The 10th Anniversary Retrospective: 2008

.:The 10th Anniversary Retrospective: 2008:.

It was a year of Rickrolling!

Wow. 2008. I mean, I don't even know where to begin here, because it was such an eventful year, to say the least. 

First of all, considering I had my Masters to do, and I decided to leave Reedley at the end of the schoolyear, which was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make. Going over my letters to my students in Reedley, I actually felt a tad choked up, which is probably the first time I got misty-eyed while doing this retrospective while not reading an entry that involved My Beloved. And yes, she still figured very significantly in my blog in 2008.

Let's face it: she figured in my blog significantly since 2007, and even if I hardly wrote about her from 2010 onwards, there's no denying how much she still figured. I guess that's how it really works when someone is your once in a lifetime...

But anyways. This was the year when I was, for all intents and purposes, balancing my Masters with apparent unemployment, relying on purely magic shows to make my money, which was made possible thanks to Sir Freddie of Neutral Grounds and Ms. Heidi of Big Red Balloon (Formerly Balloon Creations.). I definitely managed to make a name for myself, and I even capped off a highly successful year of magic with an awesome show helmed by Kel and Jay, Wanlu the Ventrillusionist, and of course, the lovely Giselle Sanchez...

And then I learned the value of buying longer pants...

But while yes, you have the awesome mentalism, among other things, and you even have so much going on for you, this was really a year that marked the fact that I simply could never quite just go and leave radio. Campus 99.5 came on the airwaves, and I jumped onboard! 

Boy, that didn't last for too long.

Still, I had an especially soft spot for 2008 because in August, Rick Astley actually went to Manila. That was one of the biggest highlights ever, in my book. I met him in person, then even had some of the best seats in the house during his actual concert. Hard to complain about that, really.

Having said that, with a year of magic, music, mentalism, and My Beloved, it was definitely one of the most challenging years of my professional life, seeing as I had to pay for my own M.A. through my gigs, since I didn't have a regular paying job to speak of.

Ironically, that year may very well have been the most profitable year of my life, seeing just how many shows I ended up doing. I practically completed my Power 9 cards during 2008, give or take maybe a Mox Emerald and Pearl. Of course, I could be mixing up my timeline, but whatever.

The 10th Anniversary Retrospective: 2007

.:The 10th Anniversary Retrospective: 2007:.

Not pictured: blatant product placement in a soap opera.

2007. Wow. What a year, really. This was the year when I ended up being a teacher in Reedley International School, so needless to say, it was quite a wateshed of a year for me, because it was when I got back into the thick of teaching and the academe.

Yeah, I still had my pipe dreams of being a PhD or something. So sue me. Heh.

This was the year when love was in full bloom and I thought it would never end! Oh, how giddy I must have felt when this happened, and I thought that everything was just perfect. Then I wrote this, and all I could think was wow, she really is my once in a lifetime! 

And I guess she always will be. And it felt so right, because she couldn't help but say how much she loved me, too!

But I guess it's easy to say you love someone so much when you actually can't compare it just yet to the point where you truly, honestly did, eh? But that's a story for another day. Maybe in 2012, or when I do a retrospective in 2022.

The year was pretty amazing because this was when blog events started happening. We had a Blog Parteeh in 2007, and from there onwards, we never looked back, to the point that events left and right saturate the blogosphere nowadays. And I mean saturate: it brought out the best and the worst of the blogosphere, but whaddaheck, it was a natural progression of things, really. After meeting Sam Oh in 2006 and getting inspired to become a magician, I ended up hanging out with The Story Circle, who really became a huge part of my life for several years hence.

2007 was also the point where I was super crazy about Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, so "Sana Maulit Muli" was my favorite TV show of all time. It was pretty funny, and My Beloved just went along with it, no matter how much she rolled her eyes over the fact that I'm just super crazy over the Kimerald tandem. Yes, that's the actual tandem, and not just Kim Chiu. I was seriously a fan of the loveteam. It was also the time when I was a majorly active user in the Comic Book Resources forums, which I moved to when the Ragnarok craze killed the activity in the Otaku Boards.

Because of the fact that I hosted TOEI in 2006, though, I started becoming a presence in conventions because I tried to do my magic out there. Having said that, this was the point I met and became friends with Alodia, Ashley, Crissey, and Tricia. I would end up friends with Domz in the year after that. I don't know about you, but that was a pretty interesting time, because slowly, I was transitioning into really being a regular fixture in cons as a host.

You know what my favorite entry was, though? I think it's the one where I did the math. I still grin from ear to ear when I look at that entry. It felt even smarter than all those crazy Philosophy papers I wrote for Mr. Calasanz and everyone else.

That being said, huge things happened this year, such as being a speaker during iBlog 3. It was my first time speaking during iBlog, and it was definitely given rave reviews by everyone who watched, as it set the tone for my magic career for quite a while. That being said, not only was it a success, My Beloved was actually there.

On top of all that, I resigned from WAVE in 2007. Yeah. It was a huge leap for me to make, as I was in radio for a good three years. Still, moving to teach in Reedley was one of the best things I ever did in my life, and to this day, I still cherish that schoolyear I had with my kids from Reedley. The mere fact I'm still friends with several of my colleagues and students from Reedley, as opposed to me mostly remaining friends only with Camilo in Ateneo should demonstrate the contrast, really.

This was an awesome year for me. I was so happy. I was so in love. And I was so fearless, as I came to grow as a performer by leaps and bounds. 2008 was simply a continuation of all the blessings I've managed to accrue in 2007. It also showed with how I blogged, as the academic bug clearly bit me again, and I had ridiculously detailed posts without being so transcript heavy. It was a subtle evolution of my writing style that I think stands to this very day.

Quickly, Before I Fall Asleep!

.:Disenchanted Kingdom’s Strong Opening:.

Although I did swing by nextdoor to say “hi” to senatoriable Ruffy Biazon, I have to say that Monday’s DK was a really good one, what with the stuff that went on, including Logan singing musicals and talking about the APO Hiking Society concert and the fact that Marf ran into a hot celebrity in Big Fish who actually held his hand that night.

