To Ma'am Janeth: The Things I Will Never Get To Say To You In Person

August 14, 2016

2:00 pm

Angelicum Garden of Angels Memorial Park

Another noble and brave individual has joined our Creator.

Flashback to June of 2005. Second Year Faith. Cabancalan National High School Gymnasium. First day of English class. A tall, fair woman walked in front of us and introduced herself as Mrs. Janeth A. Seno. Having siblings who studied in Cabancalan, I already had an inkling who she was. However, I got the feeling that she's not the teacher to be belittled. Right away she made us feel that we were noobs, and she's the boss in her class. 

She is unorthodox in her method of teaching. None of us thought that we would learn about library resources by doing a pageant. None of us predicted that we would undergo two Talent showdowns, individual and group. None of us had any idea that we had the capacity and ability to make a variety show to showcase what we have learned in a lesson. All these things, she made us experience, and that made us understood that she is a teacher who means business. 

That school year was very memorable for me and the rest of my classmates. We felt that we accomplished so much through her help. Not only did she teach us, she greatly encouraged us and helped us build our confidence, that we were able to utilize in our succeeding years. 

Fast forward to June 3 of 2013. First day of service as a public school teacher, again in the same school. We were waiting in the library for the period to start, when there was a teacher who entered, and boom! It was my second year English teacher again! I wanted to approach her, but she was the one who approached us first, took a seat and shared some insights of the do's and dont's in the school and try to be observant of everyone. While she was doing this, I wanted to say to her that now, I'm also a teacher, and now I can do what she was doing. However, she still had that power on me when she was my English teacher. She was still that tall, fair and intimidating presence that will tell you to back off because you're not in the same league as hers.

Two school years in my teaching career, I was able to see her everyday, now as a colleague. We often see each other in the morning, near the biometrics machine where we log in and out for work. I want to say good morning to her but I could not bring myself to. A few times, I manage to mumble it and I get a gentle nod and we then part ways. I wanted to say many things to her but I'm scared. And I will say to myself, next time. There's always a next time to chat with her. Boy, I was wrong. SO WRONG!

Who would've thought that we will be colleagues for 2 years only? Who would've thought that a woman who got a strong personality such as her would succumb to a life-threatening sickness? Not me, and definitely not her.

So, as this day expires, let me say all the things I wasn't able to say to you personally through this blog post.

Ma'am Janeth, you may have given us a hell of a year during our second year in high school, but we learned a great deal of things from you. You are one of the persons whom we greatly thank for enhancing our communication skills. You were the first person to believe that we could do amazing things, as students and as individuals. You were the first to build our confidence and for that we are truly grateful. 

Ma'am, I may have disappointed you as a student, first during that intra-school spelling bee which I got eliminated on the very first word, despite many days of extra training with you; second, during our speech choir contest which we placed last; and lastly that book report of mine which you graded a C, but you never held that against me or us as a class. You were still proud of us. I really wanted to thank you for making us speak English whenever we ask you something (even though it wasn't in our period) for that made us speak the language more comfortably and helped us communicate well and utilize it in our careers today. 

Ma'am you may never had the chance to make your dream come true as a flight stewardess, but you have helped others fulfill theirs through teaching. It's not surprising that many students of yours, like me, respect and idolize you as a teacher. To the world indeed you may just be a teacher but for us, you're one of our HEROES.

Rest in peace Ma'am Janeth and we'll see you later. Thank you for teaching me one last lesson, and that is never to take things for granted.

Goodbye Ma'am. 

Teenagers of Today: The Culture of "Fun" For Them

In my almost three years as a teacher, I often hear my older colleagues say, "Lahi na jud ang mga batan-on ron." True enough, when I log in to my Facebook account, I see the evidence of their accusations. Seeing my students in some of their escapades as teenagers makes me shake my head in disappointment.

Teenagers tend to be more active and seek out as much fun as they can experience. That's already a given. However, the definition of fun and experience has drastically changed with each generation. Back in the days, having relationships while you're still in elementary and high school is a taboo. Going out late at night is a No-No, except if you're with your siblings and cousins. Drinking (of course, alcoholic) and smoking are considered deviant and out of the norm. However, in the present, views on these activities have changed.

Relationship with the opposite gender in teenagers in the present are just normal. Having more than one relationship experience at age 16 is not a rare occurrence. It's totally the opposite way back then, when having a relationship during teenage years is kept a secret to almost everyone, especially to the parents. Today, they are more showy to the public and you can even keep track of the progress just by logging in to Facebook. They post random selfies with their BFs or GFs, what they did on their first monthsary (and they won't forget to remind their social media friends of the succeeding monthsaries), their fights and misunderstandings, and if they already broke off and have a new partner. Worst of all, they act too extravagant with their partners on special occasions when in fact, they still depend on their parents for their finances. In general, in terms of relationships, they are reckless and impulsive. They act on temporary feelings and do not think twice or thrice of the consequences of their actions. They let their emotions rule over their rational thinking.

