Duterte is not a Psychopath

Why is President Duterte not a psychopath? First, he doesn't exhibit a failure to accept responsibility for his actions. He has realistic goals, and he is beginning to fulfil them. Second, the willingness to prioritise power above all else, including the welfare of their fellow human beings, ruthlessness, callousness and an utter lack of conscience are amongst the defining traits of the psychopath. But President Duterte prioritises the welfare of the poor and powerless. He is even the most patriotic president this country has had. A psychopath doesn't promote our collective interests. Mr Duterte does. A psychopath loves drugs. Mr Duterte doesn't. A psychopath operates against the interests of his own people. Mr Duterte has made a valiant effort to end contractualisation in the workplace. A psychopath cannot confront criminals and pretends a problem doesn't exist. Mr Duterte deals with the challenges even if it affects his popularity. A psychopath is willing to betray his people so long as he gets favourable judgment from the US and UN and EU because a psychopath goes behind our backs to cook up schemes running contrary to our interests, which is not only grossly insulting but dangerous. A psychopath is unfeeling, but Mr Duterte feels great empathy with the poor, the police, the soldiers, victims of disasters, peace-loving Filipinos, the people who help shape the future he wants for this country.

A Need to be Independent

A former colony has to grow up at some point in its countryhood. It should no longer look to its former coloniser for its opinions and for guidance in conduct. It should not be bound by or committed to its selfish agenda. It has to think of its own people. Its president cannot be a puppet. It cannot be used to further the purposes of its former coloniser. Time this country exercised its independent authority and the right to govern itself. The US could have weaned the Philippines on independence on 4 July 1946 after walking on our resources for 48 years. We are now a septuagenarian, not a baby all of 7 months crawling to get around efficiently on his own.

Is a Corrupt Leader Better Than an Honest Leader Who Swears?

Some Filipinos would prefer a corrupt leader who employs tact and conciliation to an honest and loyal leader who swears every now and then. It is OK with them that corruption is rampant and drug addiction deteriorates this country so long as no human rights are abused. It is OK with them that criminals and drug addicts rob, rape women and children, kill so long as their rights are not kicked around. Yes, they have the point. But why is it their criticisms are only focused on demonising the President? If they are indeed so concerned with this problem, they should take part in a campaign to stop the use of illegal drugs by encouraging their friends and neighbourhood to desist from their vices, discouraging drug addicts and pushers and making them feel alarmed instead of cinching them of their rights despite their criminal activities. I think what the President wants when he says he'll kill them all is not really to inflict death on them, but to terrorise them to give themselves up to the control of drugs. Our president should hold his head up high, work his tail end off, and be even better and stronger because of the Yellow, whose agenda is to destroy his reputation and credibility. Their hateful words hurt and over time they can take a mental and emotional toll on him, but he doesn't have to be a nice or likable person in order to be a leader. Mr Duterte has to be tough. The war on drugs is no joke. It’s not always going to be easy, but he being a strong beacon people can count on is what is necessary for the Filipino people and his legacy. The war on drugs is for the future of this country unless you are into drugs and criminality.

On real democracy

There is no real democracy in a country whose result of election is changed by artful and unfair means and when the electoral process is not observed. Every vote is sacred, and when the truth is twisted, the will of the people is betrayed. No amount of justification can atone for such crime. An honest and clean electoral process and the belief that power ultimately rests with the people are the very essence of democracy.

On a Marcos

There is no law that prohibits a Marcos to run for post. Either, there is no law that prohibits a Marcos to enter a protest. It is Bongbong's right to make a statement in objection to what he has noticed. Well, democracy isn't about a person, but about how honest and clean the electoral process is. I hope that whoever the VP is has won in a way that is based on the will of the people and not on cheating.

Writers’ manifesto on the Philippine election

This manifesto, in English and Tagalog, is from a growing list of more than 90 Filipino writers around the world. Our values, and candidates, differ, but we set aside what divides us to unite behind our country. We invite all to stand, with us few Filipinos here, during these troubled times everywhere, for unfettered expression and the necessity of free speech.

A MANIFESTO
I am a Filipino writer.

