Welcome Home, Girls! - Assumption Iloilo Centennial Celebration, August 15, 2010

With Alexander Romero, Maricris Simpas, and some Assumption Iloilo 'old girls'

Selfies with Alexander Romero - At the High School Growth Community Office, Assumption Iloilo, 2010

Taking all these pictures, but yet you can never find the perfect one...that's us!

Thanks for the memories, Alex! Ours is a love-hate thing but one thing is sure - that you will be missed. Good luck on your journey!

Assumption Spirituality: Up-Close and Up-front -- Assumption Educators' Formation Program by the Marie Eugenie Institute, October 2010

The faculty and staff of all the schools within the Philippine-Thailand Province of the Religious of the Assumption ( RA ) are required to attend the Assumption Educators Formation Program ( AEFP ), a four-year course consisting of four tracks. This developmental training program is conducted annually by the Marie Eugenie Institute which is based in Assumption College, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City.

The main aim of the program is for the Assumption teachers and staff to familiarize themselves with the pedagogy of St. Marie Eugenie, the foundress of the Religious of the Assumption. It is Assumption's way of ensuring that the teachers understand, internalize, and are able to apply the pedagogy - Christianization of the Intelligence and Character Formation -  in their teachings.

Since it was my first year as a faculty member of Assumption Iloilo, I took the pre-track which was entitled 'Assumption Spirituality'. It was held in September of 2010 at the Cenacle inside the Assumption Iloilo campus. I was with fellow facilitators Natividad de los Santos and Samantha Decena. Other participants were teachers from Assumption Passi, Assumption Socio-Educational Center in Bo. Obrero, and Sta. Rita Academy, an Assumption-run school in Sibalom, Antique.

It was a three-day program full of reflections, self-assessment, and spiritual retreat. The overall facilitator was Sr. Regina Victoria Yulo, RA, the Co-Executive Director of the Marie Eugenie Institute. It was also Sr. Regivic who gave us a lecture on 'joyful detachment'. She said, "When we have learned what joyful detachment is and we have applied it in our lives, real joy stays with us in all situations, no matter what happens. Both humility and joy are fruits of a life lived in love - for God, for people, for all God's creation."

Other speakers included Cory Villafania, former Principal of the High School Department of Assumption College-San Lorenzo, Gina Bautista-Martin,  Head of the Sugar Regulatory Commission who talked about the love of Jesus and the life of prayer, and Cecile Glorette Adrias, Coordinator of the Communication Arts in English Department of Assumption-Iloilo.

Prof. Ma.Joji B. Tan and her 'Applied Linguistics for Communication Arts' Class -- At the University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City Campus, October 2010

Getting in the Graduate Education Program of the University of the Philippines Visayas wasn't easy for me. The entrance examination was super difficult. The exam was composed of two parts - the cloze test and the essay writing part. It took me around four long hours to finish everything. Yes, that hard!

When I was finally accepted, I was in for more and bigger challenges. My first 'Language Education' class was 'Applied Linguistics for Communication Arts' under Prof. Ma. Joji B. Tan, an Associate Professor of English in the Division of Professional Education, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas. It was a morning class which started at 8 o'clock and ended at exactly 12 noon. It was a four-hour weekly session of lectures, reportings, group discussions, and language analyses.

Basically, a course in Applied Linguistics aims at making students become knowledgeable about the nature and structure of language and how first and second languages develop. Here, students explore language teaching strategies consistent with the current understanding of the nature, structure, and development of language. Teachers investigate best practices and current research and consider how to adapt and integrate these principles into their own educational practice. For me, the course wasn't really difficult since I had a few Linguistics classes back in college at West Visayas State University-College of Education. Dr. Yolanda Janay's 'Introduction to Descriptive Linguistics' class was a big help. That prepared me for higher linguistics courses.

Prof. Ma. Joji B. Tan was such. In UP Visayas, she's the most authoritative to teach this course because of her educational qualifications and experience. She has two master's degrees stamped on her neck - Master in Education ( M.Ed. ) major in English as a Second Language ( ESL ) from the University of the Philippines Visayas and Master of Arts ( MA ) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ( TESOL ) from the Teachers College of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Heriot-Watt University is one of the oldest higher institutions in the United Kingdom ( UK ), and gained university status by Royal Charter in 1966. 

As part of her work as a language teacher and researcher, Prof. Tan has traveled abroad, notably in such countries as Canada and Jamaica. She has been tapped several times by the Iloilo City Government in its efforts to upgrade the teaching skills of English teachers in all public schools in Iloilo City. Aside from teaching in the Graduate School, she also handles English classes in UP High School Iloilo. 

