About Me

My photo
Sogod, Region VII, Philippines
Life is a matter of preparation. It is also a journey towards a greater end, to the Father in heaven.

Monday, May 11, 2020

JOHN 14: 27-31a GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (MAY 12, 2020)


MAY 12, 2020

GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION

JOHN 14: 27-31a

Peace be with you! My peace I give you; not as the world gives peace do I give it to you. Do not be troubled! Do not be afraid!
You heard me say,' I am going away, but I am coming to you.' If you love me, you would be glad that I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this now before it takes place, so that when it does happen you may believe. There is very little left for me to tell you, for the prince of this world is at hand, although there is nothing in me that he can claim. But see, the world must know that I love the Father, and that I do what the Father has taught me to do. Come now, let us go.

POINT OF REFLECTION

Living forever in the world of peace is not possible. Famous Greek historian, Herodotus, said " change is the only permanent in this world." Things come and go with no promise of coming back as it goes. So with peace in this world. It will never be perfect day after day because the world itself is full of worries. It is the cancer cells of worldly human peace. 
No one can achieve real peace without overcoming himself of the worldly worries. One can only attain real peace within, if he completely surrender his whole self to God and to God alone he should commit  himself.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

MATHEW 20: 17-28 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (MAY 11, 2020)



MAY 11, 2020
GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION

MATHEW 20: 17-28

When Jesus was going to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, " See, we are going to Jerusalem. There, the Son of man will be betrayed to the chief priest and teachers of the law;  and they will condemn him to death. They will hand him over to the foreigners, who will mock him, scourge him and crucify him. But he will be raise to life in the third day.

Then the mother of James and John came to Jesus with her sons, and she knelt down, to ask a favor.
Jesus said to her,  " What do you want?" And she answered,  " Her you have my two sons. Grant, that they may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom."

Jesus said to the brothers, " You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?"They answered, " We can." Jesus replied, " You will indeed drink my cup; but to sit at my right or at my left is not for me to grant. That will be for those, for whom my Father has prepared it."

The other ten heard all this, and were angry with the two brothers. Then Jesus called them to him and said, " You know, that the rulers of nations behave like tyrants, and the powerful oppress them. It shall not be so among you: whoever wants to be great  in your community, let him minister to the community. And if you want to be the first so all, make yourself the servant of all. Be like the Son of Man, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life to redeem many."



POINT OF REFLECTION

When Jesus favor was asked by the mother of James and John requesting her  two sons be seated on his right and left in heaven, Jesus    said to the brothers "can you drink the cup that I am about to 
drink? " They replied yes. And Jesus said, not mine to grant but the one in heaven.

The "yes" reply of the brothers is a bow of commitment unto Jesus to serve His people. In fact James was the first of the twelve got crucified because of continuing the works of Christ. The same fate happen to John, brother of James. All because of their pursuit to holiness in Jesus.

Jesus also reminded  his disciples that leadership should be in this way, who ever desires to become great in the community, let him minister to the  community. And if you want to be the first of all, make your self a servant. This means that a good leader is a servant of all other than political leaders that exercise oppressive powers and tyranny.

Prayer

Lord, holy is your name that all creatures bow down before you. We adore you, we love you for you are our king and savior. We thank you for the abound of your blessings  in us for without these, life could be very hard. Now we humbly ask your forgiveness so that, by your grace we may become worthy in front of you. We are lifting up to you our leaders so that they may lead us in your ways not on the ways of  oppressive powers and tyranny. This we ask in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 

Saturday, May 9, 2020

MOTHERS DAY : A CELEBRATION OF LONG LIFE



MOTHERS DAY : A CELEBRATION OF LONG LIFE

Every year the world celebrates Mothers Day. Today's Mothers Day  celebration  comes in different ways. But before anything else, let us offer  this prayer to all of those who are regarded as mother by giving birth and to those who became mother by duties and responsibilities.