I am one among journalists, fictionists, poets, essayists, bloggers, screenwriters, graphic storytellers, copywriters, playwrights, editors… Citizens, all—in a perilous place to wield a pen.

I stand for unfettered expression—to discuss, dispute, debate, dissent. For democracy is respectful disagreement—change persuaded, never imposed. And freedom cannot be dictated, for the right to speech empowers all others: to worship, and participate in society, to cry against injustice, and call for what is just. Speaking responsibly is my responsibility—but expression remains unconditional, essential to equality and universal liberty: To each citizen, a free vote; to every citizen, a free voice.

All of us, citizens, live in a world where the powerful thrive on secrecy and the privileged seek our poverty. Ours is a time when righteousness and faith are weaponized into fear and savagery, and life is dispensable to opinion and ideology. All of us, Filipinos, live in a country where facts are spun as black propaganda, and dynasties stage a masquerade of choice, and leaders prosper on our weakness and disunity. Ours is a society broken by those who benefit from its breaking.

I refuse to let that be the story of our people.

To our Filipino sisters and brothers—at home and around the world: I pledge my pen. My task is to listen, to give voices when you’ve none, and render us with all the humanity I can muster and the dignity you deserve. As a writer I work, and witness, inform, and incite. I shall concede my stance when proven wrong, aspire to constant civility, and safeguard our history from those who reap from its rewriting. This I vow. To this I will see.

To those who mislead for fake faith, profit, or political gain—the false prophets, corporations, and agents of disinformation: my enemy is your iniquity, rapacity, manipulation; my methods are clarity, creativity, careful investigation. I know, as you do, that your power sits solely in the pliancy of us people—and I refuse to sit idly as you crave our control. I shall match your inhumanity with plain and simple decency. This I vow. To this I will see.

To our leaders abusing power—elected or otherwise: I am watching, taking notes, recording for all time. I will mock you who’ve made a mockery of our democracy; yours will not be bronze statues in plazas, or elegies on brass plaques—for my words will outlive your influence, in a world that will know the ills you committed and the ugliness that you were. In life you’ve stolen from our country and our people, and in your death I will steal the respect you never earned and the dignity you never deserved. Try to censor me and I will find a way—to immortalize your infamy, defame your legacy, tell your children’s children with accuracy of what you did and precisely all you failed to do. Your punishment will stretch through the pages of perpetuity.

This I vow. To this I will see.

For all histories have shown: Elections pass, systems crumble, but stories remain. Assassinate one of us—but another speaks louder. Pass laws to make us criminals—but our writing blooms beyond their reach. For history has proven: Jose Rizal is always remembered, Marlene Esperat never forgotten. Your weapons may be violence and money, but our tools are vigilance and memory.

For I am a Filipino. I am a writer.

This I vow, and this you will see: I shall not be silent. I cannot be silenced. I am not alone—our writing remembers, our laughter reminds. The truth of you the world will know. And it starts right here, with me.

ISANG MANIPESTO
Ako ay manunulat na Pilipino.

Isa ako sa mga mamamahayag, kuwentista, makata, mananaysay, blogger, scriptwriter, komiks writer, mandudula, patnugot—mamamayang nabubuhay kung saan mapanganib magsulat.

Naninidigan ako na malayang makapagsalita—para magtalakay, tumutol, makipagtalo, sumalungat. Pagtatalong magalang ang demokrasya. Nag-uudyok ito ng pagbabago, hindi nagpapataw. Kailanman, hindi maididikta ang kalayaan. Karapatan ng lahat na magsalita: para sumamba, makiisa sa lipunan, tutulan ang kawalang-katarungan, at manawagan para sa katwiran. Sa pagbibitiw ng salita, may responsibilidad ako. Pero walang anumang kondisyon ang pagpapahayag. Esensyal ito para sa pagkakapantay-pantay at kalayaang unibersal. Malayang boto para sa bawat tao; malayang tinig para sa bawat mamamayan.

