THE UNSUNG HEROES (Poetry Planet International magazine 2nd issue)

P P

International Magazine

OETRY

Published Quarterly

May – August 2021

LANET

Builder of Dreams

ISSN: 2799-0540

FEATURED AUTHORS Angel Bryan Ocampo - Philippines Sudha Dixit - India Kolongs Victor - Nigeria Samuella Conteh - Sierra Leone Maria Dulce Leitao Reis - Portugal Daniel Miltz - USA Deluke Muwanigwa - Zimbabwe

SPECIAL STORY “Tribute to My Children’s Teacher-Jeanne de Guzman”

by Marites Ritumalta

FEATURED BOOKS Spotlight Words In Motion Dancing with Death Born To Dream

Testimonials Captured Moments Poetry and more….

The Administration Team

Table of Contents

Featured Artist---------------------------------3 -JENIFER C.MACADANGDANG Featured Stories--------------------------------5

Marites C. Ritumalta Chief Administrator Gigi Balita Tanushi Singh Antara Bose Vicki Hangren Hauler Moderators/Conductors Elmer Buduan Gamulo Odum Kingsford Maria Dulce Leitao Reis Marvin Omosemen Judges Marie Ezekiel Marizel Cabigting Editors

THE UNSUNG HEROES 2nd issue of Poetry Planet International magazine is dedicated to Educators who spent their whole lives molding the minds of the youths to be good citizens in the community...

Their commitments deserves appreciation. As we celebrate “WORLD TEACHERS DAY” in October.

Let’s read their untold stories, and the tributes scribbled for them by writers from different parts of the globe in the form of prose, poetry, and quotes…

THE FOUNDER Printed and Published by: Poetry Planet Book Publishing House Rosario Pozorrubio Pangasinan 2435 Email: maritesritumalta@gmail.com Contact number: 09554960044 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher/author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

THE UNSUNG HEROES Catheryn Estrella Reyes Selma Kopic Daisie P. Vergara Dexter Amoroso Ritu Kamra Kumar Amb Maid Corbic Shirlyn Valenzuela Dela Cruz Jenelyn Leyble Deluke Muwanigwa

Exclusive----------------------------------------17 -MR. LEO A. EDAÑO on Covid studies Prose to the Educators-------------------------24 Teresita Mariano Barrera Joan Santillan Amurao Faye Montezo Margaret Karim Madhuri Kulkarni Bernadith De la Cruz Šolkotović Snežana Sudha Dixit Nay Lorie Lolie Heidee Roi Poetry Corner----------------------------------20 Rhodora Garcia Medina, Ronel David Medy Villapando, Dolo Res Afrose Saad, Janet Rose Licudo Angel Ocampo, Jeffrey Cejero

Quotes------------------------------------------29 Crisoulo Bacud Tappa Christian Rizaldy Alvarez Andrea Li Jeffrey Cejero Teresita Mariano Barrera Vijuya Sarmah Myr Reyes E Tejada Jacqueline Torres Villoso Vento Angel Ocampo Sarita Khullar Nandita De Richa Anand

Vasudha Pansare Sindhu Amosh Mounsel Jora Lyn Fallera Vee Maistry Amrita Mallik Ency Bearis Kishor Kumar Mishra Wilfred Ntui Shikha Gupta Ellen Retoma Zenaida laragan taloza

Captured Moments----------------------------30 A Piece Of Memory by Marites Ritumalta ----------------------------------------(back cover)

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THE ENIGMATIC ME Jenifer Caracar-Macadangdang “My health might suffer and be in crisis but my ardent desire to continue transplanting education and learning will forever be rich” these are the words that I kept in my heart, as I recall how my strong feeling to pursue with my teaching profession helped me fight against Covid-19.

It was the 12th of July 2021 when I was decisively isolated. I had a very rough and dry cough, fever, and body pain which have been listed as signs and symptoms of Covid-19.

Who might have thought that it would happen? It was deteriorating, it broke my heart. It has brought a heavy toll on me as an educator and has been a challenge to fully fulfill my duty while battling a serious illness. I had a fear that I might suffer the worst due to possible complications. But I was confident that God would never let my purpose end too soon.

It was a hard time. I had to extend strenuous efforts to balance my life as a daughter, mother, wife, and educator. But, my love for education and my dedication as an educator invigorated my seemingly quenching strength and refocused me in order to aglow with the spirit

of selflessness for my students and a spirit of courage and dedication for my fellow educators.

During my 29-day isolation, I still managed to do my school reports, presented my school project proposal, accomplished my E-class record checking forms from Kindergarten to Grade 6, prepared the forms of the graduating pupils, prepare presentations for the Virtual Graduation, and submit the Learning Delivery Modality Portfolio. But if there are things that have become a source of my courage and strength-that would be my own survival story and my God as an author of it.

Every time I close my eyes for a quick meditation- a scene from my past has always reminded me of a lesson. Yes, my journey was never smooth and well-ordered. I have witnessed how my family struggled with financial and emotional exhaustion. But as a child with a big heart for learning and education, I kept my passion burning despite all the hardships that came along my way.

Poverty has not stumbled nor barred me to enroll and finish my primary education at Nagbacalan Elementary School in 1991 and my secondary education at Paoay Lake National High School in 1995.

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My mother Ofelia was my number one cheerleader. She worked hard and supported my education and passion. And her loom weaving has a big contribution not only to our living but most importantly to my education and success. By means of it, my mother was able to send me to one of the most prestigious school in the Philippinesthe Mariano Marcos State University – College of Education at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

And my attachment on education and inclination on teaching has inspired me to take up Bachelor in Elementary Education. I gratefully passed the licensure examination for teachers in October 29, 1999. But, my desire to acquire more education has become more persuasive.

My mother wholeheartedly supported me.

And also with my extended endeavors, I pursue my Master‟s Degree at Mariano Marcos State University Graduate School Laoag City, majoring in MAPEH and Guidance and Counseling as my cognate. I also took up Master of Arts in Education major in Administration and Supervision at St. Mary‟s Academy, Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur. Right after my graduation in 1999, I immediately applied and got hired as preschool teacher at Faith Preschool Incorporated now the Paoay faith Academy Inc. in 1999-2001. My successful journey as educator continued at Dingras Faith Academy Incorporated, Dingras, Ilocos Norte in 2001-2002 and as Teacher-In-Charge at Merry Mount Preparatory School of Quezon City in 2002-2004.

My firmness of purpose, enthusiasm for teaching and adherence to education led me to a greater heights and greener pastures. It was 27th of February 2004 when the portal to public service opened widely for me. I was appointed as Teacher I at Nagbacalan West Elementary School and as Teacher-In-Charge for six fruitful years.

Eventually I was promoted as Teacher II in 2006 and became an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Coordinator, a Guidance Coordinator, GAD Coordinator, and the School Focal Person, at Nagbacalan Elementary School from 2017 up to present.

Hence, months after the surge of the deadly virus I have decided to venture to be an author. And there is nothing more inspiring story to scribble than the rich culture and heritage of my beloved municipality, Paoay.

With my exemplary efforts, I ended up publishing my first book promoting the aweinspiring tourist spots of Paoay and the first ever book about fabric making or loom weaving. My book “PANGABLAN: THE LIVING TREASURE OF PAOAY” is a book with labor of love and a gift for the next generation to come.

I, Ms. Jenifer C. Macadangdang completely convinced that my own survival and success story and God as an author of it, had inspired me not to embrace defeat from my war against Covid-19. And with a hand in my heart, I oath, that in teaching and inspiring people I will never depart.

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FEATURED STORIES

THE UNSUNG HEROES The story behind dedication, bravery, and heroism

FAITH-HOPE-LOVE Catheryn Estrella Reyes

It has been a year since the surge of the deadly virus, which turned the world upside down. More than anything, it is saddening that schools were shut down because of the threat of the coronavirus.

As one of the public secondary teachers, our present situation is burdensome. Honestly, the current state of the education system is five times crucial, laborious, and challenging not just to educators like me but also to the learners and the parents. But despite everything, I made it a point that no matter what is happening, I will never stop, and I will never give up on helping my students.

When challenges and trials strike, we will never know who and when will it occur.

