Jiye-Low

I'm Flying!

2008-03-05T03:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am flying - well, sort of.

I have recently been introduced to the wonders of Second Life, a 3D world where you can - well, have a second life. My character name is Azeroth Aichi, and I have normally been spotted flying around in this new world. It is interesting how our school is using Second Life to reach out to other cultures.

In this new world, you can fly even without wings - but I thought that didn't quite make sense, so I got myself new wings. :) I have lost all my hair in this world - basically because I couldn't figure out how to make a shaved head instead of a bald one. :)

I will be trying to link up with some of my contacts in Korea to setup more virtual exchanges between our students and Korean students.

This is truly an idea that soars! :)

It's About Motivation!

2008-03-03T02:42:00.000-08:00

I walk about an hour each day, and trying to improve my general fitness level. I would want to return to the Philippines for my vacation - a new man - a lesser man. Well, hopefully less by about 10-20 more pounds. I am about 160 lbs now, but if I could get to about 140 - 150 lbs, this would be great.

So here I was, trying to get into better shape, when I had a monster craving for TOCINO. Right now, this dish is almost virtually impossible to find here, but I had been told that there were Filipino stores that carried most Filipino foods.

And so, I put on my rubber shoes, my watch, and my jacket and left my apartment at about 7:45 PM. I found a hospital, the Department of Labor, and lots of car shops, but no TOCINO. I had gone to and fro that main road about two times, and my feet were getting tired. Time check 9:00 PM.

I decided to try another street and followed the road from the hospital. I reached a roundabout and proceeded from there. I reached a dead end. I went back to the roundabout and went down another street. I found a couple of grocery stores, but no TOCINO. I found a couple of fellow Filipinos and they advised me that there was a Filipino store at the end of the road. My heart raced - I had hit the mother lode!

I didn't even care how much the TOCINO was. I grabbed several bags of original tocino, fatless tocino, and four cans of luncheon meat. I was ecstatic - breakfast would be great! Time check 9:30 PM.

I went back home - exhausted but in high spirits. I arrived at my apartment about 10:00 PM. I realized I had been walking around the city for around two hours - longer than my daily one hour walk workout. But I would just not take NO at that point, and I realized that I could achieve almost anything when I focus and put my mind into it. Just look at how happy I am here! :)

Finding My Place Under the Sun

2008-02-18T20:58:00.001-08:00

It has been about three weeks since my arrival and I feel I am slowly getting into the groove of things. The school campus is just beautiful. Take a look at some of the school facilities.

Fountain at the center of the school

Library

My Desk

The school has provided me with a spacious apartment, and a laptop. I have supportive officemates and a "go get them" software budget. Life is sweet here, and I am very grateful for all I have received.

What I do miss though are my weekend trips with my family and merienda time with good friends from CLCIR. I have talked with some of the other Filipinos who also work here, and they confirm that being homesick is one of the more difficult challenges to overcome in the first few months. Well, kailangan talaga ng konting tiis for the meantime.

When Dreams Take Shape

2007-11-30T02:04:00.000-08:00

My newest investment is in Fountain Breeze, a medium rise condominium project in Sucat, Paranaque.

My brothers and I revisited the model unit at the site. The model unit always leaves me with happy feelings.

Fountain Breeze Model Unit: Pretty as Can Be

We then inspected the site to view their progress since our last visit. I was excited to see that the buildings were being painted and balconies had started to appear. As I anticipate some travel early next year, I am just hoping that the units can be turned over before my trip.

Fountain Breeze Construction: My Dreams in the Making

My investments in Fountain Breeze should bring my passive income to about 60% of my salary. I need to prudently manage my cash flow in the next few months to be able to keep up with my monthly amortizations, but I feel very happy - my financial goals are slowly taking shape! :)

A Classmate and Cashflow

2007-09-26T15:36:00.001-07:00

I had not seen Chyd for ages (a good 10 years or so). She was my Business Management blockmate and was also a scholar at the University. So when one of my officemates informed me that she was in town, I could not let the opportunity pass.