Nabubuhay tayo sa mundo kung saan namamayagpag ang laksang lihim ng kapangyarihan. Hangad nila ang patuloy nating kahirapan. Sa panahon ngayon, iniaambang sandata ang pananampalataya at katuwiran para manakot at mag-asal-hayop. Ibinubuwis ang buhay ng tao para lamang sa ideyolohiya at opinyon. Nabubuhay tayong mga Pilipino sa bayan kung saan mistulang black propaganda ang katotohanan. Mapanlokong palabas ng mga dinastiya na mayroon tayong pagpipilian. Malayo na ang narating ng mga namumuno sa bayan dahil sa pagkakawatak-watak natin at kahinaan. Iginugupo ang lipunan natin ng mga taong nakikinabang sa pagkakalansag nito.

Hindi ko papayagan na ito ang maging kuwento ng ating lahi.
Sa mga kapatid na Pilipino dito sa Inang Bayan at saan pa man sa mundo: para sa iyo itong panulat ko. Tungkulin kong makinig, magpahiram ng tinig kung wala na ang sa inyo. Ilalarawan ko ang lahat sa paraang makatao, puno ng dignidad na nararapat sa iyo. Bilang manunulat nagsisikap, sumasaksi, nagbibigay-alam, at nang-uudyok ako. Sakaling mapatunayang mali, isusuko ko ang posisyon ko. Ipagtatanggol ko ang kasaysayan laban sa mga nakikinabang sa pagrebisa nito. Panata ko ito; bagay na tinitiyak ko.

Sa mga nagbabalak iligaw tayo dahil sa pananalig, kita, o benepisyong pulitikal—mga bulaang propeta, korporasyon, at ahente ng tiwaling kaalaman—tutol ako sa inyong kagaspangan, manipulasyon, at pagkagahaman. Laan akong magpaliwanang, maging malikhain, at magsiyasat ng buong ingat. Tulad ninyo, alam ko na nakasalalay ang kapangyarihan ninyo sa pagtitiis ng tao. At hindi ako uupo na lamang para patakbuhin ninyo ang lahat. Hindi ako magsasawang magpakadisente para tapatan ang inyong hindi-makataong paraan. Panata ko ito; bagay na tinitiyak ko.

Sa mga pinunong abusado sa kapangyarihan—inihalal man o hindi: nagbabantay ako, nagtatala para alalahanin ito habang buhay. Kayong kumukutya sa ating demokrasya, kukutyain ko rin kayo. Walang rebultong tanso sa plaza o mga papuring plake para sa inyo. Higit sa impluwensiya ninyo ang bawat salita ko, sa mundong tutuklas sa katiwalian at kahalayan ninyo. Sa buhay, pinagnakawan ninyo ang tao at bayan. Sa kamatayan, babawiin ko ang respetong hindi dapat at dignidad na hindi para sa inyo. Busalan man ninyo ako, pipiglas ako para talunin ang kasamaan ninyo. Yuyurakan ko ang mga iniwan ninyo. Isalaysay ko nang tama sa kaapu-apuhan ang mga nagawa at hindi ninyo ginawa para sa bayan. Walang humpay ang parusa ninyo. Panata ko ito; bagay na tinitiyak ko.

Dahil napatunayan na ng kasaysayan: nagwawakas ang mga halalan, nagigiba ang mga sistema, pero nananatili ang mga salaysay. Itumba man ninyo ang isa sa amin, may isa pang aangal ng mas malakas. Magpasa man kayo ng mga batas para gawin kaming kriminal, yayabong pa rin ang panulat namin lampas sa mga hangganan. Dahil pinatunayan na ng kasaysayan: patuloy na ginugunita si Jose Rizal; hindi nalilimutan si Marlene Esperat. Pera at karahasan man ang sandata ninyo katapat nito ang aming gunita at mulat na pagbabantay.

Ako ay Pilipino. Manunulat ako.

Panata ko ito. Hindi ako mananahimik o mapatatahimik, itaga mo ‘yan sa bato. Hindi ako nag-iisa. Hindi nakalilimot ang aming panulat; nang-uusig ang aming halakhak. Malalaman din ng mundo ang katotohanan tungkol sa iyo. At ngayon magsisimula ito, mula sa akin mismo.

