" Always keep the candle lighted"

November 4 2007


Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco





I regularly watched the Sunday T.V. Mass in Studio 23, Where Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite S.V.D was the celebrant. I liked the way he explained the gospel. H e used analogies in making things simple out of complexities. As I recall the homely last October 21, he shared a poem about 2 frogs, who both fell in the deep cream. The first frog accepted his fate, then bade goodbye and drowned. While the second frog could not accept to die without doing anything. He said " I can't give up and I wont give in." So, he just swam and swam over the cream until it became hard and the frog came out and survived.
According to him persistence is the name of the game. To continue hoping and believing that victory will come. It is so easy to succumb to discouragement, but persistence to do good will overcome evil. And remember that faith is not always walking in the light but persistence in believing while walking in the dark.

Why? And Why? Behind the Why?

November 4, 2007

Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco






As I stood amidst the crowd of different people from all walks of lives,with different faces and stories,phenomenally brought together by a common aspirations. I silently listened to their real drama, then I asked myself-" Am I not satisfied of what I have now? Why do I have to continuously studying? I reflected and finally find the answers to my questions- YES!,I am not yet satisfied of what I have now and what I give to my family. Just like other parents, I want to give the best for my family...... and education is the answer. But pursuing my post graduate studies is not easy, especially to a mother like me, who is playing several roles in my own untelevised drama. A daughter yo a paralyzed mother, A sister, A wife, A mother to two children and a career woman. several times I've encountered hardships and trials that my human weakness almost dragged me down.But through the help of my understanding mentor who keeps on encouraging me to go on till the end, and also my determination to give my family a better and brighter future serves as the motivating factor to keep me going. There are times that I asked myself the same question but I am not convince of my answer, as if I am just convincing myself that all my sacrifices is really for my family or maybe it is only for my personal satisfaction. sometimes I feel guilty when my kids asked me.........." Mommy bakit ka pa po nag- aaral eh teacher ka na? "And I answered back......." Para ma permanent na si mommy at ng hindi na tayo mahirapan finacially........"Which is not really true because for a fact that even if I finished my post graduate studies there is no assurance that I will be given a permanent appointment. Nowadays, its so hard to be given a permanent appointment.But one thing is for sure, I am happy of what I am doing.I keep on burning the midnight oil not because I want to get high or decent grades for I know, grades do not really measure intelligence rather they gauge. Grades is not the driving force to keep me going. It is best to look at the larger picture, as I recall the old fable of the stone cutters: A visitor to a city found three men cutting stone and asked what they were doing. The first said," I'm obviously cutting stone, " The second replied; " I'm making a living for my family."The third declared with enthusiasm. " I'm building a cathedral. Its clear who among the three reaped joy and success from an otherwise tedious job. This assumes that what I am doing is indeed relevant to my life calling. I find dignity and meaning of my existence.

Nature's Wrath

October 30 2007



Ms. Jeniffer S. Francisco






You might have already read in the news paper or heard over the news about the alarming change in the climate in the world. this may have not interest you,since your attention is on political issues that confront our country especially the granting of presidential pardon to former pres. Estrada.you might have also wondered why the weather is quite not natural (experiencing. the freezing temperature in early morning and the heat of the sun when it is already 8 o'clock or nine) but since you have a lot of work and you are a busy person you think that this no worth your scrutiny. you might have heard somebody saying that there is a news that Aruba will be the first country which will be wiped out from the global map because of the rising sea level but you feel that it is impossible to happen or you must not care since it will not affect you, your not a citizen of Aruba anyway. But my friend; I am telling you, these occurrences are not worth our apathy. Before not deciding to know about these, think twice, you might wake up someday floating amidst the ocean; no more land to be found.This is not only an issue in America but it is a social issue of the whole world.
If we see the reason behind this,it can be revealed that it is due primarily to the increase of carbon dioxide and other gases in earth's atmosphere.while it is true that we need these gases to ensure the habitability of our planet because these provide heat to its surface,he abrupt increase in their amount led to the sudden increase of earth's temperature posing dangers already to us. we cant blame anybody else except ourselves for this occurrence . the global warming we experience is not a product of natural occurrences rather it is due to excessive human activities. by burning fossil fuel, use of chemical sprays, oil, and clearing out forests we paved way to the occurrence of this environmental concern. the evidence to this is overwhelming and reliable.
All indications are pointing to the fact that this crisis will pose immeasurable dangers to humans. Scientist have already seen the association between the catastrophic events that hit several countries in the world with this. they agreed in saying that this caused the number of hurricanes to double in 30 years. They also claimed that this will caused the glaciers to melt, making plants and animals react negatively to it. some species were even forced to change habitat forcing them to get nearer to the pole. the biodiversity is reported to have reduced causing the abrupt process of extinction several species of flora and fauna.
This is not the end of the story about the perverse effects of this problem. scientists are one in saying that if the increase in temperature will not decrease, people will experience the catastrophic consequences. Death will double in the next 25 years, global sea level will rise and sea will engulf low lying countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and parts of Scandinavia, heat waves will be more intense, droughts and wildfire will occur more often, like what happened in California, the arctic ocean will be free of ice by 2025, and by this time more species will be driven to extinction. This is the sad reality that we are facing right now. But although our situation may appear to be hopeless, we can still do something to save mother earth and ourselves. In fact it is our moral obligation to do so. It is not yet too late for us to move. Let us just remember that we are contributors to the increase of carbon dioxide. By not burning things and by controlling our use of appliances, and chemical sprays which do emit CO2, we can help in helping the world not to experience the ill fate waiting ahead. Let us try to be more careful and conscious this time of what we do. Let us asses if our actions will further the damage we've caused to our planet. We know exactly the fact that there is no other planet that can offer life to us except this.
We are now being called to act, and it cannot Accommodate any postponements. We should act now before its too late.......before we regret of doing nothing to save this planet for the next generation.

