It was my first day in school. I just signed up as an ESL teacher in an international school in Phnom Penh to augment my income in the university in Battambang where I've been teaching for three years now.
I was assigned to teach Level 10 ( Intermediate) class.
I asked one of the students for her opinion regarding the topic. She replied, "Can't speak English. Don't know English."
I encouraged her by saying with a smile, "Teacher Pablo believes in you. Don't worry. I will definitely understand you."
On my way home I can't help but compare my school with another school in Battambang. My school has a reputation for hiring only native speakers. In fact, I am the first Asian ESL teacher in that school.
In spite of that I've heard several students say that they can't speak English.
COERR Language Skills Center in Battambang only hires locals. They don't have any foreign teachers. They don't even have Filipino teachers.
The big difference is that I've met a lot of students at COERR who are in level 7 and they are really conversant in English.
This proves that the need to hire native teachers of English is a must is wrong.It is just a myth.
What schools need to do is to hire competent teachers.
Let's take the case of the Philippines for example. I never had native English teacher since the first time I entered school. I learned English in a public school and with Filipino teachers.
In fact, the Philippines never hired foreign teachers. The only time that the Philippines had American English teachers was in 1901 when the U.S. government sent 500 trained teachers to the Philippines. That's just it. After that we were practically on our own.
The differrence? The American English teachers who went to the Philippines in 1901 and the teachers at COERR know pedagogy. They were and are trained teachers.
While most of the native American teachers here plumbers, electricians, gardeners or waiters whom I guess are having difficulty finding jobs in the U.S. probably because of lack of qualifications.
Those who are really trained and qualified American English teachers would rather go to China, Japan or Korea where they can earn 3,000 to 4,000usd.
American ESL teachers here in Cambodia earn 800usd to 1200usd.
I am not giving up. This is the reason why I really enjoy my teaching job at UME (University of Management and Economics) in Battambang. I am sure that my students will sooner or later become school administrators. I hope that they will not look at the color of the skin when they hire ESL teachers. They can hire whites, blacks or Asians. It doesn't matter. What is important is that they should look at the qualifications. I am sure though that they will hire teachers based on competencies.
Showing posts with label Mga Karanasan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mga Karanasan. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Thursday, June 28, 2012
A Self-Confessed Jurassic
I don’t use mobile phones.
Not because I don’t have one. I have an obsolete unit. It is still functional though. I can still use it to call and send sms if I needed to. Though most of the time it is just lying somewhere in my topsy-turvy room. I seldom bring it with me.
I do have valid reasons why I always leave it at home. First, it really is very irritating when someone calls me when I am so busy or during my classes. I really am aghast when I am focused in doing something and suddenly my phone rings because of a not-so-very-important concern of a friend. I believe that if someone needs to tell me a very important message, he should come and see me. Second, nothing beats the face-to-face conversation. If I need to talk to someone, I prefer seeing him face-to-face to get what I want. I feel that conversation is really not clearer when it is done through the phone.
Mind you, I haven’t brought my cellphone with me for ages and I am happier now because I am not scared that I may l lose or misplace it. How much is a cellphone now? I witnessed how a number of my friends cry rivers because they lose their precious and treasured mobile phones. With my present state of financial difficulties I will definitely be in despair if I lose thousands of my hard earned money. Not to mention that I am a card-bearing cheapskate. Moreover, why should I buy an expensive and an up-to-date model of a mobile phone when I only need to call someone whom I cannot see probably because of geographical considerations? I can also call someone with a cheaper, second-hand mobile phone. Function is more important for me than aesthetics.
I also don’t give a damn importance to trimmings. If it can do what is supposed to do, then it is okay with me. Years ago, I had this Alcatel mobile phone which my friends call “safeguard” because of its shape. My friends always made fun of my cellphone whenever we were together. Once we were in McDonald’s and we left our table to go to the counter to order foods. We left our stuffs on the table thinking that it is safe inside McDonald’s. To our dismay, a hooligan probably passed by and got my friend’s Nokie 3310 (the latest craze at that time). To my delight and to my friends chagrin, the thug left my Alcatel. At that instance, my “safeguard” became an instant hit.
My friend learn his lesson and he learned it too late.
The next day when I saw him he was carrying an Alcatel.
Not because I don’t have one. I have an obsolete unit. It is still functional though. I can still use it to call and send sms if I needed to. Though most of the time it is just lying somewhere in my topsy-turvy room. I seldom bring it with me.
I do have valid reasons why I always leave it at home. First, it really is very irritating when someone calls me when I am so busy or during my classes. I really am aghast when I am focused in doing something and suddenly my phone rings because of a not-so-very-important concern of a friend. I believe that if someone needs to tell me a very important message, he should come and see me. Second, nothing beats the face-to-face conversation. If I need to talk to someone, I prefer seeing him face-to-face to get what I want. I feel that conversation is really not clearer when it is done through the phone.
Mind you, I haven’t brought my cellphone with me for ages and I am happier now because I am not scared that I may l lose or misplace it. How much is a cellphone now? I witnessed how a number of my friends cry rivers because they lose their precious and treasured mobile phones. With my present state of financial difficulties I will definitely be in despair if I lose thousands of my hard earned money. Not to mention that I am a card-bearing cheapskate. Moreover, why should I buy an expensive and an up-to-date model of a mobile phone when I only need to call someone whom I cannot see probably because of geographical considerations? I can also call someone with a cheaper, second-hand mobile phone. Function is more important for me than aesthetics.
I also don’t give a damn importance to trimmings. If it can do what is supposed to do, then it is okay with me. Years ago, I had this Alcatel mobile phone which my friends call “safeguard” because of its shape. My friends always made fun of my cellphone whenever we were together. Once we were in McDonald’s and we left our table to go to the counter to order foods. We left our stuffs on the table thinking that it is safe inside McDonald’s. To our dismay, a hooligan probably passed by and got my friend’s Nokie 3310 (the latest craze at that time). To my delight and to my friends chagrin, the thug left my Alcatel. At that instance, my “safeguard” became an instant hit.
My friend learn his lesson and he learned it too late.
The next day when I saw him he was carrying an Alcatel.
Monday, May 23, 2011
LMAO (Laughing My Ass Off)
Human relationships are very complicated. That is the very reason why psychology is not an exact science.
In my life I've been trying not to emotionally hurt others. However, I've unintentionally offended some recently. I apologized to them not because what I did was wrong. I've apologized to them because I've hurt their feelings.
I believe that all of us have to learn how to relate with others.
I am reminded of the lyrics of the song that says, "Baby... baby.. it's a wild world."
Yes, this is really a wild world.
Therefore, we also have to learn how to politely tell people to mind their "breaks". Sometimes it is needed to tell others to "stop".
I am reminded of the incident a month ago when I was told by a young lass to be careful of others. The young lass told me that I really should not easily trust people.
A person who I think is wiser reminded her that I am old enough to know what is right and what is wrong.
Part of my philosophy when it comes to relationship is that I should never, never tell others what to do unless they ask for my opinion. And even if they asked for my opinion I sometimes tell them that I can't decide for themselves. (My leaning is towards non-directive counseling.)
What I usually do is just to give others a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Basically, I just try to help them process their feelings.
But how about others who have the habit of telling you what to do?
Let me quote my previous blog:
"Another subtype of this first group is the "Smart Aleck". They will tell you what to do and they love to brag about their opinions. What the heck! Let them believe that they know everything. Let them be like clanging cymbals though I really can't relate with them. For I have learned that the only thing I know in this life is that I know nothing." (http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150174304179452)
So, you may think that you are wiser than me. That's okay. That is a valid feeling.