Lord God, we thank you for your goodness. We thank you for your great love which drifted down to us through our beloved mothers. Thank you for the mother figures that we have now in our very own family.  They have sustained and unfailingly nurtured us the kind of love you have shown to the world. Through them, the accounts of Your greatness printed in our hearts. We ask you dear God to bless all of them. Bless the wonders of their works. Because of them You  are glorified in our family. Because of them your peace is with us in our  family. Great is our indebtedness to them. May this single celebration that we commit to practice every year is a gesture of deep heartfelt gratitude  of  their great works on us. In as much as no amount of efforts we can offer  in exchange trying to repay them, Your blessing of happiness, comfort, healing, satisfaction, and life's fulfillment we ask in their favor for all the rest of their lives. May You grant them these blessings for the reparation of damages they sustained  making us all your worthy children and people of God. Amen.

Truly, celebrating mothers day is very important. The world of yesterday would not  become the world of today without our mothers. They are the light of the family, the light of the  world and an able helpmate of our father.  No perfect family exist without a mother. Even in the event of losing a physical mother, family continues with somebody acting as mother figure. That is why we have a colloquial word "Momandad" to signify a super Dad assuming a mother figure.

Mothers day is a celebration of heroism, faith, love and Martyrdom, success and prosperity. Mothers Day from the history  became a unifying figure for the cause of peace in America. It is also a celebration  associated with the movement of faith  calling faithfuls in Europe to return to the  mother church. Ethiopians celebrated mothers day as a gathering of songs and festivities. Americans and countries in the world  celebrate mothers day by pampering mothers like giving day offs, giving presents and flowers, etc . Later mothers day celebration  become a holiday of consumer spending in honor to them.

Today, mothers day celebration is highly customized with a common goal of offering a happy presents to the mothers of the family be it mother by birth or mother by assuming their duties and responsibilities. Some celebrates it with memorable mother treats of surprises. Others celebrate it in greetings all over the world using technology.

Regardless of celebration model they  employ, it is important that we celebrate it with joy, thanks giving and genuine  tribute to the goodness of our mother by responding to the commandment of God in Deuteronomy 5 :16 " Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." Mothers day celebration is a celebration of long life as God  has promised in the Bible.





NEW NORMAL TEACHING: COMES WITH TEACHER ASSISTANT



NEW NORMAL TEACHING: COMES WITH TEACHER ASSISTANT


Opening of classes for SY 2020-2021 will formally start on August 24, 2020. Unlike the usual scenario of school year opening, students with some of their parents and guardians are not expected to flood themselves in school for enrollment. School enrollment committee for secondary level shall only facilitate and accept  walk-in enrollment for grade 7, grade 11 and transferee only. Incoming grades 8, 9, 10 and 11 students need not come for enrollment for the same is automatically enrolled. Their names from the previous grade  level will be automatically  forwarded to the next higher grade level provided they don't have any failing grades. In this case, physical presence for enrollment purposes is highly discourage to ensure the health safety and well being of the learners, parents and school personnel.

Since we are entering in the new normal situation, blended learning would be a good choice. It is a new and hybrid method of learning which is a combination of traditional classroom instruction and online virtual classroom instruction. Students’ learning will happen both inside the school and in their respective homes. There will be a pre-arranged meet up classes schedule prorated in a couple of days within the week. In a class of 45 learners for instance, may be met by the subject teacher ones a week considering  15 learners at a time. Though the subject teacher conduct meet up classes for three days within a week, his/her students come to school ones a week.  Teacher will have to consider the number of Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) with in a week and prepare modules ( hard or soft copy) depending in the availability of students' tools and technology at their homes along with their ICT skills. The learners manage their own learning using the supplied learning materials and remote assistance from the teacher via internet upon the needs of the learner. During the meet up classes all necessary learning materials for the next three days ( for subjects  scheduled for 240 minutes per week)  will be prepared and made available within the reach of the learners.

In the previous scheme illustrated, the learner will be in school for one day and staying home for four days.  The teaching and learning process should be co-manage by the parents of the learner to ensure that appropriate learning progress is acheived within a week. Parents are now serving as teacher's remote assistant to co-manage the learning sessions of their siblings enrolled under the blended learning program of the school.

Learning progress assessment of the learners must be authentically founded from the weekly output portfolio evaluated using a performance rubric.  Parents, as a teacher's remote assistant, must diligently help subject teacher to objectively report using a performance checklist prepared every week. Honest performance report from the parents is very important to the teacher to have informed decision about the learning progress of the students.

