The death of a great Filpino indeed can really shake our nation. It really made me feel how important it is to prepare the next generation of Filipinos to be great citizens. I have always been very idealistic and passionate when it comes to the education of our next generation. I wouldn't really devote 100% of my time to research, development and teacher and learns success if I haven't seen the role education in Nation building. Everyday, we all work hard to prepare and equip the students with the necessary knowledge and attitudes to be a great citizen. I know it's saving the world and making the world a better place to live in through education.
I still believe hat by educating and teaching the next generation of Filipinos to be great thinkers - to think critically, to make good decision, to live everyday for the good of others - putting others above oneself, we can have a first world Philippines ten, twenty years from now.
We are preparing everyday heroes in the classroom teaching them what's right and what's best.its about time we train our children for the future, not for the world before us - the past. CNN posts the future generation of movers and shakers of the world entail great decision making and great thinking skills. And that's basically what we are doing everyday at school. That's what you call Oakridge education.

Just can get over it. Everything I've been working hard on is never enough. Like I've been working hard on research based approach in teaching and learning, especially in early childhood education. But when someone ask me why we don't teach he same way they teach 50 years a, it becomes an instant attack to my philosophy and belief. I'm just so tired and sick of people ranting and complaining about life, when in fact life has changed. And we need to prepare our children for the future and for future success. I have nothing against the traditinals. I myself consider myself traditional. But I'm also logical and adaptive to change.
Oakridge curriculum is designed to get you into Ateneo, La Salle, UP, UCLA. Guess what???!!, handwriting will not get you there. When you ask me why we don't practice cursive writing at school, lll tel you that I'd rather spend time teaching my children reading, reading comprehension, understanding for meaning and analysis. I don't wanna waste time.

everytime i research on what it takes to be a great school, i end up with the same answer again and again. dedication, commitment to your philosophy, proactive attitude, non mediocre, greatness, accountability, great work ethics, great study habits = GREATNESS of the nation. i really believe in the thinking that the cure to our country's economic and social problems is education. we start with culture change. from setting and allowing a "so-so" quality, half-baked persona and quality in the work to a high standard, best quality service and work ethics. it starts in teaching our children to desire whats best and whats right and not settle for whats comfortable for everyone. ive seen so many third world countries that has started to move forward because of their fear of great hunger and strife. a lot of third world countries has adopted a new strategy in strengthening their economic , political and social dimension to pave the way for industrialization and development. but wheres the Philippines now? where is our country? where is our Motherland? I know theres so much to do, but how come our Filipino brothers and sisters are resistant to change and progress?
im just frustrated. forgive me. i just need to whine. if not ill explode.

Im being sentimental again. I just need to think. And I think when Im writing. I really dont know where to start.

Its just ironic how when they do the "its not you, its me" stuff, you'd end up feel more remorseful and think "whats wrong with me?". It's just the saddest day today. Having to hear from Layan's mom that they're leaving because the school has such a high standard. what does that even mean? I know Oakridge sure does make kids work, make kids work hard, train kids to be responsible and accountable and sure prepares kids to be successful. but what does it mean when people refer to us as "high standard"? isnt that kind of standard for everyone? Everytime I work - I work to make sure that the world is a better place to live in for my child, for my little Mighty Oaks, for the next generation of Dagupenos and Filipinos. But how come after all the things you have done, youll still end up just where you started- mediocre. People end up wanting to keep  their comfort zone, while demanding and complaining about the basic Filipino life. I just dont know anymore. I dont understand anymore. I dont even know if its worth it.

I have been planning to write this. Do's and Dont's in the Philippines or to narrow it down  the do's and dont's in teaching in the country. Its not just for foreigners teaching here, but also for all teachers planning to teach and teaching here in the country. Here are the things I have learned for the past 10 years of teaching. Here it goes:
1. Teaching from the heart.
Ive always been encouraging and reminding all my teachers to teach from the heart. Thats the key to successful teaching. Treat your students as your kids and you will go a long mile. Use your heart when teaching. Thats the organ we need to use. When we use our heart, get the rapport with our students, everything will follow.

2. Teachers have 8 eyes.
That is true. You need to be extra alert as a teacher. You need to make sure that you see and monitor all kids (especially lower levels). You are responsible for all students. Thus, their safety, well being and learning is your utmost priority.

3. Teachers are Nurses, Mommies, Nannies, Lawyers, Doctors in one package.
Need I say more? Teachers in the Philippines are second moms of the students. We not just teach them Math, Reading, Science and Social Studies, but we also inculcate values, correct misbehaviors and even raise our students. When we see students who are neglected at home, our tendency and non written responsibility is to look after them, give care (TLC) , understanding and be second moms. We dont report it to Child Services (we dont have such in the Philippines). We take initiative.

4. Teachers are responsible for everything.
Have I told you that Filipino Teachers are Heroes? Yes! Thats right. Filipino Teachers are responsible for everything. From health of our students, to their assignments, to teaching them to be self reliant and independent. It seems like everything is our responsiblity. Because everyone gives us the load. True. Sad. But fulfilling.

5. Teachers inspire.
One of the unique traits of Filipino teachers is inspiring and giving students hope for the future. We inspire them to study hard, using our inner charms and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves.

6. Teachers have more impact in the formation of the child's view of the world than parents.
Need I say more? You spent 8 to 10 hours with the kids. When they get home, theyre tired and sleepy. They talk to you more than they talk to their parents. Ofcourse, you have a huge impact to the kids.