With the upsurge of the pandemic last year (2020), I faced one of the most painful events in my life. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Who would have thought it is happening? I could not even imagine that I have it. It is excruciating. Learning about it I must accept it. I need to fight it. I must fight for myself and my family - because I am a daughter, a sibling, a wife, a mother, and a teacher. I must not sulk and cry myself to death. I must live.

5

I had my medications - chemotherapies and radiation successful - all because of the grace of God. During my treatments, my school head, together with my colleagues made it so easy for me. They assisted and helped me all the way. It is a blessing in disguise that the pandemic made it possible for me to continue working without me filing for leave while I am on my treatments. July of 2021 ends my treatments, and I had my hair back too. I received a lot of love and prayers from my family, relatives, and colleagues. They supported me emotionally, financially, and spiritually. These made my battle against cancer a lot lighter.

I began to experience life through a different lens, I became more empathetic and more spiritually in tune. The support of my family, relatives, friends, and even strangers kept me going during this difficult time. With the encouragement of a friend, I was able to publish my first book entitled "ABCs of LIFE" last September 2020 through Poetry Planet. This book made me realize that my condition is not something to give up and lose hope for.

Instead, I was able to see enlightenment that: “Things happen for a reason, we may never understand why and how they exist, trust God and He will help you get through it.”

Just like what it says in Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. I believe that God had healed me already and that is what God has blessed me.

As a teacher, a daughter, a mother, a sibling, and even a stranger to others - I would like them to see how God can work miraculously. Life has so much to offer whatever it is that we are dealing with. I believe that God is up to something. He knows what we are going through. We must not let life's circumstances and challenges stop us from living the life God wants us to have – this is what I want my children and my students to learn from me besides the lessons I am teaching them in class. Looking forward to God's favorable and amazing blessing to my family and all those who have been there through my battle.

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I'M PROUD TO BE A TEACHER

By Selma Kopic

My

mother followed me watching from the balcony that December morning. When the bus passed the building, I waved my hand and she fell into a trance.

She considered it an injustice that another child was leaving her house, ''belly up for bread''. She swore to me on departure that I would not marry and stay, that at least I would return to her.

With that picture in mind, I traveled. It was a blizzard outside. I changed four buses to get to the school where I would start my working life. I remember landslides, canyons, curves, wildly swollen rivers somewhere deep, down, and steep cliffs, up. In the distance, groups of dots could be seen in some places. They were mountain villages.

That someone up there could live, for me, a city kid, was unthinkable. And somewhere near the top of the mountain, at the end of the world, a surprise, a shock.

Small square and around it: a restaurant with a waiter at the door with a red bow tie around his neck, a shop, a café "Carmen", a residential building and a large school.

First thoughts: - Have they ever heard of "Carmen", where he finds a bow tie and what it is used for, who could live in an apartment building in this desolation ...?

Snow to the knees. To the entrance a thin path through the snow. My coat is too thin, ladie's boots, makeup, hairstyle- superfluous. I deviate too much.

The team is unusual. Two groups, two worlds.

In one group are middle-aged married couples. Is it possible that there are so many married couples in one collective?

Unusually paired. They don't correspond to each other in physique, age, beauty or spirit. And living together, it seems harmonious. In some ancient times, before my birth and when the school was founded, they were gathered from all sides, from Slovenia to Macedonia. Up in the mountains, like on a desert island. And what to do, where to go, then to marriages. Some out of love, and some out of it, that they are not alone.

The second group consisted of young people.

Diplomas fresh, no work in the hometown - so they go on an adventure. As I. Tenants. Happy family. All in the same sauce. I didn't hold classes on the first day. Fortunately. I seemed to know nothing, not even my name.

The kids were wonderful. The looks are mute, curious. Sometimes an apple on the table. They thought that the sea is in Busovača, a small town located among the Bosnian mountains; sincerely believed that they would change their sex if they passed under the rainbow; that planes could collide on curves; they didn't know what the address was or what it was for. But no. They were not stupid. Far from it. Their world consisted of school in the morning, herds in the afternoon, going to town twice a year when they needed to buy school books and boots. The greatest pleasure - kebabs that will taste then.

Teachers in regional, combined classes are not separated from boots and white woolen socks throughout the school year. Eternal travelers.

Pedestrians. Heroes. I lived in the city. This meant daily travel on a rickety bus that travels only during shifts in the mine, frequent breakdowns on the vehicle or road, walking. The only travelers - miners and educators. The right combination.

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If you miss the bus, then you have to walk.

The wind blows, unbuttons my coat. There is no place for fashion here. I'm going down to town with a colleague.

From the circle of the mine he is greeted by a cleaner.

He finished primary school extraordinarily. But his salary is higher than the teacher's.

One car passes. Some young man whistles and punches, leaves us to walk.

- Former student - says a colleague with a sigh. - It wasn't like that before. In the past, they would carry you in their arms. Since the cleaner in the mine circle has a higher salary, and the students have a bigger pocket money than us, this is how it is.

Twenty years have passed since then. It was not the only village or the only period of exhausting hiking in my life.

At first, I thought I was a sufferer, an unfortunate, a convict serving an unjust sentence. I was a tenant who had no rent money; a pedestrian who has no shoes; a hitchhiker who, in order to avoid a night in the wilderness, takes risks and rides with strangers. I envied my friends for being wellgroomed and smelling nice, for not having dark circles under their eyes and not yawning from fatigue when we go out together once a month. I longed for my mother’s kitchen and water from the boiler in unlimited quantities. I know that there are thousands of people like me who worked under grenades for months during the war to get one sardine at the end of winter. And now I am a member of the army of those who struggle with credit cards, guarantors, debts. And I'm rich.

I got to know life in the countryside and learned that the peasants are not the ones who live there, but some others I would not talk about now. I learned to get along in an unknown area and with unknown people. I also learned how to be strong and get out of everything that happens to me what is good. I learned to sing when I was having a hard time, to joke at my own expense, to understand different habits, characters, customs. I made friends all over the country. I am full of interesting life stories that I will be able to entertain my grandchildren with. I know who is the one I need to take my hat off to, get up when he passes.

Today, what should be a short walk through the city, grows into a daily absence from home every day. In the butcher's shop, in the grocery store, on the market, in the cafe, the theater or at the concert ... they call, wave, greet, inquire about health, family, work. My students, their parents, former colleagues. Hundreds of them, generations: journalists, actors, engineers, taxi drivers, merchants, medics, economists, craftsmen... wherever I turn, there is someone of mine.

Now I study with joy, I exchange books with former students. I teach them, and they teach me. I would love to go to a disco with them if they invite me. It is true that my eyesight betrays me a little, and my legs betrayed me long time ago, that I'm no longer sad when I see gray hair ... These are, objectively, signs of aging. But loud laughter is often heard from my classroom, music is in my heart when some small hands run to hug me, I sulk briefly, when I shout "my mustache is laughing", when I'm serious my eyes are watery ...

We love each other, they and me. We are young together.

What I once considered a punishment, I now consider a gift from God. Then I am glad to be a drop in that waterfall.

-Bosnia And Herzegovina

8

The Promise

by Daisie P. Vergara

This story might not just about me, but for every teacher in the world who gave the word “teacher” a different meaning.

It was not my dream to become a teacher. I was a dreamer, and I was dreaming more than what a teacher can reach and hold. I was dreaming to be an engineer and was aiming to be an artist.

But poverty lead me to enter the world of the noblest professionals. And here I am, a teacher.

Before I become one of them, I admired most of my teachers from elementary and high school. Those are the years when my mind was creating stories found inside our home where my mother was my first teacher. But through exposure in the environment and the people outside the four walls of our house, I saw someone who creates many stories found in different places.

I accepted the fact that I am already a teacher when I got my ID. Yet there are many things that I want to do. The first two years was difficult to explain. It was a real struggle, but I enjoyed facing the challenges. Maybe because I was younger and stronger. Every challenge was taken as a part of competition.

And I really did my best to win. I passed all the trials of being a neophyte.

The following years were my productive years in the service. I became the coach in the yearly contest in Home Economics. I have reached different provinces and cities and talked to different people from different regions because of the subject I teach.

I was also motivated to join different competitions where I used my creativity. It was the time I realized how lucky I am being a teacher.

Do I have to think a million times why I became one? Do I deserve to stay in my room or get out and face the „other worlds‟ outside?

Looking at the old pictures with my students, I cannot contain to smile and think of where they are now in the world. Some of them are nurses, doctors, engineers, artists, and even teachers. Some have their own families and businesses. Some enjoy the simplicity of life. I am so proud of them!

