Thinking of you

Thinking of you is like a Philosophy, the more you know, the more you do not know or the more you will realize how vague things out. In the relationship (in general term), we are taught that “love” can be willed, that others owe us affection, obedience and respect.  Philosophy is in its essence about relationships – the relationship between a statement and its truth-value; the relationship between logic and empiricism, “self” and “other”, choice and virtue, integrity and happiness – the mind and reality. However, most importantly, philosophy is about our relationship with about each other.

With all these, the existence of being and of being per se, of something in nothingness would be futile to fathom the reality that we both are in – LDR. I can take the challenge of philosophy though how hard it is but the challenge of our relationship might be greatest battle I need to conquer for my own existence. This is so because I am a PHILOSOPHER.

Somewhat like getting smarter in a relationship is needed. But it is not a new kind curriculum that requires practical skills and useful knowledge for forming emotionally healthy, mutually respectful, and ethically sounds relationship. This might need various methodologies of teaching-learning process wherein modern pedagogue should and must be established for a more positive outcome. Building relationship is not just call but an action that an expression is at stake for this to prosper. Preparation and commitment in ensuring that bumpy road come our way will be surpassed. This is so because I am a TEACHER.

Our relationship is not an instant noodles or a 3 in 1 coffee. Building romantic connections require planning and constant monitoring and evaluation. Powerful feelings of attractions, rejections and of myriad other emotions are natural phenomenon which may put our relationship at risk most of the time. We may have started out with shared goals and a clear sense of direction for our relationship and future together. Sometimes relationships are like a journey on a ship with two co-pilots. This was where we started and continue to believe and pray to hold on that promise. With this clear vision and commitment to our goal, this is so because I am a DEVELOPMENT WORKER.

Talking about the dreams, goals, and values we have for our life and relationship can help strengthen our emotional connection. It can give us an opportunity to hear another’s perspectives and to honour what each of us brings to the relationship. These conversations can help us become co-pilots who are charting the same course together in our relationship’s journey.

In our journey, we learn how to love and be loved, its expressions.  There are no quick fixes or fast-track methods to satisfaction and happiness in our relationship. Most strategies for enhancing our relationship require repetition and practice over time. We will wake up every morning and will work for this relationship to work. We may not the perfect couple we aspire to be or we look forward into. We may not have the enough time spending the moment with one another. Though communication be our weakest link, communication be our bond. This is so because I am your LOVER. 

NB: It was written at 11:11PM, August 12, 2015 in my table at KFI Sub-Office, Tacurong City. 

Respect: Source of Significant Changes

In my journey, there is one thing that really bothers my existence. It is one thing that somehow I know but I cannot fathom its true essence. In different ways, circumstances, time and spaces, it has a distinct way to define & be known. It is respect. What is it all about? Where does it come from? What is the basis of man to know and define it?

In the status quo, somehow perceptions of the people change on how to gain respect from others.  With the existing state-of-the-art inventions, modernization, new technologies of communications, sciences, personally, I would say that part of these changes is the change of views on good values of respect.

I have been my subject of discussion this respect because of my experience on the Respect Education Program. How does it start?

On these places, Ala Central School & Kangkong Elementary School, my prolific journey started. In the simple life of the people living there, issues on quality education, lacking of school facilities, low performance of the pupils on the traditional way of teaching and learning, issues on capacity of the learners to think and learn and the unending problems on poverty that instead of going to school, they prefer to work and help the family to source out for food to serve on their table.

In a span of year, the call to address some issues of pupils and teachers on education of Ala Central School and Kangkong Elementary School has been responded. This is through Respect Education Program in collaboration with Pasali Philippines Inc., Cordaid – Netherlands, Day of Respect Foundation and MINCONSP. This aimed to create a safe environment for school children and help them understand the meaning of respect and the contribution they can make to their environment.

In addition, it provides opportunities to secure their rights as children and as active member of their community. This includes methodologies to make their learning easy and fun as learners.

For more than 9 months, I have known Peter Long. Simple. Happy. Naughty. Playful. A Child. I think, he is the one who could represent other young pupils I have come across in a short period of time but full of sincerity and genuine heart. As he awakes in the morning, he will prepare for school. Enter in the class bringing the smile and happiness of contentment as a child. During noon time, he will go back home to eat his lunch.

Knowing Peter Long has the dark past as well. Ill-tempered. Unruly. Always in conflict. Frequently called in the principal’s office in some issues of misbehaviours inside and outside of the class. But these treats were forgotten when he was able to appreciate his worth, his own self, his involvement in his environment because of his elder brothers and sisters in Respect Program. Even the teachers have given him the opportunities to be of help in maintaining cooperation and good relationship inside the classroom.

According to him, “tinuruan ako ng Respect Education na maniwala sa aking kakayahan, na kaya akong madesisyon ng tama kahit marami akong ginawang kasalanan at iyun ay pinasasalamatan ko lng lubos” (Respect Education taught me to believe that I have capacities, that I can decide rightly though I have done wrong before and I am sincerely thankful for that).

Peter Long is a symbol of change – change that the value of respect is in need to live with purity and trueness in it.