Prof. Tan is one of the most challenging professors I have ever had. She was never late for class. In fact, she always arrived 5 to 10 minutes earlier. I felt guilty every time I came to class late. Throughout the trimester, I struggled not to be absent from her class. One time, she gave out different topics for reporting. I personally chose 'Grammar' because that's what I was most confident about. Based on the syllabus she had handed to us earlier, I would be the third reporter. I wasted no time preparing for my report. I didn't want to disappoint the professor I admired so much. She was expecting us two things - the oral report in class as well as the written one. It was a bit demanding but I managed to deliver both quite well. At that time, I wasn't adept at making powerpoint presentations yet, so I just settled for the old but reliable transparencies. 

Prof. Tan's exams were hard yet reasonable. "Answer the question befitting a master's degree student," she would always say. We had two major exams with her - midterm and final exams. I found the midterm exam difficult because it required much reading since the questions were all theory-based. When Prof. Tan revealed our scores, I was expecting the worst. I got 32 points out of 100. I just had one consolation, though - my score wasn't the lowest. I took this setback as my prime motivation to do well in the finals. I always believe that we can draw good out of evil and convert losses into gains. Since then, I studied every night. I took down notes religiously. I did advance reading. Eventually, all my efforts paid off. I scored 91 out of 100 in the finals. At the end of the trimester, Prof. Tan gave me a grade of 1.5. It might not have been very high, but it's well above the norm. When I saw this figure reflected on the UP-CRS, I just smiled and told myself, "It's hard to enter UP Grad School; but it's even harder to stay inside its sphere.

Assumption-Iloilo Museum: Showing Assumption in the Ebb and Flow of Time - At Assumption Iloilo, August 11, 2010

This school year, I teach World History in Year III. I don't know but I just love history. That's why if chance permits, I visit museums. I'm fascinated with how museum collections give us insights into people's lives, tastes, and environments. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of museums in Iloilo City. Probably, Ilonggos have not yet reached that level where they really appreciate 'the good and the beautiful' in their history. Ilonggos are most interested in bread-and-butter issues. Well, for most of us, survival is the name of the game.

Good thing I work in Assumption-Iloilo. The school has a beautiful museum which is located on the second floor of the main building. It houses evidences of the long history and fine tradition of Assumption-Iloilo.

On August 15, 2010, as part of the centennial celebration of Assumption-Iloilo, the school administration opened the museum to public view. It was a well-organized museum tour which highlighted the impact of Assumption presence in Iloilo. Seeing Assumption 'old girls' and 'old boys' Assumption nuns, Assumption students and their families, and Assumption teachers meeting and discussing thoughts and opinions and sharing memories was a sight to behold.

Tête-à-Tête with Sr. Maria Rosa Medina, RA - At Assumption Iloilo, Iloilo City, August 11, 2010

With Sr. Maria Rosa Medina of the Religious of the Assumption ( RA ) during the Centennial Celebration of Assumption-Iloilo. Sr. Maria Rosa is now based in Thailand.

We Do Crazy Things in Class; But I've Got Some Good Photos Here -- With My Classmates in 'Foundations of Education' Class of Dr. Aurora Fe Bautista, UP Visayas, August 28, 2010

With Marie Cris Ponsaran. Too bad, Marie Cris quit Graduate School. I just missed her. By the way, she's an Assumption 'old girl' which explains her English.

Oh, it's Anthony and Glenn here. Anthony had his 'UP Sablay' last year, while Glenn quit as well. Wherever they are now, I wish them all the best life has to offer.

My Head's Spinning, My Eyes Are Drooping -- At Dr. Aurora Fe Bautista's 'Psychological and Philosophical Foundations of Education' Class, UP Visayas

Those who have been under Dr. Bautista's class kept on saying one thing about her- the Frankena Model. It's like a 'don't-go-home-without-it' thing for her and her Foundations of Education class. It's her trademark, her 'tatak'. Well, she's successful in that aspect because hundreds of her graduate students throughout the years have equated the name Aurora Fe Bautista with the Frankena Model.

I'm not sure how old Dr. Bautista is but I know that she retired from service as a UP professor more than five years ago. She must be pushing 70 or beyond 70. The old woman has weathered every rack as an educator and still tirelessly goes to school every Saturday to teach. She might have some 'senior moments' in the classroom but her 'psychologies and philosophies' are still beyond compare. Research shows that a higher level of education is associated with better mental functioning in old age. This is so true of Dr. Bautista.

Dinner at the Peña's --At Ledesco Village, La Paz, Iloilo City, June 2010

Circling Monte Rosa's Rotunda -- At Monte Rosa Subdivision, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, June 26, 2010

Recently, gated communities have been mushrooming around our place in Hibao-an, a quiet barangay which is part of the District of Mandurriao, Iloilo City. One of such communities is Monte Rosa, a 57-hectare subdivision across from Hibao-an Elementary School.It is owned by Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc. in partnership with La Filipina Uy Gongco  Corporation.