Yet I am proud of myself, too! I am one of the people who made them into who they are today. And for that, I have this achievement that will go with me for life wherever I go.

Wherever my dream will lead me to. And I will never stop dreaming and creating more dreamers like me in this world. No matter what. Even this pandemic will not stop me and all the teachers to do our mission. That is a promise.

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A Teacher is like a Rainbow

By Ritu Kamra Kumar

A teacher is like a rainbow, all seven colors together physical, social, psychological,emotional,intellectual, vocational and spiritual. The tradition of holding our teachers in reverence is steeped in the culture of the east.

Learning isn’t something to be accumulated; it is to be passed on.

“Please read the text carefully, note down its nuances and analyze it. You are students of literature who are soon going to be graduate and post graduates.”

This is how my day starts. The thought that students are gradually loosing interest in reading the text occupies my mind and I make sure to have reading sessions of text to make them interested in reading and writing by telling them to write their story.

I have been a teacher for over three decades and nothing has changed for me.I always hum the lines of American poet Robert Frost,“I am not a teacher but an awakener " Looking back I feel past few years have been invigorating and insightful as I have evolved as a better learner and writer. I recall with nostalgia galore my journey from an reluctant student of literature to ardent lover of literary legends. The credit for this transformational journey goes to be my dedicated & diligent, good & gracious, prolific & prompt, erudite & energetic teacher who had fingers on the pulse of students and know the way to pupil’s hearth.

Rapt listeners we became as their teaching went beyond respective subjects and encompassed basic values of life. Those teachings left an indelible imprint on my mind and come to me with fragrance and felicity of bountiful breeze and fill me with a sense of gratitude. I believe where there is passion and positivity in the attitude of teachers towards learners, teachers are able to connect with students in a better way. Well, all teaching is conceptual, concrete and creative pursuit.

Nowadays we go to college and the college wears dreary and desolate look due to corona pandemic. I miss the constant chirping and chattering of my students, the life force of pulsating campus. I feel like the village school master of the poem, ‘Deserted Village’ penned by Oliver Goldsmith. The lush green lawn infused with whoops of joy by vibrant homogenous and heterogeneous group now lies forshaken. Online teaching is now on but the discussions with students from class-room to stairs and corridors, to staff-room are badly missed.

From Cinderalla to Mark Zukerberg, the transition has been swift. With digital values being redefined teachers and pupils both have to be updated and discerning. There is a need for dynamic and defined teacher-taught relationship.

When teaching and learning becomes a shared experience, it becomes a two way process. A teacher's profession should be by choice as it demands versatility to accomplish the objective of moulding a young into a responsible citizen.

As a teacher, I pray that in the world of plurality may my pupils celebrate their creativity and on the horizon of literary world shine their individuality.

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COUSIN BENNET TUTORED AN AETAGIRL By Dexter Amoroso See that hill and the Math? The girl lives near the foot of that hill in Zambales and Bennet was in Caloocan. The Math exercise, he let the aeta-girl solve. She is incoming Grade 11 already and she cannot solve it!

Because she is an Aeta? NO! Many students of her same age and grade level in Batangas also cannot solve it. B-A-T-A-N-G-A-S. (see, so the DepEd secretary is rejoicing for the triumph of Education in the Philippines? She must visit the schools incognito . . . to know the facts on the ground).

Well. So, cousin met the Aeta girl in ZOOM or GoogleClassroom? NO! He used the lo-tech Messenger to tutor her. She was using an old most basic standard cellphone. They tried it this AND THEY’ARE OK. No videos. No YouTube. No bells and whistles! He took pictures of his lessons and exercises, PMed them to her and he called or texted or messaged her on Messenger to tutor her.

SEE. IT CAN BE DONE and what is the secret?

The secret: Cousin lived in their area for around 6 months last year. In the Aeta Settlement, he ate what they ate, exchange jokes with them, bathed in the same river, walked where they walked . . . lived there.

So this educating and tutoring is just a continuation of this fruitful friendly relationship.

Be one with the hearts-and-minds first, and LEARNING AND EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE IN THIS COUNTRY. The oneness of hearts and minds first!

So even amidst the limitations of technologies . . .

MIRACLES OF LEARNING CAN HAPPEN. (Life Lesson: simplify complexities to cast out confusions, inspire hearts, lead-by-example, be whole, be one, integrate)

Bennet L. Amoroso tutors Aeta children online and onsite Math, Algebra, Calculus, Quantum Physics …then they will descend to us the lowlanders to tutor us Math, Algebra, Calculus, Quantum Physics in clearer and more enculturated terms.

Bennet took these pictures. That's Amboy, his buddy-Aeta in red. The other one, in blue, is an Aeta Hunter too. Amboy is teaching his fellow Aeta how to write, instinctively, spontaneously, INTUITIVELY! Natural and it’s natural fo them to teach, mentor and train each other. That's how they survive for thousands of years: THEY COACH, MENTOR, TUTOR EACH OTHER. They are natural trainers and tutors!

When the alphabets of life cover every little heart When no child is lost in a maze of numbers Learning will equate living And opportunity will grace every human being.

Copyright Nandita De

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By instinct, these Katutubos are INTUITIVE LEARNERS. They are Quick-Learners. They can sense patterns. And as the saying goes "they can even find black cats in the dark".

But you are wrong if you think that these innate abilities are only about where they live, about their natural environment, the outbacks, the uplands.

Bennet lived with them for almost six months in their Aeta Settlements, and as an Academic Tutor he tried tutoring them about academics.

Yes, academics as in what everyone in the urban areas study in so-called formal schools.

AND HE WAS SURPRISED. THEY ARE GOOD. WITH FOCUS. SUPER! AND FAST LEASRNER. From the Arts, Chess, Drawing, to Arithmetic and Algebra, etc. These are their strengths: 1. not easily distracted, with sharp focus 2. can sense patterns 3. can detect nuances in languages 4. integrative thinking 5. well coordinated body-mind-spirit in contrast with students in urban areas which have the following weaknesses: 1. cannot focus well, easily distracted 2. scatter-brain, so cannot sense patterns 3. desensitized, confused discernment 4. compartmentalized-overly specialized thinking 5. in self-contradiction (NOTE: These are general statements. There are exceptions)

He is also the proponent of Rapid KnowledgePower Multiplier (RKPM). What’s unique is that he is pushing, agitating everyone that whatever they know, they teach others too. And tell others to do the same.

How about the quality of teaching wat if they're not qualified to teach? This is not applicable as the one teaching is NOT CLAIMING TOPNOTCH EXPERTISE on anything.

It's just like this: "Mate, I don't know everything, and I'm not super good but I know something you might not know, this is it. It's up to you, mate, to complete or develop what I taught" The others, you need to always be an expert or certified to teach ... in order to teach, in RKPM it is not.

The perfection or development of knowledge is IN THE PROCESS OF SHARING ITSELF. Learning is so super fast ... so fast, like Collaborative Learning.

He is turning this educational-world upside down.

JOIN HIM IN HIS MISSION.

Education must not be bound, In abundance and scarcity it must abound. In freedom or bondage learning must live, for children should not wait!

Copyright Ellen Retoma

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THE HERO OF MY LIFE Amb Maid Corbic

For me, my math teacher has always been a hero in his eyes, because he always liked to say the most beautiful words about me, even in Indus, when in those some situations nothing was really necessary. She always saved me from all the troubles in life and she knew how to make me laugh when it was hardest. Somehow, when I look at now after ten years, there are always tears on my face because she is no longer alive. But I still remember like yesterday when I didn't know how to calculate two numbers as an equation, so she tells me, "Everything will be fine, just be calm and don't grieve over the result that wasn't achieved." Of course I had a hard time with it, but I had to be strong.

When I want to gather some things, I always look ahead and somehow I always feel sad in my eyes when I realize that my teacher is no longer there, that she always encourages me through life and looks forward to all the advice she gave with love. She often said that people are evil and that they are mathematically weird, but that I always follow my goal if I want to be a happy man. Today when I have almost everything but not that person ds support me from the most beautiful childhood, I remember that life is not so black because some things today when I look had to happen and are inevitable, and that is what definitely determines my future life that my teacher of my favorite subject, at first boring and stupid, be truly among the favorites.

