i guess puzzles play a part of my life...
Last night i tried for the first time the hard difficulty in jigsaw here on gaia... i had fun, i had a chat with someone too...
anyways,
i was amazed i actually finished!!
for the record, i finished two, and three in the normal level
---i was once able to finish a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle i bought it from a booksale store
it was a garden, with lots and lots of flowers
my only help was the picture printed on the box
i had some trouble since the box was a bit worn out and some parts of the picture was covered with letterings
if i remember it correctly, i finished in 3 or 4 nights
since the puzzle didn't had a board, i decided to tape it down on a paper bag, to keep the puzzle pieces in place
i was crushed to find out my hardwork was all gone
i haven't seen my work again 'til this day
*sigh*
i'll do this more in gaia
i hope sooner or later i'd be trying the insane difficulty level too
it is insanity!!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
--wiNninG--
---this is the essay i submitted when my professor in English 1 asked us to write a reflection, about us being students of the University of the Philippines, during our first week
UP—the common term for University of the Philippines, a prestigious school for tertiary education and now the national university of the Republic of the Philippines. I may not exactly know what kind of privilege this identification gives but what I can be sure of is that this school has to be the best in many terms.
I remember the day I first became acquainted with the idea that I passed the UPCAT—to be honest, I wasn’t so sure I’d pass. My mom received a call from a friend telling her she saw my name on the list of those who passed. I do not know whether it was because it didn’t sink in to me or because it was just another achievement for me but I didn’t get excited or anything. Probably because I’m not just that kind of person who’s into accomplishments and all, like when we won first place in the Carol Fest or made it through the eliminations for Accelerate Idol (a group activity we had in YSTBS). Honestly speaking UP is just another college for me which happens to be on the competitive edge. That’s the very reason why I chose to enroll here. Thinking of the thousands who didn’t make it through the UPCAT and us who compose the small percentage of examinees, I don’t really see myself as someone special or someone so smart, as a matter of fact when I knew I made it to UP, I thought everyone else in my school did—which to my disappointment was not so. I am very thankful for the talents given to me.
Now that I am here, there’s one thing I could definitely look up to. I know that when I graduate (I believe that I will become an alumnus of the University of the Philippines) I will set out for the world ready for whatever, whenever. Knowing that God will help me, I just have to do my very best in everything and of course, think about what I’m doing first.
UP—the common term for University of the Philippines, a prestigious school for tertiary education and now the national university of the Republic of the Philippines. I may not exactly know what kind of privilege this identification gives but what I can be sure of is that this school has to be the best in many terms.
I remember the day I first became acquainted with the idea that I passed the UPCAT—to be honest, I wasn’t so sure I’d pass. My mom received a call from a friend telling her she saw my name on the list of those who passed. I do not know whether it was because it didn’t sink in to me or because it was just another achievement for me but I didn’t get excited or anything. Probably because I’m not just that kind of person who’s into accomplishments and all, like when we won first place in the Carol Fest or made it through the eliminations for Accelerate Idol (a group activity we had in YSTBS). Honestly speaking UP is just another college for me which happens to be on the competitive edge. That’s the very reason why I chose to enroll here. Thinking of the thousands who didn’t make it through the UPCAT and us who compose the small percentage of examinees, I don’t really see myself as someone special or someone so smart, as a matter of fact when I knew I made it to UP, I thought everyone else in my school did—which to my disappointment was not so. I am very thankful for the talents given to me.
Now that I am here, there’s one thing I could definitely look up to. I know that when I graduate (I believe that I will become an alumnus of the University of the Philippines) I will set out for the world ready for whatever, whenever. Knowing that God will help me, I just have to do my very best in everything and of course, think about what I’m doing first.
aCceLeraTE
Last summer, I made the most of my time by participating in church activities. I registered for “e=cm2 (Established: Creative Ministry) Summer Dance & Hypocrites Workshop 2008”, “Step Up! Youth & Teens Levels” and “Accelerate YSTBS 2008 (Youth Short Term Bible School).” There were more activities like I the Teens’ Sport Fest and Teens’ Camp of which I wasn’t able to take part.
The one I enjoyed most was the YSTBS, held in Cathedral of Praise- Main Campus. I got to spend 2 weeks learning about God, His word, and His people. We had three subjects: Connect System, Pastoral Care & Discipleship, and Biblical Communication. I had lots of fun! We had games and activities in between lessons. I gained new friends and most important of all, I learned a lot.
On the first day, I thought the course would start at 8a.m. It was already past 8 o’clock when I got there. To my surprise, there were only a handful of students inside the River Room. (The River Room is a smaller area compared to the main auditorium. This is where gatherings are held when only a small part of the congregation is expected to attend.) We were told that chapel starts t 9. I was so relieved I didn’t have to wake up so early everyday.
I got my I.D. after registration. A large button pin actually, so much for an identification card. It was black with a black race car on its background. My first name, Karizza, was written in blue ink in the grayer area of the pin. I prefer being called Anika but since I decided not to ask them to change it anymore (that could give them some trouble, trying to erase the ink), my group mates call me Karizza until now. A purple folded paper was attached on the back of my pin. We were asked not to open the papers taped on our pins ‘til later.
When everyone had their “IDs,” the interns asked us to find the persons who got papers of the same color. Later that day, our group received our name: Mufflers. At first I thought our name referred to the kind of muffler you put on your ears. The class soon found out that our assigned group names were actually car parts. Others were named Radiator, Alternator, Spark Plugs, Fog Light, Piston, Crank Shaft, Carburetor, Clutch Disk, and Accelerator. I somehow felt lucky our name didn’t sound much of a car. I also think that it’s one of the best names.
That day we used the NLT and NIV to search for different words that pertain to pastors. Pastor Joey taught about different small group methods after lunch. We had presentation of the groups’ chants next. Ours went like: “Chug chug. Chug chug. Aaah… Muffler!” As far as I can remember, ours was the simplest. We had very simple movements too. We hold fists then punch them downwards in the air in the “Chug-chug” part, first the boys then the girls. We then move our arms in a circular motion at shoulder level, and then we chant “Muffler!”
