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Aquatica Light and Water Show

Last April 5, I was able to see a preview of the Aquatica light and water show at the Manila Ocean Park grounds.

Aquatica is one of the parks newest attractions and it was quite amazing to see such technology in the Philippines. The stadium is located in the open area of the facility and can probably seat a hundred or so people comfortably (I think!!!). It reminds me of the stadiums in other amusement parks in the US, only without the deep pools for whales or dolphins. Nonetheless, it is quite impressive.

The show featured the story of the Maiden of the Sea where there were human dancers and digital images of fishes, dolphins and mermaids telling a tale about caring for our environment. I liked how the lights shone through the water and the beams were quite mesmerizing as water shot through the air. It reminded me of the fish pond we had in our old house in Urdaneta where we had a waterfall cascading down and the pond light would make the water dropping so captivating.

The downside to the show is that it can only be viewed at night. Also, as a preschool teacher, I feel the musical score and the story line is too adult for my audience, but gradeschoolers may appreciate it more.

If you found this post interesting, informative and educational, feel free to take home my notes by subscribing here.

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BC Blogging

The Accidental Teacher is jumping in the bandwagon! Wanna come?

Calling all bloggers who want to gain friends in the blogosphere and build links at the same time – BC Bloggers 3 is now open. To join just visit Mommy Diary, read the requirements, and fill out the Application Form.

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Enjoy an eggciting Easter ending at the Marriott Manila!

The Holy Week is one of the most revered and sacred holidays for most Christians. It is a time to reflect, repent and return to the Lord who so graciously gave up His life for His people. It is also a time for families to reconnect and bond. The Marriott Manila opens its doors to patrons for a blissful family retreat where mommies, daddies and their kids can enjoy a relaxing weekend together. As an added bonus, the Marriott will be having an exciting activities planned for the family on the 4th of April in commemoration of Easter Sunday.

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How Rotating Brownouts can Hamper Education

In the news these past few days is the impending threat of rotating brownouts throughout Luzon. Besides the inconvenience these brownouts will bring, it will definitely have a largely negative impact on businesses, hospitals and even educational institutions. If these brownouts do happen, it’s sure to hit some school hours in some way, unless these hit at night, which then poses a fire risk.

Overall, it’s hard to imagine how the generations and generations before ours managed to live without the conveniences of modern technology, particularly electricity. I can’t imagine a classroom without it!

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Pronunciation Peeves.

I won’t assume that just because I am a teacher, I have a good grasp on the proper pronunciation of words.  However, I do have a few pet peeves when it comes to the way these two words should be said : jewelry and ask. I can live with the mispronounced f’s and p’s, especially in the case of Filipinos, but jewelry and ask? I can never get why people say it as “jewLEry” and “aks”. For some reason, it always gets my goat!!! I’ve checked dictionaries and even listened to tapes and online references on how it is pronounced and so far, I haven’t come across one that says jew-LE-ry. It’s gotten me to thinking: whats up with that??? Any answers?

In case you’re wondering where this rant is coming from, I’m watching an old episode of 7th Heaven and there was an episode where the dad was trying to teach his young twins about the right way to say “ask”!

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The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

There’s a chill in the air nowadays, and it’s not because of Christmas cheer. As the world welcomed December, I watched in horror as the Grinch swooped down and stole Christmas.

Clad in an aqua pantsuit, she held it up, beaming as she did, that slip of paper that marked the beginning of the end of Philippine Politics as we know it. From up in her pedestal, she seemed to have seen the joyous revelry the people were having as gladiators dressed in yellows, oranges, and greens came marching down to stake claim for the future of the land. All were ready for the battle ahead. At last, the people thought, a ray of hope for a better tomorrow. As for me, I heaved a sigh of relief that at least she was done.

Then she descended and held on tight, to a seat that should no longer rightfully be hers. But like the Grinch who stole Christmas from Who-ville, she took it all away.In almost 9 whole years, she allegedly lied, cheated and stole, and yet this was not enough to satiate her soul. She may be giving up the presidency, but like a leech, she still clings on to the powers that be. With her head held high and claims of righteousness of her DNA, she proclaimed her call for public service. And there went Christmas, hope, cheer and all.

