Paradise. My escape from Reality.

 These pictures were taken from Seagull Mountain Resort at BuDa (Bukidnon and Davao Boundary)

Just because I'm a LAZY blogger :/

HERE are the things that I would have to write about in the next 30-days…

•Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself•Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name•Day 03- A picture of you and your friends•Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have•Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to

•Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

•Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

•Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

•Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

•Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

•Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends

•Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one

•Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

•Day 14- A picture of you and your family

•Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play

•Day 16- Another picture of yourself (baby pic!)

•Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

•Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have

•Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them

•Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future

•Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

•Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

•Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

•Day 24- A letter to your parents

•Day 25- What I would find in your bag

•Day 26- What you think about your friends

•Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge

•Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

•Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned

•Day 30- Who are you?

*Just got this from other bloggers. This is a way to not be a lazy blogger. Hope I could post everyday. :))

Happy Happy Happy World Teachers' Day!

Four months na ko sa pagtuturo. Four months nang nagagalit. Four months nang nag-a-adjust sa atmosphere ng pagiging isang guro. Four months nang minamahal ang mga studyante ko at co-teachers. Four months ko na ring tinatanong sa sarili ko kung gusto ba talaga sa'ken ng advisory class ko. Kung mahal ba talaga nila ako tulad ng sinasabi nila. Sa loob ng four months na yun, wala namang sagot na dumating sa'ken, nung teachers' day lang nagkaron.

Narinig ko na hindi naman pala daw sine-celebrate ang teachers' day sa pinagtuturuan ko, kaya medyo nalungkot naman ako. Kasi excited pa naman ako. Ilang taon na rin akong naiinggit sa Mommy ko kasi alam ko na tuwing teachers' day, nararamdaman nya talaga na spesyal siya para sa mga bata. Kasi pag teachers' day andami nyang natatanggap. Hindi naman ako after sa kung matatanggap ko oh ano pa man. Gusto ko lang maranasan yung pakiramdam na itinuturing akong spesyal ng mga studyante ko.

Nung araw na yun, di na ko nag-expect ng kahit na ano. Parang normal na araw lang yun para sa'ken. Tsaka di ko rin naman naramdaman na may pinlano ang mga anak ko (ang advisory class ko) para sa'ken. Pagpasok ko ng unang klase ko, binigyan lang nila ko ng regalo at binati, walang thrill. Nung sa pangalawang klase ko naman, binlindfold nila ko tapos pagpasok ko ng classroom may happy teachers' day sila sa board para sa'ken. Natuwa naman ako. Pangatlong klase ko ang mga anak ko at lilipas ang maraming oras bago ko sila ma-meet. Kasabay ng paglipas ng oras, pinalipas ko na rin ang pag-asang may gagawin sila para sa'ken.

Nung time na ng klase ko, sinundo ako ng tatlong studyante ko sa faculty room. Isang bagay na natural naman nilang gawin. Kinulit kulit muna nila ko bago kami lumabas. Nung naglakad na kami biglang sinabihan ako ng isa kong anak na may matatapakan daw akong dumi kaya umiwas daw ako. Pagtingin ko sa sahig, may green post-it dun. Sinundan ko ng tingin yung hagdan, andaming green post-its. May mga nakasulat na happy teachers' day, we love you Ms.Quijano, sorry, may mga naka-drawing na heart. Natuwa ako kasi naisip ko kahit papano naalala naman pala nila ako. Pagdating namin sa taas, hinarang na nila ko dun. Inaliw nila ko. Kung ano-anong pinaggagawa nila para maaliw ako. Sa ibang usapan, ayaw lang nila kong papasukin ng classroom dahil may ginagawa na sila. Dun ko yun simulang naramdaman. Pero kung anong ginagawa nila, wala akong ideya.

