a former student of mine told me of this video showcasing Image 2009, UNO-R HS yearbook...nice concept...so far the layout is solid...and most of all, ginpasexy nila figure ni alon sa pic hehehe
Coming soon...
Showing posts with label UNO-R. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UNO-R. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
For Batch 2009
You came into my lives during the second year of my teaching profession.
Though you were not the first class of Freshmen I handled, you most certainly were the largest (ALL four sections, heterogeneous pa na! whew!)
And it was in your batch that I had my first - and only - class advisership. (ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA - 1C! YAHOOOOO!)
And now you are poised to leave the portals of your dear Alma Mater in search of new horizons...
First off, I must apologize for not being present as a witness to this momentous event - one of many that will come in your lives - but based on my personal experience, high school life has always been the most meaningful of all "lives" that you must live in this world. It was a time of curiosity and wonder leading to many realizations; the loss of childlike innocence paving the way to the unfolding consciousness of young men and women on the verge of realizing their potential. As the cliche goes: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
I am sure that you have trodden on your own meaningful paths during the four years you were cloistered in the halls of UNO-R High School. And whatever "lessons" you have learned most surely do not confine themselves to the academic realm alone. I am not sure if you could still recall the capitals of the provinces of the Philippines, and to which region they belong; recite the lines to "Go, and Be Like the Molave" from memory; factor a polynomial equation - or expand - I forget which is which (hehe); but I am certain that for each and every year you have gone through, you and your peers have grown. And I do not mean only the physical aspect. Know that you have taken a journey through your four years, and that journey was - and will continue to be - a journey of wonder.
Each step that you took in your journey, though the path has been laid out, was taken in your own pace, to your own beat, following the rhythm of your soul. Again, the journey could be summarized in another cliche: "To each his own."
And now you have reached journey's end. For now. Though this may be the end in your viewpoint, you also know in your heart that it is also another beginning. (there's a cliche somewhere in this statement, but whatever...) Thus this moment where you bid goodbye to your hallowed halls, and raucuous classrooms, the familiar faces, the beloved comrades, the respected elders (naks), the comforts of the routine and the expected, is met with sadness, resignation, and even fear.
But be not afraid. Treasure this moment. When you go up that stage and claim that piece of paper, take a moment to take in the scenery, take a minute to scan the crowd of faces, pause and savor the emotions filling the air. Know that in this moment you have truy LIVED.
Yes, you have LIVED. You have experienced, you have learned, you have felt loss and triumph, a whole maelstorm of emotions. It would seem that your whole life is flashing before your eyes. But this is not the harbinger of an end, but rather a herald for your rebirth...into a new world you go, on to another journey, a new life to live, a moment of clarity to be achieved...
And thus I break off this reverie to wish you all - my one time children - the best of luck. You have been molded into young ladies and gentlemen truly deserving of the "UNO-Rian" seal (i.e. tatak UNO-Rian gid ah). Face the new world with courage and conviction, let not your spirits waver before the challenges of an uncertain world.
But enough of the future. The stage is yours. Go forth and claim the moment worth treasuring for a lifetime. Stand tall, claim your place.
Now you are truly UNO-Rians.
Congratulations, Batch 2009. Vaya con Dios!
Though you were not the first class of Freshmen I handled, you most certainly were the largest (ALL four sections, heterogeneous pa na! whew!)
And it was in your batch that I had my first - and only - class advisership. (ST. THOMAS OF VILLANOVA - 1C! YAHOOOOO!)
And now you are poised to leave the portals of your dear Alma Mater in search of new horizons...
First off, I must apologize for not being present as a witness to this momentous event - one of many that will come in your lives - but based on my personal experience, high school life has always been the most meaningful of all "lives" that you must live in this world. It was a time of curiosity and wonder leading to many realizations; the loss of childlike innocence paving the way to the unfolding consciousness of young men and women on the verge of realizing their potential. As the cliche goes: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
I am sure that you have trodden on your own meaningful paths during the four years you were cloistered in the halls of UNO-R High School. And whatever "lessons" you have learned most surely do not confine themselves to the academic realm alone. I am not sure if you could still recall the capitals of the provinces of the Philippines, and to which region they belong; recite the lines to "Go, and Be Like the Molave" from memory; factor a polynomial equation - or expand - I forget which is which (hehe); but I am certain that for each and every year you have gone through, you and your peers have grown. And I do not mean only the physical aspect. Know that you have taken a journey through your four years, and that journey was - and will continue to be - a journey of wonder.
