Namaste Readers,
It's weird how I measure distance in time (minutes/hours), but when I asked those I encountered whether Filipino or International, "distance" to them is measured in kilometers ( which still confuses me because I'm used to "miles" and oftentimes I'm too lazy to convert so I settle with "very far" ). What's even more odd is the distance that occurs to people with daily contact OR the closeness that happens to people from distant lands.
I've been living with my roomies for at least 1 month (30+ days), but in spite of my attempts to be social, they pretty much keep to themselves. When Roomie K sleeps usually by 11pm or 12am the lights and TV must be off, but when he feels like it, he'll surf the web. His computer screen or cubicle's florescent light, although faint, still glares sharper than an Edward Hopper cityscape painting.
The brothers are more reserved. Roomie J is just a freshman so shyness is just a given. Roomie L doesn't have a full schedule so he usually stays up until 4am, and naps in the daytime. The stereotypes about islanders being "insular" are proven accurate in these 3 people's situation. I'm just surprised that in a supposedly globally conscious world, some of the "educated" continue to have blinders.
On the other hand, I've had 3 meetings with a group of international students; I have a better understanding of their motivation and their cultural history ( plus its relation to World politics ). The situation is disheartening because in spite of sharing a Filipino language and culture [even if we came from different regions of the Philippines/World], my roomies and I are more strange to each other. On the contrary, using a foreign language [World English mixed with Globish] while recognizing a similar colonial history, I feel a closeness ( albeit its brevity ) with students from Sri Lanka and East Timor.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Manila Internship: a schedule
Kamusta Readers,
After a month, I finally have a more concrete schedule ( but this can still change, but not so dramatically ). During "free" time, activities vary: reviewing for the GRE, researching Writing Center scholarship, writing for Blog, shopping, watching TV, exercising, reading for Fun, spending time with Family, et. al.
Monday:
7:30am - 5:00pm (12pm-1pm lunch break) Internship
Tuesday:
2:00pm - 4:00pm Freelance Tutoring (Writing)
5:30pm - 9:00pm Freelance Tutoring (MA Thesis)
Wednesday:
7:30am - 4:00pm (12pm-1pm lunch break) Internship
4:30pm - 7:30pm Literature Class (Auditing)
Thursday:
2:00pm - 4:00pm Freelance Tutoring (Writing)
5:30pm - 9:00pm Freelance Tutoring (MA Thesis)
Friday:
7:30am - 12:00pm (12pm-1pm lunch break) Internship
After a month, I finally have a more concrete schedule ( but this can still change, but not so dramatically ). During "free" time, activities vary: reviewing for the GRE, researching Writing Center scholarship, writing for Blog, shopping, watching TV, exercising, reading for Fun, spending time with Family, et. al.
Monday:
7:30am - 5:00pm (12pm-1pm lunch break) Internship
Tuesday:
2:00pm - 4:00pm Freelance Tutoring (Writing)
5:30pm - 9:00pm Freelance Tutoring (MA Thesis)
Wednesday:
7:30am - 4:00pm (12pm-1pm lunch break) Internship
4:30pm - 7:30pm Literature Class (Auditing)
Thursday:
2:00pm - 4:00pm Freelance Tutoring (Writing)
5:30pm - 9:00pm Freelance Tutoring (MA Thesis)
Friday:
7:30am - 12:00pm (12pm-1pm lunch break) Internship
Random? tangled wires
Namaste Readers,
I finally received my utility bill, and I was baffled to have 2 billing stamenents for June. The first thing that came to my mind was moving in 3 days early before my contract began; but to my understanding, those 3 days were based on a daily rate, which covered everything.
With a tight budget, of course I was defensive, and because I'm not used to the Philippine system, I felt I was taken advantage of ( so I was ready to use all my rhetorical skills to fight this injustice ). It was then clarified to me that the "cut off" date of the electric meter began on the 5th day and ended on the 25th day of the month ( for me it didn't make sense why the electric meter didn't coincide with the month ).
In a way, I felt cheated. I'm paying for a month's rent, but my electric and water bill will be measured 3 times ( before the 5th, during the 5th-25th, after the 25th ). I have a feeling that a little extra energy is generated everytime the meter restarts. ( I'm thinking of the "bulk principle:" cheaper to buy in mass quantity ).
Even with this additional information, the bill still didn't make any sense. There was only a 100 peso difference between the first 3 days I stayed (pre-5th) and the 11 days I stayed ( the 5th-25th period: weekends away from the dorm were deducted ). How can I generate that much energy in less days, diba? The person, annoyed at my inquiry, said that air-con usage may be the factor ( even so, I was only in the room 3 days out of the 20 days ). Why should I be paying half of the bill when I only used 1/6th of it?