One landmark in Monte Rosa that catches everybody's attention is its 'Rotunda'. In architecture, a rotunda is a large circular structure having a dome. Monte Rosa's 'Rotunda' is very prominent because it is located in the center of the subdivision's ring road that leads to all its major streets. Interestingly, the streets of Monte Rosa are named after some of the world's famous cities like London, Rome, Berlin, Athens, and Buenos Aires.

Remembering Alex and Sr. Ma. Paz - At the High School Growth Community Office, Assumption Iloilo, June 2010

Me, Sr. Maria Paz Moreta, RA, High School Unit Coordinator, and 
Alexander Romero. Song long, Sr. Ma. Paz and Alex!

While Waiting for Our Prof - At the Graduate and Continuing Education Building ( GCEB ), University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City Campus, June 2010

Rat de Bibliothèque -- With Alexander Romero, Jeremiah Bibliotheque, Assumption Iloilo, June 2010

"A library implies an act of faith."  -- Victor Hugo, French poet, novelist, and dramatist 

"Your library is your paradise." -- Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch Renaissance humanist

Cogito Ergo Sum -- At the UP Art Exhibit, GCEB Lobby, UP Visayas-Iloilo City Campus, June 2010

'Cogito Ergo Sum' is a philosophical Latin statement used by Rene Descartes, which became a fundamental element in Western philosophy. It's translation in English is 'I Think, therefore I am.' The statement is written in the painting in the background.

First Faculty Room Snaps --At the High School Growth Community Office, Assumption-Iloilo, June 2010

With Sr. Maria Paz Moreta, RA, High School Unit Coordinator, Mildred Bernadas, and Chinky Clement

With the Science Team -- Mildred Bernadas ( Science Area Head ), Chinky Clement, and Rajhni Faith Escare

Malling with My Nephew, Vince - At Bibo, SM City - Iloilo, December 12, 2010

Vince couldn't just put that ice-cream cone down. His fave, eh! Not even the flashes from the camera could destruct him from having that sweet sweet thing. 

Rose of May 2010, Brgy. Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City

The Rose of May 2010, a beauty pageant for the young girls of Airport, Mandurriao, was organized by John Erwin Pedroso. Here with Christine Segobre, Rene Secular, Sharon dela Cruz, Alexander Romero, and Erlinda Gabanes.

Having Lunch Alone - At Artine's Arrozcaldohan, Hibao-an Terminal, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 2009

Artine's serves one of the tastiest arrozcaldo in Iloilo City. It also serves lunch to customers. It is located within the premises of the Hibao-an Terminal in Brgy. Hibao-an Norte, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. It is owned by Mr. Arnold Bilbao, who also owns the Hibao-an Terminal. The restaurant is open daily from 7 AM until midnight.

Starting Summer Early -- Family Outing at Nes & Tats Beach Resort, Oton, Iloilo, January 30, 2010

Nes & Tats Beach Resort is located along the National Highway, Brgy. Botong, Oton, Province of Iloilo. It is approximately 25 kilometers away from Downtown Iloilo City.

Nes & Tats Beach Resort has swimming pools for both kids and adults. It also has lots of air-conditioned rooms for those who want to stay overnight. For daytrippers, the resort has around 20 beachfront shades and 3 big cottages. The entrance fee for both kids and adults is Php15.

Red Ribbon's 'Dinuguan', My Bloody Delight - At Red Ribbon-SM City Iloilo, 2010

For those who don't know, the English of 'Dinuguan' is 'pork blood stew'.

So Many Books, So Little Time - At Home, 2009

Every time I go to SM, the first store that I visit is 'Booksale'. Showing off here is my latest acquisition, the book 'Arthur' which I got for less than Php 100. It's a steal, indeed!

In the Company of Books - At the Iloilo English Center, La Paz, Iloilo City, 2007

For a bibliophile like me, I think the best way to die is that of Francesco Petrarch, the acknowledged 'Father of Humanism'. He was found dead in his library, head bent over an open book with a pen that fell from his hand to the floor.

A Celebration of Love and Life - At Cindell Tuburan's And Niel Rios' Wedding, February 16, 2008

Nothing Special. -- At Home, 2009

VEC Days: VEC ( Virtual English Center ) Christmas Get-Together -- At Rollanie Meniel's House, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 2009

With VEC friends - Rollanie Grace Meniel, Gina Marie Dumaicos and husband Prof. Mario Dumaicos of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU)

VEC Days: I love Myself. Yes, I do. Very Much. - Solo Pics From 2006 to 2010