On Tuesday, my leader asked me to play Guesstures, a game similar to charades. It was quite embarrassing. It was my first time to play the game and I didn’t do well. In the game, the actor picks out two blue and two red cards. A card has two words/thoughts, one typed on each end. I just put in the cards in the box which pulls the card in as time runs out. I didn’t choose the words I’ll play anymore. I didn’t do well in the charades part either. My team got one correct but I wasn’t able to pull the card out. No point. By the end of the week, Muffler still had zero in Guesstures. We had another activity at the end of that day. Food Relay is nothing new, I know, but we had fun. There were 5 food items, namely: ampalaya, butong pakwan, okra, vinegar, and banana. I guess I didn’t listen very well to the instructions. I thought every player was going to have one food item. Since I heard the ‘instructor’ say that the banana would be the last to eat, I fell in the last place of the line. Teams were merged so that we only had 5 groups when the game started. Our team was merged with Group Piston. Our first player took a lot of time. He kind of slowed the team down. Other groups were already having their second player and by the time he finished some had already sent their third player. I did well in this activity. I had no problem with bitter gourd, but I did with okra. What I did was this: I bit the okra to capsule-sized pieces then swallowed them with the help of water. I did the same with the ampalaya, I saved time by not chewing anymore. I did pretty well with the watermelon seeds too. Someone even quoted me as an expert. I chewed the seeds with the banana to save even more time. We didn’t win though. That was my Tuesday.
Wednesday: we made it through Accelerate Idol. Yey!
Yes, Accelerate Idol is based on American Idol. The difference is that we get to perform anything, --we can dance, sing, act, or all three-- we don’t necessarily have to belt out tunes. We had a bit of a trouble deciding what to do that day. We finally decided to dance “Happy Day” using the choreography of the Davidic Dancers. None of the groups was eliminated that day. The following day we had another dance number and still made it. A group was eliminated that afternoon. I was quite nervous during elimination. One of the two groups left standing, waiting for their name to be called, was Muffler. When the verdict was finally given, my leader literally leaped in excitement.
Groupings won’t be complete without the banners. Everyone was given sheets of art paper and a piece of white cloth. Friday, our team ended up with a very colorful banner. We made use of markers, glitters, double-adhesive tape, crayons, and art paper. We had a drawing of a muffler on the far left, coated with silver glitters. Coming out of it was smoke which we colored with gray and black. On top of the smoke were letterings (art paper cut-outs) spelling out “Muffler.” We filled up the empty spaces with torn-up pieces of art paper in assorted colors.
We had a lot more fun activities later. We also had fun learning and making our way through the quizzes. Speaking of which, I did well in the quizzes I even got more than the perfect score in some, thanks to bonus questions. I developed a better attitude during praise and worship and learned a lot about taking care of God’s flock. I also learned new songs and choreography of some of the dances used during the services. Best thing I gained above all was the deeper relationship with God I had.
The one I enjoyed most was the YSTBS, held in Cathedral of Praise- Main Campus. I got to spend 2 weeks learning about God, His word, and His people. We had three subjects: Connect System, Pastoral Care & Discipleship, and Biblical Communication. I had lots of fun! We had games and activities in between lessons. I gained new friends and most important of all, I learned a lot.
On the first day, I thought the course would start at 8a.m. It was already past 8 o’clock when I got there. To my surprise, there were only a handful of students inside the River Room. (The River Room is a smaller area compared to the main auditorium. This is where gatherings are held when only a small part of the congregation is expected to attend.) We were told that chapel starts t 9. I was so relieved I didn’t have to wake up so early everyday.
I got my I.D. after registration. A large button pin actually, so much for an identification card. It was black with a black race car on its background. My first name, Karizza, was written in blue ink in the grayer area of the pin. I prefer being called Anika but since I decided not to ask them to change it anymore (that could give them some trouble, trying to erase the ink), my group mates call me Karizza until now. A purple folded paper was attached on the back of my pin. We were asked not to open the papers taped on our pins ‘til later.
When everyone had their “IDs,” the interns asked us to find the persons who got papers of the same color. Later that day, our group received our name: Mufflers. At first I thought our name referred to the kind of muffler you put on your ears. The class soon found out that our assigned group names were actually car parts. Others were named Radiator, Alternator, Spark Plugs, Fog Light, Piston, Crank Shaft, Carburetor, Clutch Disk, and Accelerator. I somehow felt lucky our name didn’t sound much of a car. I also think that it’s one of the best names.
That day we used the NLT and NIV to search for different words that pertain to pastors. Pastor Joey taught about different small group methods after lunch. We had presentation of the groups’ chants next. Ours went like: “Chug chug. Chug chug. Aaah… Muffler!” As far as I can remember, ours was the simplest. We had very simple movements too. We hold fists then punch them downwards in the air in the “Chug-chug” part, first the boys then the girls. We then move our arms in a circular motion at shoulder level, and then we chant “Muffler!”
On Tuesday, my leader asked me to play Guesstures, a game similar to charades. It was quite embarrassing. It was my first time to play the game and I didn’t do well. In the game, the actor picks out two blue and two red cards. A card has two words/thoughts, one typed on each end. I just put in the cards in the box which pulls the card in as time runs out. I didn’t choose the words I’ll play anymore. I didn’t do well in the charades part either. My team got one correct but I wasn’t able to pull the card out. No point. By the end of the week, Muffler still had zero in Guesstures. We had another activity at the end of that day. Food Relay is nothing new, I know, but we had fun. There were 5 food items, namely: ampalaya, butong pakwan, okra, vinegar, and banana. I guess I didn’t listen very well to the instructions. I thought every player was going to have one food item. Since I heard the ‘instructor’ say that the banana would be the last to eat, I fell in the last place of the line. Teams were merged so that we only had 5 groups when the game started. Our team was merged with Group Piston. Our first player took a lot of time. He kind of slowed the team down. Other groups were already having their second player and by the time he finished some had already sent their third player. I did well in this activity. I had no problem with bitter gourd, but I did with okra. What I did was this: I bit the okra to capsule-sized pieces then swallowed them with the help of water. I did the same with the ampalaya, I saved time by not chewing anymore. I did pretty well with the watermelon seeds too. Someone even quoted me as an expert. I chewed the seeds with the banana to save even more time. We didn’t win though. That was my Tuesday.
Wednesday: we made it through Accelerate Idol. Yey!