A Letter by: Simeon B. Botor

A LETTER


11:00 pm
August 4, 2007


My Dear Blog,

I will tell you something. It concerns about my life – the first dawn of consciousness with awareness, the aspirations, the dreams and the experiences. It embraces my struggles, pains, loneliness, frustrations, happiness, and my very little success due to patience, perseverance, hardships, and determination. It divulges my beliefs, principles and philosophies which I hold and protect so dear and maintain throughout my life. It springs of course from my very self, from my family, close kins, neighbors, friends, associates, institutions and generally from the environment where I have been meshed. This disclosure might impute me whoever reads it of who and what I am and how I become. Nevertheless, anyone who has an access to such might be able to glean lesson or lessons and wisdom from it. Please understand me my blog if I present those above at random. Every item with or without title however, is closed by a short parallel line and the whole things would have the heading:


“THE MANY BITS OF MY LIFE”

The Many Things I Have To Be Thankful...

The Many Things I Have To Be thankful…
by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante

There are so many things I have to be thankful. First and foremost, I am thankful for my parents for giving me the opportunity to live. Because of this I was able to experience how it is to cry and laugh. They tried to give me the best education that they can offer me by letting me pursue my course in one of the prestigious schools in the Philippines. This is despite their meager income and the uncertainty of me finishing the course that I have chosen. This in able me to showcase my talents and develop my personal being to the fullest.

I am also thankful for my brothers, sisters, my relatives and other members of my family who are ever willing to support and assist me in all my undertakings. Whether I succeed or not they are always there to accept me for what I am and not for what they expect me to be. Although I could say that I am more privileged educationally and intellectually, they treated me as a simple and ordinary person who is prone to commit mistakes and ever willing to change for the better. They never question my actions and kept their trust in me no matter what. They are always there whenever I need them may it be financially, emotionally or whatever kind.

I am likewise thankful for my husband because of Him I was able to stand up from the greatest trial of my life. He accepted me for what I am and not for what he expects me to be. He was ever willing to support me in all my endeavors even if it would mean freeing me from doing household chores. He is very understanding to always give in during times of conflict and misunderstanding. He is always there to give more than what he can offers. Despite his being an only son he is very willing to learn and forget about his principle if only for the good of the family.

I am thankful for my beautiful children who are ever ready to serve and compromise for their shortcomings as well as me and my husband’s shortcomings. They are always ready to patiently observed and wait for the time when I am ready to give them my assistance and guidance. They are God-fearing who understand the reason of why they have to do things in accordance with the teachings of God. They never complain for the less time I have spent with them and always look forward to the time that we will have family bonding either by eating together in a restaurant or by simply travelling to places they haven’t reached.

I am greatly thankful to all the persons who in one way or another have inspired me and contributed significantly in my life. These are my mentors, my students, my co-workers, my friends, my classmates and all those who in their little ways have contributed to what I am now. They drive me to be more ambitious, innovative, experimental and responsive to the challenges of time. Be it academic, social or personal dealings. All these have contributed to the greatest achievements of my forty-three years of existence. I still look forward to learning new things, meeting new friends, more exchange of ideas and challenges in the pursuit of knowledge.

I am a Teacher

I am a Teacher
Reflection by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante

I firmly believe that a teacher is born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child. This is because, when a child starts to ask questions this marks the beginning of the quest for knowledge. Although they have parents to respond to this quest not all of them are equipped with the right answers to their questions. This is because their parents may not be academically prepared to give and explain the answers to these questions. This is the reason why teachers are needed in order to respond to this particular situation. This also marked the beginning of the teaching profession.

A teacher is a representation of all the people who tried to make a significant contribution to knowledge in many places. She could be Socrates, Anne Sullivan, Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen who made significant contributions in their own field of expertise. Truly because her ideologies maybe representing or product of these different personalities.

