Science High School’s finest educators.

Her career opened doors to the world. She became a MOMBUSHO scholar in Japan, training for a year and a half at Tsukuba University. Later, she honed her skills in educational technology in Malaysia, learning to develop computer-assisted teaching tools for science and mathematics.

She was more than a teacher — she was a mentor, coach, and builder of champions. Under her guidance, her students brought home top honors in mathematics competitions. And while plaques and trophies filled her shelves, she often said her greatest award was seeing her students succeed in life. One of them, Dr. Raymond Sison, would go on to win the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award in 2010 — a full-circle moment for both mentor and mentee.

Her contributions extended far beyond the classroom. She became an editor of mathematics textbooks, a Supervising Instructional Materials Development Officer, and a recipient of the General Manager’s Award and the Outstanding Employee Certificate of Recognition. Eventually, she took the helm at the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat, first as Chief of the Evaluation and Training Division, and later, as its Executive Director.

On the day I introduced her, I ended with these words:

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Ms. Socorro A. Pilor, Executive Director of the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat of the Department of Education.”

Looking back now, I wish I had added something more — not about her titles or awards, but about the kind of leader she was. The kind who inspired without raising her voice, who corrected without belittling, and who believed in people more than they sometimes believed in themselves.

And perhaps that’s the truest introduction of all.

You Don't Have to Put All of Your Eggs in One Basket

 I have not posted anything here in months because I was so busy with my other tasks at the office.  Also, I am too engrossed in my role as a YouTuber.  For your information, my YT channel has reached a milestone, it has more than 1,500 subscribers, reached more than 4000 watch hours, and is now eligible for Ads. You can visit my channel and you can make some comments at As Good As I Can Be it is now running Ads and I am just waiting for the PIN for it to be monetized.  Please, don't forget to subscribe too.

You might wonder what comes to my mind to say something about the title of my blog.  Well, it goes this way.  I have two friends at the office who happened to be skillful and talented and they were promoted recently.  I am so happy for them, Mam Judy, also my Kababayan, was promoted from PDO III to Senior Education Program Specialist (SEPS) while my dear friend, George will be promoted from SEPS to Learning Resources Supervisor in DepEd Sorsogon City.

The abovementioned colleagues were so brilliant that they were entrusted with so many things at the office, e.g., Judy was tasked to perform duties in all procurement activities while George was tasked with National Math Programs at the office.  They were the lead roles without assistants, I am so afraid of what would happen just in case someone got sick or somebody went on a leave of absence. 

Now the challenge, because opportunity knocks - which anyone, of course, would grab.  Judy was promoted by another office a month ago while Goerge will be in DepEd Sorsogon City in August. Voila!  The positions will be vacant and there was a need to train new employees.  I am praying that our office will be able to get competent people like them.

Moving on, I felt that as a leader, you have to assign people other than the focal person(s) some vital tasks so as not to experience similar challenges in the future.  Hopefully, the problems will be over by now or in the coming weeks since new employees will be at the office soon.  

Tawa Muna Tayo

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These jokes are not mine, I just got them from friends and some details were from the internet.  Let us enjoy the day.  Nakuha ko pa eto during the Covid19 pandemic, nahalungkat ko lang mula sa baul.  Mga malulupit na tanong. Credits go to the Owner(s).

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I am Lito san.  I graduated with a Bacherlor of Sayang in Agree Culture Engine Erring.  Suma Kumbati.  Personal Belief: "My brain is divided into two parts: the right and the left.  On the right nothing is left.  On the left nothing is right."

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Teacher:  Good morning class.  Today I will discuss a lesson about Ethics 101.  But before that allow me to introduce myself.  I am Ms. Elena Pruke.  With an "R" ha. Miss Pruuke for short.

Students: Nagtawanan ng mahina.

Teacher:  Ok class.  Eyes on the board heto ang pag-aaralan natin sa buong semester. (Si titser itinuro ang syllabus at ilang details na nakasulat sa board.

Students:  Thank you Ms. Pruke.  (Medyo nagtatawanan pa rin.)

To cut the story short natapos na ang semester.  Another sem ulit.

Teacher: Ok class, Good morning. Nakakatuwa naman at kayo ulit ang mga students ko sa Ethics 102.  For your information Nakapag-asawa na ako ng foreigner kaya hindi na ninyo ako mapagtatawanan (may pagmamalaki).  

Teacher ulit: Ako na nga pala si Mrs. Elena Prekprek.  With an "R" ha.

Student:  Tawanan ulit. 

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Tatay:  Anak kumusta ang exam mo? Anong score mo?

Anak: Zero po Tatay.

Tatay: Ok lang iyan anak.  Pasensiya ka na, iyong kabobohan mo nakuha mo sa akin.

