Pao.Pao's Letters to 8Edmonton 2012-2013

               Minutes from now each one of us will be leaving this place we called home. It had been a wonderful year and this was just an ordinary classroom. Now, I believe that we could all say that it had gone so fast and another chapter of our lives has ended. Every end opens up to new beginnings. Beginnings that we will all take part into and will create another set of memories. Memories in another classroom, with another set of classmates, new set of friends and teachers, new set of classes and for you a new adviser to deal with.

                

We did not start big. We barely knew each other from the start. But it was never that hard to get along. We started with our first achievement as a class and more of a family through decorating our humble house. I was proud, we were proud. I was happy because we seem to connect. And it was a very good connection indeed. We had a lot of time together, and we did not fail to capture these memories as a whole. Every time I looked at them, I always say that, “This is my class. I am lucky to have them and proud to be part of this class.” And tears will run down my cheeks. Cheesy.

               

 Sometimes at night I think of what will you all be doing when you get there to the next level. I always hope that you will be in good hands but sometimes I fear that you might not be comfortable with where you will be and what’s worst is I will not be able to do anything about it. It is not wise to trouble ourselves for things yet to come. But I want you all to remember that I am just down one level. You can always run to me.

              

 Before we all leave and bid this place goodbye, let me share some things to each and every one of you. Things that I have seen in you and things I wanted to tell you now that I still have the right to say them. (Disclaimer: The following things you will be hearing might make you cry so please get ready with your own tissue papers.)

Alvin: You have the power of knowledge. I hope you will be able to use them wisely and use it to help others as well. Keep yourself always intact on the ground. You are a good person, I know you are. Make friends..good friends and take care of them.

Audrey: Thank you for your diligence. You have served your position well. Always keep a humble heart that is not easy to temper for it will make you look old easily. Enjoy life. Don’t trouble yourself with things you cannot change instead deal with things you can control.

Dhea: I have given you my understanding and I bet not everyone will be the same, but always keep in mind that the world maybe harsh, but there will always be people who will be ready to lift you up. Choose wisely. Stay humble with your gift, this will either lift you up or bring you down. Stay strong to what you believe is right.

Celine: My mom taught me to be a giver and I wish you do the same. Give to the less fortunate the things you do not deserve. Never settle for anything less. You know what’s your worth so demand for something more. It is true that tears are a woman’s greatest weapon, for it is a man’s weakness to see a girl crying. Use it well. Love is not perfect, but it is with these imperfections we see the beauty within others. Use your heart at the same time with your head.

Cindy: Diamonds are made through constant pressure. When life presses you hard, you are being prepared for something big. Hang-on and stay strong. Believe in yourself and your talents. You are never alone and you will never be. Stay true to yourself and to others.

Dhelya: Capturing moments is a great way to look back at the past. Learn from them but don’t stay there. There’s a lot more to deal within the present and to look forward in the future. Keep a true smile. It is your greatest asset.

Gaby: Books can make you go a thousand miles, introduce new personalities and can give you the inspiration you need. Pick up the things you learn from reading books and apply it to reality. Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet cool people, anyway, you have not met me in the books you have read right? I hope you got what I mean. Enjoy life. There’s more to life than books and studies. Chase your dreams wildly and be the person you wanted to be.

Rere: The class treasure keeper. Sometimes I get pissed with how well you speak with sarcasm but I realized there are more people around in my work area that pisses me more than you do. Stay calm and stay humble. You are a trust-worthy guy. They say money is a devil in material form for it pollutes the minds of the greedy, but a simple person need not of material things for he is contented with what he has. You for one is a good man. Keep it up.

Irsyad: Your childish ways makes me feel young, at least young at heart. Soon you will grow up and will have more things to deal with. Be prepared for it. Treasure your parents they love you so much. Hope that you will still be able to recommend good songs to me. Stay sweet and young at heart.

Jamus: My quiet little man. It is because of you I learned the value of keeping one’s mouth shut for things that are unnecessary. Sometimes I feel that I have not spent much time with you. But I respect your silence and I know you will always be alright. Speak for the things that you think are right. Don’t be afraid that you will be judged because of what you say. Smile. You won’t know if someone gets interested with your smile.

Johann: You’re street smart. You seem to know more things about anything and everything. Control your emotions. Stay calm and be a good friend, I know you are.