Signed, chronologically (as of May 4, 2016):

MIGUEL SYJUCO
CLINTON PALANCA
LISANDRO CLAUDIO
JOEL PABLO SALUD
MARCK RONALD RIMORIN
RANDY DAVID
ALMA ANONAS-CARPIO
JIM PASCUAL AGUSTIN
SYLVIA E. CLAUDIO
ROMANO CORTES JORGE
AMBETH R. OCAMPO
CAROLINE S. HAU
DANTON REMOTO
ROFEL BRION
MARNE KILATES
NINOTCHKA ROSCA
IAN ROSALES CASOCOT
PATRICIO ABINALES
SARGE LACUESTA
NEIL GARCIA
KIMI TUVERA
GEMINO ABAD
LOURD DE VEYRA
MARITES VITUG
LUIS FRANCIA
JESSICA HAGEDORN
D.M. REYES
MOOKIE KATIGBAK LACUESTA
NICANOR TIONGSON
ISABELITA REYES
ROLANDO B. TOLENTINO
LINDA FAIGAO-HALL
MERLIE ALUNAN
NENI STA. ROMANA CRUZ
KARINA BOLASCO
NICOLA SEBASTIAN
RENE CIRIA-CRUZ
KRISTINE FONACIER
CRISELDA YABES
JOSE DALISAY
DEAN FRANCIS ALFAR
RAMON GUILLERMO
PATRICIA LIM
MONA LISA YUCHENGCO
GEMMA NEMENZO
CRISTINA PANTOJA-HIDALGO
NICK CARBO
GRACE TALUSAN
ALBERT B. CASUGA
SYLVIA L. MAYUGA
CARLOMAR ARCANGEL DAOANA
M. EVELINA GALANG
FH BATACAN
CARLJOE JAVIER
FELIX FOJAS
NADINE SARREAL
SUSAN S. LARA
RHANDEE GARLITOS
EUGENE EVASCO
DINO MANRIQUE
LINDA NIETES
GRACE R. MONTE DE RAMOS
JOHN LABELLA
KARL R. DE MESA
YVETTE PANTILLA-CARPIO
JAN PHILIPPE V. CARPIO
ROGER B. RUEDA
OSCAR V. CAMPOMANES
CHARLSON ONG
NOELLE Q. DE JESUS
MAXINE SYJUCO
SHIRLEY O. LUA
PAULO ALCAZAREN
TWINK MACARAIG
DEE MANDIGMA
MYRZA SISON
SHAKIRA SISON
LUIS P. GATMAITAN
THELMA ENAGE
RALPH SEMINO GALAN
LUISA T. REYES
REBECCA T. AÑONUEVO
MICHAEL M. COROZA
GERALDINE C. MAAYO
RAMIL DIGAL GULLE
MALOU JACOB
RONALD REYES
DARYLL DELGADO
NONOY ESPINA
ELIZABETH ONG
LOUIE JON A. SANCHEZ
LILA SHAHANI

JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF SIGNATORIES BY CONTACTING MIGUEL SYJUCO AT miguel.syjuco@gmail.com.

Wondertouch, Philippine best massage lotion and painkiller

Wondertouch, energy massage lotion and painkiller made with a blend of ginger essential juice, chili, and peppermint. It helps energise the body and sharpens the senses. Wondertouch helps clear bruises, carbuncles, sores on the skin, arthritis, muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, relieve acne, lighten age spots, fight skin damaging free radicals, reduce cellulite, promote smoothness and evenness of skin tone, decrease inflammation, increase radiance to skin, and provide aromatherapy benefits and more!

Wondertouch absorbs instantly and leaves no greasy, tacky afterfeel. Plus, its refreshing zeal gives spirits a boost. It is uplifting to release tension and sharpen the senses.

The ginger as its main ingredient releases energy to human body, improves blood circulation, and has a continuous lightening age spots while boosting the energy during spa, aromatherapy, and cellulite-reducing treatments.

This lotion is excellent for all massage modalities. Extended glide with less reapplications. Message +639777522401 for bulk order.

Dr Maria Jade Catalan Opulencia and her other colleague nominees for the 2016 Global Top 50 Educators Award

Professors of Human Resource Management, Dr Maria Jade  Catalan Opulencia and her colleague Dr Rommel Sergio, from the School of Business Administration at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), have both been nominated to the 2016 Global Top 50 Educators Award, scheduled to be presented in the UK later this year.

