Ang Magtutudlo ni Maika

Ang kapu-ol nagabira sa iyang huna-huna samtang ang pinitik sa Segundo sa oras nagaguyod sa kalaay sa palibot. Alas otso. Dugay gayod mudangan ang oras basta anaa ka sa panahon sa kalaay. Minglingi siya wala, sat u-o, sa likod, ug nagpahiyom sa iyang mga nakita. Nagtabi sa luyo, nagpinasahanay og suwat sa atubangan, namagnos og pampa-anyag sa nawong didto, natulog diri… Haay, klase pa ba kini? Hinuon, dili lang kini karon nahitabo nga ingon niini ang mga tawo sa iyang klase. Ang sakit sa palibot mingduot pod sa iyang huna-huna nga nagpatay sa gana sa iyang lawas.

Nanampiling nga nagmasid sa iyang maestro, mipagawas og usa ka dakong ekspresyon sa pagkaduka si Maika. Padayon sa pagyawyaw ang ilang maestro sa atubangan nga halos dili gayod madungog sa pinaka luyo ang iyang tingog, ug halos gyud dili kapugong sa pagduko ug pagtan-aw sa dakong librong bitbit niya sukad pa sa pagsugod sa klase nga kini nagpamatu-od sa iyang wala’y pagpangandam, sama sa usa ka estudyanteng giatasan og pagpahayag sa usa ka hisgutanan o sultihanon nga wala’y pagbati sa iyang pagtaho sa atubangan sa klase.

Nang huy-ab pag-usab si Maika dungan sa paglingi sa iyang magtutudlo kaniya, nahilom ug natingala na lang siya sa usa ka borador nga minglupad ug ming-igo sa iyang ulo, gisundan pa sa mga mahait nga mga pulong nga maka-insulto gayod. Wala ma’y nahimo si Maika kun dili mingduko na lamang dala sa dakong kaulaw nga iyang gibati.

Nakasugat nab a kita ug ingon niini nga klaseng magtutudlo?

Usahay, dili nila mabasol ang estudyante kon mawad-an sila og respeto sa ilahang mga magtutudlo. Dili man sab sa pagdaot sa parte sa ubang mga magtutudlo, apan ang tingog sa mga gestudyante minglanog gayod ug nagpamugos sa paggawas aron madungog ang ilang pagbati bahin niining butanga.

Sa duha ka tuig ni Maika sa colehiyo, karon pa lamang siya nakasinati ug ingon niining kaulaw nga gidalit kaniya sa usa ka magtutudlo.

(This Cebuano literary work was published at a college magazine written by Tyra ‘nell E. Pille as a satire to voice out the rights of students against abusive and incompetent teachers.)

Be-Verbs Confusion

Teacher Greg shared one of his most unforgettable teaching experiences when he taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in an English Academy in Cebu in 2005.

He was discussing the application of Be-Verbs like am, is, are, was, were and be. This subject is a bit confusing for most Korean students studying ESL, especially in distinguishing the Plural from the Singular forms of the Verb. Basically, to those who used and studied English since childhood, we all know that the Plural form of Verb doesn’t have “-s” or “-es.” As for the Be-Verbs, “is” is for Singular and “are” is for Plural. However, while teaching, Teacher Greg was unaware that his student thought the other way around. So, when he asked him the question, “Do you go to church on Sundays?” The student answered him, “Yes, I are.”

Life in the Philippines

By: Rian (Choi Seol Hun)

I’m definitely sure that people who have been in the Philippines have invaluable experiences, and that includes me. Why is this so?

I have studied English for about six months and have met the passionate and sincere teachers in the Philippines who made me feel confident and helped me improve my English skills, as well as developed a good perspective of the subject in my point of view. Among my line of teachers was Teacher Tyra.

Despite my 101 Level in school (one of the lowest levels) when I first started studying in an English school, I always tried to speak a lot, especially since I met Tyra. Though, I was one of those people who hate to study, still I talked a lot in our Phrasal Verbs group class. I thought to myself that I was selfish because I did most of the talking.

Nevertheless, I realized that English is not to be dealt with all-books and lectures but more on practice, and I learned that in the Philippines. Though frankly, Tyra did not tell me about it directly, but while I studied English with her, I have learned that from her, my best teacher. It was completely worth the efforts. That’s why, I didn`t study English by books that much, because I have learned how to study it practically. It’s just one of the things I`ve obtained there and it’s one of the unforgettable experiences I have.

Moreover, if someone would ask me, "What was the best experience you have in the Philippines?" I would say, "my working experience.”
I have experienced being one of the dormitory managers in the Language School where I also studied. Instead of paying the school fees, I worked while studying. One of my responsibilities is to buy vegetables at Carbon Market once a week for the school’s meals. Carbon Market is sort of a traditional Filipino market in Cebu.

One day, when I went to the market, one little boy followed me while I was selecting for some vegetables to buy. So, I bought a barbecue on the street to give it to the little boy. He was naked, and I know he was from a poor family. After that, he started to help me bring the heavy stuff I was carrying. The little boy was really cute. Before I left the market, he bought a boiled corn for me.

With that unforgettable experience, I asked myself, "does money bring happiness?" and pondered on such thought. After that, I have realized why Filipinos are the happiest people in the world. I look back on those experiences every once in a while.

