{M} Tips on First Day of Classes

FROM THE MAIN BLOG:

Originally posted on 31 May 2013

Wait, bago ako magsimula, I'll just say a few sentences.

To those blog readers who are not based in the Philippines, just so you know, classes in our country commence every June and end on either March or April. Thus, this blog post is made in time for the upcoming opening of classes in the Philippines next month.

Ayan. Naku, June na naman! Iinit na naman ang mga upuan sa mga classroom dahil nga'y papasok na naman tayo...ay, kayo pala!

Sure na sure ako na nag-iisip kayo what to expect pagpasok ng klase.'Yung iba diyan kinakabahan na, either natatakot kung anong klaseng kaklase na naman ang makakaharap nila, o natatakot sa subjects na haharapin. 'Yung iba naman ay tuwang-tuwa kasi may baon na naman, makikita na naman si crush, o magsisimula muling mag-multiple choice ng mga guys o gals sa campus.

Magbibigay lang naman ako ng tips kung ano ang dapat gawin bago at sa araw ng pasukan.

Bago magpasukan

1. Dahan-dahaning ikundisyon ang sarili.
Heto nga't ilang araw na lang ay magsisimula na naman ang klase, medyo tanggapin ninyo na magti-"till we meet again" na kayo ng summer vacation. Puwede pa rin namang magsiyesta kaso kailangang naka-set ang mind mo na magpapasukan na, para hindi kayo mabigla sa araw ng pasukan.

2. Tabunan ng excitement ang kaba.
Mas magandang isipin kung sinu-sino ang makikita mo sa pagpasok mo sa first day rather na alalahanin na mas mahirap na ang mga subjects na kakaharapin mo. Natural lang na mas mahirap ang susunod kasi nga "promoted to next level" ka nga e.
Isipin mo na lang kung ano nang hitsura ng mga classmates mo pagbalik, may tumaba ba, umitim, tumangkad, atbp.

3. Tawagan ang mga kaklase
Medyo not applicable to all ang tip na 'to mas lalo na sa mga transferees at mga Freshman students.
Pero makatutulong ito upang bigyan ng mindset ang sarili bago magpasukan. Tanungin mo sila sinu-sino pa ang posible ninyong maging kaklase pa sa June, sinong mga teacher ang magtuturo sa inyo. Basta't pag-usapan ninyo at mag-imagine kung ano kayang mangyayari sa inyo sa susunod na sampung buwan ng eskwela like Intrams, Buwan ng Wika, school foundation day, JS Prom, etc.

4. Mag-set ng goals
Habang wala pang klase at hindi pa busy sa mga assignments at projects, ito ang tamang panahon para bigyan ng challenge ang sarili: ang magbigay ng goals.
Mag-set ng goals sa lahat ng aspeto mapa-aral (dapat lahat pasado), pinansyal (makaipon, makabili ng bagay-bagay), sosyal at kung ano pa. Siguraduhin lang na tama at makatotohanan ang mga kundisyones.
Mawawala ka ng panahong mag-set pa ng goals kung gagawin mo iyan kaalinsabay ng mga takda sa school. Dapat talagang sa una pa lang ay alam mo na ang dapat mong gawin pagpasok pa lang on the first day.

5. Huwag nang magpuyat at magtamad-tamaran.
Isa sa magandang disiplina ng isang tipikal na pamilyang Pilipino ang laging pagpapaalala na matulog na nang maaga habang papalapit nang papalapit ang pasukan. Taun-taon kong naririnig iyan mula sa aking mga magulang na "hoy, matulog na't magpapasukan na".
At magpaka-busy na rin kayo para hindi kayo mabigla sa buhos ng sandamakmak na mga ipapagawa sa inyo, mga research, homework, essay sa panahong mas madali na ang paghahanap ng kasagutan. Keep in mind na mas tumalino na rin ang mga guro sa pagbibigay ng assignment at sasabihin nila sa inyong "pwede naman nang mag-internet ah?" Kaya ngayon pa lang ay bigyan na ang sarili ng mga pwedeng pagkaabalahan, take note, produktibong pagkakaabalahan.

{M} My 19th Birthday (Part 2)

FROM THE MAIN BLOG:
Originally posted on 1 April 2012

{M}
This blog post contains mixed English and Filipino languages.

For Part One of this blog series: click here.
For the last part, click here.

Classroom scene: First Subject (27th March 2012)

I woke up at around 7:00AM. Pagkatapos kumain, naligo at pumorma, pumasok na 'ko sa klase. "Practical Chinese Writing II" ang first subject ko.