Kevin: Perseverance is the key. Your hard work has paid off. I learned patience from you. I am sorry if most of the time I am not good to talk to. I know you can sense that. You have a very sensitive heart. I may not have shown you how concerned, how I care and how happy I am to know that you made it, because honestly, from the very start knowing your academic status, I said to myself that I will make you as my project this year, that if I will not be able to make you pass, I will go back home to where I truly belong. But you made me stay for another year here. Thanks for that. I wish you success in all your aspirations.

Michelle: Good things come to those who wait but it would be better if you know how to grab them fast. Explore. Be yourself. Be a risk taker. Don’t hold anything back. Have you tried breaking some rules? If not, try it and tell me how it feels. Do something for yourself. It is okay to sometimes reward oneself of things we think we do not deserve. You have loving parents and a brother who will always be there to protect you. Treasure the bond you have with your family and friends.

Nethania: When I saw you cry after knowing you passed grade 8, I swear its like recorded in mind and every time I remember it, I got teary eyed. During that moment, I felt proud of myself. Always keep your hopes up and move to the direction of these hopes. Never let anything come to your way. Success will be yours if you truly desire it. Get inspiration from your parents, friends, classmates and teachers. It will help you a lot not only in school but also to your future endeavors. You’ve done a great job. Keep it up!

Raihan: Still remember when you ask for advice on how to deal with problems of the heart? Remember too the first time you did not smile on our class pic, right after the Teacher’s Appreciation Day? I know I told you I was not satisfied with your performance and I do hope you understand why I said that. Thanks for the trust and the company as well. You’re the kind of guy who loves deeply but learn to keep some for yourself. Temper is your greatest enemy. Learn to control it so you will not be able to hurt others with your words and with your actions. Remember that whatever said and done, cannot be taken again.

Nadhira:  Thanks for lending me the book. Sorry if I was not able to finish it, got tied with things and it is only but occasional I got to get a hang-on with reading. Thank you for being an obedient student and a respectful child. At first I thought you’re going to be trouble by giving me some non-sense attitude, but you were not. You were the reverse of what I thought of. And I am glad I was wrong. Continue to be a person who is always ready to offer a helping hand to others.

Natasya: When you are bound to lose things, you are bound to get new ones. Don’t fret on things that did not work out even though you have done your best. There are really things in this world that does not require change but more of acceptance. Accept humbly what comes to you. Stay sweet, true and humble. With what you lack from height now, you have replaced it more with the goodness in your heart. Don’t bother much on how high you stand, remember too that there are things you can do that others find difficulty in doing.

Diva: You are unique in any way possible. I am happy that you belong to our class. Though there are a lot of things that seemed to be similar between you and your twin, it’s only you who truly knows yourself. Don’t be afraid to stand out, to be different it is your right. I may not have taught you the importance of time this year; I do hope that you will be able to learn it soon. For time is gold. Whatever lost time will never be regained again. Stay active and keep that smiling face.

Olive: Thank you for helping me to take good care of your classmates. It has been an honor for me that you belong in my class. Thanks for assisting the class for things that they have been in need of during the past months. You’re a talented person and a lovable sister and daughter. I hope you will not fail your parents. You are their pride and you have been mine this year. Thanks for making me a proud CA.

Prada: Of the 25 kiddos here in class, I think I have been too hard on you. And with that, I want to apologize for making you cry every time I have to teach you a lesson. I could still remember the time when I have to send you out because of the hair cut issue then you cried. You were not able to had hair cut that time because of the death of your grandfather. Sorry if I have been selfish and always go by the book. I do hope that you do your best to gain friends and not enemies. I know you are a playful kid but be sensitive also.  

Shafira: My smiling angel, still remember the time I called you that? When you thought I have forgotten to greet you on your special day? I was good right? I was able to make you believe I truly forgot it but I never did. Sorry if it made you upset that day. Fira, your greatest asset is your smile. It’s your natural magnet. With your smile and cheerful personality, you tend to attract people and not only people but positive vibes. Thanks for reminding me to smile everyday especially during tough times. You are one of a kind. Stay humble too and don’t ever think that you are less than a person because of your skin color. I wish you become what you wanted to be in the near future.