Each step that you took in your journey, though the path has been laid out, was taken in your own pace, to your own beat, following the rhythm of your soul. Again, the journey could be summarized in another cliche: "To each his own."
And now you have reached journey's end. For now. Though this may be the end in your viewpoint, you also know in your heart that it is also another beginning. (there's a cliche somewhere in this statement, but whatever...) Thus this moment where you bid goodbye to your hallowed halls, and raucuous classrooms, the familiar faces, the beloved comrades, the respected elders (naks), the comforts of the routine and the expected, is met with sadness, resignation, and even fear.
But be not afraid. Treasure this moment. When you go up that stage and claim that piece of paper, take a moment to take in the scenery, take a minute to scan the crowd of faces, pause and savor the emotions filling the air. Know that in this moment you have truy LIVED.
Yes, you have LIVED. You have experienced, you have learned, you have felt loss and triumph, a whole maelstorm of emotions. It would seem that your whole life is flashing before your eyes. But this is not the harbinger of an end, but rather a herald for your rebirth...into a new world you go, on to another journey, a new life to live, a moment of clarity to be achieved...
And thus I break off this reverie to wish you all - my one time children - the best of luck. You have been molded into young ladies and gentlemen truly deserving of the "UNO-Rian" seal (i.e. tatak UNO-Rian gid ah). Face the new world with courage and conviction, let not your spirits waver before the challenges of an uncertain world.
But enough of the future. The stage is yours. Go forth and claim the moment worth treasuring for a lifetime. Stand tall, claim your place.
Now you are truly UNO-Rians.
Congratulations, Batch 2009. Vaya con Dios!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
More Proof of Life
The 2008 UP Lantern Parade, December 17, 2008
At tinubuan na nga ako ng sungay sa Diliman...
UNO-R Grade School Batch 1995 and High School Batch 1999 Reunion, December 27, 2008 at Chicken House Mandalagan, Bacolod City. Mas marami, mas masaya...
Part 2 of GS/HS Reunion at the MO2 Annex, Goldenfield Complex. Bring out the drinks!
Photos courtesy of the friendster accounts of Kayzer and UNO-R HS 1999. Madamo nga Salamat...
At tinubuan na nga ako ng sungay sa Diliman...
UNO-R Grade School Batch 1995 and High School Batch 1999 Reunion, December 27, 2008 at Chicken House Mandalagan, Bacolod City. Mas marami, mas masaya...
Part 2 of GS/HS Reunion at the MO2 Annex, Goldenfield Complex. Bring out the drinks!
Photos courtesy of the friendster accounts of Kayzer and UNO-R HS 1999. Madamo nga Salamat...
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Goodluck and God Bless, Roslyn...
Oftentimes you come across a story that is both inspirational and uplifting. The story of a BEED graduate from UNO-R who was able to beat the odds and earn her degree despite her disability is one such story...
Visually impaired Education student graduates from UNO-Recoletos. From the UNO-R website.
The visually-impaired indeed are a somewhat marginalized sector in the educational system. In my opinion, a blind or visually-impaired person has to overcome the greatest challenge in their studies compared to the other physically disabled peers as majority of the information in the classroom is imparted visually.
This sad fact was impressed upon me when I had the chance to proctor the NCAE in 2006 at a public high school in Bacolod. There were two groups of disabled students who were required to take the exam despite their disability: the visually-impaired students and the hearing-impaired. I was assigned to handle a visually-impaired group of students. Another teacher handled the hearing-impaired group.
While my colleague only had one teacher who assisted her in relaying the instructions in sign language, I on the other hand had about 6 teacher-assistants who had to personally assist the visually-impaired kids. Imagine reading all the exam questions aloud to the kid -- the task seemed to be insurmountable considering the various areas concerned: English, Math, Science...and when we arrived at the inductive reasoning and spatial manipulation area, verbally describing the shapes and figures became an exercise in futility. There were often times when I had to take over when a teacher gets exhausted. While the other teachers and students were done by 3 PM, we managed to finish at 5:30 in the afternoon. The school principal had to personally wait for me and oversee the turn-over of the materials since all the other teachers were already gone.
