To Label or Not to Label Reflection Paper on Totoy Guro’s Special Education Labels in the Philippines

ctto

Totoy Guro is a blog written by a Filipino teacher. It is a personal space on the Internet where he shares his insights, notes and personal experiences as an educator in the Philippines. The article listing Totoy Guro’s reasons for espousing the use of “labels” for children with special needs (CSN) is a good insight from a teacher’s perspective. Totoy Guro enumerated that using labels for CSN strengthens the teachers’ roles because labels identify the exceptional students’ needs in the classrooms. He also opposed the use of euphemisms for exceptionalities as this prevents people from truly understanding what needs understanding. He said euphemisms promote gossips and unfair labels among children, parents and even teachers. Instead, he recommended public and classroom discussions to educate everyone about exceptionalities.

Reading about students’ exceptionalities and special education (SPED) has opened my mind about the topic. The most experience and knowledge I have about it was a special classroom in my high school where the lone SPED teacher conducted lessons to students with disabilities. These students joined their class the same way regular students would, but gathered daily in the SPED room long after the regular students have gone home. Inside that room was a mystery unknown and uninteresting to me until now. 

Totoy Guro’s piece on using labels gave me an overview of what regular students, CSN, parents and teachers stand about exceptionalities. SPED and exceptionalities are facts of life everyone should accept, deal and live with respectfully of one another. As a parent and future educator, I know that having correct diagnosis of students’ learning disabilities is beneficial for the concerned student, parent and family of the student and most especially, the teacher. It is the start of addressing the necessary accommodations, therapy and changes in order to make the CSN succeed at school.

Totoy Guro has freely used the term label to mean this diagnosis. However, I understand also the possible negative reaction of those who oppose the use of labels for the stigma and wrong connotations they give. The same way that our society today has opted for politically correct phrases and terminologies in order to appease people groups coming from diverse backgrounds and concerns. Adopting politically correct phrases though is synonymous to watering down the issue, if not totally evading it. The problems with using labels then is miscommunication and lack of respect for those who are different from us. Job 6:25 KJV says, “How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?” Right words set us towards the correct path. Arguments divide people, familites and societies. We need and deserve truth all the time, but we need to serve it with love, respect, understanding and encouragement all the time too.

Reference/s

T. G. (2011, September 3). MY LIST WHY “LABELS” FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE GOOD [Web log post]. Retrieved June 19, 2016, from https://totoyguro.wordpress.com/2011/09/03/my-list-why-labels-for-children-with-special-needs-are-good/#comments

Aguinaldo International School Manila

A friend told me about Aguinaldo International School in Manila. She said a friend's kid goes there and mentioned to her of the very affordable tuition fee. She knows I may transfer my kid/s.

Aside from having a multi-culture exposure, sports include soccer and swimming. Mandarin is being offered along with other languages.

After a quick Google search, I landed on the home page of Aguinaldo International School. The website has a detail as to how much the yearly tuition fee for 2012-2013 was. I called to inquire about transferring kids and here's what I found out:

• Incoming grade schooler needs to take a written exam
• Papers required include clearance from previous school
• Interview with the school principal
• P10k off for early enrollment (P38,800 for Pre school, P58,500 for Grade School) and miscellaneous fees included already
• Grade 1 schedule is 730am-230pm
• Near UN Avenue LRT Station which gets flooded

Dr. Marc Reysio-Cruz of Capitol Medical City, Occupational Therapy in QC

Incredibooth time with the kids

Carlos' teacher told me that he may need a special education teacher since he has a hard time focusing and is hyperactive. A meeting with his teachers and the guidance counselor who evaluated him ended with a list of developmental pedia to consider.

I went with the nearest choice who was Dr. Reysio-Cruz. A parent-friend told me that he used to be a member of college-based organization Campus Crusade for Christ. Dr. Reysio-Cruz is also part of Headway School for Giftedness in Quezon City.

Developmental Pedia
It turns out that it's costly to consult with a dev-ped. A consultation ranged from P3,000 to P3,500 per session according to the Quezon City-based dev ped list given to me by his school. Their clinic's schedule is also very full. The earliest booking I got was three weeks after I called to be booked, only because I live near and the secretary's willing to put me in once a client backs out.

Fortunately, Carlos was seen two weeks after I asked for a schedule. One dev-ped clinic I called said their earliest vacancy is three months from the time I called.

However, when we got to the clinic of Dr. Reysio-Cruz, I was informed that he had an emergency meeting so another doctor will check Carlos. She was Dr. Jocelyn Sanchez of St. Luke's. She asked me questions about my pregnancy with Carlos along with his growing years. She would like to know the quirks I find about my little boy. I said he's more energetic compared with other boys and tends to focus on some tasks he prefers.

Dr. Jocelyn S. Sanchez - MD, Nuerodevelopmental Pediatrics
St. Lukes Medical Arts Bldg. Rm 533 Tuesdays and Saturdays 2-6PM by appointment
Telephone: 723-0101 local 6533

Diagnosing ADHD in 5-year olds
Aftewards, she had a one-on-one session with Carlos.

1. She made him do some block creations after she has built them. I heard she asked Carlos to build a bridge. 
2. Then it was time to do physical activities, like standing on one foot for some seconds, hopping, throwing and catching a tennis ball.
3. She asked Carlos to write.
4. She also showed Carlos photos and asked him about what he saw. Carlos had to describe the activities, relationships of the people in the photo. He was also asked to name all that he can see there.
5. She asked what Carlos' birthday was, where he lives, the name of his best friend. I would hear him answer confidently, but when the questions went to what he would do if he's tired or cold, his voice turned soft.