But do you think that it is wiser to give your pieces of advice only if you were asked?
Mmm...
Just wondering.
In my life I've been trying not to emotionally hurt others. However, I've unintentionally offended some recently. I apologized to them not because what I did was wrong. I've apologized to them because I've hurt their feelings.
I believe that all of us have to learn how to relate with others.
I am reminded of the lyrics of the song that says, "Baby... baby.. it's a wild world."
Yes, this is really a wild world.
Therefore, we also have to learn how to politely tell people to mind their "breaks". Sometimes it is needed to tell others to "stop".
I am reminded of the incident a month ago when I was told by a young lass to be careful of others. The young lass told me that I really should not easily trust people.
A person who I think is wiser reminded her that I am old enough to know what is right and what is wrong.
Part of my philosophy when it comes to relationship is that I should never, never tell others what to do unless they ask for my opinion. And even if they asked for my opinion I sometimes tell them that I can't decide for themselves. (My leaning is towards non-directive counseling.)
What I usually do is just to give others a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Basically, I just try to help them process their feelings.
But how about others who have the habit of telling you what to do?
Let me quote my previous blog:
"Another subtype of this first group is the "Smart Aleck". They will tell you what to do and they love to brag about their opinions. What the heck! Let them believe that they know everything. Let them be like clanging cymbals though I really can't relate with them. For I have learned that the only thing I know in this life is that I know nothing." (http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150174304179452)
So, you may think that you are wiser than me. That's okay. That is a valid feeling.
But do you think that it is wiser to give your pieces of advice only if you were asked?
Mmm...
Just wondering.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I was chatting with the "kasambahay" of my sister. Somehow, we talked about why I am so dirt poor. My sister commented that I am poor because I opted or I decided to be poor. I've decided to live in a third world underdeveloped country. She again said that she can help me stay in Singapore for three months. I guess she also wants to tell me that I can just find work in SIngapore. I replied that I am happy in Cambodia.
John Rawls, a political philosopher, once said that, "For there to have a social justice the greater blessing should be open to the least privilege member of the society."
That is the very reason why I am committed to working and living with the poor people.
I always bring clothes from my sister's abode everytime I come home (Cambodia) from SIngapore. The clothes that I brought home this week were all fairly new. Maybe just worn by my nephew once or twice. Those clothes are much better than those one can buy in Second Hand shops.
I gave some clothes to our school's cleaner/janitress. She was so happy with those clothes. I also gave clothes to two pastors who are serving God in spite of the fact that there is no money in the ministry. Those pastors are sharing God's word to the poorest of the poor in Cambodia.
Those things make me happy and I won't definitely experience the same in Singapore. :-)
John Rawls, a political philosopher, once said that, "For there to have a social justice the greater blessing should be open to the least privilege member of the society."
That is the very reason why I am committed to working and living with the poor people.
I always bring clothes from my sister's abode everytime I come home (Cambodia) from SIngapore. The clothes that I brought home this week were all fairly new. Maybe just worn by my nephew once or twice. Those clothes are much better than those one can buy in Second Hand shops.
I gave some clothes to our school's cleaner/janitress. She was so happy with those clothes. I also gave clothes to two pastors who are serving God in spite of the fact that there is no money in the ministry. Those pastors are sharing God's word to the poorest of the poor in Cambodia.
Those things make me happy and I won't definitely experience the same in Singapore. :-)
Back off!
Are you pissed off with me? It seems you are.
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me every time He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me every time He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
U.S.: International Police Dog?
Bret Stephens' article entitled "From WikiLeaks To The Killing Fields" that appeared in July 27,2010 issue of Wall Street Journal is full of errors. I nearly defecated on my pants upon reading his article.
What he is actually saying is that the American presence in South East Asia during the tumultuous years of the 70s is not only justified but it is warranted. He posited that the Khmer Rouge genocide wouldn't have happened if the Americans did not leave Cambodia.
This for me is an unacceptable rationale.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens that U.S. bombings that killed innocent civilians, the Agent Orange, and supporting a corrupt Lon Nol government actually helped the insurgents by cultivating discontents among ordinary Cambodians who may have stayed neutral if members of their families were not killed because of American aggression.
Moreover, he attributed "the killing of an estimated 165,000 South Vietnamese in so-called re-education camps; the mass exodus of one million boat people, a quarter of whom died at sea; the mass murder, estimated at 100,000, of Laos's Hmong people; and the killing of somewhere between one million and two million Cambodians" to the withdrawal of American troops. (Wall Street Journal, July 27, 2010)
I am wondering if Mr. Stephens is ignorant of the atrocities of the American troops that killed millions of civilians or he is just having a dementia.
Because of this, let me remind Mr. Stephens about the Agent Orange that still is creating havoc to some Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese until now.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens about the American bombings of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam that killed millions of civilians. Let me remind him too that so many of these bombs are still here in Cambodia and are killing innocent civilians up to now. These UXOs (Unexploded Ordnance) did not explode when American warplanes dropped and still poses a threat to unsuspecting victims.
The idea that Americans are needed in Afghanistan and Iraq makes me puke. The United States really has this messianic complex and they think that the world will be chaotic without them.
On the contrary, the world will be a better place without the American troops who are committing atrocious crimes in the Philippines, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Just two weeks ago I posted a news clip about the American troops who arrogantly disrespected our national anthem and the Philippine flag (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100719-282027/American-soldiers-disrespect-to-RP-flag-in-AFP-camp-probed). And just only a few days ago, American soldiers harassed a Filipina and shouted invectives to a Filipino military officer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100721-282380/5-US-soldiers-probed-for-rowdy-behavior-in-Zamboanga-concert).
I am wondering what is happening now in Iraq and Afghanistan were American troops are present. I am also wondering if Mr. Stephens is turning a blind eye on these.
Yes, the Khmer Rouge did an abominable act. But there is nothing that can justify the presence of American troops in sovereign and independent states.
I can only hope that the United States will back off from being a self-imposed international police dog.
What he is actually saying is that the American presence in South East Asia during the tumultuous years of the 70s is not only justified but it is warranted. He posited that the Khmer Rouge genocide wouldn't have happened if the Americans did not leave Cambodia.
This for me is an unacceptable rationale.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens that U.S. bombings that killed innocent civilians, the Agent Orange, and supporting a corrupt Lon Nol government actually helped the insurgents by cultivating discontents among ordinary Cambodians who may have stayed neutral if members of their families were not killed because of American aggression.
Moreover, he attributed "the killing of an estimated 165,000 South Vietnamese in so-called re-education camps; the mass exodus of one million boat people, a quarter of whom died at sea; the mass murder, estimated at 100,000, of Laos's Hmong people; and the killing of somewhere between one million and two million Cambodians" to the withdrawal of American troops. (Wall Street Journal, July 27, 2010)
I am wondering if Mr. Stephens is ignorant of the atrocities of the American troops that killed millions of civilians or he is just having a dementia.
Because of this, let me remind Mr. Stephens about the Agent Orange that still is creating havoc to some Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese until now.
Let me remind Mr. Stephens about the American bombings of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam that killed millions of civilians. Let me remind him too that so many of these bombs are still here in Cambodia and are killing innocent civilians up to now. These UXOs (Unexploded Ordnance) did not explode when American warplanes dropped and still poses a threat to unsuspecting victims.
The idea that Americans are needed in Afghanistan and Iraq makes me puke. The United States really has this messianic complex and they think that the world will be chaotic without them.
