the dreaded tale of DepEd

When they need to, they don't. When they don't have to, they do. Such is the dreaded tale of DepEd in suspending classes in the Philippines. It is an all too familiar tale ever Filipino, who once went to school or is currently a student , knows by heart.

Just this morning, the storm was undeniably furious. We all thought classes will be suspended. Glued to our televisions and radio sets, we waited anxiously for their announcement. Bursting our bubble, they did not suspend classes! On we went with our day-to-day routines, unmindful of the strong rains outside our building. And just when every student and teacher were all focused with their lessons, they suspend classes. In most cases in the Metro, commuting home is the major problem students go through whenever DepEd suspends classes mid-day. In our case, it was the traffic as sedans, vans and SUVs begin lining up in our school grounds. So how did we manage the early dismissal this day? With every manager, teacher and staff up on our toes, I would say we did it excellently!

I wonder if DepEd's dreaded tale will ever come to an end. One thing is for sure though. There will be endless complains from parents later in the evening news!

bully-proof: be nice, be kind, assert your rights

Bullying is never acceptable. The best way to respond to bullying is to stop it from happening.

This year's Grade School Anti-Bullying Campaign is called BULLY-PROOF: Be Nice, Be Kind, Assert Your Rights. It says Be Nice because Bully-Proof students know how to listen to victims. Whenever you see a classmate being bullied, you support that person. You help him cope with the situation. But you NEVER, ever, tell him to retaliate. This year's campaign says Be Kind because bully-proof kids respect people. You celebrate diversity. You understand that we all have differences and you never bully your classmate just because he is different. This year's campaign says Assert You Rights because bully-proof students are smart --- they speak and stand-out. You walk away from the bully. You tell a teacher about the bullying.


The morning of the Anti-Bullying Campaign in Reedley International School, all Grade School students were given pins as symbol that Reedley students are bully-proof. They made a pledge as well, proudly raising their right hands as they vowed to stay bully-proof all throughout the year. Strongly believing these students will stay true to their commitment, we. the teachers, are hopeful that students in other schools will be bully-proof as well.

Be nice. Be kind. Assert your rights!

All photos courtesy of Gerald Diocades.

subdued and hushed but breathing

It has been 22 days since my blog made its presence felt. Subdued and hushed because of work tasks, I had no choice but to leave the blogosphere for awhile. You see, to be a delinquent blogger for the nth time is the farthest thing from my mind. But yeah, there comes a time in our lives when we have to give up something to make way for something new.

It's the last day of the month and Mr. Sun has been in hiding the past few days. Sometimes it makes me feel this is his way of getting back at me. Cursing him for the immense heat he was creating earlier, I guess he decided to hide from me now when I need him the most.

After months of planning with my friends, we are all set to conquer the mysterious and primitive island of Capones in Zambales from May 1-2. With the unstable weather condition we are now experiencing, we can't help but step back a bit, unsure if we will push through with our plans. If the Low Pressure Area won't turn into a storm, regardless of rainshowers and thunderstorms, with my husband and friends, we shall move ahead to Capones Island.

To my blogmates who never get tired visiting my blog, I know how frustrated you must have felt seeing just old posts here. I won't promise, but I will try to blog more often. For now, let's all have a wonderful long weekend!

being an educator

The last time I felt this tired was a year ago when I had to cram for some documents needed at work. Now, the reason for my screaming bones is still work-related because so many things are happening all at the same time. I am not ranting though. Because despite the hectic schedule (I couldn't even call my husband), a lot of realizations couldn't escape from my reflective mind.

Our Lower School Recognition is tomorrow and Graduation on Sunday. The gowns I shall be wearing on both events are ready. The shimmery pair of shoes have been bought too. Although graduation means the end of the school year, for us educators it actually means the start of a fresh year. While all our students are having their summer vacation, we are in our work areas preparing for their comeback after about 90 days.

Being an educator is a very challenging yet rewarding profession. Aside from the paperworks, we are 24/7 on-call if our students or their parents need us. Very similar to call center agents, you might say. But in this line of work, there's more to it than just the time. Being an educator, we get to touch, encourage and inspire today's youth.

the promotion

Life hands us a lot of surprises when we least expect it. I think that is the very essence of a surprise --- to catch you at your most unguarded moment.

What transpired in my life this week is a rollercoaster of surprises. It started with our School Headmaster telling me the good news --- a promotion. I admit, I had a feeling I will eventually get there. But I didn't expect it this soon. And the way I was told about it was really funny! I admit though, it made me nervous too, knowing a promotion is synonymous to more responsibilities.

The minute I told my husband about it removed all my apprehensions and worries. How did he do it? Two things in two nights. First night, he brought me home my favorite Sbarro pizza flavor which I haven't eaten in months. Second night, he brought me to a Nike Women branch and bought me this yellow running shoes which I have been dreaming about!