I learned some things with life, and that is that destiny cannot be changed so easily and

that everything has its meaning and purpose in life, even someone's death. Certainly we are left with only deeds that are always appreciated, and my teacher who I loved was my hero from the story who often gave sweets to all of us and me for all the results and nurtured us as her children who were really kind but always and therefore, at the end of it all, I always passed her object with high fives, to build the biggest buildings in the world today and to always have a reason to teach other people that this subject is not so bad if you have love for someone and something that drives my destiny, and now other people want horses to learn science!

Wherever the tide of time takes you Remember, It's all because of what they teach you,..

That hand, is what makes you.. The person you're today..

You'll find that, someday.

-Ronel David

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TAO.....Teachers And Opinions Deluke Muwanigwa-Zimbawe My teacher's stood shoulder to shoulder with me in my quest for enlightenment. From primary school in the seventies during colonial days, when corporal punishment was a given, postindependence secondary education when we acquired rights to answer back to our teachers and assert our misguided rights driven by youthful exuberance and finally, I met teachers at tertiary institutions, some no older than me at that time. I met lots of teachers.

Teachers, teachers, teachers.

Short teachers, tall teachers, good and bad teachers. Fat teachers, thin teachers, pretty teachers, and ugly teachers. I met them all in my life. The teachers who left me with a permanent imprint on my subconscious were not my teachers in the formal sense of being teachers. They were not teachers responsible for my grades, but I walked away with far-reaching life experiences which shape the way I think in my life. These teachers were my last headmaster at my secondary school where I did my form six, which is the last stage before going to varsity.

I had a difference of opinion with my headmaster on whether a prefect should carry out a punishment ordered by a headmaster when the prefect knew the headmaster was being biased, unreasonable, and misinformed. For example, I gave a case in which pupils were collectively punished when a bus, over which they had no control, got them to school late. This incident happened in a bus I was in and I felt the punishment was unfair since we had no control over the driver of the bus.

The headmaster responded that it is true in leadership a leader may act unfair and irrational, but a perfect, who is an extension of the headmaster's authority must carry out the instruction of the headmaster so as not to sow discord, then, the prefect can quietly criticize the headmaster behind closed doors and if the headmaster is a good leader he should apologize and in future seek the opinion of the prefect before deciding on punishment.

What I found fascinating is that the issue we were discussing had come to pass. This discussion we were having was at a leadership camp where new prefects were undergoing training for possible appointments in the new year. I was criticizing the same headmaster who had the power to appoint me as a prefect and he did exactly that the next Monday we returned to school after the leadership camp. He called me to his office on Monday and told me he wanted to appoint me the head boy, not just a prefect, and gave me a list of possible prefects and asked if I had any problem working with any of them.

I did not. So my headmaster of 1986 taught me a great lesson, that a good leader does not shy away from criticism and will see a leader in another leader.

That lesson is emblazoned on my psyche for life. Rest in peace Alexander Dry!!

My second great teacher, besides my late father and Alexander Dry, is...wait for it...Bruce Lee. The legend taught me from the grave that there is nothing to try to do but to accept a situation and deal with it and this includes nonacceptance ( "There is nothing to try to do, for whatever comes up moment by moment is accepted, including nonacceptance"). That when you have studied your art to superior levels you must throw away all that you have learnt and start as if you are starting from scratch. It is then that you will exhibit greater flexibility and ability to do things not done before because you would have freed yourself of the straightjacket of conformity.

Even in this art of poetry which we so love, when we think we have mastered it that's the time to throw away all the rules, forms, and patterns and start writing poetry, for poetry is not the rules, forms, and a system, but a way for communicating images, feelings, metaphors, and innuendos. How you do it is the way without away. The TAO. Happy POETING fellow humans.

A teacher is the most noblest profession in life They mold child's growth and build their foundation to constitute better society and they create professions of all kinds..

-Zenaida Laragan Taloza

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UNTITLED TEACHER Shirlyn Valenzuela Dela Cruz

Teaching is a noble profession. You need to have much patience, courageous spirit and an understanding heart to be a good teacher. But not all teachers wear school uniform and receive salary and benefits.

Meet Nanay Conchita Maaño Valenzuela or Nanay Citang as we fondly call her. A mother of nine (9) children.

She untiringly works hard just to feed our hungry stomachs. She is selling fish early in the morning by roaming around in other Barangay and going back home with vegetables for sale on her basket.

She also accepts laundry, cooking and cleaning services. She even turns night into day just to make a living for our family. Despite of her busy schedule working in order to have something to put on the table, she still has time teaching the word of God to little children being a catechist. If someone dies she is on call to pray for the soul of the departed.

Aside from that, she still manages to accept those who need her healing hands. (by means of making “hilot, and doing “tawas”). She is doing all these things with a happy heart. You won‟t see her complain about living a difficult life.

She tries to rise courageously every time she falls through her faith in God. Even though she is also in need,

she has helping hands sharing what she has with others. Indeed a very generous person I know.

She may not be teaching grammar lessons nor mathematical equations but she taught me the most important lessons and that is to live and win in different battles of life. Not giving up in whatever obstacles hinder my way, learning to dance with the rain, having faith and living life to the fullest are what she imparted me unintentionally. By showing me these things as I grow, I learned by her example. This is the theory of learning that my mother imprints in me.(teaching by example). She may not be a degree holder in education but she is my first and best teacher, my mother!

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MAESTRO Jenelyn Leyble My writings are bland and my ink begun to fade.

He is the one who gives life to my melancholy hands.

Enlightened my wisdom and satisfy my thirsts as my imagination started to be dull and fade.

He shaped my talent and my world in writing began to light.

He inspired my world that full of doubt and lifeless.

Jesus Gallaza Española was born Believed in my talent and served as my guide. on December 19, 1962 in a Encourage me to ignite my pen and started to carve some words. barangay in the municipality of Dad "boboy" as we call him a second father its how we treated him. Tapaz, Capiz, Philippines. The We can openly tell him secrets and we always 7th in a family of 9 children, he cherished the moments began his education at a public Sometimes he allows me to substitute him in the class school and later transferred to I’ll teach my fellow students and the answer is in my hands private schools where he He believes in my capabilities and trust my determination finished his studies and He brought me into the world of writing and literature.

Graduated Bachelor of Arts Even though I didn't know much, I decided to start.

Major in English.

I started to scribble words and my pen started to dance When he started his teaching career he in an empty canvas. was immediately assigned to handle the From short stories, qoutes and phrases. campus publication as co-adviser and Gradually l learned to write poems and invaded literary field. after 3 years became its sole adviser.

Assigned to be editor -in -chief of our school publication Served as school paper adviser for 12 From there my knowledge in writing was further enriched. years and later became consultant to All the write ups will pass and edited by me pave the way for younger teachers to before it published. experience being a school paper adviser.

I always filled the the stage with my presence Sir Boboy (fondly called by his students) learned joining and competing various writing contest. to write at a very young age. In grade 3 he was a He is my coach my mentor and my confidant contributor to his school’s publication. In high He is my inspiration in writing wherever I am today. school, he compiled notebooks filled with poems He molds and motivates me to be but were all lost when their house burned. In the best version of my self college, he became editor-in-chief of the college Though sometimes I get tired and feels to give up paper, writing editorials and opinions. He always he always there to catch me up injects in us, his students, that we should not I owe him my knowledge forget to read always and write our ideas to he is my living hero my role model develop our critical mind. Amiable, friendly, All his guidance and imparted knowledge caring, helpful, though strict, sometimes, will kept in my chest treasure locked. students consider him not only as a good The ink of his pens teacher, but also a friend, brother, and a second is etched in my brains and longevity father. stamped forever.

At present, he still teaches, but plans on retiring Salute to you my MAESTRO. in the near future.

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EXCLUSIVE

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Health Care Delivery System to fight COVID-19 Epidemic: Experience in Philippines

By MR. LEO A. EDAÑO, RN, USRN, CNE, LPT, MASEd, DHum.

Amid the global pandemic of novel Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Philippines health care delivery system is being stretched. The pandemic of novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has posed a sever global crisis. The incidence is escalating, causing a large number of community transmission. As COVID-19 is listed to be a designated infectious disease in the Infectious Disease Control Law, the clients are rendered to the hospitalized care in the designated facility in general. On the other hand, the overwhelming healthcare seeking may lead to collapse of healthcare delivery system. In this matter, the basic policies for COVID-19 control emphasized the hospitalized care for the severe / critical case based on the previous experiences, and recommended people with mild flu-like symptoms to stay at home first and seek medical care after seeking health care assistance or a family doctor.