She still looked as I remember her - beautiful in her own simply stunning way (although she says she had put on some weight). She was grappling with some business concepts, so I shared some of the things I had been doing with real estate investing and business consulting.

We played Cashflow 101 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and then a Robert Kiyosaki video kept her company for about 30 minutes. While her more immediate concern is to setup her business system, I could not help but pray for her to discover real wealth - the happiness that comes with meaningful relationships and a life well lived.

Carry mo yan! :)

P.S. I hope the man with the plan is not a Shitzu that looks like a Chihuahua. Joke!

DAKU, TAAS, GAHI !!!

2007-06-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

Many things are sweeter the second time around. Perhaps I felt more comfortable on this return trip to Mindanao as I had three other companions. Perhaps I felt more secure knowing some of the people there. Perhaps I had resigned myself to thinking that this was God's mission for me. Then again, perhaps I had just grown to love this second home.

The people here were as generous as ever. Our training team had dinner with Ms. Loi at Bigby's Cafe. Nice cozy place, with an interesting menu. Ostrich steak at Top of the Citi had left a good impression on me so I decided to take OSTRICH SKEWERS.

OSTRICH SKEWERS. Yum yum!

WORKSHOP - DAY 1 (Thursday)
The first workshop discussed learning objectives. Mr. Valentin Berdera, our current Faculty Association President, facilitated the workshop. Val's connection with the audience was deep: he attended school in Mindanao several decades back. His use of the local dialect had a positive effect on the teachers: they remained in good spirits despite the rigor of the workshop.

DINNER - DAY 1 (Thursday)
We had dinner at Tita Fannies. We got really addicted to the special chicken there. Wala na lang bilangan ng kanin. Hahaha...

WORKSHOP - DAY 2 (Friday)
The second workship discussed backward design and rubrics. Angelo Anthony Agujo (that's me!) facilitated the workshop. Creating rubrics involves defining criteria and performance levels. To make the topic a bit more interesting, I gave the teachers instructions to define their criteria in looking for their life partner. These were the top answers by number of responses:

God-Fearing 7
Good Provider 7
Responsible 6
Family-Oriented 6

The teachers dedicated themselves to this task with much enthusiasm. One group stated that their criteria for finding their life partner were: DAKU, TAAS, GAHI. Daku means large, Taas means long, Gahi means hard. I almost passed out from laughing.

They would therefore look for someone who was DAKU - someone with a large heart; someone who was TAAS - someone with long patience; and someone who was GAHI - someone with firm resolve.

I then discussed about two types of rubrics: holistic and analytic. We made these two types of rubrics together, before I gave instructions that each of the seven subject areas would present.

We encountered some difficulty with the outputs by some of the groups, but succeeded in giving all of these groups feedback regarding their work.

DINNER - DAY 2 (Friday)
We had dinner at Timuga. As usual, we tended to forget our diets. We feasted on lechon, chicken, squid, and panga. Marissa, Val, and Dary had durian for dessert. I was completely LAMI (full/busog).

TOUR - DAY 3 (Saturday)
This was a very exciting day as we visited the Agus Powerplant, an underground tunnel, and Tinago Falls. We had lunch in Timuga again. This time we had lechon, papaitan, and kilawin. Tsk Tsk... Bye bye diet!

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH: In an Underground Tunnel of Agus Powerplant

WORTH THE WAIT AND WALK: Beautiful Tinago Falls Takes Your Breath Away (In more ways than one!)

After lunch, we were brought to Cheddings and Jolo to buy our pasalubong. We bought about a ton of the famous Cheddings peanuts, Pastel, cashew nuts, candies, malongs, and ethnic bags. :) We had a special dinner made by Sir Bert, a SHRIM trained cook. Grabe talaga, these people know how to make you feel VERY SPECIAL.

RETURN TO MANILA (Sunday)
P.S. My colleagues had to send back their Pinakurat Vinegar. Note to self: Make sure to have styro packaging for this stuff. :)

P.P.S. They were recruiting one of our team members to become a Lasalle Brother. Hindi po ako yun. :)

My Second Condo

2007-06-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

This is as close to Kiyosaki's "GREAT DEAL" as you will ever get. At less than PhP800,000 for a 30 sqm condo within the city, this is already a STEAL, BUT couple that with PAG-IBIG's 7% home loans, I have my amortizations down to about PhP5,000 a month!