But like the people in Who-ville we will not be swayed: the Grinch may have stole Christmas, but we will all have our say come that fateful day in May. I may not be her cabalen, nor do I have the capacity to cast my vote in that corner of the world, but I will make it a point to make my voice heard: no, I say. That’s enough. It may not be much, but I’ll do it time and again, and pray that those who can make the choice will make it right.

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The Dog Ate My Homework and Other Annoying Excuses.

Today Teacher Rants.

If I were to describe myself as a student, I’d say I was a pretty good one.  Not brilliant, but not bad either. I had my share of failed tests, missed homeworks and unruly classroom behavior but I think one thing I never forgot was taking responsibility for my actions. This week was rather challenging for me as a teacher, as I had to contend with so many excuses be it for tardiness, forgotten assignments or what not. Sometimes I wish students would just be sincere and say “Miss, I’m really sorry I forgot” then do something about it such as not repeat it anymore. However, if it is a repeated behavior, it invalidates the excuse, in my opinion.

Yes, this week my “annoy-me-why-don’t-you” was pushed to the limit.

Interestingly, the amount of excuses I received this week and what they were made me realize one thing: even excuses have changed because of technology. No longer do we blame the dog for eating our homework, but modern technology. Here were my annoying excuses this week:

“Miss, wala kasi akong internet kagabi e” (I had no internet access last night).

“Na-corrupt USB ko e.” (My USB was corrupted)

“Miss, naubusan kasi ng ink ang printer ko” (My printer ran out of ink)

“Di ko kasi na-receive yung text ng group mate ko e” (I didn’t receive my groupmates’text)

My answer: with all the available resources around you (i.e. internet cafés plus the fact that libraries in most universities offer FREE internet access), that is not an excuse. Go get a dog instead.

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Spreading the Sweetness of Gratitude

Thank you to all those who joined in and rallied to prove that the Philippines is indeed a grateful nation! From the nominees for the Thank You Day Awardees to the entries in the photo contests held across the blogosphere, we have seen how Filipinos can spread the sweetness of gratitude.

Congratulations to the five finalists from this blog, The Accidental Teacher!

1. Cher Cabula of Cher Cabula’s Mindbox

2. Rochelle Sy Chua of rochellesychua.com

3. Earth Rullan of Earthlingorgeous

4. Kiss of Kiss Corner

5. Leira Pagaspas of Mushings

As finalists, you will not only receiving a Toblerone gift pack but you also have the chance of garnering on of the Top 3 Prizes at stake which will be awarded tonight at the SM Mall of Asia at 6pm.

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Happy World Teacher’s Day!

Three cheers to all my fellow teachers out there! Hats off to you!!!

Today, being Teachers Day and all, I got to reflecting about how I ended up being Teacher Ria. It still amazes me to this day that I am a teacher, especially since  as a little girl, I never imagined my future career being in the field of education. As a child, I filled up autograph books and made countless drawings of what I’d be when I grew up and not once do I recall choosing “teacher” as one of them. I always said I’d be a doctor or a nurse, a child psychiatrist, a lawyer, and even a gymnast of ballet dancer but teacher, never. However, by some sheer twist of fate, I found myself in front of a class of little kids (eventually big kids too) and it just fit. Not only that, I found myself a teacher here in the Philippines where a teachers financial value is quite low.

