cfc-handmaid of the Lord 17th anniversary

My mom, Nora, has been a member of Handmaids of the Lord since November 2001. Last December 11, 2011 the community celebrated their 17th Anniversary and the family was present to witness their fiesta themed celebration.

The celebration began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist which was officiated by Fr. Richie Gamaya. 

Father Richie has beautiful points for the Gaudete Sunday or the third Sunday of Advent. These are his points:

• The secret to a life of contentment is to regard life as a gift and not as a right. 
• Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudeta Sunday) -  a life of contentment is a life of rejoicing.
• John the Baptist did not claim to be someone he is not. 
• To recognize your blessings and not the absence of it, be grateful. 
• The joy that comes from within it does not come from the external. 
• we enjoy the blessings and gifts but we fail to give thanks. 
• Like Mary, we should rejoice to the Lord.

After the Eucharistic celebration, these beautiful Handmaids of the Lord showcased their dancing prowess. They have presented five Philippine dances such as: Manang Biday, Bakya, Itik- Itik, Flower Dance and Subli. The last dance presentation was a gift of their leaders to the community. The leaders danced to the music of the movie, Mama Mia. 

flower dance by Central B

Itik- itik by South B

Manang Biday by North cluster

Bakya by Central A

Subli by South A

Mama Mia lead singers

Mama Mia dancers

Mamo with her real life flower girls.

Handmaid leaders

technical group

mamo's hair dress

our mamo. 

what? hat!

I am unlike my husband. He has this special relationship with caps due to baldness. A cap is part of his daily wardrobe. It has been his fettish to collect caps. His all time favorite brands would be Nike or Ralph Lauren.
Even my daughters, especially Jelena, have been influenced  by their father's inclination to caps.

his caps

our girls with their  la salle caps.

i got him a birei hat.

At some point, Nonoy has bought me tennis ball caps but I just kept it for future use.

my caps.

Last Sunday (Dec. 09, 2011) was a different story. We went to SM City Davao to buy a scarf for my aunt however I found something which caught my interest. HATS! And I was not the only one who enjoyed the fitting session. Although I did not buy a hat for my own, we went home bringing my aunt her first hat which brought her a big smile.

the look.

Things I can do alone: Watch Basketball Games

You would never catch me alive watching a movie alone! I have not tried and I will surely never try. First, I am not really a movie buff unless if it is a romantic comedy or feel good movie. Last, I could not imagine myself alone in a dark room.

However, being alone is not really an issue because there are things which I can do alone. One of these is watching basketball games. Since the 1990's I have been exposed to the world of basketball due to having a dad who is a basketball enthusiast. I grew up idolizing Robert Jaworiski and cheering for barangay Ginebra. When I was in high school, I changed alliance and started to cheer for the Alaska because of Jeffrey Cariaso. I could vividly remember asking my mom to watch PBA games live during one of our Manila trips and it was euphoric.

the Big J.

22

It may sound crazy but I continued to watch games during the Metropolitan Basketball Association heyday and I was rooting for my home team, the Davao Eagles. Words could not even describe how happy, "kilig" and memorable those times were.

And having a basketball coach as a husband gives me an opportunity to enjoy the game more and more that I would not mind watching the games alone. The basketball arena is comforting like a second home to me. The buzzer is like a sweet music to my ear. The cheers for or against the team I am cheering for is like a friend's sweet voice.

PRO IX and Bureau of Fire

the referees.

It is without a doubt that I have so much revere for the game. And I have more respect for it now because it is my husband's craft, passion and love.

Nonoy in red shirt.

Core Moral Values

     There are six core moral values that we need to develop in ourselves: love of God, love of truth, respect for life, respect for authority, respect for human sexuality and responsible dominion over material things. These are achieved through the habitual exercise of virtues.

