A Survivor Like No Other

Dear Survivor,

Congratulations, not only for the job well done, but for survivng being a survivor! Yes, that's what you really are... a SURVIVOR. Living your life in the middle of the adverse situations brought by the Covid 19 pandemic is not easy. You realized that, living each day, moment by moment, is a matter of choice. Every new day you may choose to cloud your mind with worries, doubts and fears, but you choose not to give up. Now, you recognize the power in saying, "kapit lang" ("never give up", ) which has become your favorite expression. 

Even if you were not afflicted by any life-threatening illness, I know that at the back of your mind, you always feel threatened by an invisible foe, your fear. Now, more than ever, you feel that your fear and your faith are always in conflict with each other. Being the breadwinner in your family, you feel the fangs of fear in thinking about the threat of losing your job which means the loss of your livelihood for your family, and the loss of your self-worth. You spent sleepless nights in thinking about this possibility. Then, your worst nightmare became a reality. With a heavy heart, you received the bad news, you were chosen to be one of the employees to be retrenched by the school. You felt that your world suddenly collapsed  upon knowing that . You began to question everything. You asked, "Why me?", "What will happen to my family after losing my job?", "What will I do next?" and more questions started to pop up. Not knowing how to survive in teaching online, you suddenly felt helpless and useless. 

You began to doubt yourself as a teacher for more than two decades. You started to entertain the idea of you, being the least important among your colleagues which might be the reason or basis for you to be retrenched. You also blamed yourself for not embracing technology completely, when it was introduced the first time. You felt totally devastated for just being thrown away just like that. You felt that your more than twenty years of teaching experience was wasted and never valued. But, you also tried to see the viewpoint of the school in their decision. This pandemic created an unexpected change in massive scale, hence, coined the term, the New Normal. The educational system, just like the other sectors in the country and abroad, have been hardly hit by this pandemic. Almost all the stakeholders in the education sector also experienced the nightmare of shifting from face to face set up to online delivery of lessons. For a teacher who is not a digital native, the challenges of coping with the requirements of virtual delivery of learning materials and teaching itself, seemed to be insurmountable. In the context of the Coronavirus pandemic, one might ask, who is the "fittest", that can survive in the New Normal? So you spent several sleepless nights thinking about your own and your family's survival at this time of pandemic. 

Then, you go back to your FAITH. Like a little child, you told God your worries, your fears, and of course your anger of being caught in this negative situation. You lifted to God your struggles, your pains, and your worries. You relinquished the full control of your life to God and you felt at peace with your decision to trust Him completely. 

Then just like in many instances, God doesn't fall short. He listens to us and sends people who will give us the motivation to continue in life and never give up. You always tell yourself that happiness is where your heart is. God knows that teaching is not only your source of livelihood, but also your source of happiness, so it is God's will to give back to you, your happiness. Was it not God's will that your school changed its decision for you to stay ? I am convinced, it is His will. So with a joyful heart, you accepted the offer for you to stay in this school which has become your second home for many years. For me that was a wise decision that you made. 

Though not with flying colors, you have survived the school year 2020-2021! You made good in your first year of teaching during this pandemic and just like the famous quotation that says, "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best." I know you my dear, you always want to give your best to your students, so you will do everything for them, and that includes learning more how to navigate the virtual world of teaching. Happy Sailing!

 So what does it mean to be a SURVIVOR?

It means... 

 Seeing opportunity in these trying times. 

Understanding the importance of keeping your self-worth. 

Recognizing your power to make a better choice.

Valuing the presence of God in your life. 

Illuminating hope, even in the darkest moment of your life. 

Vanishing your fear of the unknown and the uncertainty. 

Owning your mistakes and learn from them. 

Rewarding yourself for passing the hurdles of life. 

 That survivor is YOU, Ms. Dela Cruz

 

 

 

This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project Season 2: Dear Survivor”. The initiative continues to respond to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis.  The initiative aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. The “Write to Ignite Blogging Project” Season 2 is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, with Eastern Communications and Jobstreet as co-presenters, with AirAsia and Xiaomi as major sponsors, and with Teleperformance as sponsor.

Covid 19: The Pandemic That Changed The World

How’s My Life During the Pandemic?

Before the ECQ was announced, we were busy in school preparing for the final exam of our students. The first time I heard about Covid 19, I thought it was just an ordinary epidemic or outbreak of certain disease that I just took it lightly. It was during that time when classes were suspended for a number of days that I realized the severity of the Covid 19 pandemic. I told myself that this was not something for me to feel joyful for the class suspension. It was also during that time when I started to fear this so called invisible enemy. It came to my senses that this problem was not just an ordinary calamity like a typhoon that we were used to experience. I fear not only for my life, but specially for my loved ones. The first few weeks of this pandemic caused me a tremendous worry and anxiety about our safety, the panic buying of people, the increasing number of Covid 19 cases and deaths, the imminent collapse of our health care system , the economic downfall of our country and other negative scenarios happening here in the country and even across the globe. All these things gave me some sleepless nights , but at the same time drove me to become more prayerful and trusting to God Almighty.

