Topics

16

You Asked Me This Question / Language acquisition

« on: July 27, 2013, 09:05:47 PM »

Sir,
 The academic subjects of my friend's son include Filipino, English, and Mother Tongue and other subjects. She asked my comment about it when she saw my face in disbelief. I just told her that either the teacher must be finding it difficult to teach these subjects, or her son, including the rest of the pupils, must be intelligent.
Can you please give your own comment about this?

17

You Asked Me This Question / Creativity...

« on: June 09, 2013, 12:02:50 PM »

Sir,

Good day. How can we teach grammar creatively? Thank you.

18

Your Thoughts Exactly / Spectrum of Humanity

« on: March 25, 2013, 09:09:48 PM »

Spectrum of Humanity
By Vin09

After several decades of struggle, it is now recognized that diversity is not just a caprice of some optimists and realists. Perhaps it would take other millennia before everybody completely embraces the wonders behind our differences. Nevertheless, one thing will always remain certain: it is universally accepted fact that we all want to be included in the civilization of human race worthy of appreciation. To enumerate the entire spectrum of humanity is somehow impossible, yet it is my singular honor to include some of those whose ''wavelengths" are undeniably beaming.
   
Let us start from those merry hearts, devotee of aesthetic experiences, and the vanguards of the profound truth whom I believe are meant to live eternity. Poets for me are the sentient beings who possess exceptional proficiency in listening to every soul's music only meant to be understood and sung by the angels. The essayists should come in immediately because they are the propagator of grandeur enshrined in the deepness of our souls. The sonneteer can, on the other hand, simply metamorphose ink to a living blood. Next are the admirable painters who live to safeguard the exquisite and panoramic stillness of our environment which only the lovers of silence can capture. Let us not forget the singers whose power can elevate every spirit; their music is like resonating the captivating speeches of heavenly beings.
 
Let us give our heartwarming smile to our great fellows who let their lights radiate. Mindful of the reality that no one can move heaven and earth singlehandedly, they never fail to seek covenant with men and women who are willing to vouch that gregariousness and hospitality have not lost its magic even if values have started to change at the start of 21st century. With the help of another bunch of people of unique temperament and encyclopedic minds, they willingly serve to be the antidote to the perpetuators of ingrained bigotry and prejudice.

Blinded martyrs, they may be considered, but the choice for them is to be morally courageous. To be a lukewarm Christians is the ultimate poison they can't bear to drink. They are resolute enough not to wear the fashion of the time which can be antiquated so easily. They are attentive to saints' and angels' speeches for them to follow the steps of divinity. While here on earth, they use their intelligent faith to be sentinel of others to protect them from those whose intelligence is deadly and are not diffident to strike catastrophe and weave terror. These stressors celebrate the state of doom, and sadly their philosophy is to be living parasites. Luckily, awesome people don't forget to offer some gaiety to the weary spirits and reveal to them how adventurous it would be to have passion for happiness. Although these bloodsucking vermin, as they are sometimes described, must be forbidden to live eternity, yet the benevolence of few hearts that protect, these creatures are still given second chance to live. If others like to vex, some choose to bring joy,  few find pleasure in dehumanizing, while some opt to bless. Is not it envious that while we detest the beasts inside those unscrupulous people, yet surprisingly, few can still pray for those bitter souls? Some find consolation in the splendor of nature, others find happiness in the magnificence of arts, some live because of every fascinating melody they hear, while others fall in love and eventually married the quest that only language can offer. Still others are blessed with hearts that can imagine and enter the realms of unknown abodes even stranger to Greek gods and goddesses. They are, nonetheless, wary and are still mindful that the window of fantasy is not meant to overshadow the wide-opened door of reality. Through the use of their extraordinary gifts, these rarest breed of people can enlighten the benighted minds that diversity is meant to be celebrated.

