I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, (‘cuz it’s my blog and I’ll say what I want to, do what I want to… if you are old enough to substitute party for blog and you know the song melody---wow, welcome kindred spirit), I have a whole new respect for “full-time” blogger. How in the world do they do it???

Highlights @ St. Paul College Pasig

I think I’ve figured it out- have a wonderful meal and a couple glasses of wine, (minimum).

Highlights @ Benigno "Ninoy"Aquino H.S.

These last few days visiting the classrooms in the Philippines -inspirational, reinvigorating in fact. I feel so blessed to be in the education field. I’ve been reminded of the high esteem this chosen profession is held in. The men and women who do this service are dutiful, dedicated human beings who see a positive view of the world and want to do their part to make it a better place by influencing others , often younger than themselves. I know of no teacher who first said to themselves- “I’m goi ng to become a teacher and make it rain in the club!!!” No. Most begin with a noble cause and almost altruistic start to their career path. In the U.S. I’ve seen that light extinguished in so many educators, perhaps, self- included. However, I have been on an emotional, rational, spiritual, reflective, etc. journey here in the Philippines and I’m reminded of my calling to serve!! Cue Bible verse:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this m

ind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:3-4

We’ve visited four schools now in the Philippines, Thursday will be five. Three in Manila-Makati area and two in Bacolod. It truly is a different culture than what I’ve experienced over the last ten years. Enthusiastic, energetic, friendly, kind and not at all “staged” but

Highlights @ Makati Science High School

genuine and warm. When meeting with the little ones on one of our school tours, they threw themselves all over my fellows and it was a precious site to see. Both my fellows and the children were delighted with the attention that loving and adoring nature that the children possess. Even as two brave little ones came to me, one said, “Your skin is so black, why is your hair like that? Look- my skin is white.” And another blurted in, “mine too, white.” I patiently replied to the innocent children, “My skin is brown- look this is black, (pointing to a part of a book bag laying nearby), and my hair is like this, because it’s my hair. I love my hair. It’s my hair.” For which the little one replied, “But, but why is your hair like that?” I suppose we cannot escape established racism and limited views on beauty any more than we could escape the warmth, kindness, sense of community that is natural to the Philippine culture. I must believe that, with these attributes truly in one’s heart, acceptance of others who are “different” will trump.

It may be the case that some schools have more resources than others whether they are public or private, some have a longer or shorter history, however, the dedication of the staff, students, and community is evident at every school we visit. The Philippines is in the midst of shifting their education to a K-12 program similar to what we have in the United States. It will be a huge undertaking, requiring additional teachers for 17 and 18 year olds who will

Some Highlights@San Agustin

need 11^th and 12^th grade courses. Some campuses have colleges on site and could have staff earn high school/secondary teaching credentials in order to stay on staff. Some will need more physical space to accommodate additional student body. Those students who are currently 13,14,15 will need to prepare to stay on in school for two additional years, unlike the student class just before them.

Odd Note: Yes I did…got myself locked inside the teacher’s lounge. I’ve had nightmares about this. But here in the Philippines- no biggie. I entered the lounge like I had earlier in the day. There were 3 or 4 teachers in there talking. I was in the bathroom area for awhile, (my bowels are still adjusting to Filipino food- TMI?), maybe 5-6 min. I hadn’t realized everyone left while I was in there. When I came out, the lights were out, the door was shut…actually locked from the inside.

There’s a glass panel so I could see out.  At first, I just stood there waiting for someone to walk by then I decided to get proactive and knocked on the door. Ten minutes may have passed, I’d pulled up a chair, got creative and decided to call the emergency numbers of my travel partner. No answer. I called a few other numbers and even got a ring but no response, ( I later found out she didn’t realize that was our TGC phone) and left one message. Eventually a school worker passed by..didn’t have a key, went to get help. The two of them came back, no key, went to get key and eventually I was sprung. I don’t know what the moral of this story is but it is not- avoid going to the bathroom. My bladder and bowels are working overtime!

Jeepneys,Church & Cat Fights

Mabuhay! Long live Philippines! 

The last few days have been a flurry of all things Filipino. 

Divinely Served lunch at Shangri La Makati

The Makati Shangri-La has a wildly decadent buffet with a menu that covers the globe- from sushi to pancakes and everything in-between, including Filipino fare.  After an amazing breakfast spread at the hotel’s Circles buffet, an introduction to history and culture in the Philippines by our In-country education consultant,Norerto Odon Erandio,  and hotel catered lunch, the international field experience kicked-off with a trip to the American Embassy.

The Jeepney Alyssa in Makati

 

Our group braved the crowed rush hour streets in our two vans alongside jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, pedestrians. There seemed to be no regard for lanes, braking, signaling, stopping, turning- or any other typical drivers training basics you might find in the States. But seeing the wide variety of colorful and creative jeepneys distracted me from the teeth-grinding, car-seat clutching observations on the drive over. 

Before arriving at the embassy it was explained to us that we would not be permitted to take any electronic devices nor usb devices in. We left our passports at the outside entry, entered the security office area, left our devices and another ID at the counter for storage, went through the detectors and went one or two at a time to the office part of the campus.  Once in the building we meet with several Embassy personnel, including the U.S. ambassador, Philip S. Goldberg.  Mr. Goldberg and his staff gave our group a lot of insight into the current political, economic, and social state of the Philippines as well as sharing the historical connections that the two countries share. The Philippines had “400 years in the convent and 50 years of Hollywood,” it’s said. Well that “50 years” sure did have a lasting impact on the relationship between the new nations. After a photo opportunity and a short tour we prepared to leave the embassy. After picking up our electronic devices and passports, a couple of my fellows tried to take photos of the U.S. embassy sign and were quickly told not to by the security officer nearby. After doing a quick Google search, (yes- librarians do use Google too!), I see why the strict policy. People be CRAZE-Y!!