All the time, she was writing her notes.

Borderline ADHD with occupational therapy sessions
Aftewards, Carlos came out of the room and told me it was finish. I was called back in so she may explain her findings.

She said Carlos did well in the test though he would squirm in his place whether he was sitting or standing up. The little boy was in constant motion. She wanted to wait until he turns six years old when his brain reaches more development.

In the meantime, she suggests Carlos gets occupational therapy help in order to aid his schooling. Two to three times per week, she recommends. After three months of OT (occupational therapy) she would like to see him again, this time in her St. Lukes clinic.

Doctor also said she will email some recommendations for Carlos' school, which may include pairing Carlos with a role model, sitting him at the front.

Occupational Therapy in QC

1. Capitol Medical Center - Before session starts, Carlos need to be seen by a rehabilitation therapist first Telephone 372-3825 local 2106 P450/session
2. Child Therapy Center - Rm 1001 The One Executive Condo 5 West Ave, QC Telephone 502-4299 or 0917-843-8385 Teacher Raul P450/session
3. CHIPS - 441-5018 P1,500 initial evaluation P500/session Ms. Juliet

Creative lunchboxes, Lois Billionaire, No toothbrush near the toilet, stressed parent equals stressed kids

My two kids are not great eaters. Our family is not. So it's really a gift for me that their school encourages healthy eating - fruits and vegetables. Sometimes I get reprimanded by my own daughter. "Ayayay, Mommy! This is not healthy food."


Lunchbox staples
So I normally pack cut fruits - apple, mangoes, melon, watermelon. Bananas and grapes are sure winners.


I also serve them raw cashew nuts/peanuts mixed with raisins and cereals. On some days, they get peanut butter sandwiches shaped in triangles, ovals, squares and hearts. They love it!

I want to be a billionaire

To encourage doing things on their own, I started posting chore charts for my two kids. The reward was money. Since they love APPS, they may use their money to buy. I was particularly targeting my little boy to do this.

However, my plan backfired. My son was not at all interested in his chores nor his prizes. Instead, it was his sister who religiously checked and asked for her rewards. She was able to get quite a few, almost halfway her piggy bank, until she told me one day: "Don't give me anymore coins. I'm already a billionaire!"

Secretly giggling to her declaration, I confirmed if she knows what a billionaire is. "My classmate Edward said a billionaire is someone who has lots of money."

Yes, my little girl! You are indeed a billionaire.

Restroom tip

I first heard about this while riding the metro train to a meeting.

Flushing the toilet can cause germs to fly anywhere from 6-10 feet. At the very least, keep your brush as far from the toilet as possible, and protect it in a plastic container or holder.

Since we don't have the luxury of space, I have instructed everyone to pull down the lid before hitting the flush button. Hope that helps?

Child stress

My kids copy me, especially my bad traits. I am working hard on it. Though I haven't gotten very far. Lately though, when I read about the top causes of stress for children, I got a solid punch. I should really pull myself together when the kids are watching.

Parent having problems.
Fight with a friend or a sibling.
Taking a test.
Wondering if someone thinks you're attractive (teens especially).
Not having enough privacy.
Birth of a brother or sister.
Moving to a new school.
Re/marriage of a parent.
Not having enough money.
A teacher who doesn't like you.

Source: Mind/Body Medical Institute

BMBE denial, panicky moms and proper way of praising, Fukuda Shihan, Alexa Mead, Malaria no more

Received text message from the Quezon City Hall's BMBE, that is Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, to call them up for the results of our application.

If approved, we will be exempted from BIR taxes such as income tax and the business will enjoy discounts when paying government taxes. Loans are also available at a very low and agreeable terms.

We applied early March 2011 and after about five months, the results are there. There was a provision in the BMBE Act that if the office in-charge does not finish the whole application process in 60 days, the application will be granted, to the benefit of the applicant.

We applied because we were developing the Baybayin App and thinking of the aral muna initiative. The tax breaks would be a big help for the new business.

However, upon reaching the second floor of the Business Processing Licensing Office of the QC City Hall, the one above the Treasurers' Office where there are rows and rows of red airport chairs and where you pay realty tax, the letter wad handed out.

Paula Hammond creates super thin batteries that releases energy rapidly

Our application was denied because we failed to convince them that our business is baranggay-based. It also argued that by baranggay, it should employ community dwellers - perhaps thef informal ones? The cashflow should be considerably micro too.

Didn't argue anymore. The person who handed the letter seems just there to hand out results. I'm sure if I contest the decision, I would have to write someone and ask for a re-examination and present photos, employment profiles and other convincing proof that your business deserves the tax breaks because it helps out the community in a very direct way.

Heard from a friend already that he got denied, and a previous talk with a QC BPLO guy revealed that they are carefully screening applicants because the benefits of BMBE are great.   


Living Strong
How would you like to live to the age of 98 as a 10-time black belt in martial arts? And to be a woman at that, is awesome. Or like Rhino of Bolt, Be-awesome!

Her motto: Be gentle, kind and beautiful, yet firm and strong, both mentally and physically.

98-year old Keiko Fukuda of San Francisco, California has been promoted to the highest-ranking in the Japanese martial art of judo, the Judan: the 10th-degree black belt. Considered the pinnacle achievement in judo, living legend Fukuda is the first female to possess this extremely rare title in history. 