Let us advance another step and give compliment to those who have the strength to take higher law in order. They are bold and daring to study the incomprehensible universe, so they are now the endangered species of our era; nonetheless, they still act selflessly to illuminate those who are blinded of their vanity. The Pulitzer and Nobel Prize awardees may agree with me that unequal wit is not a prerequisite if someone is willing to be of service to his/her fellows. However, if you do have some advance scientific power, use it and be an incisive analyzer of what is going on in our planet.

Another bunch of estimable people are the therapists of the broken souls who ensure to maintain every reservoir of trust, hope and love so that others will always find life a gift to behold and share. Despite the burgeoning of new inventions to quench the thirst of those who belong to generation y and z, these people are still aware and appreciative of human touch. Their finesse is to be passionate in guiding others to unlock the threshold of their minds to serve human race. Their benevolence allows them to handle the faith to those who lost their sense of directions and are experiencing emotional seesaw.
 
And of course the venerable people who take time to pray and live their faith.  Praying for them is like engaging themselves in the sacred covenant. They live because praying is the vitamins of their soul and a gift in behalf of humanity. They have the ability to heal those eyes glued on the mirage of genuine bliss but because of love, being the highest form of arts, can outweigh any incurable disease of present time. It is always the sacredness and deepness of heart that understands which the contemporary minds would always fail to fathom.

Let us add some more people in the lists. Honorable persons who still give importance to an old-fashioned gallantry, though it is now like a fossil. May we not forget to express our gratitude if we ever have the privilege to be given; their race might multiply by conveying our heartfelt acknowledgement of their selfless heroism. I used to detest everything about politics, but when I met very few leaders whose hallmark of their governance is transformational leadership, I have started to change my way of defining terms. After all, some of these leaders rose from the effigy of shame to the statue of bravery. Don't you like to talk to those who have the gift of adding intellectual flavor to make every conversation interesting? If you meet them, I am telling you it is just like witnessing a stellar performance. How about our modern Merlin and Morgan le Fay who can magnetize their audience with their magic? Now let us include those people who zestfully find joy in labor and do not agree in the conventional wisdom of the contemporary minds: instant gratificat Beside this kind of thinking will never keep up with time…some things are just intended to remain in vogue.  Have you ever met persons who are excited to listen in everyone's autobiography, with relentless fervor to seek mystery wherever they go, and much gusto in discovering thrill whenever they may be? Indeed, such Chaucerian traits are too uncommon among us. Only few have a stalwart common sense so let us celebrate if we have ever recognized them.

Diversity is a proof that life in this world is colorful. These differences create wonder, mysteries, excitement, and flavor so that we will always look forward to discover, learn, and dream for the betterment of everyone.

Let us just celebrate that the spectrum of humanity is still shining.

19

Your Thoughts Exactly / Eureka!

« on: December 21, 2012, 04:19:33 PM »

Eureka!

   As the new face of history is about to unfold, it is my honor to share some things I consider worthy of celebration. I am elated to synthesize and give life to some wisdom I thought would only be written in a piece of unspoken pages. After reading this essay, I hope you will also say what Archimedes exclaimed some two thousand years ago. Twenty-seven summers of discerning life's purpose may not be enough to rejoice, but what I discovered so far could serve as reasons to continue digging for more. And these are the following:

   To be born in the cradle of human civilization, as our history claims, is truly riveting yet not enough reason to be prideful. We must work to be in a birthplace of love because to be a part of it is not only humbling but worth celebrating as well. If this happens, then there is no need for us to be trapped in jumping into conclusion based solely on what we see. This sickening attitude is stealthily circulating in our bloodstream. Fortunately, it will gradually dawn on us that it is just a halo effect; nothing more and nothing less. If poets were the true legislators of the world, as Percy Bysshe Shelley considered them, then several laws to punish stereotypes would have been passed; many could have been imprisoned inside the suffocating prison cell.
 