Yes, Accelerate Idol is based on American Idol. The difference is that we get to perform anything, --we can dance, sing, act, or all three-- we don’t necessarily have to belt out tunes. We had a bit of a trouble deciding what to do that day. We finally decided to dance “Happy Day” using the choreography of the Davidic Dancers. None of the groups was eliminated that day. The following day we had another dance number and still made it. A group was eliminated that afternoon. I was quite nervous during elimination. One of the two groups left standing, waiting for their name to be called, was Muffler. When the verdict was finally given, my leader literally leaped in excitement.
Groupings won’t be complete without the banners. Everyone was given sheets of art paper and a piece of white cloth. Friday, our team ended up with a very colorful banner. We made use of markers, glitters, double-adhesive tape, crayons, and art paper. We had a drawing of a muffler on the far left, coated with silver glitters. Coming out of it was smoke which we colored with gray and black. On top of the smoke were letterings (art paper cut-outs) spelling out “Muffler.” We filled up the empty spaces with torn-up pieces of art paper in assorted colors.
We had a lot more fun activities later. We also had fun learning and making our way through the quizzes. Speaking of which, I did well in the quizzes I even got more than the perfect score in some, thanks to bonus questions. I developed a better attitude during praise and worship and learned a lot about taking care of God’s flock. I also learned new songs and choreography of some of the dances used during the services. Best thing I gained above all was the deeper relationship with God I had.
sembreak's comin' up
sembreak is coming up and i have lots to do...
papers, exams, reports, finals oh... so tiring
--- i feel sorry for myself for not giving my best...
-- angry at myself for not doing well
- completely disappointed and stressed icon_gonk.gif
last night i cried
i cried hard because I felt neglected, which i was...
love is what i need
..
everything is dark and weary yet i don't lose hope
I'm so afraid about the future
I'm not sure if I'm going to make it
I don't know if I'll be able to enroll nest semester
I can't tell if my dad will allow me join the ministry
There's one thing I can be sure of...
--> GOD
I'm sure He'll never leave me
papers, exams, reports, finals oh... so tiring
--- i feel sorry for myself for not giving my best...
-- angry at myself for not doing well
- completely disappointed and stressed icon_gonk.gif
last night i cried
i cried hard because I felt neglected, which i was...
love is what i need
..
everything is dark and weary yet i don't lose hope
I'm so afraid about the future
I'm not sure if I'm going to make it
I don't know if I'll be able to enroll nest semester
I can't tell if my dad will allow me join the ministry
There's one thing I can be sure of...
--> GOD
I'm sure He'll never leave me
On a Thread Line
What is friendship?
That I can't tell
Why do we have friends?
That I can't explain
Who is a friend?
That I do not know
Friendship is fragile
Friendships are vain
Friends we hang out with
Friends we never can leave
Is it all worth the risk
To put your faith on someone else?
In all time we never can fathom
Time won't tell, time won't tell
In all of friendship we can be part of
Time won't tell, Time won't tell
That I can't tell
Why do we have friends?
That I can't explain
Who is a friend?
That I do not know
Friendship is fragile
Friendships are vain
Friends we hang out with
Friends we never can leave
Is it all worth the risk
To put your faith on someone else?
In all time we never can fathom
Time won't tell, time won't tell
In all of friendship we can be part of
Time won't tell, Time won't tell
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Personality Test
E = 1 I = 21 I - 31
S = 4 N = 18 N – 29
T = 12 F = 9 T – 5
J = 19 P = 10 J - 17
INTJ
Succeed by perseverance, originality and desire to do whatever is needed or wanted. Put their best efforts into their work. Quietly forceful, conscientious, concerned for others. Respected for their firm principles. Likely to be honored and followed for their clear conviction as to how best to serve the common good.
I totally agree with the outcome of the results. I usually do my best to meet what is needed. I try to stay original at all times and I put my best efforts most of the time. I believe I am painstaking and meticulous, although I still care for others. I am forceful, but not very quietly…I can be a bit outspoken sometimes (or probably only when necessary). I’ve noticed how some people admire me for my firm principles. I stand up for what I believe in yet keeps an open-mind but when it comes to choosing between right and wrong, I risk things to put up with what I know is right. I always tell myself and others: “I’d rather fail than cheat.”
(We had this I.Q. and Personality exam in school. This exam is the "formal" type of exam used by psychologists so I can say that the results are reliable.)
S = 4 N = 18 N – 29
T = 12 F = 9 T – 5
J = 19 P = 10 J - 17
INTJ
Succeed by perseverance, originality and desire to do whatever is needed or wanted. Put their best efforts into their work. Quietly forceful, conscientious, concerned for others. Respected for their firm principles. Likely to be honored and followed for their clear conviction as to how best to serve the common good.
I totally agree with the outcome of the results. I usually do my best to meet what is needed. I try to stay original at all times and I put my best efforts most of the time. I believe I am painstaking and meticulous, although I still care for others. I am forceful, but not very quietly…I can be a bit outspoken sometimes (or probably only when necessary). I’ve noticed how some people admire me for my firm principles. I stand up for what I believe in yet keeps an open-mind but when it comes to choosing between right and wrong, I risk things to put up with what I know is right. I always tell myself and others: “I’d rather fail than cheat.”
(We had this I.Q. and Personality exam in school. This exam is the "formal" type of exam used by psychologists so I can say that the results are reliable.)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Psycho geometry
Circle
Circles are ideal teachers. They are flexible people, able to mingle, and finds it easy to be with others. Sometimes makes gossips in order to be noticed.
Before I give my response to my psycho geometry result, I'd like to tell why I chose circle. I picked out the shape circle among the five given because it had no sides. I once heard something from a movie why the circle is ideal. The character said that the circle is the best shape not only because it's endless but also because it doesn't have any corners, leaving no room for some sort of discord. Another reason perhaps is because circles resemble wheels--my point here is that circles for me mean moving on.
The interpretation as a whole I think is applicable to me. I don't really know which shape suits me best as I have never read about the other shapes yet. I agree mostly to what the interpretation says.
The first sentence says that circles are the best teachers. I felt happy about that. After all, I do want to be an educator. I may not be able to justify myself but I believe I am able to teach given the knowledge needed.
The next one says that I can, or probably am, a flexible person. I may disagree at that at some point given that I am a shy person. Although I must admit that I make good friends with people. I'm not just flexible like how I was interpreted by the psycho geometry. I feel uneasy with some types of people. I guess that tells how the interpretation contradicts my personality.
