For My Singapore Stories

Things to tell

There are so many good things and stories about Singapore that I can tell to my grandkids. Chicken rice, the beautiful flowers and the garden park and playground will be the first things I will surely discuss to them. If only I can bring all those to them, it will be more interesting. But wait, the photos above can already make their imagination work.

Alpha and Omega

These past few days I have been busy surfing the net and visiting websites. One comment caught my attention. Here it is:

"... is the alpha and omega of everything bad that's happening in this country today. How can such liliputian person have such gargantuan greed, evil in her bones, is really quite frightening."

Do you want to know who that person the commenter is referring to?

Okay. Do visit this well known blog site: www.ellentordesillas.com

Thank God For You

I received this card from one of my student. I was really touched. And the card is really nice. So extraordinary. It is embroidered. If you want to know details about the card, do visit the company website at www.shevron.com.sg.

Well, I am aware that being an early childhood educator or pre school teacher, is a lowly profession as perceived by uninformed others. But most parents and children alike elevated my profession to a higher level. I am happy.

As they thank God for having me as an important person in their lives, I am also thankful and happy that I have been a part of their lives too.

Desperate Housewives and the Colour Green

Though most playgrounds here in SG look like this neighbourhood playground, it is dear to me as it is where I used to bring my children in the centre for outdoor activities. The neighbourhood views are wonderful. So green and I like green.

For those who want to know what colour green signify, here they are:

Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Green symbolizes self-respect and well being. Green is the color of balance. It also means learning, growth and harmony. Green is a safe color, if you don't know what color to use anywhere use green.

Green is favored by well balanced people. Green symbolizes the master healer and the life force. It often symbolizes money. It was believed green was healing for the eyes. Egyptians wore green eyeliner. Green eyeshades are still used. You should eat raw green foods for good health. Friday is the day of green. Green jade is a sacred stone of Asia.

Green Energy

Green contains the powerful energies of nature, growth, desire to expand or increase. Balance and a sense of order are found in the color green. Change and transformation is necessary for growth, and so this ability to sustain changes is also a part of the energy of green.
Put some green in your life when you want:
*a new state of balance
*feel a need for change or growth
*freedom to pursue new ideas
*protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others

*from http://www.crystal-cure.com/

Months ago, my husband told me that when he was in Mumbai airport, he noticed an advertisement printed on the local newspaper there informing readers about enrollment for Doctor of Medicine in the Philippines. I was surprised and proud of course upon hearing that. It was a proof that other nationalities have faith in Philippine medical schools outside of Manila.

And now that I heard that insulting remark by Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives, I feel sad. My daughter commented that since many Filipinos are all over the world making their marks in different professions, remarks like that cannot just be ignored.

So it is just apt that the people concerned should make a public apology.

And for our part, we should also look at it in a positive light. As what the colour green suggest: a need for change or growth.

Chicken Macaroni Salad

I am now home most of the time in preparation for our trip. We booked our tickets last week of August and paid for them a month ago. Why that early when our trip will be the last week of October? We were thinking then that if we pay earlier, the tickets would be cheaper. One thing my husband wanted that to be settled at once. But now that the newspaper ads are showing cheaper tickets, I really don’t know now if we really made the right decision to book and pay our tickets that early.

Going back to my staying at home, well, I really planned to have a sort of short vacation before our flight so I can do chores here like cooking for my daughters.

Before, whenever my daughters have examination, I always see to it that I cook pasta for them. Since my youngest will have an exam tomorrow, she requested a chicken macaroni salad. How can I decline my bunso? I told her that I will prepare the best for her.

The problem was I have not cooked or prepared that salad for a long time. And I already forgot how to do it well. It was easily solved as I searched the net how to prepare it. I read the pinoy cook’s post about it and another one from allrecipes.com. Guess which recipe I followed? I combined the two. Though those recipes and their cooking are excellent, I could not say that about mine. Wahh, I am not a real good cook kasi. But you know what, my chicken macaroni salad turned out to be good. I am proud. Just look….

O di ba puede na rin..... My shredded lettuce, Sun-Maid raisins and a tablespoon of Kraft Zesty Italian dressing made a difference. And pinoy cook's suggestion of chopped chicken instead of himay was a plus.

So maybe my bunso can show me an HD result.. Sana....

On Burma

* from Wikipedia

When I was in high school, I was so fascinated of stories about the golden pagodas in Burma, the early history of Burmese people and culture. Things about Burma never left my imagination as I went on through my simple life. Then I never heard about Burma anymore. I was even confused when a young relative who was taking History subject told me frankly years ago that there was no country named Burma in her book. She said it as if I was hallucinating and inventing something. What happened to the Burma I knew of?


When my daughter attended her poly studies at TP, she met two friends from Myanmar. When I accompanied her to pay for her tuition fees, I happened to see those two Myanmar young ladies. I then told my daughter that it was so unusual for two persons of same nationality who study in a foreign country not to talk to each other. My daughter explained that it was because the first young lady was the daughter of a general from Myanmar and the other one was the daughter of a newspaper publisher/journalist who was against the government.

So then and there I was able to piece up the pieces of confusion I had before. I then learnt that Myanmar is actually Burma. I even told my daughter that I like the name Burma than Myanmar.

So every time I hear about Aung San Suu Kyi, my daughter’s Myanmar’s friends whom she said the other one is now in NYC taking further studies, and about Myanmar, visions of those empire, small kingdoms, pagodas and even the place Mandalay come to my mind.

And now that there is chaos over there again, I feel sorry for those wonderful memories of that beautiful place ebbed in my young mind then.

If you are keen to know more about the recent happening there, do visit this site http://ko-htike.blogspot.com/

Let us pray for the people of Burma.

Absolute Mistakes

My second daughter was watching the MTV Awards that time when she called me. I hurriedly went to the living room where she was. So I saw Britney Spears while dancing that unexpected boring number. Then I heard what that lady said “adorable mistakes”. My daughter was laughing out loud and I asked her “Who’s that lady?” “She got no right to say things like that! She’s not funny! She’s ugly, yes!” I added in length. My daughter explained to me that she is a well known stand up comedienne in the US. “And Mum, they are in the US. Why they even say more funny things about George Bush, who’s their president, how much more about Britney Spears?” my daughter added in support of the lady.