Parent’s tendency of doing the performance task of their siblings may be a road block. However, this could be avoided through proper orientation of their rules and obligations in this new teaching and learning program.  Furthermore, very important discussion must be thoroughly conducted why personally doing the learning task intended for their siblings is a great disadvantage.

In totality, blended learning is the answer to the pressing need of the new normal teaching and learning situation. Partnership of parents and teachers is of great importance. Parents become a remote teacher assistant to  co-manage the learning progress of their siblings.




PETER 2: 4-9 GOSPEL READING ANS REFLECTION (MAY 10, 2020)


MAY 10, 2020

GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION

PETER 2: 4-9

He is the living stone, rejected by the people, but chosen by God, and precious to him; set yourselves close to him, so that, you, too become, the living stones  built into spiritual temple, a holy community of priest, offering spiritual sacrifices that please God, through Jesus Christ.  Scripture says: See, I lay on Zion  a chosen and precious cornerstone; Whoever believes in him not be disappointed. This means honor, for you who believed,  but for unbelievers, also the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and it is a stone to stumble over, a rock which lays people low. 

They stumble over it, in rejecting the word, but the plan of God is fulfilled in this. You are a chosen race, a community of priest-kings, a consecrated nation, a people God has made his own, to proclaim his wonders. For he called you, from your darkness, to his own wonderful light.

POINT OF REFLECTION

No one person doesn't have a community of his own. At birth, the community that embraces us with so much joy and love is our very own family. Husband and wife come unto Jesus as His intimate community. Remember, Jesus showed his first miracle at the wedding of Cana, though his time has not yet come, but out of love had done it through the intercession of Mother Mary. So that by nature, Jesus is the stronghold and cornerstone of  the family.

Truly, no person exist outside a community. If he/she does, half dead living a life in misery. Life is difficult outside the love and care of the family. Family is our refuge and strength when life's going is not easy.

Our family though a blessing, may be our cross to carry.  The burden it brings, may be our passport to heaven. Do not leave your cross instead carry it, you will understand better the kingdom of God every time you overcomes it.

Though family is the community focus of this discussion, does not mean exclusiveness. All Christian communities  with high regard to brotherhood and sisterhood operate in similar way. Jesus is the only unifying figure. Their work serve us the conduit of God's love not only to the community members but also to their target beneficiary.

Expanding ones community circle, is like expanding horizontal part of  our cross. The longer it become, proportionately extend our vertical cross in the same. Your service in the community glorifies the father. 

Warning! Being in the community of Christ, does not exempt us from the trials of this life. Often, we resulted to prayer petitionbut you need to understand that prayer does not in a way takes you out from the perimeter of hardship.  It is not a sure way out in the troubles of life. However, assures us of Christ's presence when the ways of life seems hard.

Prayer

Lord remind me that the spiritual life and prayer are not meant to give an escape from life, but are meant to immerse me  in life even more - but with the full knowledge and confidence that I do so with you by my side, leading, guiding and caring for me.

Friday, May 8, 2020

John 14 :7- 14 GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (May 9, 2020)


MAY 9, 2020
GOSPEL  READING  AND REFLECTION


John 14 :7- 14

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It has become useless. It can only be thrown away and people will trample on it.
You are the light of the world. A city built on a mountain cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead, it is put on a lamp stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do, and praise your father in heaven.

POINT OF REFLECTION

God gives us the gifts of time, talent and treasure. In other words all  we have is a gift from God, the Father. When it is said you are the salt of the world, it is specifically referring to our gift of talent. Using it properly according to God's plan and purpose is a  joy to the world. Who we are is a gift from God and how we use our talent to promote His kingdom and  glorify His Holy name  is our gift to Him.

Saying you are the light of the world, referring to how we perform our mission of proclaiming God's words. Ones you receive the light of Christ, do not hide it instead keep it radiating so that others could see Christ in you.

Having told to build the city on top of the mountain, means a great calling to us all. It is urging us to become Christ living witness standing still amidst adversities of life.