   To meet people of rarity is truly heartwarming. They are like gemstones meant to be expensive.  Indeed, they are blessings that add color, verve, and excitement to a life thought to be too ordinary that the owner would like to believe it is a forgotten, unwrapped gift from above. The question is: who must be these people? They are those who share a touch of sacredness and gentleness to others. This role could be difficult yet rewarding for them because they know it paves way to better understanding of our humanness.  These exceptional people are those who plant the seeds of faith, hope and love to others. They may be very few who have the power to set others' souls on fire, but because of them several lost souls have now sources of inspiration to go on and continue living. These people have the peculiar gift to motivate others to rise from mediocrity, and thus let them lead and live extraordinarily. They are inspired to rekindle hope among those who are succumbed to the agonizing pain of darkness. These extraordinary people are those who have the strength to house others in the shelter of compassion so the lost souls will eventually call it their home.  Bilbo Baggins of The Hobbits taught us one lesson: we may have different unexpected journeys yet if we have something to call ours, we will have no choice but to yearn and be back to a place where we experienced our first love--home. Doubts will never cease befriending us as we wander and wonder, but if these hobbits were able to prove that "from the smallest beginnings come the greatest legend" how much more us? When we grapple because the twilight of uncertainties is more palpable, some remarkable people learn to fight and push us into a higher degree of hope; an obvious proof that there are still individuals who have passion for a meaningful life. For these amazing people, to thrive than merely survive is far more encouraging and rewarding than to compete with the rest of the world. To refute the hedonistic principle, some people reveal that there is happiness in sacrificing especially for the welfare of loved ones. After all, there is no joy if we can get things in a blink of an eye. We must learn how to face bitterness if we want to taste the real sweetness of life. Some incredible people can pacify even those who are raging with the fumes of sigh, anger, and bitterness.Indeed, to embroider our vision together can make one masterpiece--a spectrum of love. This can be more possible if we will all enjoy uttering the rainbow of prayer to feed our souls.

   To be a nonconformist is to discover the hidden wonder of prism of life. They defy laws without inflicting physical pain to others though the neurons of typical brains can obviously be shattered. To be like Jonathan Livingstone Seagull is never easy, yet determination will eventually tell us that "there is much more now to living". Perhaps it won't hurt us if we will immortalize Steve Jobs' words: "think different". I believe it is not the whooping success that these people want; it is the longing and the drive to contribute for the betterment of this world.These are examples of people who do not remain complacent not because they are the advocators of egoistic hedonism, but because they are completely aware that we are all designed to shine though we seek excellence in different ways.

   To ensure butterfly effect, we have to play our unique role in this theater of life. It may sound like a far-fetched idea, but if world wars have been planned carefully to the point of perfection, then why hesitate to be part of the solution to the most pressing problems that we all face?

         To wait for the end of the world like a blockbuster movie is pitiful. Just like any highest grossing films ever produced, however, the twists of events usually left us wordless but thankful. I am not very good in understanding the language of all the sciences, but if JohannesKepler were here he would lecture us, especially to those doomsday phobics and doomsayers alike, that the supposedly 2012 apocalypse is nothing but a hoax and a scum. The truth is if we fail to depict a canvas of life, then why there is a need to be so engrossed of painting the shadow of death? Ironically, majority of us treat it like a conundrum which not everybody wants to solve. This 2012 doomsday left me speechless because there were some who embraced the messiah complex.Nostradamus could only prophesy the end of the world. Wherever he is now, I guess his companions are laughing at him. May his soul rest in peace. Luckily we have our raison d'être that helps us look forward to enjoying, sharing, and living a life worth celebrating and can enlighten us that death is not our business to monopolize; the author of love has already written everything about it. Now every time the yuletide season heralds its coming , it will surely brings us more reason to believe that true love transcends death.