We even took the time out to pick on standup comedian Paul Baluyot, all the way from Canada. Nothing like a little bit of racism to start off his day. Heh.

.:School Of Hard Knocks:.

With my thesis set for a defense soon and my odds of marching hanging by a thread, it was a good time to meet some of my Yale kids from Reedley last night in Eastwood.

Ultimately, I’m happy that Gaita’s been doing very well, Mishka just finished her stint in Big Foot, and Paolo seems to be enjoying his time doing music. At some point, I have faith they will find their true calling and achieve their potential, because really, there’s nothing worse in this world for a teacher than having amazing students who don’t live up to the unlimited potential they possess.

Quite frankly, with the way these guys have been expressing themselves and making headway in their lives, I’m not too worried about that happening.

.:Amused:.

It was good times last night as I watched the Itchyworms at 70's Bistro, and they played one of my favorites, "Loveteam," even acknowledging that it's a song I love to hear.

I returned the favor though by taking them by surprise when I requested for "Season Of Smiles" shortly after, and they actually obliged me. That was a hilarious night, and the opportunity to open for them in the future definitely attracts me.

Oh, by the way,they actually sang a few songs from the Juan dela Cruz band that night, too.

A Time For Celebration...

.:Ateneo De Manila, March 28:.

I'm exceptionally happy for my friends and former students who graduated from college and high school respectively, this past weekend. As a former teacher who still does what he can to teach, even just as a Philo tutor friend to some of my good friends from ADMU, I beam in pride as I see my friends and former students go forth to the next chapter of their lives with a pocketful of sunshine and a bagful of hope.

Last Friday, I was at the Ateneo graduation for SOH and SOSS. It was awesome seeing my friends graduate after all the stress they've had over their grades and all that jazz. From my friends in Philo to Ozy and to the ladies from I.D., and to even some of my random friends like Fideles, it was quite a moment, to say the least. I even ran into Alodia's parents, and my college batchmate, Darn, graduated from MA Comm that day as well.

The ceremonies were surprisingly short, though, considering about a thousand students or close to that number graduated last Friday, and I think the whole thing was finished before 7PM. If not that, well before 8PM.

I'm sure my friends will blaze their own trails with next to no effort. They're all awesome people, and I'm very honored to have been their friends. I wouldn't have it any other way. So to Darn, Crissey, Domz, Cat, Ozy, Arvin, Edjie, Fideles, and Karla, congratulations to all of you, and be the best you can be!

.:Reedley International School, March 29:.

I got a ticket from my former student Nicole, so I ended up attending the graduation ceremonies for Reedley International School. It was a very interesting experience, being there with former colleagues and former students alike, all things considered.

As an aside, this day was also Abby's birthday, and I even had a magic show shortly after the graduation ceremonies, for that matter. It was, without a doubt, a very action-packed day.

It was a pretty emotional event, what with the batch valedictorian really pouring her heart out in her valedictory address. It was such a raw, real moment, and I was proud of Joey Florento, even though I only ever subbed for her class when I was teaching. The only 3rd year class I taught last year was Yale, after all. That also explains why most of the people I approached were my kids from Yale.

Let me take a moment to beam about Dennis Kim, by the way. He was the Gerry Roxas leadership awardee, and I know that he has a lot going for him once he's in college. I truly believe he's got what it takes to continue being a great leader and a true paragon for his contemporaries.

Nonetheless, when I got there, a colleague suggested that I stand-in for Nicole's parents, since she had no one to accompany her onstage when she would receive her medals. I know the feeling of going up onstage alone at a time where someone should be up there with you, so I naturally agreed it was a good idea.

Anyways, when it was Nicole's turn, I sorta drew some minor controversy, but all in all, I think people recognized that it was just a simple gesture on my part, and there wasn't anything to read into beyond that. Nicole was one of my students, and if anyone else among my students asked me the same favor, I'd have done that for them as well, no questions asked.

So yeah, the RIS graduation, without a doubt, was very special to me. Yale was my favorite 3rd year class (Since they were my ONLY 3rd year class...), after all.

Congratulations, guys! You know I'm always here for you if you need anything from me that doesn't involve money or mathematics. =P

And who knows? Maybe my days as a teacher aren't quite over yet...

Bad Boys, Nice Guys, And Practical Jokes...

.:The Nice Guy Vs. The Bad Boy…:.

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I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely stumped why some women would, all things being equal, prefer the “bad boy” over the “nice guy”.

This isn’t another typical “nice guy” rant, mind you. I don’t think I fit that bill, what with my megaflare temper and all. And by “nice guy”, I don’t mean socially inept dork who tries to use friendship as a means to parlay some sexytime. To put it bluntly, I mean the nice guy who’s every bit as appealing as the bad guy except he doesn’t have a mean streak.

Is he perfect? Not sure. Will he never cheat on you? I dunno. But between him and the bad boy, it would appear that he’s the more logical choice, yet for some odd reason, a few women do choose the bad boy, still.

Not all run-of-the-mill nice guys are the creepy little stalkers we read about, hanging around their lady love, never asking them out, hoping that by being there for them at all times, they’d have their lady love tear their clothes off in an irresistible whorl of passion and fury.

Other nice guys know that what it takes to be loved is to be worth loving. Consider it a barrier of entry of sorts: if you don’t work enough to show you’re worthy, be it whatever criteria one’s worthiness is measured, you can’t expect to get a lasting relationship out of anyone at all. Sitting around, hoping they’d be noticed won’t work. You have to put your neck out there, and risk rejection.

The fake nice guys who think they can be loved just the way they are give the genuine nice guys in the world a bad name. Women are not vending machines that, when loaded with enough “good deeds”, will suddenly dispense “sex”. It doesn’t work that way, so if for one minute, you think you’re a nice guy, and you think this way, please, really ask yourself if you’re a genuine nice guy, or just using that as a euphemism for “creepy dork who thinks kind acts will yield physical reciprocation”.

Then again, when asked about it, women friends of mine who have chosen the bad boy actually have given some answers…

The common one is “it’s a challenge”, sorta like how some women date gay men in hopes of turning them straight (Delamar mentioned how much she liked Boy George and thought if she could go out with him, he’d turn straight for her.). There’s an innate appeal in having a bad boy become a good boy, because let’s face it, there’s probably some good quality in that bad boy to begin with, so he’d just be made of awesome if that happened.

