Brigada Eskwela 2013 has started last Monday.

This is a joint effort by the Department of Education, the families of the students enrolled in all the public schools in the Philippines as well as the private corporations that wish to take part in this concerted effort.

We ourselves took part by joining last Monday. We brought cleaning materials to a particular high school.

I would have anted to donate books but the most we have at home are for elementary level so those are not needed in the school where we gave the cleaning materials to.

If you or you know anyone who have things that can be donated to a public school near your place, please approach the Principal or teachers-in-charge of these schools to know how to go to the process.

The following would be helpful:

• schools supplies (pens, pencils, pad papers, notebooks, big paper sheets like Manila paper, cartolina, art materials)
• books (or even tables and chairs) for the library
• computer software for their computer laboratory
• musical instruments (and probably musical sheets, best ableton software for music production, stands for musical sheets) because the DepEd has training to enhance the music curriculum to enhance musical abilities of the students
• cleaning materials to be used for the school year like brooms, dust pans, garbage bins
• building materials like paints,  wood boards, and tin roof

If there is one thing very positive about Facebook, it keeps us connected to people we have met in the past.

As a teacher, Facebook made it easier for me to “keep track” of my former students. One way or another I know what they are up to, what keeps them busy or what they feel and what their opinions are in some relevant social issues.

I can stand back and observe, put a word or two when asked, applaud (albeit virtually) when they accomplish something big or small and feel proud that I have been a part of their lives.

I may not be able to physically tap their backs for a job well done nor be there to see the boss compressor at guitar center that they recently bought nor even laugh (or cry!) with them, I know that they all have a space in my heart, whether I  still remember their names (those I do not have contact with anymore) or not.

I just hope I have a big enough heart for all of them. I am also glad that we are still “under each others’ radar” even if it is only through virtual connection.

Ever heard of Katamino?

I admit I wouldn’t know what that is if I won’t Google the term.

I bought Katamino a few months back. This is definitely not easy to accomplish even if it looks like it is easy.

The photo shows shows the shapes of the Katamino I got. I would prefer the ones made of wood but this will make do for now.

Katamino will test one’s creativity, logic, problem-solving, planning and perception on how things go together. The geometric shapes look easy to fit to make the task done but do not be too sure about how everything fits together.

Should I feel old?

A few of my former students are now in college. One is taking up culinary arts, the others are in various fields: two of them in Fine Arts, one in Multimedia Arts (I think we is gearing for a career as a ux professional), another in Film while another one just had his professional license to be a librarian.

And now our eldest daughter is bound for college.

I feel proud of them. I am.

I know how difficult it is to help shape them to be able to face what challenges that the future has in store for them. I can not say I played a big role in all of them as they were growing up, though some at least three of these wonderful kids spent almost a decade of weekly visits with me.

No, I definitely not feel old. I feel accomplished

I am happy for a former student who has completed a college degree and passed the board exams for that degree. The three students I have mentioned in this post are thriving.

Though I have not been a part of his support system in the latter part of his education, I am a proud to be in his support system during his formative years. We are still in touch through yes, Facebook

I still know what goes on with some of my students even if I don’t see them anymore. There are those who are still in school and there are those who are working in their family’s businesses.

There are no monetary rewards that can top seeing that all the hard work resulted in these accomplishments in their lives. I also hope that some of the real life skills/ lessons I have imparted with them has helped them in being able to cope with the challenges that come their way.

We do have our expectations and it is best that we support our children (and in my case, my students) with whatever goals they want to achieve.

Yesterday, December 1, 2012, PWD Thanksgiving Celebration was held at the Manila Zoo.

Manila Mayor Fred Lim was the guest of honor. He said in his speech the City Hall of Manila employs around 200 PWDs.

Guests and advocates who delivered messages were John Chua, A PWD Advocate and famous photographer;  Engr. Bien Mateo, Chairman of SM Program on Disability Affairs; Mr. Tony Pasia, representing all PWD Organizations.

The guests of the event were treated to intermission numbers by the ASP Dream Girls who sang a medley of pop songs, PHWHIC Kids who did a Gangnam Style dance number and the Nelmida Twins and the Ambassadors of Light who delighted the guests with their songs.

There was also a bird show c’/ Manila Zoo, Ventriloquist Show and Bubble Show .

Photography with a Difference supported the event with the participating groups:

• ADHD Society
• Autism Society of the Philippines
• Down Syndrome Society of the Philippines, Inc
• Parents Advocates for Visually Impaired Children
• Parent Council for the Welfare of Hearing Impaired Children, Inc.
• Philippine Society of Orphan Disorders

The PWD Thanksgiving Celebration was sponsored by the following: City of Manila, Kinder Zoo Adventure Jungle, Canon Philippines and SM Cares Foundation.

A few more photos here.