   To admit flaws is actually a sign of one's fortitude. It appears paradoxical on my part, but I just realize that even those meaningless, dull, shameful moments are full of wisdom, too. Nonetheless, this kind of life is not the career I wish to tread forever. Although I embrace some of life's absurdities and foolishness, I am still hesitant to enlist myself to those who are completely unaware that they have the emperor's new clothes syndrome in themselves. To feign affection is somewhat tempting, but for those who can't swallow such foolishness, they will always shout the truth just like what the child did.
 
        To be aware of oneself is like unlocking one's door of potential. It is never an easy venture; however, the process of self-discovery is a gift itself to someone who is persistent enough. I experienced frustration, shame, and difficulty in the process of giving voice to every ink that drops in my pen, but the insatiable appetite to transform and breathe life to every word inside my brain never fails to ignite me until one day I write what I can only call… my masterpiece!

   Yes, you too can exclaim: Eureka!
 
        Merry Christmas to all!

20

Your Thoughts Exactly / poems for my mentors

« on: December 01, 2012, 07:27:51 PM »

 Mentor
My soul embarked from the Pearl of the Orient Seas
and found myself at the temple at Delphi
Apollo startled me with his astonishing prophecy:
Your voyage can never be like Odyssey's
But the sacred charge of young souls shall fructify your mind
Thus the glorious days of Greece will be forgotten
And the Golden Age will run in your veins
Just thrive and you shall find!

Zephyr's breath never hesitated to envelope my wandering thought
The Olympians and Titans bewildered me of what they brought
A reflection of a woman with her book of wisdom
Teaching at her fabulous kingdom
She doesn't resemble like Pallas Athena
But her gentleness can pacify even furious gladiators at the arena
Psyche's unsurpassed beauty is but a product of inventive mind
While this woman's splendor is a precious gift from Divine

Alas the windows of my soul rejoiced when I saw your grace
You are the epitome of a woman who worth every ink that praise
The Renaissance of my journey has just begun
yet your name will be imprinted in my heart and it's fun
The paths of our journey may separate
 but everywhere I go your precious name will reverberate
My badge of honor shines because of you
My adviser, my mentor, Madam Rebecca Rosario!




 

CORAZON
Like a cascading waterfall that flows vigorously
your teaching is like a music that soothes our souls so peacefully
The magnificence of the blazing stars is incomparable to the splendor of your heart
Let the wings of your grandeur feel what you impart
The way you shower your pearl of wisdom
allows us to find our authentic freedom
Thus igniting our souls to weave a wonderful tapestry
Unquestionably, a spirit of real virtuoso is imprinted in the blueprint of your identity!
 
You share with us the recipes for inspiration
And reveal us on how to sow love for every civilization
You cultivate with us the secret ingredients in the garden of success
And water it with sublime praises
The fountains of hope you sprinkle and the spring of bliss you scatter
motivate us to excel
The vortex of ignorance is but a mirage because you are so blessed to dig deeper to find the truth hidden in every enigmatic verse
so we  may unveil every unfathomable secret of this universe
You inspire us to savor every truth that every educated person must bear
Alas! The web of mystery is but a puzzle to enjoy not a labyrinth to fear

Your footprints may leave these portals
but the pillars of your excellence is a living testimony:
 every part of your voyage remains a noble legacy
World may not elevate your precious name
 but the silhouette of your fabulous journey
will be immortalized as we thrive on our own odyssey
To you, our dearest Dr. Corazon M. Don, whose beauty remains astonishingly
May God's infinite love envelope your soul eternally!

21

Your Thoughts Exactly / Exemplary teachers

« on: November 28, 2012, 01:46:51 PM »

Wanted: Exemplary teachers….anyone?
 