Amusingly enough, this is rarely the case when a guy dates the “bad girl”. The girl dates the “bad boy” so he can be turned good. The guy dates the “bad girl” because she’s g-ooood. So there’s a slight disparity between the way men and women think on this count, and this doesn’t necessarily reflect well on men, either.

On the other hand, a more sensible reason I’ve heard is that the bad boy is the “devil you know”. That makes sense, when you consider that most nice guys have the label, fair or unfair, that “nasa loob ang kulo nila”. At least, with a bad boy, they’re actually predictable, to an extent. So between the predictable bad boy and the nice guy they can’t gauge properly, they’d rather go with the sure thing.

To be honest, I don’t know either way. I’m a bit miffed every now and then, though when I get told that I’m “too much of a nice guy”, especially when the people who really know me I’m quite the rascal in reality… and when I hear that whole “where have all the nice guys gone” schlock, I can’t help but just be annoyed even more.

Thoughts? Comments? Violent reactions?

.:Amusingly Enough…:.

… one of my students thought I was playing a joke on her when I talked to her online, thinking I was one of her classmates, playing an elaborate prank on her.

When I finally linked to my blog, I think she caught on that I wasn’t joking…

Heh.

Dani, Dani, Dani...

Yes, Dani Belmonte. I am talking to you right now on Yahoo Messenger.

- Mr. Fabie

Randomicity Again...

.:Kel And Beloved, Sitting On A Tree...:.

S-T-U-D-Y-I-N-G.

What else did you expect from a guy "studying" for radio, and his Beloved, studying for the nursing boards, right?

Having said that,my Beloved and I spent time yesterday talking over the phone, and we had this nice moment where I just ran my phone's song player, and we just played different songs throughout the conversation.

It was really nice having that time with my Beloved because things have been very hectic for the both of us lately. There's really something great about being able to have the chance to just bond through music, and given how torn I feel about things career-wise as of late, I guess this is a good reprieve.

Below are the lyrics to the song I dedicated to my Beloved. Sometimes, when I think about her, I realize how lucky I am to have been loved by someone like her, and then end up thinking that maybe I'm so out of my league to be hoping to have someone like her in my life...

Out Of My League
by Stephen Speaks

It's her hair and her eyes today
That just simply take me away
And the feeling that I'm falling further in love
Makes me shiver but in a good way

All the times i have sat and stared
As she thoughtfully thumbs through her hair
And she purses her lips, bats her eyes as she plays,
With me sitting there slack-jawed and nothing to say

'Cause I love her with all that I am
And my voice shakes along with my hands
'Cause she's all that I see and she's all that I need
And I'm out of my league once again

It's a master for melody when she calls out my name to me
As the world spins around her she laughs, rolls her eyes
And I feel like I'm falling but it's no surprise

'Cause I love her with all that I am
And my voice shakes along with my hands
'Cause it's frightening to be swimming in this strange sea
But I'd rather be here than on land
Yes she's all that I see and she's all that I need
And I'm out of my league once again

It's her hair and her eyes today
That just simply take me away
And the feeling that I'm falling further in love
Makes me shiver but in a good way
All the times I have sat and stared
As she thoughtfully thumbs through her hair
And she purses her lips, bats her eyes as she plays,
With me sitting there slack-jawed and nothing to say

'Cause I love her with all that I am
And my voice shakes along with my hands
'Cause it's frightening to be swimming in this strange sea
But I'd rather be here than on land
Yes she's all that I see and she's all that I need
And I'm out of my league once again

.:Return To Reedley:.

Dropped by Reedley International School at lunchtime, and as you can easily guess, I performed for them again, and it was a really great one, since I was introduced to the new faculty members in quite a fashion... heh.

At the same time, Ms. Wamilda even told me that during school meetings, they still acknowledge me as part of the English department, if only for the fact that I'm still associated with RIS as a club moderator. I can't leave that place, truth be told. I certainly miss Reedley, and you can be sure that it won't be long before I find myself back to the same old tricks with the people there.

It was great dropping by the school again. I miss being a part of the Reedley family, and I'm glad that to some extent, I'm still there, and still doing my part in touching lives as teachers are wont to do.

It's The Last Day In Reedley...

.:Slain!:.

So last night, a few teachers hung out and had isaw at UP, then went around the Sunken Garden before finally having dinner at Mang Jimmy's.

That being said, with all the insane stuff we were up to, we were pretending to be teachers from Fountain International School to "protect" our identities. It was a riot and a half for everyone involved, and I'm thankful I got to hang out with a few of my colleagues before the schoolyear ended. I was way too anti-social for most of the year, admittedly.

Throughout the night, since Mr. Flores was going to give a reflection this morning, we were ribbing him to do something never been done before. Since he was renewing for the next year, I guess it's safe to say that he had no plans of performing career suicide, and his presentation just really slew us, since most of the people who were there last night sat up front to try to make him laugh.

.:Reflection Courtesy Of Mr. Flores' Slide Show...:.

Yes, I know it's not originally his, either.

A young lady was waiting at an airport for her flight.

She became a little hungry and went into a shop and bought a bag of her favorite chocolate chip cookies.

She took the cookies put them in her handbag then found a seat in the airport lounge next to a man reading a newspaper.

After a few minutes she reached down beside her and took a cookie from the bag on the armrest between them, then to her astonishment the man sat next to her also took a cookie from the bag, smiled at her and ate it. She felt irritated but thought it best not to say anything. She then had another cookie and the man also took one. Now she was getting a little annoyed and thought to herself 'The nerve, I ought to punch him in the nose!'.

Then she had a third biscuit, he took another from the bag, smiled at her again and munched away without saying a word. This continued for every cookie she had he took one too. Now she was really angry, but still said nothing because she didn't want to make a scene.

Finally there was one cookie left, 'Ah ha!' she thought 'What's he going to do now?'

Well, he reached into the bag, took out the last remaining cookie, broke it in half and offered half of it to the young lady. That was the last straw. Without saying a word she picked up her handbag and stormed off to board her plane.