Nung ready na, kailangan daw i-blindfold. Game naman ako dahil nga I love surprises. Pagpasok namin ng classroom, pinaupo muna nila ko tsaka nila tinanggal yung blindfold ko. At ayun! Ang mga bagay na nakita ko - isang bouquet (na first time kong makatanggap), isang malaking malaking card, yung board namin na may nakasulat na happy happy happy teachers' day, at may mga nakadikit na maraming maraming sulat galing sa kanila. Sa puntong yun, di ko alam kung maiiyak ba ko o matutuwa ako o ano. Sobrang saya ko. Parang naabot ko ang Nirvana! Pero di lang dun nagtatapos ang sorpresa ng mga anak ko. Pinapunta nila ko sa gym para aliwin ulit (dahil may pinaplano na naman sila sa loob ng room). Pagpasok ko, sabi nila may sorpresa pa daw sila sa'ken at nandun yun sa utility cabinet namin. Pagbukas ng utility cabinet namin, andun si Sho Chiba. Sino sya? Isa sa mga campus crushes. Isa sa mga third year students. Isa sa mga crush ng iba kong mga studyante. Isa sa dahilan kung bakit ako napakanta sa harap ng maraming tao. At isa sa mga - siguro - masasabi kong close na studyante sa'ken. Di ko naman inasahan na sya pala yung nandun at binati ako ng teachers' day. Parang nung nakalipas na oras lang kasi eh nag-sub ako sa klase nila. Natawa lang ako dun. Nag-effort pa kasi syang pumasok sa utility cabinet kahit alam naman nyang madumi yun. Di ko naman pinagtagal si Sho kasi baka may klase pala sya kaya pinaalis ko rin agad. Binasa ko nalang muna yung mga sulat na nakadikit sa board namin dahil halata namang ayaw mag-klase ng mga magagaling kong mga anak. Makalipas ang ilang sandali, nagulat ako nang bigla silang magtilian. Akala ko bumalik pala si Sho. Hindi pala. Dumating pala si Bryan. Sino sya? Ang pinaka-crush lang naman ng buong school. Ang pinaka-popular na tao sa buong SMA. Ang partner ko nung Campus Pop. Binati nya lang din ako. Nagpa-picture. Tapos umalis na kasi may klase rin naman sya. Maya-maya nagtitilian na naman sila. Kasi dumating si Zafra. Sino sya? Isa rin sya sa campus crushes at isa sya sa mga paborito kong tao sa SMA. Tulad ni Sho at Bryan, binati nya lang din ako at inabutan ng bulaklak. Nagpa-picture (sana hindi nila zinoom). At umalis na agad tutal wala naman syang gagawin pa sa classroom namin dahil di kami magkakilala. Maya-maya may dinala na naman sila. Si Aaron. Sino sya? Studyante ko rin sya sa kabilang section. At sinasabihan ko kasing sya na ang pinaka-poging tao sa room nila. Ganun lang din ang ginawa nya. Sinunod nila si Baugbog. Yung studyante ni Ate Kule pero di ko studyante. Di ko kilala yun at feel lang nilang tawagin. Sinunod nila si Vince na anak ni Ms. Yhel na co-teacher at isa sa mga bestfriend ko sa faculty room. Magkakilala kami ni Vince kaya medyo tumagal sya sa room. Isang bagay na gustong gusto naman ng mga anak ko. Matapos kong chika-hin si Vince umalis na rin sya kasi may klase rin sya. Andaming dinala sa'ken ng mga anak ko. Lahat yun sila lang ata ang natuwa. Mapamaraan kasi sila. Haha. Pero natuwa na rin naman ako kahit papano. Maganda naman ang ginawa nila para sa'ken. 

Hiningan ako ng speech ng mga anak ko. Syempre, pinagbigyan ko sila kahit na di naman ako prepared. Sa dami nilang ginawa para sa'ken aayaw pa ba naman ako. Sinabi ko lahat ng gusto ko sabihin. (Sila nalang ang nakakaalam kung ano-ano yun.) Naiyak sila. At kasabay ng pag-iayak nila, natapos na rin ang oras namin. May susunod pa kong klase kaya kailangan ko nang umalis. Nagpasalamat ako sa mga anak ko at sinabi kong mahal na mahal ko sila. 