My first condo I bought as an investment. This one is good enough to call home.

300 Rocks!!!

2007-03-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty frustrated the past few days despite a high productivity week due to some unwanted and unexpected management assignment.

I have been trying to shake off the frustration, but to no avail. But then comes an exciting, gripping, inspiring film that made such an impact on me, I wanted to get my hands on a Spartan shield and spear!!!

300 sees King Leonidas and 300 spartan soldiers squaring off against a massive Persian army! Talk about action! Talk about inspiring leadership! Talk about drama! You will see massive cavalry charges, samurai looking "immortals", wolves, rhinos, and while we're at it, war elephants! WOW!

If you are feeling a bit down and depressed, this is a movie that can get you up and going. Two thumbs up for 300!!!

AlOne

2007-03-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

I feel lost.
And as I drift into thought,
I laugh.
It is a cruel joke.

As the realization sets,
Memories flood.
I have never tasted
Such sweet sorrow.

The freedom is awkward,
And the wounds too deep.
It ends as it began
Alone, I weep.

Of Battles and Blessings

2007-03-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

The battles I have waged in the past few weeks were interesting enough:

Our Moodle server wanted to go on vacation after midterm exam week, and I could not log-on and we could not see (read: all of the teachers thought we had lost all their online grades) student exam results;
I was invited to the Young Hoteliers' Exposition as a judge for mocktails competition, but I was also asked to serve as judge for the praline competition; and lastly,
I was contacted by one of my clients (Oracle Philippines) to do layout work for their management training manuals with a turnaround time of about 3 days.

Each of these battles has its own interesting story. In each of these "battles" though, I have realized that I have been truly blessed.

I am blessed with good IT co-workers who know their work well and continually work with me to improve the system;
I am blessed with enough patience and compassion to see the best in all things at all times; and
I am blessed with kind clients who continually entrust important and interesting work to me.

I lift up these battles to my Creator, who continually blesses and provides for me beyond my expectations. I pray that my Lord continually guides me in the tough decisions that must be made and challenging projects that must be completed.

I will continue to do all my actions for the love of you.

It's ALIVE!!!

2007-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

Online learning is definitely alive in DLS-CSB... It is so alive, it's starting to make me nervous.

By midterms next week, I will be supervising a total of about 2,000 online examinations. It is still a relatively small number --- you can also look at this as about 300 students taking online exams for seven subjects; but it is the largest group I have handled so far. I suppose our marketing pitch - the "no-check" tests - must be working. :P

And the increase in the number of online students is taking its toll on me - so much so that I now have to take a step back to see how I can "replace" myself with more "do-it-yourself" services, such as flash orientations, etc.

It is definitely an exciting time to be an online learning specialist in our school. Tune in for detailed action next week...

Deliriously Happy

2007-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like good pizza, good stories, and a good-looking woman to make your day. My officemate tells me that my guest looked like Sam Oh. But I remember her as my OJT, many many years ago, when the Online Learning Center still existed.

I marvel at our similarities... She was Chinese-Filipino with a Filipino howe (girlfriend/boyfriend)... I was a Filipino with a Chinese-Filipino howe... Both of us had our fair share of pains with our clandestine relationships... and last but not least... we were both very sensitive souls... and we would find ourselves both crying about the crazy things happening in our lives back then.

She amused me with her stories about Oracle consultancy projects at Philippine Airlines, finding work in the US, and telecommuting. I did not tell her then, but the similarities were just too bizaare: I had been doing my fair share of consulting work with ADB, I was considering some interesting overseas opportunities, and I was doing some telecommuting work for some clients.

But the similarities ended there. She and her howe had chosen to get married, and she was eagerly awaiting returning to the US to rejoin her husband who works as a SPED teacher. I had chosen a different path since losing a relationship of seven years. With my howe, I had lost touch and let go.

At the end of about an hour, my OJT left and I was at an emotional high.