It's also quite alarming that these days, most teenagers, even those below the legal age of 18 are already aware of having night life. They have the guts to go to street parties and disco clubs, partying to their heart's content. I will bet that they know more disco bars than I do. I really feel horrified seeing in my Facebook wall students that have pictures on some of the famous clubs here in Cebu (some of them I haven't been to) during weekends. At their raw and tender age, they are already knowledgeable of parties and discos while ignoring their studies. Pathetic.

Moreover, experiencing parties at discos and clubs lead them to embrace that it's also normal to drink and smoke. It's really gut-wrenching seeing students holding cigarette sticks and puffing smoke out of them. It's kind of unnerving when they hold a bottle of Red Horse Mucho like a pro (more pro than  I am, in fact). Seeing all of these during these times makes me wonder if these are the children that we say are the people of tomorrow. If they can do these things at their age, how much more in the future?

Why did our youth became like this? Who is to blame? Parents? Environment? The media? I say, we can't put the blame on one factor only. It's always a mix. For one, proper guidance starts at home. Without proper guidance, teenagers seek information elsewhere, and often the media, in all forms,are their main source for that, and in there lies the problem. Misinterpretation of  information and without the family members' intervention lead them to think that what they are doing are just okay.

We can still change the culture of our youth today. We should strengthen family connections. Since everything starts at home, the family can be an avenue for discussions and source of advice. This will also educate the teens that not everything they see and hear through the media are good. Also, teachers as second parents can furthermore influence the youth and direct them to good behavior.

It's not really too late for our youth. We, as the older generation, can still intervene. It's not a losing battle yet.

Dear Old Self

November 2, 2014

Dear Old Me,

If you're wondering who I am, I'm your future self. Heck, you will still recognize me. I just got a foot taller, and meehh, still pencil-thin. But I'm not writing because I want you to know what you will look like when you're already 22 years old. This is different.

I just want to ask you if you've imagined that you will be grumpy and hot-headed as I do now. Or you thought if you will be the serious type when you've become an adult. Bet you didn't. Cause I know you were eager to please. You do not want to have a row with someone. You will avoid trouble if you can, and sit and cry in a corner if you get hurt. That you're oozing with patience and just wait for your turn or wait for someone. Mind you, I also question myself where did I put all of those attributes of yours.

Me? Now, I'm a teacher, as what you've been repeating when you are asked to write formal themes. But honestly, I do not know myself anymore. I have become too moody and hot-headed. I'm now sarcastic, hard to joke at, and hard to please. I complain of small things. I do not care if I hurt somebody, intentionally or not. What is happening to me? Can you please tell me what made me into the monster I am now? 

I wish your attitude stuck with me until this time because I'm finding it hard to act as an adult. I do not know if this was the real me. They keep saying, "Oh that Romel? He was the most behaved and kind student we had before!" 

Where have you been all this time? When did you leave? And when are you coming back? Please write a reply to this soon.

Sincerely,

Your future (and lost) 22 year old self

Poor Grades: Students Must Also Take The Blame

Card day is fast approaching. Grades will be released. Some are nervous, some are excited. Finally, you will know how you performed during the past grading period. 

I remember how excited I was on Card days during my high school days. Since I really was focused on my studies that time, I was a hundred percent sure I passed all my subjects. But now, being a teacher, handing out grades really is a stressful moment.

Now, you're wondering where I'm headed to with this blog post. Just last week, I decided to hand out to my students their grades in my subject in advance, since I was already done computing them. I want them to know beforehand their performance and think in advance how to perform better. Alas, what I thought to be a day I will enjoy ended with a heavy mood.

As students, I know they are entitled to ask why they got low, even failing grades. What I don't get is why they have the nerve to question how I computed their grades when they know for a fact that I have all the basis to come up with such computation. It's like asking how come there's flood when you know the drainage is clogged up with garbage or why you are breathing when you know that's essential for you to stay alive. 

Also, I really hate the fact that nowadays, teachers get almost all the blame when students get poor marks in school. Like, WHAT?! Can't the students blame themselves for their poor performance? How can we make them pass when for a fact they have low quizzes scores, low activity marks, and low periodic test results? Okay, they have points for class participation and passed a project, but is it really enough to have a good grade? Answer: HELL, NO!!