Okay, it was said in jest. But to make fun of things and people using children is not funny at all. It is ugly. It is cruel. It is unfeminine.

I remember years ago, when a well known blogger wrote a post making fun of a child. I commented that I was not amused when his joke is about making fun of children. He answered that his joke was not intended for children. For heaven’s sake then write jokes about adults not about children especially when there’s sexual connotation on it.

And for this lady, do remember that every child will never ever be a mistake. Just think, maybe you are a mistake. But you are not an adorable mistake. Can I say you and your joke are absolute mistakes!!! Well, maybe I am wrong, maybe I am right. But one thing is for sure, I don’t find you funny…….but you really look funny . Ayyy, sorry , I don't mean to be mean naman......

TFC Shows

*from ABS-CBN interactive site

My youngest daughter informed me that her secondary friend Erwina subscribed to TFC to watch Jericho Rosales in Pangarap na Bituin. It could be so amusing to hear it considering that Erwina is a Malay girl (who is sort of obsessed with everything Filipino) and TFC has no subtitles. How could she understand the language?



But on second thought, we should be proud, right? Imagine, a foreigner is supporting TFC here. So, it is confirmed, TFC is being watched not only by Filipinos but also by locals. ( though I really don't know how many Erwinas are there.)



My daughter who is working in an MNC here has a few Filipino colleagues too who are high flyers. Whenever they have time to talk, they avoid politics, "masakit lang sa ulo..", they reason. And what do they enjoy talking? TFC programs of course.



Here at home, my family is really a TFC fanatic. Not only does it makes us closer to the Philippines, it also makes our family closer. Our dinner time everyday are more enjoyable whenever we talk about those shows or whenever my husband imitate some expressions we heard from the show. We really laugh out loud whenever he'll say that he is more handsome and can act better than that Marudo (Zanjoe Marudo).



So it is obvious, we are really watching Kokey. We really enjoy the show. We really feel we are children experiencing those light moments of simple happiness.



So if you want to know more about that Kokey, subscribe to TFC now. Don't feel you are baduy. There is no word baduy when you are overseas, believe me....

(I can only watch Boy&Kris whenever I am on MC or on leave because it is being shown only in the mornings. If only it will be aired in the evenings, my enjoyment will be more complete.)

Tighter controls....

My daughter showed me this article from Digital Life of The Straits Times. This is an important information for those who are planning to travel to US. So I am posting the article here.

Tighter controls for travel to US

The United States is moving to tighten immigration and customs controls, which it says are vital to keep terrorists at bay six years after the Sept 11 attacks.

Foreign travellers will need to provide 10 digital fingerprints on arrival instead of two currently, and their personal data will be trransmitted to the US before their plane takes off. This will be implemented from November.

Ten US airportts will initially have the capability to collect the 10 prints before all ports of entry are covered by the plan by the end of next year.

All US embassies and other posts issuing visas to visitors will, by the end of this year, be able to collect the 10 prints for verification at the points of entry.-AFP

My grandkids

Here are my three grandkids.

In a few more days we will be with them.

And that will be the best.

Getting fewer....

I visited the technorati site just last night. I found out that there are only a few blog sites that link to my site now. My reaction? The same as before when I found out that a few erased mine from their links. Of course I am affected. But what should I do? I also never did my part. Though I visited blog sites, I never ever dared to write any comments. I am aware that in order for me to be in their blogroll, I should visit and comment. That's the way it should be. Also, I neglected to update my links.

When I started blogging, I was very keen to visit and comment. Then all of a sudden, I stopped commenting. My buzzy bee friend made me a coward. Who then is she in my life? Crazy me...

Anyway, I also admit I got no time too. I was busy with my course. Now that I am free. I can visit sites again and make friends. I hope so.

And so what if I only have a few links. It was not my main goal to be visited. My main goal is to write about anything that interests me.

So I will still continue blogging, even though only a few visits my site.

Longer days...

Nowadays, I can feel so obviously that the days are getting longer and longer. I am always tempted to count the days and it made me weepy. My husband told me to concentrate on what I should do. But I am also getting nervous of the outcomes.
Ahh, I should think positive everytime. And I should be happy for even though the days may be getting longer, I know for a fact that my desire will be realized soon. That will be the best of everything.

My personal reflection on my research project

Reaction
I was amazed of the power of the printed words since young. As my parents surrounded my young life with lots of storybooks, I became so interested in reading stories which developed an adult reader in me. But in my young mind then, how I wished that my own mother read those stories for me. I was sure that there would be positive outcomes on me and a sense of unexplained joy I would felt if only my own mother did oral storytelling with me. That is why; I know how it felt for a child to wish that his own parent read stories for him orally. I know the longing. I know the feeling.

So when given the chance to do a research, parent involvement in oral storytelling was the first idea that came to my mind. I became keen to prove that there would be positive outcomes for parent involvement. It took me a while to understand that in order for me to prove that, I should be specific on what outcomes I wanted to assess.

Having studied the specific outcomes I wanted to measure, I then embarked on the research project. Though I was enthusiastic, I found along the way that it was not that easy doing the project. I started with the survey for parents. I found some parents to be cooperative, but others took them longer to return the survey forms. Looking for the appropriate books to use for intervention was also a difficult task. Then it hit me hard. How could I provide storytelling kits to my ten participating parents? Ahh, I got no choice but to photocopy the two books I selected in 10 copies each. But my course mates questioned the copyright issue. How dare them to question me when I felt so stressed already? Upon reflection, I was thankful that they brought out that issue for I was able to make the necessary action by providing/pasting notes that they are only meant for the research and not for monetary gain. To make it short I photocopied in colour those pictures for my picture cards and laminated all of them. Imagine, I laminated 200 picture cards, 200 name cards and 200 phrase cards for the storytelling kits. Though stressed and tired, it made me happy for I was able to provide nice materials for the parents.

The development of test format for Vocabulary and Word Recognition measuring expressive and receptive skills on those areas was also taxing. With my previous knowledge of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, I was able to decide on how to go on with the test format. Marie M. Clay’s Observation of Early Literacy was also an inspiration for me in the design of the test format. After a lot of revisions, I finally came to a final test format.

I also developed the survey checklist in gauging parent involvement in oral storytelling and the evaluation checklist for the actual intervention. Though I included items that may not be relevant at the moment, I am confident that the data gathered would be helpful in future research.