At the last sentence, it tells how circles become not ideal. I may agree to this at some point but I am still hurt with it. I do make something at times for people to notice me but I never gossip. I don't like gossip and if I gossip for myself, I'll end up hating myself.
All of the things I've written above make sense to me. I can't really tell if other people will agree or disagree but I guess what really matters is how I view myself. Although there's one thing, do I really know myself?
Circles are ideal teachers. They are flexible people, able to mingle, and finds it easy to be with others. Sometimes makes gossips in order to be noticed.
Before I give my response to my psycho geometry result, I'd like to tell why I chose circle. I picked out the shape circle among the five given because it had no sides. I once heard something from a movie why the circle is ideal. The character said that the circle is the best shape not only because it's endless but also because it doesn't have any corners, leaving no room for some sort of discord. Another reason perhaps is because circles resemble wheels--my point here is that circles for me mean moving on.
The interpretation as a whole I think is applicable to me. I don't really know which shape suits me best as I have never read about the other shapes yet. I agree mostly to what the interpretation says.
The first sentence says that circles are the best teachers. I felt happy about that. After all, I do want to be an educator. I may not be able to justify myself but I believe I am able to teach given the knowledge needed.
The next one says that I can, or probably am, a flexible person. I may disagree at that at some point given that I am a shy person. Although I must admit that I make good friends with people. I'm not just flexible like how I was interpreted by the psycho geometry. I feel uneasy with some types of people. I guess that tells how the interpretation contradicts my personality.
At the last sentence, it tells how circles become not ideal. I may agree to this at some point but I am still hurt with it. I do make something at times for people to notice me but I never gossip. I don't like gossip and if I gossip for myself, I'll end up hating myself.
All of the things I've written above make sense to me. I can't really tell if other people will agree or disagree but I guess what really matters is how I view myself. Although there's one thing, do I really know myself?
Friday, January 9, 2009
Viewing History a Different Way
Bulubunduking Buhay
Ang dokyumentaryong “Bulubunduking Buhay” ay ukol sa rice terraces na likha ng mga katutubong Ifugao sa Mountain Province. Ipinakita sa dokyumentaryo ang kasaysayan, proseso, at mga pamahiin patungkol sa Banawe Rice Terraces.
Ang bulubunduking buhay na tinutukoy sa dokyumentaryo ay binubuo ng mga payo na inukit ng mga sinaunang katutubo. Ang likhang kamay na ito sa Cordillera (na naging tahanan ng mga katutubo pagdating ng mga Espanyol) ay tinatayang mas mahaba pa sa Great Wall of China.
Ang mga buwan ng Agosto hanggang Nobyembre ay panahon ng paglilinis at pagbubungkal para sa mga kababaihang Ifugao. Dahil sa natural ang proseso, madalas na suliranin ng mga kababaihan ang mga uod at kuhol. Ang tag-araw naman ay panahon para maghanapbuhay ang kalalakihan sa nayon (na dati rati’y panahon ng gerang pang-tribo). Ilan sa trabahong ginagampanan nila ay ang pag-kakarpintero, pag-igib, at paghatid ng mga kalakal. Paglililo, paglalala, at paghahabi naman ang mga trabahong ginagampanan ng mga kababaihan habang naghihintay ng ani.
Ang tag-araw ay panahon rin ng pagdiriwang para sa mga katutubong Ifugao. Ito rin ang panahon ng pagtitipon ng mga magkakamag-anak at magkakaibigan. Kadalasa’y panahon rin ang tag-araw ng kasalan.
Sa panahon ng ani, pinapadala ang mga kababaihan sa palayan upang mamitas ng palay. Isa sa mga nakagawian ng mga kababaihang Ifugao ay ang pag-awit ng mga hudhod (romantikong kwento ng pag-ibig at digmaan) habang nag-aani ng palay. (Ayon sa alamat, isang beses pagdating ng panahon ng pag-aani, lumabas ang isang Umbakhayo,isang lalaking Ifugao, sa payo na may dalang sibat. Siya ay nagsayaw at nagturo ng mga hudhod sa mga nag-aani. Sa kanyang paglisan, ay namatay kanyang mga tinuruan. Isang batang babae, na hindi nakakita kay Umbakhayo, ang nakaligtas upang ipamahagi ang mga awitin.) Sa araw, habang nag-aani ang mga kababaihan, naghahanda naman ng mga putahe ang kalalakihan sa nayon. Ang mga Mumbaki (tagatawag ng mga espiritu) naman samantala ay nagsasagawa ng mga baki gamit ang manok o baboy. Ilan pa sa mga ginagawa ng isang Mumbaki ay ang pagdadasal sa naaning palay, sa mga bulol (imahen), at sa mga payo pagsapit ng hapon.
Ilan pa sa tatak ng kulturang Ifugao ay ang mga gangha at ang lipong. Ang gangha ay isang instrumentong musical na maihahambing sa gong, na ginagamit sa halos lahat ng ritwal na Ifugao. Ang lipong naman, sa kabilang dako, ay poste na ginagamit pampataas ng mga kubo upang hindi ito maakyat ng mga peste tulad ng daga.
More Hispanic Than We Admit
“More Hispanic Than We Admit” is a short video that shows how we Filipinos could not exist as we are if it wasn’t for the Spanish influence brought about by the colonization. The bottom line question is: What defines a Filipino? 200-300 years before Christianity came to the Philippine Islands, Islam (and pagan worship) was the most practiced religion. Catholicism basically changed many of our Pre-Filipino traditions. During the rule of the Spaniards, the church was the center of the community. Unlike before, where small barangays (comparable to tribes) live on their own, each having a different culture and government. One remarkable datu, the political and legislative leader of a baragay, would be Raja Sulayman. He is acclaimed to rule the first political government in Manila. And yet another of course is Lapu-lapu who led the battle against Ferdinand Magellan’s crew.
Although the Filipino people still exercise Hispanic traditions, we could still say that it’s our own. We have adopted traditions which, technically, have been altered. The images (statues and such) kept inside the churches for example; it has been Pre-Filipino tradition to keep the datu’s coffin in the innermost part of the house in the belief that the datu will protect the home. There are still lots of traditions which aren’t practiced in other former Spanish colonies.
That there, concludes that we are more Hispanic that we admit.