A teacher is indeed a paradox who is very effective when he listen the most. She is one who is willing to accept students’ opinions, suggestions and reasoning not purely imposing what she thinks is right. She respects students ability to analyze and react to situations according to his emotions and beliefs Her greatest gift is what she receives from students not counted by the material gifts but how students honed their talents and skills.

The teacher is among the most fortunate of all who labor together with the doctors and architects. She is allowed to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships. This is because a teacher must see to it that learning is not dormant and final. Learning must be responsive to the new trends and developments in the environment as well as in the society. It must also be never ending that it does not stop at one stage but continues with the other stages. Although knowledge learned today may not be applicable in the future. There should be a connection with the present to the future. Knowledge should find its application and relevance through time.

A teacher knows that if the foundation is anchored on love and truth what she imparts will last forever. Students remember teachers who are apathetic to them. They could greatly recall teachers who are friendly, loving, truthful and caring in their dealings with students. However, they may recall teachers who are very arrogant, dominating and inconsiderate because of unforgettable experiences or hatred.

A teacher is a warrior who battles daily against peer pressure, negativity, fear, conformity, prejudice, ignorance and apathy. That is why a teacher is expected to have a balance personality who can adjust to different situations as may be required. He must learn to overcome all his battles in teaching. Together he must consider his great allies such as intelligence, curiosity, parental support, individuality, creativity, faith, love and laughter for support. These are the essential requirements for the teaching profession to prosper. The experiences that the teacher has in the past serves as her living proof to improve for the better, the present challenges the teacher, makes teaching fun and adventurous in order to experiment on things to effectively impart knowledge. Through the present the teacher is allowed to spend his days with the future. It is the present that will dictate whether the teacher would still remain in the future. That is why he needs to be very good and effective in the present in order to ensure a good and promising future ahead of him. This is the essence of a teacher and we have to
thank God for it everyday.

For Whom Is Education?

For Whom Is Education?
by:
Ma. Rowena M. Bayrante


It’s saddening that not all could afford to be educated. Some would earn a living first to feed their hungry stomach. With the very high cost of living it is not surprising that people in the lower strata of the society would not want to be educated. For the less privileged like them going to school is just a luxury. If this is the case then who would go to school? Are the rich who have more than what they need? Or the middle class who have just more than enough. Or the poor who have nothing?

Even if the government provides free and compulsory education for elementary and secondary, not all could follow the provision. With the high tuition and miscellaneous fees in prestigious universities like La Salle and Ateneo only a few could study in these universities. Even UP which is supposed to be a state university has increased its tuition fee to as much as 300%. The middle class chance of having access to these prestigious universities becomes very slim. Only the well to dos is left with lots of choices.

With this situation, the rich becomes richer and the poor becomes poorer. Inequitable distribution in intelligence, material things and even privileged would be very evident. Many people will become illiterate due to poor comprehension. English proficiency will ultimately decline because not all would be able to understand and use the language correctly. Even access to technology would be scarce. Only those who can pay would have greater access. Knowledge gain through technology such as internet would be monopolized and not distributed.

It is quite dismay that in a country like the Philippines which has the cheapest cost in education not all are given the same opportunity to be educated. Very few scholarships are being offered to less privileged but talented students. More of the government’s money is allocated to insurgency problems, infrastructure and other senseless things. That’s why many Filipinos are illiterate. That is comprehension is very poor even if they know how to read and write. This is probably the reason why Filipinos are always the victims of oppression and abuse whenever they go to other countries. They could hardly understand what is stated in their contracts and very seldom do they know of their rights.

With the escalation in the number of cases of abused Filipinos here and abroad, the government should have done something about this. However, no one is interested to file a bill that would protect Filipino workers here and abroad. It is frustrating that for them who were voted to their respective offices, all of them seem to have acquired amnesia. They are too preoccupied with quarreling with one another, getting even with somebody and aspiring to become heads of different committees that when they are through their terms are already finished. Then if they can’t be depended upon then who else will we depend on?

Will we need the intrusion of the foreigners like the volunteers such as the Peace Corps who are very much willing to extend a helping hand? Or the help of Catholic and other missionaries who are always ready to serve? Or the providence of the Almighty God? Whatever, the choice will be only one is certain, that is if we can not find help here in the Philippines then there are too many who are willing to help. But in spite all these I am pretty sure that education will still be the prime and only solution. So let’s get educated for it is only in education that we become rich in mind and spirit. Let this be a call for those who have lost interest in schooling. Let poverty not be a hindrance to education, for if there is will there will always be a way. We’ve got to think positive that whatever we can not do we lift it up to God. For he will always be there to help us. All we need is just to have faith and trust in Him. Because for so may times when we were at the lowest point of our lives He did never abandon us.