Panicky moms
Just found out that almost all of my little girls' previous classmates - she now belongs to the morning class, attend after school enhancement classes. Either Kumon or music, martial arts, dance classes.

I think this is a response to the Chinese, Indian and Singaporeans way of preparing their kids to this digital age. The Philippine education is down in the rankings. So parents take it upon themselves to equip their kids with whatever they need to succeed. As much as they can afford it, enroll in it.

Personally though, my family's stand is to let our kids learn something new every year, until they have found whatever it is they are made for. We started last year. Lois enrolled in swimming classes. For this year, Lois hasn't chosen anything new to learn. Her trial wushu lessons proved very difficult that she doesn't want any of it anymore. Instead, Carlos, our newbie preschooler who's not scheduled to take on any after school classes is enrolled in one-on-one tutorials with preschool teachers from her school. He keeps on saying he doesn't want to go to school because he doesn't know how to write or draw.

So to improve on his fine motor skills, he goes MWF for 45 mins. It has been going on for two weeks now. So far I have seen him write his name.

A different make-up artist
Real people painted to look like they are in paintings - this is the art and passion of Alexa Mead. It takes real courage and determination to pursue a field that hasn't been done before, and for that I look up to this artist. It's art in reverse, don't you think?

Her hyper-realist, 3D paintings move. So only photos, video coverage and actual people experiences may prove her creativity - because when her subjects take a bath, all of those work are gone.

Stamping out malaria
A father lost her precious 11-year old daughter to malaria in one Senegal village. Distraught, he vowed that malaria will not kill children any more - through the use of mosquito nets. He rallied his community to use mosquito nets, and has campaigned towards the habit of cleaning the house, ridding stagnant water.

From 3,500 malaria cases per year to zero, this man, named El Hadj Diop, did it! Now with the rising instances of dengue in the Philippines, this may prove very inspiring if not useful to prevent dengue cases.

Hollywood's David Arquette was impressed with this Sengalese man's effort to fight malaria with mosquito nets

Proper way of praising
Nurture Shock, a revolutionary book about parenting taught me one good thing one afternoon while I was waiting for my little boy's afternoon tutorial.

Praise works, but it may also backfire according to studies by Dr.  Carol Dweck. Instead of telling kids how really well they are, focus on their efforts and praise that. This gives them control and reinforces the fact that hard work is something they can use to succeed.  Try these praises:

I'm sure you worked hard on these drawings.

I like how you keep trying.

Thinking of mommy, trouble with sending son to school, sardines and chocolate beddings, door made from color swatches

While washing the dishes, my little girl pointed out that her utensils need not be cleaned. "I didn't use them mom, because I don't want you to be tired. When I was in Laguna, I missed you."

Yes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm so proud of how my 5-year old girl thought about me. Thank you for being selfless, Lois!

Children listen
Careful what you say, children will listen - that song of Miss Barbara Streissand has never been truer than this time.

I talked on the phone about my little boy's lackluster efforts and interests in writing and the following day. My sister was on the other line. The following morning, my three-your old son uses that as the reason not to go inside their classroom.

"I cannot draw and write", he argues.

"That's the more reason you should go to school", I argued back.

Fast forward when we are at his school grounds, the bell rings for them to line up. With all his classmates falling in line, he fiddles behind my back. "I want them inside already, and then I will go and line up."

No one's left outside anymore. Teacher beckons to him again. He resists, as if finding protection from me. "Go inside when you're ready. We are waiting for you inside." He was told by the teacher.

He refuses, again. I try more convincing tactics - bribing, threatening, encouraging. Carlos doesn't want to go inside. I turn my back to walk back home. He follows. When we got to a private place where I can talk with him, I remind him that when we get home I will bring him to his room and talk with him - the usual punishment routine. He speaks some illogical words, but motions to go to school.

I walk with him again. When we get to his class' door, he tells me to knock. We wait. Growing impatient perhaps, he knocks now. Teacher opens the door and greets him the usual morning ritual. He gets inside. Hay!

This seemingly ordinary shoe may be zipped up on its own - swell for light travelers.

Loving school
Quite the opposite, my 5-year old daughter tells me one time that her favorite thing to do is to go to school.

"I love learning," she beams.

Good for you. She notes that job helpers, when teacher lets them report the weather, read the calendar, etc entice her to go to school every day.

This door is made from pantone switches which lets the light in.

Favorite iPad App, solar powered water bottles, sleeping bag coats, green bags from unwanted plants, and crave foods' healthy options

What happened to my kids?

How do you turn a treasure of games and entertainment tools into something beneficial? Allow use after a chose has been finished. That has been my rule in letting my kids use the iPad.

They love the gadget so much, even more than the old version because of the built-in cameras. They go crazy taking funny pictures of themselves through Photo Booth and recording video narrations.

However, to limit their use, mommy has to give the go before they can use it. I may get it back from too if the time is up, or if what they're doing isn't nice anymore. Most usual conditions I give my 5-year old is to write her complete name in a whole sheet of bond paper. I interchange this with having her read a book, and she chooses the small picture books with just less than 30 words on them.

Living my dream
I have always carried this desire in my heart to be an entrepreneur. I am living the dream now, being a freelance web/graphics designer and an all-around raket-eer. Yet I am still not satisfied.

It could perhaps be because my business pursuits haven't taken off. My projects are fine, yet I am not literally running a profitable business with regular employees. My closest shot with being an entrepreneur is leaving the corporate world and exiting the rat race.