Teddy: I remember during the first few months of the year when you cried and had a fight with Agathon and Prada. During that time, when I talked to you, I felt like I was a father already. I even thought if I ever wanted to have a family and children, and I said that time, “I think I wanted to.” Anyway, Teddy, at your age I can sense maturity in you. And I do hope you would stay positive and happy. I know that there are times that things are hard to accept. Learn to accept and learn to let go. Don’t dwell in anger and sadness. You are capable of making people happy you just have to try.

Grace: Your talent in drawing is exceptional. Develop this talent that you have so you could convey your feelings to others whom you think will have a hard time understanding you. You have a good personality; you just have to open yourself more to others. Use your talent to inspire others and be an object of inspiration.

William: You are the type of person who knows how to listen. It’s rare to find a boy who will not fight back when corrected by his senior. I saw in you the goodness of listening and accepting one’s fault. You have a good heart that when you know you are wrong, you instantly and sincerely say sorry for it. With your personality like that, I can say you’re parents have raised you well. Keep that attitude of knowing how and when to listen. I envy you for having that kind of trait. I will miss your playfulness. And in addition, I remember when you gave me a hug last week and said that you might not have the chance to do that again. I hope you’re wrong on that. Stay cool.

Agathon: I think of all 8E kiddos here, your name is the name I mostly call or say even when you are not around. How I wish that every time I will call your name, money will come out of my pocket. And I will be the richest man on Earth. But of course that will never happen. Agathon, I have never considered you to be a pain in the neck, pain in the ass or pain wherever in my class. It is your carefree and spontaneous attitude that I will be missing. From all the things I have heard from your past teachers, I think they are talking about another Agathon. I admit, and I think your classmates would agree that, without you in this class, it will never be a memorable class like this. I am happy I have you in my class; we have you in our class. That it is with this happiness that it is hard to let you all go.

With all these things said and done, I always thank God that He has been good to me this year. I may have lost a lot of things already this year that you have no idea of, but it’s good that I did not lose you all. You all have been a blessing to me. You all are the reason why I wanted to go up in bed and go to work.  Thank you for being such wonderful individuals. I too have learned a lot from you for this year. And I will always look back on these days that we had. It was indeed a great year. It was never long and it was not that short, just enough for us to know each other. Thank you.

With all these said and done, I wish you would be able to forgive me for all the things I have failed to do, for all the things that caused you sadness and pain, for making you cry and for misunderstanding you. Just like you and everyone else, I am not perfect.

I wish I could make two worlds meet, so you would be able to meet the first students I have treated this way and treated me this way in the Philippines. I could imagine how wonderful it would be. I told them our stories and I could feel how jealous they were because what I did to them before and what they did to me, happened again in your class for the second time in my seven years of being an educator.

I wish you all well and hope that you would never forget that once in our merry lives, our paths have crossed; our lives have intertwined and formed a bond that nothing can compare. I wish we could do these again in the future and catch up with what we have been doing.
 

And before I end this long letter of mine, let me ask one more thing from all of you. Please do me a favor, please take good care of yourselves because I may still be around when you go up there but I will lose all the right to take good care all of you since someone else will be replacing my place and I will have to take good care of new souls too.

Always remember, “mahal na mahal kayo ni PaoPao (PaoPao loves you very much) and I am proud I am 8Edmonton, we are 8Edmonton.”

Exam Invigilation Day 5 - General Science

            Last day of the exams ngayon for the students, swerte ko wala akong kahit anong invigilation duties. Legal ang pagsusulat ko. This time I will not talk about the mentioned subject above kasi baka maging bias lang ako dahil yan ang subject na tinuturo ko. Mas maganda kung ibang topic na lang. Sakto! World Teachers Day ngayon at ako ay isang guro – kagaya mo.

            Kung tutuusin, lahat naman tayo ay maituturing na isang guro sa kung anong aspeto o parte man ng buhay tayo nabibilang. Lahat naman tayo ay  may kakayahang magturo, kung ito man ay may kadalian o kahirapan, o kaya naman ay natutunan natin sa iba ding guro o kaya naman ay itinuro sa atin ng tinatawag nating “experience”. May iba nga lang na kagaya ko ay nagpakadalubhasa at sinuyod ng mabuti ang sining ng pagtuturo at pinili ang landas na mahirap tahakin at bagtasin. I’m sure marami ang sasang-ayon sa aking huling sinabi.