Sitting on the plane, still fuming she settled in her seat and looked in her handbag for her reading glasses and book.

There she saw the bag of cookies she had bought earlier, unopened, untouched. She had forgotten she had put her cookies in the handbag.

To her horror she realized that, the man wasn't in the wrong. He had shared his bag of cookies without feeling angry or bitter. He had even shared his last cookie with her without a word of complaint or any signs of annoyance.


All the while she had felt anger towards him and he was in fact the one sharing with her and now she had no opportunity to explain herself or apologize.

I learnt something from this story. There are four things which cannot be recovered.

The stone... After it has been thrown.

The word... After it has been said.

The occasion... After the loss.

The time... When it has passed.

Now, If you are the one sat there thinking someone is 'stealing my cookies' and the whole World is against me, take a moment and think, am I screwing myself out of a good friend?

.:And So, I Thank You All:.

I've thanked the students, but I'd be remiss not to thank everyone else.

I don't want to waste my time and not thank the colleagues I have gotten to know in Reedley, who have managed to make a huge difference in my life. A lot has happened in the three quarters I've been with this school, but leaving Reedley after a mere three quarters is making a far more profound impression upon me than leaving radio after three years.

I think every single experience I've had with RIS, both positive and negative, have impacted upon me ineffably. I am a stronger person, a better listener, and a kinder human being. I'm still far from perfect, but now, I'm perfectly fine with that.

Thank you, Reedley. Thank you for making me a better human being.

Before The Weekend For Me...

.:Yes, I'm Booked Twice Today!:.

Not to mention the fact that I'm actually meeting the JGL as well tonight. As you can tell, I'm rather chuffed about all this.

.:Good Luck To The Yuppie Dazers!:.

Ms. Martinez, Ms. Chan, Ms. Dela Cruz, and Mr. Vengco, enjoy yourselves there, guys, and don't do anything I won't. ;)

.:I Found This Rather Thoughtful, Really...:.

So a student gave me this book last Monday...

I'm really touched that Gaita gave me this book, to be honest. It's very useful, although the fact remains that my Beloved speaks Fookien, not Mandarin. Still, the book is a nice gateway into a new language, because there are so many phrases you can really put to use. It's not really a book about flirting in Chinese, if you look at the book closely enough. More appropriately, it's a book about key Chinese phrases that you could put to good use in real life, including the opportunity to get to know people.

I'm thoroughly determined to learn a few languages before I die, and Chinese would be fairly high up on my list of priorities, along with German, Korean, and Japanese.

Thanks again, Gaita! Awesome book, and very tongue-in-cheek, at that!

The Teacher's Journey (Thus Far)... Part III of III

This is the third of a three-part account of my journey in life as a teacher. It's something I really wanted to write for ages, and now's the best time for me to do it. Hopefully, you guys will like it.

.:Enter Reedley:.

You can see the letters by now, and I'm definitely proud of my students in RIS. What most of the people may not know is that I actually got this job through sheer guts.

For years, I've been saying that while I do admire my professors, the regard and respect I have for high school and grade school teachers is incomparable. I sincerely didn't think I had it in me, and I really doubted my ability to teach high school. After all, weren't "patience" and "temper" the two biggest issues I had in my previous relationship? High school and grade school were likely to test my patience and temper in ways I never conceived possible.

When I had my demo teaching, I performed Blindsight for Ms. Estrada, who at the time, didn't know I was a mentalist. It tied in perfectly with my lecture, and it definitely got the attention of the students. Still, I wasn't quite sure what I was in for. I wanted to teach, but my Gawd, high school? I just got rejected by the college English Department of Ateneo... how was I going to hack it in Reedley, an international school, no less?

But the teaching demo went well. The next challenge that harkened to my own thoughts about teaching came from the headmaster, Mr. Castro himself.

Mr. Castro: I don't think you have what it takes, Marcelle. You're smart, you have a lot going for you, but I don't think you have it in you to teach high school.

I don't know what got into me, but I had to respond to that. It would've made my life easier if I just agreed and walked away from there, but something in what he said, despite the fact that it affirmed to me my own belief that I didn't have what it takes, made me see it not as an affirmation of my weakness, but as a challenge. And I rose to the challenge, even if at the time, I didn't think it was the smartest thing to do. Prior to the "challenge", he already warned me about the pay...

Marcelle: Sir, with all due respect, I do think I have what it takes. I may not have had direct experience teaching high school, but I've never backed down from a challenge.

I may never know if Mr. Castro does this to every employee, but it definitely struck a nerve with me and he told me that he respected my guts to disagree with him. And that was what made me feel that I was so close to really getting this job... I went against my own mental limitations. I always believed I couldn't hack it, but I went in anyways.

I won't be the judge of my own tenure here, then... I can turn the question over to my students... guys, did I hack it? Was I worthy? To be honest, sometimes, I still ask myself if I really made it.

.:Three Quarters Later...:.

And so I had my three classes: Columbia, Carnegie, and Yale. It was a wonderful three quarters with all of them.

From Post Secret to political ramblings, from bonus questions, to Liquid Metal, from MP3 players during JRP (Shhh....) to "sneaky-sneaky" moments, I laughed, I cried, I smiled, and I learned with my students. They really made me feel I was doing something good... I wasn't just teaching them English. I was preparing them for life. With my Philosophy background and radio history, I had a range of experience wider than the average person's in my age group, and I wanted them to see that teachers are people, too...

Teachers are people who care about their students above and beyond the call of their job description.

Teachers are people who dream that their students will someday be better than they can ever hope to be.

Teachers are people who laugh, who cry, who feel guilt, who feel pain. They have feelings, but they find it necessary to be superhuman. Not for themselves, but for their students. No matter how tired, no matter how stressed, never mind if they're secretly going through heartaches. The show must go on.

Teachers are people who eat, go to the mall, and watch movies. There's absolutely nothing weird about that.

In turn, the students showed me that they were willing to listen to me. Whether it be a lecture about Holden Caulfield or Shakespeare or the Philippine government, whether it be a debate or an interview, the students delivered. They pushed themselves hard.