Fabian de la Rosa and His Times
Fabian de la Rosa is a realist, artist, and fencer, born on May 5, 1896 in Paco, Manila. He was enrolled in an art school in his youth and taught in his brother’s fencing school in Legarda, Manila. He acquired a scholarship for Madrid Art Academy, and attained a gold medal in the St. Louis’ World Fair in Missouri. In the years 1908-1910, he studied art as a scholar of Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin. De la Rosa became an instructor of decorative arts when he came back to the Philippines in 1910. He also became the first dean of the College of Fine arts in U.P. Diliman.
Fabian de la Rosa is an artist of pencil, charcoal and oil. Some of his most famous paintings are La Perla de Lucban (1891), and Planting Rice in 1921. He also painted the death of General Lawton, as was requested, during the coming of the Americans.
Reflection:
Bulubunduking Buhay
Nakatutuwang isipin na kahit papaano ay mayroon pa rin tayong orihinal na kulturang nanatili. Ang mga payo na likha ng mga Ifugao ay isa sa mga patunay na hindi tayo ang mga Pilipinong mangmang na dinatnan ng mga Espanyol at mga Amerikano. Isa lamang ang Banaue Rice terraces sa maraming maipagmamalaki sa ating bansa. Ang pagkakaisa ng mga katutubo ay isang bagay na nakakapagpataba ng puso. Nagpapakita ito ng pagkakaisa at pakikisama sa kapwa. Isa itong leksyon para sa akin… Ang pagkakaroon ng malasakit sa kapwa ay nagdudulot ng kabutihan.
More Hispanic Than we Admit
Are we really more Hispanic than we admit? Perhaps we, Filipinos, are. Although I can’t justify myself as Hispanic—I belonging to a new era, a modern era that doesn’t practice traditions—I might as well admit that the Philippines as a nation truly is Hispanic. The colonization this country has been through has affected how we live, and how we view life. The sad thing we must be aware of too is that we weren’t able to preserve any of our own culture. Aside from that, everything else can be viewed as a good thing. Christianity, I must agree, is a better religion than pagan worship. Architecture surely has improved. We don’t live in tree houses, or houses made of trees, anymore. Although it sounds fun, I still think that our houses are absolutely way better these days. I guess being Hispanic isn’t much of a bad thing. The thing is, is being Hispanic the thing that defines a Filipino?
Fabian de la Rosa and His Times
The rise of Fabian de la Rosa as an artist during his times is truly spectacular. To think that he went through the death of Rizal, the Spanish Armada, and the Treaty of Paris, his success as an artist is truly remarkable. These events could symbolize defeat but no, he succeeded anyway. But of course, his belonging to an upper class family has played a big part. He has better opportunities compared to a common Filipino. Then again, his talent in painting is something a Filipino can be proud of.
Ang dokyumentaryong “Bulubunduking Buhay” ay ukol sa rice terraces na likha ng mga katutubong Ifugao sa Mountain Province. Ipinakita sa dokyumentaryo ang kasaysayan, proseso, at mga pamahiin patungkol sa Banawe Rice Terraces.
Ang bulubunduking buhay na tinutukoy sa dokyumentaryo ay binubuo ng mga payo na inukit ng mga sinaunang katutubo. Ang likhang kamay na ito sa Cordillera (na naging tahanan ng mga katutubo pagdating ng mga Espanyol) ay tinatayang mas mahaba pa sa Great Wall of China.
Ang mga buwan ng Agosto hanggang Nobyembre ay panahon ng paglilinis at pagbubungkal para sa mga kababaihang Ifugao. Dahil sa natural ang proseso, madalas na suliranin ng mga kababaihan ang mga uod at kuhol. Ang tag-araw naman ay panahon para maghanapbuhay ang kalalakihan sa nayon (na dati rati’y panahon ng gerang pang-tribo). Ilan sa trabahong ginagampanan nila ay ang pag-kakarpintero, pag-igib, at paghatid ng mga kalakal. Paglililo, paglalala, at paghahabi naman ang mga trabahong ginagampanan ng mga kababaihan habang naghihintay ng ani.
Ang tag-araw ay panahon rin ng pagdiriwang para sa mga katutubong Ifugao. Ito rin ang panahon ng pagtitipon ng mga magkakamag-anak at magkakaibigan. Kadalasa’y panahon rin ang tag-araw ng kasalan.
Sa panahon ng ani, pinapadala ang mga kababaihan sa palayan upang mamitas ng palay. Isa sa mga nakagawian ng mga kababaihang Ifugao ay ang pag-awit ng mga hudhod (romantikong kwento ng pag-ibig at digmaan) habang nag-aani ng palay. (Ayon sa alamat, isang beses pagdating ng panahon ng pag-aani, lumabas ang isang Umbakhayo,isang lalaking Ifugao, sa payo na may dalang sibat. Siya ay nagsayaw at nagturo ng mga hudhod sa mga nag-aani. Sa kanyang paglisan, ay namatay kanyang mga tinuruan. Isang batang babae, na hindi nakakita kay Umbakhayo, ang nakaligtas upang ipamahagi ang mga awitin.) Sa araw, habang nag-aani ang mga kababaihan, naghahanda naman ng mga putahe ang kalalakihan sa nayon. Ang mga Mumbaki (tagatawag ng mga espiritu) naman samantala ay nagsasagawa ng mga baki gamit ang manok o baboy. Ilan pa sa mga ginagawa ng isang Mumbaki ay ang pagdadasal sa naaning palay, sa mga bulol (imahen), at sa mga payo pagsapit ng hapon.
Ilan pa sa tatak ng kulturang Ifugao ay ang mga gangha at ang lipong. Ang gangha ay isang instrumentong musical na maihahambing sa gong, na ginagamit sa halos lahat ng ritwal na Ifugao. Ang lipong naman, sa kabilang dako, ay poste na ginagamit pampataas ng mga kubo upang hindi ito maakyat ng mga peste tulad ng daga.
More Hispanic Than We Admit
“More Hispanic Than We Admit” is a short video that shows how we Filipinos could not exist as we are if it wasn’t for the Spanish influence brought about by the colonization. The bottom line question is: What defines a Filipino? 200-300 years before Christianity came to the Philippine Islands, Islam (and pagan worship) was the most practiced religion. Catholicism basically changed many of our Pre-Filipino traditions. During the rule of the Spaniards, the church was the center of the community. Unlike before, where small barangays (comparable to tribes) live on their own, each having a different culture and government. One remarkable datu, the political and legislative leader of a baragay, would be Raja Sulayman. He is acclaimed to rule the first political government in Manila. And yet another of course is Lapu-lapu who led the battle against Ferdinand Magellan’s crew.