December 8, 2019, the Coronavirus is thought that the index case occurred at Wuhan, China. Since then, cases have been exported to other Chinese cities, as well as internationally, highlighting concern of a global outbreak. The Department of Health (DOH), conduct immediate investigation to the first suspected case in the Philippines on January 22, 2020, and 633 suspected cases have been reported as of March 1. Of them, 183 were in the National Capital Region of Manila, of whom many were admitted to San Lazaro Hospital (SLH) in Manila, the National Infectious Disease referral hospital. It is describing the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the first two confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, including the first death outside China. The capacity of healthcare delivery system is challenged by rapidly growing severe / critical cares. It became as a largely calling for wide negotiations and collaborations among the national and local government unit (LGU) and healthcare providers.

Since emerging and increasing numbers of Filipino’s client affected by the COVID-19, the Philippine Government has urged local authorities to prepares to prepare to secure hospitals beds, intensive care unit and medical equipment in hospitals, especially for those not originally designated and specialized for infectious diseases. Department of Health (DOH), provide health guidelines for infection control measures to inform the hospitals and health professionals, especially the citizens. The Philippine government with the help of local authorities seek external help.

On the hand, it is reported that difficulties nevertheless remain in local authorities to offer the number of beds equivalent to estimates of the expert panel assigned by the department of health during the period of epidemic.

Besides limited hospital beds and materials, a shortage of doctors, nurses, especially infectious disease specialists remain a huge concern. The limitation in the capacity of healthcare delivery system suggest an urgency to suppress the scale of epidemic. Department of Health (DOH) and local authorities mandate all citizens should follow the strict routine hygiene behaviors and health literacy of self-motivated and well-informed public compose the first line of defeating COVID-19.

Effective measures such as mask wearing, hand washing and health management are well penetrated in daily life.

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lockdown as the most radical measure of social distancing to suppress the spreading of the virus.

-Leo A. Edaño Since the outbreak, clusters and contact tracing intensified by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) with the objective to suppress and manage the emerging infectious diseases. Then a number of measures have been implemented with engagement of various stakeholders, including different governmental sectors, experts panels, local authorities, Department of Education (DepEd), Commission of Higher Education (CHED), expert panels, industries, and civil society, such as nationwide school closure, promotion of telecommunicating, staggered commuting and transportation and others establishment to remain close until their advice to operate. Knowledge on pathological, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics of the virus and disease and public health measures are constantly updated to the public. Social distancing is being reinforced. The Malacañang palace declared total lockdown to the areas where the cases are high.

On the other hand, a lockdown as the most radical measure of social distancing to suppress the spreading of the virus. Underpinning the promotion of these policies are public understanding and consolidated trusts. As public health measures are mandated and observed in the country, the Malacañang palace is striving to get consensus and to consolidate the trusts from relevant stakeholders including local authorities and the public by disseminating information that is accurate, prompt, and easy to understand and practice.

The current policies also emphasize a heartedly consideration of the growing concerns and fears in public. Especially at this moment when public fear and anxiety are spreading together with growing cases of infections, effective correlation to the general public are necessary in promoting public understanding and to promote calmness. Today, preventing the exhaustion of healthcare delivery system and softening spike of the epidemic are considered to be paramount importance. However, these policies have limitations in testing, resource mobilizing and social distancing. As of now the number of death cases since the emerging of COVID-19 suggests theses priority-based measures have partly contributed to deferring the occurrence of the spike, adapting healthcare delivery system, and saving lives. It should be recognized that, on the other hand, concerns remain in the capacity of healthcare delivery system if the epidemic continues to rapidly progress.

To this end, dealing with the crisis further requires an agile and coordinative leadership to consolidate consensus and trusts.

The experiences in Philippines to date indicates the importance of (1) preparing healthcare delivery system for the epidemic, (2) mobilizing all relevant stakeholders and social sectors by the consensus, and (3) guiding people with calm manner based on the best shared knowledge and evidence, and all that are attributable to contingency planning and preparedness at early stage.

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POETRY CORNER

Inspiration from the 2001 Movie “Mila” portrayed by Maricel Soriano, and the real story Anita Pamintuan who died in the street teaching out-of-school youths.

EULOGY, FOR AN ANGEL

MILA--- THE UNKNOWN

Ronel David-India

Afrose Saad-Bangladesh

I bow to thee, you amazing being Teaching all, how to read and sing You haven't thought about yourself All your life's troubles, you've kept them shelved

Nobody can deny the fact How can life move onward set The passion comes from deepest sight To step for shining stage of life

Although in time you had a good life Which turned bitter-sour, when being a beaten wife Saying your byes, left for your uncle's home Soon to fall in love with a druggie unknown How sad your life, had been upto The time you met your calling, when we met you With arms that opened, wide like wings Like an angel, whose destined to teach us beings You gave us harlots a meaning to live Apart from what we do, when ourselves we give To feed our kids and ourselves in shame All this while, with no respect for our names All this, as you left your past Your school, your family, your emotions you cast Aside, as they felt meaningless to you Homeless on the streets, you've been living as orphans do A thank you, is all that we can ever say Remembering you, every night and day Darkness to shun, bringing brightness in our lives Forever in our hearts, as the angel who showed us light.

Such a dedication can see the world As an example when Mila comes She tries her best at each step She is dedicated to shower wisdom rains

She never feels to go back She never breaks down emotionally She has all spiritual powers To fight back and showers lovely petals As a teacher---she feels so proud Tries to show the importance of learning in life For leading a lively life it's obvious She never segregates any particular plot

She faced so many hurdles Her jolly life seemed so painful Still she tried the best To beat all sets proudly as God's best creation She conquers the war When there are so many abandoned ones She chooses them heartfully She is pleased by spreading knowledge within all As a teacher she finally touches the core of heart She has achieved the eternal crown Everyone shows deepest gratitude to her soul She is the Idol--- for making an evergreen birth after all.

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THE SELFLESS FIRE

SACRIFICIAL OFFERING

Jeffrey Cejero

Dolo Res

Teachers are fire of the modern world.

They keep on shining for the learners to learn.

They brighten the potentials of these children And selflessly shining for everyone’s future.

From a thousand of Milas' I've met You are exceptional in grace Bearing the attributes of a woman that no one can deny Carrying the torch of virtue and knowledge.

You, yourself is the sacrificial offering for the sake of others Your role as a submissive wife is beyond the height of your love Your role as a teacher is beyond the deep of the sea The pain and heartache you bore was incomparable They misunderstood you and yet never understand.

Before sanity left your senses You paddle your boat across the river Finding new life but still, carrying the baggage of your life The burden is heavy and you never leave it when you left.

The street is your new dwelling, surrounded by ordinary people.

Your passion to teach never leave you even an inch Unknowingly, the desire of your heart continue to flow in your vein Finding your passion in the hands of street children and they will surely learn You are living in the world you have chosen But the shadow of your dreams still hunting you Now, in your battle, you have to fight on your own Alas, circumstances took your life away.

Good words and praises are now said in your grave.

But a question is ringing in my mind Who's to blame for your fate?

Is it the circumstances that brought you down?

Or because you become weak in the time of your greatest strength.

Teachers are fire, protecting their learners from coldness.

There are learners who are neglected and unloved.

Learners who are abandoned and orphaned, And who crave for warmth and compassion.

Teachers are fire, protecting their learners from darkness .

They can easily give the learning needs of these children.

But teachers act beyond their teaching roles They act as protectors of molested and abused angels.

Teachers are fire, selflessly shining in the dark Their fire courageously faces the challenges of the world.

Even against strong wind and rain, their fire is inextinguishable.

Their fire provides light in the darkest night.

Teachers are fire, shining and warming not only the children in the school But also to those people who haven’t set foot on this learning ground.

Children who are forced to work, old people who are struck by povertyThey are also learners who are dearly served by these teachers.

Teachers are fire, selflessly serving not only the school But the entire community where they belong.

Their fire is enough to affect a nation or the whole world Because their legacy is etched in everyone’s heart.