What I'm really trying to say is, if you knew you perform really bad, you are to expect a poor grade. Why blame the teacher if what you did during the grading period is to log in to your Facebook account every night, play your different online games after school, and focus almost all of your free time with your girlfriend/boyfriend? What if you paid attention to your teacher, scan your notes and study hard even a day before a test? I'm not saying that devote your free time to studying only (that's a bore, even for me). It's that you need to have a balance on everything and you need to exert effort in school if you want to pass. A teacher can't give you a passing mark if you didn't do something. If you knew you were just chilling around, waiting for your classes to end, and occasionally sleeping during class hours, then expect a low/failing grade (unless you were some kind of a genius who can still pull school stuff off without too much studying). Students should not make their teachers their scapegoats to their poor performance. In Cebuano, "Ayaw paghinilas-hilas ug ingon nga gihagbong kag way klarong hinungdan kay ang maestro/a dili bogo ug buang nga muhimog grado gikan sa wala." 

I know how grueling being a student is, and as teenagers, you want to have a good time also and experience teenage life to the fullest. But learn how to have fun without sacrificing your studies. And do remember that a teacher only computes the grade and that you are the ones giving the scores to be computed.

(I'm sorry to the people who will accidentally read this. I just feel the need to release the stress and grief I'm experiencing the past days due to my students questioning the grades they got.)

The Teacher In Me

(Hey! So it was a year ago since I wrote something here. How lazy of me. Hahaha! And since I'm getting the inspiration to write again, I'm posting one new entry here.)

Romel L. Pachejo

Teacher 1

Early last year, I tried to gamble on the opportunity to go back here in Cebu and applied for a Teacher 1 position. Well, I was one of the fortunate ones to be hired (thanks to my scholarship? haha).

To be honest, I had really my doubts on teaching in a public high school that time. I felt I was not really matured enough to handle students that are immature and has no sense of responsibility. Even my colleagues  at the state university I previously worked as a part-time instructor discouraged me at first due to many reasons which I prefer not to mention. But pushed by my eagerness to help my sister in her college studies and for a more stable job, I threw everything aside and accepted the challenge.

Yes, my very first motivation was the salary. Seems a very money-centered reason for others, but I will say that is on the practicality side of things. I could save for my future as well as help my mother and sister financially. With these in mind, I convinced myself this was a good move.

When I first entered the school where I'll be teaching, I had goosebumps all over me. Five years before that year, I graduated from this very institution (yes, I'm an alumnus of the school) and I'm going back to do what my former teachers did. Also, the very fact that some of my teachers are now my colleagues was very intimidating. I was thinking that time if I will be able to handle the pressure well.

When I had my first class, I was very nervous. I was doubting if these students will see me as a person with authority rather than a new classmate (I really look like a high school student still). I could see in their faces that they could not believe that the person in front of them is actually the one who will teach them. I was given four sections to handle, all fourth year. I taught Physics on the three sections and Math on one section. Wow that was a nerve-racking moment for me.

After a few months, I was able to adjust but going through your first year of teaching was not an easy road. I had undergone many heartaches and disappointments along the way. Let me share some of my experiences.

1. When I reprimand my students, they just ignore it. Yes I know they will be silent as you tongue-lash them, but at the back of their head they're thinking, "Wa juy angay magsuko-suko si sir, di jud kahadlukan." I had one of my students confess this to me.

2. I felt insulted a couple of times and cried in front of my class. When I go back to that incident, I feel like an idiot, and I'm guessing that's what my students thought so too that time.

3. I do not know how to control my emotions whenever I was disappointed with my classes, and they will talk back to me and I will immaturely hurl an insult back.

4. I felt that my students really didn't take me seriously at some point.

But what made me last through the school year? After pondering on what really am I aiming when I decided to be a teacher, I felt that deep inside me there's a desire to help. I want to be an instrument for them to learn. I want to help them realize that through education they will have a ticket to a brighter future (talk about a cliche, hahaha). I want them to realize that there's more to life and that they can shape their future. With these thoughts in mind, I set aside all my frustrations and did my best to help my students reach their full potential. During discussions, if the situation provides it, I relay to them my experiences when I was still a student like them. I made them realize that they can make it, despite the odds. Outside the class, I opened up a little to them and through this, they also learned to open up to me and ask for advice. I became friends with many of them eventually.

Now I'm on my second year of teaching and so far, so good. I may still be after the salary but now I 'm more determined to be the teacher I aimed to be. Seeing your students graduate and go back saying they will be doing their best in college makes me love my profession more. The feeling you get when they still ask for guidance and help from you is just heart-warming and fulfilling. I'm prouder now to say that that I'm a Teacher 1 of Cabancalan NHS. And because of this, I can finally say that I will not be quitting. Never ever.