On the contrary, the world will be a better place without the American troops who are committing atrocious crimes in the Philippines, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Just two weeks ago I posted a news clip about the American troops who arrogantly disrespected our national anthem and the Philippine flag (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100719-282027/American-soldiers-disrespect-to-RP-flag-in-AFP-camp-probed). And just only a few days ago, American soldiers harassed a Filipina and shouted invectives to a Filipino military officer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100721-282380/5-US-soldiers-probed-for-rowdy-behavior-in-Zamboanga-concert).
I am wondering what is happening now in Iraq and Afghanistan were American troops are present. I am also wondering if Mr. Stephens is turning a blind eye on these.
Yes, the Khmer Rouge did an abominable act. But there is nothing that can justify the presence of American troops in sovereign and independent states.
I can only hope that the United States will back off from being a self-imposed international police dog.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Nompang Pate
One thing that I thank God for for bringing me here is that I can really enjoy cheap foods.
One of my favorites here in Cambodia is Nompang Pate. Nompang Pate is a baguette with strips of pate. The usual length of a baguetee here in Cambodia is about twelve inches. Pate is similar to luncheon meat. Home made liver spread is also applied on the baguette which is sliced into two. It is also eaten with fresh onion leaves and pickled cucumber.
And guess how much is the nompang pate? You can enjoy the goodness of nompang pate with 3,000riel (0.75USD).
Monday, April 12, 2010
Pissed off?
Are you pissed off with me? It seems you are.
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me everytime He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
I don't care.
You have the right be be pissed off. But don't impose on me your self-righteousnes.
Actually, I am also pissed off with your holier-than-thou attitude. You project that you know the Bible from the first letter to the last.
That I think is the very reason why you are aghast when I utter "out of this world ideas". But my ideas are mine and I don't care how people will react to it.
You know why so many people are against Christianity? One of the reasons probably is that there are Christians who are so righteous that they always see the wrongdoings of others. They will bombard others with their unsolicited pieces of advice. They will not run out of opinions. And they usually quote the Holy Scriptures.
I tell you, the world will be better without you.
You see God as vindictive and a God who loves punishing people?
I see God as a loving God who understands my shortcomings.
I see God as a God who looks at what Christ did on the cross for me everytime He notices that I am doing things that are unholy.
I see God as a forgiving and understanding God.
So, I really don't mind you. In fact, I think you are an unnecessary termite.
But please!
BACK OFF!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Betrayal
I hate betrayal!
Sad to say I was betrayed a lot of times. There are two types of people who are prone to betray people. First, those who are powerful. Those powers-that-be. Those who think that they don’t need ants or insects like me to live in this world. They are so proud of themselves. That’s why they look down on me condescendingly. Second, those who are also dirt poor like me who think that they are something when in fact they are nothing. They look down to us poor and simple people because they think that we, simple people, cannot contrbute something to them. They just ignore us because they think that we are just a waste of their time. Sadly, I met so many people who are in the second category.
But just okay. I will just treasure those who are real friends who accepted me not because they think that I can give them something. Those people whose friendships are an end-in-itself and not just a means-to-an-end!
Thus, I will just smile.
Maybe you are asking: Why "betrayal" as a title? Because I felt betrayed by people who are supposed to love me unconditionally but yet they are the one who look down at me.
Live and let live!
Sad to say I was betrayed a lot of times. There are two types of people who are prone to betray people. First, those who are powerful. Those powers-that-be. Those who think that they don’t need ants or insects like me to live in this world. They are so proud of themselves. That’s why they look down on me condescendingly. Second, those who are also dirt poor like me who think that they are something when in fact they are nothing. They look down to us poor and simple people because they think that we, simple people, cannot contrbute something to them. They just ignore us because they think that we are just a waste of their time. Sadly, I met so many people who are in the second category.
But just okay. I will just treasure those who are real friends who accepted me not because they think that I can give them something. Those people whose friendships are an end-in-itself and not just a means-to-an-end!
Thus, I will just smile.
Maybe you are asking: Why "betrayal" as a title? Because I felt betrayed by people who are supposed to love me unconditionally but yet they are the one who look down at me.
Live and let live!
Detalyadong Kuwento
( I am reposting here an entry from my old blog account. I wrote this on June 27, 2006.)
Eto, ang detalyadong kuwento. Siyanga pala, kailangan kong magkuwento sa tagalog dahil sa kapakanan ng mga kasama ko. alam niyo na. Dumating kami dito sa Laos ng Biyernes. Kasama ko si Sam, isang Canadian na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa Hongkong, si Jeff, isang amerikano na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa thailand dahil doon ang base ng kanyang trabaho at si Joshua na isang amerikano na nakabase sa vietnam. Naku! Unang beses kong nakakita ng pulang watawat na may panggapas at martilyo sa gitna. Andami dito. Lahat yata ng opisina ay meron dito. Masaya naman dito. Masarap ang pagkaing Laos. Napapangiti nga ako dahil mga eksperto sa pagkain at kape ang mga kasama ko. Kanina ba naman eh kumain kami ng noodles. Tapos, lahat sila ay nagkaisa na hindi masarap ang sabaw. Sabi nila ay malamang ay lalaki ang baka ng karneng inihalo sa noodles. At iyon daw ay hindi kinapon nang bata pa. Hindi sila nagbibiro nang sinabi nila ito. Kaya sigurado ako na totoo ang sinabi nila. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kailangan palang kapunin ang baka para maging masarap. Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay bumisita kami sa ilang mga lugar na balak pagtayuan ng plantasyon ng kape. Binisita rin namin ang ilang kilalang plantasyon ng kape dito. Pati na rin ang research center ng kape. Balak kasi nilang magtayo ng plantasyon ng kape dito para makapasok sa bansang ito ang aming "organisasyon". Binisita rin namin ang isang unibersidad (na napakaganda) at malamang ay magturo kami dito ni Vida doon ng libre. Paraan namin ito para makapasok rin ang aming "organisasyon". Kaya sana ay ipanalangin niyo ako. O sige. Bukas ay babalik na ako papuntang Cambodia. Sa muling pagsulat. Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos.
Eto, ang detalyadong kuwento. Siyanga pala, kailangan kong magkuwento sa tagalog dahil sa kapakanan ng mga kasama ko. alam niyo na. Dumating kami dito sa Laos ng Biyernes. Kasama ko si Sam, isang Canadian na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa Hongkong, si Jeff, isang amerikano na nanunuluyan na ngayon sa thailand dahil doon ang base ng kanyang trabaho at si Joshua na isang amerikano na nakabase sa vietnam. Naku! Unang beses kong nakakita ng pulang watawat na may panggapas at martilyo sa gitna. Andami dito. Lahat yata ng opisina ay meron dito. Masaya naman dito. Masarap ang pagkaing Laos. Napapangiti nga ako dahil mga eksperto sa pagkain at kape ang mga kasama ko. Kanina ba naman eh kumain kami ng noodles. Tapos, lahat sila ay nagkaisa na hindi masarap ang sabaw. Sabi nila ay malamang ay lalaki ang baka ng karneng inihalo sa noodles. At iyon daw ay hindi kinapon nang bata pa. Hindi sila nagbibiro nang sinabi nila ito. Kaya sigurado ako na totoo ang sinabi nila. Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kailangan palang kapunin ang baka para maging masarap. Nitong mga nakaraang araw ay bumisita kami sa ilang mga lugar na balak pagtayuan ng plantasyon ng kape. Binisita rin namin ang ilang kilalang plantasyon ng kape dito. Pati na rin ang research center ng kape. Balak kasi nilang magtayo ng plantasyon ng kape dito para makapasok sa bansang ito ang aming "organisasyon". Binisita rin namin ang isang unibersidad (na napakaganda) at malamang ay magturo kami dito ni Vida doon ng libre. Paraan namin ito para makapasok rin ang aming "organisasyon". Kaya sana ay ipanalangin niyo ako. O sige. Bukas ay babalik na ako papuntang Cambodia. Sa muling pagsulat. Pagpalain kayo ng Diyos.
