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First year teacher in the United States

FINALLY! it is the start of summer vacation! our loooooong awaited summer break! and I SURVIVED (I really have to emphasize that!) my first year teaching in the United States!

Now, I would like to share to you my roller coaster ride first year here.

How did I get here?

If you've read my first few blog posts, I tried applying for a US Visa and got denied twice. it is because I would like to visit my mom who is in California (and to travel too, because I love travelling). Meaning, it wasn't in my dreams nor plans to work abroad; well, before, I tried (in SG) but after a few tries, I realized that it wasn't for me. 

It all started when my Sun Valley National HS co-teachers and I were talking about teaching abroad because there are a lot of teaching opportunities in Thailand. Then, one of my them started to tell me about this Cultural exchange teacher program in the United States; Of course, I got curious and thought of maybe this could be a way to visit my mom. So I searched for the agency's website and tried to apply, but seriously, I wasn't really hoping to pass the application process since I just transferred into another school and I was actually contented with my situation. But then, in less than a month later, I was hired by a public school in the US and was asked to prepare my documents and visa. It happened so fast that I wasn't really ready because I was so overwhelmed. and then, HERE I AM! The rest is history...

Entry Point: JFK Airport, New York

Now to give you a little background about the program i'm in, I am part of a Cultural Exchange teacher program of one of the agencies here in the United States. what they do is, they get teachers from different parts of the world and bring them to the United States to teach and share their culture. but honestly, I feel like that is just their way to fill the HUUUUGE teacher shortage in the United States. This program gives us 3 to 5 years to teach in the United States and we have to return back to the Philippines to share what we have learned. We were just given an Exchange Visitor visa hence it is not a road for citizenship/green card.

First few months..

ADJUSTMENT! BIG ADJUSTMENT! since It happened reaaaally fast, I didn't know what to expect. I arrived July 29th and work will start August 10th, but I was in TOURIST MODE. my mind wasn't set to expect what situation I will be in when work starts. I have attended our agencies orientation and our school district's kick-off but still wasn't ready for what will happen. Those 10 days of "free" time was given to us to settle down. to find our own housing, car (yes, we are required to buy a car because we do not have public transportation in most parts of South Cotabato, I mean, South Carolina), and all other stuff that we might need. It didn't become hard for me to find these things because a friend helped me with everything (thanks ma'am C!)

Hello, New Heights!

Then came first day of work, I was really excited to see my classroom, my new school, my co-workers! I was actually very nervous to meet them, maybe because I am not that comfortable in talking in english. It was the first time that my school, New Heights Middle School, to hire someone from the Philippines. First day went by, I had a meeting with the team, given my workload, my schedule, and my classroom.

I was excited but clueless on what I have to prepare. The good thing is, I have a very supportive yellow hall team to help me. One major adjustment is, communication! most of them talk fast with accent so I have to ask them to speak slowly for me to understand. though, they are very welcoming and they really helped me a lot! I mean, A LOT!

Fast forward to students' first day, It was the WORST day in my teaching career! lol. I don't want to go into details, though, I feel like I really am trying to erase that from my memory. but one thing I remembered, I was crying so much when I was driving home. I was praying and crying A LOT! I had to make adjustments with the culture and the kids' attitude. I kept on comparing how teaching in the Philippines and how it is here in the US that is why I had a hard time accepting to the new situation. I felt very frustrated to manage my class and to let them learn. I felt like quitting. I would like to go back to the Philippines. I can't do it anymore. I struggled with everyday that I have to come to work. I've been questioning myself, my purpose, my situation, my objectives, my goals. but I just kept on going.

I realized that the skill I have to learn is ACCEPTANCE. I have to accept my students, how they are raised at home, how they are treated by their family and other people; their behavior, and how they treat their teachers. I have to accept the new system, the (very much) child-centered education. I have to accept my situation, that I live alone at home and have to deal with this with courage and prayers. i have to accept these new changes in my life. and from there, I need to adjust, to improve, to make use of my current situation, change my outlook, and think of ways to make a change. I just have to keep going. I always have to look at the bright side; it's hard, but I tried.

I don't want this post to be negative but honestly, until now I feel that I am still unsure if I would like to go on. but then again, I would just keep going.

Now, on to the bright side..

A parent asked me, "Why did you decide to come here and teach in this kind of situation we have here?" I answered, "I actually didn't know that it would be this hard but being a teacher in the United States, is like a local celebrity going to Hollywood!" Well it is a big opportunity to be able to teach in the United States, where in teachers are provided with beautiful classroom and abundant supplies. I always hear to my family and friends that, "Maraming naghahangad ng kinalalagyan mo, tapos ikaw na nandyan, susuko ka lang?" It made me stronger, it made me realize how blessed I am; that I should always count my blessings and not to look on the negative side. I never planned to teach here but I strongly believe that God brought me here; that He is sending me a message, it maybe a hard message to decode, but I just have to keep the faith.

One more thing, who wouldn't like to earn dollars? I have been blessed with this opportunity to work and earn dollars that may help me reach my goals in the future. And at the same time, I get to travel different states! Isn't that great?

Also, I am very blessed to have a new family, my US Family, who are always there to help and support me. God never let me live alone. because He sent me people to guide and take care of me.

Florence(and Columbia) Family

Virginia Family (insert Georgia fam too!)

SFC-SC Family

New Heights Family

California Family

Charlotte Family

And the best part of all, I got to see and be with my mom! GOAL ACHIEVED!

A reunion meant to wait for 8 years and 7 months.

BONUS PART: I had the opportunity for papa to come here for vacation.