With a husband so proud of his wife's accomplishments, who wouldn't love to be promoted? I love you labski! Thankies for being so proud of me!

rtv crazy

4 days to go before RTV or the Reedley Talent and Variety Show. For the whole month of January (and up to the day before the big show), the RTV is what keeps me and the rest of the Reedley community busy. Stress and anxiety are two common feelings permeating in the air. But above the worries, a rush of excitement runs through every Reesian. Here is a video from the previous RTV --- a group of Korean students grooving to the song called Balloons.

The RTV is a highly anticipated event in Reedley. It happens every after 2 years with a different theme each show. It showcases the talents of Reedley students, alumni and faculty. Expect music icons such as Madonna, Michael Jackson and the Beatles, portrayed by students, to perform on-stage as this year's show is entitled RTV Icons.

RTV Icons will be held this Sunday, February 08 at the AFP Theater. The Matinee Show starts at 1:30 P.M. while the Gala starts at 5:00 P.M.

Here's a video of one of the acts lined up in this year's RTV. The Reedley Breakfluid Streetdance 2008 Contest winner --- CAUTION.




For ticket inquiries, you may call 631-2262. The day of the big event, I will be at the lobby of the AFP Theater welcoming you!

photo exhibit postponed

Our first photo exhibit has been postponed. Instead of having it on the last week of January, it was moved to the third quarter of 2009. You see, a lot of events are happening in school right now. Since everyone is busy, we all agreed to have the photo exhibit on a later date. That way, we'll have more time to shoot.

So, what have I been up to lately?

In 4 weeks, it's RTV time again. RTV or the Reedley Talent and Variety Show is a highly anticipated event where both students, alumni and faculty show off their skills. There will be a lot of singing, dancing, acting and classical numbers. This year's theme focuses on international music icons. Every member of our faculty is involved in coming up with the show. I am heading the Souvenir Program Committee. I just got the approved cover design, shown on the left (which is also how the ticket looks like). My team and I are now working on its lay-out.

Two months from now, it will be Reedley's graduation, which will be held at the Irwin Theater in Ateneo. I am heading the Valedictorian-Salutatorian Committee and our major task is to gather the GPAs of the Top 5 graduating students both in Middle and Upper School. Aside from that, we will also be conducting an On-The-Spot Essay Writing and a Panel Interview. With that kind of screening process, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Reedley International School is definitely deserving of the honor and admiration.

To be honest, I am happy the photo exhibit was postponed. It gives me a chance to focus on my committee tasks and counseling sessions. It also means our short Bohol adventure next month will be a venue for me to shoot and snap!

fotoloco invades reedley

About a month ago, in line with Candy Magazine's School Tour, Fotoloco invaded Reedley International School. It was part of the Upper School Department's Substance Abuse Prevention Week. With free photos, magazines and cookies for everyone, what transpired that day was a wacky experience for both faculty and students.

Here is a photo of my Lower School 1 kids.

And here is how my team and I look
when kids aren't looking!
That's me in my blazer.

See more of our faculty and students here.

feeling lethargic

It must be the holiday season. Christmas carols. Gift-giving. Family reunions. The cold weather at night and early morning makes me wanna stay in bed. I am on vacation mode! And preparing for work on weekdays leaves me feeling lethargic.

This day really is the sluggish day of all. I couldn't even count the number of times I yawned! The monthly visitor could be a factor too. To wake me up, I am now drinking my second cup of coffee.

I have to do something when I get home later so I would be up on my toes again. I still have 14 working days to face before I could rest and enjoy the Christmas break. Oh dear. When my husband reads this post he surely wouldn't be happy. Unlike me, he gets very excited each day knowing how close we are in celebrating our second holiday season. Tsk tsk tsk.

A project. I need to have one so I could be hyperactive again! But what? Oh yeah! I still have to finish my 2009 desk calendar!

sean covey live in manila

Sean Covey, the man behind the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, is coming to Manila, Philippines for a 2-day teen chat. A book that drew inspiration from Stephen Covey's best-selling 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Sean's version is directed to teenagers.

Reedley International School is one of the few schools in our country that uses Covey's version in teaching Life Skills. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is every Reesian student's bible his whole Reedley life. And wouldn't it be great to see the book's author in person! With our school working with Ateneo De Manila and the Philippine Daily Inquirer in bringing Sean Covey in the Philippines, the faculty, staff and students of Reedley gets to attend the said event!


Click the photo to see details of Sean Covey's Teen Chat sessions on November 25-26, 2008. For ticket details, call the Ticketnet.

training at hotel pontefino

It's going to be another long and lonely weekend for me and my husband. Another Leadership Camp is happening beginning tomorrow and I will be one of the facilitators. The training will take place at Hotel Pontefino in Batangas City.


I have been to the hotel twice but never to facilitate and prefect kids and teenagers. This is going to be a tough job because of two things: first, I need to act as a peer-adult the whole time. No horsing around. No skimpy attire. No chance to wander in the area. Second, it is another night without my husband beside me. The first time it happened was during our school's summer outing at Mimosa in Clarkfield.