A Wonderful Gift From God
(I am reposting here an entry in my old blog account which I wrote on December 19, 2005)
A Wonderful Gift From God
Monday, December 19th, 2005
I and Vids consider our experience in Iloilo a wonderful gift from God.
Aside from the fact that it is a blessing knowing brothers and sisters in the Lord in Iloilo whom we enjoyed spending time with we have learned and discovered a lot about ourselves.
We are thankful to God for giving us Pastor Boy, Tintin, Nang Crista, Nong Sonny, Ate Jo, Pastor Jon, Nong Mart, Nang Gilma, Sharmaine, and Doc Ruel and other Center of Grace family who really showed their love for us. To you guys, thank you very much for showing us what a true Christian love is. We will always keep you in our hearts.
But there are two persons who really made a niche in my heart. I felt that I can really relate with them well. They are Nang Nita and Nong Jun Sano.
Nang Nita lives in the street just 20 meters away from the church building. She sleeps on the pavement. She is about fifty to fifty five years old and she is "mentally impaired (to use politically correct terms). I and Nang Nita had a long chat last June and I really enjoyed talking to her (This was when she was in her right mind). From then on whenever I will pass by her I will take few minutes to chat with her. Sometimes, when I have money I will give her 25 pesos for her meal and if I don’t have money I will give her instant noodles. Since then I noticed that she always sweeps the front of the chapel. I told myself that maybe she is doing it as a sign of gratitude for what I am giving her. Or maybe because it is her way to show her love for us her friends. What God taught me about her is that if we will respect and love any individual, that person will learn to respect and love us in return.
Nong Jun is a pedicab driver who I always meet on the street. Once I passed by him while he was with his fellow pedicab driver and through them I learned that his wife was in the hospital. One night, while talking to him I’ve learned that his wife was to be discharged from the hospital. One problem though. He doesn’t have P1,000 for her hospital bill. That night, I and Vids only had P300 in our pocket and we decided to give him the P200 as a sign of our love for him trusting God that He will provide for all our needs because it was His willl for us to help Nong Jun. I also decided to approach Pastor Boy Narido and some church leaders and they decided to help Nong Jun. The next Sunday Nong Jun attended the worship service and he is consistent in attending all the services since then. What I learned from this experience is that showing love to another person is an effective way of sharing the Gospel. We should not be afraid of helping people (this is brought by the fear of producing "rice christians") because I can see that Nong Jun did not become a "rice christian" as a result of helping him In fact, he tried to return the good deeds by sewing the traveling bag that we used in going to Manila.
I am more convinced that I can really relate better with people who belong in the lowest economic strata of our society. Don’t get mer wrong here. :-) I enjoyed our time with others but there really is a special place in my heart with this kind of people. I don’t know why. And I don’t try to discover why. Maybe because I can really identify with them. Or maybe it is a result of my training in college (they say that most UPians are activists/communists). Or maybe…
I remember a story about Salot Sar (Pol Pot) of Khmer Rouge. Once he asked his comrade what is the best way for them to be loved by poor people in Cambodia. The conversation goes like this:
Salot Sar: How do you think will poor people love us?
Comrade: Fight for their right.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: Maybe help them materially.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: How?
Salot Sar: Live among them and leave like them. Eat what they eat. Identify as one with them. Then, they will learn to love you.
If we, Christians, will learn to idenrify with different people groups, then we can turn the whole upside down.
Another thing that I also learned in our stay in Iloilo is to hold on to my fundamental baptist belief. In Iloilo, I had the time to read not only books that support fundamentalism but also books that support neo-pentecostalism, third wave, etc. But as I read them, I become more convinced of my baptistic belief.
As you may know, I grew up with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and since CCC is an interdenominational organization it taught me how to respect other christian denominations. But as time goes by, I’ve seen the importance to hold on to what I believe is true and biblical.
To Pastor Boy and Tintin, thank you for everything. I will cherish our time together. To Ate Jo, thank you for your love and friendship. I’ve really seen Christ in you. To Pastor Jon Jainga, thank you for being a true friend and a true brother in Christ. To Pastor Mike, thank you for showing us that doctrinal differences is not a hindrance to our friendship and brotherly love. As you said, we will always remain friends no matter what. Thank you, thank you very much
A Wonderful Gift From God
Monday, December 19th, 2005
I and Vids consider our experience in Iloilo a wonderful gift from God.
Aside from the fact that it is a blessing knowing brothers and sisters in the Lord in Iloilo whom we enjoyed spending time with we have learned and discovered a lot about ourselves.
We are thankful to God for giving us Pastor Boy, Tintin, Nang Crista, Nong Sonny, Ate Jo, Pastor Jon, Nong Mart, Nang Gilma, Sharmaine, and Doc Ruel and other Center of Grace family who really showed their love for us. To you guys, thank you very much for showing us what a true Christian love is. We will always keep you in our hearts.
But there are two persons who really made a niche in my heart. I felt that I can really relate with them well. They are Nang Nita and Nong Jun Sano.
Nang Nita lives in the street just 20 meters away from the church building. She sleeps on the pavement. She is about fifty to fifty five years old and she is "mentally impaired (to use politically correct terms). I and Nang Nita had a long chat last June and I really enjoyed talking to her (This was when she was in her right mind). From then on whenever I will pass by her I will take few minutes to chat with her. Sometimes, when I have money I will give her 25 pesos for her meal and if I don’t have money I will give her instant noodles. Since then I noticed that she always sweeps the front of the chapel. I told myself that maybe she is doing it as a sign of gratitude for what I am giving her. Or maybe because it is her way to show her love for us her friends. What God taught me about her is that if we will respect and love any individual, that person will learn to respect and love us in return.
Nong Jun is a pedicab driver who I always meet on the street. Once I passed by him while he was with his fellow pedicab driver and through them I learned that his wife was in the hospital. One night, while talking to him I’ve learned that his wife was to be discharged from the hospital. One problem though. He doesn’t have P1,000 for her hospital bill. That night, I and Vids only had P300 in our pocket and we decided to give him the P200 as a sign of our love for him trusting God that He will provide for all our needs because it was His willl for us to help Nong Jun. I also decided to approach Pastor Boy Narido and some church leaders and they decided to help Nong Jun. The next Sunday Nong Jun attended the worship service and he is consistent in attending all the services since then. What I learned from this experience is that showing love to another person is an effective way of sharing the Gospel. We should not be afraid of helping people (this is brought by the fear of producing "rice christians") because I can see that Nong Jun did not become a "rice christian" as a result of helping him In fact, he tried to return the good deeds by sewing the traveling bag that we used in going to Manila.
I am more convinced that I can really relate better with people who belong in the lowest economic strata of our society. Don’t get mer wrong here. :-) I enjoyed our time with others but there really is a special place in my heart with this kind of people. I don’t know why. And I don’t try to discover why. Maybe because I can really identify with them. Or maybe it is a result of my training in college (they say that most UPians are activists/communists). Or maybe…
I remember a story about Salot Sar (Pol Pot) of Khmer Rouge. Once he asked his comrade what is the best way for them to be loved by poor people in Cambodia. The conversation goes like this:
Salot Sar: How do you think will poor people love us?