Ang sabi sa'ken ni Jeje (co-teacher ko) nung kinwento ko sa kanya, sentimental daw akong tao. Sentimental talaga akong tao. Tulad ng araw na yun, hinding hindi ko makakalimutan yun. Nakatatak na yun sa puso ko. Isa yun sa mga ala-alang babalik-balikan ko kapag nagkahiwa-hiwalay na kami ng mga anak ko. Six months nalang. Six months pa. Six months para dagdagan pa namin lahat ng ala-ala namin kasama ang isa't isa. Pero itong teachers' day na 'to ang aking First Teachers' Day. First time na makatanggap ako ng bouquet at big card. First time ko - sa buong pagtuturo ko -  na maramdaman kung gaano ako ka-spesyal sa mga anak ko. <3 :))

Reborn

 

What: Campus Pop 2011

When: September 15, 2011 / 1:30 – 3:00 pm

Where: St. Mary’s Academy Pasay Auditorium

How: I was added to the list of the contestants by an MSG officer (Annoying Sho Chibi signed me up) even if I totally didn't agree with it.

About: The Campus Pop is a contest among teachers with singing talents to perform with their chosen students who technically know how to sing too.

The “Rushed” Process:

Choosing a partner – It was very difficult to find a partner when almost the whole of the student body were born with stage fright. After convincing – cross fingers - my own students to sing with me (obviously they rejected me) I finally found someone! Bryan Santiago! Senior. Athlete. Star Section Student. Def good looking. Gentleman. 

 Hunting down the one who placed me in such a difficult position – Sho Chibiii! (Though I still want to thank you Sho – you”ll find out later on, just keep reading.)

    

     Choosing a song – It really was hard finding the perfect song that would suit my partner’s voice (though his voice is very good, he just thought it’s not because he was trying to copy the singer’s voice the whole time). We have gone from high school musical songs to OPM songs to old English songs and ended up with Jason Mraz’s and Colbie Caillat’s “Lucky”. (Great song though)

     To surrender or not to surrender? – Bryan is from the star section. I am a teacher. So NOOO! Fight!

     Practice makes perfect! – Went home late on a Wednesday and got up early on a Thursday. 

              Special thanks to the following:

 Sir Jeje Pineda – my vocal coach and director (and Bryan’s costume stylist)

 Labs Camacho – our choreographer 

 Mara Roces – my hair/make-up/dress stylist

Ate Reeed Gozar – my backstage friend and documentation

Mado Mabuloc and Nay Dasco – choreography ideas

Alyanna Austria, Ate Kule Collado, and Sir Rod Gloriana for their never ending moral support

Mrs. Yhel Santiago – for giving way to such a terrific performance. :D

Extended Gratitude to the following:

  

MSG people (never-ending support)

  H4 – OL of Assumption (support and help with B’s vocalization)

  H1 – OL of Fatima (for lending us their room to rehearse)

  SMA students (for their cheers who took our nervousness away)

    Costumes – Red! (Bryan’s choice)

        Performance – Act out the message of the song which is much difficult to do than just sing it in front of a live audience. For fun and not for the prize. (Go team!)

The Revelation:

I had never performed on stage for such a long time (my last song on stage was when I was in high school). I just realized how important performing is for me. That it’s part of who I am. It’s something that I could always run away from but would always return to. It’s my life.

Back to thanking Sho for signing me up – 

“Sho Chibi. If you’re reading this, I hope you are, I almost killed you when you signed me up for this event but thank you for what you did. You made me realize that I could still do this. That I could still sing in front of people. That I could still make people happy just by performing for them. You brought me back to whom I used to be. To who I really am. Thank you so much kid! I had fun!”

“Lastly, and most importantly, thank you Bryan Santiago (I hope you’re reading this too) for having shared that shameful event with me! You were a great partner! You never let me down! I really do hope I could return the favor someday.”

On being a Teacher, a Daughter, Getting sick and Everything in between. (All in Random)

When I first entered St. Mary's Academy Pasay as a Teacher, I was a completely different person. Though I knew two from my faculty mates, I still kept to myself. I didn't talk much. I didn't even ask questions. I just sat there minding my own business. It took me awhile before I actually tried to interact with my co-teachers. The problem is not really because they're not approachable, because they are. The problem lies within me. Before I went to SMA. I already closed myself from befriending other people because I'm simply tired of it. I wanted no one but my own company. But as I observed them each day, I thought that I wanted to be a part of it all. Of their family. So I allowed myself to be open to them. To talk and to laugh and to just share myself. And it was fun. IT IS FUN! They were like the pills that take my anger and stress away after a long school day. They were one of the reasons why I wake up everyday and go to school. 