I was saddened at how, in this particular case, the system failed the visually-impaired because not enough is being done to accomodate their needs...why not transcribe the exam in braille? why not revise some of the items? why not exempt the students from the visual aspect of the inductive reasoning test and adapt it so that it could be more tactile/manipulative? why let them take the fucking test in the first place when it is not suited for the visually-impaired?
Though I imagine that our education sector is doing its best to provide the best possible education to physically disabled students, in the case of the visually-impaired, much still needs to be done.
I could just imagine the challenges Roslyn faced throughout her elementary, high school and college days. I also think that Roslyn had experienced moments of frustration, doubt and helplessness along the way. For her to strive on, face the challenges that came her way and ultimately succeed, is a testament to her unbeatable spirit.
I applaud Roslyn's triumph. I also express my deepest admiration for Roslyn's mother who was Roslyn's tireless companion in the four years of her education. For me, nothing could better illustrate the value of commitment and a mother's love for her daughter than these two individuals.
Mabuhay ka Roslyn! You are an inspiration for all your fellow visually-impaired individuals. The best of luck in your teaching vocation!
Visually impaired Education student graduates from UNO-Recoletos. From the UNO-R website.
The visually-impaired indeed are a somewhat marginalized sector in the educational system. In my opinion, a blind or visually-impaired person has to overcome the greatest challenge in their studies compared to the other physically disabled peers as majority of the information in the classroom is imparted visually.
This sad fact was impressed upon me when I had the chance to proctor the NCAE in 2006 at a public high school in Bacolod. There were two groups of disabled students who were required to take the exam despite their disability: the visually-impaired students and the hearing-impaired. I was assigned to handle a visually-impaired group of students. Another teacher handled the hearing-impaired group.
While my colleague only had one teacher who assisted her in relaying the instructions in sign language, I on the other hand had about 6 teacher-assistants who had to personally assist the visually-impaired kids. Imagine reading all the exam questions aloud to the kid -- the task seemed to be insurmountable considering the various areas concerned: English, Math, Science...and when we arrived at the inductive reasoning and spatial manipulation area, verbally describing the shapes and figures became an exercise in futility. There were often times when I had to take over when a teacher gets exhausted. While the other teachers and students were done by 3 PM, we managed to finish at 5:30 in the afternoon. The school principal had to personally wait for me and oversee the turn-over of the materials since all the other teachers were already gone.
I was saddened at how, in this particular case, the system failed the visually-impaired because not enough is being done to accomodate their needs...why not transcribe the exam in braille? why not revise some of the items? why not exempt the students from the visual aspect of the inductive reasoning test and adapt it so that it could be more tactile/manipulative? why let them take the fucking test in the first place when it is not suited for the visually-impaired?
Though I imagine that our education sector is doing its best to provide the best possible education to physically disabled students, in the case of the visually-impaired, much still needs to be done.
I could just imagine the challenges Roslyn faced throughout her elementary, high school and college days. I also think that Roslyn had experienced moments of frustration, doubt and helplessness along the way. For her to strive on, face the challenges that came her way and ultimately succeed, is a testament to her unbeatable spirit.
I applaud Roslyn's triumph. I also express my deepest admiration for Roslyn's mother who was Roslyn's tireless companion in the four years of her education. For me, nothing could better illustrate the value of commitment and a mother's love for her daughter than these two individuals.
Mabuhay ka Roslyn! You are an inspiration for all your fellow visually-impaired individuals. The best of luck in your teaching vocation!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sin Noticias de Ditch...Pero Hoy...
the title of this post is a rip-off from a Spanish film that made me see Penelope Cruz in a different light hahaha.
I wasn't able to gain access to the internet during the last few days of my vacation in Bacolod so this post is now being written at the boarding house -- where one of the (paid) perks is unlimited internet access...bwahahahaha
So before my early-onset Alzheimer's kicks in once again, allow me to recapture some of the memories of vacation in this second-to-the last part of the 'Noticias/Mga Nakaw Na Sandali" series...
