Teacher therapy

“Honesty is the best policy”, an old adage would say.  This might sound a cliche but this saying has not lost its essence.  Let me tell you a little incident on this.  

I was in Subic last Thursday, October 16 to Saturday, October 18, 2008.  I attended a three-day conference organized by the speech communication organization of the Philippines.  Before the conference formally started, I tried to explore the area since the hotel where I stayed was right in front of the bay.  I took some pictures, and went back to the hotel a few minutes before the opening ceremony. 

When I was at the hotel, I sat in one of the corner sofas, which was cozy and comfortable.  Sitting there, I brought out the wallet that contains my two cell phones. I thought of texting my Admin Assistant for the things which I failed to do before I left.  Because the place was near the smoking area, I immediately stood up when I smelt of cigarette smoke oblivious of my wallet, that had my other phone, placed on the sofa. 

I hurriedly walked my way towards the seminar hall while texting.  After using my other phone, I found out that my black wallet was missing. I ran back to the placed where I sat, but the precious black wallet was no longer there.

I immediately reported the incident to the information, who turned me over to the security officer.  Immediately, the security officer ordered that all exits be closed, and that they would do the “search operation” for my lost cell phone.  I was instructed to narrate the chronology of events on paper for their report.  Afterwards, I was told that they could not assure me that they would be able to give me back my cell phone. 

With that, I started texting friends for the hotline of the my lost phone provider so that I can have my number blocked.  I was worried because it was on postpaid plan. While I was sitting on the seminar venue, my mind was busy thinking of my lost phone.  I could not concentrate because I was busy texting my friends asking for the hotline number.  After a while I saw the security officer again motioning for me to come to him.  I did, and there I was presented the black wallet wiht my phone inside!  I could not believe it!  I have lost cell phones twice, but this time it’s returned to me :-) The security officer told me one of the employees turned over the wallet to him.  What an honest employee they have!  I wanted to meet the person who found my wallet, but I was not allowed.  I wonder why.  I guess it was their policy; I was given that hunch.

With this heartwarming incident, I would like to thank Legenda Hotel and its management. If you happen to visit Subic Bay Freeport Zone, check in at the Legenda Hotel, Waterfront Road. It’s seldom to find honest people like the ones in Legenda.  Aside from honesty, they are also accommodating.  Speak of customer service. Legenda has it!  It truly lives to its name as the legendary Legenda. 

The hotel front view.  Subic Bay Freeport Zone.  October 16, 2008.

September 20, 2008 was the international coastal clean-up project day.  It was my first time to join this activity.  In our locale, it was organized by our Community Extension Service Office.  

When I was told that there would be such a project, I actually signed up for the reason that we needed more points in the community extension program for PAASCU accreditation.  Besides, I was the first one to sign up for our department as if to show and to set myself as an example, being the Director who does not have teaching assignment on a Saturday morning:-)  In other words, I went to the clean-up project half-heartedly. 

On the bus on our way to the clean-up site, we were given the orientation on what to expect and on what to do once we get there.  Sector 5, that was what I heard.  I was not paying full attention because I was thinking of just leaving everything to my very dependable AA.  I told her I can be the timekeeper and the record keeper but she had to help me. 

We passed through Roxas Boulevard, and I saw that a number of people were there to clean up the bay area.  People from all walks of life:  some were running, others walking; others were enjoying.  Seemingly they were done with their assignment while we were still on our way.   

Before getting off the bus, we were given hand gloves, and the final orientation.  Yet I was not fully convinced of the purity of my intention in going to the coastal area.   

But when I get to the site, my perspective had changed.  I was touched by thousands of people who went there with only one purpose:  to clean up the coastal area from the pile of Metro Manila garbage!   And it dawn on me that I am one of the residents in Metro Manila, so I must be contributory to those thrash.

I especially picked up trash of styro and foam, which reminded me of my favorite famous bowl meals, Hotdog Meal, Hotcake Meal, and all other meals and goodies in styro containers.  I am also reminded of my soft chair in the office, the sofa  and the bed at home which all have foam.  Oh they are so soft and comfortable, but look, they do not decompose:-( 

I filled one sack of styros, and another sack of plastics, and I felt satisfied. 

On our way home, I was thinking of what I did.  I felt some kind of guilt and relief - guilty for being a contributor to those trash, and relief for being able to help clean those trash in my own little way.  I hope that somehow my little effort may go a long, long way in helping save our Mother Earth. 

Next year, I’ll join this activity again with love and passion.

The sea of people who made their contribution for Mother Earth.  23rd International Coastal Clean-up Project. Paranaque City. September 20, 2008.

When people gt to know that I am into belly dancing, I get different reactions.  Others are excited; others happy for me; others raise their eyebrows; and some others give me the look that says as if I am the most immoral person on earth! I know they are just insecure, nevertheless I am posting this article for people out there who might want to be educated. 

Before I enrolled myself to belly dance school, I first did a research abouth this dance and here goes my findings:  

 Where does Belly Dancing come from?

Belly Dance is actually a general term used to describe a range of different traditional dances originating from countries around the Middle East.

Is it really an Art form or just an erotic and seductive dance?

Most of our ideas about Belly Dancing come from Hollywood where it was often depicted as and erotic and seductive dance performed by concubines and prostitutes for the entertainment of men.

There is a lot more to Belly Dancing than adulating your tummy.  It is actually a highly developed form of dance where you are taught to isolate and control and move every part of your body.  To be a great belly dancer requires the same level dedication and discipline of that of a Ballet dancer.

Who can do Belly Dancing?

Belly Dancing is suitable for ALL women. This dance does not discriminate on age or size – in fact if you are a little older and overweight this is the perfect dance for you. It enables you to express your beauty and femininity.  You are never too young or old to begin Belly Dancing.

What are the benefits of Belly Dancing?

Belly Dancing is a great exercise regardless of your age and shape. It’s a great way to burn lots of calories, an excellent workout on the abdominals and for general body toning. Practicing Belly Dancing will improve your posture, coordination and general awareness of your body. It will also builds self-esteem and confidence. Not least of all Belly Dancing is a lot of fun.

I got this article from this  site which I think gives me everything I need to know about belly dancing.

So for people out there who judge me unfairly because I am into this form of art, you better brace yourselves.