Over-all, I am happy that I did this research for I have proven that there is no hardship that could not be overcome. I am also happy that through this research I was able to actually enhance the relevance of parent involvement in oral storytelling. The most that makes me happy is the fact that I became instrumental in forging the bond between parents and children through this experimentation.

Learning
I learnt that parent involvement in oral storytelling can increase scores in word recognition and vocabulary acquisition and was made stronger by the findings of my research. That is why in the future, I will always stress the value of oral storytelling to parents. I will always be available for them in helping them how to be more involved with their children. I can even suggest some techniques on oral storytelling and provide opportunities for parents to be more involved in storytelling.

In the future, I can also conduct a survey or research on the whole centre regarding this topic. I can do a similar research using bigger subjects/participants. I can also use the data I gathered to further some research.

One foremost thing I want to do in the coming future is to relay to parents the findings of my study. I can tell the parents of each child the result of the test administered. In this way, I can convince parents more on the significance of their involvement in oral storytelling to their children’s vocabulary acquisition and word recognition. When they are convinced, surely, they will continue to provide oral storytelling sessions to their children. Their children surely. will grow up to be adult readers and storytellers too in the coming future.

Congratulations...

This is my second daughter. She graduated from RMIT here in SIM Campus.

We are of course so proud of her.

She is currently working at PriceWater House Coopers.

We wish her the best.

On saying goodbye...

I already reiterated that I wanted a happy goodbye. But still people made it so hard for me. I know I should be proud that they like me, or in other words, they like my "working person." I appreciate that my "works" are being recognised. That makes me happy.

But surely, the most that can make me happy are my grandkids. And so I have to say good bye. Good bye friends, good bye all. Please make my last days happy. Please.....

The Ultimate Bourne

Matt Damon's movie opened in cinemas here in Singapore last 16th of August. It was only last Saturday when we were able to watched it at Causeway Point. Well, it was a fast paced movie and compared to the first two, the Bourne Identity and the Bourne Supremacy, it made me glued to the screen from beginning to end. Yeah, I was not able to finished eating my small bag of popcorn. meaning, I enjoyed the movie.

The movie magazine First, has this ads: Remember everything. Forgive nothing. Yeah, how can Matt Damon forgive those people who made him Jason Bourne when in reality he was David Webb?

Hmm... For me, I can also remember everything. And that made me so negative these past few days. I can't forget. I can't forgive.

I just hope that someday, I can forgive and forget.......

Red and White

Yesterday, we had our centre celebration for National Day. The teachers and all the children wore red and white as they are the colours of Singapore. We celebrated through song and dance. We also had our children's quiz and games. Over-all, I enjoyed the celebration with the children. The part where all the children sang with gusto is the one I liked the most. It is really a nice feeling when you hear children sing "one people, one nation, one Singapore".

Okay, I am not a Singaporean, but I am happy to be a part in inculcating love for own country to the children under my care.

So, to my adopted country, Happy Birthday!!!!

Heritage Gallery

I'm busy doing my many projects for my course. And fortunately a few more weeks and I'll have my free time. Hurray!! But in between doing my many projects in relation to my course and work, I can't resist to peek here and yeah, to post something. Bakit kaya?




Well, two weeks ago, I met with my coursemates, my groupmates actually. We had an adult field trip. And of course we ate at McDonalds afterwards. Eh, we look like kids yata. That is why they say that ECE teachers are really young looking because we act like kids. Maybe.


Now, can you guess where we went for a trip? Just look at the photos below.

These are taken in the Heritage Gallery of Singapore Philatelic Museum.

So if you are keen to know the history of Singapore and its culture, why not go and visit now. Surely, you will be entertained what with the many facts about stamps and the different stamps on displayed there.

My MRT ride

On my MRT ride home after my course last night, a lady waved at me. I immediately recognized her. My former colleague and friend. She went to my side and we had a good chat.

It is a nice feeling meeting an old friend after several years. Knowing that your friend still remembers details about your life is more touching. It means that all the time you had been talking and exchanging views were not said in vain for they stayed in your friend's memory. What is more surprising is that details about her came back to my mind in detailed sequence too. I think that is the essence of friendship. You may get lose track of someone but once you meet her again, the happy memories will automatically come into surface.

Well, I am happy for the things that happened to her in seven years the same as she is also happy of what is happening to me now.

Though as she mentioned I look so tired, I am thankful for that MRT ride.

Foreign Talents

My 15 month course is coming to an end in less than two months time and I am feeling so stressed what with the requirements needed to complete it. But looking ahead, I am sure I can have my long awaited break/vacation. And that will be the best of it. At last, I can relax.

Same with my course mates. As we are all anticipating for the completion of our course, plans in the future pop up in our conversations. They also have expressed their plans. I expressed my desire to go to the US, when and for how long my stay will be is not definite.

I was asked / answered “Going back to Philippines?” “How can you leave your daughters?” “After the bond, must go back to your own country!!??!!” With all these questions/answers, I, at times get irritated. I may have shown my irritation in a civil way; still I get upset at times.

Whoa!!! Why do people ask questions and answer their own questions for me? That is human nature and we all know the reason why. There is no point for me to discuss. For this has been happening since day one. All I can say now is that whoever, whatever, wherever, whenever, jealousy streaks will be prominently expressed in different degrees.

Sometimes, I am thinking of the path me and my husband had taken as foreign talents. We did seek and then were presented with options and choices. We decided on the ones we thought would be the best for our own family. We left Hong Kong for a more stable life here in Singapore. We reasoned then that our daughters would have the best education and best opportunities here as compared in HK. We found out that to be true. My daughters were accepted in local secondary schools, made good in their O levels, were allotted their own slots in local Poly , completed their diplomas with flying colours, landed prestigious jobs here while studying for their University degrees (my second completed her degree at RMIT and my youngest is still taking her degree).

Were those opportunities and achievements given in a silver platter? NO. My daughters worked hard for their achievements, considering that Singapore education system is entirely different from the Philippines. So to be asked how come the government accepted foreigners in Poly when they, citizens had difficulty to enter, made me bit my lips in frustration. Isn’t it a common knowledge that to be able to enter a polytechnic one must have passed the O Levels and have good aggregate grades?

And now, when you are faced with statements as if telling you to go back to your own country, what would you feel? How it would feel when you know for yourselves that you have been and still are contributing to the community and the economy of your adopted country? That you became permanent residents years ago because of your own merits? How would you feel when you know in your hearts that this country has been your home for so many years?