One year down. Many more to go!

BEST MUSIC GROUPS OF ALL TIME

The music industry has witnessed the rise and fall of different music groups, may it be rock bands, boy bands, all-girls group, among others. But there are just groups that became legends, due to their music or their styles. So right now, I'm gonna be revealing the best music groups (in my opinion) that ever graced the music scene, from the 50's to the present day.

(Note: This is in random order, for each group mentioned here works with different music genres and became great artists in different decades).

1.THE BEATLES

John Lennon. Paul McCartney. George Harrison, Ringo Starr. Who would forget this quartet when we talk about great music?

The Beatles was an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They were considered the "most successful act in the history" and has popularized a myriad of songs. The period, form 1960 to 1970 was the decade of " Beatlemania".

The Beatles worked on different genres, which was evidenced in their songs. They have the most number 1's on the Billboard's Top 100 with 20 and has won many music awards, including 7 Grammy's and 15 from the Ivor Novello Awards.Some of their most famous songs include Hey Jude, She Loves You, Hard Days' Night, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts' Club, Come Together, Blackbird, Yellow Submarine, The Long and Winding Road, Let it Be, and many others that we can't include for the list is VERY VERY VERY LONG.

After the breakup of the band in 1970, each member pursued solo careers, with John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney as the most successful. At present, the only living member of the band is McCartney.

The Beatles, though not active anymore, still continues to influence our music preferences until today. They are immortalized by their songs, and the group is one of the true legends of the music industry.

2. ABBA

ABBA is a Swedish pop-rock band that started their stint in 1972. The unique tone and color of their music swept the world of music for a decade. The group is composed of  Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group's career started to prosper after winning the Eurovision contest in 1974 with the song, Ring, Ring.

ABBA gained prestige mainly in Europe and other countries, such as South Africa and Australia, but failed really to establish a foothold in the US. Nevertheless, their songs became popular hits throughout the world.

Famous ABBA songs? Who won't know the lyrics of Dancing Queen? Dancing Queen was the trademark of this group. People of all ages know the lyrics of this song by heart. For me, Dancing Queen was ABBA's one way ticket to being legends in the music industry. But that's not all. ABBA was no one-hit wonder. They were also the ones who popularized Fernando, The Winner Takes It All,  Chiquitita, and many more.

ABBA decided to disband in 1982, after a successful 10-year career. However, the disbandment could not hide the fact that they already have carved a huge monument in the music industry. The unique vocals of Agnetha and Anni, and the songwriting geniuses, Bjorn and Benny made a good combination that has made us say, "Thank You For Your Music!".

3. AIR SUPPLY

Now and Forever. This is how I will describe Air Supply and their songs. Formed in 1975, this group had different members, but the solid duo of Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock was the cornerstone of the success of this group.

The unique vocals of Hitchcock is the main attraction of this group. The very high range of his voice really makes their songs catchy and pleasing to the ears. Though the height of their career was during the 80's and early 90's, music afficionados still knows every Air Supply song and though not all can reach the notes of their songs, they are a favorite to be sang in karaokes and videokes around the corner.

If asked what Air Supply songs are very popular, you will never fail to include the following: Making Love Out of Nothing At All, Lost in Love, All Out of Love, The One That You Love, Here I Am, Two Less Lonely People In the World, Come What May, Even The Nights Are Better, Now and Forever, Without You (which Mariah Carey revived), I Can Wait Forever, and Just As I Am.

The main genre of Air Supply's songs is LOVE, love which withstands the test of time, love which we can hope for and a love that is forever and true. I think this is the reason why the songs clicked and remained a hit until now, and made Air Supply a very famous group worldwide.

4. THE CORRS

Sibling rivalry? That's not present in The Corrs.

The Corrs is an Irish group composed of Andrea, Sharon, Caroline, and Jim Corr. The group was formed in 1996, and they are one of the reasons why the 90's is considered the Age of Pop Music.

What you will love with this group is the fact that they are musical geniuses; prolific songwriters and great instrument players. You could identify who's who by just looking at the instrument he/she plays. Andrea plays the tin whistle, Sharon, the violin, Caroline the drums, and Jim, the guitar.

Some of the famous songs of this group are the following: Breathless, So Young, I Never Really Loved You, Forgiven, Not Forgotten, Angel (which is about their mother's death), What Can I Do, Radio, Summer Sunshine, All the Love In The World, Irresistible, and their most famous song, Runaway.

The group is currently on hiatus, but their infusion of the Celtic culture and Gaelic flavor in their songs jived in with the picky taste of listeners worldwide and gained them a seat as one of the most successful European bands in history.