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IN MEMORY OF MILA AND ALL MY TEACHERS

MILA Rhodora Garcia-Medina

Medy Villapando

All through the years my heart was filled with longings To be with you once more listening avidly To your explanations and my heart without turmoil.

My mind only catching the knowledge, not going hay wire with other things.

Learning was beautiful and exciting For the world was young then and life was so simple...

But most of you are gone thanks it happened before covid.

In your memory, all the roses in this world Is not enough for all your sacrifices.

I still cherish the moments of our classroom togetherness Regretting now of picking up only what I love to learn..

And I lost my destiny not learning enough math.

Mila, I admire your courage, you have determination To find yourself and stay among the less fortunate You have come to change your life and help others after leaving your marriage.

You did not wallow in self-pity and continue With a noble purpose to remain a teacher without classroom.

Your noble heart embrace people from the netherworld And enlighten their minds, for a life Changing scenario for street people.

In your vision is a great purpose to better the lives Of others not fortunate enough to live normal lives.

You shared with them your precious moments In your own belief that you must share with them your life..

You didm"t die in vain and people have learned from you..

You can never be forgotten for in your heart there's a light And hope given to others in the hope Of bringinging out the best in them..

Deprived with love and affection Within the family and in profession Yet with sincere devotion You gave your best in serving your nation.

You fought for what seems right Your heart's cry was heard in the night Yet you kept on being the light In the darkest alley, you shone bright!

You went to places no one dared In the slums were no one cared To the sluts you generously shared What others will never have spared.

To teach with compassion This has been your mission Backed by that burning passion You unhesitantly worked though with blurry vision.

Even when the rotten system was drenching The flame of your torch was still scorching On fire and bewitching Rekindling and unquenching.

Your life have shown the way That to live beyond given leeway Is likened to a highway With a journey to a faraway.

You loved the best way you can Your life showed how it is to be human You lived life owing no one A blessing to those who have none.

As you have met our Maker Your memoir we will bear In mind and hearts we will remember How you lived a life like no other.

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MILA: Unheralded Star

By Angel Bryan Z. Ocampo (M - ultiple) roles she plays like a multi-faceted diamond teacher in the classroom, second parent to 40 & beyond, doctor to a sick child, counselor to a burden child, friend to crying student, a mother to her children, a wife to career husband, and a lover of learning.

Name it!

She does all these with love and excellence.

(I - ntelligences) are beyond her classroom. she thinks like Einstein. she cares like Mother Teresa.

IQ, EQ, SQ, AQ, FQ she has all these.

She adapts to any situations.

She adopts new practices and current trends.

She makes herself adept to be abreast of the times.

Hers is a gift of indomitable spirit.

(L - earning) for her knows no boundaries, no gender, no color of skin no age no background.

She accepts all.

Acknowledges all kinds of learners.

Recognizes their individualities, Celebrates Uniqueness and God-given skills.

Showcases her students talents -singing, dancing, painting, acting and even Discovers hidden one.

(A - pproach) is beyond books.

Her method is not technical.

Hers is from the heart.

To teach is to care To love and to nurture To nourish and To connect And build harmonious Relationship with learners who seek love in unloving ways.

To find and embrace And to give even her life to -The last, the lost and the least.

Above all these, she remains An unsung hero, An earth angel sent from above A star, an Unheralded Star.

Trivia: MILA maybe an acrostic word for Howard Gardner's M-ultiple I-ntelligences L-earning Approach

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PROSE TO EDUCATORS THE OASIS OF KNOWLEDGE Joan Santillan Amurao The more I think of education, the more I thank teachers and professors. True enough that there are certain things that we cannot learn from school or institution, but we are all taught in ascending process of acquiring knowledge. From primary to college and to doctoral. Teachers will always be the pillar of our fundamental structure as an individual. All professionals that we could ever think of were being taught by teachers, even the President was once been under the spell of a stick and blackboard with chalk. Whereas their chant goes in the wind that initially says, ”Get one and pass,” and the closing mantra was, “Okay class, finish or not finish, please pass your paper.” Their dedication to their student is highly commendable like eternal. Oh yes, some of my teachers create a great impact on who I am right now, The way I treated others right now in terms of learning techniques was from the sweet juice I drank from the goblet of love and understanding of my teachers. Who would have thought that my grade 5 teacher was also has been my father’s primary teacher as well? To whom I received extra devotion of progressive time while developing as a learner. Whom she had forgotten to settle and possess a family and have children of her own because pupils were her family, the school was her home and co-workers are her siblings. Her life was rotating in two poles, house and school only. Her sleepless nights were caused by the preparation of lesson plans, ensuring the aroma of nourishing and interactive learning be prepared for the next day of class.

I will always remember my Mathematics teacher in High School, She is a kindhearted but terror teacher. Terror in a sense where you have to be all ears and eyes to her when she is teaching numbers and operations, talking to your neighbor's seat is not allowed or else you will be surprised with the flying eraser landed on your face. I guess she has extra eyes and ears on her nape, she knows what was happening behind her in the class.

I am grateful to her and I learned a lot about focusing from her. Her massive strictures against learning disruptions became my key to be advance in numerical calculation.

Thank you to all Teachers in the world. My respect and salute to all of you. You are the oasis of knowledge, you are the core step in the staircase of success.

We owe a lot to you. God bless you, Ma'am and Sir!

MISS CLARKE Margaret Karim-India I have always preferred words to numbers.

Shutters close in my mind at the thought of mathematics. It has been this way since I can remember, except for my last year at primary school, when Miss Clarke became my Maths teacher. This was fifty years ago.

Miss Clarke was a no-nonsense disciplinarian, close to retirement age, for whom teaching was a vocation. We children were a little intimidated by her sergeant-major approach in the classroom. I was a quiet dutiful child, completed my tasks neatly, and on time. However, my lack of interest in the subject soon became apparent. Miss Clarke decided to view my stance as a challenge to her abilities. I became her pet project.

I discovered that beneath the serious, firm manner she was approachable, patient, and kind.

Over three terms she tirelessly explained concepts in words I could understand, stirred enthusiasm, encouraged my efforts, pushed me to the best of my ability. I achieved a 90 percent mark at the end-of-year examination, and cherish the memory of her proud smile, to this day.

Once at High School, removed from her inspiring presence, Maths swiftly lost its temporary appeal to my innate passion for English, History, Music, and Art. It did not matter. I knew and understood the basics, enough for future needs.

I had many teachers, before and after, Miss Clarke. She is the only one who remains vivid in my mind. Her tweed skirt suits, sorbet coloured twinsets, short fluffy white hair, and behind silver-rimmed glasses, unexpectedly beautiful, gentle blue eyes. Can still see her striding into the classroom in her flat lace-up shoes, hear her calm voice repeatedly explaining an exercise.

I have never forgotten Miss Clarke or her gift for teaching. It went beyond Maths. She taught me valuable lessons about diligence, perseverance, confidence, self-esteem. Above all, that a devoted teacher's worth is priceless.

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OUR TEACHER ( Before and during pandemic)

LUCENT LEGACY

Teresita Mariano Barrera

To my mentor and friend, SIR! You were my teacher who taught me to be dauntless amidst life's adversities. You are my teacher whose leadership keeps reminding me of the virtue of humility. In my heart, you will always be my teacher for the rest of my journey. Your teachings are the beacon when my path goes dim... a lucent legacy to those who walk behind me.

How could I forget when I was but a neophyte in a world full of naive dreams and wishful hopes? I had nothing to vouch for my name but my promise to learn. You took my word, you believed in my youthful innocence. I felt honored when I finally found someone who didn't doubt my words.

Winning was never my aim ever since, but to prove the worth of my existence. You selflessly hold my hand and gave me the chance to show the world I have talents and capabilities just like everyone else. I stumbled and I fell along the way. At times, I even brought you down with me. Yet you had risen, moved on, and never let go of me.

The day we had different views in front of an exit panel when our priorities in life had to take precedence, you encouraged me to engage in a healthy argument. I won, but deep inside I had a feeling you just let me be. I was so proud of myself to the point of bragging it out on you. You kept silent but your look spoke of volumes. It sliced through to my soul that I immediately reined in. That was my best lesson on the value of silence.

I may not be able to write all your teachings, but I know when the time calls for them, I will remember everything. I still stumble and fall now that our paths have diverged, and like you before, I rise... I stand tall!

He helped our child brought up the way he should be.

