I’m Your Ninja Teacher!

by Lester

Naruto once said, “A true ninja never gives up. He never takes back his words.”

I am really a fan of anime. I have heard a lot of remarkable lines already but this one has struck me the most. A simple line like such was able to craft me into a more mature person. There are really times in our lives wherein we feel that the weight of the world is on our shoulders; times when we feel that we are helpless especially when we are put into a new and different paradigm. I was once there.

ESL teaching has been a learning experience for me ever since I got this job three years ago. I remember during my first lesson that I was so nervous I could hardly hear my student. It took me some time to hit the first letter in my keyboard for my fingers wouldn’t flex! Instances like these continue to happen in my other classes. Because of which, I had sometimes thought of not attending my classes anymore.

I almost got kicked out from the company for having the least number of students among the teachers. I had sleepless nights thinking of these things - sleepless nights that gave me a pair of panda-eyes for weeks. I felt so pathetic. Yet just like what Naruto said, giving up is never an option. I entered this career thus I must take every responsibility it gives. Perhaps, I just felt anew since teaching is definitely a whole new setting for me.

Eventually, I got rid of those mind-poisoning thoughts. Good riddance! Now, I am enjoying my craft. As for my students, I like teaching beginners and kids. I find it very challenging. However, to some teachers, it’s a big headache. It’s like eating a chocolate cupcake with wasabi on top. (HAHA!)

Never did I expect that I could pull it off. (or is it too soon to say that?) Never did I imagine that I’d be enjoying this. Gee, it’s been three years. Time flies so fast indeed.

Never have I thought of becoming a teacher. I used to hate it but now I’m starting to accept fully this very noble and inspiring profession. Being an ESL teacher isn’t just about teaching after all, it is more about learning as well.

As Gill Hart says, “An effective language teacher is one that cares more about their students' learning than they do about their own teaching!” (Amen to that!)

Every day, I always do my best to perform my duty well as a teacher and better yet surmount what my students expect of me. I want them to learn what I’ve learned and share what I’ve gained. So at the end of day, someone like me leaves a print on their hearts and minds.

A closer look at the Filipino culture

by Alexa

There were some days in your life when you wished you could predict how the weather turns out at the end of the day. Days that were far too important and special to be simply ruined by an uninviting heavy rain. Wouldn’t it be amazingly perfect to have a romantic dinner under the canopy of the stars? Or to glow beautifully on your glorious wedding day? Wouldn’t life be much more endearing for someone to be comforted by the thought that there will be sunshine on the coldest days of December until February?

For a person who has lived all his life in the Philippines, or in any tropical place, an automatic yes to all these questions provides a colorful discussion of the country’s unpredictable but wonderful weather and temperature.

With a geographical location that is set in the tropics, the humid and cold climates are the constant companion in the ordinary life of a native Filipino. This in turn has affected the common laidback lifestyle found in almost every household. The unhurried and relaxed way of life always raises the issue, here and abroad, about the country's productivity and efficiency. However, no matter how pleasant and harsh the observations were about the behaviors and attitudes of the people, it is undeniable that the essence of the whole Filipino culture never fails to attract a multitude of foreign visitors. 

For over a hundred years, the Philippines endured the complex aftermath of colonialism and discrimination. Freedom was suppressed and the original Filipino culture was almost forgotten. During the darkest days of helplessness and hopelessness, nothing and no one has completely stamped out the beauty of the mountainous green fields and the majestic blue waters.

This unexplainable wonder of paradise is one of the biggest elements that shape the culture and tradition of the Filipino people. The timeless beauty of beaches, the passion for music, and the mouth-watering exotic foods are, among other things, the most popular and the most common aspects of life in the Philippines. The country's climate, although hot and humid between the months of March and May, is almost a luxury for a person who dreads the fierce temperature of the winter season.

Perhaps Christianity and the English language are the two greatest legacies of colonialism given to Filipinos. The people simply and joyously thrive on religious festivities and practices. Most religious practices in some provinces, cities, or towns have become increasingly popular worldwide. Religion does not entirely dictate the ways of life, but it provides a profound source of inspiration and wisdom.

Over time, the country's knowledge and ability to speak the English language never fail to surprise and to charm the world. It is an eternal proud moment in every Filipino's life to be able to speak the international tongue. Today, the English language is unquestioningly the most visible feature in the Filipino literature, music, education, politics, and mass media.

English was embraced as part of who and what a Filipino is. It was first given to the country more than a century ago. Now it is the Filipino's big responsibility to give it back to the world. Everyday is the perfect time to show gratitude for the gift of language. Perhaps the most remarkable way to do this is to teach English to those who desire to learn and to master the language that is spoken in almost every corner worldwide.