Comrade: Fight for their right.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: Maybe help them materially.
Salot Sar: No.
Comrade: How?
Salot Sar: Live among them and leave like them. Eat what they eat. Identify as one with them. Then, they will learn to love you.
If we, Christians, will learn to idenrify with different people groups, then we can turn the whole upside down.
Another thing that I also learned in our stay in Iloilo is to hold on to my fundamental baptist belief. In Iloilo, I had the time to read not only books that support fundamentalism but also books that support neo-pentecostalism, third wave, etc. But as I read them, I become more convinced of my baptistic belief.
As you may know, I grew up with Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) and since CCC is an interdenominational organization it taught me how to respect other christian denominations. But as time goes by, I’ve seen the importance to hold on to what I believe is true and biblical.
To Pastor Boy and Tintin, thank you for everything. I will cherish our time together. To Ate Jo, thank you for your love and friendship. I’ve really seen Christ in you. To Pastor Jon Jainga, thank you for being a true friend and a true brother in Christ. To Pastor Mike, thank you for showing us that doctrinal differences is not a hindrance to our friendship and brotherly love. As you said, we will always remain friends no matter what. Thank you, thank you very much
My First Cambodia Experience
(I am reposting here a blog entry from my old blog account which I wrote on July 23, 2005 about my experience when I first came here in Cambodia.)
We left Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 12, 2005 at 11PM via Kuwait Airways. We landed at Bangkok International Airport at around 1AM the next day. Going to Bangkok from Manila takes about three hours of flight but Manila time is ahead of Bangkok time for about an hour.
We were fetched by a pastor and members of a southern baptist church in Nonthaburi. We proceeded to their chapel. A short briefing was given by Ms. Geri Abordo with regards to our stay in the chapel. I had a wonderful sleep that morning because I was very tired.
We had a Language Acquisition Training from March 13-19. Our lecturer is Dr. Betty Sue Brewster. She taught us a lot of things not only about Language Acquisition but also about being a missionary. She taught us about culture shock, respecting one’s culture, etc.
I and two of my teammates left Nonthaburi for Cambodia at 5AM on March 19. I was with Fhey Kindipan and Rhona Ricera. We Took the bus from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Aranyaprathet is in the border of Thailand and Cambodia. We were able to cross the border easily. We were fetched at the border by two officers of Light and Salt university. Going to Light and Salt from the border takes about two hours by car. The road was bumpy and dusty. We arrived in Light and Salt University safely.
Light and Salt University is an institution which trains future Cambodians for pastoring, for missions, and for church works. I stayed there for two months and immersed myself in Cambodian culture.
Ministering in Cambodia was a blessing for me. I’ve learned a lot about God. I’ve seen that God really works in mysterious ways. We can really trust God in every detail of our ministry. I have learned to be thankful of whatever God gave me especially when I see Cambodians literally live a Spartan life. They are thankful for the food which we can’t eat in the Philippines. Imagine yourself having fish gills and rice for meals. (You read it right: FISH GILLS). But thanks be to God because I’ve learned to love Khmer food. And their way of life too!
It was my first time to take a bath outside in full view of other people! In my stay there, I always visit the family of the students if such opportunity arises. Once I went to one of my students’ house and stayed there for a night. It was a traditional Cambodian house. When it was time for me to take a bath, my student told me that they don’t have bathroom. He pointed to me the area where they take a bath. I told him that it is okay. I did what Cambodians do with a smile! I took a bath outside!
When the same student brought me to the highway for it was now the time for me to go back to the school, he was shocked when I told him that I will take the cheapest form of transportation! Riding at the back of a pick-up truck! I explained to him that as missionary I have to do what the locals do. I prayed to God that this will encourage him in his spiritual life.
A lot of times, I had eaten food handled in an unsanitary way. I’ve seen swarms of flies on top of the food which we were about to eat. And it really amazes me because I haven’t had diarrhea during my stay there. God really works in mysterious ways.
My experiences with the Khmer are really unforgettable. I really enjoyed being with them. To tell you more about it, let me share to you their letters to me. On my last night in Light and Salt, my students surprised me. We were supposed to have our last class and I really prepared for it. But before the class begins, Nhin Samnang, one of my students, stood up. He leads his classmates in singing some songs. And he started reading his letter to me. In total, I received thirteen letters from my students that night. May I share to you some of them. I will quote their letters here as is. No corrections. No editing. J
Nhin Samnang wrote:
“Thank you for your teaching, letting me to be your translator, many things which you have given to me and my friends. I really enjoy studying English with you. I want to learn with you and want to get experience from you more. Teacher, I remember all thing which we have got, such as we go to Srey Sophon Market, go to Phnom Bak Mountain, we play games, and many things. Teacher, really I cannot forget your good and all thing which we have done. You are my best teacher, I love you, I don’t want you go away from me. I hope God will let you comeback my school again. Please pray to God for me, that God will bless me go to study in your country. God bless you to be successful in your life!”
Chann Samnang wrote:
“Hello my best teacher, how are you my best teacher? I hope that you keeping well, I thank you so much, for you come here in my school and teach me and all the student. And I thank you for you teach me about English grammar. Because before I can’t understand about English grammar but now when you teach me I can know a little. I and all the student, like Pastor Jun so much, and love you also because you is very good teacher, in English now I can speak English a little but before I don’t know in English. But now you leave from me I am very sad I can’t meet you, I can’t see you when you go away from me I miss you so much, but I will pray to God for you come back in my school again, and all the students too. You don’t forget me and all the students because we are all miss you and love you so much. I remember every night I always talk with you and joke with you about enemy and you scare enemies also. You don’t forget pray for my wisdom because I study not clever. I will pray for you too.”
Siem Vichet wrote:
“Hello teacher. I thank you for you teaching me about English language. Because before I don’t know it. But when you come here, you teaching me and spoke with me. So I could spoke in English a little, can write little and listen also. You know when you left me I remember for us. Sometime we sleep outside and sometime we went to mountains and play kite also. We have memory every place so everything I don’t forget. I know that you love me and you stay with me, Sokan, Peter and Try when vacation. When you turn to your country so you remember me also. But I thought that you don’t forget me forever more. I will pray for you and your family for mission. So I hope that God look after everywhere want you go. I don’t you leave in here. Because you is good teacher for me. Sometime when I worry you comfort me and you play with me. I will pray for you to God because I think that God prepare, God will used your life come here again for teach me and all students. Because all students need English language study. We want to use English language very well in the future. I want you to pray to God for me. Because I want to God used my life. And future I want to be missionary in other country. So you pray for me also and my family. Because my parent him don’t believe Jesus Christ. So him don’t forgiven from God. You know in my family is I Christian only one. So you help pray for my house. Because my house everyday is small. But I want to have a big house. I hopes that you pray. Because God said everything us asked him God will give. Goodbye. God bless you.”
Chay Vien wrote:
“I thank you God who let you Banteay* come here, to teach English I and all of my friends. You never get tire for lazy students who learn with you. But you always encourage us to try studying. Teacher, I am very happy to learn with you. Even though I’ve got sickness but I always have feeling want to learn with you. But I am very sorry that you must go back to your country. I hope you will come back here again. God bless you and take care you all the time.”
(Banteay is the province where the school is located)
Peter Komk wrote:
“Very thank you for teaching me! You know my brother I am don’t forget you my older brother I very like you very very love you. You only one good teacher for me. The your name in my heart forever life. My God my God my God please bless my teacher. Oh my God Please bless my teacher eternal life my older brother don’t forget me. You very nice. I am very happy. Very exciting.”