The coming year holds a lot of mysteries. I still don't know if I'll be teaching in Ateneo this coming schoolyear, but I know I will never forget being a part of the Reedley family, even for just a year. I miss them already, and my contract isn't up yet.

With every single student whose life I somehow touch for the better, I know it's worth every single sleepless night. Every single tear. Every single deadly deadline. Every single cut I have to take from my own Masters. Every single headache. Every single everything.

I will never regret being a teacher. This is my calling. This is my life.

Dear Columbia

Dear Columbia,

As you are reading this letter today, know that you hold a very dear place in my heart. Call me a sentimental fool, but I can’t help but be grateful that you were my students for this past schoolyear.

From the first class I had with you, I already had a soft spot for Columbia. It had a lot to do with the “aww” moment I got from Liane, but then, that was just the first of many moments where I really felt that leaving radio and getting into teaching was a decision I wouldn’t regret at all.

Columbia was the reason I would wake up at 5 in the morning just to get to work early. It’s no mean feat for a guy who prefers waking up at 9 to actually enjoy getting up earlier all because he refuses to miss a day with Columbia even in exchange for the world. Columbia is a happy classroom. You're all enthusiastic, eager to try anything once, and are willing to perform at the drop of a hat. You are determined and competitive, and as a class, you are a force to be reckoned with.

Allow me to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you personally through this letter right now.

To Alliya, thanks for being a good sport, even when I sometimes rib you about your parties and their match-making abilities. You’re an intelligent girl, and I know there’s so much promise that lies ahead of you in the horizon. You have a really good head on your shoulders.

To Nathan, thank you for being yourself, for all the good and bad things that may come with it. No matter what people say, it’s all about you pushing yourself to achieve. You have what it takes and you know it, but it’s up to you to make good on that potential. It’s never too late. And thanks for the copy of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, too.

To Lora, thank you for being one of the most affectionate students in class. You have a way of speaking that endears you to everyone around you. There’s little I can tell you except that I hope you continue being the optimistic, infectiously cheerful lady that you’ve always been.

To Raven, thanks for being one of the people who never fail to remind me why age isn’t always an indicator of wisdom. You are living proof that Chinese people really rock. (Although as I told Glenn Hu of Yale, Chinese girls rock harder, of course. Hehe.)

To Nicole, thanks for taking an interest in learning rubik’s cubes from me. It really made me feel like I’m doing something helpful for someone, and the fact that you can solve it even faster than I can ever hope to is testament to your determination.

To Galo, thanks for being our endless source of comedy. You never hesitate to laugh, even at yourself. That’s commendable of you.

To Kevin, thanks for giving the class that unforgettable moment during our interviews. You gave me a moment where I felt I made a difference in someone’s life for the better. As a teacher, there are few things that can make me feel happier than that.

To Elvin, thanks for pushing yourself in my subject. Maybe you’re not excelling in it, but I know you’ve extended effort to make good in it. There’s always room for improvement, so never rest on your laurels. Thank you as well for the Rye School Musical moments I will never be able to unsee for the rest of my life.

To Brianna, thanks for your brutal opinionatedness. I admire your ability to reason out when you feel it necessary to do so. You know how to stand up for yourself, and that is something people need to learn more. Don’t let the “colors” get in your way. ;)

To Kelvin, thanks for being what I would term the “silent voice of reason” in the classroom. I’d daresay you’re sort of an unofficial “Kuya” to the class. You come off as very level-headed and capable of acting as the guy who can really make your classmates listen when you have something to say. You have leadership potential. Tap into it.

To Toia, thanks for being a great conversationalist. The few times we’ve talked made me realize that you’re someone who can really hold an interesting discussion for hours on end. Hopefully, this could only mean that you would be one of the most well-rounded students this school has ever had.

To Wonsok, thank you for being one of the most determined people I’ve ever met. Your sheer will belies your seemingly frail exterior. There’s a lot of brilliance lying dormant in that mind of yours, and mathematics is only the tip of the iceberg.

To Crystal, thank you for being a bright ray of sunshine for the class. I have yet to ever see you not smiling in class, even in the middle of a difficult exam. Your smile never fails to raise everyone’s spirits.

To Alec, thanks for being willing to put your neck on the line when you have to perform. I still remember when you had a danceoff during the debates. You’re one of the biggest sports I’ve ever met, and it would do you a world of good to never change that.

To Lizzie, thank you for ringing the bell just a little late when I need to extend my lessons a bit. Your bubbly personality and mature sense of responsibility will get you far in this world. Rest assured of it.

To Johnny, thank you for going the extra mile in your studies. I realize you probably don’t like English much, but I’m glad you still manage to make it through. Here’s hoping you continue to go beyond yourself.

To Michelle, thank you for being one of the most brilliant writers I have ever met. The world is your oyster, and you have the makings of the next great thinker. I can only hope that you never lose that edge and desire to better yourself. I cannot tell you enough how happy I am to see that you only ever truly compete with yourself, and in doing that, you break the mold.

To Viktor, thank you for being able to break out of your shell whenever you’re called upon to. You’re one of the more quiet students in my class, but that never stopped you from showing us what a great person you are.

To Anna, thank you for being an excellent student all-around. I’m amazed at the progress you’ve made, and I feel that you are going to make it real big someday. Thanks for being an Emma Roberts fan who never backs down from singing her praises. We can never have enough wide-eyed people with a sense of wonder in this world. Most of all, thank you for being a wonderful human being.

To Chino, thank you for your peculiar sense of humor. From your ravings about “Gone With The Wind” to your schizophrenic performances in “Rye School Musical”, you are definitely a person who can do anything you want to apply yourself to. Do the school proud as the council vice president.

To TJ, thank you for being TJ Magnifico, the next big magician from Reedley International School. If you ever really wanted to be a great magician, you already have the ability to entertain people. Seriously. Don’t ever lose that.

To Dani, thank you for being dyslexic. You’re witty, you’re funny, and you know there’s so much you can achieve as you continue in this journey. There’s so much to learn and so much to do, and you wouldn’t hesitate to give it your best when you want to achieve something. Never lose heart.

