My kids have experienced being educated in both traditional schools and home school. As a hands-on educator to them, I  felt the huge difference in the way they grew as learners. And homeschooling also taught me a lot in terms of being a teacher, parent, and being a fellow online learner. 

Here are some reasons why...

The colorful yet horrific history of the three Balangiga bells had always been close to my heart. Having kept a homeschooling and cultural website for almost a year now, there was a point when I was asked on the Facebook group (of which I am an administrator) – Kulturang Pinas – to elaborate on this tragic account.  
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I had my historical bases for answering the said query and, although the facts were pretty straightforward, my opinions, however, were far from being unemotional. 

"Magtapos ka ng pag-aaral mo. Yan lang ang maipapamana namin sa'yo ng Tatay mo." (Finish your studies. That's the only inheritance that your Father and I can give you) - does this sound familiar? 

Most Filipinos can relate to this oft reminder from their parents. No wonder you will find Pinoy homes' walls adorned with line upon line of diplomas, all signifying that they accomplished what their parents asked them to do. Also, to most of us, there is a sense of achievement once this piece of paper is finally displayed on the wall. 

​Why do you think this is so? ​

September 5, 2018. It may not have been the opening date for Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral but our family had an awesome time nevertheless. Did I expect my heroic worship of General Gregorio del Pilar to heighten after watching this? Will this film increase your respects for this young general?

Here are my thoughts...

Mahilig kumain ang mga Pinoy. This is a statement. It's not a question, it's not even an opinion. This is an unspoken truth that is accepted by every true blue Filipino. And while the whole nation is going crazy over the movie, The Hows of Us, I am trying to answer here an equally pertinent question -- 

Why do we, Filipinos, just love to eat? 

Almost 40 people were recently arrested in Batangas & Laguna when they did not bother to stand up during the playing of the Philippine National Anthem inside certain cinemas. Kudos to the #PNP for implementing the law. Bluntly put, aprub na aprub ako sa ginagawa ng mga pulis. 

I dunno how I got to truly respect the flag and the anthem but as far as I can recall, I have always been respectful of these heraldic items. Thank goodness I married someone who shares the same fervor so, naturally, we taught our kids to pay the deepest respects to the flag and the anthem when it is being played. We also taught them to stand very still and to put their right hand on their chest wherever they may be when the anthem begins to play. 

Here's a section of the law that states why and how we should behave when Lupang HInirang is being played and what could happen to you if you're pasaway (unruly) -- 

The whole nation is divided over the issue on the revocation of the amnesty granted to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. I'm not going to meddle in that. Let's keep things grounded and cool here. 

Today, we're featuring the photos of Jose Rizal as a young kid. He was quoted to have said, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan." If he's the basis, then, indeed, the youth of today have the power to give hope to our nation. 

'Hope you enjoy. Special thanks to Rizal's great-grandniece, Ms. Minney Reyes for the hero's photo when he was 7 years old.