I used to think negatively about the educational system of our country. Understandingly, there are so many reasons why. I'm a certified public school kid, that means, I grew up studying in public schools since I was in kindergarten until I reached college. A number of frustrations grew along with me as I step from one grade level to another. Boy, a blog post wouldn't be enough if I have to elaborate them.

     Fast forward, I am now a licensed English teacher currently working for a private institution. This is my first year of teaching and I would be crazy if I'd say that teaching is an easy task. It is both rewarding and noble, but I cannot shun the fact that stress comes along with it. (Not that I am complaining :D ) I bet my co-educators will agree with me. As it is a very challenging profession, teachers like me would be very glad to receive any kind of assistance.

    I was very glad and happy to find out that an organization like CBE exists from a forum I attended last June. CBE by the way stands for Coalition for Better Education,  which is an organization that looks into the various issues in education. It seeks to help develop the educational system in the Philippines by proving different kinds of assistance from action research to curriculum development services. It was founded by Mr.Bobby Aboitiz, who is considered as the father of the organization. The coalition has several partners that also shares the same goals and principle with it.

     From the things that I learned during the forum, I was a surprised why I never heard about CBE before considering the fact that I am an educator. lol As what Mr. Tarayao said, CBE is one of Cebu's little best kept secret. Why make it a secret though? lelz. 

     After the brief discussion about the background and advocacies of CBE, we were introduced to the coalition's previous projects and their latest one which is the releasing of the Energy Flash Cards. The flash cards contains a number of project based learning activities that can be utilize by teachers.

      Project Based Learning, according to BIE.org, is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge.
    We were so lucky to have Mr. Jeffrey Tarayao in the forum. Mr. Tarayao is the president of CBE (Coalition for Better Education) and One Meralco Foundation. He talked about how CBE began and how it helped the public schools in our country.

      I felt so honored to be able to witnessed Mr. Tarayao talk because he shared a lot of things for us to ponder on. Not only about the current status of the educational system in our country, but also his personal experiences as a Filipino serving his beloved country. He also shared to us his personal philosophy in life and some historical facts that I never knew. I even felt like I am in a Philippine history class wherein he is the teacher and I'm one of his students because I couldn't help taking down notes while he is talking. I must say that being in the forum made me miss my life as a student lelz.

     Mr. Tarayao's messages to us were actually all very informative and inspiring. The things he said inspired me to strive harder to become a better teacher and a better blogger. He posed this question, "Who are those innovative teachers? They are those who are willing to be pushed and go to the edge. How can you fly when you are afraid to fall?". I was dumbfounded by his question because I believe it doesn't only apply to teachers but to all kinds of people. Sometimes we fail to live the most of our life because of one thing which is fear. I'd like to think about what he said when I am feeling under the weather. I'd like to think that I can further challenge myself into overcoming my fears in reaching my goals.

    You see, I am easily inspired and touched by words. Our country needs more Filipinos with visions and actions like Mr. Tarayao and the rest of the CBE people. I'd like to be one of them too so I'll start by being a good teacher and a good blogger who can blog for better education.
       A teacher from Science High School showed us a sample of the E-cards which are currently being developed by Filipino educators.
    Transformers 2. Just one of the PBL Energy flash cards being developed. I was both amazed and excited looking at the samples because I know they are going to be very helpful not only for the teachers, but also to the students. It actually looked a lot like a  lesson plan to me than a card. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense now. lol

    I would love to have my  own copy at that time, but they said they are not ready yet, so I'll just have to wait until the cards will be released. And when will that be? the long wait will be over soon because CBE's energy flash cards will be available for downloads next month. It will be available for free so no need to pay any amount to use the cards. Educators just have to visit CBE's official website. If you want to be a member of CBE like me, let's go visit the website also.

   I hope CBE will release more flash cards and continue providing assistance to educators. Knowing CBE's existence made me more hopeful about the future of our country.

Thank you for reading this post. I'm sorry I haven't posted anything for a long time (the perks of being a teacher) haha.

love lots,
Tin

     Last Saturday, Cebu had its second literary festival held at Ayala Center Cebu. I witnessed the first literary festival, but I wasn't able to blog about it. I learn so many things last year from the free interviews and workshops where award-winning Filipino writers shared their views and knowledge about writing.
   I thought I would never experience such a wholesome experience again, until I saw an update in Facebook that LitFest will be held again this year. I was more than happy and I just can't wait for it.
The day finally arrived and here are some of the shots I took from the event:
     Carlos Celdran came to talk about his art. He shared to us his narratives about Imelda and the Intramuros. I actually felt like I'm in a Philippine history class just because Mr.Celdran shared so many historical facts about our country. I never learn some of them before.
    He shared to us a seal which is also used by San Miguel. I totally forgot the others that used the seal, so if you recognize the one in the photo, enlighten me in the comment section below. hehe
    He also spent some time to be interviewed where Cebuanos are free to ask him almost about everything. There was even someone who did asked him about his thoughts with the presidential bet Mayor Duterte of Davao, and we have the same thoughts.
Goodies like these amazing jars and cute cards from Happy Garaje were displayed near the activity area.
Must have books written by talented Cebuano writers were also displayed. If only I had enough money to buy them all! hahaha
Badges showing Litfest's official logo were also sold. I should have bought one for myself but then I thought about economics so I just saved my money.
    The day was jam packed with everything literary.There were actually a number of events scheduled, but I was only able to witness two-the narratives of Carlos Celdran and the book launch interview between the legendary Resil Mojares and Jessica Zafra.

     I wasn't able to witness so many events that day because I had more important appointments. Nevertheless, attending Cebu's second LitFest was very rewarding for me. I hope the second time won't be the last time. And hopefully, I wont be too busy for LitFest 2016. I am looking forward to learn more about life and literature.