We concluded the talk; she told me that she'd check the discrepancy and get back to me. I edited Runner J's MA thesis, and went for a run. When I got back, she acknowledged their mistake. I'd still have to pay, but at least the bill made more sense because the energy used was proportionate to the days spent ( using the ratio of 1-3 ).
I finally received my utility bill, and I was baffled to have 2 billing stamenents for June. The first thing that came to my mind was moving in 3 days early before my contract began; but to my understanding, those 3 days were based on a daily rate, which covered everything.
With a tight budget, of course I was defensive, and because I'm not used to the Philippine system, I felt I was taken advantage of ( so I was ready to use all my rhetorical skills to fight this injustice ). It was then clarified to me that the "cut off" date of the electric meter began on the 5th day and ended on the 25th day of the month ( for me it didn't make sense why the electric meter didn't coincide with the month ).
In a way, I felt cheated. I'm paying for a month's rent, but my electric and water bill will be measured 3 times ( before the 5th, during the 5th-25th, after the 25th ). I have a feeling that a little extra energy is generated everytime the meter restarts. ( I'm thinking of the "bulk principle:" cheaper to buy in mass quantity ).
Even with this additional information, the bill still didn't make any sense. There was only a 100 peso difference between the first 3 days I stayed (pre-5th) and the 11 days I stayed ( the 5th-25th period: weekends away from the dorm were deducted ). How can I generate that much energy in less days, diba? The person, annoyed at my inquiry, said that air-con usage may be the factor ( even so, I was only in the room 3 days out of the 20 days ). Why should I be paying half of the bill when I only used 1/6th of it?
We concluded the talk; she told me that she'd check the discrepancy and get back to me. I edited Runner J's MA thesis, and went for a run. When I got back, she acknowledged their mistake. I'd still have to pay, but at least the bill made more sense because the energy used was proportionate to the days spent ( using the ratio of 1-3 ).
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Random? quieting
Namaste Readers,
I finally established a consistent meeting time with Runner J to work on his MA thesis ( every Tuesday and Thursday nites ). Putting academics aside, I never could predict what stories Runner J would share.
When I entered the "consulting room" in the English Department, music from vespers played from Runner J's notebook ( usually we'd sample the Pinoy music I've recently acquired ). He told me that he'd been neglecting the running part of his exercise regime. As a result, he was tired and not his energetic self ( he'd been awake since 6am ). So he started telling me about "quieting" so he could focus.
According to him, one couldn't just go straight to meditation ( it's too deep into the [un]consciousness ). Quieting is like a gradual step that eases one into a meditative state. During quieting, one empties one's mind while thinking about the senses ( both internal and external senses ). [Oh contradiction!]. I asked him to clarify. The 5 senses could be felt and imagined by hearing one's breathing, seeing blood cells cursing through one's veins, feeling the palpitation of one's heart et. al..
It's amazing what one thinks about after "emptying" one's mind: Alpha waves achieved through calm sleep; light waves bouncing off aluminum; reflective and absorbent colors; World War II history ( how the current University campus used to be a Japanese arsenal camp, and also was bought by a Jesuit ); American Architecture designed with geography and climate factored in; seasonal food and their purpose ( such as Basil best grown with Tomatoes, acting as natural insect repellent; seasonal sickness' connection with seasonal food as remedy ); fertigation ( fertilization plus irrigation ); effects of mass production...
I finally established a consistent meeting time with Runner J to work on his MA thesis ( every Tuesday and Thursday nites ). Putting academics aside, I never could predict what stories Runner J would share.
When I entered the "consulting room" in the English Department, music from vespers played from Runner J's notebook ( usually we'd sample the Pinoy music I've recently acquired ). He told me that he'd been neglecting the running part of his exercise regime. As a result, he was tired and not his energetic self ( he'd been awake since 6am ). So he started telling me about "quieting" so he could focus.
According to him, one couldn't just go straight to meditation ( it's too deep into the [un]consciousness ). Quieting is like a gradual step that eases one into a meditative state. During quieting, one empties one's mind while thinking about the senses ( both internal and external senses ). [Oh contradiction!]. I asked him to clarify. The 5 senses could be felt and imagined by hearing one's breathing, seeing blood cells cursing through one's veins, feeling the palpitation of one's heart et. al..