Prayer

Lord thank  you for your great love on us. Thank you for the gifts of time, talent and treasure. Through all of these we become the salt, light and living witness of your presence.  Bless us more so that we can harness these gifts in us and be able to share to others  for the glory of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.

Teaching Profession in the "New Normal" Situation



Teaching Profession  in the "New Normal" Situation

Department of Education is one of the most important government agency in the country, the Philippines. It is a department of human transformation to better life in the future. Its implementing arms are the schools operating in the same vision, mission and core values. The teachers are the front line service crew doing the regiment of transformation process guided by the its goal.

Few months ago, the whole world was shaken and severely threatened by a pandemic called COVID 19. Its disastrous effect put every person in the world in great dilemma locking down themselves for life.

The effect of COVID19 riffled in unimaginable distance around the world affecting all status and walks of life. It’s after effect is undeniably irresistible forcing the so called new normal phenomenon.

New normal phenomenon is a change adaptation responding to the needs of general public for survival and betterment. This, in a way overhauls the old ways of doing classroom instruction. A new out look is force open not just considering factors of preparedness but factors of health, safety,  well being of the learners and all teaching and non-teaching personnel.

School operation will be leaving from  an old usual way. Classroom instruction will become a whole new way. It will be moving from  formal face to face to something bizarre which includes Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM), Modular, Modified In School Off School Approach (MISOSA), IMPACT, Home School, etc.  Distance teaching and learning through remote access will be dawning into reality for better end.
In response, teachers must prepare themselves in conformity of this new ways of teaching. They need to do the URL (Unlearn, Relearn and Level-up) of learning to be at par with the new demand of the teaching profession.

In doing the URL, teachers must endeavor to change their mind set, attend relevant training, learn fast, explore more, learn advance ICT skills and apply the meta -cognitive concept to perform willingly what they are expected to do as teachers of this new normal situation.

In as much as learning is life, teachers must carefully review their professional needs using the Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis. This would allow them to re calibrate their professional worthiness into the cause  of excellence. Prepare their professional development plan according to their needs.

In totality, teachers are called to respond positively to the demand of the new normal phenomenon. They are to employ paradigm shift leaving old usual ways while embracing new one. Innovate ways teaching with the use of technology to implement learning continuity plan in the height of pandemic, COVID 19.

The New Normal Phenomenon


The New Normal Phenomenon


According to Herodotus, Greek historian, " nothing is permanent in this world except change". Change last for eternity.    Human being is a creature of habits. Normally would not like to be in a different situation pushing them out of their comfort zone. What they like most is to live a life in a familiar ground doing things in their usual pace and most prepared way.

 To what extend new normal phenomenon breaks in? Is it something that we just want to happen in the name of change.? Or Is it something that is historically insane and  scary if not given due attention would peril the interest of the general public.

When we say normal, it is something that is part of the human habit. It is something not surprising. It is in fact doing something in the same way over and over again. It is indeed something that people use to do things everyday. New normal is a significant deviation from the normal. It is setting up a new mental imprint other than the way  one use to be. It is in fact recognizing new things, concepts, principles and practices as an appropriate response to the new needs arising from the actual encounter of man deemed for survival. New normal refers to  a brand new look of life as a way of accommodating new learning as an appropriate response to a  new situation. This includes re-framing of the mind, reprogramming the mental images, and drawing new habits. And living a totally new different ways that human never had before. This is habit forming and behavioral remaking process. Since this involves process,  it will not be happening in an easy way. It will kick off in our dislikes. Almost if not all, detest it. Question. Can any one does away with it? I guess not even one because while seemingly idiots tries against, authorities deny and even punish them. The will would become a universal rule to observe. Laws might be promulgated to define new practices and penalize violators. As years go by, new habits will be formed and everyone will feel comfortable and happy.

Before human mind totally harbor the change brought about by the new normal phenomenon, struggle is an utmost concern. One could not avoid the feeling of detest. Everyone must commit to overcome first of himself. Though hard, must do it by setting sight in conformity with that of the many. Do not dare to be different for it would be a never ending struggle of no avail. 
     
What would be our response? What should be done to accommodate the concept of   "new normal". Life is no better with pessimism. I mean, ways of thinking must be positive. One of the laws of success is to live a life in constant optimism.

