The ill-mannered driver and the buses of JTB Travel and Tours

from Flickr.com

“Di kayo ang pasahero ko non a,” (You were not my passengers last time.) said the bus driver as we boarded. Despite the driver’s muttering, we went on and tried our best to fit our beddings in spaces between the seats. It was almost, I think, 6:45 A.M. when we left the billeting.

Minutes after, the bus stopped for the air conditioning system malfunctioned. We waited for more than thirty minutes until it worked again. The driver himself repaired it as he cussed. He was speaking really loud that those who were in the front seats could hear him. These words remained in my memory: “Kahapon, mga Koreano ang pasahero ko e at hindi nangyari ang ganito. Ang dami nyo kasi e.” (I had Korean passengers yesterday and this never happened. Your number is greater than expected.) “Kung sabagay ok lang mahirapan ang mga Pilipino, wag lang ang mga Koreano,” (Anyway, I’d rather see Filipino passengers suffer than let Koreans undergo the same situation” he added with a laugh that was more irritating than the circumstance we’re dealing with at that moment. Nobody responded among us. He got back to driving and the bus proceeded.

We’re on CAVITEX when the air conditioning system voluntarily turned off again. The driver declared that he could not do anything about it anymore and that we had to wait longer this time as another bus was coming to accommodate us. We waited for more than an hour in a place where there were no convenient stores or rest rooms available. Good thing, we ate breakfast at the billeting and lunch was distributed as we boarded the vehicle. Hence, nobody complained of hunger. However, as the bus was situated in the middle of the road, students could not help complaining about excessive heat. Thus, windows were opened.

The situation inside the bus as we were stranded

The alternative vehicle eventually came and we transferred to it. I thought, we would be spared from agonizing the driver’s cussing but I was wrong for the same man drove the bus.

The bus was running smoothly along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati when a burst was suddenly heard. Tire blowout it was and our bus for the third time stopped at a place where there were neither fastfood kiosks nor convenient stores. Good thing there was a toilet at a furniture store next to the vulcanizing shop; thus, we were given the opportunity to respond to the call of nature. It was midday and the heat was unbearable. Most of us were already hungry when the driver announced that we had to wait, again, as the tire needed replacement, which would be coming from Paranaque. Take note, we were steps away from Bonifacio Global City then. Students were restless and were expressing desire to alight the vehicle to buy food. It was almost 1:00 P.M. and I myself was starving. Sadly, we were not allowed to alight and buy food for safety reasons.

I can no longer recall the exact number of curses uttered by the driver as we waited for the tire to be replaced. However, I think we could have waited happily and patiently if and only if he had been COURTEOUS and cheerful in dealing with us passengers. He was rude and never demonstrated respect to anybody. Further, I don’t understand why the bus was dispatched without the guarantee of safety. Had the buses’ condition been checked before they were dispatched? Imagine, two buses in a row in one day. 

This article was not written to put JTB to shame, rather this is to call their attention on the kind of drivers the company employ and the type of service these drivers extend to the passengers, who needless to say support the business.

On Fear and Courage

On Fear and Courage

“Drug lords rule Munti” (Phil. Daily Inquirer, Dec. 16, 2014). This news shocked people from all walks of life more than any other especially when facilities enjoyed by the “lords” behind the bars were taken pictures and displayed on each newspaper’s front page. Daily news on TV gave people’s speculations on this exposé. Social influences, bribery, threat among others were said to have enabled these prisoners realized their “dreams” in life while in prison. Ironic, but it really sounds amazing how people in prison can cause fear and discourage persons in authority from telling the truth and enforcing the law.

One of our lessons in Values Ed. dealt with courage and I learned this quote by Piers Anthony, “Being terrified but going ahead and doing what must be done – that’s courage.” This I remembered when I was thinking of the said news. De Lima, who led the raid and disclosed everything, could have read and been inspired by Anthony that she instantly acted on the matter. She could have feared the real LORD that she gathered that overflowing courage to march through the gates of Bilibid and surprise the aspiring recording artists and celebritiesinside the assumed-to-be prison.