Although the Filipino people still exercise Hispanic traditions, we could still say that it’s our own. We have adopted traditions which, technically, have been altered. The images (statues and such) kept inside the churches for example; it has been Pre-Filipino tradition to keep the datu’s coffin in the innermost part of the house in the belief that the datu will protect the home. There are still lots of traditions which aren’t practiced in other former Spanish colonies.
That there, concludes that we are more Hispanic that we admit.
Fabian de la Rosa and His Times
Fabian de la Rosa is a realist, artist, and fencer, born on May 5, 1896 in Paco, Manila. He was enrolled in an art school in his youth and taught in his brother’s fencing school in Legarda, Manila. He acquired a scholarship for Madrid Art Academy, and attained a gold medal in the St. Louis’ World Fair in Missouri. In the years 1908-1910, he studied art as a scholar of Dr. Ariston Bautista Lin. De la Rosa became an instructor of decorative arts when he came back to the Philippines in 1910. He also became the first dean of the College of Fine arts in U.P. Diliman.
Fabian de la Rosa is an artist of pencil, charcoal and oil. Some of his most famous paintings are La Perla de Lucban (1891), and Planting Rice in 1921. He also painted the death of General Lawton, as was requested, during the coming of the Americans.
Reflection:
Bulubunduking Buhay
Nakatutuwang isipin na kahit papaano ay mayroon pa rin tayong orihinal na kulturang nanatili. Ang mga payo na likha ng mga Ifugao ay isa sa mga patunay na hindi tayo ang mga Pilipinong mangmang na dinatnan ng mga Espanyol at mga Amerikano. Isa lamang ang Banaue Rice terraces sa maraming maipagmamalaki sa ating bansa. Ang pagkakaisa ng mga katutubo ay isang bagay na nakakapagpataba ng puso. Nagpapakita ito ng pagkakaisa at pakikisama sa kapwa. Isa itong leksyon para sa akin… Ang pagkakaroon ng malasakit sa kapwa ay nagdudulot ng kabutihan.
More Hispanic Than we Admit
Are we really more Hispanic than we admit? Perhaps we, Filipinos, are. Although I can’t justify myself as Hispanic—I belonging to a new era, a modern era that doesn’t practice traditions—I might as well admit that the Philippines as a nation truly is Hispanic. The colonization this country has been through has affected how we live, and how we view life. The sad thing we must be aware of too is that we weren’t able to preserve any of our own culture. Aside from that, everything else can be viewed as a good thing. Christianity, I must agree, is a better religion than pagan worship. Architecture surely has improved. We don’t live in tree houses, or houses made of trees, anymore. Although it sounds fun, I still think that our houses are absolutely way better these days. I guess being Hispanic isn’t much of a bad thing. The thing is, is being Hispanic the thing that defines a Filipino?
Fabian de la Rosa and His Times
The rise of Fabian de la Rosa as an artist during his times is truly spectacular. To think that he went through the death of Rizal, the Spanish Armada, and the Treaty of Paris, his success as an artist is truly remarkable. These events could symbolize defeat but no, he succeeded anyway. But of course, his belonging to an upper class family has played a big part. He has better opportunities compared to a common Filipino. Then again, his talent in painting is something a Filipino can be proud of.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Transit Café
Noong nakaraang Miyerkules, ika-10 ng Setyembre, ay nagkaroon ako ng oportunidad na makapanuod ng isang Iranian film. Bagamat hindi na ito bago sa aking pandinig, medyo nanibago pa rin ako sa aking napanuod. Sa hayskul ay akin nang napag-aralan ang mga Iranian films. Sa aking pagkakaalam, ukol sa sibil at gera ang ganitong mga palabas, hindi pala lahat.
Ang Transit Café ay tungkol sa isang biyuda, si Reyhan, na nagnais tumayo sa kanyang sariling paa. Isinantabi niya ang tradisyong Persyano at binuhay ang sariling pamilya. Dapat sana’y aakuin ng kapatid ng kanyang namatay na asawang si Ismael ang responsibilidad ngunit tinanggihan niya ang pagpapakasal dito.
Isa pa sa mga bagay na ipinagsawalang bahala ni Reyhan ay ang pagbubukas ng naiwang restawran ng kanyang lumipas na na asawa. Hindi naaangkop para sa isang babae ang magtrabaho sa labas ng bahay at lalo na ang magpatakbo ng isang negosyo. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ipinasara ni Nasser, kapatid ni Ismael, ang restawran ni Reyhan. Sa katapusan ng pelikula’y ipinakita si Reyhan na naghahanap ng trabaho sa ibang lugar.
Ang iba pang karakter na gumanap sa buhay ni Reyhan ay ang kanyang dalawang anak, na pilit sinusuyo ni Nasser, at ang kanyang kapatid na lalaki na tumulong sa kanya sa restawran. Isa pa sa mga natatanging karakter ay ang Griyegong si Zakario na nagkaroon ng pagtingin kay Reyhan at napalapit sa dalawa nitong anak. Ang husay sa pagluluto ni Reyhan ang nagsimula ng lahat. Sa katapusan ay tinanggihan ni Reyhan ang alok nitong magpakasal sa kanya. Ang huli ay si Evrieta, isang Rusyano na napadpad sa Iran sa paghahanap niya ng katahimikan mula sa mga nagaganap na gyerahan.
Mula sa napanuod kong pelikula ay marami akong natutuhan patungkol sa tradisyon at kultura ng Iran. Ang pinakamalaking impact ng palabas na ito sa akin ay ang feminist empowerment. Sabihin man nating mali talaga ang ginawa ni Reyhan, isa pa rin itong eye-opener para sa lahat patungkol sa diskriminasyon sa kababaihan. May isa lang siguro akong hindi nagustuhan sa kanyang mga ginawa, pinabayaan niya na lang ang dalagang Rusyano sa sarili nito pagkatapos niyang ikulong ng matagal. Kung tutuusin ay wala pang malay si Evrieta sa Iran, ang natutuhan niya lamang ay ang pagluluto at ilan pang mga gawaing bahay. Para sa akin, mas naging tama siguro ang ginawa ni Reyhan kung siniguro niya ang patutunguhan ng dalaga.