Going to the Philippines is very much worth it. I wouldn’t think twice in going back there because I have never forgotten how it feels so good when I was there. Again, the teachers’ teaching efforts in teaching me led me to have a goal in life and a dream. I hope to achieve such goals and dreams, and I want to keep in constant contact with my teachers as my best friends in overseas.

About the Writer:
Choi Seol Hun or commonly known by his English nickname, Rian, a 23 (International Age) Korean National is a smart, talkative, curious and practical person, and not to mention, a very good friend. He came here in the Philippines to study ESL at Philinter Center for English Language (now Join Us English Language Academy) in 2008. He lives in Seongnam City in Kyunggido, South Korea and is now traveling a lot of countries to experience the different cultures of foreign life. He enjoys sports especially soccer and swimming. He dreams of studying Financial Management and Trade and hopes to become an International Trader someday. Know more about Rian, you may view his site at http://www.cyworld.com/rian777

My Writing and Speaking Classes with Teacher Tyra

May 13, 2009

Dear Teacher Tyra,

I don't want to write a formal writing like in a journal form because this is my last writing. That is why, I have written a letter to my writing teacher, Tyra.

First, I want to say "Thank you!" to you. I have learned many things from your class and from you. When I first joined your class, I was so impressed. You were strict but kind. It encouraged me to study hard because I didn't want to disappoint you. Thus, I was able to do my homework everyday. It helped me improved my English skills so much.

Before I met you, writing was quite a chaos for me. I didn't know how to express my thinking on the paper. However, I learned that writing is just playing with words, structure and expressions. Now, I like to write something. I was really interested in the subject, Writing. It is the best way to help the development of speaking and grammar skills. So, writing is my favorite subject.

Furthermore, I also like your speaking classes. It was somewhat special compared to other classes. I always faced difficult situations such as role playing among others. It helped me a lot. Anyway, I can't evaluate your class. Your class is really good. If I were to define your class in a word. I would say "Vitamin C."

Thank you, Tyra. I am happy to have joined your class. It was like a blessing to me. Good luck! I hope you are always happy. Take good care of yourself.

Your Student,
Whale

Written By: Kim Kyung Han (Whale)

About the writer:
Kim Kyung Han or Whale (his English name), a Korean national, is a quiet but smart and keen learner who loves playing soccer, watching movies and ofcourse, eating. He is a 22 (international age) year-old Chinese Literature University student who lives in Milyang, Kyungnam, South Korea. He came in the Philippines to study English for six months at Philinter Center for English Language (now Join Us English Language Academy) in 2009.

The "Philippines’ Life" in My Life

By: Byun Jin Na (Jessica)

I'm sure that everybody has unforgettable memories. It's been a month since I left the Philippines. Though, I had only been there for three months, I'll never forget the life in the Philippines. My first challenge was there – first, foreigner friends and among others. It’s full of "first time” in my life.

First, it was my first time to go abroad. Before I went there, I really anticipated the life in the Philippines. As expected, it's pretty successful and beneficial to me considering it’s my first challenge.

The “jeepney” in the Philippines was the most marvelous thing. Upon arriving at the airport, I met "Pitt," the (Philinter Center for English Language) dormitory manager and then we took the jeepney. I felt like I would fall from the jeepney because all sides are pierced. At first, I was afraid of taking a jeepney alone to Shoe Mart (SM) or Gaisano Mactan. However, I got used to taking the jeepneys because it is the main transportation in the Philippines.

Another thing I observed in the country was the traffic lights. There are only a few traffic lights in Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City. When I first took a taxi, I was shocked. Even though there were many cars on the intersection, there was no traffic light! Everything was weird to me at that time.

Secondly, it was my first time to learn the English subject in English instruction. I wasn't able to speak English well even though I had been studying English for ten years. I was so ashamed of it and I felt that if I can't speak in English at all, everything I had learned were useless.

Korea has a lot of programs about learning English, because we have full of passion about learning the language. It makes Korea the best country to learn English. However, the focus of study is on grammar and reading, so it is so easy to become mute when Korean people like me would go abroad. When I was in the Philippines, I had to meet foreigners and express what I want and what I mean. For that, positive mind and actions were essential to communicate to them and study English. I always did my best there. As a result, many teachers complimented me on my progress in English.

Lastly, the best things about my life in the Philippines are the teachers. They are Jasmin, Tyra, Ivy, Roan, Joan, Lei. Among them, Tyra and Jasmin are the most memorable teachers. They have different personality. I think their personality is exactly the opposite. Tyra is outgoing and talkative like me, so we always chit-chatted with each other during our class time. When I was really sick there, she tried hard to help me. I even went to the doctor that Tyra knows for free. I can’t forget her kindness because when I was really sick, I couldn’t handle anything by myself. Jasmin was my buddy teacher. I always told her many problems about the institute and the dormitory. She was so kind and she always did her best to take care of me. I was thankful for her efforts. The Filipinos I met are heartwarming. I'll never forget them forever.

As you see, the Philippines is a precious place for me. I learned and obtained a lot of things. I will not replace it with other things and I'll do my best to study English consistently. Someday, I'll be able to meet the teachers again and we'll be able to communicate in English very well about my first challenge, “The Philippines".

About the writer:
Jessica, 23 (International age), a smart and outspoken Korean national from Bono-Dong Ansansi, South Korea is a Business Administration and Consumer Family University student who came here in the country to study English in Cebu, Philippines at Philinter Center for English Language now Join Us English Language Academy for about four months in 2008. Jessica loves internet shopping, watching televsion and eating as her main hobbies.