It was empowering for me to be reminded about my power of choice. And I was glad that many years ago, I made the right choice to reach out to this person.

To Teena, thanks for making my day.

Supporting Online Learning

2007-01-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

I just had a long discussion with one of our part-time teachers trying to make online learning work at another school. He was (visibly) frustrated. Among other things he didn't have

Facilities (No computer lab to work in, and internet connections were difficult to access)

Support (No management or technical support)

Student Competency and Aptitude (Some students did not like online learning and did not care to like it)

He then said that he began thinking more about the things that I had said regarding online learning as BOTH a teacher choice and a student choice. I had also been thinking about this during the holidays and it seemed that for online learning to move to the next level at DLS-CSB, I would need to work with others in coming up with policies that are more supportive of online learning practices. Together with some administrator-friends, we created a draft of policies for online learning at DLS-CSB.

Some highlights of these policies:

Proposed certification system for online faculty;

Level-certified online faculty may declare up to 50% of their total lecture hours as online sessions (for these sessions, faculty and students may decide to be off-campus);

Level-certified online faculty can declare online sessions as make-up classes (with some conditions)

I will be presenting the draft to our online learning teachers for their comments in the next two weeks. Wish us luck.

Mindanao Moodlers

2006-11-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

And finally, I fulfill my oath.

Two years ago, my father was afflicted with diabetes and had to undergo multiple dialysis sessions per week. We did not think he would make it through Christmas. I did the only thing I could do at that time: I prayed to God to extend my father's life. My father celebrated Christmas with us and he stayed with us for a few more months, before succumbing to pneumonia.

I promised God that if he extended my father's life, I would then make it my mission to help out teachers in the Visayas and Mindanao.

I had visited Bacolod the previous year and conducted Microsoft Office certification training. November 23-26, 2006 marked my encounter with faculty from De La Salle-Ozamiz and De La Salle-Iligan in Mindanao.

I arrived at Dipolog via Cebu Pacific around 1:30 PM. I was fetched at the airport by two La Salle personnel.

I had late lunch at Jo's chicken house; the food and the restaurant "feel" reminded me of Bacolod's famous chicken inasal restaurants. We then had a long three hour ride.

We passed coconut plantations...

And rice fields...

Until I finally arrived at De La Salle-Ozamiz. I met several Brothers there: Brother Bong, Brother Mario, Brother Raffy, Brother Jun, and Brother Johnny.

That night, I thought I saw something of the supernatural kind, but I will reseve this for a future posting.

I conducted the De La Salle-Ozamiz seminar-workshop on November 24, 2006 from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The intermittent internet connection had become a major problem and I wondered if I would be able to continue the afternoon training session. Fortunately, one of their teachers, Jan Jay, had installed Moodle for one of his computer classes. So we loaded our online course on their LAN, and we were finally in business. Here are some pictures of the De La Salle -Ozamiz faculty members.

At about 4:45 PM, I met up with Brother Bong who drove me to Mukas Pier. I also got to meet up with Brother Jun Erguiza (our last meeting was during his stint at LASSO) before leaving.

I felt a slight chill upon boarding a RORO (Roll On, Roll Off) boat at Mukas Pier. You see, as a child, I almost drowned. I never learned to swim after that incident. The prospect of being a shark's happy meal wasn't very appealing.

After about an hour, the RORO boat reached its destination. I had completed my first boat ride, and I was still alive. It wasn't as bad as I thought. :)

I was then fetched by one of the La Salle - Iligan staff. It was a long car drive, and exhausted from the day's training, I fell asleep.

I had a full breakfast the following morning as I knew it would be a long day.

Assured that the Internet connection could meet the requirements of the Moodle training, I then gave the Moodle workshop to -- drumroll please -- about 36 teachers and administrators!

The teachers had a blast with the chat sessions (and in coming up with their rules for their chat sessions) as can be seen in the video and pictures below.

The teachers were also VERY EXCITED about the prospect of check-free online testing. I wonder why? :) So I demonstrated this during the afternoon session. Here's the interesting part: to ensure that each person would be able to learn and apply the procedures, each member of the team would need to teach another member from their team, until they all finished. I was amazed that even the more senior members of this group were participating actively, and making their online quizzes! :) Check out their pictures below.