The most innovative educationist in the Philippines, Dr Catalan Opulencia was awarded a Lingkod Bayan, the highest award given by the Philippine president to a government employee. She was given the award for her exceptional performance in and contributions to public service by helping out government workers earn bachelor's and master's degrees. A lot of the government officials in the Philippines now are products of her programmes.

She is indeed of the highest calibre. A gold laid waste by the university in the Philippines which didn't understand her worth and importance. Now abroad, CUD is getting off on her remarkable talent and intelligence. Sayang, she could be a ​great asset to the university.

Fibre & Fruit

I've finally found the best juice brand for me. So now there's lots of reasons to drink fresh juices (grape, peach, apple) these days, from the flavour and the blast of vitamins easily absorbed by the body, to detoxifying and cleansing. Many thanks to Oishi. With Oishi's Fibre & Fruit, I can get a good source of fibre every day. It uses cane sugar, a delicious and healthier organic sweetener, so I can get rid of aspartame. It is very light and delicious! A healthy and refreshing treat for a hot day.

Susannah: Deliciously Native!

Invite your taste buds to take a momentary break from Susannah and enjoy its rich and delicious butterscotch, Iloilo's most delicious, when you visit Iloilo City's Aldeguer Street this January during the Dinagyang Festival. It’s bound to be amazing. It has a delightfully rich leche flan-like flavour and creamy smooth texture. This treat is loaded with lots of moist and chewy goodness. Susannah: Deliciously native!

IF YOU NEED HELP PLEASE RING (033) 3373566/3375457. Monday to Sunday 9.00 to 5.00pm.

Teachancement 2015 Promotional Video

Teachancement 2015: Speakers

TEACHANCEMENT 2015

MARISSA J HARTWIG is an educator, an author, a Reiki master, and a peace seeker. She has been an early childhood educator for 18 years, and also trains and mentors teachers. Believing that dance mirrors life, she wrote her memoir titled Life Is A Dance: Reflections on Defining My Truth, infusing it with her poetry. She also edited and published her father's autobiography, The Mountain and the Metropolis. Ms Hartwig received a grant from AMS (American Montessori Society) to establish peace education through a ‘Healing Garden’ for the child victims of typhoon Haiyan in Iloilo, Philippines. That experience has inspired her to help cultivate peace through what she refers to as ‘the healing art of teaching.’ Ms Hartwig presents in workshops and seminars on education, addressing and focussing on nurturing the spirit of the child.

The author of K-12, ISAGANI R CRUZ earned his bachelor’s degree from UP Diliman in 1965, his MA in English Literature from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1970, and his PhD in English Literature from the University of Maryland in 1976. In 1972 and 2003, Dr Cruz received a Fulbright grant to study in the United States. He is a Don Carlos Palanca Memorial member of the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2004 for his plays, essays, and short stories. He also won the SEAWRITE Award in 1991, the Centennial Literary Contest Award in 1998, and the Gawad Balagtas Award in 1999.  As an educator, Dr Cruz worked with the De La Salle University, the Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of Santo Tomas. He was an Assistant Professor at the UP Diliman and a director of the Teachers Academy at Far Eastern University. He also became a professor at universities in the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. He became a Visiting Fellow at St Antony's College in Oxford University. A former DepEd’s undersecretary, he was the president of the Philippine Fulbright Scholars Association. He writes a column for Philippine Star and blogs at www.isagnicruz.com.

LEONCIO P DERIADA has a BA English (cum laude) from the Ateneo de Davao University in 1959, an MA in English from Xavier University in 1970, and a PhD in English and Literature (creative writing) from Silliman University in 1981, where he before long served as professor and chairperson of the English Department. A language champion, he’s produced works in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano. His thirteen Palanca awards include works in English, Filipino and Hiligaynon. He became a Palanca Hall of Famer on 1 September 2001. Aside from his Palanca awards, he has garnered other prestigious awards such as the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Asiaweek, Gawad CCP, Graphic, Focus, Yuhum (Iloilo), and Blue Knight Award from Ateneo de Davao for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. In 2002, he was one of Metrobank's Outstanding Teachers. He’s a UP professor emeritus.