It's amazing what one thinks about after "emptying" one's mind: Alpha waves achieved through calm sleep; light waves bouncing off aluminum; reflective and absorbent colors; World War II history ( how the current University campus used to be a Japanese arsenal camp, and also was bought by a Jesuit ); American Architecture designed with geography and climate factored in; seasonal food and their purpose ( such as Basil best grown with Tomatoes, acting as natural insect repellent; seasonal sickness' connection with seasonal food as remedy ); fertigation ( fertilization plus irrigation ); effects of mass production...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Random? some degree of infamy/fame
Namaste Readers,
When I told some Filipino family and friends about my internship at the University, the first thing they told me about it is its prestigious reputation as the hot spot for the educated Elites, Socialites, and other celebrities (National Hero Jose Rizal is an alumni and last year, current President Noynoy Aquino was the commencement speaker). I didn't want to think about this because I just wanted to focus on my internship. In my case, ignorance is still bliss and less intimidating ( in spite of social status, education is leveling the playing field; I might not be "rich" but I can use my brain ).
On the 1st week of class, I read a student essay by a "cousin" ( transliterally "from the knee" ) of former Philippine President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos ( his wife and First Lady Imelda Marcos is infamous for her love of [foreign] shoes ). Needless to say, she passed the Validation Exam ( promoting her to the 2nd level of the English requirement ). Whether she passed because of merit or her "connection" is up for speculation (j/k).
In my Literature class, Rica Peralejo, a Filipina actress and former TV-hostess, is in my discussion group. When I first saw her, I couldn't remember her name, but her face is memorable; and as Secretary V summarizes, her striking beauty "turns heads" ( before her identity was confirmed, I actually thought she was just related to the actress Rica Peralejo, lol ).
Also according to Gossip, Rica aka Carla put a hiatus on her acting career after she got married to a minister. By continuing her education, she's actually disproving the stereotypes about actresses. During group work, she supports her opinions with logical evidence. I also noticed that during presentation, she doesn't hog the spotlight; she lets the rest of the group take the lead roles ( while she plays the supporting actress role ).
In the second class I substituted for, a relative of the 13th President of the Philippines ( also gone corrupt )- Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada- is not as prideful as his elder ( their hairstyles are similar except the younger ones' is more contemporary [now] ). Later, I also learned that KSP, the "student from hell" is from an affluent family with heavy connections to the University ( in fact, one of the University's gymnasium was built using his family's charity/money )
One time during lunch, I happen to sit on the same table with the father of current pop/rock singer-songwriter, Yeng Constantino. I overheard him telling a story of a young Yeng singing during University functions and family days. When I gathered enough courage, I asked about Yeng. He told me that she lives in a condo near the ABS-CBN studio, and she's currently promoting her album in the provinces. She's also working on an album covering OPM hits, and she's preparing for a concert in Araneta, Cubao this August. Before going back to work, I asked him if he could say "hello" to Yeng for me ( a fan ).
And this is just a mini sample from my encounters. Who else are lurking (lurked) within the walls of the University?
When I told some Filipino family and friends about my internship at the University, the first thing they told me about it is its prestigious reputation as the hot spot for the educated Elites, Socialites, and other celebrities (National Hero Jose Rizal is an alumni and last year, current President Noynoy Aquino was the commencement speaker). I didn't want to think about this because I just wanted to focus on my internship. In my case, ignorance is still bliss and less intimidating ( in spite of social status, education is leveling the playing field; I might not be "rich" but I can use my brain ).
On the 1st week of class, I read a student essay by a "cousin" ( transliterally "from the knee" ) of former Philippine President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos ( his wife and First Lady Imelda Marcos is infamous for her love of [foreign] shoes ). Needless to say, she passed the Validation Exam ( promoting her to the 2nd level of the English requirement ). Whether she passed because of merit or her "connection" is up for speculation (j/k).
In my Literature class, Rica Peralejo, a Filipina actress and former TV-hostess, is in my discussion group. When I first saw her, I couldn't remember her name, but her face is memorable; and as Secretary V summarizes, her striking beauty "turns heads" ( before her identity was confirmed, I actually thought she was just related to the actress Rica Peralejo, lol ).
Also according to Gossip, Rica aka Carla put a hiatus on her acting career after she got married to a minister. By continuing her education, she's actually disproving the stereotypes about actresses. During group work, she supports her opinions with logical evidence. I also noticed that during presentation, she doesn't hog the spotlight; she lets the rest of the group take the lead roles ( while she plays the supporting actress role ).