(I consider Peter as my Timothy in school. I pray to God that I will disciple him more. He really has a teachable heart. J )
Phally wrote:
“Hello! Teacher how are you when teacher come back to Philippines is teacher how? Guess what? I hope teacher comeback to home enjoyed is true. Light and Salt when have teacher came teach English all the students have growing studying English. Teacher, I thank you very much for teaching English to me and all the students in during shortly. But my studying is growing much when I studied with you. I want to study English with you because teacher teach soon understand. I want not give you comeback to Philippines. I want give teach English here. Teacher is good for me, I like teacher. When are you happy don’t forget to pray for me. I want knowledge English same you, too. I want to become to is Pastor same you. I really in my heart, because I hope to God. I have errors in my grammar please excuse me. It is because I just studied English this year. Have to say goodbye now. Take care.”
Kut Sopeak wrote:
“Thank you Lord. I am very happy to learn with you. I believe that is because of God’s plan that you came from your country to my country. You are my best teacher. You never mind about living in my school, even hot, no good food no comfortable sleeping. So, this is because of God’s love that give to you and you give it to me. As for me, a student in Light and Salt, I want to say thank you for your teaching and all thing. God bless you and your country the Philippines to be progress and progress.”
Guys, these students are really wonderful. Until now, I am missing them so much. I wish to see them once again. But I can’t. I need to comeback here in Iloilo. I just pray to God (and please help me in praying) that He will take care of these wonderful students. Please also pray for me as I continue the ministry which God entrusted to me here in Iloilo City. I am now at the church and working again for the Great Commission.
Lastly, I want to thank you for partnering with me. Thank you for your prayer and/or financial support which enabled me to go to Cambodia. Thank you, thank you very much!
We left Ninoy Aquino International Airport on March 12, 2005 at 11PM via Kuwait Airways. We landed at Bangkok International Airport at around 1AM the next day. Going to Bangkok from Manila takes about three hours of flight but Manila time is ahead of Bangkok time for about an hour.
We were fetched by a pastor and members of a southern baptist church in Nonthaburi. We proceeded to their chapel. A short briefing was given by Ms. Geri Abordo with regards to our stay in the chapel. I had a wonderful sleep that morning because I was very tired.
We had a Language Acquisition Training from March 13-19. Our lecturer is Dr. Betty Sue Brewster. She taught us a lot of things not only about Language Acquisition but also about being a missionary. She taught us about culture shock, respecting one’s culture, etc.
I and two of my teammates left Nonthaburi for Cambodia at 5AM on March 19. I was with Fhey Kindipan and Rhona Ricera. We Took the bus from Bangkok to Aranyaprathet. Aranyaprathet is in the border of Thailand and Cambodia. We were able to cross the border easily. We were fetched at the border by two officers of Light and Salt university. Going to Light and Salt from the border takes about two hours by car. The road was bumpy and dusty. We arrived in Light and Salt University safely.
Light and Salt University is an institution which trains future Cambodians for pastoring, for missions, and for church works. I stayed there for two months and immersed myself in Cambodian culture.
Ministering in Cambodia was a blessing for me. I’ve learned a lot about God. I’ve seen that God really works in mysterious ways. We can really trust God in every detail of our ministry. I have learned to be thankful of whatever God gave me especially when I see Cambodians literally live a Spartan life. They are thankful for the food which we can’t eat in the Philippines. Imagine yourself having fish gills and rice for meals. (You read it right: FISH GILLS). But thanks be to God because I’ve learned to love Khmer food. And their way of life too!
It was my first time to take a bath outside in full view of other people! In my stay there, I always visit the family of the students if such opportunity arises. Once I went to one of my students’ house and stayed there for a night. It was a traditional Cambodian house. When it was time for me to take a bath, my student told me that they don’t have bathroom. He pointed to me the area where they take a bath. I told him that it is okay. I did what Cambodians do with a smile! I took a bath outside!
When the same student brought me to the highway for it was now the time for me to go back to the school, he was shocked when I told him that I will take the cheapest form of transportation! Riding at the back of a pick-up truck! I explained to him that as missionary I have to do what the locals do. I prayed to God that this will encourage him in his spiritual life.
A lot of times, I had eaten food handled in an unsanitary way. I’ve seen swarms of flies on top of the food which we were about to eat. And it really amazes me because I haven’t had diarrhea during my stay there. God really works in mysterious ways.
My experiences with the Khmer are really unforgettable. I really enjoyed being with them. To tell you more about it, let me share to you their letters to me. On my last night in Light and Salt, my students surprised me. We were supposed to have our last class and I really prepared for it. But before the class begins, Nhin Samnang, one of my students, stood up. He leads his classmates in singing some songs. And he started reading his letter to me. In total, I received thirteen letters from my students that night. May I share to you some of them. I will quote their letters here as is. No corrections. No editing. J
Nhin Samnang wrote:
“Thank you for your teaching, letting me to be your translator, many things which you have given to me and my friends. I really enjoy studying English with you. I want to learn with you and want to get experience from you more. Teacher, I remember all thing which we have got, such as we go to Srey Sophon Market, go to Phnom Bak Mountain, we play games, and many things. Teacher, really I cannot forget your good and all thing which we have done. You are my best teacher, I love you, I don’t want you go away from me. I hope God will let you comeback my school again. Please pray to God for me, that God will bless me go to study in your country. God bless you to be successful in your life!”
Chann Samnang wrote:
“Hello my best teacher, how are you my best teacher? I hope that you keeping well, I thank you so much, for you come here in my school and teach me and all the student. And I thank you for you teach me about English grammar. Because before I can’t understand about English grammar but now when you teach me I can know a little. I and all the student, like Pastor Jun so much, and love you also because you is very good teacher, in English now I can speak English a little but before I don’t know in English. But now you leave from me I am very sad I can’t meet you, I can’t see you when you go away from me I miss you so much, but I will pray to God for you come back in my school again, and all the students too. You don’t forget me and all the students because we are all miss you and love you so much. I remember every night I always talk with you and joke with you about enemy and you scare enemies also. You don’t forget pray for my wisdom because I study not clever. I will pray for you too.”
Siem Vichet wrote:
“Hello teacher. I thank you for you teaching me about English language. Because before I don’t know it. But when you come here, you teaching me and spoke with me. So I could spoke in English a little, can write little and listen also. You know when you left me I remember for us. Sometime we sleep outside and sometime we went to mountains and play kite also. We have memory every place so everything I don’t forget. I know that you love me and you stay with me, Sokan, Peter and Try when vacation. When you turn to your country so you remember me also. But I thought that you don’t forget me forever more. I will pray for you and your family for mission. So I hope that God look after everywhere want you go. I don’t you leave in here. Because you is good teacher for me. Sometime when I worry you comfort me and you play with me. I will pray for you to God because I think that God prepare, God will used your life come here again for teach me and all students. Because all students need English language study. We want to use English language very well in the future. I want you to pray to God for me. Because I want to God used my life. And future I want to be missionary in other country. So you pray for me also and my family. Because my parent him don’t believe Jesus Christ. So him don’t forgiven from God. You know in my family is I Christian only one. So you help pray for my house. Because my house everyday is small. But I want to have a big house. I hopes that you pray. Because God said everything us asked him God will give. Goodbye. God bless you.”
Chay Vien wrote:
“I thank you God who let you Banteay* come here, to teach English I and all of my friends. You never get tire for lazy students who learn with you. But you always encourage us to try studying. Teacher, I am very happy to learn with you. Even though I’ve got sickness but I always have feeling want to learn with you. But I am very sorry that you must go back to your country. I hope you will come back here again. God bless you and take care you all the time.”