Anak:  Ok lang iyan Tatay.  Buti na lang hindi ko nakuha ang kapangitan mo!

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Patulong sa sagot alam kong kayang kaya nyo ito: 😜😜😜

Leakage-  questions in the latest UPCAT. Kindly read thoroughly and figure out the correct answers.

[1] Kung ikaw na si Batman, sino ang bahala sa yo? Give three examples.

[2] Sino ang kumagat sa logo ng Apple, at bakit hindi niya ito inubos?

[3] Kung may UPCAT, bakit walang UPDOG? Elaborate.

[4] Sa produktong Crayola, ano ang pinagkaiba ng yellow green sa green yellow? Explain using logarithmic functions.

[5] Kung ang 1 kg ay may 1000 g, ilang grams naman ang meron sa Instagram? Show your solution.

[6] Kung sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas may “”Panahon ng Amerikano, Hapon, Kastila at Pre-Colonial”, kailan naman matatagpuan ang Panahon ng Kopong-kopong? Ilahad ang mga mahalagang pangyayari at magpakita ng archaeological evidences.

[7] If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, bakit sila nagpunta sa Earth?

[8] Should you give up or should you just keep chasing pavements? Expound.

[9] Ano ang meron kay Brand X at galit na galit ang ibang brand sa kanya? Explain.

[10] Masasabi mo bang fair ang Ms. Universe kung lahat ng contestants at judges ay galing sa Earth? Explain.

[11] Kung walang kamay ang mga ibon, then why do birds suddenly APIR? Ipaliwanag.

[12] Sabi ng iba, napuntahan niya na lahat ng sulok ng mundo. Paano mo masasabi na may “sulok” ang mundo kung Oblate Spheroid naman ang hugis nito? Explain and draw your answer on a 1/4 sheet of graphing paper.

[13] May nalunod na ba sa lalim ng gabi? Kung meron, enumerate.

[14] Bakit ang tawag sa building building kung tapos na siya? Justify.

[15] Is this the real life? Or is this just fantasy? EXPLAIN.

[16] Gaano kadalas ang minsan? Enumerate.

[17] How did Adele set fire to the rain? Write the chemical formula.

[18] Kapag ang ipis nahulog sa tubig na may sabon, dudumi ba ang tubig o lilinis ang ipis?

[19]Bakit pababa nang pababa ang ispaghetti? Explicate using Newton’s Law of Gravitation.

[20] Does the moonlight shine on Paris after the sun goes down?

[21] Kung ang nakatusok na baboy ay barbeque, ang nakatusok na saging ay bananacue, bakit ang kabayo, carousel?

[22] Ilan ang butas sa isang cracker ng skyflakes? Illustrate.

[23] Bakit pag rush hour tsaka mabagal ang daloy ng traffic? Explain your answer using sign language.

[24] Nasaan ang Edge of Glory? Write your final answer in nautical miles.

[25] Ang breakfast ba at dinner, pwedeng ilagay sa lunchbox? Prove your answer."

New Vacancies at DepEd Central Office

 Dear Friends,

Do you have what it takes to be a government servant?  Well, this is your chance to be one.  The Department of Education is looking for dedicated and talented people to join the biggest public organization in the country.  The deadline for applications is on December 29, 2021. Apply now!

Mindoro Tamaraws Booked Quarterfinals Berth in PCAP

Dear Readers,

Last Saturday, July 17, 2021, the Mindoro Tamaraws made history by qualifying to the quarterfinals berth of the just concluded Play-in of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) sponsored by SGM Wesley So via online tournament through Zoom by upsetting the ever-reliable Palawan Queens Gambit team with a score of 11-10 in the first match and subduing them again via a score of 17-4 in the second match.

With the consistent scorers of Team Mindoro, the heroics of the Arena International Master Joselito Asi from Calapan City proved to be a huge surprise as he drew with WIM Beverly Mendoza in the blitz game and then won in a seemingly losing position in the final stretch of the rapid game.  His victory proved to be crucial as the team needed 2.0 points to advance to the second match since the score was 9-10 in favor of Palawan team which has a twice-to-beat advantage by virtue of its higher ranking.  On the brink of defeat and in a losing position, AIM Asi mated WIM Mendoza during the panic time thereby helping the Tamaraws moved to the second match with the score 11-10 thereby leasing a new life.

The Tamaraws fielded the same team members while the Queens reshuffled their board placing during the second match.  Since the Mindorenos gathered some momentum during the first match, their team continued to rake points and led 4-3 in blitz and needed only 7 points to win.  

During the Rapid match, however, boards 1 and 2 fell victim to accurate moves of the Palawan Queens early in the games and the players had to wait for the results of boards 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 for the complete scores.  