Perhaps a more compelling reason is the fact that, like Bill Gates, I would like to pursue more humanely projects. Money-generating activities that don't solely exist to collect paychecks but more importantly, to give back to those who have no idea how to make it.

Here are a few inspiring stories:

• Coat or Sleeping Bag

Explaining what the coat is, as quoted from Veronika Scott, the designer:

"self-heated, waterproof, and transforms into a sleeping bag at night.

It is made by a group of homeless women who are paid minimum wage, fed and housed while creating these coats made for those living on the streets. The focus is on the humanitarian system to create jobs for those that desire them and coats for those that need them at no cost. The goal is to empower, employ, educate, and instill pride. The importance is not with the product but with the people.

Find out more about this project: The Empowerment Plan

• Furniture and bags out of unwanted plants

Stools, bags, pillows and more woven from water hyacinth in Cambodia, by people living in that community. This is not just green, it is also community-friendly.

These invasive plants thrive and choke waterways causing floods and loss of agricultural produce. I have seen them floating over lots of Metro Manila's rivers and they are nuisance, to say the least. I laud what these designers have done and wish that more efforts towards this same direction be taken in different countries.

Know more about this designer here: Aissa Logerot

Solar lamps from recycled soda plastic bottles filled with water

I came across this ingenious invention through Tumblr and research how this seemingly simple trick is done:

In 2002, during a long electrical shortage, at Uberaba, São Paulo, Brasil, Mr Alfredo Moser discovered a way to gather sun light in the house through plastic bottles hanging from the roof. First shown at the Globo Reporter in the 25th May 2007.

Now, I am pleased to know that a lot of Filipino families have benefitted from the sun through the Isang Litrong Liwanag, a non-governmental agency which promotes this innovation that help empower poor families.


Sorry, Captain Hook
Avoiding the 'yes-no' response, we've been rephrasing our remarks with the kids. One day, daddy was asking little boy what would the crocodile say to Captain Hook when it gets near him.

Carlos: He'd say sorry.
Daddy: Why sorry?
Carlos: Because he bit his hand.

I didn't think of that.

Want tobacco? Have Silicon
Craving for something? Beat your taste buds with these healthier options.

Want cool drinks? Have manganese. This is abundant in walnuts, almonds, blueberries.

Want salty foods? Have chloride. This is abundant in fish, unrefined sea salt.

Want soda or carbonated drink? Have calcium. This is abundant in broccoli, kale, legumes.

Update on Enopi and wushu classes

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” ~ Albert Einstein

Both my plans of enrolling my two kids to Enopi and wushu were foiled this month. Better and more appropriate ones came along and I had to go with them.

My kids' school offered after-school tutorials with actual preschool teachers giving the lessons. I enrolled my 3-year old to academic tutorial there. Our schedule is thrice a week for 45 minutes per session. The fee is P2600/month.

I let my 5-year old girl do wushu for body exercise and peer interactions. However, she cried on our way to her trial session. I had to really beg her to just try. She obliged me but told me and the coordinator after the one-hour workout that she doesn't want to come back.

It will just be swimming lessons for her - again.

Un-birthday traditions, heart eggs, preparing for PTC ala Kenneth Cobonpue and Ferran Adria's El Bulli movie

How to make heart eggs

I grew up not celebrating birthdays. I understand my parent's reasons and I don't resent it, we are 12 in the family - not including the extended members. To not celebrate is the safest and most economical way to go for a farmer village family sending children to school.

With my own family now, we celebrate our birthdays very simply. Cake and a huge serving of spaghetti, though I prefer pansit. I cook great pansit! There would be times when we would invite some family and/or friends to share a meal with us at a place we haven't visited to commemorate the special occasion.



El Bulli
If you're a foodie, I'm sure you've heard of the greatest restaurant in the world. Closed six months of every year to prepare for the next season, reservation list is endless. The Spanish chef, Ferran Adria calls his cooking avant-garde, elevating it as an art. Isn't it amusing that he's no French?

You may want to catch this movie about him and his restaurant, which means The Bull. The guy is passionate and a perfectionist, which goes along, I think.

I once ate a chocolate bar infused with bacon bits. The maker studied and has been greatly influenced by Ferran Adria. I didn't like it, though it was fine. I didn't totally catch it.

PTC armaments
I haven't totally got passed the last PTC sessions, they kept a scar mark in my soul that will only be healed if I see my kids doing better. I thought, for the next PTCs I would be ready with my notes. I will observe my kids for their strongest and worst point to tackle with the teachers. The next parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) will be about both parties engaging over the kids' performance and how they may be better individuals.

Since then, I have been encouraging my kindergartener to read a book out loud daily, practice writing and choose iPad games that are educational. I have been stricter with our schedule, I admit. With or without a freelance project I see to it that the kids do activities that will build on skills they need to be better - not just at school but also in life in general.

I give punishments more often too, unlike before that I let things pass because I have other more important things to do.

Yes, the last PTC engaged me so much about parenting that tomorrow we'll be starting Wushu lessons even if it costs more than my monthly gym membership, which husband and I forego due to tight schedules, thank you very much.

Doing world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue's three questions: who am I, why am I on earth for and what am I good at - I am definitely, positively engaged in parenting.

Yeah!

Kid funny moments
Husband and little boy are in search for a barber shop. They've been sporting long hair-dos and want to have it trimmed. Pointing out the iconic spiral of blue and red to our preschooler, husband said "Look at that moving colors. Whenever you see that, it means it's a barber shop."