1. Love of God. With faith, we believe that God exists and that He created us in His image and likeness. In hope, we await to go back to God who created us. In love, we adore God above all things and therefore avoid occasions of sin which separate us from Him.
2. Love of truth. Every person has the right and moral duty to seek, embrace and guard the truth at all times.
3. Respect for life. Human life is sacred. It is not lawful for anyone to take the life of another human being, born or unborn.
4. Respect for authority. Authority includes one's parents, officials, the law, for example, that represent collaboration of man with God's plan of order in public life. To show respect for authority, we need to participate in election, pay taxes and defend our country. With regard to parents, we show respect by caring for them, obeying them and using polite language when speaking with them.
5. Respect for human sexuality. God has created human beings as male and female equal in human dignity. Sexuality is truly respected in special relationships by not engaging in premarital sexual activity. The practice of chastity, when combined with love and temperance, can affirm human dignity.
6. Responsible dominion over material things. Stewardship of man over God's creation is shown through the protection of the environment and wise use of resources. 

Reference: Values and Vitues, Doing Right by Erlinda A. Bilog, et.al.

Third Quarter Performance Task

my dear students,

here is a detailed instructions of our performance task this quarter. after witnessing your life's journey, i am looking forward to read the genuineness and sincerity of your poems.

xoxo,
karen

ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE (ACTION)

Performance Task A person’s life is highlighted with significant events or milestones. In every milestone, one is confronted with dilemmas and is challenged to make the right decision. For a person to be able to make a sound judgment and moral decision, one has been grounded on the awareness of the self and the living of the moral values, virtues and principles. As a response to these challenges, the learners will become free verse poets. Their poems will focus on the theme: “Milestones: Embracing the Past, Nurturing the Present and Weaving the Future”. As poets they will truthfully express their memorable experiences, the persons who have been influential, the values, virtues and principles which have been instrumental in their journey in life. The free verse poem will be published in their personal blog which hopes to inspire their blog readers and followers in developing moral values to make sound judgment and moral decisions. Rubrics:     Poem Chart                               Criteria 5 4 3 2 1 Organization The product’s flow of ideas is exemplarily logical, clear and coherent. The product’s flow of ideas is very satisfactorily logical, clear and coherent. The product’s flow of ideas is satisfactorily logical, clear and coherent. The product’s flow of ideas is fairly logical, clear and coherent. The product’s flow of ideas is not logical, clear and coherent. Clarity of the Theme The product exemplarily exhibits and focuses on the given theme. The product very satisfactorily exhibits and focuses on the given theme. The product satisfactorily exhibits and focuses on the given theme. The product fairly exhibits and focuses on the given theme. The product poorly exhibits and focuses on the given theme. Content The product exemplarily contains one’s personal milestones, appropriate pictures and attractive title. The product very satisfactorily contains one’s personal milestones, appropriate pictures and attractive title. The product satisfactorily contains one’s personal milestones, appropriate pictures and attractive title. The product fairly contains one’s personal milestones, appropriate pictures and attractive title. The product poorly contains one’s personal milestones, appropriate pictures and attractive title. Self- Awareness Self- awareness is exemplarily established. Self- awareness is very satisfactorily established. Self- awareness is satisfactorily established. Self- awareness is fairly established. Self- awareness is poorly established. Faithfulness to the values and principles of moral decision making Essential values and principles of moral decision making are exemplarily manifested. Essential values and principles of moral decision making are very satisfactorily manifested. Essential values and principles of moral decision making are satisfactorily manifested. Essential values and principles of moral decision making are fairly manifested. Essential values and principles of moral decision making are poorly manifested. Promptness The product is exemplarily done within the duration of time. The product is very satisfactorily done within the duration of time. The product is satisfactorily done within the duration of time. The product is fairly done within the duration of time. The product is poorly done within the duration of time.

Instructions:        a.      Submission is on December 13, 2011(Tuesday).        b.      Poem should be encoded on a short bond paper.        c.      Print a copy of the Poem Chart Rubrics and attach it with the copy of your poem. Write your name and section on both papers.

Christian Morality Third Quarter Topics for SY 2011- 2012

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity."


           - W. Clement Stone (1902 - 2002)

Welcome to a new Quarter!!! These are the topics which we will cover for this quarter. 