Sa tanang buhay ko, first time kong pumasok sa klase sa araw ng aking kaarawan. Lagi kasing walang pasok ang March 27 sa Pilipinas. It's either nasa Holy Week siya o nasa unang bahagi ng summer vacation. Kung natataong naabutan pa (ng patapos na school year), nasasakto siya sa Recognition Day at Graduation Day.

Nangyari na po sa 'kin iyan thrice. 'Yung una noong March 27, 1999, Recognition Day noong Kinder One ako. Pangalawa noong March 27, 2004 kung saan I got my second trophy for singing contest. Second placer po ang inyong lingkod nun, tinalo ako ni Achi Kaye, anak ni Ma'am Aquino (English supervisor namin sa school magpahanggang ngayon). At ang huli ay nito lang March 27, 2010, Graduation Day ko nung high school. Ito ay maituturing kong pinakamagandang birthday ko (so far) dahil sa birthday ko mismo, I delivered my third speech.

At konting trivia lang, ang birthdate ko ay Recognition Day ng Kuya John ko, Kinder One siya nun, wherein he got his first ever gold medal. Si Tiya Miling (my mom's oldest sister) ang nagsabit ng medal kay Kuya kasi nga kasisilang lang sa 'kin ng mga sandaling iyon. Haha!

Eh last year naman, nataong Linggo ang birthday ko kaya OK lang...at least walang pasok.

Going back, ayun, medyo nanibago ako; birthday ko, may class? Huhuhuhu...

Dumating ako sa classroom namin minutes before our class started, siyempre pagkakita sa'kin, happy birthday na lahat. Whew! Sinabihan ko silang 'wag masyadong maingay. Ayoko kasing ma-broadcast. Wala na 'kong magawa, kahit paglabas ko ng classroom panay bati na sa'kin. Hindi ko naman na sila mapigilan pa. Kahit 'yung prof ko sa naturang subject nalaman na rin. Kasi kinantahan nila ako while in class.

Nung kaka-start lang ng klase, nilagay ko 'yung cellphone ko pati ang bluetooth headset sa ilalim ng desk, naging habit ko na kasi, nang biglang may nakapa akong matigas. Napayuko ako. Shaks! Kahon! Napangiti ako. Okay. Ano 'to guys??????

Hindi ko muna inusiyoso. Nagdi-discuss na kasi si prof.

Nung nag-recess, Jam told me to open the box na nakapa ko a while ago. Binuksan ko. Woah! A pair of red Vancl shoes! Binasa ko ang nakasulat sa loob ng box. "Happy Happy Birthday, Kuya Joemar! :) We love you! You rock! God bless! Tc." Hindi ako makapagsalita...napapangiti lang ako.

Sa taas nung "We love you!", may nakasulat pa na "Awesome Shoes from Equally Awesome Friends. --Achie Grace, MG, Hazel, Darlene, Job, Jam. Sandra, (Chinese Characters: Li4 Shuang1, Li4 Qing1), Maylinda

Grabe talaga......nakakaloko. I can't even say thanks to them kasi hindi nga 'ko makapagsalita.

Then, isinara ko ang kahon.

Sabi ni Jam, buksan ko pa daw ulit. Nabitin daw siya. So, I opened it again. Tsaka ko lang napansin ang mga post-it notes na inipit sa sapatos.


Binasa ko silang lahat. Mas lalo akong natuwa.


As a form of gratitude to them, ipinost ko dito ang kanilang mga messages para sa'kin.

From: Jolie Tie (Malaysia)

To: Joe

Happy Birthday!
I greet you for getting a year older =) Hope that sooner or later you will find your.... Gf (heart) haha...

Jolie

From: Penpimon Jirasittikawin (Thailand)
(indirectly translated) You are one of the lovely guys in our 10B class! On this year's March 27, you got one year older ><'' I hope that you will strive hard in your studies and keep it up everyday! "Happy birthday to you", "Wish you good health", "Wish you good luck".... :) (She drew of me pa, ha?)
March 26 22:55 Fai [Her Chinese name])

From: Sheilla (Indonesia)
Joe! Happy B'day (smiley)
May all your dreams come true, bcoz u deserve it all (stars)
Me: SHEILLA HO

From: Kezia Dahlia Sumampow (Indonesia)
Joe, Happy Birthday! Wish you all the best! -GBU-
-KEZIA- (Her Chinese name is on the right side. Nice drawing, isn't it?)