Not all wearing  PPE’s are front-liners ; others are home-liners.

Looking at what I have done so far during this pandemic, I want to believe in the idea that “Many are called, but few are chosen”. I believe that I was called by God to be the home-liner of our family ( being the breadwinner) but I was not chosen to take part in the noble service of being out there in the battlefield to fight Covid 19. But even if I could not do any heroic deeds like what our front-liners are doing, my obedience to follow the quarantine protocols set by the government is to me my humblest way to show my cooperation. I also look after the welfare of my family and keep on reminding them to be extra careful so as not to contribute to the problem of the government. I always hear, “Stay home, Save lives.”

Lastly, taking good care of my 84 year-old mother while on lock down is something I have done greatly. Feeding her and giving her a good bath during this quarantine period made me think that this pandemic is probably a blessing in disguise for me. Why? Because it has given me so much time to be with my mother and to look after her, which I could have not done, if classes were not suspended. Taking good care of her becomes my daily routine.

My 5 Kapit Lang Life Lessons Laban sa Covid 19

Kapit Lang is our Filipino expression that is equated to English words like steadfastness or firmness. This expression mirrors our Filipinos’ unwavering spirit in conquering our battles in order to rise from our adversities. 

Kapit Lang in Trusting God

How can we hold on trusting God when all things seem bleak? Covid 19 has made life not only different but also difficult. And in this difficult times, many of us are wondering for what reasons did God allow this to happen in the world. What does it mean to trust God? Trusting God means believing that He is in complete control of everything and that in His perfect time, this pandemic shall come to pass. Having this trust in God, I put everything in His hands and just continue living each day with gratitude for all things and the gift of life. Yes, it is not easy to live each day with fear at this time of pandemic. Our situation is not easy , but I always believe that I have the choice to leave my fear behind and choose to trust God. Prayer is a tranquilizer for our mind and spirit and a daily dose of it will help us get through this while waiting for God’s perfect time. His assurance that tells us, Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you” is more than enough to find solace and comfort. We just have to believe that God never leaves us in good and bad times.

Kapit Lang in Being a Blessing for Others

In what capacity can I be a blessing for others? Being a blessing for others does not need any rehearsals or script. It is something that anyone can do without the use of a camera or video that will capture the act of generosity. It is something that we do when we hear our conscience speaking to us. Every time I hear or see the sad stories of people who are greatly suffering from the impact of lock down in their livelihood, I try to visualize the difficulty that they are experiencing right now. It is truly heartbreaking to hear and see their plight.

With the limitations I have, I can only do small and humble acts of charity and I know it is only God who sees what I am doing. Honestly, I feel afraid giving alms to those “taong grasa “ because judging from their dirty looks, I have this idea that probably, they are mentally ill and that they might harm me if I approach them when I give something in my hand. Covid 19 ignites our compassion to look after the condition of these people. Compassion is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering. Thinking how hungry and needy they would have been because of lock down, I have forgotten my fear of these people. It was a surprise to me in one incident, when I gave alms to a man clad in dirty clothes and with dirt all over his body. At first, I felt hesitant to go near him but again I heard my conscience telling me what was the right thing to do, so I went to him and gave some money and to my surprise I heard him saying, “ Salamat ate, buti ka pa”. And I could not forget the happy face I saw from this man. Little acts of kindness to us may be different for these people who are in destitute.

Kapit Lang in Staying Positive

When our world is turned upside down, how do we keep moving forward? Can we still see the silver lining? Positivity in the midst of Covid 19 pandemic is a real challenge to all of us regardless of our economic conditions. But come to think of it, what benefit will negativity bring us? Absolutely, nothing! During this pandemic, Covid 19 does not spare no one, but we should not be overwhelmed by it. So what do we do to stay positive? Do not overthink of our fears. Instead of overthinking of our present situation, we can turn our focus on the future and go back to our dreams, to our plans that we put on halt due to Covid 19. Personally, before this pandemic happened, I was looking forward for the month of April when school days are over to enroll myself in a cooking or baking class because I want to pursue my dream of having my online business that sells food stuffs. I got fascinated with that idea of selling food because cooking is also my passion. When Covid 19 came, I left with no choice but to forgo my plans temporarily. But this dream helps me to keep going. I am still looking forward for that time when it is already safe to attend cooking and baking workshops. I always tell myself, “kapit lang sa pangarap”.