Yearbook 2007
Finally! the masterpiece of UNO-R HS batch 2007 is just a few months away from being released come Sembreak 2008. The long delay from last year's sembreak when Lelis and I finally completed the yearbook (dummy-form) was due to the very hectic schedules of Sir Harry, to whom the task of final approval was assigned, and Mrs. Song (final text corrections naman ni kay Ms Alon). Thus, the final submission of the yearbook to Alpha kept getting postponed. It was only when I arrived that Sir Harry had enough of a break so that both of us could finally deliver the final, approved blueprint of the Yearbook to the prnting company.
When we finally delivered the blueprints to Alpha, the staff informed me about a complaint that was brought to their attention regarding the Yearbook. I won't delve much into details since I already addressed this issue in a very LONG friendster bulletin but suffice to say that the concerns aired were unfounded and though initially I was irritated by the news, we finally laughed it off as a misunderstanding which was unduly complicated by rumors and tsismis.
A great weight has been lifted from our shoulders (and minds) as Sir Harry and I finalized the details of the yearbook. Now, all that's left is to wait for a few months until the eventual release of Yearbook 2007. Lelis, the Yearbook EIC, herself is excited but we still have to iron out the details of our respective sembreak schedules so that we can be on hand to oversee the release of the Yearbook.
Initially, the Yearbook staff and I envisioned Yearbook 2007 as the first yearbook to be released within a year upon graduation. Since that goal was not met, consolation prize is that there is a great possibility that Yearbook 2007 will be relased earlier than Yearbook 2006. haha!
Though earlier I announced that the release of the yearbook will be on September 2008, a quick glance at last year's school calendar revealed that sembreak starts on October 2008...oh well, nothing another announcement can't fix. Basta Batch 2007, release of Yearbook will be during the Semestral Break. I will be confirming within the next few months if indeed it'll be September or October. Apologies for making you wait a bit longer but I promise that your yearbook is worth the wait...
I wasn't able to gain access to the internet during the last few days of my vacation in Bacolod so this post is now being written at the boarding house -- where one of the (paid) perks is unlimited internet access...bwahahahaha
So before my early-onset Alzheimer's kicks in once again, allow me to recapture some of the memories of vacation in this second-to-the last part of the 'Noticias/Mga Nakaw Na Sandali" series...
Yearbook 2007
Finally! the masterpiece of UNO-R HS batch 2007 is just a few months away from being released come Sembreak 2008. The long delay from last year's sembreak when Lelis and I finally completed the yearbook (dummy-form) was due to the very hectic schedules of Sir Harry, to whom the task of final approval was assigned, and Mrs. Song (final text corrections naman ni kay Ms Alon). Thus, the final submission of the yearbook to Alpha kept getting postponed. It was only when I arrived that Sir Harry had enough of a break so that both of us could finally deliver the final, approved blueprint of the Yearbook to the prnting company.
When we finally delivered the blueprints to Alpha, the staff informed me about a complaint that was brought to their attention regarding the Yearbook. I won't delve much into details since I already addressed this issue in a very LONG friendster bulletin but suffice to say that the concerns aired were unfounded and though initially I was irritated by the news, we finally laughed it off as a misunderstanding which was unduly complicated by rumors and tsismis.
A great weight has been lifted from our shoulders (and minds) as Sir Harry and I finalized the details of the yearbook. Now, all that's left is to wait for a few months until the eventual release of Yearbook 2007. Lelis, the Yearbook EIC, herself is excited but we still have to iron out the details of our respective sembreak schedules so that we can be on hand to oversee the release of the Yearbook.
Initially, the Yearbook staff and I envisioned Yearbook 2007 as the first yearbook to be released within a year upon graduation. Since that goal was not met, consolation prize is that there is a great possibility that Yearbook 2007 will be relased earlier than Yearbook 2006. haha!
Though earlier I announced that the release of the yearbook will be on September 2008, a quick glance at last year's school calendar revealed that sembreak starts on October 2008...oh well, nothing another announcement can't fix. Basta Batch 2007, release of Yearbook will be during the Semestral Break. I will be confirming within the next few months if indeed it'll be September or October. Apologies for making you wait a bit longer but I promise that your yearbook is worth the wait...
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