7. Teachers in the Philippines need to be PERFECT.
well atleast we have to put our best foot forward. Once we choose to be a teacher, we choose to be a public servant and thus our social life- our public life is under the scrutiny of the people - parents, students, co-teachers, and even competition. So, please be careful with your image.

8. Teachers in the Philippines use the power of touch.
Power of touch is simply showing care and love to our students using hug. Filipinos are Hugging people. We love to show care, concern through hugging. Even though its not really acceptable in other culture to touch our students, we still do in the country because we believe there are so many things we cannot say, but we can show.

9. Teachers are know it all.
This is sad. Sometimes even if we committed a mistake of saying the wrong information, we cannot just simply correct ourselves. Loosing face is one no-no in the country.

Theres more. Ill just think about it.

just for the record, i really want our country to progress. i really want Filipinos to make a mark in the world , in history. and just for the record, im doing all these things - having and meeting all these international standards, working overtime everyday for free- not one cent. and for the record, im just serving the country- doing whats best.  i just hope people see that. i just hope people share the same dream. its just ironic how Filipinos have always wanted a better life outside the country and yet when you implement change in our very own Motherland, they react violently as though we are ruining it for them.

Its another evening of thinking and rationalizing . Wh can I sop thinking about everything? Every time I think at where oakridge sold o, I end p where. Stated -greatness. I cannot ell but wonder why it is so difficult to actually bringpeoplewinyou to change, progress and success. Ow, I cannot el but wonder he difficult it is to be Nouri president's shoe. Inspire of his endeavors t change thecony, lead for development and progress, many still wants to stay where we are at, be comfortable t where we are standing and resist change. How can he lead us to progress? Now, I'm stating to be skeptic. Will the Philppnes actually move, improve and change? Or are we just ally resistan to development. I remembered ow flourishing our country was 30 years back. Maros era -renaissance age of our country. Having a a society trained and educated to be productive and diligent citizens, our parents experienced life with n babying, more accounability and no nonsense work ethics. But where are we now? Has our country turned into a den of robbers? My heart yearns for a progressive first world Phlippines. Will it all be worth it?

still confused. cant understand why it has never been acceptable to give our kids responsibilities and accountability. oakridge is all about training the kids to be independent, responsible and accountability. we want our kids to take responsibility for their actions. and you know what...these are the things we need in life. i just dont understand why.

torn again. i dont know how to react. part of me- the business person in me wants to please everyone. and the idealistic, educator side of me wants to do the right thing. how can we progress if we stay in the 70s? how can we move forward if we wants what were used to? isnt culture suppose to be good? but how come in these situations, culture became a stumbling block for growth? its really frustrating.
a parent came to me this morning talking about how they felt when their grade 1 year old kid carries their huge bags up to the room? part of me feels guilty and part of me is screaming why dont they make their children owe the responsibilities. i just cant deal with this. i wouldnt want my kid to just make his yaya or even his teacher do all the work- carry their bags, put notebooks in their bags.but how come parents still want their kids to be "babied" and would request silly things like having the manongs to carry their luggage like bags in school. theyre not even suppose to bring heavy bags. their first grade for heaven's sake.

We visited one of the oldest civilization of the World this week. Its really something great! But I cannot help but compare it to the Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar. Our trip made me see things I havent been seeing lately because of the stress and busy schedule we have at school. It made me see that no matter how great you are, or how high you have achieved- everything is vanity of vanities. without the real God, we are just doomed to failure and defeat. In the middle of the biggest temple and the holiest temple of Hinduism and Buddhism, I have seen God's love and God's grace.
King Jayavarman made all these temple for His glory, for his immortality...but look...for 2000 years, it was buried, hidden and even swallowed by the forest. no matter how great you think you have achieved, it is nothing compared to God's love and God's grace.

It's great to be here in Baguio for a change of environment. Makes me wish my life was is in Baguio. Nevertheless, everything in our lives happen with a purpose. I just need to be reminded everyday. I remember. Lion king' famous philosophy about the circle of life.call me ridiculous, but I always live he deep philo stuff behind Disney films. Like nemo's search for meaning, lion king' circle of life. It's just something we sould think about.its something we all sold se. I guess I'm just a ig old' dumb dumb philo geek. But yeah. I love everything Philo. Cannot help but thnk about our place in life and in the universe. That everything happens with a purpose according to God's master plan.

Its another school year -another start of something new adventure. I'm kinda feeling scared about it. I'm feeling anxious all he time. That why I'm taking this time to write this blog - to learn to be thankful everyday. No more what ifs, should haves and wish I have done this stuff. It's all about praising God for everything He has given us each day. Every time I hear anything negative about Oakridge,it breaks my heart. And a he sometime it reminds Mehta I am nothing without the Lord. Im just a lily trusting God. I cannot help ut sink into self pity that I am just me -nothing. But it also reminds me hat everyday in oakridge is God's grace upon grace.

hope

We have always been saying that Oakridge International School strives to bring out the best in each child. I myself was amazed on how teachers and the school leadership committee actually tries our best to give our children the best. I just hope we would go beyond grades, numbers and outward appearances, and see the many mountains our children were able to overcome this school year.

Praise God

I'm loving the new faces at school today. But missed seeing old ones, familiar ones. We're really enjoying the inquiries and meeting new friends, new families who wanted the BEST and GREAT education. Though I haven't really slept decently these past few days, Its really something when you meet, chat and learn about so many things by talking to people, parents and families.

Praise God!

Teacher Ai

soon at oakridge

discovery

inclusion at work