Our little boy replied, "Ah, like the 'loading' symbol?"

Being a kindergartener mom - webbing, preschool diary, invented spelling, wushu

Chair artwork - what if they go to your pants when you sit on them?

Just came from a PTC (parent-teacher conference) with husband to discuss my two kids' progress at school.

According to her teacher, my kindergartener is well matured in class. She acts like a big sister, assisting those younger and seem to be needing help; keeping quiet when someone is acting roughly. However, she is also soft-spoken and timid.

Origin of kindergartenThe first kindergarten was established by Froebel in Bad Blankenburg in 1837. He renamed his Play and Activity Institute to a ‘kindergarten’ two years later in 1840. That Bad Blankenburg Infant school used play, games, songs, stories, and crafts to encourage children’s imagination and widen their physical and motor talents. "Kommt, lasst uns unsern Kindern leben" Come, let us live with our children’ turned into the catchphrase of the early childhood education.

Webbing and other preschool tricks
Among her teachers' tips to further enhance what she has been learning at school are the following activities:

1. Webbing - TeachPreschool.org defines webbing as a tool that may be used to: 
   • Webbing - build on a basic idea.
   • Webbing - illustrates how each idea builds off another.
   • Webbing - helps you think outside of the box.
   A case in point may be talking about a certain topic, for example, whales. Then, whatever my kid associates with it, like seeing a baby whale being born in a YouTube video, and then moving on towards the subject with inputs coming directly from the kid. Learning that is personal is more effective, teachers said.
   
   What webbing activity have you tried with your kid?
   
   
2. Diary - Encourage your kindergartener to keep her diary, not to start a private life, but to encourage writing and spelling. With reading skills go along writing skills. Letting your child have her own 'notebook' enforces both skills.
3. Invented spelling - It is natural for kindergarteners to miss vowels when writing down words. Yes, you may call it JEJEMON but this one is acceptable and unintentional, unlike the horrible JEJEMON lingo which has permeated the Philippine society of today.
4. Right vs wrong warnings - Being wrong or right is subjective, and for little minds, it is better to give them scenarios and explanations of how things are done. Simply stating that something is wrong or bad does not help. Carefully lay out how she ended up doing what was wrong. You are given a warning because you shouted at your brother when you could have called his name softly.

Extra activities
One thing is certain, the kids will be starting on their new extra curricular activities soon. What I originally have in mind for my kindergartener is piano lessons. However, the choices available to us is a 5-15minute daily lesson which I find too short, or another one that is 1-hour every other day. The teacher in the latter is unknown to me, and I am not very comfortable with that.

So it might be Wushu lessons twice a week here at Quezon City, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5pm. Fee is P3k+/month exclusive of uniform, insurance and processing fee.

Feedback about my nursery kid
It has been a great relief that my youngest is fine at school. He's average. Before I enrolled him, my greatest fear would be that he would not pay attention to his teachers. Luckily, he participates in class and gives out correct answers. Areas to be improved were identified, like finding a dominant hand, strengthening his hand muscles, and listening and communication skills.

I think my role as a mom-teacher cannot be pushed any further that's why we might enroll him to Enopi for after-school practice sessions. I regularly give them worksheets to do at home and both of my kids grudgingly do them. I am too 20th-century for these digital learners.

Forming a letter 'T' with two cars

Enopi preschool
I have inquired last summer about Enopi, they are Korea's answer to Kumon, and they accept kids who have started attended formal school already. Their monthly charge is about P1600+/month which covers a two-hour per week schedule for one subject. They offer English and Math for preschoolers.

Focus on the main thing
Honestly, I felt low after hearing from my two kids' teachers. They were not bright stories at all. However, I am thankful still because at least we are given the chance to prepare and make adjustments with how to raise them to be the best that they can be, as God made them. I am a bit forced to emulate kids that show traits my little ones don't have - being outspoken and sociable. I fight myself though, thinking they are God's workmanship the way they are.

My heart's desire is to raise up kids who fear and love God and serve their countrymen rather than achievers who give in to the dark side of themselves.

Thinking for the country

My country is on its way towards the right path. A year down his 6-year presidential term, P-Noy performs satisfactorily in my opinion. His first SONA speech boasts of accomplishments that the Filipinos have been wanting to hear. Yes, there are still a lot of work to do and it is not good to be satisfied at this low level. Yet I understand the mess of the whole system that merely six years may not correct.

Will be continuously praying for P-Noy and the Philippines.

Nursery 2 reading skills
A month after formal preschool, I find my 43-month old boy still struggling to wake up early in the morning for school. His teachers say he listens to them and has learned to open up with his classmates. I noted an eager inclination to count things, but Carlos still interchanges numbers after 12.

I came across this online pre-reading screening test to gauge kids' readiness and found Carlos to be on the second tier. So he's average.

I'm happy. I admit feeling stressed when hearing about preschoolers taking on all sorts of extra-curricular activities - martial arts, music, sports, tutorials. I haven't sent Carlos to any other schooling but I plan to enroll him to Wushu lessons when he turns four.

Walking to school on PE day

I remember that we enrolled Lois to swimming lessons when she was this age. It has been our family goal to learn a new skill every year and for this year it will be:

1. Daddy - Teaching license
2. Mommy - Driving
3. Lois - Piano
4. Carlos - Wushu

Improved cognitive skills
I checked on how Lois was doing in class, with new classmates and earlier schedule and her teacher said she behaves like a big sister, helping out classmates if she can. She also admitted that she belongs to a class with has improved cognitive skills.