            Lahat naman tayo ay matatawag na guro and at the same time ay naging estudyante, mabuti man o hindi bahala ka ng humusga, belat! Naaalala ko noong nag-aaral pa ako upang maging isang mahusay at mabuting guro, may nakapagsabi sa akin at sa sampu ng aking mga kamag-aral na, “kung walang teacher, wala din ang ibang propesyon.” Ang mga doktor, inhinyero, arkitekto, mga nars, siyentipiko, pilosopo, abogado, mambabatas, congressman, senador at mi ultimo ang president ng bansa ay dumaan sa iba’t-ibang klase ng teacher. Sila ay hinubog, nahikayat o naimpluwensyahan din ng kanilang mga naging guro. Kagaya nila, ako ay naimpluwnesyahan din ng aking mga naging titser.

            Aminin man natin o hindi, bawat isa sa atin ay may kinagigiliwan at pinagpapantasyahang (kung ano man yun, bahala ka na ulit) Ma’am at Sir noong nag-aaral pa. At siyempre kung may teacher’s enemy, sigurado ako mayroon ding student’s enemy version ng mga guro. Lahat sila ay may impact directly or indirectly kung nasaan man tayo ngayon, maliit man o malaki ang ganap.

            Madali na mahirap ang pagiging guro. Madali siya in a sense na kung ikaw yung tipo ng tao na nag-eenjoy sa paghuhubog ng mga mura at masasayang isip, para mo ng playground ang classroom at ang school ay isang malaking amusement park. Masaya magturo. Masayang makipagkulitan sa mga estudyante at masaya ding malaman na masaya sila sa iyo. Nagiging mahirap lang ito kasi bukod sa paglilinang at paghuhubog ng  personalidad ng mga magiging mamamayan sa hinaharap, kailangan mo ng balance. Balanseng buhay. Mahirap kasi maraming dapat isaalang-alang – in short – demanding. Mula sa simpleng ayos ng buhok; itsura at expression ng mukha; postura ng pagtindig, paglakad at pagkilos; salitang sinasambit; pananamit; bugso ng dadamdamin hanggang sa mga bagay na pinopost sa cyberspace, lugar na pinupuntahan, libangan at nararamdaman ng kalooban; lahat ng ito ay may dagliang epekto sa pagiging guro mo sa loob o labas man ng silid-aralan. Ngunit nais kong ipabatid, gaya ninyo, na tao din ang mga guro – may karapatan.  

            Maselan ang landas na tinatahak ng bawat Miss at Mister ng paaralan. Maselan dahil sa mga guro nakasalalay kung ano ang magiging itsura ng hinaharap. Maselan kasi may mga bagay na kailangang iprioritize bago ang sarili. Maselan kasi hindi lang ang asignaturang iyong pinag-aralan ang iyong ituturo. Maselan kasi hindi lang sa loob ng klasrum nagaganap ang pagtuturo. At maselan kasi hindi lang isa o dalawa o tatlong murang isipan lang ang tatamnan mo kung hindi X multiplied to Y ang peg nito. Where X is the number of students per class multiplied to Y, where Y is the number of classes you handle. Boom! Ganoon siya karami, idagdag mo pa pala ang Z, where Z is the number of years you’ve been teaching. Nakanang! Nag-maths ako! WOW!

            Mukha mang relationship status na it’s complicated ang pagiging titser, hindi naman matatawaran ng kahit anong pisikal na yaman ang tagumpay ng pagiging isang mabuting guro. Hindi man natutumbasan ng pilak, ginto o kapal ng laman ng wallet ang sakripisyong iniinda ng bawat guro, sapat ng yaman ang makita ang mga murang isip na natamnan na maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap na minsa’y isang kathang isip lamang. Sapat na maalala at mapasalamatan at paminsan-minsang maambunan ng tiwalang minsa’y inasam mo din sa iyong mga naging taga-hubog.

            Ang pagiging guro ay hindi nagsisimula sa oras na pumatak ang ala-siyete o sa pagpasok mo sa silid aralan o natatapos sa pag-ring ng bell sa hapon. Ito ay isang buhay, buhay na ibinabahagi upang maging inspirasyon at ipagpatuloy ang paghubog ng mabuting mamamayan sa mga susunod na henerasyon.

SALAMAT SA MGA NAGING TEACHER NG BUHAY KO – SALAMAT SA IYO!

No Contest

 I know I don’t have to compete with him for your attention because we are not in a competition, and at the same time you are not a prize to covet for.