From: Shiela Mae Kee (Philippines)

Joemar,

Happy happy birthday!!! Hala, 19 ka na!!! Don't worry, susunod na rin ako. Haha. Anyway, I hope and wish that all of your dreams may come true. Kaya mo yan, kaw pa =)
Sorry message lang yung mabibigay ko. Haha. Have fun! Stay happy!
("Happy Birthday to you!" in Chinese) --Shiela =)--

From: Hazel Joy Familiaran (Philippines)

Joemar,

Happy 19th Birthday. Well nineteen is not yet old. Still young! Thank you for being a good friend especially in times of need. May the Lord bless you, and shower all his blessings upon you.
More birthdays to come Joemar. (heart)

Love lots,

Hazel

From: 余小羊(Thailand)
HBD 2 Joe
Wishing you a happy birthday!
Studies: Grade A+
2012.3.26 From... (Her nickname in Chinese followed by a smiley)

From: Lisa Febriany (Indonesia)
Joemar...Happy Belated Birthday!! Wish u all the best!!!
GBU ^^

Lisa

From: Andrie Jamila Co (Philippines)

March 27, 2012

Dearest Joemar,

Happy Happy Birthday! Binata ka na. :)
Anyway, thanks for being an awesome friend. If kelangan mo ng help, andito lang kami. Take care. God bless. (Good luck in Chinese). :)
We love you, dude. haha.
"Awesome kicks, right?" (referring to the red Vancl shoes)

Always,

Jam

From: Darlene Sy (Philippines)

3-26-2012

Joemar Colinares!

Maligayang kaarawan po! 19 ka na! Tanda mo na! =)
Sana maging masaya ka everyday! =) remember na Laughter is the best medicine! =) God bless you always!
(Her signature followed by her name)

From: Juli Susanti (Indonesia)

From: Juli

To: Joe

Shoti, Happy Birthday, (followed by its Chinese and Indonesian translations)
(smiley)
(indirectly translated) Hoping that after your 19th birthday you will always be happy, and that you will have long-lasting success in life.
Amen. (smiley)

From: Umi Arfia (Indonesia)
(indirectly translated) Joe Professor,
Happy Birthday to you, wishing you a good health, excellence in studies, happiness in everyday and that your tummy will get smaller, hehehe
(Her Chinese name followed by a smiley.)

From: Sefti Ayu Wardhani (Indonesia)
Hey Mr. Joe... Happy B'day...

+) Be Wise

+) Be Mature in Character and Sharp in Mind

Be the Best for all

GBU

From: Tangsily Amphan (Laos)
(indirectly translated) Self-respect and self-esteem are of no value. Wishing you a sweet and happy birthday.
(Her Chinese name)

From: Jessica Suharto (Indonesia)
Joemar, Happy Birthday to You!!
I am hoping that in your 19th birthday you will get more mature, more friends, get kinder and smarter :D
(smiley) ~Jessica~

From: Mary Grace Young (Philippines)
Happy Birthday! Hi Joemar! Happy Birthday! Last teen year mo na! LOL mararanasan mo na rin mga nafeel namin. haha.
Take care always! --MG

From: Navarat Pongpanit (Thailand)
(indirectly translated) Wishing that you will go up day by day and will find happiness in your studies. (smiley)
From...(Her Chinese name)

From: Thumawadee Liwanuruk (Thailand)
(indirectly translated) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Joe. I wish you a happy birthday and excellence in your studies. =D (followed by her nickname in Chinese)

From: Thanittha Viwatbutsiri (Thailand)
(indirectly translated) Happy Birthday Joe! You're the Robot man...I believe that you do have abilities, you can do everything. You surely are always tired...yet it is for the good of our class. Hope that you will continue to grow up! Good luck
From (Her Chinese name)

From: Job Lemuel Cu Lim (Philippines)
Joe, Happy Birthday! Many Birthdays to come! (followed by "Happy Birthday!" in Chinese)

J. L. Lim

From: (unknown as of this posting)
Happy Birthday Joemar!!!
Wish you all the best (smiley)

From: Luu Gia Yen (Vietnam)(indirectly translated)  Professor, why are you so smart? Haha. Don't be so intelligent, you must share me some! What the man! (smiley)
You have grown up now! I wish that you will be surprised in your birthday and wish that you will continue to learn a lot of things not only from books but also in your own personal life.
(Her signature followed by the date written and her name in Chinese.)

From: Nera Nautika Valentina (Indonesia)
Haapy Birthday Joemar!
Wish you happiness in more [the next] 365 days to [until] the next birthday. Haha
(Her signature)

From: Lau Pei Wen (Malaysia)
Joe (heart heart) Yo! Happy Birthday! Wish that you will be happy always!
From: (Her name in Chinese) 10A Class

From: Chit Hnin Phyu (Myanmar)
 I wish Joe a happy birthday and that he will be happy always.
From Leonie Wong (Her name in Facebook) :P

From: Leakena Kim (Cambodia)
(indirectly translated) Joe, happy birthday to you! I wish you excellence in your studies! (Last line is in Cambodian script: I wish you excellence in you studies.)