Ukol naman kay Nasser, marami rin siyang ginawang hindi maganda sa paningin. Isa dito ay ang pagputol niya ng hinahabi ni Sara, panganay na anak ni Reyhan, sa isang pagawaan. Malaki ang mensahe na ipinarating nito sa bata, ngunit hindi ito yung mensaheng nais niyang iparating. Kung tutuusin ay may dahilan naman si Nasser para sa lahat ng kanyang mga aksyon. Hindi naman talaga pangit ang nais niyang idulot sa pamilya ni Reyhan. Sa katunayan pa nga, sa simula ay marami pa siyang dinadalang regalo para kina Reyhan. Nagbago na lamang ang lahat ng maiparating na ni Reyhan sa kanya na wala nga siyang balak magpakasal kay Nasser.
Sa kabuuan, maganda ang tema ng pelikula. Hindi ako masyadong nagandahan, at mababa rin ang kalidad kung technicalities ang pag-uusapan. Ang Transit Café sa aking palagay, ay isang panaginip na naghihintay maganap sa katotohanan. Isa itong pangarap, lalo na ng mga kababaihan, na nagnanais ilabas ang talento at independence na mayroon ang bawat babae.
Ang Transit Café ay tungkol sa isang biyuda, si Reyhan, na nagnais tumayo sa kanyang sariling paa. Isinantabi niya ang tradisyong Persyano at binuhay ang sariling pamilya. Dapat sana’y aakuin ng kapatid ng kanyang namatay na asawang si Ismael ang responsibilidad ngunit tinanggihan niya ang pagpapakasal dito.
Isa pa sa mga bagay na ipinagsawalang bahala ni Reyhan ay ang pagbubukas ng naiwang restawran ng kanyang lumipas na na asawa. Hindi naaangkop para sa isang babae ang magtrabaho sa labas ng bahay at lalo na ang magpatakbo ng isang negosyo. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ipinasara ni Nasser, kapatid ni Ismael, ang restawran ni Reyhan. Sa katapusan ng pelikula’y ipinakita si Reyhan na naghahanap ng trabaho sa ibang lugar.
Ang iba pang karakter na gumanap sa buhay ni Reyhan ay ang kanyang dalawang anak, na pilit sinusuyo ni Nasser, at ang kanyang kapatid na lalaki na tumulong sa kanya sa restawran. Isa pa sa mga natatanging karakter ay ang Griyegong si Zakario na nagkaroon ng pagtingin kay Reyhan at napalapit sa dalawa nitong anak. Ang husay sa pagluluto ni Reyhan ang nagsimula ng lahat. Sa katapusan ay tinanggihan ni Reyhan ang alok nitong magpakasal sa kanya. Ang huli ay si Evrieta, isang Rusyano na napadpad sa Iran sa paghahanap niya ng katahimikan mula sa mga nagaganap na gyerahan.
Mula sa napanuod kong pelikula ay marami akong natutuhan patungkol sa tradisyon at kultura ng Iran. Ang pinakamalaking impact ng palabas na ito sa akin ay ang feminist empowerment. Sabihin man nating mali talaga ang ginawa ni Reyhan, isa pa rin itong eye-opener para sa lahat patungkol sa diskriminasyon sa kababaihan. May isa lang siguro akong hindi nagustuhan sa kanyang mga ginawa, pinabayaan niya na lang ang dalagang Rusyano sa sarili nito pagkatapos niyang ikulong ng matagal. Kung tutuusin ay wala pang malay si Evrieta sa Iran, ang natutuhan niya lamang ay ang pagluluto at ilan pang mga gawaing bahay. Para sa akin, mas naging tama siguro ang ginawa ni Reyhan kung siniguro niya ang patutunguhan ng dalaga.
Ukol naman kay Nasser, marami rin siyang ginawang hindi maganda sa paningin. Isa dito ay ang pagputol niya ng hinahabi ni Sara, panganay na anak ni Reyhan, sa isang pagawaan. Malaki ang mensahe na ipinarating nito sa bata, ngunit hindi ito yung mensaheng nais niyang iparating. Kung tutuusin ay may dahilan naman si Nasser para sa lahat ng kanyang mga aksyon. Hindi naman talaga pangit ang nais niyang idulot sa pamilya ni Reyhan. Sa katunayan pa nga, sa simula ay marami pa siyang dinadalang regalo para kina Reyhan. Nagbago na lamang ang lahat ng maiparating na ni Reyhan sa kanya na wala nga siyang balak magpakasal kay Nasser.
Sa kabuuan, maganda ang tema ng pelikula. Hindi ako masyadong nagandahan, at mababa rin ang kalidad kung technicalities ang pag-uusapan. Ang Transit Café sa aking palagay, ay isang panaginip na naghihintay maganap sa katotohanan. Isa itong pangarap, lalo na ng mga kababaihan, na nagnanais ilabas ang talento at independence na mayroon ang bawat babae.
Anything but Failure
Writing an essay about a successful teaching experience is not easy. First off, I have to think of that certain successful teaching experience. How can I justify a particular teaching experience? Do I value quantity over quality or the other way around? Do I rely on the positive feedbacks, or on how I felt about myself during those teaching occasions? Worse part is that I have to answer these questions myself.
I thought about the times I taught people and went through them one by one. I tried to think of the best one that would suit the queries needed to be answered in this essay. I finally ended up with my tutorial sessions with three classmates from my fourth year high school. We usually studied Mathematics in the school library together. Everyday our teacher would give us an assignment and we, as students, had to wrestle with numbers and all sorts of figures.
The four of us—among the majority of students—usually do our homework in school. During lunch break, we would go up to the library and do our Mathematics homework there. I usually explain to them the lesson before we ink on our assignment papers. When everyone has a better understanding of the lecture, we answer the assignment individually.
You see, I’m not really into cheating. That’s probably why I prefer to teach them the lesson and then let them on their own. I count copying of homework as cheating. We do compare our answers but I don’t take it as copying. After all, what’s the point of teaching someone when one allows mistakes to go abandoned? Whenever we do not get the same results, we discuss our answers to check. This way, all of us get to exercise our brains and better understand the lesson.