Consequently, the program wends on its goal. Each pupil has given opportunities to share their ideas and opinion. Bullying and discrimination were minimized. Many pupils become values oriented specifically on respecting ones belief, norms and culture. It provides effective methodologies for teachers for a fun learning of pupils. It strengthens teacher-pupil relations. Contribute to the enhancement of good character of the pupils. Pupils become more responsible. Contribute to the development of skills and talents of the pupils. They are getting closer. Teachers integrated the program to other subject matter. According to Ma’am Pamela Pardilla, teacher-adviser of Respect class in Ala Central School, “with REP in our class, it helps in strengthening our mutual relationships and thus provides a more friendly, fun and conducive learning environment for both teachers and pupils. I am personally very fortunate to be involved in such significant program that even myself could testify how it changed my perspective on creative methodologies of teaching. Thank you respect education and KFI for the opportunity to grow and develop, to innovate and be creative, to understand more our pupils and in helping us upgrading our system”, she added.

In concluding the program on its first phases, this will call for a challenge in increasing the quality of education not only as a methodology of teaching and learning but also an opportune time bring back and give into account the value of respect as primary element this new generation shaping of children who will lead the people and the world tomorrow. This is an important aspect of being human. The person having gained respect has virtuous human relation, wise, true.

Conversation with a brother.

Things have changed a lot. After years of keeping and making our lives busy for what the world pushes us to work for, we have realized so many things, so many realities. These just appeared to us unexpectedly. But it seemed to be perfectly matched to what it really matters in the world we are in.

I had a classmate in college whom I usually my companion in drinking sessions and study periods.  Looking back to what life we had in the formation, was quite incredible somehow immaturity really lingers in our juvenile minds and reasons. Now, he is a teacher in a Catholic institution somewhere in our city. For quite a year, he has already accustomed of what image and ethical standards he has to project and act. I invited him for a lunch. I presumed that his classes were dismissed before the noontime for a lunch break.

We have several conversations before talking about what life we had in the seminary formation. But now a different subject matter reveals vividly in the dialogue.  Somewhat like a predominantly a more mature theme disclosed. Actually, we missed a lot the discourse we used to tackle when we were in the seminary formation.

Since we took Philosophy as a degree, we are fond of thinking and philosophizing at some point. But we are not that very proficient on that account. But we can discuss. We can argue. We can reason out. We can offer fair argument. We can refute. We can affirm. We can decide to what we believe is right and true.

The tête-à-tête swirled for quite sometimes and learned the following things.

Put the pride beside.

Pride might somehow a source of evil, root of greediness and anger. We believe that pride is also an essence and part and parcel of being human. Pride might not only connote negative ideals but a positive one as well. Pride and proud usually are interrelated. Both capture honour and personal excellence. But to too much of it will push towards an imbalanced vanity.

It came across, that when we are in relationship, whatever it is, in family, co-workers, special someone, putting the pride beside is a task for us to maintain good relationship. Though how hard to think and control it, but we need to. For both of us who understood, we act as we understand.

Bear it.

The environment is perfectly imperfect. Fools might be around. But goodness always wins. The challenge of environment we work with is new to us. Idealism is still part of our struggle. The pain of realities confronted us without malice. Rather than to avoid it, bear it. For bearing it, it does not mean foolishness. Instead, it signifies strengths and compassion to the subject.

Wait until it is gone.

Anger is a natural emotional reaction. Anger occurs usually because of dissatisfaction, of irritation, of feeling embarrassed. In confronting anger of other people, we realized that waiting is worthy than setting yourself to a hasty solution. If we have been in a situation of defying the anger of another person, we will just wait until it is gone.

Learn from it.

With all those experiences, we are called to learn from it.

Have fun.

Enjoy and have fun.

It's Nice to be Back Here: A New Reflection

Almost two years, I left this account and started a new journey of expressing myself to other medium. I am not a writer so I think I cannot sustain the elements needed to pursue it. However, I find it a blunt idea. For quite sometimes I have been craving for something to share, to write, to read and create a world which nobody knows me yet understands me with what I type in my keyboard.

I am fond of reflections. That’s why I usually enjoy thinking and learning on things which run through my head and veins.

I am considering myself taking in another step of my journey in serving the people of God. I look forward for greater challenges to face and conquer. I value all people around for making my journey even though tough yet rewarding to an end. For more two years in service in development projects here in Mindanao, Philippines for the people who in need, for the community of disciples asking for assistance, for the family relations being strengthened and many individuals from various status in life, the passion of service and integrity in caring people has established mark of compassion, love, care and justice.

In the same way, one bible passage I have just read today celebrates John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Christ. Many Christians know how John the Baptist died. Perhaps we're not as well informed about how he lived. John died because he lived by religious principles, and because he fearlessly preached God's law openly, even though his preaching most surely would offend powerful people. John dragged no strokes and did not suppress criticism simply because the people he was criticizing were rich and powerful. He was being fair. This is actually a challenge and a call to all of us.

We are anointed as prophets in the commission of our baptism. We are called to live and give witness to Christian values. Living by and defending these values might me costly to some. For businessman it may loss of additional income for he will reject deals which will involve corruption. Some parents could reject career promotions if it will compromise and deny the time that they should give formation to their children. We may not be called to die as John the Baptist died. We are called to live as he lived.

My dear, as we wake up this another day, we always thank God for the graces He has given us, for another opportunity of serving our people, for another milestone of giving and witnessing Christian values through our service.