Teachancement 2015: Teaching Children Specialisation Seminar with the Champions

Teaching children is a unique experience that is both challenging and fun. Compared to adults, children are more energetic, have shorter attention spans, and learn language according to specific stages of development; these present planning challenges for the teacher. The key to teaching children is to understand the principles of teaching and apply it in ways that keep children motivated to learn. This 40-hour Teaching Children Specialisation Seminar with the Champions - Marissa Hartwig, Isagani Cruz, and Leoncio Deriada - expands upon teaching philosophies, and will prepare teachers to design and implement curriculum specifically for young learners of varying ages and skill levels. See you all at Teachancement 2015 in Iloilo City. For more details, message +639154030975.

Day 1-Day 3 Ms Marissa J Hartwig
Day 4 Dr Isagani R Cruz
Day 5 Dr Leoncio P Deriada/Tour of select Iloilo City schools
6-10 July 2015


DAY ONE:

Opening Remarks: Mrs Estrella Mago, DepEd QAA

Morning Session:

Creating a Paradigm Shift in Education (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Discuss the benefits of schools offering individualised and personalised instruction, as opposed to the traditional one-size-fits all approach to education. How can we create a model for quality schools? We will discuss developmentally appropriate practices and how they relate to the educational system today. This discussion will provide insight into marketing a private school. Participants will be given tips on how to attract clients.

Break:15 minutes

The Healing Art of Teaching (1 hour & 20 minutes)

What defines a good educator? Discuss the attributes of effective teachers from the perspective of the learner. What is inherent in the role of the educator in the 21st century, whether you’re teaching preschoolers or adult learners? Participants will be asked to discuss what they believe makes a good educator. Teaching techniques and role-playing will be utilised.

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30
Afternoon Session:   

The Essential Classroom (1 hour & 20 minutes)

How can you design a classroom that is conducive to learning? How can you create an environment that stimulates the curious mind? Participants will learn about the tools essential in any classroom setting, from the material to the ethereal. They will reflect on what they have in their classrooms and make a list of what they aspire to secure, or create. Methods to create affordable, sensible, and practical classroom materials will be discussed.

Break:15 minutes

Integrating Relevant Themes (1 hour & 20 minutes)

What does your curriculum include? What topics do we teach in general education? Why should we incorporate relevant themes and how can we integrate them into our course of study? Participants will be given examples of themes that are successfully linked to science, math, and the arts. They will be able to review materials and discuss how to integrate them into their curriculum.

Exercises in music will be highlighted for the young learners.
               

DAY TWO:

Morning Session:

Dynamics of the Classroom Setting (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Discuss the constitution of a classroom – what kinds of learners do you have? How do you determine learning styles and how can you address them? How can you maintain an inclusive classroom, mainstreaming your children that exhibit various personalities? Participants will learn to define their class and individual students and design and implement effective instruction.

Break:15 minutes

STAR: An Approach to Behaviour Modification (1 hour & 20 minutes)
STAR is an acronym for Stop, Think, Act, Reflect – a developmentally appropriate conflict resolution strategy. How do we handle children who have behavior problems in the classroom? Participants will learn how to apply this technique to students who exhibit disruptive behavior. They will role-play situations and behaviors then implement the strategy. They will also learn about other proven effective techniques to address this issue.

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30

Afternoon Session:   

Educating for Peace: Dealing with Pain (1 hour & 20 minutes)
Natural disasters, crime, and other tragedies prompt educators to develop coping skills for the children afflicted with emotional trauma. We will discuss the impact of such loss on our students young and old. How do we communicate with these young victims and what outlet can we provide. Educating for inner peace is vital and ideas will be shared and discussed. Sharing books on peace, journal writing, art activities, and other avenues will be explored. Participants will practice stress-releasing techniques to share with their students.

Break: 15 minutes

The Healing Garden: Creating A Space for Peace (1 hour & 20 minutes)

A garden is a tool for healing. It is therapeutic, providing children with a sense of awe and wonder. Momentary peace can be attained through tending to a garden, creating a sanctuary for reflection and silence. How can you design a garden that is not only functional, but also beautiful and inviting. Participants will be given ideas on how to create a peace curriculum with the garden. They will design their own garden along with extensions such as learning exercises focused on this garden.