Last Tuesday night, I got sick. I didn't know the reason because I was okay when I got home. I even slept feeling hot so I didn't use my blanket. But I woke up around 1 am convulsing because I was feeling cold. That was the first time that it happened to me. I was so scared so I woke my dad and my mom up. They did everything for me to feel alright. I was like a little child again being nursed by my ever loving parents. I felt dramatic that time because I saw how my mom and dad love me and what I give them is my indifference. It took me an hour and a half to stop shaking and fell asleep. I was advised to stay home the next day and my parents did too. They took care of me the whole day. I felt blessed. It happened again the next night so I still couldn't go to school again. We went to the doctor to ask what's wrong with me. They had me under CBC. (It's when they steal your blood to detect how many RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelet count, etc. you have) Thank goodness I'm Superwoman and I'm not afraid of needles and stuff! My doctor advised me that I should rest so that meant that I should stay home for the week. And since I'm Superwoman - a good heroine, (I'm not a rule breaker ever since birth) I listened to the doctor and stayed home. We would have to monitor my platelet count since there's an outbreak of dengue to make sure that I don't have. And thank God! I don't.

I felt bored at home doing nothing. I was not allowed to surf the net, I was not allowed to text, I was not allowed to watch tv, and for the love of myself - I was not even allowed to read a book! Every now and then, I thought of my work mates and of my students. I thought of the things that I should be done doing by now. I thought of the outside world which I miss so much!


Now going back to being a teacher in SMA, I was deeply touched with my faculty mates. The thought of them missing me is something that I'll always keep in my memory bag. Of course, another thing that makes me happy is the thought that I'm being missed by my students as well. 


It's annoying, me getting sick, but I'm thankful that I'm being missed by those people whom I also miss. I'm thankful that God didn't allow such worse things (dengue) to happen to me. When I get back to school, it will be as if I didn't get sick at all. :)

Where were you last night?

(A short story for my Creative -Writing Class)

“Where were you last night?” He looked at me. Sipped his soda. No answer. It must have been a hundredth time that I asked him since this morning. And it’s the hundredth time that I didn’t get a response. I’m getting pissed off and I don’t want to nag him anymore so I picked up my things and left him in the caf. He didn’t follow me. He used to follow me whenever I walked out on him. Why didn’t he follow me? Did it mean that anytime soon he’ll call me and yell at me? No. I haven’t done anything wrong last night. Nothing that I could remember. He even said he had fun.

I’d noticed that he’s tired when I saw his face yesterday. I told him that perhaps he should rest, but he’s the one who insisted we do it. So we did. When we parted last night, he seemed distracted. I’d been sending him messages asking him where he was; if he had arrived home. But until I fell asleep, there was no response.

          “He’s just tired. Perhaps he needs space.” I talked to one of the closest persons to him that I know. His best friend. Honestly, I feel so annoyed all the time. It’s not because he never talks to me, I’m used to that attitude of his, but the fact that he never tells me anything anymore makes me go mad. It’s like he had already closed his door and threw the key away where I couldn’t find it. “You know how he is. Just let him be.” She said.

What made me more pissed off is that the other person I know whom I could talk to about this was also missing. He hadn’t shown up since this morning and he’s not returning my messages or answering my calls either. The last time I talked to him was yesterday before I went out with his brother, he was at home and I told him that I would call him as soon as I get home. I did. But he didn’t answer. Just like what he’s doing right now which really piss me off. I missed him. But all I can do is wait till he show up later.

I remembered the time when I met this guy. I’d never imagined how he became his brother. They were different in so many ways. And yet they have this deep connection. Like twins who could feel what the other feels. From that moment, I had this desire to be a part of their lives. But what part exactly? That I didn’t thought about. Until the moment came that I needed to choose.