Papa and I at Disney World Florida!

It was indeed a roller coaster ride, but a ride i know that is worth it.

Thanks! God Bless!

-Sir Benz

Blog Hiatus

I wasn't able to update this blog because I had so much going on in my life.

Transferred to another DepEd station.

then,

Moved to a different Country.

I'm in the USA now. participating in a cultural exchange program.

hoping to update this blog with my new adventure here.

see you soon!
Thanks! God Bless!

-Sir Benz

Cintai: Corito's Garden

Looking for a place to spend your long weekends but doesn't want to go too far from Manila?

Well, here's one great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy.

CINTAI: CORITO'S GARDEN!

Located in Baranggay Malabanan, Balete, Batangas. Just more or less of an hour drive from Manila. If you are coming from Manila, pass through SLEX, then ACTEX upto STAR Tollway, then take Balete Exit and turn right. From there, it may take roughly 10 - 15 minutes and you will see Cintai: Corito's Garden on the left side.

If travelling via public transportation, from Alabang or Buendia, Ride a Lipa-Tanauan Bus and tell the bus conductor to drop you off at "Levitown/Balete" landmarks are Metro Lipa Hospital, Home Builders Depot, St Francis Seminary, and Caltex Gasoline Station. Form there, Ride a Balete or Malabanan Jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off at Corito's Garden. you will see their entrance gate on the left side.

Facade/Main Gate

According to their website http://www.coritosgarden.com:

"Cintai (pronounced “Chin-tai”) is Indonesian for the word LOVE.

The Garden started out as an ordinary private family rest house that the family visited every weekend. In 2005 however, their mother Corito was diagnosed with a terminal disease. To help her recuperate from treatment, the family oftenbrought her to the garden because the place made her relax and temporarily forget her sickness. Two years later, Corito finally succumbed to her illness.Her husband together with his 4 childrenthen decided to focus all their efforts into making the garden a paradise since she loved the place so much. They wanted the beautiful memories they shared there to live on thus the creation of Cintai… love for their mother and love for his wife. 

Cintai Corito’s Garden is an hour drive away from the bustling city. It is a perfect place to unwind, relax and meditate. It offers 2 pavilions that cater to special events such as weddings, debuts, birthdays or corporate parties. The Garden also has 18 villas, each uniquely designed, available for rent. Guests can enjoy the use of 4 swimming pools of different sizes during their stay. There is also a special playground for children too. Lastly, Cintai is a beautiful sanctuary to unique animals such as alpacas, spotted deer, mini horses, peacocks and a whole lot more."

It was my first time to enter Cintai, though I pass through this road every week. Luckily, I had the opportunity to enter FOR FREE because we are assigned by the Municipality of Balete to produce a TVC that will be our Municipality's official entry to the Tourism campaign/contest of Batangas.

I was really amazed to know how big this place is.

to view the pictures I took, Click THIS.

Thanks! God Bless!
-Sir Benz

Where Have You Beans: MACAU! Part Two

So, this entry is for our "Official" Day one in our Macau Trip.

For the part one of the Post, CLICK ME!

WAKE UUUUUPPP!! LETS GOOO!

I usually wake up early when I am travelling since I would like to make the most out of my limited stay in a particular place/country. My friend have researched that the usual opening of most of the establishments in Macau is 9 in the morning that is why they are not that in a hurry.

View from our room! hahahaha FOOOOD!

While waiting for my friends to get ready, I decided to go down and visit the Pastelaria Koi Kei across the street. Of course, I was looking forward to taste the Portuguese Egg Tart which is very famous in Macau. As I enter the Bakery, I was welcomed by one of the staffs and while I was looking at their products, the staff keeps on giving me free taste of the products I am looking at. HOORAY FOR FREE STUFF! I was really overwhelmed with all the free taste! hahaha

Start of a LOOOOONG day!

So Finally, My friends are READY TO GO! So we planned to have our breakfast first at Senado Square, We walked from our Hotel in Rua de Felicidade St. to Senado Square in San Malo around 5-10 minutes. We looked for one of the best restaurants in Senado Square, by reading blogs, we knew that one of the most visited restaurants is

WONG CHI KEI Noodles and Congee.

image courtesy of http://whereisfatboy.blogspot.com

We actually had a hard time finding the place. If you are in Senado Square, just look for the McDonalds, then look for the restaurant in the building across Mcdo, it is somewhere left. HUWAT?!

Inside Wong Chi Kei

The ambiance is like the usual Chinese restaurant here in the Philippines. Though upon entering, you will smell the shrimp-ish aroma of the soup that is being prepared near the dining area. As soon as you sit, the staff will be serving you house tea while ordering what to eat. Menu is in Chinese and English, so it won't be too hard to choose what to eat; there is another menu with pictures if you are still having a hard time choosing! I ordered..

Noodles with Pork Chop

While Meryll ordered Noodles with shrimp dumpling and Tal got Noodles with Wonton. Well basically, they all have the same soup base and noodles, they just differ in toppings. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as Meryll and Tal did because i'm not a fan of seafood. The soup tasted like shrimp broth. Noodles are thin and firm, it has quite a lot of serving actually, enough to stuff you for a long day. It also comes with a little serving of a green leafy vegetable hihihi.. A bowl costs around MOP40.00.

After Eating, we decided to walk around Senado Square and head towards Ruins of St. Paul.

NOTE: This has been pending for years now and due to short-term memory, I forgot what happened next... hihihihi... But ill try to remember as update this post. 

Thanks! God Bless!
-Sir Benz