Kapit Lang in Discovering New Opportunities

The world will never run out of opportunities for us to work with specially for those who are willing to take the risks, to grow and to try new things. For more than three months of staying at home due to lockdown, really made my routines to be different. For one thing, I have been teaching for more than two decades already. Going to school every day has become my life , but 2020 brought a lot of changes due to Covid 19. Again it depends on the person on how he/ she would use the time during lockdown. During the first month of ECQ, when people were not allowed to go out of their residences, I just spent my days doing household chores. Then, I thought of giving blogging a chance in order for me to stay productive. Writing for me is a productive activity for anyone. It has a lot of benefits. The act of organizing my ideas is a mental activity in itself, and the thought of giving information in my blog requires me as a writer to do research and reading. Blogging is a new discovery for me. In addition, now that we are preparing for the opening of classes comes August, we were asked to attend various webinars to equip us with new teaching skills needed for virtual teaching. Even if I am a teacher myself, I still need to learn from other people’s expertise. Everybody has the potential to turn any negativity to learning or even financial opportunities.

Kapit Lang in Living the New Normal

How are we going to say good bye to the Old Normal and welcome the New Normal? Everybody is experiencing the impact of living in a situation of adjusting to the New Normal. This can be a real challenge for all of us. Yes, embracing the New Normal takes a lot of sacrifice on our part, but if doing this can save our lives, our family and the rest of humanity from our invisible enemy, then we have to do it. No room for complaint, just compliance for everyone.

Life in itself makes me to move forward. I still have my life, my family, my dreams and above all my faith in God. These are valuable reasons for me to kapit lang to the end.

Nothing can beat our unwavering bayanihan spirit. Together kapit kapit lang in our faith in God’s goodness and greatness, we can fight Covid 19.

" This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. The initiative is a response to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. Igniting and championing the human spirit, “Write to Ignite Blog Project” aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. This project is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, co-presented by Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet and Teleperformance."

     

Kapit Lang!!!

When was the last time you say, “KAPIT LANG!!!

    KAPIT LANG !!! Just a simple expression, but has a powerful antidote to keep us going and to cross over when our “sailing” becomes rough. For me, Kapit Lang should not only be an expression but an attitude and an ideal way of life.

So what is your Kapit Lang story?

When Financial Sailing Becomes Rough:

    Will you still continue or quit?

    Covid 19 pandemic has swept havoc around the globe. The world now is like a vast disturbed ocean with its raging waves hitting both the haves and the have -nots who were caught in suprise. Before this pandemic happened, we were just sailing smoothly with our lives, until the fear of the invisible virus set in.

    What will you do in order to survive and not to perish in your financial sailing amidst Covid 19 pandemic?

    The shift from economic security to fear seems to have changed everything in our lives. Our fear, specially, for the breadwinner like me, increases everyday whenever we see our resources dwindle everyday. This fear seems as contagious as the virus itself. We usually ask ourselves how long our money would last to buy our basic necessities. And not only that, we also fear for the health of our family members since health care nowadays is highly expensive. Given all these “alalahanin”, we could not help but to feel negative. Of course, it is right not to dwell in our negativity. This negativity has no place in our situation today because it will only bring out the worst in us.

    Economic threat at this time is very real. If health authorities considered Covid 19 as a pandemic, I will use the term economic pandemic to describe what is happening in the economy across the globe. So what do we need to do in order to survive in this economic pandemic?

    In the midst of this crisis, our right decisions and positive attitudes will be put to the test.  Hoping to share some positivity, I looked for some inspirational quotations from the internet from which we can draw the courage to continue with our sail in this global crisis.

Lesson Learned:

    A global crisis like this Covid 19 pandemic gives us an opportunity to have a paradigm shift and to expand our comfort zone. Do these words, paradigm shift and comfort zone sound unfamiliar? Faced with difficulties and uncertainties brought by this pandemic, we need these two essential life strategies to keep us sane in spite of the problems we are experiencing.

    Paradigm shift is an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way. One concrete example is in our approach to spending our money. Instead of using our money for those things that we want, we have to prioritize our basic needs. Why buy those beauty products or cosmetics when our face will only be covered with face mask? Nowadays, the ugly and the beautiful are just equal.

    Rather than wasting your time playing online games , gossiping, daydreaming or watching k-drama, you can join these online contests given by local brands or companies. Doing this allows you to practice optimism. Why? Because every time you join a contest, you can always see a spark of hope (though you are not sure to win) and you feel happier with the thought that your entry would be chosen. Believe me I do this and it lightens up my day. I like that feeling because even just for a while I tend to forget my worries about financial matters and my fear of Covid 19.