          What could have other factors that prompted this fast and furious lady to such a dangerous mission is none of my concern. What I want to emphasize here is her apparent demonstration of fear and courage and the impact of such an act to all. Hers is an act which proved we still have people in authority to rely on.

My philosophy of Teaching

First and foremost, I believe that teaching is a vocation rather than a profession. I was called to educate people who are expected to be holistically prepared for life. Thus, as an educator I see to it that each aspect of their personalities is nurtured so that whatever future the Divine Providence has set for each of them, they would fulfil. Earning for a living is a priority, yes, but this does  not prevent me from doing volunteer jobs and working beyond my schedule should the need arise.  

Multiple intelligences encompass a class thereby making me observe creativity and inventiveness in teaching the English subject. Adjustments are utilized for topics to suit the needs and understanding of my class in general. One activity, different talents for one lesson, these I follow as I want each member of the class to comply with my requirement at the same time provide them an opportunity to express themselves in the best way they can. This learning process eliminates discrimination among students, builds camaraderie, and trust in one another. As for those who are regarded slow learners, the strategy builds their self-esteem and gives them an insight that each of them is given importance. Therefore, participation is encouraged and the advocacy that there would be no student left behind is fulfilled.

As an academic coordinator, I support learner-centered principle as I understand the importance of making dependable leaders out of students. To demonstrate these I give them collaborative and participatory processes which may eventually lead them to empowerment. As we discuss lessons I give them tasks such as reporting to class a certain literary piece or news related to the lesson or any of their experiences which would contribute to their complete understanding of the topic discussed. I make them lead in class or school activities and see to it that they are given credit to what they do.

I am aware that my students will take an active part in the community and the world. Thus, I instill in them the understanding of the importance of autonomy. I make them generate their own goals and evaluate their own progress by engaging them in activities, which would let them demonstrate their sense of responsibility, love for literacy and concern for others. The application of these is my letting them join me in online courses, which are related to our lessons. Through each course, opportunities to finish the task alone, to monitor their progress, to connect with fellow students from other countries, to hone their communication skills in the language taught and to experience 21st century skills emphasized in the K-12 curriculum are given to them. 

I address absenteeism by giving my students pieces of advice that would make them realize the importance of coming to school. Negative effects of illiteracy, irresponsibility, and apathy are cited as I see opportunities to impart them in our lessons. Consequently, they are given ideas that their detachment from other member of the class, loitering and absenteeism would lead them to developing such values – illiteracy, irresponsibility and apathy – which would eventually exempt them from success and opportunities offered by education. I entice them to look beyond what we are taking up for them to understand their worth as a person, as a member of the school community and the world as a whole.

I believe students learn more by motivation rather than by compulsion. Thus, as I teach I connect our lessons to real life situations for them to see that what they do in the classroom takes place outside of it. World literature is rich in selections which speak of aspirations, difficulties and triumphs of individuals that when emphasized would be inculcated upon young minds and would eventually inspire them to strive for success. Sometimes, I even share to them my very own experiences for them to realize that there is nothing impossible for a person who takes the challenge that life offers.

I espouse respect and the power of listening. So, I demonstrate both by letting them exercise freedom of expression through journal writing and blogging. After each lesson, I give them time to write their reflections of the lesson or on any observation in connection with it on their journal. Afterwhich a short group sharing among them is provided as I actively supervise the interaction. Should they seek my participation I willingly join them. Since everyone is given the chance to share as others listen, my students learn the value of respect and listening which, nowadays, are hardly practiced. As for blogging, I make them respond to a question based on the literary selection discussed and to which each of them can relate. Then, the blog articles will be read and commented on by their classmates. 

I advocate leading by example. As Edgar Guest writes:

            “And the best of all the preachers

            Are the men who live their creeds,

            For to see good put in action

            Is what everybody needs.”

With all these, I am confident that I do not just teach to make a living but to respond to and fulfil the DepEd’s challenge “Education for All.”