I don’t think I would be the teacher I am today if not for the teachers I had in my life too. Whether they be a classroom teacher,  an adviser, or mentor, these teachers have inspired me to push on with the task on hand and to always keep going. While I may have had my favorite teachers in the past, I realize that even my not-so-favorite ones have left indelible marks in my life

Being a teacher is not always an easy job, although with preschoolers, it is often made easy by many of the fun times I have with the kids. On occasion, having difficult parents to work with can make the task more tedious and burdensome but these are often outweighed by the parents who give thanks and recognize the changes their kids show after weeks or months of school. With college students, it can not only be NOT EASY, but extremely thankless too. But I’m still here. Sometimes I wonder why I stay and persevere in this career I found myself in. I still don’t have an answer. It can’t be the money, I suppose. I don’t think it’s also the hours I get to keep. However, what keeps me going still I think is seeing how the kids in my life turn out in the future. I suppose, in that regard, I teach for selfish reasons, even just a little. So today as my students wished me a Happy Teachers Day, I will also take time out and thank my students for

…making me enjoy going to work most of the time, even though it’s so early in the morning!…

…kisses and hugs and unconditional love, even when they get sad faces….

…keeping me young at heart, even though I am starting to feel the effects of aging coming on…

…filling my heart with joy and laughter at the simplest things…

…and for showing me how I am a part of something bigger than just me…

It saddens me a little bit, however, when I look back and remember I never aspired to be a teacher. What’s even more saddening is the fact that less and less students dream of becoming teachers now. I think it’s because of the hard fact that teaching won’t necessarily translate to a good financial future. While the psychic reward is great, the needs of reality may be greater. With that, I take the time today to challenge educational institutions and departments to help improve the status of teachers everywhere. Let’s give them what it is they truly deserve. Perhaps with that, more kids will aspire to become teachers for the future.

In the past few months I began to question again why I am a teacher in the Philippines (or a teacher to begin with), especially with the financial crunch and all. In the end, my answer remains the same: kinararangal kong tawaging Teacher sa Pinas.

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Pass or Fail? The Bayanihan Challenge.

Over the past 24 hours, I’ve been trying to monitor what people, establishments, and the like did to help Filipinos weather the wrath of Typhoon Ondoy. This was the worst rainfall ever recorded by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services or PAGASA. Reports also state that this is even worse than the rainfall dumped by Hurricane Katrina. If there is one thing the typhoon proved, it’s that the spirit of Bayanihan is still alive. However, while some acts were amazing others were, well…way beyond disappointing.

Here is a compilation of efforts seen and experienced by those in my social networking and microblogging sites. As such, these are reposts/plurks and I do not know how true or accurate accounts are. I am just sharing what I read.

So you decide…did these people pass or fail the Bayanihan Challenge?

___________

DLSU/CSB/UP Diliman (as plurked) : faculty, staff and students trapped on campus were made to spend the night. Matresses and some food provided. Officials even implored for them not to leave as it was unsafe.

Schools like Playschool International, Xavier School, Ateneo, Poveda (and many others I am sure) are accepting donations and mobilizing volunteers.

Neighbors in Antipolo area welcomed stranded neighbors in their homes which were on higher ground. Also reported same cases in Fairview.

Bloggers maximized their online potential by compiling lists of relief centers, contact numbers and ways to help victims. Spreadsheets and similar media were also utilized to help locate and map out locations of those still trapped and in need of help.

Individuals post on Facebook appeals for help and updates on those trapped and rescued, while others joke about the country deserving what it got and that people should not complain kasi “di babaha kung di nagtatapon ng basura eh” (granted there is a point in that…but seriously?)

Supreme Court cancels Bar Exams early Saturday afternoon, thus allowing barristers from not making journey to Manila area necessary.

Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) cancelled in Metro Manila around 10 PM of Saturday, but reported pursual of exams in Northern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao would push through. Last minute, exams were canceled too.

Establishments like Fitness First in MOA allowed customers to stay overnight as they were unable to head home. Other reports, however, said that people were asked to leave because the mall would close. Some malls opened their doors for those who could not head home.

MRT/LRT operates for 24 hours. Flate rate of Php 10.00 implemented to help stranded commuters. Also, people were allowed to camp out in LRT/MRT stations.

Taxis jacked up prices to take residents to their destinations. One example, a taxi ride from airport to Muntinlupa was priced at Php 1200.

Overheard on DZMM (I wasn’t paying attention much), a donut store was selling whatever donuts they had left at Php 80.00. Reporter stated it was shared by a texter.

Cebu Pacific waives Rebooking fees for those who missed flights TODAY to accommodate those who could not make it to the airport.