Okay, I admit that at times, it feels so sad when questions and or statements were given and pointing on your face that you are just a foreigner here. Well, I should just not be affected by it. I should try to understand them. And tell me, how many people would ask that? Only a few. Mostly, people are just so busy with their daily life in this cosmopolitan state. One thing, I presume that most are aware that we are living in a global world now. And so what if I am just a foreigner?

So I maybe going to the US to be with my daughter, but surely, I know I still have a place here in SG. I can come back. My two daughters are doing well here.

I have to be thankful with what they have. And no one has to remind me to say “Thank you Singapore!”

On Changes and The Esplanade

I have been to The Esplanade a couple of times already. But as a requirement for my module on Expressive Arts, I went there again last Monday. Together with my course mates, I joined the guided tour where we visited the 1,600 Concert Hall. It has a superb acoustics by world-renowned acoustician Russell Johnson of ARTEC Consultants, USA. It also houses a 4,700 pipe organ designed and built by Johannes Klais Orgelbau. We also visited the 2,000 seat Theatre which spans four levels and in the style of traditional European houses. It has a horse shoe shape that offers a more intimate setting between audience and stage.

I can say that The Esplanade has its unique beauty inside and outside. That was why I took photos of its main structure when we went out. You see, The Esplanade has a twin shells shaped like a durian, a popular tropical fruit and is clad in glass and metallic sunshades.

When I downloaded my photos, I got so amazed. Look at my photos here.


I thought for a while that the colour change was due to the sunlight. It reflected then produced different colours on glass and metallic sunshades of The Esplanade as was captured by my camera. Upon a closer investigation, I came to believe that there was something wrong with my digital camera. My husband bought it four years ago and so maybe its functioning power is getting erratic. Whatever the reason for the end result of my photo, one thing is for sure, it made me ponder about life, my life.

My photo made me realized that there are changes in the colour of life, same as the colour of The Esplanade. I may be seeing people, especially my loved ones in their real colour at this time; I must also be prepared to see their colour in reds and greens the next time. Oh, I must accept the fact that people change. Whether the change may not be to my liking, I must accept that change. And that I should just pray that I still see the beauty and positiveness in that change.

My photo also made me understand that like my digital camera, some things and aspirations/sacrifices have its ending. And when that ending comes, I should accept it with a positive mind.

Well, it will be very difficult to come to an end and realized that what I have been denying since before is the truth. I should accept the changes because it’s the truth, no matter how painful it is. I just hope that come with the changes, some things beautiful will bloom. How? Only God knows.

In the meantime, I should be happy with all those who believe in me and love me in return.

Four Hours in Changi Airport

Since my husband has been involved in his present project, I really got confused. Normally, I was able to comprehend those technicalities he was trying to relay to me. But now this project made me lose track of him physically too. Yeah, it is really confusing why such a project involves many countries. As I heard from him, Germany, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and of course Singapore. Surely, my “jet setter” husband gets confused too. Imagine, his flight would be at 7.30 to Ahmedabad, but he thought it to be at 3.30. So, yesterday, we got stuck up for four hours at Changi. We arrived at 2.30 hoping to leave at 3.00 but we ended up leaving at 6.30. A four long hours!!

My daughters and I were so happy that we spent four hours in Changi. We had our family bonding. It was the first time that we sent off my husband on his many travels (though he’ll be away for 7 to 10 days only). So we used up the four hours in exploring the airport. Since Changi is really a nice and traveler friendly airport, our four hours turned up to be a learning experience too.

With a lot of shops and eateries, the cozy and spacious airport makes one feel so comfortable and relaxed. So walking around was really exciting for us. What with so many interesting things to capture on camera.

And speaking of restaurants, there is one that serves Indonesian food named Sundanese. It was surprising that the staffs are young Filipino students from La Salle Cavite and also from Lyceum who are on OJT. The manager is also a Filipino. We enjoyed our food and it compensated for our unforgettable experience the previous Saturday. One thing, it was heart warming to meet young Filipinos like them who in one way or another also educate other nationalities who Filipinos really are.

So the next time you get confused of your travel time, don’t lose heart. Changi airport offers many possibilities for you to explore.

Photo 1 seems to look like soft drink tin cans. But no! They are recycle bins. Cute di ba ?

Photo 2 is a sunflower of course! You think it is plastic? No..no..!! It is real and you'll see a lot of them near the sky train.

Photo 3 is an Indonesian figurine. You know where it is placed? In the middle of the restaurant on top of the washing hands area.

Photo 4 is a mango juice? Correct but it has its cofee flavour. What an innovation from Starbucks.

Photo 5: can you see that real stone bowl? It is interesting to have my sambal sauce in a stone bowl. Where else can you find that but in Sundanese restaurant.

My 7,107 Experience

On Sunday, the Life Section of The Straits Times featured the newly opened Filipino restaurant located at the second floor of Marina Square. Since the writer made it clear that the restaurant is serving authentic Filipino food, we became so excited and decided to visit the next Saturday which is today.

Due to previous appointment, we managed to reach the restaurant named 7,107 Flavours at around 2.30 in the afternoon. Okay, the place is nice but the food disappointed us, especially me. While eating, we could not help ourselves from complaining. As there were only a few people, our voices might be audible. So I was not surprised when one lady went to our table and introduced herself as one of the owners. She discussed a lot about the restaurant, the restaurant set up especially the kitchen, the how and why of the food preparation and their other plans. She added that one of the chefs was the personal chef of Kris Aquino. She ended by saying her hope of a continuous support from us.

Well, we decided to go there to experience real Filipino food, nothing more. But what did we get? Imagine me asking for the comfort room only after a few bites. What an experience! Why were the foods so cold? Yeah, I understand that we came in an unholy hour. But for God’s sake why they never managed to heat the food? Where was the authentic Filipino food? Where was the kare kare?

Okay, I never ever imagined myself writing all this. But with this media exposure, you could not blame my family if we expected the best, if not a better dining experience.

I hate it that I have to post this. I just hope that they will just improve. As my husband said, “give them a chance.” So maybe after 3 months, we will be going back there. And we hope that by that time, we can proudly say, “hey, we went dining in the best Filipino restaurant in Singapore. And we had a 7,107 gastronomical experience!” Isn’t that something?