Unit Title: Assessing one’s Values in Making Moral Decisions

Essential Questions:

1.       How can my values create positive change in myself, others, environment and God?

2.       How does making a choice and not making a choice matter to me, others, environment and God?

Prepared by: Joseph Bonzo, Karen Pido, Jason Sarmiento

DAY	TOPIC	ACTIVITY	REMARKS
I.                    POVERTY
1-3	Supplementary: On Poverty	Pre, Symposium,  Post
II.                  THE VALUES THAT MATTER
4-5	The Ideal	Epitaph Making	Song: Live like we’re dying
6	Knowing My Values: Personal	Wish you could hear me: A letter to the self	(How do I see myself?)
7	Knowing My Values: Relational	Eulogy Making	(How do others see me?)
8-9	Knowing My Values: Family	Family Tree	(How does my family see me?)
10	Core Values		Love of God, Love of Truth, Respect for Life, Respect for Authority, Respect for Human Sexuality and Responsible Dominion over Material Things
III.                FACING THE ROAD BLOCK: THE MORAL DILEMMA
11	At My Crossroads	Journey Map
12	Case: John Q	Film Viewing, Case Analysis
13	Conditions Besetting the Filipino Family
14	Mini-Task: Case Making	Case Writing
IV.                PAVING THE WAY: THE MORAL PRINCIPLES
15-16	Elements in Making Moral Decisions
17-19	Moral Principles		Double- Effect, Totality Epikeia,
20-21	Virtues	Reporting	Cardinal and Theological
V.                  FIRMING UP THE VALUES
22-24	Case Analysis: An Application of the Moral Principles	Case Analysis, Reporting
VI.                Milestones: Embracing the Past, Nurturing the Present, Weaving the Future
25-27	Performance Task Making	Blogging, Creative Essay Writing	Content: Title, Pictures, introduction of the self, epitaph, eulogy, letter to the self, family autograph, responding to my Crossroads, affirmations, recognitions and conclusion
VII.             RITUALIZATION
28	Recognizing my Values	Affirmation Activity
29	Celebrating my Virtues	Awarding Ceremony	Materials: Certificate, Tokens Need: Documentation, Program

I am looking forward for a very meaningful quarter for all of us!!!

third year second quarter exam coverage

"Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." 

--- Og Mandino 

I would like to thank your teachers for their generosity in sharing the examination coverage.

Examination Schedule

October 10, 2011 - Filipino/ Science
October 11, 2011 - CLE/ Math/ IT
October 12, 2011 - English/ Social Studies

Examination Coverage

Filipino

I. Dulang Pampelikula (Kasaysayan)
II. Sangkap ng pelikula at Proseso sa Pagsulat ng D. Panpelikula
III. Genre ng pelikula
IV. Elemento ng pelikula
V. Sanhi at bunga
VI. Idyomatikong pahayag
VII. Tambalang salita
VIII. Pang- uri

References: item II- handouts and Filipino book

Chemistry

Chapters 5, 6, 7

CLE

I. Being Human, Being Moral
II. Growing in Authentic Freedom
III. Exercising Christian Conscience
IV. Living the True Value of the Law
V. Overcoming the Moral Evil: Sin

References:
CLE Book- Chapters 2,3,4,5,7
notes (notebook)

Math

Chapters 4 to 6-5

IT

Tables up to Targets

References:
pages 31- 47 of IT book
power points and reviewer can be downloaded at http://adduhsit3.blogspot.com
Performance Task deadline is on October 13, 2011 (instructions are also given in the website)

English

I. Elements of Drama (Literature)
II. Literary Devices

• Paradox
• Oxymoron
• Irony
• Foreshadowing
• Romeo and Juliet (Analysis)

III. Grammar

• Pronoun Antecedent Agreement
• SVA
• Verb Tenses
• Voices of Verbs (Active/Passive)

Social Studies

I. Decline of the Roman Empire
II. The Medieval Church
III. Feudalism and Manorialism
IV. Growth of Towns and Cities
V. The Byzantine Empire/ Crusades

References: Lessons 12, 16, 17, 18, 19

God Bless You!!!