MMDA suspends Number Coding throughout the week.  As reported by a friend: “in the midst of the deluge yesterday, hub’s company truck was towed in EDSA. Obstruction daw. Duh. Ang bad bad bad talaga ng ibang tao! X-(.  MMDA people towed the truck. MMDA!!! They were supposed to be helping instead of being major pains in the ass!!! What violation is that when a truck stalls because of flooding? Somebody from MMDA pls clarify this to me.”

Relief goods were quickly gathered, but difficulties in distributing them were encountered as flood waters made reaching evacuation centers and homes virtually impossible.

Reports of shortages of rubber boats all over the metro. Large companies let choppers, trucks. All as the Philippine Star reports GMA used P 800 – Million emergency fund for her foreign trips and junkets.

____________

In my favorite movie, Freedom Writers, I remember most the line offered by the character of Miep Gees, the woman who hid Anne Frank in her attic from the Nazi’s when the student called her a hero. She replied: Oh, no. No, no, no, young man, no. I am not a hero. No. I did what I had to do, because it was the right thing to do. That is all. But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room. You are the heroes. You are heroes every day.

Typhoon Ondoy gave us all a chance to be a hero. Did you rise to the challenge? I sure hope so. 

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The Philippines in a State of Calamity: How to Help.

This is reposted from my cousin’s Facebook Page. I am amazed at the info about the storm. I though Hurricane Katrina was the worst ever (and was glad we were unaffected) but apparently, we were worst hit. To top it off, no matter how much their disaster council failed at that time in the US, we don’t have the resources they did. According to news reports, a Php 800-million emergency fund for the country was used by the President for foreign trips.

_______

from Tanya Escaler:

The rainfall brought by typhoon ONDOY to Metro Manila and nearby areas in a span of six hours on Saturday was the most in recorded history, surpassing the previous record for the metropolis in 1967. Hurricane Katrina dumped over an inch of rainfall i…n Louisiana for 3 hours and another 0.5 inches per hour over the next 5 hours on August 29, 2005. Ondoy dumped an average of 2.24 inches per hour for six hours… and is still going.

EMERGENCY HOTLINES ☆

NATIONAL DISASTER COORDINATING COUNCIL
NDCC EMERGENCY NUMBERS
9125668
9111406
9122665
9115061

HELP HOTLINES
7342118
7342120

BAGYONG ONDOY PHILIPPINE HOTLINE
7342118
7342120

COAST GUARD
5276136

MERALCO
16210

SEN. VILLAR’S RESCUE LINES
09172414864
09276751981
09174226800

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RELIEF * SHELTER * DONATIONS

Red Cross donation through SMS: text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)

Relief Goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandaca Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308).

Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40).

Aquino volunteers: contact Jiggy Cruz who is organizing relief goods collection and distribution. Or call Ms. Clare Amador at mobile no 9285205508 or Jana Vicente at 9285205499 for more details regarding Noy/Mar relief efforts.

Roxas volunteers: donations for flood relief can be brought to Balay, Expo Centro, Edsa cor. Gen, MacArthur, Araneta Center, Cubao.

Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT

Charo Limaco has posted a list of specific items needed and where to donate them: Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes etc.. are being accepted at the Hillsborough Village chapel for families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.

Junior Chamber International – Manila will be accepting donations at the Baypark Tent on Roxas Blvd starting tomorrow to help the victims hit by typhoon Ondoy. Volunteers are welcome to join the packing of goods.

Donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy accepted at ARANAZ stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt.

TeamManila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk, Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas to displaced countrymen due to Typhoon Ondoy.

Caritas Manila Office and Radio Veritas (see above) appealing for the following goods: Canned food, rice, used clothes especially for children, milk

From Kuya Ed Ramirez: SLBTFN is accepting donations already. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm. Then we will work with groups around the area to assess w/c evacuation center needs help immediately. SLBTFN is Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm.

HOW TO DONATE FROM AMERICA:

Generous souls in the US who wish to help in the rescue and relief operations, you may donate through the American Red Cross. Call 1-800-435-7669.