Chizmizzzz

Approximately three weeks ago, if I am not mistaken, my second daughter mentioned an interesting website for me to visit. She added that I would surely be entertained. She pointed that she did not find it by accident but was given by her long time friend, Majalyn. I got interested of course. Why so?? Majalyn is my daughter’s childhood friend and former classmate who graduated a double degree of Accountancy and Economics from UP and is now working at the Philippine Stock Exchange. Added to that is her being the girlfriend of the Class’ Magna Cum Laude. Surely, the site would be predictably worth noting.

My daughter repeated the message to me: “Chizmiz….. www.pep.ph.”

It made me laugh. And I visited the site Honestly, I was entertained reading one showbiz news from another. But lately, as I read one comments from another, I feel shame. I feel shame for those commenters. I feel shame for those who condemn one actress/actor from another; especially those about Ruffa Gutierrez. Ahhhh, they are free daw to comment and write what they want. What a mentality!!!

I discovered one post/blog just now. I felt happy, knowing that there are people like her. Why not visit this intelligent post about battered wives. Do visit Midlife Mysteries at http://nancydrewandme.blogspot.com.

Ohhh! Of course, I will still visit that PEP site. Those nasty comments? Hmmmmm. Daming inngitera!!!!!!

Distractions

I have a four day holiday this week. Yesterday, Thursday, was Vesak Day and a public holiday here in Singapore. Today, our centre placed it in our calendar as a closing day. Tomorrow will be Saturday and of course the next day will be Sunday. I wrote on my notes what my plans would be for those days. I should have accomplished something by now. Ahhh, and here I am on my second day. What have I accomplished? I am beginning to believe I also have ADD. I am easily distracted nowadays. I can't focus. I should. I must. I need to finish my project on time.

I want to confess that though I was distracted, I also chose those distractions. I was distracted by the movie, The Pirates of the Carribean At World's End. We watched it days ago but still the image of Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow is still lingering on my mind. Now, I am confused who I really like, Jack Sparrow or the real handsome Johnny Depp. Hmmm. Obviously, I'll be waiting for the part 4. I just hope that I'll not get sleepy in the middle of the movie. Oh, I know now why I am distracted. I can't believe that I fell asleep for a few minutes while watching the Pirates. There must be something wrong with the story line. What do you think?

My husband's photos from Gujarat distracted me. He sent me a lot of photos about that place in India. Imagining them made me think of the Philippines. Should I compare? I agree, I should write, see and say the positive side about my country. But on second thought, how can you see the beauty and positiveness when the ugliness created by humans are seen and observed so prominently?

I was distracted by TFC. How could I miss one show from another? A whole day and night of TV viewing made my documents waiting in vain. Tell me, how can I resist that Turkish man talking on TV and saying that word "brutus" to his famous Filipina wife? I imagined how I would be reacting if my ordinary husband would tell an ordinary me that I am a brute. Ahh, life!

The magazine, CNN Traveller consumed a part of my time too, especially the article by Anjali Rao titled Material Girl. Ms. Rao interviewed Imelda Marcos, the former first lady. Based on the interview script, I can say that I see a priveleged person still in denial. Hmmm, maybe she's saying according to her truth naman. Why should that be a distraction?

Ohh, I better concentrate on my report writing. Actually, who cares if I could not concentrate? Silly me. I may also have that delusions. LOL

I just want to say thanks for the mention Cathy of www.cathcath.com. My blog is still here because you alerted me. Thanks.

Ayy, naiba na naman flow ng topic. Am really is distracted.......

But I tell you, it is good to be distracted at times. Distractions made me appreciate life better.

The Verdict

Setting: Student Centre
Background: There are 5 children in the centre who attend tutorials. They are all attending the same school for girls and are all in P5(Primary 5). They are friends actually but in different classes. As they have the same assignments and lessons, their tutorial sessions are going smoothly. They are all able to help each other and discuss what are happening in their school. They all have the same likes and dislikes and are fond of gymnastics and ballet. The only thing that differs is that one of them is Eurasian.
The Story: Lane is a very accomodating girl. She can understand other girls' feelings, behaviour and nature. Though she is Eurasian, she tries to be in with the girls by accepting without malice what she sees hears and feels. She was not able to learn any local dialect so she always express herself in English. When one of her friends speak in English and the other answers in Mandarin, she will never ever show any discomfort. For her, there is no malice in having her friends speak infront of her in a language she can't even understand. So it goes on and on. They will speak mixtures of English and Chinese. But lately, it became a pattern that they all speak Chinese all the time. Hearing pure Chinese spoken infront of her, she feels uncomfortable. Not being able to take it anymore, she distances herself from the group.
The Consequence: The teacher noticed something wrong with the group. After some observations, she concluded that Lane was wrong in distancing herself from the group. She advised her to learn basic Mandarin.
The Verdict: Ahh, can I say something. I feel for Lane. And my verdict: that girl disrespected Lane. She is not a real friend. Why can't she speak English infront of Lane when she is also fluent in English? She got no manners.

And you know who you are. You got no manners!!!!

My best presents as a mother

Early morning of Mother's Day, I was thinking how my children would let me feel the importance of my being a mother to them. As they are already young adults, I was open to the fact that there were many changes in them as to how they look on life and on their relationship with me as their mother. Though those changes may be brought about by their life experiences, I was still craving for those primitive feelings and moments with them. And thankfully, I got them that day.


My eldest never failed me when she called from Virginia and let my grandkids speak to me. How wonderful it was to hear their sweet voices! My two daughters greeted me also. I am not materialistic of course. But the presents they gave me, made me happy, not because of the materialistic value but the love that came with each item, a new iPod and Shiseido products. A treat in Swensens also completed my day.














After that special day, I contemplated on my role as a mother. Am I really happy being a mother at this stage? Am I looking back to those days when they were little kids, where I was always the one whom they looked- up to? Am I not regretting the fact that I chose them over my career?

Hmmm. I admit the fact that I always cherish the days when they were just little children, where every word I said and every move I did were precious to them. Imagine how it feels to be the queen of their worlds. And ahh, they grew up now. They already have their own priorities and visions in life. They are already professionals in their own rights and earning more than what I am taking home. That makes me look like the "loser" in the family if salary will be the basis of happiness and success. Am I jealous then?