In the second class I substituted for, a relative of the 13th President of the Philippines ( also gone corrupt )- Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada- is not as prideful as his elder ( their hairstyles are similar except the younger ones' is more contemporary [now] ). Later, I also learned that KSP, the "student from hell" is from an affluent family with heavy connections to the University ( in fact, one of the University's gymnasium was built using his family's charity/money )
One time during lunch, I happen to sit on the same table with the father of current pop/rock singer-songwriter, Yeng Constantino. I overheard him telling a story of a young Yeng singing during University functions and family days. When I gathered enough courage, I asked about Yeng. He told me that she lives in a condo near the ABS-CBN studio, and she's currently promoting her album in the provinces. She's also working on an album covering OPM hits, and she's preparing for a concert in Araneta, Cubao this August. Before going back to work, I asked him if he could say "hello" to Yeng for me ( a fan ).
And this is just a mini sample from my encounters. Who else are lurking (lurked) within the walls of the University?
Monday, July 11, 2011
Manila Internship: overstimulated (w6)
Kamusta Readers,
Last week if I were to have been cut, I'd probably bleed coffee and other caffeine. I was exhausted due to over-stimulation ( in a good way of course ) that it was good to have recovery and down time with my relatives over the weekend ( in spite of Bagyo "Go-ring" ).
The week started with students giving 2 minutes speeches about their study habits and learning styles. If students weren't paying attention, they were expected to give a summary of the speaker's topic and/or follow-up questions. During Writing Wednesday, I worked with Student F and practiced "wait time." On Reading Friday, I substituted for Director N. The first class was ideal, while the second class was "realistic."
In the office, I caught up with my shelving, and Secretary V and I chit-chatted about G.I. C, "celebrities" on campus, and the administrative training of Faculty members ( wherein teaching becomes secondary and a luxury... University operation is priority numero uno ). I also read Writer P's recent draft for the Center's Book Project. After incorporating the Editorial Board's suggestions ( plus mines ), his article was definitely stronger and more concise.
Something different that happened this week was that I did a "Study Abroad" presentation in Director N's class of International Students ( starting to understand English for Specific Purpose ). They will be leaving by the end of July. Meanwhile, I'm hoping to have lunch with most of them every Monday and Wednesday afternoons for company. I also offered them informal classes on Monday and Wednesday nights so they could practice speaking English in a more natural context through conversations about "random" topics ( it'll also be more interesting to learn about their stories as well ).
Freelance tutoring with Runner J is progressing. The first look of Ch. 3 was completed; the next step would be for me to compare the notes I made with Runner J's updates. The questions I asked definitely help "jog" down ideas and review concepts ( not taken for granted by memory ). The bi-weekly Nite Run had been inconsistent lately because of the rain. I was about to run by myself, but Runner E showed up; he led the way, and we ran a 5K in 28 minutes. He told me about a run in SM Mall of Asia in the 3rd week of July ( the far location and registration fee are inhibiting my participation ).
Last week if I were to have been cut, I'd probably bleed coffee and other caffeine. I was exhausted due to over-stimulation ( in a good way of course ) that it was good to have recovery and down time with my relatives over the weekend ( in spite of Bagyo "Go-ring" ).
The week started with students giving 2 minutes speeches about their study habits and learning styles. If students weren't paying attention, they were expected to give a summary of the speaker's topic and/or follow-up questions. During Writing Wednesday, I worked with Student F and practiced "wait time." On Reading Friday, I substituted for Director N. The first class was ideal, while the second class was "realistic."
In the office, I caught up with my shelving, and Secretary V and I chit-chatted about G.I. C, "celebrities" on campus, and the administrative training of Faculty members ( wherein teaching becomes secondary and a luxury... University operation is priority numero uno ). I also read Writer P's recent draft for the Center's Book Project. After incorporating the Editorial Board's suggestions ( plus mines ), his article was definitely stronger and more concise.
Something different that happened this week was that I did a "Study Abroad" presentation in Director N's class of International Students ( starting to understand English for Specific Purpose ). They will be leaving by the end of July. Meanwhile, I'm hoping to have lunch with most of them every Monday and Wednesday afternoons for company. I also offered them informal classes on Monday and Wednesday nights so they could practice speaking English in a more natural context through conversations about "random" topics ( it'll also be more interesting to learn about their stories as well ).
Freelance tutoring with Runner J is progressing. The first look of Ch. 3 was completed; the next step would be for me to compare the notes I made with Runner J's updates. The questions I asked definitely help "jog" down ideas and review concepts ( not taken for granted by memory ). The bi-weekly Nite Run had been inconsistent lately because of the rain. I was about to run by myself, but Runner E showed up; he led the way, and we ran a 5K in 28 minutes. He told me about a run in SM Mall of Asia in the 3rd week of July ( the far location and registration fee are inhibiting my participation ).