-

INFORMATION OF PEOPLE WHO NEED RESCUING:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/lv?key=tohu9kthNU6anlf21Low08g&f=true&gid=1

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/173248/list-of-addresses-of-flood-stranded-people-needing-rescue-with-interactive-map

-

Let’s do what we can to help in this calamity.

It’s really heart breaking seeing pictures and watching the videos of what happened yesterday. To us who are lucky enough to be safe, let’s do our part in helping the affected ones.

All Petron gas stations now accept relief goods

AREAS OPEN TO DONATION:

ALABANG
Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes etc. are being accepted at the Hillsborough Village chapel for families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.

MAKATI
Donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy accepted at ARANAZ stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt.

LUCA store:
We’re preparing relief goods. Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls) to any LUCA store: Rockwell, Shang-rila or Eastwood

TeamManila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk, Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas to displaced countrymen due to Typhoon Ondoy.

PANDACA, MANILA

Relief Goods can be sent to Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandaca Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (tel.no. 5639298/5639308) . Goods required are: Canned food, rice, used clothes especially for children, milk

WEST AVE/EDSA

Relief goods can also be brought Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Corner EDSA (tel no. 9257931-40). Goods required are: Canned food, rice, used clothes especially for children, milk

CUBAO

NoyMar relief Operations: You may get in touch with Clare Amador from our office at 9285205508 re the NoyMar relief efforts. You may also get in touch with Jana Vicente at 9285205499. Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao

KATIPUNAN/LIBIS

From Kuya Ed Ramirez: SLBTFN is accepting donations already. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm. Then we will work with groups around the area to assess w/c evacuation center needs help immediately. SLBTFN is Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm.

LUCA store in Eastwood.

Ateneo is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations may be dropped at the MVP LOBBY.

CAMP AGUINALDO

For donations of relief goods, please deliver them to CRS Office, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. or call 0915-1162853. Food, Medicine, Clothes and other relief items are much needed.

ORTIGAS

LUCA store in Shangrila.

FORT BONFACIO

Drop your donations at the Philippine Army Gym
Aranaz Stores (for Payatas communities)
Rockwell and Greenbelt will accept donations

Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao will accept relief donations

Team Manila
Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods for distribution by Veritas

TXTPower.org will forward donations to Red Cross Paypal
Smart Money – 5577-5144-1866-7103

Other options:

1. Clare Amador (+63928-5205508) or Jana Vicente at +63928-5205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.

2. Drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.

3. Donations for Ondoy Victims to be distributed at the Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo starting now.

4. Relief Goods: Caritas Manila Office (+632-5639298, +632-5639308) or Radio Veritas @ Veritas Tower West Ave.. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)

http://burymeinthisdress.com/blog/2009/09/where-to-send-donations-for-victims-of-typhoon-ondoy/

CDRC
72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC.
9299820/22
will accept relief goods

Manor Superclub, Eastwood City
will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am

All Petron brancheswill accept relief goods

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah Ateneo Cervini Dorm

Caritas Manila Office, Pandaca, MANILA accepts relief goods esp. milk, dry clothes, food

Philippine Army Gym Fort Bonifacio accepts relief goods

Camp Aguinaldo CRS Office, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
0915-1162853
will accept food, medicines, and other relief items

-

VIDEO:

Typhoon Ondoy hits Metro Manila, Philippines on September 26, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_BLXyzoFdw&feature=related

Typhoon Ondoy Demolishes Eastwood!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnqU-BhIsM0

- please forgive me if i fail to mention credit where credit is due for this compilation of photographs from all over -

LET US ALL HELP IN EVERY WHICH WAY WE CAN.
PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON AND DO KEEP THE FILIPINO PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS.

♡ TANYA

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Teach the World The Sweetness of Gratitude.

Teaching little kids the magic words “please” and “thank you” isn’t always very difficult. By simply demonstrating it consistently at every occasion helps them incorporate these words in their vocabulary. However, making them remember the value of gratitude and what these words really mean is another story, especially as they get older. At times, it seems, saying thank you can become almost mechanical and automatic, but not really heartfelt. What’s even more sad is that as people get older, we take so many things for granted — including showing our gratitude.