The other tasks we ought to do become his responsibility. Sometimes we tend to reprimand him because he seems not to be very good at our understanding. Often than not, we forget to thank him for all the good things he shared and all the efforts he has put into developing the character of your child, his child, and my very own.

He is always in a hurry before his class starts. He forgets to eat his meal or drink his cup of tea for a morning start-up. He wears very thick eyeglasses because of poor eyesight being worsened because of doing his everyday lessons plans. Inside his class, he is being met by children doing their tantrums. Running here and there, screaming for no reason, throwing objects sporadically like papers, chalks, erasers, etc.

Only quit when he yells at them should they stop.

At home, his head shakes knowing there's no more rice and everything to cook. For not being able to pay his electric bills he is just content in his dimly lighted place that makes it miserable for him to do his afterschool activities. This and that... are only some of the burdens of our teachers who are paid less for what they deserve.

NOTE: But today as pandemic days have their course, confining himself in a place for his ONLINE class is more complex than meeting eyes to eyes with his learners. It's a guessing game giving them their grades. Submitted learning modules answered by whom he can't enumerate. Nevertheless, still, he holds composure actual recitations from online though are quite funny and amazing. you can see children with thrilling answers and mimicking ways being backed behind by their guardian mentors.

Saying Thank You is not enough. But let me shout TEACHERS who have the biggest hearts to understand their students' faults and shortcomings, to love them in their most weary attitudes, and embrace them in every difficult situation they are in, you're the GREATEST TEACHERS of all times!

Thank you too to all those mentors, (non-academic) who continually give their service to mold every child's attitude and bring out the best in him to become a solid citizen.

Faye Montezo

[A salute to my former boss, Mr. Floredick Pajarillo]

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BEST TEACHER-EXPERIENCES

MY GURU DR. GURURAJ KARAJGI

Heidee Roiles

Madhuri Kulkarni-India

If footprints of history were stamped on pages of paper-means how far I have been detached from my thousand islands? What is our connection? Will you be walking with me carefree, on the colorful streets of Bhutan, or does it leads me back to where I belong? We are swimming in the same river that drowned us with enormous emotions and I felt the rain in my heart.

It has been said that Varanasi City has a perfume itself - a scented city, do we smell like lavender, ilang~ilang, or Sampaguita (jasmine)? I'm in love with the scent that filled within and the surrounding waters.

But this is our space, where you are now and where I am from morning until dusk. I am here, I am here, I am here... On this lonely graveyard full of drudgery yet a beautiful promising climax has awaited the most. I wanted to love my rocks fully and let them savor the very sensation of love elicits as waves splashing beyond borders and body. It did not deter me from detaching and coming back to this place where our story started.

We picked up the shattered pieces with our bare hands, ignoring the prickly feeling of pain to show the artworks, and penned them down in multitudes of prints.

Wishes and longing grew silent over the years of being farther away from the shores; Even if you pushes me away, it made me follow the trail of the river because there is something special between us.

As I wanted my roots to remain on the land, as far as I wanted my wings to explore beyond borders but I don't have any idea how roughly the current could be...

I don't feel like seeing the tangerine sunset because I am still hopeful to witness the crystal glitters of the waters within me whenever it was hit by the glowing sun raysMy voice was carried away by wind through technology though sometimes I choose what to tell you or not.

I can smile, but genuinely I don't know!

Moreover, I lost the gleam in my eyes it flashbacks the distorted canvass of our memories. This is not a love story just a passport from experiences.

Guru or teacher dispels darkness and brings understanding and light. The guru may be mother earth, parents, teachers or friends, and family.

The teacher plays an important role in the student's life. As I speak of my teachers...I wish to mention Dr. Gururaj Karajgi. He was my principal at college.

He is a motivational speaker, philosopher, wonderful orator, and academician. He is the chairman of the Academy of Creative Teaching. He has published a series of books entitled "Karunalu Baa Belake" most of which adorn my library.

I and Sir share a cordial relationship of more than 30 years. Though he taught Chemistry and me a Commerce student. I wish to share my experiences with this great personality. He started a bank at college wherein all students possessed their savings accounts. We were taught how to deposit and withdraw, our college fees were paid through the bank. He always said, "My students must be well versed in all aspects by the time they step out of college". All Commerce students were expected to work in this bank. It helped us to know about today's activities. We would start the bank an hour before college hours and in the evening would discuss the daily activities with Sir. After college, I was away from Bangalore for a few years. On returning I called him and introduced myself as his student giving my name.. he immediately recognized and answered ohh.

Madhuri Inamdar of 1989 batch. I was thrilled to hear these words as he still remembered me though he was principal for more than 28-29 years and numerous students passed out of college.

Thereafter there was no looking back. He has always advised me. When I was about to start my playschool for kids of auto-rickshaw drivers and housemaids. He told me..." First decide, once you make up your mind, you will not step back". His words ring in my ears... "Love your profession…you will love being yourself...if you don't love teaching…you can never be a good teacher" and " Always try to learn, before being an orator be a good listener". The softness and positivity in his voice make me respect him more and more. This is the tribute I wish to pay him for being my teacher/guru.

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THEY SHOWED THE WAY Sudha Dixit-India Oman’s king Qaboos was a student of India’s expresident Mr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. In 1996, Mr. Sharma (then president of India) visited Oman. King Qaboos, himself went to the airport to receive the president. He reached inside the plane and warmly greeted Mr. Sharma. Not only that, he, himself, drove the car for Mr. Sharma. The king never goes to receive any foreign dignitary. His astonished ministers asked him that why did he break the protocol. They wondered if the president of India was so important?

The king told them that he did not break any protocol as he went to receive not a president but his former teacher. Such is the respect and dignity a teacher holds. People become political bigwigs, scientists, or millionaire businessmen. That path of success is, often, paved for them by their teachers. Teacher means the guru, the person who guides. He is the one who enlightens.

A teacher is like a road that takes you to your destination but itself remains wherever it is. He/ she is a star that stays in the dark sky yet illuminates the path of those who walk towards their goals. My education took place at various places. Everywhere I found gracious teachers. Those were the days when teachers were morally obliged to impart knowledge. Educating young minds was their duty and mission of life. We could walk into the teacher’s house at any decent time and ask for all academic help. Students were not forced to take tuitions. Extra classes were free of cost. Schools and colleges were not money-making establishments.

They were instruments of enlightenment.

My high school teachers, Miss Iyyer, English language teacher Mrs. Sharma and others would, often, miss their lunch to solve our problems, especially, during an exam – times. When I was studying for my bachelor’s degree, my teacher Mrs, Varma, would sit in a library for hours and select useful books for me. During my post-graduation, our English Department had its own departmental library. It was very useful as it saved precious time by avoiding going to the main library. The problem was its timings.

Because of classes, we could not devote much time to the departmental library as it would close by the time, we finished our classes. I raised this problem in front of our class teacher. He asked if anyone of us was ready to be an honorary librarian. I said that I was ready.

Now, there was a question of trust. There was no accountability because after dusk there would not be anybody to take the keys from me,

A WOMAN FROM AN AETA TRIBE Bernadith De la Cruz Way back when I was six years old, I still remember my first known teacher "Ma'am Violita" who teaches Bible stories, under the old mango tree. My first adventure in going out alone to learn something new. No one in the family asked or forced me about it. It was my own willingness to join the class. I have to walk almost one kilometer away from home every weekend to attend the DVBS. From that day until now, I live with those teachings, with those beliefs that Ma'am Violita taught us. That true success in life is loving God and following God's teachings.

Ma'am Violita is a volunteer teacher and not a teacher by profession. And she is an "aeta", " ita", a native from a tribe of Aetas living in Brgy. Nagpana, a village found in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. I admired her dedication to instilling the word of God, to our little minds back then and her long patience for us. I remember how she understands and cared for us.

She doesn't have a lot of money, she doesn't even have nice clothes and shoes and she doesn't receive any salary in teaching a " Daily Vacation Bible School" class. No classroom, just under the shade of the old mango tree. I enjoyed every song she taught us every day, playing her guitar. She has a beautiful heart beyond compare. And every day that I'm with her, I started to dream to be like her. To sing, teach, to play guitar too, was a funny thought but I dared to follow. Her impact on me is so strong that to this day, I am living my life the way she taught me, to live a life according to God's will.