And lastly, to Eileen, thank you for having been my student teacher. You are the kind of student every teacher dreams to be teaching: eager to learn, smart, and honest. I can never tell you enough how much I admire you as a person for being genuine yet endearing all at the same time. If you ever end up teaching in the future, nobody would be prouder of you than I would.

I may not be back in Reedley next schoolyear, but I know you guys will always be in my heart. I'm a sentimental old fool, I'd admit, but what can I say? I walked into Reedley not knowing what to expect, and I came out of it happy that I had the opportunity to touch the lives of these wonderful students. Only time can tell if my presence in your life for these three quarters amounted to anything, but I cannot thank you enough for having given me that opportunity to be there for you.

Whether as your (former) teacher, or just as a plain friend, I'll be around for you guys. Don't hesitate to ask me for help, for advice, for anything (that doesn't involve money). You guys made me realize that teaching is where my heart will always be, and no matter where I go, the things I learned from Reedley, from Columbia, will always go with me.

This isn't “goodbye”, dear Columbia. This is the beginning of the rest of your lives. And I'll always be there, rooting for you, every single step of the way.

Always,

Mr. Fabie

Dear Yale...

Dear Yale,

I was warned about Yale. Yale was, according to the press release, “notorious”. But I didn't know what they were “notorious” for.

Now I know. Yale is notorious for stealing your heart and teaching you how to love and appreciate one of the most eclectic mixes of students ever. Yale is notorious for giving you moments of laughter, where you can't help but laugh in spite of yourself. Yale is notorious for showing people that no matter how heavy things could get, there is always a lighter side to life.

Yale is a class I'd be hardpressed to forget, if only for the fact that I had the longest leash for them. Save for one time, I never gave any green slips to this class at all, which is no mean feat even if I'm admittedly lenient as is. Yale endears themselves to their teachers, as a class that looks out for each other and determined to make a huge impression on the entire Reedley family.

Needless to say, I believe they've succeeded in making their mark. Allow me to thank each and every student of this amazing class, for having been a significant part of my life here in Reedley.

To Xavi, thank you for never hesitating to be funny, even at your own expense. No matter how politically incorrect your humor might be, I respect that you have the ability to laugh at yourself.

To Chrissie, thank you just for being there. You have a way about you that just makes a difference in this class whenever you’re around.

To Jumbo, thank you for the fixation on rubik’s cubes and my student-teacher. You’re a gentle giant, but it’s undeniable that there’s a lot more to you than just what people see on the outside. Here’s hoping you find a better career than macho dancing though, because when you tried in class, you’d have to pay people to watch you. =P Seriously, you have a lot of things going for you. Keep on keeping on.

To MC, thank you for never hesitating to speak your mind when you have to. You may be silent and introverted, but when you break out of your shell, it’s always a treat to hear you speak your mind. You’re also an excellent dancer.

To Lee, thank you for your frankness. You’re intelligent, and you know that. You have the makings of a great debater in the future, so here’s hoping I see you lighting it up in debate competitions in the near future.

To Gaita, thank you for being wise beyond your years and an excellent singer… err… dancer. If I would have to ever turn to a student for advice on anything at all, you’d be the first one to cross my mind. There's nothing you can't do if you put your mind into it. but you knew that already.

To Paolo, thank you for being one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever met. The fact that you’re only in my class every other day yet you still excel tells me that you really should stop selling yourself short. You are gifted with a lot of blessings. Pay it forward for the world to see.

To Nicole, thank you for being the bright ray of sunshine that you are. You never fail to complete my day, whenever you greet me and tell me how hard you're working because you want to defy your own limits. I know your classmates like teasing you a lot, but know that I admire your determination to push yourself in everything you do. I believe in you.

P.S. Make Lee regret that he ever stopped liking you! ;)

To Glenn, thank you for the almost stereotypically Chinese sense of humor you impart on the class. You are living proof that Chinese people rock (Though Chinese girls rock harder, of course.).

To May Kim, thank you for never losing your smile even in the middle of a tough long test. You are a valuable asset to Yale, with how you manage to make this class just that more special.

To Brian, thank you for learning how to keep your temper in check. I walked into Yale being warned about you, but I never found any reason to believe them. You know that no matter how much they may doubt you, you are a great person, and it’s only a matter of time before everyone else begin to realize that.

To JY, thank you for your utmost confidence in your intelligence. I’m sure the class sees it the same way. ;)

To Owen, thank you for being the luckiest shotgunner I’ve ever met, and for your ability to not take yourself too seriously. I admire your tenacity in studying, no matter how difficult the odds may seem against you. I'm proud of the progress you've made under me.

To Jonathan, thank you for being the “hotter” version of Nikko. That scene made me laugh, and I also like the fact that you have a genuine interest in magic.

To Patrick, thank you for the weird questions and the like. It never fails to make me chuckle. Also, thank you for showing me why I believe high school romance may be the cheesiest of romances, but they’re also the most “awwww”-inducing.

To Mishka, thank you for being a brutally honest and opinionated student. I truly respect your ability to express yourself even if other people may not agree with your views. Don’t ever let anyone silence you when you feel that you are right.

To Jun, thank you for proving to me that you really can work hard when you have to. People may second guess you, but I believe that the power to make it big lies in your hands and in your hands alone.

To Mae Villanueva, thank you for your can-do attitude. While others have questioned your capabilities and assets, you continue to prove them wrong every step of the way. You are a gifted student, and a hopeless romantic at heart. The perfect combination for a wonderful human being, in my humble opinion.

To Nikko, thank you for being the Rainbow Man. Your infectious laughter never fails to make us smile as well, and here’s hoping that you’d never overlook being a teacher someday. If you ever end up teaching, nobody would be prouder of you than I.

And lastly, to the fake Kim Tae Hyun, err, Dennis, thank you for proving to me that nothing is impossible. From learning to debate to being one of the best English students in my class despite having had difficulties with the language at first, to all the other achievements you have merited, I hold you in high esteem. May the fire of Philosophical thought continue to blaze in you, and may you continue on your insatiable journey for knowledge and self-understanding.