ESL Practicum: facilitating a discussion take 2
Hi Readers,
Another caveat and cliche: "Be careful what you wish for." Director N couldn't make it on time for her 1:30 class ( same subject but different students ) so she called Secretary V to give me the "Go" sign to teach her 2nd class. "Definitely!" was my final answer. The 2nd class session didn't go as smoothly as the first. In the moment, it wasn't a pleasant experience; all I was thinking about was "keeping" it together and completing the mission. Now that I'm reflecting on it, the discomfort is a learning experience. ( surviving it, I can now laugh about it )
Some factors to consider. Unlike the 1st group, this was the first time I met the 2nd group. I've been with group 1 since the beginning of the semester, so there are some connection. Also according to Secretary V, I also had "proper" introduction to group 1 ( establishing an "authority" status in spite of my youthful look ). On the other hand, group 2 just had lunch ( jacked up on the sugary diet of typical college students ), and it was Friday afternoon. Why should they bother with an unfamiliar substitute teacher, who was getting in the way of their weekend?
In all honesty the discomfort wasn't caused by the majority of the class; it was because of the "student from hell" ( as termed by Palmer J. Parker ). This student "egged" on the class and the class further encouraged his actions through laughter. He answered all the recall questions I asked, and when I tried to get a discussion going the rest of the students didn't want to disagree with him. In a sense, they were resigned; they also didn't want to deal with his "hyper-ness" so they convened in their small group just to make it through class ( so future actions will involve small group works ).
I did think the situation got out of hand for a moment. He was running around, drawing on the board, napping on the ground, and trying to surprise me ( as if he was going to attack ... even if he was the same height as me, he was stockier ). My cousin said that he was KSP ( kulang sa pansin = looking for attention ). One of the reasons why he persisted in "surprising" me was because I reacted (flinched) the first time he did it. The other times he did it, I just stood there ( so if he did punch me, it'd probably hurt ).
In general, I was just surprised by his behavior because it went against my notion of typical college behaviors ( some may be immature, but they don't act as if they're still in kindergarten ... even my godchild who's just beginning 1st grade doesn't act like this ). This case is a first for me; other conflicts I had with disgruntled students dealt mostly with grades. I'm just glad that I had a nice delicious and heavy lunch before going to this class. Whereas group 1 lifted my spirits and energized me, group 2 ( mostly because of KSP ) drained me; afterwards, I was just glad to go straight to my cousin's house and enjoy the weekend.
Another caveat and cliche: "Be careful what you wish for." Director N couldn't make it on time for her 1:30 class ( same subject but different students ) so she called Secretary V to give me the "Go" sign to teach her 2nd class. "Definitely!" was my final answer. The 2nd class session didn't go as smoothly as the first. In the moment, it wasn't a pleasant experience; all I was thinking about was "keeping" it together and completing the mission. Now that I'm reflecting on it, the discomfort is a learning experience. ( surviving it, I can now laugh about it )
Some factors to consider. Unlike the 1st group, this was the first time I met the 2nd group. I've been with group 1 since the beginning of the semester, so there are some connection. Also according to Secretary V, I also had "proper" introduction to group 1 ( establishing an "authority" status in spite of my youthful look ). On the other hand, group 2 just had lunch ( jacked up on the sugary diet of typical college students ), and it was Friday afternoon. Why should they bother with an unfamiliar substitute teacher, who was getting in the way of their weekend?
In all honesty the discomfort wasn't caused by the majority of the class; it was because of the "student from hell" ( as termed by Palmer J. Parker ). This student "egged" on the class and the class further encouraged his actions through laughter. He answered all the recall questions I asked, and when I tried to get a discussion going the rest of the students didn't want to disagree with him. In a sense, they were resigned; they also didn't want to deal with his "hyper-ness" so they convened in their small group just to make it through class ( so future actions will involve small group works ).
I did think the situation got out of hand for a moment. He was running around, drawing on the board, napping on the ground, and trying to surprise me ( as if he was going to attack ... even if he was the same height as me, he was stockier ). My cousin said that he was KSP ( kulang sa pansin = looking for attention ). One of the reasons why he persisted in "surprising" me was because I reacted (flinched) the first time he did it. The other times he did it, I just stood there ( so if he did punch me, it'd probably hurt ).
In general, I was just surprised by his behavior because it went against my notion of typical college behaviors ( some may be immature, but they don't act as if they're still in kindergarten ... even my godchild who's just beginning 1st grade doesn't act like this ). This case is a first for me; other conflicts I had with disgruntled students dealt mostly with grades. I'm just glad that I had a nice delicious and heavy lunch before going to this class. Whereas group 1 lifted my spirits and energized me, group 2 ( mostly because of KSP ) drained me; afterwards, I was just glad to go straight to my cousin's house and enjoy the weekend.
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