(Banteay is the province where the school is located)
Peter Komk wrote:
“Very thank you for teaching me! You know my brother I am don’t forget you my older brother I very like you very very love you. You only one good teacher for me. The your name in my heart forever life. My God my God my God please bless my teacher. Oh my God Please bless my teacher eternal life my older brother don’t forget me. You very nice. I am very happy. Very exciting.”
(I consider Peter as my Timothy in school. I pray to God that I will disciple him more. He really has a teachable heart. J )
Phally wrote:
“Hello! Teacher how are you when teacher come back to Philippines is teacher how? Guess what? I hope teacher comeback to home enjoyed is true. Light and Salt when have teacher came teach English all the students have growing studying English. Teacher, I thank you very much for teaching English to me and all the students in during shortly. But my studying is growing much when I studied with you. I want to study English with you because teacher teach soon understand. I want not give you comeback to Philippines. I want give teach English here. Teacher is good for me, I like teacher. When are you happy don’t forget to pray for me. I want knowledge English same you, too. I want to become to is Pastor same you. I really in my heart, because I hope to God. I have errors in my grammar please excuse me. It is because I just studied English this year. Have to say goodbye now. Take care.”
Kut Sopeak wrote:
“Thank you Lord. I am very happy to learn with you. I believe that is because of God’s plan that you came from your country to my country. You are my best teacher. You never mind about living in my school, even hot, no good food no comfortable sleeping. So, this is because of God’s love that give to you and you give it to me. As for me, a student in Light and Salt, I want to say thank you for your teaching and all thing. God bless you and your country the Philippines to be progress and progress.”
Guys, these students are really wonderful. Until now, I am missing them so much. I wish to see them once again. But I can’t. I need to comeback here in Iloilo. I just pray to God (and please help me in praying) that He will take care of these wonderful students. Please also pray for me as I continue the ministry which God entrusted to me here in Iloilo City. I am now at the church and working again for the Great Commission.
 |
| The market in Sisophon, Banteay Meanchey. This is where I , Rona and Fhey used to go to buy supplies and relax, |
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| My third year students at Light and Salt. |
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| My second yeat students at Light and Salt, |
Taong Grasa
(I am reposting here my blog entry in my old blog account. I wrote this on November 15, 2005).
Ewan ko ba? I wish I can do more! Sana mas marami pa akong magawa para sa mga taong hindi pinapansin ng lipunan. Biro mo naman, kanina habang nakasakay ako sa jeep papuntang Jaro ay may nakita akong "taong grasa". Dumugo na naman ang puso ko. Tinanong ko, bakit ganoon? Bakit may mga taong grasa na palaboy-laboy lang sa kalye? At bakit parang bale-wala lang sa mga tao? Walang pumapansin sa kanya? Hindi ba nila naiisip na tao din siya at bilang kapwa-tao ay dapat nilang isipin ang kalagayan ng iba? Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang hopeless. Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang nanghinawa na dahil parang walang nangyayari sa pagtulong. Parang sayang lang ang lahat ng ginagawa sa buhay. Pero hindi dapat ganito ang attitude. Dapat ay hopeful tayo. Kaya nating mabago ang mundo. Iyan ang dapat nating isipin.
Noon, kapag may nakikita akong ganoon ay bumababa ako ng jeep at inaabutan ko ng biskuwit. Pero ngayon ay hindi na. Ewan ko ba. I searched myself at nalaman ko na para bang desperate na rin ako at sa tingin ko ay wala ring mangyayari sa pagtulong. Sa tingin ko kasi ay parang walang gumagawa. O kung meron man ay kakaunti.
Isa na lang talaga ang pag-asa. Ang pagdating ni Kristo. Sana dumating na si Kristo. Pagdating ni Kristo ay wala nang sakit. Wala nang paghihirap. Wala nang prublema.
Sana.
Sana.
Sana.
Ewan ko ba? I wish I can do more! Sana mas marami pa akong magawa para sa mga taong hindi pinapansin ng lipunan. Biro mo naman, kanina habang nakasakay ako sa jeep papuntang Jaro ay may nakita akong "taong grasa". Dumugo na naman ang puso ko. Tinanong ko, bakit ganoon? Bakit may mga taong grasa na palaboy-laboy lang sa kalye? At bakit parang bale-wala lang sa mga tao? Walang pumapansin sa kanya? Hindi ba nila naiisip na tao din siya at bilang kapwa-tao ay dapat nilang isipin ang kalagayan ng iba? Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang hopeless. Siguro, kagaya ko rin silang nanghinawa na dahil parang walang nangyayari sa pagtulong. Parang sayang lang ang lahat ng ginagawa sa buhay. Pero hindi dapat ganito ang attitude. Dapat ay hopeful tayo. Kaya nating mabago ang mundo. Iyan ang dapat nating isipin.
Noon, kapag may nakikita akong ganoon ay bumababa ako ng jeep at inaabutan ko ng biskuwit. Pero ngayon ay hindi na. Ewan ko ba. I searched myself at nalaman ko na para bang desperate na rin ako at sa tingin ko ay wala ring mangyayari sa pagtulong. Sa tingin ko kasi ay parang walang gumagawa. O kung meron man ay kakaunti.
Isa na lang talaga ang pag-asa. Ang pagdating ni Kristo. Sana dumating na si Kristo. Pagdating ni Kristo ay wala nang sakit. Wala nang paghihirap. Wala nang prublema.
Sana.
Sana.
Sana.
Monday, March 8, 2010
What's In A Name?
Last week, tinawag akong pastor ng isang young people. I told him that I am not a pastor. There is only one pastor in the church at itinuro ko ang aming Pastor. :-)
Oo, noong estudyante ako sa seminary (Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary) eh nasanay akong tawaging pastor. Kasi lahat naman kami doon eh tinatawag na pastor. So, to be one with them and be like them eh okay lang sa akin na tawaging pastor. Noon yun. Noong estudyante pa ako sa seminary. Iba na ang kuwento ngayon. :-)
Ewan ko. Ayaw ko talagang patawag ng Pastor sa maraming kadahilanan. Una, parang hindi ako worthy patawag ng pastor. Parang ang bigat ng burden ng isang pastor. And I think I did not meet even a single criterion to be called a pastor. Pangalawa, parang (sa tingin ko lang ha) kapag pastor eh may distance sa ordinaryong tao. Probably because the pastor is chosen by God to do a special work for Him. Eh alam mo naman ako. Gusto ko kabilang ako sa masa. Sa mga ordinaryong tao. Kaya mas gusto kong matawag na kuya. :-)
Meron namang tumatawag sa akin ng Bro. Jun. :-) Well... actually... okay lang sana. Pero tuwing tinatawag akong Bro. Jun eh naalala ko ang mga katolikong seminarista. Di ba ang tawag sa kanila ay Brother? Tapos, kapag ganap na silang pari eh Father na? Kaya ayaw ko ring patawag ng Bro. Jun. Isa pa, parang banyaga yata iyon. Eh kahit na 104/120 ang TOEFL iBT ko at English teacher ako dito eh mas gusto ko pa ring gamitin ang sariling wika natin.
Madalas naman akong tawagin "Phu" dito sa Cambodia. Maski mga drivers ng pampublikong sasakyan eh ang tawag sa akin eh "Phu". Ano ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu"? Uncle. Yes, uncle ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu". Grrrr!!! Ganoon na ba ako katanda?