My dream for Lois - and Carlos too, is to learn as much as she can so that when she is full grown, she will help a lot of Filipinos. I tell her this, but her young mind seem to not grasp it. Her face turns sour whenever I bring it up, I feel the 20th century mom reaching to a 21st century kid in action.

How to complement little girls
Read this agreeable thought from Baby Center's Violet's Mom blog - Don't complement little girls on how they look, instead choose to talk about skills.

I totally agree. With younger and younger girls getting their period, we do not want to raise little girls who would turn out to be just bomb shells in the looks arena. We want to have girls who would become achievers in all sorts of endeavors - math, sports, engineering, design, teaching, science, you name it.

How do we do it? Lisa Bloom says, "Teaching girls that their appearance is the first thing you notice tells them that looks are more important than anything. It sets them up for dieting at age 5 and foundation at age 11 and boob jobs at 17 and Botox at 23. As our cultural imperative for girls to be hot 24/7 has become the new normal, American women have become increasingly unhappy. What’s missing? A life of meaning, a life of ideas and reading books and being valued for our thoughts and accomplishments."

Hinilawod
Hinilawod, Philippines' pre-colonial oral literature treasure, considered the longest epic in the world is set to be staged on September 3-4, 3PM and 8PM at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

My kids are encouraged to watch with their families. I have invited some family and friends, but since it is still several months away, they do not want to say yes yet. Just the same, I am excited to have my kids watch this. I'm sure I would enjoy, but I don't think they would endure two-hour plays? Got to ask their classmates' moms when they are watching for better chances of good behavior.

Grammar quirks
Lois: Why aren't you lookating at me? (Why aren't you looking at me?)

Storytellers

BabyCenter says
Your child's storytelling ability is growing now that he's using longer sentences rich with detail. His tales now have a clear beginning, middle, and end — at least most of the time. Most of all, they're nourished by a lively imagination that's reaching new peaks. Your child is learning that a quick story is a way to share information, to entertain, and sometimes, if he thinks fast enough, to get him out of a tight spot.

It has been almost five years that I have taken on the role of MOM full-time. Since I gave birth to first-born, I have quit my job and stayed at home to be with my baby.

After a year, I unexpectedly gave birth to another one and got even more convinced to stay at home and leave the workforce for good.


However, now that the kids are no longer babies, and have missed going out of the house regularly to go to the office, I ask myself again if it was the right decision and if I should not change my mind and work again.


I have accepted some short-term work, mostly done at home to keep my non-mommy brain alive. I long for that time, when the kids are busy enough with their own lives and I can have more time for me. And I already have thought out what I would do - farm.


In the meantime, I take great pride that my first born's teachers compliments of how well founded my little one is at school. Smart, caring, fun-loving.


Yes, this is why I stepped back. That my kids can step forward confidently when it is their turn.

My Underwater Story Book
During one long school holiday, my preschooler was given the assignment of creating a story out of drawings bound ala story book. I asked her what each page's drawing says and here's the story she submitted. When I find the time and muster my lazy muscles, will scan the storybook too for posterity:

Once upon a time, there was a boy who likes to play fishing game.

He got his fishing rod which came from his mom, from inside his house and he pretended that there was water.

Jay, the boy, likes to get fish. His favorite is the butanding (whale shark).

While fishing, a butanding pulled him down the water. Natanggal ang sapatos niya, kase nahila siya. (He lost one of his shoes because he was pulled under the water.)

Nung nasa ibaba na siya ng tubig (When he was underwater), he was pretending that he was a sea turtle. Just like the other sea turtles he saw.

And then, he stopped pretending that he was a sea turtle because he saw that his other shoe was missing.


He then saw a yellow dolphin with red tail and rode on its back. They will go up above the water, to reach the sky. Maybe, he will see his other shoe.

But, Jay fell from the dolphin. A yellow octopus grabbed the dolphin. The octopus wants Jay under the water so they can blow bubbles.

So Jay played bubbles with his sea creature friends. The butanding made the biggest bubble.

The butanding blew lots and lots of bubbles, until it became a giant bubble. The bubble was so big, Jay can fit inside it.

The giant bubble brought Jay back on top of the water, to his house. Then Jay said goodbye to all the sea animals. Then he remembered, that his other pair of shoe was there. And he put it on.

The End.

Carlos' OK
Our youngest has been very helpful with his sister's school work. He enjoys choosing photos of objects for his ate to learn to spell. When we found out from Maya's teacher she can read basic c-v-c, that's consonant-vowel-consonant words, Carlos was with me. He was very funny, he just said, in his usual funny, as-if-mature way, "Ok!"

Random Wonder

Lois and Carlos are growing so fast. Last night, while they were sleeping, I looked at them and saw how much space they were taking up on our family bed. The kids are not yet ready to move to their own rooms so we enjoy this chance to snuggle with them every night. :) To me, Lois looked like a 6-year old already.



This afternoon, while we were doing Lois' assignment - a book of Philippine animals they saw during their field trip at Avilon Zoo to be submitted a week after they visited the zoo, I was again amazed by our little girl.

I asked her to color the Philippine map provided by their teacher. She willingly obliged, choosing the color blue for the island of Luzon, yellow for Visayas and red for Mindanao. The amazing part, she knew the whole Luzon collection of islands! Palawan and the Bicol Region were shaded blue. She even told me that Bicol is where we can find the butanding or the whale shark, largest fish.