DAY THREE:

Morning Session:

Effective Parent-Teacher Communication: Bridging the Gap between Partners of Education (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Excellent communication skills with the parents are required to ensure the success of your students. We will discuss how to relate with these partners in the interest of their children. How do we conduct ourselves during these conversations? How do you handle parent-teacher conferences? Participants will be given scenarios to role play and strategies to acquiesce the situation, arriving at mutually agreeable solutions.

Break: 15 minutes

Keeping Families Engaged (1 hour & 20 minutes)

You have a family enrolled, now how do you keep them at your school and be an active participant in the learning process? What programmes and activities do you have that are specifically for that purpose? Participants will explore events designed to keep the parents interested and involved with your school. Book fairs, art auctions, fund-raising activities, family fun day, and others will be discussed.

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30

Afternoon Session:   

Celebrating The End of the School Year (1 hour & 20 minutes)

There’s graduation for those leaving the school, but what about the students going into the next level? Do they not deserve a celebration too? We will discuss how to design an end-of-the-year programme that is fun and developmentally appropriate. The event will showcase what the children have learned through the year. Writing an original play, creating a song and dance programme, or reciting poetry will be explored.

Break: 15 minutes

Learning IS Fun (1 hour & 20 minutes)

This segment reviews the topics that were discussed for the last three days. Participants will recap what most interests them and will address issues they may have on others. They will break into groups and be given specific assignments like making materials, designing a classroom, performing songs, role-playing a parent-teacher scenario, etc. We conclude my presentation with a song or two in sign language.   
           
DAY FOUR:

Morning Session:         

Understanding K12 Curriculum (1 hour & 20 minutes)
Principles Underlying K12 (1 hour & 20 minutes)
K12 Curriculum Outcomes Framework (1 hour & 20 minutes)

Break: 15 minutes
   
Understanding K12 Assessment and Evaluation (1 hour & 20 minutes)
Considerations for K12 Programme Delivery (1 hour & 20 minutes)
   

Lunch Break and Networking: 12:00 – 1:30

Afternoon Session:

Qualities of Effective Principals (1 hour & 10 minutes)
Facilities Management in Schools (1 hour & 10 minutes)

Break: 15 minutes

Getting Parents Involved in Schools (2 hours)

Sponsored Dinner & Free Film Showing at Cinematique Iloilo: 5:30-7:30

DAY FIVE:

Mother Tongue with Dr Leoncio P Deriada, Language Champion
Tour of select Iloilo City schools
Awarding of Certificates
Registration Fee: Php 6000

Leoncio Deriada: Language Champion

Leoncio Deriada spent most of his life in Davao. He graduated from the Davao City High School in 1955. He read BA English cum laude at the Ateneo de Davao University in 1959; his MA in English, at Xavier University in 1970; his PhD in English and Literature with a specialisation in creative writing, at Silliman University in 1981 where he later on served as professor and chairperson of the English Department. He is a UPV's professor emeritus.

A multi-lingual writer, he has produced works in English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, and Cebuano. His thirteen Palanca awards include works in English, Filipino, and Hiligaynon. Of these thirteen, five are first-prize winners, and these include 'The Day of the Locusts' (Short Story, 1975), 'Mutya ng Saging' (Dulaang May Isang Yugto, 1987), 'The Man Who Hated Birds' (Short Story for Children, 1993), 'Medea of Siquijor' (One-Act Play, 1999), and 'Maragtas: How Kapinangan Tricked Sumakwel Twice' (Full-Length Play, 2001). He became a Palanca Hall of Famer on 1 September 2001. Aside from his Palanca awards, he has garnered other prestigious awards such as the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas, Asiaweek, Gawad CCP, Graphic, Focus, Yuhum (Iloilo), and Blue Knight Award from Ateneo de Davao for Outstanding Achievement in Literature. In 2002, he was one of Metrobank's Outstanding Teachers.

He was the literary editor of the defunct Home Life magazine and has been editor of several West Visayan anthologies. He has mentored famous writers in the Philippines: Peter Solis Nery, Alex Delos Santos, Genevieve Asenjo, Melecio Turao, John Barrios, Isidoro Cruz, Alain Russ Dimzon, Alexander de Juan, Melchor Cichon, Felino Garcia amongst others.