A view of San Agustín Church

TGC Group preparing for cultural entertainment & fare

The afternoon was filled with a tribute to Filipino culture including a historical tour, dinner and performance. We took a horse–drawn tour or calesa or Intramuros, which is the oldest part of Manila, filled with historical tid-bits. Our evening winds down outside just outside of Fort San Augustìn Church where we cross the street to enter the unique performing arts talents of the entertainers of Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant.
The dining at this place was made special in part because of audience participation. Some of us actually were invited to dance on stage and all of us took a picture with the dance troupe.

Pandanggo sa Ilaw, traditional Fillipino "light or candle" dance

ODD CORNER: Cat fight. While walking on the tour outside the embassy, we saw a cat. A pretty beat up cat. It had obviously just been in a fight and was still bleeding from the ear & appeared disoriented. I even paused to look around to see where the other cat might be, then tried to think back if I remembered hearing any dueling cats. Nope. But.. if that cat won, I hate to see what the other guy looked like.

International Journey Begins

My last few minutes on plane a21 hr trip around the world

My journey began on Monday, June 23,,2014 with an early morning plane to catch at 6:45. I’d given myself plenty of time to check bags that I would normally have packed for a plane ride. I thought I had been pretty diligent about meeting the weight requirements for both bags. Needless to say, I hadn’t. One bag was over by 6 lbs. and would have cost another $75 to check. The other one was under the limit by 4 lbs. I quickly began removing things from the $75 one- to be placed in the lighter bag. Perfect.. problem.. solved. It was now off to Detroit, then Los Angeles, Tokyo, and the Philippines. 

Four plane rides& over 21 hours later…I arrived at my final destination- Manila, Philippines! The view from my hotel is amazing.  

12th floor view from the Makati Shangri-La hotel in Manila

Now it’s time to get down to business and really explore my essential question- to what degree and in what ways is access to information valued? Inspired by my current role as Library Media Specialist and fueled by my love of history, other questions come to mind when considering this:

• Where do Filipinos get their information from?
• Is there a preference? Based on what? Is there a generational  connection? Regional? Etc?
• How is information shared?
• How much emphasis is placed on the quality of information? Global Perspectives? 
• Is certain news or historical information, off limits?

The essential question I’ve chosen has some assumptions. For example, credit should be assigned for information gathered and that quality of information does matter. In America, giving credit to a source and considering the reliability and credibility of a source are important. Copyright, fair use, open use are areas involved in research and information gathering.
Based on what I’ll see, do and hear during tours, visits, meetings, etc. I hope to engage my school and community in conversation about the significance of gaining global perspectives.
I'm looking forward to international travel and cultural experiences and the directions it will take me in.

“This blog is not an official U.S. Department of State blog. The views and information presented are the grantee’s own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the U.S. Department of State.”

The famine is over in my previous reference to feast or famine. I don’t know how bloggers do it, but I respect the occupation title of “full-time blogger.” As I have been a “full-time” high school library media specialist, my time has really gone in to daily activities revolving around that.

International Research & Exchanges Board is a non-profit U.S. based organization committed to international education.

The year has been filled with eventful programming and activities, all leading up to this summer’s U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs/ IREX- Teachers for Global Classrooms, (TGC),  global competencies trip to the Philippines. After receiving multiple emails about the program from colleagues, (http://www.irex.org/project/teachers-global-classrooms-program-tgc), I decided to look into the opportunity. After the application process I was accepted
and prepared for the rigorous graduate-level  8-week online course. The online course became a professional learning committee for me, providing a chance to connect, reflect, share, and analyze with teachers from around the country with a common goal. Our common goal is to have a personal learning experience that would prepare us to share and guide our school communities to develop and increase the emphasis on global perspectives and competencies.

This Media Center Quest blog will also serve as the international travel blog. I’ll be sharing my travel reflections, thoughts and experiences and my wish is that students, the school community, and families at home and abroad view my efforts as one of a U.S. Ambassador with a unique voice that engages and hopefully inspires thought provoking questions.

Department Mission Statement
Shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere.
          --From the FY 2013 Agency Financial Report,
         released December 2013

TRT @ CVNP Teacher-Ranger-Teacher Wrap up

TRT @ CVNP
I am a "feast or famine" kind of gal. All or nothing they say and my blog life is apparently following that path too. I've gone months without posting and then suddenly I have time and energy to post multiple times a day.

Click on the picture above to follow the Animoto link.

I've completed my Teacher-Ranger-Teacher, (TRT), duties and it has been a busy and exciting year. I wanted to share the feeling in this Animoto show. Click on the link or photograph above to view.

Technology Touches

http://www.tagxedo.com/artful/3408be6068494d8d

This Tagexdo word cloud was for an e-Facilitator training course and a great way to run inventory on what the course highlighted. The word cloud is easy to use and has a big payoff. One's motivated to continue to finish the project to see the end result. The personal choices that your allowed to make on the way makes the process that much sweeter. This is a must due for any classroom. It doesn't require a lot of time but access to computers, Internet, etc.

Adding Technology Touches

One of my collaborating colleagues heard about Voki and wanted to try it. I wanted to play around with it and see how easy it would be to use and then brainstorm some ways we could use it with students. My own son saw me working on it and decided he was going to use a similar app on his ipod to have a "face-off' with me. His version of me was so flattering. I told him he'd obviously won- after all he knows how I look better than I do since I have to look in a mirror! I'm still exploring this tool, so I'll add updates.