5. SPICE GIRLS

Talking about an all-girl group, you can't miss to mention the Spice Girls.

A British all-female group, Spice Girls is composed of five women, namely, Victoria (Posh Spice), Melanie (Scary Spice), another Melanie (Sporty Spice), Emma (Baby Spice) and Geri (Ginger Spice).

Spice Girls infused music with dance, and their hit single Wannabe, caused a worldwide craze that will make them the most successful female group in the music industry. Their other songs include 2 Become 1, Viva Forever and Mama.

Spice Girls' rose to fame later on will inspire other female groups to rise to stardom like Destiny's Child, but their success will remain unsurpassed throughout the years.

6. BOYZONE

If we have a dancing female group previously, now we give way to an all-male singing group. Presenting, Boyzone!

In my opinion, the group of Keith Duffy, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch started the "boy band craze" that paved the way for other boy band group to become famous. Their soulful ballads and charming aura did not fail to melt every girls heart.

The most famous song of Boyzone, in my opinion, is the revival of The Osmonds' hit Love Me For A Reason. Other revivals include Words, Baby Can I Hold You, and Father and Son.

The boyband decided to take an hiatus in 2000 and decided to pursue solo careers. Ronan Keating became the groups most famous member. They decided to reform last 2007, but in 2009, Stephen Gately passed away, leaving only four living members until now.

7. TAKE THAT

Take That could be described as a bridge of the 80's and 90's music. Composed of five members, (Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Jason Orange, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen), this group started on making pop songs, but in the later years decided to focus more on ballads.

If your a 90's kid, the only song you can associate with this group is Back For Good (which I consider to be the spark plug of their fame), but the group has done quite a number of famous songs including Could It be Magic, Sure, Pray, and the most recent Rule The World.

This group can also be considered as one of the most controversial groups in history, for the internal strife between Robbie Williams and the other members was considered the main contributor of the decline of the group's popularity in 1995 after the success of Back For Good, which eventually lead to Williams leaving the group. The last popular act of this group before the separation of the remaining members in 1996 was their cover of the Bee Gees' song How Deep Is Your Love.

I consider this group one of the greatest because this group has Barlow, and Williams, which are considered to be two of the best singer-songwriters in UK. I also believe this is the reason why the two could not be in the same group for a long time. Both of them are better off as solo artists and the rivalry really exist between them that it's really awkward to see them both perform together.

Take That's music maybe are not as popular as the songs of the other groups I mentioned but their songs presented the evolution of the music from the 80's to the 90's.

So that's it. To the ones that might read this, I know you may agree or disagree with my list, but one thing is clear: THIS IS JUST MY PERSONAL OPINION AND EACH PERSON HAS ITS OWN PREFERENCES ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO MUSIC.

Once a Potterhead, Always a Potterhead

I never thought a melancholic feeling would hit me after watching the last Harry Potter installment, the Part 2 of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. When I saw all avid fans of this series on TV, on the very first day it was showing here in the Philippines, I thought if they have gotten insane or what. But after watching the film, a deep sense of understanding filled me, for it was like an old friend departing at a late stage of your life.

I first encountered the first Harry Potter book when I was in Grade 6, during our visit to my bestfriend's house (which is Aura, of course). She kept on letting me read some words that were found on the book and corrects me everytime I commit a error in pronunciation (the most unforgettable word she let me read was the name, HERMIONE). She was more of a avid fan than me at that time, until we reach high school. I only grew interest in the series when I have watched the first film of the series (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone). I got officially hooked with it when I have read the series until the 6th book.

At first, I thought the books were a waste of time to be read. It had, for me, a very shallow plot and very fictitious aura in it. What hooked me to be a fan of the series is the inexplicable effect on the reader after you have read it. It got a magic touch on it that drives your imagination to its limits (and beyond, i guess). J.K. Rowling's style of narrating it seems shallow, but how she manages to drive the story makes you crave for more.

I never have thought that this series would have a huge impact on me that I almost was into tears at the end of the Deathly Hallows Part 2 movie. I reminisced the days that I was begging my bestfriend to let me read it, spending study time to finish it, to a point of skipping meals for you don't want to abruptly end the motion picture conjured in your head while reading it, and the days I look forward to seeing the movie, only to be dumbfounded a bit for it was not like in the book. It was a part of my growing up years, having read the books and watched the movies while I was in high school and college.

If I was to look at the Mirror of Erised, I would see myself reading the 8th book of the series, but since its just up to the 7th, we just have to accept it for "all things, good or bad, come to an end".

I am a POTTERHEAD, and I WILL ALWAYS BE.