   I do not wish to call myself noblest simply because I belong to a teaching profession. However, I admire those teachers who can proudly say that they can claim to be noblest on the bases of their exemplary traits. What exactly exemplify them to be above the others? I believe they must have the following characteristics:  
   Excellent teachers have a charm of personality that inspires students to fall in love--not with them--but in the subject despite of its difficulty. These 21st century learners are bombarded with the marvels of modern technologies that they would rather spend their times with them than listening to their teachers. Fortunately, magnetizing students' attention would not be a tremendous challenge for these teachers because they can tickle the imaginations and creativity of their learners. To connect and embrace with their students, they don't need an unsurpassed IQ or look like Hollywood stars, but the power of their presence can simply touch their students' lives in simplest ways. However, to set credibility in front of these diverse learners, these excellent teachers continuously cultivate their minds to awaken and ignite their students' critical thinking skills. After all, students search for those teachers who can remove their doubts and confusions especially when lessons become baffling and complex. Intelligence is important, but for the outstanding teachers especial gift of genuine sincerity and willingness to consider student's interest, aspirations in life, and personal experiences to gradually win every learner's heart is far more significant.  
   Great teachers use the power of word to be part of their students. Words are potent that ones they are carefully used, pushing students to go beyond their abilities is certainly possible. These superb teachers can use every motivating word that appeals pleasantly to their co-discovers' senses; hence, even slow learners could be surprising and become academically ready. Although sometimes they wish they had magic to transform every meeting with their students to be perfect and smooth, it is still undeniable that through the wonders of words they utter, learning process becomes exciting and fun. The truth is they possess a certain power to set the mood, spark enthusiasm, and fuel the drive of their students using every positive word.
   When a comforting and engaging climate pervades inside the classroom, learning becomes more personal and meaningful. To set this kind of environment, these incredible teachers share the gift of laughter to their beloved students. They are aware, however, that they don't need to be stand-up comedians to be humorous. To use any derogatory remarks to stir laughter among their learners is not a style of these wonderful teachers. Although to crack some jokes to lighten the gravity inside the classroom is a talent not everybody has, these amiable teachers use funny anecdotes and comical experiences to invite students to share their smiles, too. After all, despite the difficulty these teachers experience for the profession they chose to embrace, to laugh is still the best medicine. It sounds like a cliché, but happiness can never lose its aroma and flavor that lightens one's feeling.
    Exceptional teachers usually transform dull, boring times into memorable and extraordinary days. Teachers' ingenuity has to be tangible in all the phases of learning process. Using technology-based instruction can certainly make every difficult task manageable, but since majority of them are perhaps thirsty of this kind of delivery mode, they are inventive enough to reach their main goal in teaching: success and learning for their students. The resourcefulness and creativity that run in the DNA of these dedicated teachers could outweigh any modern facility in making their students realize that there is always a pleasure in learning, sharing, and discovering the mysteries of life.
   Noblest teachers are emotionally intelligent individuals. They just don't have to sympathize with their students; empathy is what they selflessly give. They cannot afford not to ignite the deepest emotions of their students because sometimes intelligence quotient is not the sole basis of success. Providing emotional intelligence-based activities will help learners to be fully human and not just future professionals. Modern era doesn't just need summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude graduates; the need of the time calls for those who can act like a real human who knows how to feel. Therefore, these rare breed of teachers don't just teach like robots do; they can transform lives.
   Above everything else, these remarkable teachers must live what they believe in God. They need not act like Pharisees and Sadducees to profess their faith in God though. They are completely aware that invoking God's enlightenment means a lot for them because He is the teacher of all the teachers.
   Can you be one of these exemplary teachers?
   

22

You Asked Me This Question / please enlighten..

« on: September 22, 2012, 06:36:22 PM »

Which is correct--age goes with wisdom or wisdom goes with age? Ty.

23

Your Thoughts Exactly / The Power Within

« on: June 16, 2012, 11:33:34 AM »

The Power Within

Effective words reverberate so much like booming thunder and forceful lightning that even those that have been completely forgotten shall be remembered. The power of words can even withstand the test of time. Decades turn into a century, and soon millennium enjoys its time, yet the efficacy of words shall never enter the black hole of nothingness. They may be considered dead, but their epitaphs shall linger on and history will still have her pages available. Just like a sincere prayer, a helpful word, though uttered with the faintest sound, has its own strength to elevate itself and can bombard the heavens with every language of appreciation, gratitude, and forgiveness that humanity has invented.