BoraBora

 

I got lucky on November 29, 2010 because Cebu Pacific had a seat sale. If I am not mistaken it is because of the anniversary of Andres Bonifacio. I got so excited because I created a whole plan for a honeymoon with Nonoy which we did not have yet after nine years of being married. We traveled before but we made sure that Jessica and Jelena are with us. So this one will be different because it will be just the two of us. And what better place could it be than Boracay and besides I have not been there yet. He was able to visit the place but that was in 1986 so the place would be much different and it will be an adventure for the two of us. Our trip was schedule in September of 2011. 

However, something more important came up and I could not just let Nonoy risk the chance to visit his Mom and go with me to Boracay. Lo and behold, I have so much loving and supportive friends. Two of my bffs, sisters, living diaries, phone pals, best buddies --- Charmie and Faye, bought their tickets to go with me. Unfortunately, Charmie has to take care of something so important that she was not able to go with us. 

Faye traveled to Iloilo one day earlier. Nonoy and I left for Iloilo on a Monday. When we arrived Iloilo, my ever generous and supportive brother-in-law, Nino, took us to Breakthrough for breakfast and it was my biggest breakfast ever. I got hospitalized before because of sea foods but that ain't stopping me to eat sea foods again. 

  

fresh water Catfish

fish soup

 diwal, a Visayan term for tongue

baked oyster

this Black Marlin is so soft.

After our big breakfast, Nino and Nonoy took Faye and I to Tagbac terminal. We decided to ride a van going to Caticlan. The van is a Toyota Grandia and it is new. However, we waited for one and a half hours for passengers before hitting the road. It took us three hours to arrive Kalibo and another two hours to reach Caticlan. I was getting dizzy because I felt that I have been in that van for so long. Good thing nurse Faye took with her some paracetamol. I was already telling myself that Boracay has to make sure that it will be all worth it. It was a relief when we reached Caticlan. 

tired but excited

We got a little disoriented in Caticlan port because we have to go to three windows to pay for terminal fee, environmental fee and for the boat fare. Anyway, we are there already and cannot do anything about it. It took us ten minutes to reach Boracay. When we reached Boracay at around seven in the evening and the breeze is getting very enticing but we still have to look for an accommodation. Our friend, Francis Mercado, was so helpful because he recommended the Island Nook which is in station two. Island Nook's room rates are very affordable and it is inclusive of breakfast. Most importantly, it has a clean restroom and the room is new. Island Nook is only few steps away from D'Mall. 

Faye, my travel buddy

It was so unfortunate that I was not able to take pictures of our dinner. We had grilled food along the beach line. Pardon me because I was very hungry. After our dinner, we started walking to see the island at night. 

Starbucks is in the island too.

fire dance

Sea Wind

the night is blue.

It is my dream to stay in Mandarin Boracay.

Faye's leg henna tattoo.

Ms. Photogenic

Fridays

We did not let the night end without visiting the clubs. There were foreigners mostly Koreans but majority are Filipinos.

Guilly's

good girls

i forgot to get the name of this bar.

epic

And this shocked me because I have never seen this before. I was really in Boracay! 

body shots

In the morning, I eventually realized that the long trip was all worth it. This place is a paradise. 

parasailing

not a beach babe but i was not able to resist

hot momma

perfect weather

water and green mango shake while enjoying the sun.

These are the few insights which I gained through this adventure:

• There are plans, even if how hard you prepare for it, which are not meant to be. It is not because you do not deserve it but because there is something greater which is meant for you.
• Friends and family are treasures. I so love Faye (honeybee!) and Nonoy's family for making the whole trip more wonderful.
• When traveling without kids for three days and when going to Boracay, it is best to carry a backpack.  I have mastered the art of "travel light" although it is tough in the beginning.
• Boracay made me experience how to be young again and it feels so good.
• "Me-time" is rejuvenating but it makes you want to return with your children during the next trip. 
• Boracay sand is like milk so do not hesitate to walk bare-foot because it is soothing. 
• For the next visit, I will have a massage and I will try some their activities.

Boracay, I shall return!