I surely have had a lot to be grateful for this past year. Perhaps, like many of us, I have taken it for granted. So I am taking this opportunity to thank my BLOGGER FRIENDS for changing my life in so many ways. While many of you may not believe it, I am a painfully shy person (YES I AM!!!). However, being given the opportunity to know you guys and hang out in events , I have learned not only how to get along with others, but to also work towards being a better person as a whole.

I am grateful for my blogger friends!

There are still a whole lot of other blogger friends whom I have no pictures with, so please do know my heartfelt gratitude goes out to you guys too!

As we celebrate the 3rd National Thank You Day on October 20, 2009 sponsored by the internationally renowned Swiss chocolate Toblerone,  let us make a sincere effort in making the words “thank you” more than just words we say out loud.

With that, I’d like to invite you all to join me in spreading the Sweetness of Gratitude by not just saying thank you, but by coming up with a creative photo expressing your gratitude and joining the Toblerone Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Competition.

Contest Mechanics are as follows:

Who: any one in the Greater Manila Area can join the photo contest.

What: Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Contest. Take this chance to get creative and thank the people who definitely deserve it!

When: the contest runs from 2pm of today, September 7, 2009 until 5pm of October 16.

Why:  other than to express our gratitude, you can also have the chance to win a Toblerone Gift pack! More details on the prizes below.

How:

1. Take a creative photo expressing you gratitude or thanks. The photo must be your original work and you must have permission to release the photo. If minors are included in the photo, please make sure you have permission from the minor’s parent or guardian.

2. One entry per participant only.

3. Post your entry in your own website (blogs and social networking sites such as Multiply, Friendster, Facebook, etc. are welcome) and link this to the gallery found in www.thankyoudayphilippines.com.

4. Post your link in the  comments section  here in my blog so it qualifies as an entry in my blog. Please include a valid email address so I can notify you if you are in my short list.

5. On October 16, I will choose 5 finalists from the valid entries here in my blog which will be submitted to GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Inc. From all the shortlisted entries submitted by various bloggers, 3 winners will be selected by a panel composed of employees of the Sponsor and its PR Agency, GMCI. The 5 selected finalists from my blog will receive a thank you kit.

6. Awarding of the Top 3 entries will be on October 20, 2009 during the National Thank You Day Awards. Winners will receive a Toblerone Gift Pack.

For more details and other mechanics go to www.thankyoudayphilippines.com.

So come on…let’s all teach the world the sweetness of gratitude!

UPDATE:  Deadline for submissions extended to NOVEMBER 10 at 5pm. More time for you to think about what you are grateful for!!!

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And the Pampered Princess is…

Thank you to those who joined (and wanted to join but complained about the distance of the spa!) my latest contest sponsored by Caprichosa Spa.

Congratulations to TweensyWeensy who’s dream of a yoga and cocktails spa party wowed the judge, Ms. Lily-an Padilla, the spa’s managing partner. Tweensy’s vision of the perfect spa party is “…if a Yoga session can be facilitated to help calm us down and prep us for the aromatheraputic foot spa and massage. I picture us watching the uber cheesy “He’s Just Not That Into You,” while my friends have their minty foot spa or get their nails done. Since I don’t like people fiddling with my nails, I’d rather indulge in my full body massage. A party aint a party without cocktails! I’d like our party to have a cocktail area set up on one side of the room where chilled pinacolada and margarita will be served. And for my friends who at least try to live clean, it would be nice to have coffee, tea and milk served as well”.

Congratulations TweensyWeensy! Please watch out for my email with the details on how you can claim your FULL BODY MASSAGE

Till the next contest!!!!

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The Ultimate Pampering Experience: A Caprichosa Spa Party.