He is the country's Language Champion. He's going to talk about Mother Tongue at the seminar I have organised for teachers on 10th July this year. To enquire about the seminar, message me at +639154030975.

Calabashes at the Jaro Plaza

These large hard-shelled globose fruits are calabashes. I happened to see them at the Jaro Plaza. They are grown in Dinglê, Iloilo, a town on the outskirts of Passi City. According to the farmer who sells this, the fruit is effective in bringing about recovery from diabetes. It's cooked in boiling water and its watery solution is drunk like tea. It tastes tangy with a strong aftertaste. The farmer will stay up at the plaza till 5 February, days after the famous fiesta of Jaro District.

Justice

a poem by Roger B Rueda

is like a pebble that once buried it'll not shoot
like a seed of a vine that grows up a trellis
and winds itself around tall trees
as it spreads out and obscures them as possible.
It will keep mum underneath the memory
of the living and silverfish.
It'll be lost sight of by the heart that feels for,
that understands.
But no. I will stifle it in texts which hide
on paper where silverfish are dead to the world.
The texts have magic. It is more than a seed.
It is a firework blowing up into the sky.
It will make anyone stagger back against the rail
and topple over, wiping out the gloom of oblivion.

Pity

a poem by Roger B Rueda

It blows up when I see a cat hit by a jeepney
and transforms itself into a scalpel so sharp
and jagged, each of its cuts bringing twinges
to my heart snivelling and withstanding
the torment and misery of helplessness.
It reminds me of the enormous, whose
conception consists of me and pity, so then
of supplication as whispered by faith
from the abysmal respites of my humanity:
All I want is the vanishing of grieves,
fairy-like and spiritual, in the lurch and faithful.
It clings to the sentience and conscience -
it draws the pith of my wits and gags
bliss and vanity and conceit with remorse and
regret smothering me to be more tangled.
It intrudes me and my vision: it goes with
the cat whose body is feeling at ease now
and whose avatar occupies my sentiment
which is river-like - it's full of water
that wells over the window of my quintessence
when I am all alone, grief-stricken, pity-warped.

NLRC

a poem by Roger B Rueda

It is full of fire and brimstone –
its autochthons and peons
are genetic copies of Beelzebub,
Mephistopheles, Apollyon:
atrocious, villainous,  fiendish,
abominable, depraved.
They eat crying shame
and drink dirty deal.
They love rarity and high living –
their secret selves are fighting
a blaze in the recesses
of their hearts.
They exchange smiles
as they pass in the hallway:
their lips are so crisp
and their eyes,
pleased as punch, their scruples
ice-covered in the glitter
of their real distance downward.
The sacrileges
of their wounded
are behind themselves
waiting to  unwrap their lips and
muffle their laughs in their sleeves.

First Sex

a poem by Roger B Rueda

I hugged his leg tightly to my chest.
His leg hairs like thin threads were tickling
my cheeks and lips,
his hands pushing my head off from him.
I moved his underwear
strap from his waist
towards the tops of his legs
with my teeth.
His penis like bubble gum touched me
on my clam-like lips which were ready
to close together to swallow
it as he put it
into my mouth, it getting
firm and more
difficult to bend and he
having a masturbatory
fantasy, I felt it was a golden
opportunity.
In a sudden paroxysm, it burst
a salty flavour.
I ate it the way I eat raw oyster,
thinking
lucky me. Then, we undressed and got
into the bath. I washed
his penis with
Safeguard, its bubbles falling
into his hands.
I licked his lips, cheeks, ears,
neck, and nipples,
he on bended knee and we
showering together.
Then he stabbed at me
with his penis.
I was bleeding, he sploshing water into
my flesh wound, the wound
which made me feel
a sense of freedom and baptism.
He kissed me on the mouth
and whispered
I love you in my ear, I was crying for
the pain in my bottom.
In a sudden paroxysm,
it burst whitish lotion
which I gently rubbed in.
Then we hurried back to school,
we put on
clothes,me taking up my bag
with my Grade Five
workbooks and he his folders and class records.