To tell you frankly, I enjoyed the stage when they were kids. And I also enjoy this stage where I am now. Being a mother to professionals made me more proud as a mother. Their "success" are just proofs of how I played my role passionately. I may be earning little than them but I am earning more love, more experiences, more stories to tell. Where will this stage in my life as a mother will lead me, is something I have to cherish also day by day.

So, let me tell you the precious gifts I got as a mother. My eldest, an assistant manager at Movado, my second a tax accountant for Price Water House Coopers (she just finished her last papers at RMIT and is scheduled to start this 1st of June), and my youngest a Software Engineer at ST. Yeah, I still remember my post about a close relative who always brag about her own. Why I am bragging mine? Ohh!!!

Now, is their being professionals the best presents I got? Oh No! I never said that! Honestly, whatever they attained educational and career wise, I'll still be proud of them. And what they become as persons are the best gifts I got. Being loving, caring and compassionate persons are the best gifts they gave me. And they are also the best gifts I can give to God in return.

Looking at my two daughters here in SG, and seeing my eldest being a mother too, make me appreciate my presents as a mother.

Lovely Bones on the big screen

I read this very good news courtesy of Yahoo. One of my favourite novel, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will be adapted into a movie version and to be directed by Peter Jackson. Surely, it will be an experience to see on the big screen Susie Salmon as she speaks from heaven.

Do read the entire news here:

LOS ANGELES -
Peter Jackson is teaming up with DreamWorks SKG to film his adaptation of the best-selling novel "The Lovely Bones."

DreamWorks beat out three other bidders — Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. — to finance Jackson's version of Alice Sebold's 2002 best-seller about the murder of a 14-year-old girl who narrates her tale from heaven.


Jackson, best known for the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, will direct from a script he wrote with his wife, Fran Walsh, and collaborator Philippa Boyens. The film begins shooting in October in Pennsylvania and New Zealand.


"In the hands of Peter Jackson, we have a master of cinematic storytelling to bring it to the screen," DreamWorks CEO Stacey Snider said in a statement announcing the deal Friday.
Financial terms were not released.


Jackson won three
Academy Awards in 2004 for "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King." His other credits include "King Kong" and "Heavenly Creatures."

For the love of Spidey

Since we learnt that Spider-Man 3 would be shown on cinemas here, my family anticipated on watching it. My daughter tried to book for our tickets on the opening day, the first of May, but she was not able to book seats for four. So she booked for a later date; the following Saturday, 5th May. Unfortunately, my husband had to fly to Vietnam. So we paid for four tickets, but only three tickets were used. Hmmm, waste of money? Of course! But what to do? We tried to invite others but they had prior commitments. So, my daughter just gave it away to the cinema receptionist.

But mind you, though it was really sayang, the movie was enjoyable of course. It was also interesting and funny to see Toby Maguire's naughty Peter Parker dancing and flirting on the street of New York.

And if you want to send ecards of Spider-Man 3 to your friends, you can visit www.incinemas.com.sg/ecards.

Intimations of Mortality

I read this article as written by Ricky Lo in his Funfare column. I was inspired to take note of it not only because I really like Kris Aquino, but also because I had experience intimations of my own mortality. It was a very unforgettable experience which caused myriad of emotions on my part as brought about by the situation I was in and mostly because of that particular person. It was a learning experience for me and it really proved that God is really great. Just pray hard to God and surely He'll still let you be with your loved ones.

So, I want to share this article which you can also visit in ABS-CBN Interactive site.

To make up for her forced "leave" from the campaign trail because she had to prematurely deliver the four-pound Baby James (now weighing 4.6 lbs.), Kris Aquino showed up at the presscon Thursday night at the function room of the Imperial Palace Suites (Timog-Morato Rotonda, Quezon City) called by Regal Matriarch Mother Lily for Kris’ kuya Noynoy Aquino who’s running for senator under the Genuine Opposition banner.

Noynoy is among the 12 senatoriables (from GO, Team Unity (TU) and the "indies") endorsed by Mother Lily, including (at random) Chiz Escudero (GO), Loren Legarda (GO), Manny Villar (GO), Alan Cayetano (GO) (I deleted those names I don't like, sorry guys...)

Yellow dominated the whole function room that night, with Kris and Noynoy’s mom, former Pres. Cory Aquino leading the pack. It was Tita Cory (who arrived at 7 o’clock sharp ahead of everybody) who kicked off the affair with A Prayer For Noynoy she herself had written.
Also present were Kris’ husband, James Yap (looking visibly thinner by 10 pounds he said he lost during basketball practice), and her son Joshua who’s turning 12 on June 4, which is the date Kris will resume hosting the rudely-interrupted ABS-CBN game show Deal Or No Deal. She said she might not go back to her other shows, The Buzz and Pilipinas, Game KNB? (which is now hosted by Edu Manzano).

Still recovering from hypertension, a blood clot in her lungs and gestational diabetes (she’s taking half a dozen medicines), Kris revealed that during her last days of (difficult) pregnancy, she has had her own intimations of mortality.

"I had morbid thoughts," she said. "Akala ko mamamatay na ako. I had to ask James to pray The Rosary with me. The best lesson I learned from that experience is to keep your faith in The Lord. You can never go wrong with Him."

She said she has also realized that she really love(s) James who hardly left Kris’ side during those difficult moments and who has no doubt repented for whatever misdeed he had done. The couple has obviously let bygones be bygones. Good for them. Henceforth, they should listen only to each other and not to people out to destroy their marriage.

"Mahal ko talaga ang taong ‘to," said Kris.

Before the movie press could further "grill" Kris, she excused herself because it was Baby James’ breast-feeding time.

"Please write the complete name Noynoy Aquino on the ballot," she reminded everybody before she and James left.

At the start of the presscon, Kris said that if ever, she won’t make a bid for the Senate to avoid being accused of having two Aquinos in that body.

"I will run for President," she said

Adult ADHD

ADHD means attention-deficit hyperactive disorder. According to Edward C. Geehr, MD, it is not just a kids disorder. There is also adult ADHD. He added that in fact, about 65% of children with ADHD carry the disorder into adulthood, making it an adult problem as well.

Do you suspect that you may also have ADHD? Well, if yes, then you may be one of the estimated six to 15 million adults with ADHD.

How can you know that you have ADHD? Here are some questions to consider if you think you may have ADHD:

Does your mind wander while you are working on a task?