We ended the workshop with the group picture below. Medyo madilim po yata... :)

Brother Rey and Brother Dennis mentioned that my visit to Iligan was the start of something beautiful and that I would find new joy in my life (although I think their context was a bit more on the naughty side). This was essentially true - what was beautiful for me was the opportunity to share with others, and to feel appreciated and affirmed as a PERSON (not my function, not my job, not my role, but me as a person).

I had found new joy - in meeting new friends and building bridges between DLS-CSB and other members of the De La Salle Philippines.

Thanks to my Director and my office mates at the Center for Learner-Centered Instruction and Research (CLCIR) for holding the fort while I was away; Ms. Nelca Balisado and Ms. Mela Lazatin for funding my trip; and the nameless Lasallian people who were instrumental in making my trip possible and making sure I returned safely to Manila.

Mindanao is such a beautiful place with beautiful people. I look forward to my next workshops there.

Reminiscing Cashflow 101

2006-08-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

It was Saturday 8:00 AM and my mobile phone starts buzzing. Aaaarrrgghhh... I want to get some more sleep - until I realize I am late for the facilitation session I am supposed to conduct.

I am supposed to facilitate a Cashflow 101 game for some of our DLS-CSB COMLINK students. So I rush to the library to borrow the gameboard and begin our game. Of course, everyone reacts about how their salary compares to the other players! This game is definitely as close to real-life as it gets. :)

Leah is my co-banker. Look at how seriously she played her part - complete with serious-banker-glasses and all. All of us enjoyed receiving our first paychecks from the bank. :)

The game wasn't always enjoyable and here is Francis trying to figure out how he is going to pay for his new yacht. :) He is comforted by either his sister or his wife - I couldn't quite figure that out. :) Later on, we were all laughing as Francis gets a baby. We suspected this was a result of this equation: Yacht + Bikini Babe + Francis = Baby

I was able to get out of the rat race first; followed by Kim; then Leah; then Francis; and lastly, Harbin. I like this game because even if the concepts remain the same, each game is unique and provides for new learning every time.

I have been blessed enough to learn more about financial intelligence through the resources of our Learning Resource Center at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; the hefty US$200 price tag probably prevents most people from learning through this game.

My first investment was a direct result of the realization that I had squandered my time and resources. By then, I acted decisively to "catch up" with new opportunities.

My first investment was a Bachelor's Pad unit at Cityland Vito Cruz Tower 1, near Harrisson Plaza and DLSU-Manila. I chose a 10 year payment term for my condo unit. This December 2007, I would have completed by 5th year of payments. Five more years, and this property is mine.

This property is very special to me as I was able to acquire it with virtually no money - I didn't even have enough money for the downpayment of this unit.

But through God's grace, and extreme belt tightening (read: I was not able to spend a single centavo of my Christmas bonuses for the last four years to pay for the deferred downpayment of this unit) I was able to afford this unit. I am now less pressured with my monthly amortization as I have rented out my unit. Currently, I probably pay about only 35% of monthly amortization. I am saving up for the downpayment of another property I am considering - I will probably have enough money by December next year.

I hope other people will consider making similar sacrifices TODAY to secure a better FUTURE for themselves and their families.

No Paper Checking

2006-07-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

The possibilities are endless with a checking-free exam facility.

Midterms will never be the same as the Center for Learner-Centered Instruction (CLCIR) Instructional Technology Unit completed its pilot run of paperless midterm exams at the E-Classroom and International Center (IC) computer laboratories.

Ms. Marie Ann Gutierrez, a faculty from the School of Multidisciplinary Studies (SMS), collaborated with the Center for Learner-Centered Instruction and Research to conduct the paperless midterm examinations for three History classes with a total of about 112 students. The exam had a total of 43 objective type questions and one essay type item.