I missed her. Wherever she was, I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for how she changed my young mind, fed me positive thoughts, she molded me with God's love. I don't know of her whereabouts until now. I tried my best to locate and reach her but nobody knows. But I am proud to tell the whole world that a woman "Ma'am Violita" is one of that unsung heroes, never recognize in society but for sure, recognized by our Great and loving God from her kindness and genuine love.

I could take away any number of books with no question asked. My teacher showed his full faith in me and handed over the keys of that library to me.

Needless to say that I proved my integrity. Till today I salute my teacher for having faith in me and trusting me blindly.

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THE RIPPLES TEACHERS MAKE

A BIRTHDAY PRESENT

Nay Lorie Lolie

Šolkotović Snežana

I became a teacher because I admired my neighbors and teachers in the grades. A family with four teachers who were all my teachers.

They were epitomes of good manners, refinement and knowledgeability. They have a house full of well-arranged books and they loaned me what I liked or what they recommended. Each one showed that disciple can be imparted with kindness in subjects of salient importance.

Foremost, they taught me mindfulness specifically in speech, science and mathematics. I majored English and Mathematics because I so admired them.

My professors of various disciplines could not be outdone. They have been organization leaders in the school and the community. Their devotion and mine are closely alike. Together we produce more professionals who are productive in their chosen careers.

They are my respected and beloved friends. In their retirement, they still served the city as advisers. True pundits and leaders.

Good teachers are happy to have produced students attaining higher achievements than their own. I have many of them to whom I am overshadowed and that means a fine job has been done and passed on.

A ripple effect of a teacher's goodness created through the years is magnified in geometric or better yet exponential progression. This maybe is the hope we need in this pandemic time.

The retired teacher has been forgotten by everyone for years. She was humble and lived lonely with lots of memories... Sometimes she regretted the good old days. She had no relatives.

Her world was books where she could relive her thoughts, feelings and an old love. She enjoyed the birds chirping; the dawn of a new day. The sun was a faithful friend of hers as well as the moon when it observed her through the lace curtain.

Often, the wind would play with her gray hairs and the rain would wash her tears from her brown cheeks.

The quiet throbbing of the front door would interrupt her daydreaming. She found herself in wonder because no one has visited her for a long time now.

She barely got up and headed for the massive door.

As soon as she opened it, she saw the smiling faces of young people. At first she couldn't recognize them...

"Happy birthday to you, teacher...!!!" - they shouted cheerfully, giving her a large bouquet of beautiful roses.

"You might not remember us.", the young woman said softly...

"But I never forgot about you, the first letters, the numbers that you taught us..."

"Nor did we.", the others joined.

Her heart beat faster and her eyes filled with tears overwhelmed with happiness.

Their presence was her favorite birthday present.

She realized she wasn't putting an effort in vain all those years. The visit of these successful people was her greatest gift...

-Korbovo R SRBIJA

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QUOTES When you are thirsty for knowledge, you don't need a classroom. The world is the biggest classroom we can ever find.

Copyright Crisoulo Bacud Tappa Sow knowledge in every bare minds that it may grow fertile and bear fruit in abundance.

Copyright Andrea Li Teachers are the selfless modern heroes for dedicating their time in molding the learners and for being great agents in directing their future to the brightest path.

Copyright Jeffrey Cejero educate a child the way he should be groomed and not the way we want them to be Copyright Teresita Mariano Barrera Children are little buds Nourish them with the fountain of knowledge They will open into flowers Grow into trees Spread fragrance on the barren lands.

Copyright Vijuya Sarmah The lack of classrooms is not an excuse to hinder a dedicated teacher's enthusiasm to develop and touch the lives of the children, the future leaders of this world .

Copyright Myr Reyes E Tejada Compassion makes a teacher even in dire circumstances.

Perseverance, a learner.

Copyright Jacqueline Torres Villoso Vento Education knows no boundaries.

The world of learning takes place anywhere.

It only takes a passionate teacher to unlock it.

Copyright Angel Ocampo Education is liberation Copyright Shikha Gupta

Teaching and education, Require great passion, And they are the only way To develop any nation.

Copyright Vasudha Pansare A true teacher does not wait for strong walls or concrete roofs to impart knowledge. He is an architect of building brains nothing can bind him from doing his job.

Copyright Sindhu Amosh “Educating the young minds means educating the future and the nation, it should not be hindered regardless of the insufficiency or lackness of certain resources.”

Copyright Mounsel Jora Lyn Fallera A dedicated teacher, is the one that is encompassed with empathy and perseverance, irrelevant of circumstances Copyright Vee Maistry If teaching is your passion you can breathe life into any environment.

Copyright Amrita Mallik The method to understanding is continuous process and has no age limit upon one’s wit.

Copyright Ency Bearis The only wealth in this universe, the more you share, the more it will grow.

Copyright Kishor Kumar Mishra What you learned from Others can take you far In life if practically applied In all life endeavors.

Copyright Wilfred Ntui A teacher’s job is tough, He struggles to gg hi knowledge, Even when the conditions are rough.

Copyright Sarita Khullar 29

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A PIECE OF MEMORY Marites C. Ritumalta Some reminiscences echo like a whisper, taking you back to yesteryears, as clear as watching an old movie, only it is the movie of your life. I have vivid memories of my elementary life. Everything was simple then- no gadgets, no expensive toys, no fastfood chains, and no electricity. Our activities were Picture courtesy of Casanfernandoan Elem. School mostly jumping, running, climbing trees, picking wild Our music subject was always torture for me, fruits, and playing patintero or luksong lubid. For she would shout my name with emphasis if my voice many, it might seem boring, but back then, it wasn't couldn’t sing the proper melody. boring for the kids who enjoy playing under the sun.

No wonder, my husband told me never to sing, Reminiscing brought me memories of my because singing isn’t my thing! madam Vicky, no, she wasn’t my favorite teacher, Recess was always my favorite period in class, but she was all I could remember. Her warning gazes stealing some time to stroll at the back of our school were nightmares in my evenings. But please don’t with no houses back then but trees bearing fruits, misinterpret me, and continue to read my story until picking java plum(duhat), guyabanos, and guavas that the end. Occupying a piece of my memory, Madam often left stains on my uniform… Sometimes, when Vicky was not a lousy educator. cashew trees were abounding in yellow fruits, I sat Ms. Victoria Docusin was my sixth-grade class under its shade and create my own story while eating adviser. While lecturing us, we had to be quiet and my fill, 2 small twigs from a torn branch were my attentive, otherwise, she would beat us with her characters, I would wrap one twig with paper that wooden stick if we made mistakes, and her sharp serves as the lady’s dress, and another one without a glares were frightening warnings. Although her eyes dress as her man… I ran fast as I could when the bill weren’t big and she is quite beautiful with her small rang forgetting either my pencil or my slipper…Madam round face, she would turn into a wolf if we were Vicky’s attention seemed to be on me all the time. My stubborn. And who do you think gets all the Mom often asks what I do with my things, especially punishments? Me. my forgotten slippers after walking home barefoot (we During my elementary days, I didn't consider don’t use shoes back then).

Madam Vicky, the villain in my childhood myself normal; my mind tended to wander even whilst Ma’am Vicky was lecturing us. Locked in my escapades, served as my second mother that showed world of make-believe, creating stories in my love thru discipline. Lessons I carried in my course of imaginations (not to mention, I usually speak to life and the reason she wasn’t forgotten. Her myself when I am alone), I wouldn’t want to wake up frightening gazes were reminders to focus on our till my imaginary story ends. That would be when studies to achieve our dreams. Her wooden stick was Ma’am Vicky would enter the scene and hit at my her caring hand… whipping my feet when it was seat with a bang! My imaginary story is ruined. And covered with mud and my hands when it was dirty…

Civilization changed, and new regulations have really, that wasn’t the first time she wrecked my been amended, now teachers are not allowed to use imaginary world. wooden sticks at schools to punish children, nor are One day, I was digging for sand fleas behind they allowed to discipline their pupils… our classroom when she caught me, playing in my But for me, Ms. Docusin is the main character in filthy dress. Also, whenever the old mango tree near my childhood memories who taught me that, “The rod our school bore fruits, I would be the first one to of discipline helps you find the road to success”. climb and eat its sour yields with delight. But when the bell rings, I often forget my slippers and run inside her class barefooted. She would let me stand in a corner and beat my feet with her rod.