    So how does expanding one’s comfort zone become a life strategy in facing our economic adversities? First, by doing this, you may try developing new skills which you have not done yet, but may give you additional potential income in the future when you decide to venture in putting up a business.

    The world will never run out of opportunities for us to work with specially for those who willing to take the risks, to grow and try new things.

KAPIT LANG to the end!!!😁🙌👍💓

When Best Friend Walks Away

When Best Friend Walks Away

“ Sinong Best Friend mo doon? “

“ Syempre, hindi na ikaw! “

 Can you still share the best when your best friend walks away?

Beautiful friendship is always a dream. Everyone enters in this kind of relationship with only one thing in mind, and that is, to build a friendship that one will keep and cherish forever. Unfortunately, not all friendships are perfect and not all are meant to last forever.  This imperfection brought by some unpleasant circumstances may create a permanent wound that will eventually lead to end a friendship.

So how do you get through when friendship ends?

Though it may be difficult and painful to let go of a friendship, I was compelled to do it in exchange of having a peace of mind and a peaceful heart. Right then and there, I knew that I was the one who could decide as to what extent would I allow this experience to affect my life,  and I chose to accept the reality that things have already changed between us. “Accepting that your friend is choosing a different path is the first step to getting your heart in the right place,” Dr. Melanie Ross Mills ( a friendship expert) says.  Yes, it was never easy to wrestle with my own feeling, but acceptance made me understand the whole picture.

This was my post more than a year ago and its message resonated with what I wanted to do during that time. I had kept on reading these lines until I finally reached the last phase of the process of moving on.

One of the simplest ways

to stay happy is letting

go of the things that

make you sad.

I had to tell this to myself over and over, and it did work for me in making at peace with the decision I made. In fact, it has helped me through during those times when there was no one to comfort me… when my best friend walked away…

Lesson Learned:

Friendship is not at all bad. It will always be a difficult choice to let our friends go but  if  that friendship becomes the  source of our sadness and  it is already beyond repair, it is better to give it up. Anyway, God is so good that He created a dog whose loyalty endures forever. Meet Mikee my bff.

WORK-AT-HOME KIDS

There are a lot of things that parents can do to keep their kids busy and productive at home during this quarantine period. In fact, kids can work at home and get paid, rather than just play. Just like adults who are happy for receiving their salary, my two nieces also felt delighted after receiving their monetary reward from me. Just a small amount for working on their “ special job”.

But does giving monetary reward to children really help?

My answer is YES. Giving kids money as a reward for a completed task has its own benefits and this is what I discovered.

Giving kids money as their reward for accomplishing a task can be used by parents as a way to teach their kids the value of money and work. Anyway, these two, money and work go together. If you want to earn money, then, you have to work. It’s a plain and simple condition. Even with children, young as they are, parents can teach their children the benefits of doing something productive at home in exchange for a monetary reward. Of course, I do not promote the idea of paying their children for doing the responsibilities that the kids ought to do at home, such as cleaning their room, washing the dishes and other household chores. It is only for “special job” that kids must be given the monetary reward. When I asked my two nieces to do some artworks for me, they agreed right away, probably out of obedience. Initially, I never thought of giving them money in exchange for the favor I was asking from them. It was only later on that I decided to give them their monetary reward because I thought,  they would probably be waiting for something from me. True enough, when I told them that I would pay each of them, their eyes grew big and smiled at me and they became more excited to finish their artworks. When they had finished , they showed me their output. With the Raine’s work, I did not see anything that needed revision. When the younger one (Camille) showed me her artwork, I told her that, she did it beautifully, but I saw something that needed to be improved. Upon hearing my comment, her impatience suddenly came out and told me, “Tita, pinapahirapan mo buhay ko.” (Tita, you are making my life difficult) Using my teacher’s instinct, since I did not like what I heard from her, I told myself that I should correct her misconception about my intention. Sometimes, we can discover a lot of their misconceptions on how they look at things, when we spend time conversing with the children.

Real-life situations and conversation with our children can be used as opportunity for teaching them the right way of seeing things.With proper explanations from adults, young people can change the way they look at things in a higher perspective. For my part, I told her that if someone, specially, an adult gives her suggestions on how she can further improve her work does not mean giving her additional burden, but it is a way to encourage her to do better and not to settle for less in doing something.

It is always in the quality of work that one can earn a better reward, not necessarily in the form of money, but it can be a good grade or praise in exchange of a job well done.

Lesson Learned:

The value of teaching the kids about the value of work and money is truly priceless and in teaching them, let us not emphasize the idea of just working for the money but rather it is the sense of fulfillment that a person can derive from using his or her God’s given talent that truly matters to achieve one’s happiness and contentment in life.