I was really fascinated that our little girl is learning in school, she's paying attention and she's absorbing the lessons she hears. Daddy Paul said that Lois once remarked about an anecdote we heard and shared with others - Winnie the Pooh speaking Visayan in Hongkong Disneyland.

On Children
Kahlil Gibran

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.

December 2009 in Photos

Christmas is more meaningful and special this year, now that both kids are bigger. Lois is a preschooler, and Carlos is a toddler. Quite some talkers. Here are things we conquered December 2009.

Ate Aliyah looking after the buffet table with the mermaid doll

Cousins too - Moi and Raymart. It's great that they are batchmates, my pamangkins.

Newest addition to our BIG family, baby Samantha Angela, named after Lola sa tuhod, Ine. Ren ren is big bro now.

November 2009 in Photos

That's bashful Vanessa and Carlos enjoying the air bed in Bulacan, Undas.

Costa Classica has added the Philippines as part of their Asian tour. Marvin, part of that ship, treated us to free lunch and tour of this 14-storey cruiser. Mabuhay kayong mga masisipag na manggagawang Pilipino. Sana dumating ang panahon, tayo na ang pasahero.

The Meridian grounds was transformed into a town fiesta, with many members coming in with their Filipino costumes.

Lois posing beside a Christmas tree, she's fascinated with Christmas trees, this girl.

Mr. Carlos, Mr. iPod boy

Our Nursery Bunny Girl

Lois has been enjoying school. She knows all of her classmates' names and would constantly enumerate the things they did at school. From her stories, I think she has developed friendship with Charisse and Mariel. Though she's fond of her classmates, all of them, when I ask.

Her teachers told us, during the last assessment - they have regular parent teacher meetings to track progress of the kids and ensure these lessons are translated at their home life - that Lois acts a big sister in school, particularly to her classmate Paola. I notice Paola is a year younger, so maybe Lois sees a baby sister in her. Teacher Leslie said Lois would always comfort her when she cries, holding her hand or simply staying beside her. Awww, our little girl knows how to care for others.

Last November, the school had a play, Ang Paglalakbay ni Tanglaw. It's about a fifth-grader who was timewarped into the ancient Philippines, when our country was not yet established and that our archipelago is called Dewata. The play showcased various Filipino folk dances and songs - singkil, sagayan, sayaw sa banga and many others. Original compositions and group poems were also done - all by the students. What I like most about the play was how the kids played their part excellently. They were not ashamed doing all these folk dances. I could tell the smallest kids, those in preschool enjoyed the most. They also did everything, from the playing of the kulintang, singing, enlivening the shadow play. Of course, the faculty did their part too - video presentation, writing of scripts, ushering the audience and all, but the kids were pretty involved as much as possible.

Nursery 1 pupils lining up with their mamag costumes on

There was even a story shared by the school's chaplain that Grade 3 students staged another show in order to invite guests to see this show. A show within a show. The kids wanted children from an orphanage, House of Refuge, which was devastated by typhoon Ondoy, to attend the play as a treat. So the kids are sponsoring their tickets, since the show is basically a fund-raising of the school. How were they able to raise the funds to shoulder P300/piece ticket for around 100 kids? They sold banalanghais, or bananas sprinkled with chocolate and wafer to make it look like the ancient balanghai. They sold Austronesian cakes, which is simply chocolate fudge brownies. They staged violin and piano shows. They even talked their teacher to lend her pet pug, which they dressed up to look like a mamag (tarsier) for a day of fun and activities. Creative and promising little kids, they are!

Mamag dance costume rehearsal at the Convenarium

September 2009 in photos - or something like that

Sling and Stone Web Design Employee Number 2 - Air Jordan

Pre-Nacho day. Now Marj and Tat's a trio with Ignacio... what's his second name?

Tony and Mau finally tied the knot - August 2, 2009

Mid-year Milestones

It's already half-way of 2009. I couldn't say that it has been so far, so good. I really feel like things are going too fast for me. The hours of a day are not enough for the things to be done, so I end up with this long list of carry over to-do's.

Meridian parents
But major accomplishments include having moved to our long-term residence here in Quezon City. Lois has just finished her summer orientation classes with Meridian International Learning Experience. She's an incoming preschooler. At the end of the class, her teachers talked to Paul and me. They said Lois has caught up with the routine of the class. Her being one of the oldest in the group shows, she silently holds the hand of her crying classmate. She has adjusted well. She talks with her teachers, showing to them her lovely dress. They described her as the gentle kind. Well, I'm fine with that.

Fitness buffs
And, another milestone, having enrolled at a gym near our place for wellness management. Yup, Paul and I are serious about living strong until the end. We've been gym regulars since Saturday. Doing cardio exercises and lifting weights. Monitoring what we eat and drinking milk. What I like about the gym is that it's population is just right. I don't know if it's because we go there during off-peak hours which is morning. So far, I've spotted several ABS-CBN 2 talents already, not that it matters, but maybe the place is really not so packed that's why celebrities prefer it over other facilities in the area.

So far, we're doing what Ms. Xhi, our trainer, listed us to do. The machines to use, number of reps and weights plus the diet. I guess though, we are failing at the diet. The plan says three glasses of milk and five servings of protein. My estimate is that I'm under consuming. This morning, one guy trainer there said it's best to not drop the weights of the machines. Maximum muscle workout is achieved when you continue to do your reps while holding the weights. I tried it and it's much harder. Wasn't able to do minimum repetitions for the arm lifts at 10lbs, but for the other workouts, was able to finish up to the second sets with much higher weights. Hehe!

