Preferable Learning Space for Pinoys

People learn best when almost all their senses are being used, when multiple intelligences are being catered through effective and efficient teaching strategies, when not only knowledge but also values are being inculcated into the minds of the learners, when fun in learning is being promoted, when the learning space is conducive, spacious, well-lighted, interesting, up-to-date and home-like, and when learners feel the sense of belonging, respect and perseverance so that they could interact inside the classroom. I based my theory on learning from my own personal experiences. Here in the Philippines, we got tons of dedicated teachers and millions of learners. But the problems are the inadequacy learning and teaching facilities and the topography of the country is not that good. Hence, education of Filipinos is at stake. But, through it all, still we find ways to cope up with the delay and smile.

According to my Modes of Learning result, I have a high percentage for Hierarchical Collective. I believe that learners should learn the values and norms of the society, patriotism and to abide with the law. In order for that to happen, they must be in a school that is shaped for them to learn knowledge and values especially of the community. Our schools here are doing well in terms of the cultural factor. There is the existence of vegetable gardens in the backyard of every classrooms shows the agricultural side of the community; the celebration of "Buwan ng Wika" or Nationaal Language Month reminds us to love and respect our own language; and the Filipino flag that waves in the middle of the field in the center of the campus symbolizes nationalism. While in terms of physical, social, emotional and cognitive factors, gradual learning is impeded. I believe that if the Physical factor is not okay, the rest of the factors are not that okay too. The rest of the factors are in minimum level. The classrooms here are small for the minimum 45 to maximum of 60 learners per (1) teacher, thus congested. Ventilation, lighting and electricity (if in hinterlands) are also problems. The approach of teaching is still traditional. Education here is problematic.

Hence, if I can redo the schools here, I would renovate the classrooms. Make it spacious, home-like and interesting with furnitures and ICT gadgets to make it enticing and fun to study and interact. Have windows on the ceiling to let the sunlight pass to conserve electricity. Repaint it with pastel colors. In the campus, I will put kiosks for the learners to spend their time studying, resting or hanging out. The budget will be funded by the stakeholders (donors, parents, teachers, non-government organizations and local government unit). If there would be more excess budget, I would build new and exciting ones. I believe that in unity there is an impeccable strength that would change what was.

Endangered Pearl of the Orient

Philippines’ primary asset is its abundance in natural resources. It has a long, beautiful coastlines, virgin forests and rich wildlife. Its fauna and flora renders charming, colorful and mysterious qualities that are enticing to eyes. Though the years, these richness were diminishing through unimaginable and destructive ways. Out of greed and poverty, some people cling to it for the promise of a better future.

It is known to any part of the world that illegal logging and mining can deeply penetrate and destroy the rain forest. Meanwhile in the Pearl of the Orient, banned activities are not being taken seriously. It seems like people, especially politicians, are gullible and free to do whatever they want. They act as if they are the law in land. Besides, they think that they own the people who are, in fact, the ones who elect and pay them to lead and be a good model for everyone. 

Through the hands of humans, innocent trees bid its farewell to life. There are no more bonds which hold the soil together and when it rains, the soil breaks and gushes down with water to lower areas which leads to soil erosion, flash flood and human deaths to the extent. Moreover, the essential nutrients in the soil are also depleted and contaminated due to the chemicals and harsh processes that are caused by mining. The nutrient-rich soils are now chemical-filled and futile. All are contributory factor in climate change.

The world we live in is different from what our grandparents had before. It was them who had experienced potable water in the river, clean air everywhere, wildlife at its best and calm, predictable weather every day. It feels like centuries had passed by, where in fact, it is just decades. The nature is the foundation why people are living. Nature is Earth. We live in nature.

Nature is endangered and it is in the hands of the mankind to restore what was loss. As forerunners to fight the causes of climate change, be not a betrayal to our own land but be a kiss of hope to Mother Earth. Politics is problematic; people should act and eradicate mining, illegal logging and as well as the greedy politicians. People should be proactive to have a sustainable future.

The Verb Family Tree by Regine del Carmen

Once upon a time, there was a famous clan known as the Verb Family. This community has so many relatives and constituents in the Word Society. They become the heart-throb of every sentence that will be constructed. Hence, their status made them important expressions to the world.

One day, there was a conflict between the uses of the Verbs. The struggle resulted into the discovery of the Verbs classification. The clan was divided into two classifications, the finite and the non-finite. The people got confused of the new findings so a fairy godmother appeared and explained the whole bewilderment.

With all her might, she told the people of Word Society that, “finite verbs are those base forms of a word which can be joined by linking verbs and helping verbs. Linking verbs are the ones who link a subject with a complement through its description or explanation, restatement of the subject or description of its state of being. Helping verbs are the ones who assist in forming tenses when they are combined with the main verb.” Then she took a deep breath and sustained, “they are grouped according to transitive and intransitive. Transitives are the verbs that express an action carried out on one or more objects. Intransitive verbs don’t require an object to complete their meaning.” On the other hand, she continued, “the non-finite verbs are the verbals which consist of the infinitive, participle and gerund verb forms. Thus non-finite verbs cannot complete an independent clause nor does their form change.” The people widened their eyes as she went along confidently. “Infinitives are those “to” plus base form verb. Participle can either be present or past tense plus a helping verb to make a verb phrase. And the last, gerund is verb that ends with “ing” that functions as a noun.” The people got even more confused. So the fairy godmother used her magic wand and explained further with examples. Hence, the people got enlightened at last.

My English Language History

Being exposed to the league of presumed writers in my high school was never my intention. I was never into pen-and-paper artillery but because of some crazy people who put decent marks for English subjects in my report card, I have been admitted to the war of the words. I was put in a not-so-accountable position for the school paper. I was the associate editor-in-chief. My tasks were just to fire ammunition to the wrong grammar enemies and reinforce them with angelic ones. Hoping I haven’t killed anyone, I was good at my job that dictated my future in the English army.

College days challenged my writing power. I enlisted for an English Literature and Linguistics degree. The first two years was good. I was having fair grades until I met this terror professor who was like the commander-in-chief of the universal English force. She had that kind of gravitation that pulls the smiles of her subordinates away when she comes to class. As my professor in three different literature classes, she also gave me three knockdown grades equivalent to something you call “three kisses of death”. It was the lowest marks of my life. My junior year was definitely the turning point of my career in the English military but I’m still lucky, all of my mates are also suffering from the same bruise.

That event in my third year put me to questions. What was wrong with me? Why am I getting these grades? Was this about my writing skills? What was wrong with my powers? Are my ammunition getting weaker? I thought of many things just to provide answers. I observe my performance; my writings were just to mainstream for the commander-in-chief. She was missing a piece of my magic, I concluded, and that’s why I’m here.

Loren Phoelicity's 5th Birthday

Pink flamingo. Cute squirrel. Little bullfrog. Zing. First love. True love. To my Little Loren, happy 5th birthday! Thank you for coming into my life though you are almost 18 years late. Hahahaha! Still, I enjoy your company. My days sitting in the house's couch aren't 'lame' anymore. How I wish that we have grown up together, but I guess, seeing you now brought up by our parents is the best experience ever: I got to see myself on you when I was little and how was I being taken care of. I love you Sister. God has planned a beautiful story for us: I came first to pave the way for you. I thank God everyday that you have come! All the best and all the love in the world for you, baby! Lovest, Ate Pres.