Category Archives: Thought Bubbles

Practical Courses

Posted on June 19, 2010 by greenbucks| Leave a comment

I wrote about Eric Duquette in my teacher blog. I admit, I cried a bit when I watched the video. Who wouldn’t be crying, his journey has been amazing? With the kind of educational system and support (or lack of) we have in this country regarding the public school system, it is heartwarming when we read about students who excel despite the odds. In Eric Duquette’s case, he was diagnosed with autism.

I was saddened with the news last night when I learned that one institution that gives free short courses to mostly out of school youth have their budget slashed. How can this institution help the students who want to learn basic skills like bar tending, sewing clothes, care giver courses and medical transcription courses. I know more than two million students in our country take this path to enable them to land jobs that will later on, hopefully, help them go to nursing and medical assisting schools, and other institutions where they can earn higher academic achievements.

Most of them dream of going and working overseas to earn green bucks. Who else but the government should help them achieve their dreams because in the end, it is the government who will benefit from the remittances that they will send back.

Posted in Interesting Topics, Philippines, social consciousness, Thought Bubbles, Visualizations

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Maundy Thursday

Posted on March 30, 2010 by greenbucks| Leave a comment

With the onslaught of commercialism and worldly pleasures, the celebration and remembering of the essence of Holy Week is not as it used to be.

A few decades ago, people were more prayerful, more solemn and remember the trials and tribulations of the Lord Jesus Christ. Things have changed now.

Maundy Thursday these days is the day that people start going to their vacation destinations. I see nothing wrong in that especially since there is always a five or four day vacation (or more) to those who work hard to earn a living.

Yes, they earned this right to go on a vacation after working five or six days inside metal buildings or maybe even exposed to the elements.

But then again…

Maundy Thursday, according to Biblical sources and church traditions too, is one important day in the Holy Week.

I have written  in this post:

Maundy Thursday is about cleaning, which was probably the origin of spring cleaning, in preparation for Easter. It also symbolizes not just the cleaning of the physical environment but moreso, the cleansing of the soul, the heart and mind so that when the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection comes, we are more than ready to accept Him in our lives.

I don’t mean to say that people go about washing the feet of people they meet on the streets, just like what Jesus did.

Maundy Thursday is reflecting about our actions and trying to do things that will benefit others. It is a day we think about the things we may have taken for granted and situations where we can show our humility and appreciation of what others are doing for us.

This thought definitely hits a spot about me too.

Posted in Interesting Topics, Me, Thought Bubbles

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Under the Trees

Posted on March 23, 2010 by greenbucks| Leave a comment

The trees near the house are all green and in “full bloom”

Much as I love the shade which we don’t have much use save for providing covering from the sun’s heat, it would be definitely fun to have picnic lunches under these trees using outdoor rugs.

It would be fun bird watching there.

bird

Alas, the dog’s cage is under the trees. Outside the perimeter fence, the neighbors put their benches and sit under the shade, at times bringing their food ( and hard drinks) and making noise.

Do I tell them to stop? Would I dare to because they are disturbing the peace? if I do, I am the one who is haughty and arrogant.

baliktad na talaga ang mundo, mahirap na makipag-usap sa makitid ang utak, ikaw pa ang hindi makaintindi.

Posted in family, Philippines, Photos, Thought Bubbles, Urban Living

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Job Hunting

Posted on March 9, 2010 by greenbucks| 6 Comments

Compared to other countries, the unemployment rate of the Philippines is high. A friend is doing an employment screening for her office and we discussed about the current employment rate.

In my opinion, this is so because of several factors which can be seen in a vicious cycle:

  • Lack of quality in the educational system – I do not particularly point fingers on teachers but put more blame on the department that is handling the educational programs. I know a lot of these teaches are great (which is why schools abroad hire them) despite working long hours with so little compensation. Books have erroneous facts (well, how can these be facts if these are wrong?), class size range from 50-75, classrooms with leaking ceilings during the rainy season, stinky bathrooms and so much more. Click here and here to read more about this problem.
  • Poverty – subsisting on so little, survival is the name of the game for a lot of families in this country so who cares if the children are able to go to school or not? I am sure if given better opportunities, they would send their children to school rather than send them out on the streets to earn a living. This is one reason why the government gives a kilo or two for children as an incentive to go to school. Errr…
  • Corruption in the Philippine – budget intended for books, building of classrooms and other needs for a better pubic school system are not given appropriate funds and these are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Oh wait, there are millions of funds for internet in far-flung areas where there is no electricity. Heh.
  • Lack of population control – for a country with limited resources, we are 12th in world rank as fastest growing in number. Do the math, we can’t afford that rising number.

Yes, this goes on and on like the chicken and/or egg situation.

Read more »

Posted in Interesting Topics, Money Watch, Philippines, social consciousness, Thought Bubbles

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Mahusay Nga Ba ang Pinoy?

Posted on February 24, 2010 by greenbucks| 16 Comments

litratongpinoy

Ang Pinoy ay mahusay, walang kaduda-duda dun.

Heto nga o, bag na gawa sa newspaper. Ganda no? Panalo ang bonggang Vigan street scene na painting. Isa lamang iyan sa napakaraming angking kahusayan ng mga Pilipino.

newspaper bag

Sa isang banda, mahusay din ang Pinoy sa mga kalokohan.

San ka pa, kapwa Pilipino lolokohin, o kaya mga kasambahay binubugbog, ang ibang magagandang lugar ay sinusulatan ng kung anu-ano o kaya dinudumihan.

Sabagay, sa bilis ng pagdami natin, talagang hindi mapipigilan ang pagsulpot ng mga pasaway, na bata pa lang eh kita mo na na parang tila ba walang patutunguhan ang buhay. Madalas, ibang tao ang tutulong sa kanila at hindi ang pamilya nila.

Kulang na nga lang ibenta ang bansa natin sa mga Koreanong banyagang nagsusulputan na parang kabute sa dami at parang paputok sa ingay.

Ikaw, proud ka ba na maging Pinoy?

Posted in For Information, Interesting Topics, Litratong Pinoy, Me, Philippines, Photos, social consciousness, Thought Bubbles, Visualizations

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