          “You lied to me! You used me!” I couldn’t forget how he yelled at me in the lobby. His eyes burning with pure hate, ready to erase my image in his sight and in his mind. “It was not on purpose. It just happened.” I was in tears and I tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen to me. That’s how he is, plain stubborn and childish, unlike his brother who is mature and has sense. “I’m sorry.” Then just like that I walked away and left him standing there in rage.

          “You should’ve told me. We could’ve done this together.”

          “He’d only get mad at you. I couldn’t risk it. He’s your brother. You’re family. It’s too important than us.”

          “We’ll fix this.”

          “No. I’ll fix this. It was my fault anyway. I would do anything just so he wouldn’t blame you for this.” And without another word, I stood up to find him.

          I went up to him that time and said sorry. I begged him and he had forgiven me. On one condition.

         

          “Aren’t you happy with me? Why do you need him? He’s my freakin’ brother! You could’ve picked anyone but him!”

          “I didn’t plan for this to happen! I love you too. But your brother, he’s, he’s different. I’ve loved him from the moment I saw him and nothing could ever change that. ” I tried to reason out with him but he wouldn’t listen. That’s just the way he is.

          “From now on, you stay away from him. If you don’t, something bad will happen to him!”

          “He’s your brother. You’re family. You can’t do that. I know you won’t.”

          “You’ll see. It’s just simple. Me or him.” He left without another word.

After classes yesterday, he approached me and asked me to go with him. He said that it would be the last and that he’s willing to let me go and give way to mine and his brother’s love. I was surprised, but I felt happy. Something inside me suddenly believed in miracles. Though, I noticed that he looked tired. I told him that maybe we could go another time and that he should rest, but he insisted we go. So we did. We went to the amusement park and spent the whole night. On our way home, I cannot wait to call his brother and tell him that we’re now free. That we could now be together with his brother’s approval. We can now be happy.

I waited last night. But there was no call from him. No text either. Even from his brother. I started to panic, but I tried to calm myself by thinking that perhaps they were just talking. Perhaps they have reconciled. Perhaps they were catching up with each other. Making up for the times that they have lost because of me. I fell asleep thinking of them. Of tomorrow –

- which is today. Now I sit here, under the mango tree. Where we used to sit after a long day. Honestly, I’m getting bored. But the thought of seeing him and hugging him made me feel excited. But what’s taking him so long. I’ve been here for two hours. Still no sign of him. Until I heard someone crying behind me. It was his brother’s best friend.

“What happened?” I asked her.

“Are you serious? You didn’t know?!” she spat at me.

“I wouldn’t be asking you if I do. Whatever’s the matter with you?!” I spat back.

“He’s dead! He’s dead because of you!”

For a moment, I thought I was hearing nonsense talk, or perhaps I was asleep, but I’m not. A tear fell and trickled down my cheek. It’s not true. I don’t believe it. I run to find his brother. As I do, it’s as if my tears were running too.

Eventually, I saw him there. Sitting on a rock in the school garden where I first met the two of them. He’s not moving. He’s not even crying. He’s just staring nowhere.

“What happened to him?” I asked.

“He rests now. That’s what you wanted right?” He looked at me straight in the eyes. This is the first time that I feel afraid of him.

“I don’t. I – I don’t understand.” More tears were rushing down my cheeks. I feel as if I’m red with rage or loneliness or fear.

“It is.” He stood up walking towards me. “I told you to stay away from him or something bad will happen. You didn’t.”

“But you’re family. I’d never thought you would – .”

“I never thought that I would too. Until you came. You’re my life. I’d do anything for you. He’s gone now. We could be together now. We could start anew.” He’s trying to hug me but I started to run. I run as far as I could. Away from him. Away from everything. Away from what I did.  

          

Ironic

I love you, but I'm just wasting my time. Sometimes, my head and my heart can be so stupid in making decisions for my own good. People already laid down safety nets just so I would think again and weigh what I feel. I guess I'm just so hardheaded that I'm still coming back to you even though I know how you would do anything just to get rid of me and my drama. If you're tired of shooing me away, I'm also tired of chasing you around. Yet you wonder why I still stick to my daily routine of hanging around you. It's because of the simple fact that the more you wanted me out of your life, the more determined I am to get in.