If words are properly conveyed, they can clothe even the deepest longings of human: warmth of true love, kiss of freedom, touch of genuine companionship, and breath of acceptance. The effectiveness of every word can fuel the creativity of those souls who used to be imprisoned inside the vortex of sheer ignorance and stifling mediocrity. A seemingly out-of-this-world canvas of art can be transformed and magnified into a masterpiece. Indeed, a work of a genius may look bizarre and senseless, yet the vitality of words could ennoble and awaken the spirit that knows nothing but to capture every spark of life there is in his or her surroundings.

What makes a word effectual? If it can fan the flame inside those hearts that cannot fight the irresistible divine calling, the receivers may be hesitant and confused, but the incessant caller has his enigmatic yet illuminating way to finally win those who are considered the chosen few. A single, efficient word can be a tool to infiltrate the impassable soul of inane lives, extremely foolish minds, and illogical ways of reasoning, and gradually transform them into useful, wise and reasonable ways of living. The vigor of this word might be the reason why even the dumbest and toughest human being sheds his or her precious tear. Without this powerful word, hundreds of sacred souls could have been entombed into the pit of oblivion. Every word, if it is used at its best, can serve as a saving grace of every human. Indeed, every choice of word is like an ingredient that spices up a dish to make it more mouth-watering and sumptuous. Words are bridges that connect the writer's soul to his or her readers' minds. For writers to connect to the blueprint of humanity, they need powerful and effective words to convey the deepest emotions that we all have. To choose effective words, we must treat them like a living, breathing, and talking human being.

Unfortunately, since an effective word can move heaven and earth, the human race can also create thousands of apocalypses that could wipe out and destroy the sanctity of every living gift that we enjoy using the same controlling word. Every spirit of nobility may be used against itself to shield the megalomaniacs, and thus giving them the absolute freedom to amass the wealth of this world. A certain evocative word can move a person to disregard what is essential and just focus on the fleeting, shallow standard that perpetuates itself in some corners of this sphere. As Antoine de Saint-Exupery had adroitly put it: "What is essential is invisible to the eyes". We might be oblivious, but some paths that connect every heart that understands, appreciates, and values can be darkened if a certain word is too persuasive to bedazzle a person who used to enjoy the feeling. No matter how much this generation devotes to every truth that empowers, if some influential, crooked minds use flowery words to give fragrance to stinking caprices, truth shall have its own natural death. Words are potent but toxic, too. How can a certain word be lethal? If it leads to total annihilation of innocent lives, and can demoralize every good that flows in their blood. Its wrath can be more devastating than the combined casualties of the bubonic plague, the holocaust, WWII, the 9/11 tragedy, and other gladiatorial combats of the human race.

I firmly believe that the splendor of words outweigh their "darkness." Words can stir the dull moments into a colorful, vibrant firework of contented, gleeful life. Through the use of inspiring words, the monumental and state-of-the-art marvels can serve as vehicles to tickle the imagination of the young, high-spirited minds. One just needs to use propelling words to unveil the hidden piece of mystery so that others will have the chance to think deeply and intelligently. A barren dessert of companionship can easily be transformed into an oasis of happiness if heartwarming words are chosen.

Words have the power within them to either build or destroy. Choose with discernment which power you want your words to wield.

(This is in response to Mr. Jose Carillo's essay, "Using synonyms to enliven prose," that was posted in this week's edition of the Forum.—melvinhate)

24

Your Thoughts Exactly / The Truth?

« on: April 15, 2012, 01:00:03 PM »

The Truth?
 