It was like waiting for eternity as the break-out room where the teams were assigned was so silent due to the importance of the games.  A few moments later, points were being written in the Zoom chatbox by the 5 Mindoro players signifying that they all won their remaining games.  What a sigh of relief, and the rest was history for the Mindoro Tamaraws!

Team Mindoro is thanking its sponsors and benefactors - Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan of Calapan City, Mayor Romulo "Muloy" Festin, LGU-San Jose Occidental Mindoro, Atty. Paul Elauria (PCAP President), Team Owner Mr. Justin Tan, and others. 

Team Composition:

Team Owner - Mr. Justin Tan

Team Manager/Board 1 - AGM Emmanuel Asi

Team Coach/Lady Player - ACM Michella Obaza Concio

Lady Player/Board 2/Import - WFM Szente-Varga Fruzsina (Hungary)

Lady Player - AFM Cylliz Kaessa M. Merilles

Seniors - Cesar Cunanan and Marcelo Abeleda

Homegrowns - USNM Rainier Labay, AGM Nezil Arj Merilles, Ronald Berdera, 

                         Zejih Angelo  Merilles, ACM Richard Allen Sicangco, and AIM Joselito Asi

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Eliminating Diabetes: Rotary Club of Manila

 Thank you so much Rotary Club of Manila and your transformational leaders for sharing your precious time and resources at the Claro M. Recto High School, Division of City Schools, Manila last December 4, 2020.  I was one of the recipients during this time of pandemic and I am so proud of your efforts.  May your tribe increase! #rotaryclubofmanila #rotaryinternational

 

Lifelong Leadership Congress

Good day friends from everywhere.

I had the opportunity to attend this important event sponsored by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) this November 2020.  Mind you, it is just the first day of the workshop and I felt that I was overwhelmed by information already.  

First and foremost, I had no intention to attend this important activity for I thought it was only for the Career Service Executive Eligibles and not for the Career Executive Service Written Examination (CESWE) passers like myself.  But the very moment that I received an email from CESB inviting me to go to that event I immediately grabbed that opportunity.

Here I am after answering the Adversity Quotient (AQ) and the  GRIT Gauge Assessments (GRIT Gauge) I felt that I was a renewed man.  AQ discusses one's ability to respond constructively and GRIT Gauge reliably predicts performance, learning, agility, resilience, tenacity, and well-being.

I did poorly on the first exam but recovered fully-well on the second one.  Amazing!

I have been attending various activities of CESB before but this one is giving me great satisfaction. 

Helping Cats in the Time of Turmoil

🏚️ Storm, Stray, and Sacrifice: A Mother Cat’s Typhoon Rescue

I’ll be honest — I’m not really a cat person. But yesterday? Yesterday changed something in me.

It was November 1, 2020, and Typhoon Rolly was throwing a fit over Binondo, Manila — strong winds howling through narrow alleys, rain pounding rooftops like a thousand drums. I was inside, focused, prepping for a big online Rapid Open Chess Tournament hosted by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines on Tornelo. All calculations, strategy, and focus.

Until life — raw and real — interrupted.

From the hallway outside our condo unit, through the screen door, I saw a mother cat scurrying back and forth, a tiny kitten gripped in her mouth. Panic was written all over her posture — not fear of humans, but that primal urgency of saving her babies from something bigger than all of us: nature in rage.

I didn’t pay her much mind at first. Chess awaited. But then she returned. And returned again. Each time, more frantic. Each time, wetter and more desperate.

That’s when it hit me. This wasn’t just a lost stray.

This was a mother on a mission.

I rushed to the door and opened it. She bolted in, kitten still clamped gently in her jaws. I wiped them dry with an old towel. But then, something unexpected happened.

She paused at the door. Looked back. Waited.

And then — zoom — ran out into the storm.

Two minutes later: she came back with another kitten.

Then another.

And another.

Until four kittens were safely inside.

This heroic feline made three dangerous trips in the middle of a typhoon, soaking wet, braving gusts that would knock a full-grown human off balance — all to save her babies.

And she trusted me — a non-cat person — with their lives. That moved me deeply.

The two older kittens we were feeding outside? Turns out, they were hers too. So I scooped them up and brought them in. A full family, reunited. Safe. Dry. Together.

I don’t know what tomorrow holds for this little clowder of survivors. But what I witnessed wasn’t just instinct.

It was love in motion, courage in action, and motherhood at its most fierce and fragile.

And somehow, in that storm, a piece of my heart got claimed by cats.

Yes — I may not be a cat person…

But maybe, just maybe, they chose me anyway. br /> style="clear: both; text-align: center;">