Oo, noong estudyante ako sa seminary (Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary) eh nasanay akong tawaging pastor. Kasi lahat naman kami doon eh tinatawag na pastor. So, to be one with them and be like them eh okay lang sa akin na tawaging pastor. Noon yun. Noong estudyante pa ako sa seminary. Iba na ang kuwento ngayon. :-)
Ewan ko. Ayaw ko talagang patawag ng Pastor sa maraming kadahilanan. Una, parang hindi ako worthy patawag ng pastor. Parang ang bigat ng burden ng isang pastor. And I think I did not meet even a single criterion to be called a pastor. Pangalawa, parang (sa tingin ko lang ha) kapag pastor eh may distance sa ordinaryong tao. Probably because the pastor is chosen by God to do a special work for Him. Eh alam mo naman ako. Gusto ko kabilang ako sa masa. Sa mga ordinaryong tao. Kaya mas gusto kong matawag na kuya. :-)
Meron namang tumatawag sa akin ng Bro. Jun. :-) Well... actually... okay lang sana. Pero tuwing tinatawag akong Bro. Jun eh naalala ko ang mga katolikong seminarista. Di ba ang tawag sa kanila ay Brother? Tapos, kapag ganap na silang pari eh Father na? Kaya ayaw ko ring patawag ng Bro. Jun. Isa pa, parang banyaga yata iyon. Eh kahit na 104/120 ang TOEFL iBT ko at English teacher ako dito eh mas gusto ko pa ring gamitin ang sariling wika natin.
Madalas naman akong tawagin "Phu" dito sa Cambodia. Maski mga drivers ng pampublikong sasakyan eh ang tawag sa akin eh "Phu". Ano ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu"? Uncle. Yes, uncle ang ibig sabihin ng "Phu". Grrrr!!! Ganoon na ba ako katanda?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Racial Discrimination and Corruption
Nagpunta ako kahapon sa Indonesian Immigration office dito sa Bali. Hulaan ninyo. Nahirapan akong mag-renew ng aking visa. Well, maraming hinahanap. Tapos, tinanong ko kung ilang araw ang processing. Tatlong araw daw. Pero ito ang catch. Sinabi niya sa akin ng kausap ko sa taong nasa window ng visa processing eh puwede daw kaming magkaroon ng arrangement at makukuha ko daw agad depende na lang kung gusto ko daw magbayad! Korupsiyon! Eto pa, lahat ng transaksiyon dito eh kailangang magbayad ka ng documentary stamp. Okay lang iyon. Kung yun ang patakaran ng gobyerno. Ang nakakaasar ang 6,000rupiah na documentary stamp eh pinababayaran sa akin ng 7,000rupiah. Siguro hindi na rin kayo magugulat kung sasabihin ko sa iyong pinabayaran sa akin ng 10,000rupiah ang application form na pang photocopy lang ata. Merong resibong ibinigay sa akin? Wala!!!
Eto pa. Tinanong nung lalaki kung magkano ang suweldo ko. Sabi ko, volunteer lang ako sa Indonesia. Hindi daw siya naniniwala kasi kung gayon bakit hindi na lang daw ako sa Pilipinas mag-volunteer? Ang sagot ko halos lahat ng pinoy nakakapagsalita ng ingles.
Et pa. Nagtataka ako bakit ang hirap nilang i-process ang visa application ko eh renewal na lang naman iyon. Maraming puwedeng sapantaha pero hindi ko talaga alam.
Pero ito ang napansin ko. Noong nag-apply ako ng chinese visa sa singapore, ang mga kasabay kong nag-apply eh mga indonesians. hulaan ninyo? Lahat sila eh denied! Hindi kaya pinahihirapan nila ako sa visa ko dahil nahihirapan din ang kapwa nila indonesians sa pag-apply ng visa para sa ibang bansa?
Kagaya iyan ng nangyari sa akin sa thailand. Noong isang taon ito nangyari. Nagbus ako mula Thailand papuntang singapore. Aba! nang palabas na ako ng thailand, sa thai immigration, andaming tanong ng thai immigration officer. saan ka nagtratrabaho. bakit ilang beses kang pumasok ng thailand. (Halos buwan-buwan kasi ay nasa Thailand ako para pumunta ng banko at mag-withdraw ng pera). Siguro inabot ako ng isang oras sa Thai Immigration. Ang feeling ko kinawawa ako ng thai immigration. Pati yung driver at conductor ng bus eh tinatawanan ako at parang binabastos ako. Cool lang ako. Sa isip ko, may araw din kayo. Eto ang siste. Pagdating namin ng singapore, sa mga 30 na nakasakay ng bus eh 6 lang ang nakapasok. Limang singaporeans at isang pinoy. Ako ang pinoy. Yung mahigit na 20 na thais eh hindi nakapasok ng singapore. hahaha. Eto pa. Biglang bumait sa akin ang driver at conductor ng bus nang napansin nilang ang bilis kong dumaan sa singaporean immigration officer.
Eto, siguro hindi naman ako biased lang dahil dayuhan ako dito. Dahil tatlong taon ako sa Cambodia at hindi ako nagsulat tungkol sa corruption doon. Dahil hindi ko direktang naranasan ang korupsiyon sa Cambodia. Oo, meron racial discrimination doon. Pero wala akong naranasan sa korupsiyon. Pero dito talaga, grabe!
Eto pa. Tinanong nung lalaki kung magkano ang suweldo ko. Sabi ko, volunteer lang ako sa Indonesia. Hindi daw siya naniniwala kasi kung gayon bakit hindi na lang daw ako sa Pilipinas mag-volunteer? Ang sagot ko halos lahat ng pinoy nakakapagsalita ng ingles.
Et pa. Nagtataka ako bakit ang hirap nilang i-process ang visa application ko eh renewal na lang naman iyon. Maraming puwedeng sapantaha pero hindi ko talaga alam.
Pero ito ang napansin ko. Noong nag-apply ako ng chinese visa sa singapore, ang mga kasabay kong nag-apply eh mga indonesians. hulaan ninyo? Lahat sila eh denied! Hindi kaya pinahihirapan nila ako sa visa ko dahil nahihirapan din ang kapwa nila indonesians sa pag-apply ng visa para sa ibang bansa?
Kagaya iyan ng nangyari sa akin sa thailand. Noong isang taon ito nangyari. Nagbus ako mula Thailand papuntang singapore. Aba! nang palabas na ako ng thailand, sa thai immigration, andaming tanong ng thai immigration officer. saan ka nagtratrabaho. bakit ilang beses kang pumasok ng thailand. (Halos buwan-buwan kasi ay nasa Thailand ako para pumunta ng banko at mag-withdraw ng pera). Siguro inabot ako ng isang oras sa Thai Immigration. Ang feeling ko kinawawa ako ng thai immigration. Pati yung driver at conductor ng bus eh tinatawanan ako at parang binabastos ako. Cool lang ako. Sa isip ko, may araw din kayo. Eto ang siste. Pagdating namin ng singapore, sa mga 30 na nakasakay ng bus eh 6 lang ang nakapasok. Limang singaporeans at isang pinoy. Ako ang pinoy. Yung mahigit na 20 na thais eh hindi nakapasok ng singapore. hahaha. Eto pa. Biglang bumait sa akin ang driver at conductor ng bus nang napansin nilang ang bilis kong dumaan sa singaporean immigration officer.
Eto, siguro hindi naman ako biased lang dahil dayuhan ako dito. Dahil tatlong taon ako sa Cambodia at hindi ako nagsulat tungkol sa corruption doon. Dahil hindi ko direktang naranasan ang korupsiyon sa Cambodia. Oo, meron racial discrimination doon. Pero wala akong naranasan sa korupsiyon. Pero dito talaga, grabe!
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