Have you ever wondered how humanity continues to evolve and live on despite various problems? How do we manage to thrive in, embrace every epoch of uncertainty, and move on despite some "apocalyptic threats"? Just like what Sir Isaac Newton's first thought when the legendary apple fell from the tree, the web of life that we enjoy must have reasons; there must be something imprinted in the blueprints of our being that fuels us to go on. I am just wondering: could it be something so extraordinary and miraculous that serves us our vehicle to find the truth within us? Or is it just something so common yet special but we oftentimes fail to appreciate because the windows of our souls are glued on something superficial? I am pretty sure that you, too, have felt, witnessed, touched, and savored these truths that I want to share.
 
The excruciating and paralyzing pains that continuously bombard us might be the reasons why somehow it is quite difficult for us to smile. If you turn the pages of our history, every age has its Armageddon; battlefields seem to have been fully booked and working 24/7. Thus, we ask: what sort of good news can make us paint a smile on our faces?  How about listening to the angelic laughter of babies? Every time I hear a baby's laughter, a feeling of serenity envelopes me. Watching children frolic in the rain transports me to my childhood years; a grin on my face never fails to remind me of one very valuable lesson: simple things, memories, and events can be fountains of inspiration to smile. I fervently hope that you have felt the same essence of joy, too. How about a smile from a total stranger? What feeling does it evoke in you? I guess you also consider it as a gesture of appreciation on something artistic--a beautiful smile can certainly create a meaningful day ahead.  I am definitely sure that fine weather can uplift our souls, can't it? Without any tinge of doubt, I am positive enough to say that there are indeed thousands of reasons for us to smile.  "Do not frown because you do not know who is falling in love with your smile". This adage is one of the truths that I am certain about.
 
It may be rare, but genuine friendship is truly among the few good reasons why we still feel awesome despite several mind-boggling news on television. Real friends simply gladden our souls and give us the courage to advance every step of our life towards something significant. Their presence fuels our drive to be more adventurous, and the interconnectedness that we feel with them really relieves us of the drudgery of life's confinement. Do your friends make you feel amazing? I will be delighted to receive a positive response. This is the other truth that I know: You are lucky if you have few but authentic friends.
 
Words are eternal. This simple truth enlightens us how powerful every word is, and hence it encourages us to be more humane. The word is so potent that its effect can be felt even if someone is nearing six feet below the ground. Touch your chest and remember those words that boost your confidence, stir your inner senses, fire your imagination, or--on the contrary--crush your spirit. Every word you remember somehow defines what and who you are now. I thought the unspoken word was better or sweeter until someone sincerely uttered splendid word of appreciation to me.
 
Share the gift of time, for finding quality bonding time nowadays is fast becoming a rarity. It may sound a cliché, but if time is gold, how come only few celebrate it? This is the truth that I guess everybody knows: time is like dessert--it feels great to savor with those who are near to your heart. 
   
If you like to be rejuvenated, then I suggest you commune with Mother Nature. If your mind is already a tabula rasa (blank sheet), I bet her calming breeze and soft whisper can stir your senses. If your mind fails to understand the x and y, your verb may not be able to find its subject, or you may  not be able to spell even a simple word correctly, but you feel you can comprehend the famous E=mc² of Albert Einstein, then waterfalls, rivers, or springs might just be good for you. Nature is our life. This is the naked truth that I know.
   
We may not be able to completely visualize God in our lives but I guess everybody wants Him especially in the last wisp of his or her breath. It simply means God completes our being. This is the ultimate truth that I know.   
   
Experts may completely decode the mysteries of Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, find the lost City of Atlantis, explain the mystery that the Bermuda Triangle keeps, inform every living person if life really exists outside our blue planet, put to life the spectacular history of the Titanic via creative re-enactment, and yet deep within me, I always know that there are some realities just waiting to be fully embraced: every person wants to wear the badge of happiness, have a tattoo of inner peace, be clothed with the silky thread of long-lasting contentment, wear the necklace of freedom, wander and wonder while reading, and, most of all, love and be loved despite every Achilles' heel that one  might have in life. These are the other truths that I know: music is therapeutic, tears are like precious jewelry, love is beyond words to fully explain, we feel blessed every time we pray, family is essential, time is an asset, faith is our oxygen, and God is the reason of our existence.

