Thursday, November 28, 2013

Hashtag paba-on, Mister Donut!

A few months ago, I received a call about how we are as a review center for nurses. 
Little did I know that it was going to be the start of a life-long partnership between us. 

As the days left are only within our finger's number, I would like to express how you all changed us as persons and as teachers. No amount of money or recognition could eve replace the kind of feeling that we have for the trust that you all gave us. It isn't an easy job because you placed in our midst not money but your future and your family's. 

I am in awe how God moved things for all of us. 

Remember how we used to deal with the summer classes at our 'looban room'. 
It was something i remember because not one complained but what we felt were more of appreciation. 

Soon after, when we moved to the 'sosyal room' it was the final start of our journey as conquerors. We were happy each day as we tried to mend our schedule with your own schedule processing. We shared a lot of good things and God knows how much I endured everything and kept the ball rolling when I personally was catastrophic. Each time I face you, though I'm battling hurt and frustrations, you brought sunshine to my day.

As we drew closer to the last quarter of the year, we saw how you all struggled and worked your ass off to be where you all wanted to be. Some faltered and fell but you all brought each other back in your fighting form. 

I can not fathom how could a class like yours be that humble enough to admit that you know nothing and asked for help. That alone for me is the true essence of study. In our little abode we fix things and you greased to be the ready. 

Yes, be ready. But like I always tell you, no one goes to it ready. 

Whatever happens the day after the board exam will never change how I looked at you and the memories we all shared. 

You guys, have been a solid rock of bottomless courage for me. 

We all know and aware that we are nothing compared to all the others who are more than capable, but I am certain that what makes you better than all the others is your attitude. Between knowledge and attitude I will not think twice in choosing to teach a student who has the right attitude over the right aptitude. 

As we drew closer to the final days of our relationship as teacher and students, allow me to mention a few things I want you to remember about us. 

First and foremost, I thank you for the trust you gave us. (sobs)
For never doubting us amidst the fact that some of you may have been snatched, that some of you may have heard silly things and that most of you were asked why us. I am more than thankful for the genuine relationship that we all have. What i felt was not only as a teacher but as a mother, and unconditionally I will do my best to nurture you. 

Second, for being dedicated and following our guidance. Your dedication to study and pursue your dreams will earn you a realization of your dreams. 

Lastly, I want you all to know that we are just here for better or for worse. That what ever the result may be, we're all in this together. 

I think that this is the best season that we have. I think that I have the best students, the best experience and the best outcome. 

I am actually very very tired already, but that's just a statement. My stat of mind is bigger than any physical exhaustion. I am proud and happy for all of you. 

If I have to repeat everything in a heartbeat, I will do so. 


EXCELLERISTAS December 2013


Congratulations nurses and thank you very much!

God is awesome!

Tandaan! Mister Donut ang pasalubong ng bayan!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Paying it Forward

Stories about the supertyphoon Yolanda (Haiyan) still flood our country and the whole planet. The Filipino people is still gripping each other's hand in order for everyone to survive and grew stronger as the nation starts to rebuild a portion of the Visayas with nothing at hand except for hope.

In my own province, Negros Occidental, there are also parts that suffered the wrath of the supertyphoon; one in particular is Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City.

Gratitude goes to the kind who enjoined and sent out their gifts, money and effort to give the people a little bit of sunshine through a small pack of goods and clothes.

A total of 100 gifts were distributed to the families in Brgy. Tabunok. Though the total number of families affected counts to 380(+), we have at least served 1/3 of it and hopefully we will be able to return on December to cover the remaining 280.

For the meantime, here are a few pictures of the operation last November 24, 2013.

Upon arrival, people started forming a queue.


Kim, one of my students was the one in-charge for dispatching the goods form the pick up truck

Kim & Lira with teh little girls, smiling despite everything

Lira giving out the clothes we brought


Giving a little bit of spiel before handing out the goods



We asked recipients of goods to sign their names so that next time we can accommodate those who have not received yet











Special Thanks to Gilbert for volunteering his truck to transport the goods




And here are the names of the recipients. 
We actually coordinated with the barangay captain and sent out a coupon ahead of time so we could somehow control who receives the goods. And these coupons were given to the severely damaged households. 





Everything happened faster that I expected, and though we have given it still lingers in me the fact that there is still a lot of things to be done. I hope this is not the last.

Mothers were asking me if we brought a long pad papers and notebooks for school children because their school items got wet. I told them if we come back, I will bring some for the kids.

The relief project will not be successful and fulfilling if not for the gifts shared by the students and some private individuals. From the people pf Brgy. Tabunok, Cadiz City, Thank you very much.

Clothing:
1. Mr. Marlon Rey Anacleto
2. Ms. Mary Grace Baker
3. Ms. Tricia Cuenca
4. Ms. Dulce Verde Regatalio
5. Excellero Review System students
6. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas

Canned Goods
1. MJ Alpas
2. Dyeka Tuparan

Noodles
1. Riverside College Caregiver Class of 71 thru Verlyn Malvas

Rice
1. Ms Lydia Jackie Rivera of California

Special thanks to:
Sir Daniel Francis Sustento, Steve Genzola, Kim Villarosa, Lira Catalan, Serlyn Locanilao & family and Gilbert Tan for helping out in the repacking and distribution of goods.

We hope that more and more people will be inspired to reach out as we have bigger goals to meet.
We are still planning the second leg of this relief operation by December and we welcome those who are still willing to help us in any way.

God bless and Mabuhay ang nagtutulungang Pilipino!