A shot with a shot.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

New Important Words

I just learned two new important words...

D - Drop
E - Everything
A - And
R - Read

It was shared by Dr. Benilda S. Santos of Ateneo de Manila University.

M - Make
E - Excellence
A - A
N - Necessity

It was shared by Dr. Churchita A. Villarin, Education Supervisor II of Region VII.

I got these information from our Regional Cluster Training of Textbook Evaluators at Ecotech, Cebu City.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Trip to Boracay Island

This was the second time my wife and I spent a weekend at Boracay Island. If you love to be spoiled and live a pampered lifestyle, Patio Pacific is the place to be. Own a room yourselves, simply gorgeous .... and the bathroom was soooo nice. It’s away from the noisy crowd but within 10 minutes you can be right were the action is. I always come back from Boracay as a renewed person.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Just finished another course, A Journey of Grit, Growth, and Global Vision

I am so happy today! I just finished another course at Philippine Normal University and I earned a Certificate in Teaching Profession. I could have finish this course last year but an abrupt stint at Okinawa, Japan made me missed the opportunity. Now, I'm back with my old fighting spirit. God is so good.

In a world where challenges often dictate the limits of one’s dreams, I chose to write a different story—one of resilience, lifelong learning, and service.

My academic journey began at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), where I earned my Master’s in Government Management (MGM). My time at PLM was not merely about obtaining a degree; it was about developing the skills and mindset to lead, serve, and solve problems with innovation and integrity.

The pursuit of growth didn’t stop there. Through TESDA, I was selected for a scholarship program in Application of Multimedia Technology for E-Education in Okinawa, Japan. This experience expanded my vision of how technology can transform education, giving me firsthand exposure to world-class e-learning innovations. It was in Okinawa where I first glimpsed the power of multimedia in bridging educational gaps—an insight since carried back to the Philippines, influencing mywork as an Education Program Specialist II.

To further strengthen my ability to shape the next generation, I pursued my Certificate in Teaching at the Philippine Normal University (PNU)—cementing my role not just as a policy leader but also as an educator at heart.

Today, I am not just applying for scholarships; I am applying for opportunities to create impact. With every milestone—from PLM to Okinawa, from TESDA to PNU—I proved that education is a lifelong journey, and that every challenge can be transformed into a stepping stone. My goal is to harness cutting-edge technology, multimedia, and education strategies to serve communities both in the Philippines and across Asia.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

EMPOWERED

I saw these desired attributes on the wall of Philippine Normal University, College of Education. I believe every individual must be empowered.

E - xercises effective communication
M - anifests professional competence
P - ossesses adequate knowledge of the discipline
O - bserves professional ethics
W - elcomes progressive innovation and change
E - xhibits a deep sense of rationalism on global perspectives
R - adiates a caring attitude for others
E - ngages in effective problem solving and decision-making
D - emonstrates personal integrity

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Working with Pleasure

My superior assigned me to different regions in the country and I am very impressed with what I saw. Not only did I learn new things about my work I also enjoyed it. I was able to meet new friends on my trips too. I been to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao - the three major islands of the Philippines.

Here are some photos... I hope you'll like it.

A glimpse of Tuguegarao, Cagayan sunset

As the name suggests ... a museum in Iloilo

A rock at RELC Angeles City, Pampanga

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Blast from the Past (My First Week in Okinawa)

I arrived from Manila last November 27, 2007 with a bag full of knowledge which I shared no-end with my friends and colleagues here in Okinawa.
I started forming impressions on Japan as soon as I landed in Narita Airport. When I made it through the landing procedure of the Bureau of Immigration, I found my luggage lined up and lifted from baggage carousel. As soon as I approached the JICA counter at the airport, I was provided with a ticket to a limousine bus, escorted to the bus stop and was whisked to the Haneda Airport then travelled again by plane to Okinawa where I was cheerfully assisted by 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 entertained me by telling wonderful experiences during their first week of stay. The following activities at the center also made me imbibe some values of the Japanese - particularly love for work and promptness.
Oooh... how can I forget the raffle day for the trainee to attend an Observation Tour at Okinawa Aquarium (believe me it was so huge and was in the deepest part of the sea). 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 would be a great idea... maybe I could get a slot... oh 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 backout 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 persons called the staff that they won't be able to join... another three called and sent peelers that they won't be able to make it... after 10 minutes 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 heartbeat. But no one backed-out...
The coordinator then made a signal to the driver to start the engine... I got so frustrated and sad... so I prepared myself to leave and never to look back again...
While walking (with my head showing 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.