Would you be kind enough to share the other truths that you know could hearten us to continue living?

25

You Asked Me This Question / grammar conscious...?

« on: March 30, 2012, 07:48:05 PM »

Sir Joe,
Is it really true that we Filipinos are grammar conscious people?

26

You Asked Me This Question / published?

« on: January 16, 2012, 01:10:05 PM »

Sir Joe,
 Are electronic documents considered published? How about those articles posted under Saying Your Piece in your forum?
Thank you.

27

You Asked Me This Question / Which is correct?

« on: December 23, 2011, 01:46:27 PM »

"This study is humbly dedicated to those whose waterloo is English" or "This study is humbly dedicated to those whose English subject is their waterloo"? Thank you.

28

You Asked Me This Question / to give the credit to whom it is due.....

« on: August 02, 2011, 09:16:34 PM »

Sir,

Good day! I copied this reading selection in your website and you acknowledged also that it was not yours. Which website I should cite in  my bibliography?
The author of the best-selling The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown has now sold over 80 million copies of the book, making him one of the richest novelists of all time.  All four of his novels were on The New York Times bestseller list in the same week, and he made it to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people of the year 2005. His income from the sales of The Da Vinci Code alone was over $200 million. This latter figure makes his fortune next to that of Harry Potter series author J. K. Rowling, whose wealth from the sales of her novels is estimated at over $800 million.
   But Brown’s first three novels had little success, with fewer than 10,000 copies in each of their first printings. However, his fourth, The Da Vinci Code, became a runaway bestseller, going to the top of the New York Times best seller list during its very first week of release in 2003.
By how much does Dan Brown’s income from his books compare to that of J.    
     K. Rowling?
     a. one fourth.            c. one-third.
     b. one half.            d. two thirds.

 One magazine has declared Dan Brown as what? (I was advised by some of my panelists to rephrase this question)
     a. among the 100 wealthiest people.          
     b. among the 100 most influential people.  .
     c. more popular than J. K. Rowling.
     d. more prolific than J. K. Rowling
 How much is the estimated wealth of Dan Brown
     a. $10 million            c.$80million
     b. $200 million            d. $800 million

Am I going to use adapted or adopted to refer to the selection(s) I borrowed from other sources. I don't want to plagiarize so please help me.
Thank you very much. God bless.

29

Lounge / It's all because of a poem.....

« on: July 26, 2011, 10:47:48 PM »

When I told my students that our next writing activity was to write a free verse poem, almost all of them showed no enthusiasm. Some begged me to change it, and others persuaded me to have a game instead. I just allowed them to express their opinions and voices, and then motivated them that writing a poem is one of the most beautiful experiences they can have. After a couple of minutes of motivation, I knew my students were somehow convinced except my naughty and mischievous student. He told me he wouldn't write poem not because he didn't like to but because he couldn't. I told him that I am very eager to help, but actually I didn't know else what to do just to persuade him. After half an hour, he was smiling and told me he wanted to be the first one to read a poem in front of his classmates. Although it wasn't yet the time to share, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. His poem reads this way:
                                    If you saw a deer, you drink a beer
                                    If you eat right, you think bright.
Everybody burst into laughter. I was speechless. But that experience was one of the best memories I had. That poem changed my student that day.

30

Member Introductions / Gracias!

« on: July 26, 2011, 10:12:10 PM »

I am proud to be a new member of this forum. I'll invite my bro.
Sir Joe Carillo's English forum taught me one valuable lesson: doing one thing beyond your ability is something you can be truly proud of!
God bless us all.