P.S. I’ll be the first in line to kick your @$$ if Reedley doesn’t have a school fair next year. Then again, I'm confident you'll find a way. =D

When I was interviewed during my application by the headmaster, he told me that he didn't think I had what it takes to teach here in Reedley. I could've simply taken that in stride and agreed, but I stood my ground and told him that with all due respects, I felt that I could hack it. He appreciated my willingness to disagree, and gave me a chance.

Was there ever a moment where I regretted standing my ground and telling Mr. Castro what I thought? No, I don't think so. Especially not when I'm teaching a class like Yale: a class I will never forget,

Thank you, Yale. I can never thank you enough for giving me the honor of having been your English teacher.


Always,

Mr. Fabie

Dear Carnegie...

Dear Carnegie,

It's been a wild three quarter-ride, guys. I can't tell you enough how unbelievably fast time flies, and how I'm going to miss hearing from all of you. From our fun “Post Secret” sessions, to our games of “Mafia”, to “sneaky-sneaky” moments with Miggy and company, Carnegie has been a whirling dervish for me, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Carnegie is admittedly the toughest class I’ve ever run into. You have strong personalities and for the most part, know what you want, and will not let anything stop you as you go for what you want. Allow me to thank each and everyone of you through this humble letter of mine. This is the first and last year I’m teaching in Reedley, and I will forever treasure the memories of my students.

To Martin, thank you for being responsible and taking charge way beyond the call and duty. Your maturity is far beyond your years.

To Erika, thank you for your unique reactions in class. Though you’re often out or in the clinic, whenever you’re in, your reactions are so undeniably you. You make people feel that you are listening to them, which never fails to make them feel better.

To August, thank you for showing us what it means to be a “gentle giant”. In my high school, your look and type would automatically have become a bully, but here in Reedley, you have a heart. Hopefully, you will find the balance between heart and mind in due time.

To Amber, thank you for being a good sport whenever I confuse you with Lucy. You’re a smart girl in your own right, and I admire your tenacity when you want to achieve something. Never sell yourself short. You have the world in the palm of your hands, and it’s up to you to keep pushing yourself to excel.

To Michael, thank you for the Michael tests. You have the makings of a teacher, and if you ever do become one, Nobody would be prouder of it than I would. Your willingness to learn Philosophy in your spare time never fails to amaze me. There seems to be a potential teacher in every single class I have, and hey, in case it does come true, I called it first. I'm a mentalist, after all. ;)

To Tasha, thank you for knowing how to press on despite adversity. Thank you for never letting success get to your head. Everything you will achieve in the future, know that people are always right behind you cheering you on.

To Apex, thank you for the inane comments that never fail to make us laugh. Your bright personality always shines through, although you could stand to keep off the grass, if you know what I mean. ;)

To Hae Bin, thank you for being bubbly and fun in class. I especially find it amusing when you casually divulge secrets about your friends in class. Don’t ever lose your smile. It’s something that makes you unique.

To Hyeon, thank you for being one of the most hardworking students I’ve ever met. I know how difficult it is to you to be stuck in ESL despite being already better at English than most other students, but your resilience and determination is what makes you a strong person. Thanks for being the original Kim Tae Hyeon, too. =P

To Mara, thanks for the fun conversations we’ve shared. You’re really fun to speak to, and I can’t tell you enough how your stories never fail to make my day. You are wise beyond your years, and I don’t exaggerate when I say that you will go a long way when your time comes.

To Jonah, thanks for being the “cool dude” of the class. I find that your personality is a great contrast towards the firebrands of the class and it makes the dynamics all the more interesting.

To Mae, thanks for being very candid with how you think and feel. Your interviews allowed me to get a picture of you that I find very admirable. Also, I’m thankful we managed to move beyond that incident last year. Teachers seem to have a hard time identifying with students as genuine friends, but you’re one of the few students I'd be willing to call my friend at the end of the day.

To Louis, thank you for your excellent although offbeat ideas. You have a creative mind, and you really should channel your creative energies some more into everything you do. And thanks as well to you because of the existence of your Aunt Tina, for reasons we should never discuss anywhere ever again.

To Amber, I mean Lucy, thank you for being one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I know that you work hard for everything you achieve, and I believe you have what it takes to really excel in this world. I’m also sorry about that incident during the interviews. Thank you for being a wonderful human being. Here's hoping you return to Korea carrying with you the things you learned from your stay in Reedley.

To Miggy, thank you for the sneaky-sneaky moments. I know I'm being way too lenient at times, but ironically, there’s something awfully “innocent” about the way you rattle off during those times.

To Justine, thank you for being a deep thinker. Even if you don’t let the class in on how you think, I see it through your writing. You need to break out of your shell some more, but I truly believe that you are a great person as is.

To Luigi, thank you for you and your barkada’s presence in the class. While admittedly, you give us teachers a tough challenge, deep down, we still see that you are a good person, and that’s why you’re here in Reedley.

To Regina, thank you for not being in the same class as your twin. God knows I have enough trouble telling Elvin and Kevin apart when giving green slips. Seriously though, thank you for being able to speak up every now and then and showing us that there’s a lot of thought going into every word you say.

To Ito, thank you for that moment in your musical. I will never be able to unsee it, but your bravery is to be commended.

To Raf, thank you for showing me what it means to be a thinker beyond your years. You are an excellent debater, if only you learned to be more assertive. I admire the effort you made when you lost your speech during the first round.

And lastly, to David, thank you for your utmost confidence in yourself. I’m sure your classmates see it your way, too. ;)


As you read this letter, dear Carnegie, know that I will always be grateful to you. This has been a wonderful year for me, and I can never thank you enough for having made it special for me. I can only hope that in my own way, I have also been a positive influence in each and every one of you.


Few professions are nobler than being a teacher. I remember an old story from a teacher of mine, of why he chose to teach.


In his story, he told me that he believes someday, one of his students will become President of the Philippines. And when they meet again, no matter the position the student may find himself in, he will always refer to the teacher as “sir”.


I’m not one to say “goodbye”, dear Carnegie. So let me just say, thank you for the memories and I love you guys.


Always,

Mr. Fabie

Omigosh...

Today's the last day of classes.

I'm gonna miss all my kids! ::sniffs::

Hell Week Almost Done!