Although I see it as a challenging weekend, my husband is helping me look at things positively. As a mature adult amongst these young and eager minds, I get a once in a lifetime chance to discover myself more.

But yeah, I'll still bring a bag of separation anxiety with me.

a photo exhibit

Guess what. I was invited to be part of our first Reedley International School Faculty Photo Exhibit! Hurray!

I got the invitation to join the exhibit last Saturday from our school's Academic Research Head. She was even asking me how many photos I wanted to include! That question made me ran to my computer to check my labskifotografi files. It made me realize that the shots I am really proud of are mostly sunset photos!

I am really excited to join this exhibit because of 3 reasons. First because, like what I said, it is the first faculty exhibit of our school. Most of the exhibits held features students' paintings. Second, because we are only 2 selected faculty members who are going to be featured. And third, because I am only using a Point-and-Shoot camera and yet my photos caught their interest. Woo hoo!

search for the secret scroll

It finally happened. Our Lower School Department had the highly anticipated Show and Tell.

With this year having a theme of Dreams and Fantasies, the Lee Kuan Yew Hall was decorated with peripherals related to Fantasia. Our students had to go through a lot of stages before they came up with their speech. Just like how we are trained, our students began with their pre-writing sessions, first and second drafts and the proper way of delivering their speeches. The kids did a superb job! There were minor bloopers but in general, they all made their parents absolutely proud of them as they all delivered above what was expected of them in their Search for the Secret Scroll.

Photos of the Show and Tell may be viewed HERE courtesy of Ms. Soriano. And this is ME in the TechBooth! Here's a video I made of the story plot.

a pre-school teacher

I was.

For 4 straight years, I was a Pre-school Teacher in Claret School of Quezon City. I have created a lot of fun memories in those times. And I must admit. It was difficult not to play favorites on your students. You just have to be discreet enough so the others won't notice. If you don't know yet, kids are very, very observant. They would see and notice things we adults would normally overlook.

So why am I telling you about my job before I turned into a School Counselor? Because I saw an old photo of me with my former students. This was during our field trip at La Mesa Eco Park, my last year as a teacher. Oh God, it made me miss them so much!

minicamp 2008 logo

I'm almost done doing my presentation for our Mini-Leadership Camp tomorrow. I took the job of designing this year's logo. And to show it to you, here it is.

Credits: Sueli Colbert_my moment kit

I am pretty sure the class officers will have a blast tomorrow. The activities and lecture we have prepared are really helpful and entertaining. Be posting updates tomorrow! Oh, and by the way, wish me luck with my talk.

qualities of a good leader

Pardon me if I won't be posting that much this week. I'm a busy bee again. Not that I'm complaining. I actually love what I'm working on.

On Friday, we will be having a Mini-Leadership Camp for our Lower School 3 to Middle School 5 class officers. And I was hand-picked by our School Directress (wink, wink!) to give a talk on the Qualities of a Good Leader.

I'm half-way through preparing my modules, powerpoint presentation and hand-outs. But will still try to blog. Coffee break will be up soon! I'm still thinking of a nice topic.=)

the clown in me

Being a school counselor can sometimes be very challenging. Wait, did I just say sometimes? What I mean is... it's a 101% challenging job. Yet, it's ultimately fulfilling too!

All day long you hear ranting. But there are some raving too. You hear cries. But you hear laughter too. You help them accept failure. But you also celebrate with their triumphs.

And sometimes, a school counselor acts like a clown, making funny noises and weird facial gestures... just to make your counselee come out of her shell.

Just 5 minutes ago, I was the weirdest looking clown as I tried to make my poker-faced counselee smile. Was I successful? She left my office with her face as red as an apple!

Photo credits: Clown by Sailor and Widow

RTV auditions

I just sat down as one of the judges in our RTV musical instrument auditions!

RTV or Reedley Talent and Variety Show happens every after 2 years. It's a showcase of various skills and talents our students (even teachers) have. This year's theme is Glamour and it will happen on February 10, 2009 at the AFP Theater.

I am a certified music-lover. Everyone probably knows that already. I can listen and appreciate any genre. And if given the chance, I would love to learn to play the piano or the violin. Having said that, you guys now know that I have zero knowledge in playing instruments. So, how in the world was I chosen to judge?

Upper School students playing Canon D

But the experience of sitting there and appreciating these students' gifts was superb! It was the most amazing 60 minutes of my week!

you smell like a donut

Err... I need help here. You see, the minute I came in school today, I got a hug from a Lower School 3 student. She hugged me so tight and it made me feel so appreciated! It took away all my frustration of this morning's traffic. (As if feeling frustrated would solve it.)

And then she looked at me and said sweetly, "Ms. Magtoto, you smell like a donut!"

Uhhmm... Is that a compliment? Because I would love to think that it is. Hahaha!

Photo Credits: Cascadegon pory of www.deviantart.com

on work

Just when I'm feeling lazy and cranky, this is what I am going to see in my inbox.


Well, why not! On second thought... I should get back to work or else my tasks are going to pile up. Laters!