Are you easily distracted?

Do you tend to start a project and have difficulty completing it?

Does your attention stray in the middle of a conversation?

Are you forgetful about appointments and regular events?

Do you have difficulty relaxing?

Are you impatient when you need to wait?

Do you fidget and shift constantly in your seat?

Do you commonly lose track of keys, purses and other items?

Do you interrupt others before they finish speaking?

Is it difficult for you to manage or resolve conflicts?

If these issues sound familiar, you may want to consult a healthcare professional.

source: www.lifescript.com

My simple, old digital camera

I really love my simple old digital camera. Why so? Ah, it became a routine piece of equipment in my classroom. With it, I am able to document each of my children’s learning. I was even able to do power point presentation for each of my children which I presented to their parents. So my PTM/PTC (Parent Teacher Meeting/Conference) went well. Thanks to my digital camera.

For pre-school teachers like me who are keen to support their children’s development and learning, and who believe in the best documentation there is, I suggest that you provide yourself a digital camera. It surely will be a great help for you.

Just look at this photo. We say that a photo paints a thousand words. Surely this photo shows how and what my students are doing and learning.

Here are some photo-taking strategies for educators (by Cynthia Hoisington):

* Keep the camera within easy reach in the classroom and charged at all times.

* Take photos unobtrusively, yet often enough so that children get used to seeing you with a camera in your hand.

* Capture the entire structure when photographing any structure that children are building.

* Take individual photos of various structures from approximately the same angles and distances for easier comparison later.

* Have a goal in mind when you take photos of children building. Your goal will influence what you decide to focus.

* Be spontaneous sometimes too. If something that children are building draws your attention or piques you interest, snap it. Don’t worry if you don’t have a goal for every photo.

The Golden Land

The Golden land is the meaning of Suvarnabhumi, pronounced as "Su-Wana-Poon". It is the name of the new mega airport in South East Asia. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the new airport in Bangkok, Thailand. Surely, you will be impressed of its departure hall which is in the style of the Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong.

I am sure you will also be impressed of these. Look. Nice pieces of art works.

(Indirectly stating...)on the effects of divorce

Last month, I wrote a literature review on father's involvement and its effects on the socio-emotional development of children. With the alarming cases of divorce and absent father involvement we hear and see around, I would like to share some informations I gathered.

Negative Effects of an Absent Father Involvement

According to Wayne Matthews, father’s absence, whether physical and or emotional, is a critical problem. (Mathews, 1998) He stated that father’s absence has a great impact on the general behavioral adjustment and aggression in male children. He added that boys are more likely to be involved in crime and violence. In his research, Popenoe has detailed his findings by stating that boys who grew up without father involvement had developed “hyper masculine behavior”. They try to disengage themselves from the dominance of their mothers and gain a male identity. They became angry and fearful and hostile towards women in general. ( Popenoe, 1996)

With regards to the negative effects on girls, earlier studies stated that girls are more likely to get pregnant as teens. (McLanahan & Sandefur, 1994; Sampson, 1987) This finding was also agreed upon by La Crosse. He stated that girls with absent fathers use their bodies to relate to men (LaCrosse, 1997) which were also highlighted by Brott (2003) in his book. He added that fathers can help daughters know that love and sex are not synonymous (LaCrosse, 1997). And so with an absent father, girls tend to find difficulty in distinguishing love from sex. Hetherington suggested in his findings that girls are more likely to blame themselves for the problems that arise from an absent father especially if it is caused by divorce. Hetherington also suggested that those girls are more likely to engage in child sex (1999).

In the general context, research by Byrne, 1997, Horn, 1997, Levine, 1997. Murphy, & Wilson, (1997 ) indicates that children without fathers fail in school three times more often than those in two parent families. They are apt to have more emotional problems which also affect their academic skills. Matthews has proven this earlier by stating that children with no or little contact with their fathers are more likely to drop out of school. (Matthews, 1998)

How it is when an absent father is in conflict with the child’s mother? Does it affect the child’s well-being the more?I believe that the child will be affected especially in his social and emotional skills. He will tend to have behavioral difficulties that will affect his social dealings with his peers as he will tend to be withdrawn. My belief was supported by the findings of Amato and & Keith when they earlier noted that numerous social adjustment difficulties among children may occur, (Amato & Keith, 1991) and by Bowen (1976) who suggested that since the child derive meaning from a significant mother and father and often establish role identification, a child may become confused and disillusioned especially when there is conflict with an absent father.

Positive Effects of Quality Father Involvement

Lamb stated that evidence is mounting that father’s involvement enhances children’s socio-emotional health and well being (Lamb, 1997) and based on my personal experience with my own father, I agree that quality father involvement is effective and has long lasting effects on my own socio-emotional development. Mostly, I believe thatmy father’s involvement benefited me in each stages of development, which I carry within me as I passed through from childhood to our present stage of adulthood. My belief is influenced more recently by the works of Palkovitz (1997), Amato (1998), Marsiglio, Amato, Day and Lamb (2000), and Lamb (2004) who show through their own work or reviewed studies of others, the progress in understanding the contributions fathers make to children’s lives. Pickard quoted the same ideas when he stated that the father has an important potential role at each developmental stage that his children pass through, (Pickard, 1998) which is also supported by Brott (2003) by stating that father involvement has positive effects on young children, adolescents , and children who become young adults. According to Le Menestrel, (1999) Amato (1998) viewed that fathers provide both economic and social capital to children that affects school related behavior and academic achievement, career development, peer relationships, self-esteem and adult outcomes such as achievement, marital happiness and strength of social networks.

With all these related findings, I would like to present the benefits of quality father involvement in each stage. Since positive effects of any kinds bring more encouragement in every one’s lives, I decided to present the positive benefits of quality father’s involvement in details for each stage of human development. Recognizing these positive effects would then encourage further researches for optimal benefits of the children in particular and the whole mankind in general.