A Moodle briefing, technical dry-run, and item type familiarization preceded the online midterm testing. Prior to the CLCIR-supervised pilot run, Ms. Cynthia Amador, Mr. Rogelio de la Cruz, Mr. Antonio Ingles, Mr. Dary Dacanay, and Mr. Frederick Sanchez had conducted paperless, objective type midterm or final exams.

The pilot run came soon after the installation of additional computer hardware to further improve the performance of the DLS-CSB Moodle Learning Management System.

COMLINK Operation: JOB EXPO

2006-06-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of intense consulting with the Career and Placement Office, the results are in --- COMLINK will be the SOLE project manager to the DLS-CSB Job Expo!

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

And so the crazy people who are with me in this picture are the KICK-ASS project leaders and members who will help create the BEST DLS-CSB Job Expo the College has ever seen. :)

When I met these young men and women, I was pleasantly surprised that their organization wanted to be the Number 1 organization at DLS-CSB. After hanging around with them for a while, I am just wondering HOW SOON until they accomplish this. I wouldn't be surprised if they pull this off this year. :)

The World in My Hand

2006-06-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

When one of our professors at the De La Salle-Graduate School of Business talked about convergence in the telecommunications industry several years back, it was difficult then to comprehend what he really meant.

After recently acquiring a 3G capable phone, I am simply AWED by the implications of this so-called "convergence".

I can connect to the Internet, send pictures and videos, make video to video calls, send email, play highly interactive games, and listen to the radio --- all through my Sony Ericsson K608i.

I am completely hooked by the comforts offered by these new technologies... I mean imagine if teachers could use these new technologies to conduct "on-demand" tutorials, or have students download interactive lessons through their phones... WOW! ... But I also afraid of some of the possible misuses of these technologies...

I wonder what they will think of next? :)

Connecting COMLINK

2006-05-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

This summer was hectic - I'm currently working with our talented multimedia specialist in prototyping the new website for our Center, as well as a prototype for a distributed learning package for teachers on problem-based learning. Dianne is definitely a blessing - she can work out the design and technology aspects of these projects, so that I can concentrate on how to further improve the content.

Given these challenges, I'm still wondering HOW exactly COMLINK was able to invite me to become a facilitator for their teambuilding sessions. :)

I have always believed in Divine Providence. How can I not believe this when I am an Atenean-Lasallian working in a Lasallian school? :) And so, I facilitated the sessions on Goal Setting, Team Alignment, and Conflict Resolution. It then became painfully obvious that I was truly missing out in not being able to teach students - it really is such a rewarding and gratifying experience.

What then did I learn from this experience?

Leadership begins with the self --- if I want to become the best leader that I can be, I will need to further develop myself in mind, body, heart, and soul.

Leadership entails faith --- if I want to become the best leader that I can be, I must begin by having faith in the people I work with and continually developing people's capabilities to deliver results.

Leadership entails learning --- I can make occassional mistakes or experience failures; the question is: what can I learn from these experiences?

Hmm... With all of this personal learning, I wonder what the COMLINK members learned from this experience? :)

Prototyping

2006-05-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

The CLCIR Team is currently working on a "prototype" module to enable faculty to develop Problem-Based Learning Units. The image above will be part of the "splash page". The Instructional Technology Unit in close coordination with the Instruction Unit, has been seeking means to provide faculty access to professional development "on-demand". It was noted that under the current modes employed by CLCIR, some teachers have been unable to participate in professional development activities. The prototype should be ready for testing by first term this year.

Graduation and Generosity

2006-05-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I have been giving a lot of thought to my completion of the Master in Learning and Teaching (MaLT) Program.

One of the realizations I have had regarding graduation was that graduation is generally for our significant OTHERS. Why so? I would think that graduation is not about your 20 second walk to the stage --- it is essentially a recognition of those who have made graduation possible --- our families and our friends, who have supported us through tumultuous times in our academic and non-academic life.

These handful of teachers then, have been my "comrades-in-arms" in the MaLT Program. From left: Ms. Ma. Teresa Matriano, Ms. Charina Li Ong (With High Distinction), Ms. Marissa Rodriguez (With Distinction), Mr. Rogelio dela Cruz, and Mr. Antonio Ingles (With Distinction). It has been an honor and a pleasure working with these talented people.