I am confident that even though I don’t do the things he do or how he does it, I know I have a space, that space I can call my own in your heart.

It may not be a big space that I would have wished for but it is an enough space to appease my longing to touch you and to be with you again.

                                                     -Sept. 24, 2012

Huling Hirit sa Love Month

      Honestly, ilang araw na din akong nag-iisip at kumukuha ng buwelo para sumulat ng Valentine note for this year. I got preoccupied with a lot of things until I got pressured kasi ang lapit na ng Valentine’s Day pero wala pa din akong naiisip. Until one day, out of the blue, naghanap ako ng panulat at susulatan at nagsimula na namang magtae ang ballpen ko. Sa mga makakabasa nito, uunahan ko na kayo. Kung hindi niyo na gusto ang inyong nababasa pwede namang tumigil, pero kung matiyaga ka gaya ko at gaya niya, you might find something else at the end.

            Let me just start with the things I highlighted from my last year’s post. From my previous post, Valentimes Day, I mentioned on how people go gaga over the sight of their suitors, special someone, crush, iniirog o sinisinta when they are being given with the ever famous, heart-shaped Ferrero Rocher. Hindi ko alam kung anong napakaspecial at nakakakilig with that high-end golden wrapped sweets until I received one last December 28, 2011. In my 26 years of existence, that was the first time I received that kind of chocolate. And I can attest that there is really something which is beyond words can explain. Pero kung tutuusin, isa lang naman yung tsokolate na gaya din ng ibang tsokolate. Nasa kanya-kanyang style na lang yun kung paano ibibigay (in my case it was very surprising at sa tuwing naaalala ko yun I can’t help but smile the way I smiled when I received it) at kung sino ang nagbigay. Happiness undefined. Kaya sa taong nagbigay sa akin ng heart-shaped Ferrero Rocher chocolate nun, salamat! Sa uulitin at sa muli kong pagbabalik.

               Natatandaan ko din at the last part of my note bago ako nagpakaadik mode on John Llyod’s line sa movieng My Amnesia Girl, I wished na sana sa next Valentine’s Day (this year yun, 2012) ay may pagbabago naman. It sure did happen after 12 long months. This time, this is it. My heart is not alone and at the same time not lonely during the Happy Hearts Day. Thank you Lord!

                Actually nagsimula ang Valentine’s ko nang mas maaga. Although hindi ko pa masabi noon na yun na yung start ng Valentine’s Day ko, ang alam ko nung araw na yun kami nagsimula. October 23, 2011 quoting the private message, “Add kita…from Calamba din ako… :)”, hanggang sa naging consistent, constant ang communication (3 C’s) namin. Online kulitan, pick-up-an (pick-up lines), kamustahan at day countdowns until we decided to meet when I came back from my work place in another country. After that night (December 21, 2011) we both called destiny, when he chose to ride that jeepney to go to our meeting place (nagkaroon kasi ng misunderstanding about the location) where I am waiting, everything started to make sense. I thank God for that wonderful moment kahit na nung una medyo alangan pa ako. After that, surprises started to come overflowingly. Inaraw-araw niya ako. The person who made my smiles a lot better, who never failed to do new things for me every waking day. The person who accepted and embraced me without doubt even if I cannot manage my insecurities. The person who patiently awaits for my return.

                  Hindi man kita nakasama nung Araw ng mga Puso, sana nagustuhan mo yung simpleng surprise ko sa iyo. Lagi mong tatandaan at lagi mong iisipin na mahal na mahal kita at ikaw lang ang nag-iisa dito sa puso ko even if we are 1726.4 miles apart. Darating din yung time na we will celebrate special days together. I just hope na sana as each day passes by, we let our love to each other grow and be stronger than the challenges and temptations that we are going to face. I know that it will not be long and we will be together again and do things we both love doing. Sa ngayon, kailangan muna nating magtiis at lampasan ang challenge na ito para sa huli, we could say that pareho tayong naging survivor. Salamat sa lahat. 

Adik Mode:

                 Love is about acceptance and contentment. Yes, that person may not be ideal nor the one you dreamed about. But if you accept who that person is and is contented with what that person can offer, then you found something...the seed of a good relationship.  And the key to a successful relationship is to treat it like a school test. You mark the mistakes but in the end, it's the correct answers that count.

1st ever Heart-shaped Ferrero Rocher