Being the busy teacher that I am, I often have to be reminded to take some time out for myself to take care of ME. Lucky for me, my friend and fellow blogger Lace invited me to a day of pampering with a Caprichosa Spa Party. Lucky for me it was scheduled on a day that was not too toxic! Since I was blessed with such a wonderful experience, I’m sharing this luck with you  my dear readers with MY LATEST CONTEST!

Before that though, let me tell you about my Caprichosa Spa Party experience.

We arrived at the home of managing partner Lil Padilla and I was blown away by the way they set up the house. It truly looked like a spa, so much so that I thought it WAS a spa! From tafetta hanging in the ceiling, rose petals scattered on the walkway, aromatherapy and calming music, the set-up alone was relaxing already. Then we were treated to a wonderful foot spa and a soothing massage. It was heavenly!!!

The concept of a spa party is brilliant. As partners Lil and Carlo explained, a party should not be stressful, it should be fun and enjoyable.  However, often times party hosts are not able to enjoy thier own parties because they’re worrying to much about the set-up and all. Not when you have a Caprichosa Spa Party planned. The basic package they offer already includes decorations, music, and basic spa equipment. Add-on services can include provisions of wine, gift bags and even catering services can also be arranged. How simple can planning your party be, right? From bridal showers, debuts, reunions and even a “get-over-a-heartbreak party”, a Caprichosa Spa Party  will definitely be an enjoyable, indulgent treat. Imagine, taking the lavishness of a spa into the privacy of your own home for you and your guests! Packages start at a minimum of 6,000 consumable fee. Check out the Caprichosa Spa website or Facebook Fan Page,or get in touch with Lil and Carlo at caprichosaspa@gmail.com.

Reach Lil and Carlo at  or try out their services at

for more details.  Better yet, join my contest to win a full body massage in the Caprichosa Day Spa!

Joining is just as simple as planning your own spa party. All it takes are three simple steps:

1. Answer this question “How would you make your Caprichosa Spa Party uniquely yours?” . Your answer can include added services, products, themes, music or anything you’d like to see/get/have during the spa party.

2. Become a fan of the Caprichosa Spa Facebook page.

3. Subscribe to my blog

See, simple right???  The most creative and unique answer wins the massage, granted, of course, that the other conditions were met as well. Contest is open to all, although preferably Philippine/Manila residents and ends August 9, 2009 August 12, 2009. One Winner will be announced shortly thereafter.  Should the winner from outside Metro Manila be chosen, he or she may opt to give the prize to whomever they choose

As an added bonus, friends and readers of my blog will receive a free bottle of wine when you schedule your own Caprichosa Spa Party by just simply mentioning my name

Massage can be claimed at the Caprichosa Day Spa located in   126 Armstrong Ave. Moonwalk Village Phase 1, Paranaque City. Prize is transferable but not convertible to cash.

photos taken from AzraelColadilla.com and the Caprichosa Spa Facebook Fan Page

Posted by Teacher Ria in Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Hooked on the Internet.

If you found this post interesting, informative and educational, feel free to take home my notes by subscribing here.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

An Open Letter To Students.

Dear Students,

I love being your teacher most of the time, for reasons that I myself cannot explain. I just do. However, there are times when this love can be challenged and be put to the test. I have already accepted and embraced the fact that my job is a thankless job, and yet I take it on for the mere fact that I love being a teacher. I hope you know, though, that when you come to class late despite my harried efforts to meet you on time I feel bad. Do know that when I see you doing your homework in class, I feel insulted because it shows you do not care much for what I am doing for you. When you talk to your classmates while I stand in front and try to teach you, I try my best not to feel disgruntled and simply try to understand and remember what it was like when I was you. I figured, maybe you just don’t know how I feel, so I decided to write this letter.

On the other hand, do know that you guys bring a lot of joy to my life. You make me laugh and think in many ways I never thought I could. I love it a lot when you laugh at my jokes, no matter how corny they may be. I like it when you complement me, especially when it comes to our activities. Little things like saying “I enjoyed today” makes me feel my job is so worthwhile. Also, when I see how much effort you put into your assignments, my heart fills with pride.

So there my dear Students, this is how I feel as your Teacher.

Always,

Teacher Ria