... But I'm gonna miss my students...

Let me post some more next time, but for now, blogging is on hold until that paper is done...

I Remember Curriculum Planning So Well...

.:Unintentional Comedy In Reedley:.

The thing is, we had a curriculum planning in Reedley a few weeks ago at Club Filipino. Since I normally show up in school half-day on Thursdays, I didn't think I'd end up part of the planning, which meant since the whole English department (except for myself)was going to be out, that would've made me the de facto "head" of the English department.

I was bemused at the prospect of being "boss" for a day, with not a single person under my direct supervision. It was a vestigial, if not comical, opportunity, but then I was told that I had to go to the curriculum planning even if I'd show up in the afternoon.

So with my hopes of being the de facto OIC completely dashed, I asked Ms. Estrada for the venue again, and this is where I became the butt of their jokes throughout academic planning...

Ma'am, the planning will be held at Casino Filipino, right?

Ms. Bilo, the Grade School academic head, turned to Ms. Estrada and told her...

Ms. Estrada, I think Mr. Fabie should file a leave, because he seems to be going somewhere else for curriculum planning.

Apparently, it was going to be at Club Filipino, not Casino Filipino. Wouldn't it have been hilarious as Hades if I went to Casino Filipino and asked them when they were going to the poker tables? =P

In any case, that was quite an amusing moment, and chalk one more up for a moment with Reedley that I'd never forget.

Home Stretch!!!

.:Booked Yet Again!:.

I have two bookings this weekend, then two bookings again in two weeks, then another booking on the 28th! I know April bookings seem a bit iffy on the horizon, but I guess it's all good then that I'm willing to save up for a rainy day at the moment, so I'm doing rather okay as far as my income flow goes.


Of course, the upcoming Mindstorm TV show is also a boon for me, to say the least. I already have most of the pieces of the puzzle in play, and it's all a matter of execution for me now.

.:Found My Student's Blogs:.

I noticed that a lot of my students have started blogging already, and tracking their entries down gave me a smile on my face since it turns out a few of them actually started blogging because of me.

In any case, I'd normally give teh link lurve for you guys to see their entries, but I don't want to embarrass them, since some of their entries do get a mite... surreal.

In any case, it's nice reading their thoughts. Glad to know that we have a few promising writers in the future, judging by the content some of them have.

.:All Videos In:.

I still have to watch Carnegie's vid, but I'm glad all three class musicals are already in my hands. I especially love Yale's production values, and so far, Columbia has followed the storyline of Catcher closely enough for me to really know what the source material was. I'm witholding my opinion on which video I found the best overall until I see all three...

Nonetheless, it was a hoot how Yale reacted to the knowledge that Carnegie watched their presentation. One of my students glared at me all throughout... heh.

.:The Atheistic Challenge:.

I finally settled on a topic for my Philosophy paper, and I decided to look into ethics and metaphysics by citing the atheist's point of view when it comes to these matters.

You see, atheists will often debunk theism on so many grounds, and say that theistic metaphysics as a basis for ethics is flawed. While their arguments may have merit, their outright rejection of metaphysics leads to a very untenable ethical position for them, since they no longer have any universal basis for their call to ethics.

As such, I decided to go into an analysis of Heideggerian metaphysics, itself neither theistic nor atheistic, in hopes of finding a more sensible ethical basis that is secular and allows for a universal rather than relativistic approach to morality.

After all, the biggest problem with relativistic morality is there becomes no compelling feature to follow it, since it doesn't apply to everyone. Establishing a secular metaphysics would hopefully offset this concern.

Musicals Rock!

.:Time To Update My Bio-Data...:.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to know how to really fix their own resume. While I am by no means the be-all and end all of resume writing, I can safely say that a lot of good potential employees get passed on simply because their resume isn't attractive enough. Here are a few things you *really* ought to do whenever you submit a resume - very simple tips people sadly overlook:

1. Proofread: Whenever a resume is being read by a potential employer, a glaring spelling or grammatical error is an immediate warning flag for the HR Department that this person is not serious enough about applying. If they can't be bothered to write and spell correctly when applying, HRD wouldn't feel compelled to give their application a second look. As an English teacher, I cannot stress enough how important it is that even your resume looks professionally written, from the quality of the paper to the grammar and spelling.

2. Don't grasp at straws: If you don't have an extensive list of qualifications, don't go to the well of saying you won your grade school's Quiz Bee to highlight your intellectual capacity. HR people see through the bull, and their intelligence gets insulted with pitiful attempts like this.

3. Organize: There are a million and one ways to write a resume, but never forget your name, contact details, academic achievements, work experience, skills relevant to the position being applied for, and any other important distinctions or qualifications. Sometimes, in doing these, we tend to forget the tiniest details. Go chronologically and try to avoid listing anything beyond your high school years. I have ironically seen applications that have everything but their name on it. How could you even leave *that* out?!?

Daunting? Don't sweat it. If you really need more help, luckily, you can ask for help from a good resume writer. They can make your life easier.

.:The Musicals Are Coming In...:.

So far, Yale's effort stands out as being as close to a musical as can be. There are song and dance numbers, and they balance out very well with the speaking parts. I don't think you can count something as a musical if the speaking parts tremendously dominate the whole film, and the music is included just as an afterthought.

In any case, I'm still holding my breath in hopes that we see some marked improvement from the last remaining class output. Yale's work was excellent, and I had a laugh, although they did take quite a few liberties when they changed the ending of their mishmash of Araby, Demon Lover, and Rocking Horse Winner into a *happy* ending. All three short stories had sad endings.

Nonetheless, congratulations, Yale! You had a sufficiently entertaining run, and I commend your efforts. :)

Two Shows, And I'm Bushed...

I just came from two shows today...

I'm tired, and I'd love to talk about it, but I'll do it once I regain my bearings. I'm slightly miffed over the rampant disregard for what I was doing that day during the Thanksgiving, really. It's one things to have skeptics. It's another to have them throwing around theories about your effects when this isn't even a paid show.

I find that very unfair to a person who makes his living from doing shows. Seriously.

Hweh?!?

.:Classes Were Canceled, But Work Wasn't!:.

Oh, well...