Among these teachers, however, I appreciate being with Ms. Charina Ong the most.

Despite her amiable and charming personality, Ms. Cha brought out my most competitive self - Grabe talaga yun, ayaw magpatalo. Tapos dadaanin ka pa sa sipag at tiyaga, kaya mapipilitan ka talagang magsunog ng kilay.

Kaya ayun, palaliman kami ng eyebags... Kaya lang, masama yata pagsusunog ko ng kilay... The thing burned through my hairline... :)

I think this sacrifice was well worth it though --- we BOTH graduated with highest distinction - although it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if her academics also affected her hairline. :)

I was accompanied by my mother and my aunt during my graduation. This graduation was FOR THEM, for it was their vision and their selfless sacrifice that enabled me to complete my schooling. I shudder thinking what life would be like had they been less generous.

It is a strange cycle I think. Of how we can give so much more to others, precisely because others have given us so much.

Sabi ni Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility."

I think the more apt quote is "With great power comes great power bills." No, I'm not even talking about our friendly neighborhood MERALCO.

What we have achieved (our power) has been made possible only through the sacrifice and contributions of others. They have in a sense paid the bill. I hope we draw strength and inspiration from the generosity of others as we likewise seek means to make a difference in this world.

Animo Benilde!

Fun and Sun With CLCIR

2006-04-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

The CLCIR Team went out for some fun and sun at Palm Beach, Batangas City. April 25-26 was rest and relaxation for the members of the CLCIR team and their family members.

Our office has always been a small office, so it was good to have more of our friends and family members with us for a big group outing.

I'm not much of a swimmer --- hmm... change that... I am NOT a swimmer at all, so swimming is not a huge turn on for me at beaches. I wasn't in the mood for kayak or mountain trekking as I had only recently had a tooth extracted (Sigh). Not many people at this beach either --- which translates to a null, nada, zero cute-girl-who-is-not-an-officemate count.

Note to self: Do not forget to bring cute, non-officemate girls on next visit. :) Miles you know the drill. :)

One of the more exciting things about this trip though was the house we stayed in. It was absolutely PERFECT with its its style --- Bali-inspired ambiance at Batangas. I would definitely want to come here again --- despite the rough road on the way to this site.

All in all, I had a relaxing day at the beach, looking for seashells and taking long naps.

P.S. I really admire Iron Chef Caloy's culinary prowess. Grabe ang sarap ng spaghetti at pancit! Nakalimutan ko ang sakit ng ipin ko. Ang sarap ng luto ni Mama. Pwedeng-pwedeng butihing maybahay someday. Thanks for the excellent meals Caloy! :)

P.P.S. This place is definitely not the best place to get a cellular phone signal. You will need to do some substantial walking (actually you need to go to the next resort) for a better signal. Definitely a good thing if you don't want to be contacted in the next few days, but a real annoyance if you need to make a call. :)

What Makes a Jiye-low?

2006-04-27T02:35:00.000-07:00

Angelo Anthony Ancheta Agujo aka Jiyelow.

One-half Atenean. One-half Benildean-Lasallian. 100% Tsinita infatuation.

Jiyelow is a brother and son. He is the eldest among 8 children, 5 boys and 3 girls.

Jiyelow is a manager. He is the Head of the Instructional Technology Unit at the Center for Learner-Centered Instruction and Research (CLCIR).

Jiyelow is a learner. He is a Microsoft Office Specialist (Master Level); completed his Master in Learning and Teaching degree (Graduated With High Distinction); and is finishing his Master in Business Administration (soon).

Jiyelow is an investor. He has currently invested in a condominium near De La Salle-University. He expects to finish payments in five more years. He is currently disciplining himself to mind his own business.

Jiyelow is a teacher-trainer-coach. He helps teachers integrate technology in their teaching. He coaches students for Microsoft Office competitions. He teaches Microsoft Office to MBA students. He coaches faculty and staff on financial management by using CashFlow 101.

Jiyelow is a dreamer. He plans to buy a "family house" and get married in about five more years. He is still praying about whether he should participate in the great Philippine diaspora.