From: Sonexay Inthavong (Laos)
(indirectly translated) (My account name in QQ): Happy Birthday. I wish you good health. (smiley) You must reduce weight daily! I wish also that you could search for a partner (or girlfriend). (smiley)
(His name in Chinese followed by his account name in QQ.)

From: Ting Yau Sang (Malaysia)(indirectly translated) Doctor Professor 许 文成: Happy Birthday to you! (well, English follows.) Wish that you will always be happy and worry-free!!! (smiley)

From: Lysa Ho (Indonesia)
Selamat Ulang tahun! (HBD in Indonesian)
Wish you all the best (smiley)
GBU 冰 (Her nickname in Chinese)

From: Photilath Khounmixay (Laos)Joe: (indirectly translated) You're now 18! (she thought I still am! =7) A grown up person! Today is your birthday, so I greet you happy birthday! Wish that you will be happy and healthy always! We love you!
Happy Birthday.
丽青 (Her name in Chinese)

From: 森玛妮 (Laos)
Joe: (indirectly translated) Today is your happiest day. Hope that you will forever happy as you are today. Happy birthday! 森玛妮

From: Oeng Bunkoang (Cambodia)(indirectly translated)  Joe: Happy birthday, I wish you good luck, good health, and excellence in your studies.
Your roommate, 文光 (His name in Chinese)

From: Sandra Song (Madagascar)
JOEMAR!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! (big smiley) Welcome among the old ones! Kidding! Wish you all the best! Sandra.
(Side comment:) Don't forget to show off with the (smiley) gift!

From: Maylinda Oeij (Indonesia)
(Her name in Chinese: 黄雪玲, followed by "Happy Birthday to you!" in Chinese: 祝你生日快乐!)
Happy Birthday!
("Happy Birthday!" in Indonesian: Selamat Ulang Tahun!)
Maligayang Kaarawan
May God Bless You Abundantly...Keep Growing in God...God (heart) you! So we do! (Her signature)

Hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang lahat! Ang haba ng araw ko on that day! May iba pang nangyari!

>> rrj@chn_2012-04-01

{M} My Class Sched for this Semester (AY 2011-2012 2nd Sem)

FROM THE MAIN BLOG: Originally posted on 3 March 2012.

{M}
The blog contains mixed Filipino and English languages.

(Above) My Schedule of Classes for AY 2011-2012 2nd Semester.

10 subjects....tsk tsk...
Pinakamaraming subjects na napili ko sa buong buhay ko, so far, bilang isang college student.


Nung First Year 1st Sem, 6 subjects lang ako. Nung sumunod na semestre, naging walo. Nitong nakaraan, walo ulit......ngayon, sampu na!

What-a-men!

Pero I'm glad kasi out of these ten subjects, at least five ang may written Final exams, namely, Advanced Chinese II, Practical Chinese Writing II, Chinese Extensive Reading II, Extensive Reading of Magazines and Papers I, and Chinese Contemporary Literature.

'Yung Finals naman ng Chinese Urban Culture, thesis type. P.E. IV, Music Appreciation and Computer III will have practical/hands-on type of exams.

Let's focus on the superscripts 1-5.

[1] Extensive Reading of Magazines and Papers: I already told you in the earlier blog post that there will be no magazine reading. Newspapers are under the spotlight.
[2] Physical Education IV: Among the three choices, I chose tennis. The other two are dancing and wushu.
[3] Computer Application in Chinese III: This subject is a good one. This time, Flash and Internet Webpage Design (via HTML, in which I'm good...hehe) are to be taught. =7
[4] Music Appreciation: Pinili ko 'to bilang pampuno ng 24 units.
[5] Demo Teaching: From this sem until Fourth Year 1st Sem namin ma-e-encounter ang subject na ito. The units, however, will be credited on Fourth Year 1st Sem. This subject will be holding its classes starting on the fifth week (29th March).

If you can notice, Thursday is my very hectic school day in terms of the number of subjects, and the period it occupies. In other words, I have classes in the morning, afternoon and evening on Thursdays!

Wait lang, Joe....ano ba 'yang sinasabi mong 24 units?

The university gives us 20 units (basic) in every semester. If your general average (from the previous semesters) is higher than 2.5 (equivalent to 75% in the Philippines, passing grade here is 60%), a student is surely entitled for "extra credits". The higher the average, the more extra credits will be given. In my case, I will not disclose my average but I was credited four extra units, that's why I have 24 units for this semester.

Balak kong gamitin lahat ng 24 units ko, para mas magaan ang load ko sa mga susunod na semestre.


>> rrj@chn_2012-03-03