Aside from Mathematics, we also study other subjects especially during exams. Two or three times, we meet at my classmate’s house to review. The most effective thing probably was that I was a bit strict when it comes to teaching. I give them lots of exercises to practice on and sometimes even give them assignments myself! I don’t really check if they do it though, I leave them that freedom to do it only if they want to. When it comes to Math, with all the formulas students need to strike down their throats, I make sure all the four of us memorize what is required. A learning technique that they learned to adopt is making a handy list. I usually write all the formulas in a piece of paper and try to memorize. A better way of memorizing, a practice my classmates started to do, is writing down a copy of the review list without looking on the original paper. Writing the formulas down again and again gets them stuck on all of our heads. That is why when it comes to exams, the four of us are all equipped for battle. During preparation, one can imagine the four of us whispering terms, holding a piece of paper.
I am quite convinced that I’d be able to make use of the procedures I used among my classmates on a classroom. As of now, I am also convinced that students will learn healthily. After all, my classmates did become skilled.
I thought about the times I taught people and went through them one by one. I tried to think of the best one that would suit the queries needed to be answered in this essay. I finally ended up with my tutorial sessions with three classmates from my fourth year high school. We usually studied Mathematics in the school library together. Everyday our teacher would give us an assignment and we, as students, had to wrestle with numbers and all sorts of figures.
The four of us—among the majority of students—usually do our homework in school. During lunch break, we would go up to the library and do our Mathematics homework there. I usually explain to them the lesson before we ink on our assignment papers. When everyone has a better understanding of the lecture, we answer the assignment individually.
You see, I’m not really into cheating. That’s probably why I prefer to teach them the lesson and then let them on their own. I count copying of homework as cheating. We do compare our answers but I don’t take it as copying. After all, what’s the point of teaching someone when one allows mistakes to go abandoned? Whenever we do not get the same results, we discuss our answers to check. This way, all of us get to exercise our brains and better understand the lesson.
Aside from Mathematics, we also study other subjects especially during exams. Two or three times, we meet at my classmate’s house to review. The most effective thing probably was that I was a bit strict when it comes to teaching. I give them lots of exercises to practice on and sometimes even give them assignments myself! I don’t really check if they do it though, I leave them that freedom to do it only if they want to. When it comes to Math, with all the formulas students need to strike down their throats, I make sure all the four of us memorize what is required. A learning technique that they learned to adopt is making a handy list. I usually write all the formulas in a piece of paper and try to memorize. A better way of memorizing, a practice my classmates started to do, is writing down a copy of the review list without looking on the original paper. Writing the formulas down again and again gets them stuck on all of our heads. That is why when it comes to exams, the four of us are all equipped for battle. During preparation, one can imagine the four of us whispering terms, holding a piece of paper.
I am quite convinced that I’d be able to make use of the procedures I used among my classmates on a classroom. As of now, I am also convinced that students will learn healthily. After all, my classmates did become skilled.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Learning to Become Stupid
Learning to Become Stupid
“How children learn…and fail” by John Holt
Reaction Paper
This paper for me is the type that makes me want to write a reaction paper on, even when I’m not required. Although I reflect on everything that I read, I find this one exceptional. I might say that it really strikes through me. I would like to become a teacher someday and I would want to make the most out of it, be the best of who I can be. Reading through this paper, I found myself recalling instances from my high school every time the author tries to bring up a point. I see them fit perfectly too. The essay speaks directly through me, and it surely made an impact. Not only do I understand how students, as I am, behave, but I also got key points on how I could become a better teacher.
The first phrase that really caught my attention was “school can be a ‘place where children learn to be stupid.’” I immediately thought about how school can make a student stupid. I then came to realize after a few sentences that the phrase stresses a good point. Children do become stupid because of school. School pressure, as I see it, is one of the greatest factors why children lose their enthusiasm in exploring things. Children either lose their curiosity, or develop fear of looking-like-they-are-a-failure that they do not ask. It’s such a shame that these usually develop through contact with the teacher… Students develop a habit of depending on the teacher on what right and wrong is; children tend to lose their own sense of choice.
As we all know, it is very common among teachers, or any other mentor, that they point out the students’ mistakes and correct them. This seems very likely for a mentor to do so since it is his/her job to teach and correct the students. The mistake here though, as Holt points out, is that it has an unlikely effect on the learner. Students tend to lose their sense of judgment, which eventually they cannot easily decide whether one thing is right or wrong, not even on their own work. Students just tend to do assignments because they are required but they don’t get the feeling of accomplishment. By a sense of accomplishment, I try to point out that students cannot convince themselves that what they did was right. Right and wrong all depends on the teacher. “Is my work done correctly?” a student will ask. That is simply how the system goes. The teacher lectures, the students do assignments and then it all goes back to the teacher. How then can we tell that the student really learned when they cannot tell by themselves if something is right or wrong? What happens here is that even without the teacher, they would keep relying on other resources such as books, to tell if something is correct. Or worse, they look for materials that could correct the mistakes they’ve made. The focus inclines to correcting mistakes, instead of learning what’s not.
Another great deal that’s worthy of taking notice of, is when Holt pointed out that students become scared half to death whenever they do not know how to answer a question a teacher points out to them. One thing I’ve noticed in the school system is that whenever such things happen, the teacher punishes the unknowledgeable in one way or another. He/She either commands the student to stand for a while, introduces a sermon on why students should study at home or do their assignments, or simply make the student feel that he/she has become a disappointment. From all of these, it can be concluded that the students lose their confidence. Most of the time, they are just afraid to speak up because they are not sure of themselves whether their answers are correct or not. These then all goes back to the case of teacher dependence. Can it be the teachers’ fault why students lose their sense of judgment?
In a later part of Holt’s essay, he raised the point that students make mistakes in written work because tension builds up. For some reason, I do not entirely agree with this. For of course, it’s not always the tension. It does affect a student’s thinking but not all students are anxious. This also goes back to teacher dependence. Students who tend to worry during examinations are those who cannot make up their minds whether they’ve made the right choice of answers or not. As Holt have quoted: “Worrying about whether you did the right thing…is less painful that worrying about the right thing to do.” Now, how does these two connect? Worrying about what the right thing to do builds up tension and when it does, the students tend to flunk at their examination papers.
From all of these, I can conclude that a teacher plays a big part on building up one child’s confidence. As a future teacher, I take it a good point that it is important that I learn how to build self-esteem in a child. After all, not only does a person need sense of judgment in school and exam papers, but also when he/she gets out in the real world.
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