Web newbie
On the hunt for the best commercial biz location for us, and it seems like the Lord has delivered once again. On my way home, I saw this row of small stores with one unit unoccupied. I inquired and found out the place is for rent. Fee is very much within the target budget we've allotted. Area is promising, best among all I've seen. Will submit the proposal tomorrow along with the processing fee. In about two weeks, we can start fixing the place and then, we're off to business.

form> function() & .class
Now that topic is business, let me announce the first Philippine web design conference. I've signed up and am hoping to win free tickets, that's a P1000 thing, that's why this announcement. I've visited the web site of the group who's hosting it, Philippine Web Designers Organization, and it looks promising. I hope the Philippines can become great at web design, and this is a good start.

Save the date, July 10 8am to 5pm at the Asian Institute of Management across Greenbelt 1 in Makati. Benefit from the genius of Rico Sta. Cruz - Creative Director, U.S. Auto Parts Philippines; Nap Lara - Software Developer, Friendster; Regnard Raquedan - Web & Usability Consultant; Jojo Esposa - Founder, Philippine Web Accessibility Group; Marco Palinar - User Interface/Web Design Consultant; Gail dela Cruz-Villanueva - Creative Director, Sheero Media; Luis Buenaventura II - Co-founder and Social Software Architect, Syndeo Labs; Director of Engineering, Exist Global. Honestly, have no idea who these people are but you can always google their credentials, right?

Schedule of activities on July 10 is:

* 08:00am-08:45am - Registration
* 08:45am-09:00am - Opening Remarks and Introduction to PWDO by Sophia Lucero
* 09:00am-09:45am - Design 101 by Rico Sta. Cruz
* 10:00am-10:45am - Interaction Design by Nap Lara
* 11:00am-11:45am - Web Standards, Accessibility, & Usability by Regnard Raquedan
* 12:00nn-12:45pm - Lunch
* 12:45pm-01:15pm - Disabled Friendly Awards by Jojo Esposa
* 01:15pm-02:00pm - Sponsor Talks
o Search-friendly Web Pages by Aileen Apolo of Google
* 02:00pm-02:45pm - Workflow by Marco Palinar
* 03:00pm-03:45pm - Industry Tips by Gail dela Cruz-Villanueva
* 04:00pm-04:45pm - State of the Web by Luis Buenaventura II
* 04:45pm-05:15pm - Panel Q&A

The event is still open for sponsors, if interested click here. Around 400 attendees are expected, and you could be one of them. Or like me, you can also earn your way in through the free ticket promo.

March 2009 In Photos

Foreman Bong at our soon to be finished condo unit

Lola Inang with camera-shy guests

Senior Citizen all

Birthday girl ML - Mam Lorna :)



Playing with macaronis

On the Road to 'Formal' Learning

We'll be enrolling Lois to Meridian International Learning Experience in April. Yes, we've taken the step towards school already. There is no question about the school anymore. We want the kids to learn to love God and our country, not just good old, education. This is also the reason why we'll be moving near the school. It's a lifestyle change for all of us.

Honestly, this was not our original plan. Our target was to send Lois to school by 2010 when she's already 4.5 years old. But things were changing. We were seeing Lois transform into a sponge with all the bad things getting absorbed. She would titter over John Lloyd's billboard in Edsa because she claims she is Sarah Geronimo. (Well, that's a bit better than being Marian Rivera, her original matinée idol.) She would be too shy when we're with other people. And she would hurt little Carlos as if he is not her relative.

So with great faith we scheduled for her assessment. I was hoping she could get to Nursery II already, so she will not be the oldest in her class. But her age by June does not meet the requirement. So I thought it's better that way, than be able to save up on a year and create a tortured pupil out of her. Off Lois went inside the Nursery I classroom while Daddy Paul and I were interviewed by the Directress of the School. She briefed us that Lois will be lovingly disciplined and that we should teach her English as by Prep, they will be introducing Mandarin already.

Funny, but I found myself fidgeting while Lois was inside the classroom. I was curious if she was participating, I was hopeful she was having fun, but I was also afraid that other kids might have told her something nasty that would make her hate school. It was just 30 minutes of waiting for Lois to finish her assessment, but it felt like the longest 30 minutes. Awww, I'm a parent of a pre-schooler I cannot believe it.

Learning on his own

BabyCenter.com says at age 16-months, kids could normally use up to 10 words. Well, our Carlos could easily dish out 20 words:

1. ball/shoot/dunk
2. bike
3. airplane
4. car
5. dog
6. taxi
7. bird
8. juice
9. mama
10. daddy/Poh
11. ate Lois
12. bubbles
13. hand/paa
14. tree/halaman
15. bye-bye
16. uh-oh
17. blocks
18. toys
19. cd
20. baby
21. light
22. moon/star/sun

No, I am not proud. I am euphoric. As the second-born, he did not receive the same attention and care as Lois. But he's ok. In fact, he's better. He shrugs himself up after he falls, he takes medicines without fussing, he eats ALL vegetables and fruits and he's happier.

What a blessed family we are.

No fun

After shopping for books at M/V Doulos, Grandma Dahls asked Lois:

Ma Dahls: Did you enjoy our Doulos trip?

Lois Sourly said: No!

Surprised, Ma Dahls asked: Why not?

Lois: Because the ship didn't move.

Ma Dahls: Why did it not move?

Lois: Maybe there's no gasoline.