Preschool Years

· Better friendships. Three year olds who have positive relationships with their fathers have better friendships when they’re five.
· More cooperation and self-reliance. Children whose fathers regularly looked after them during their infancy and preschool years are more self disciplined and have better social skills, according to Kay Margetts, a researcher at Melbourne University in Australia.
· Smoother separation from Mom. During the time that their children are eighteen months to three year old, father plays one of the most critical roles they will ever play in the role of their child: helping the child safely and securely separate from the intense maternal dependency of infancy, says psychiatrist Kyle Pruett. He believes that as healthy as it is for young children to be depending on their mothers, they’ll never develop their own confidence if they don’t ever establish their physical and emotional autonomy.
· Better problem –solving skills and less frustration. Kids who have involved fathers have a higher tolerance for stress and frustration. As Henry Biller has written, kids are better able to wait their turn for the teacher’s attention, more confident to work on their own, more confident, more willing to try new things.
· More compassion for others. According to researcher Susan Bernadette Shapiro, kindergarten children whose father took more responsibility for limit setting, discipline, and helping children with personal problems and school work had significantly higher empathy scores.
(I presented here the effects on pre-school children only)

As living testament to the positive effects of father’s involvement on the child’s socio-emotional development that encompasses from childhood to adulthood, and which are supported by relevant researches as reviewed and analyzed in this paper, I recognize the fact that a father plays an important role in children’s lives. Being emotionally present in his child’s life, a father enhances his child’s self-esteem and well-being which remain with him till adulthood. With this recognition and understanding, comes the realization that we as early childhood educators should pave the way for the fathers in the centre to be more involved positively with their children. We should as much as possible avoid the devastating negative effects of an absent father involvement in children. Though we could not do anything on a physically absent father, we could help by informing them of how to be an emotionally present father. Therefore, we as teachers in school or centers can respond by including men in our work. We can plan the kind of activities which will involve fathers positively. The next step is to put our plans into actions as soon as possible. With our plans in action, we can then influence the community and the government in implementing actions and reforms that may support positive father involvement.

In short, for those who are contemplating on separation and or divorce, please do consider your decision. Please make decisions with your children's interest in mind.

Pretend....pretend....

I just watched this on cable, the Animal Planet Channel. I was so amused and so I took my camera and took this photo. The lady is a primatologist from UK who after 8 years went out to the wild to find out if the ape she cared for would still recognize her. As you can see on photo, the ape do recognizes her. So amusing....

If only most people are like that. Why?? Is it easier to pretend you don't know a person than to tell her, we've meet somewhere?? Hmmm...

To cane or not to cane?

As parents, we've all come to a point when we face the dilemma whether to discipline our own children by using corporal punishment or by just be firm with them in stating what we want. In my case, most of the times, I tried then, to talk it out with my own children. I would not say that I am a perfect parent. But I know I made incorrect decisions too. I may have hurt my own children, perhaps in their own thinking, or I may not have hurt them at all physically. What I am sure of is that I made decisions out of my love for them.

As an early childhood educator, it really hurts when one of your children is caned by her own father or mother. I understand that parents are more expert as far as their own children are concerned. But it still leave me that shaken when a lot of cane marks are so prominently seen on a young child's body. Oh, I have to understand that that particular parent underwent that dilemma too; whether to cane or not to cane. But tell me, is it worth it?

I don't know. Up to now I don't know. When I first saw a child with cane marks, I was so angry. Angry with that particular parent. Many years passed by, I still feel uncomfortable with it. But God, I have to accept that that's the way it is.

Ahh, she just remind me of my dear grandkid Darrielle. I will always love her. May she feel the love behind the pain. I hope...

For Karllisse

I am in the process of doing a play documentation, (it could be that simple, but for others, they make the work so complicated!!! Brrr!) but I decided to write something for my dear granddaughter Karllisse. It will be her 2nd birthday on the 17th. How I wish I am there with her and her twin sisters and their Mom, my eldest. Ahhh!! We really could not have it all.

In my moment of sadness, missing my beloved grandkids, I almost wanted to give up what I have. I can fly anytime I want to. But it is not that easy. There are many considerations. All I have to do is to be patient. How can I be patient when every moment of my day, happy faces of my grandkids’ are flashing in my mind? “Take your time Mom! Wait! After our own commitments, we can go together for a visit”, my daughter Marielle assured me. It lightened my heart, made my sadness bearable.

So for my dear Karllisse I could just say this from here: Happy birthday girl!!!

You are my inspiration in writing this
http://eceluchie.blogspot.com/2006/07/jean-piaget-cognitive-development.html,

this
http://eceluchie.blogspot.com/2006/07/crawling-new-view-of-world.html

and also this
http://eceluchie.blogspot.com/2005/11/child-growth-and-development-birth-to.html.

May you inspire me more!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAREST KARLLISSE!!!!

We love you!

On MI

I just came from my course. And I decided I better write an entry. Why so? Because I just came from a nice, well, a good lecture. Ahh, I like the topic. It was about MI or Multiple Intelligences by Dr. Howard Gardner. My lecturer just made my three hours this night a satisfying one. If all the lecturers would be as good as him, I'll completely say that it is really nice to upgrade, whatever you may think of what an upgrade is.

Well, going back to MI. In 1995, Dr. Gardner added a new type of intelligence aside from the seven which he introduced in 1983. He introduced the Naturalist Intelligence. Here, a person with this type of intelligence has the ability to recognize flora and fauna and to make other consequential distinctions in the natural world. Do you think you have this type of intelligence? If you'll ask me, I don't have. But wait, maybe a little. My score in this would be at lest a 3 in the scale of 1 to 10. Wahhh! I am not like my mother, kasi, who has a green thumb and can produce the nice orchid flowers around and can name most of the plants in her environment. She also has that natural love for animals and or pets.

But mind you, I have my own type of intelligence and or intelligences. And I am proud of my strengths.

So, how many types of intelligences are there ba? As I mentioned, we have 8. But according to my lecturer, when Dr. Gardner was asked that question, he answered 8 and 1/2. Ayyy, is that possible ba? Well, Dr Gardner has not enough datas that was why he answered 8 and 1/2. But in due time, he'll be able to present the 9th, which is the Existentialist Intelligence. Ohh, I'll wait for that time when his data will be presented to the public.

So dear folks, we know now that because of our uniqueness, we have different intelligences. So no person around is not intelligent. Everyone has his own type of intelligence. So stop saying boba or bobo, di ba?

Joking aside, I want to thank my lecturer for a nice lecture. It was a good lecture really. That was why I gave him a perfect 5 for my evaluation.

Hmmm, bye for now, I'll be soooooooooooo busy with my projects, literature review and temperament profile. Hope you will still visit my site once in a while.