One of the pressing concern is individual 's way of welcoming change. Do not go against the newly perceived reality. Know your needs as to tools. Do you have the required tools for the perceived change? Second, know the available technology around. Be careful, do not allow technological limit to enslave you. Third, know your skills useful into this new process of change. It might bring  you to another level of success. Fourth, know your mental imprint. Examine carefully appropriate habits of the mind. Conform it to the new standard that comes along with the new normal. Fifth, know your professional support system. Support system may be internal and/or external. Never think of being alone. They are more than happy as you are when providing assistance. Be an open book accepting new entries such as the look of new self, new work environment, new ways of thinking, etc. They are just there ready to help you when you needed them most.

New normal might not be beneficial to some extent but surely beneficial in general. It is born out from the general advantage of the public. If you happen to be affected negatively then, it says that  what  you are doing right now is nearing obsolescence. You need to change your ways.  In this new phenomenon, the old adage " there is more for you to eat before you become what you want" will be of no credit.  What is really in and favored now  is not what you know but how fast you can know.

In totality, a new normal phenomenon is a change adaptation responding to the needs of general public  for survival and  betterment. 

Thursday, May 7, 2020

JOHN 14:1-6GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION (MAY 8, 2020)


MAY 8, 2020

GOSPEL READING AND REFLECTION

JOHN 14:1-6

“Do not be troubled! Trust in God and trust in me! In my Father’s house there are many rooms; otherwise, I would not have told you that I go to prepare a place for you. After I have gone and prepared a place for you,  I shall come and take you to me, so that where I am, you  also may be. Yet you know the way  where I am going.”

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going;  how can we know the way?” Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.”

Point of Reflection

Jesus joining into the human history is an invitation for us to be with the Father’s house  on  the judgment day. God sent us Jesus as our invitation program for us to be able to enter into the gate of heaven and enjoy the greatest banquet in the Father’s house.

Brothers and sisters I challenge you to take some few minutes to reflect in deep silence regarding Jesus as an invitation program for you in Heaven. As you reflect ask yourself the following questions: Shall I accept or reject Jesus as my invitation program in heaven?  If you, for now decide to reject Jesus as your invitation program, would there be another invitation program for you in the future? What will happen if you will loss this present invitation program intended for you?   

Life’s fulfillment depends on the proper order of priorities. Acknowledge that you are nothing without God. So our first priority must be God. Acknowledge that without yourself you can’t have anything. So let yourself be the second priority. Acknowledge that all material things around you is necessary for life. Let material things be your third priority. Finally, right priorities unlock the fullness of life. And therefore, it is insanely insane not to accept Jesus as our invitation program that unlocks the door of heaven for us.

Prayer

Father God we glorify your holy name in heaven and in earth. It is our joy to honor you throughout the rest of our lives. Thank you for being our great provided. Thank you for being the light of our darkness. And thank you for being our hope in great despair. Father God, we ask you to bless us with all your goodness. Bless our heart and mind so that whatever choices we may be optioned, you must be the first. Amen  

THE ELEMENTAL GODDESS (CHAPTER 5)



THE ELEMENTAL GODDESS

Chapter 5

Nasa labas ako ngayon ng bahay. Iniintay ang sasakyan ko patungo sa kung saan ba yung Academy'ng iyon. Shit naman kasi eh. Ayaw ipagamit ni Auntie ang sasakyan ko. Okay, sya na ang kj. Hmp!

"Ang aga mo naman yata, sweetie." Napatingin ako sa main door. Naroon si Auntie at nakangiti sa akin. Lumakad sya papunta sakin at niyakap ako.

"Say hi to Matt for me, will you?" Tumango ako at ngumiti. Doon pala iyon nag-aaral? Masapak nga mamaya yung lalaking yon. 

"Sure Auntie. Sasakalin--este, yayakapin ko yun pagdating ko doon." I gave her a reassuring smile. Tangna, muntikan na yun ah. Hoo!

Tumawa sya bahagya at hinalikan ang noo ko.

"Mag-iingat ka doon ha?" Pumikit ng mariin si Auntie na para bang may dinaramdam sya na sakit. Kinapa ko ang leeg nya pero wala naman syang lagnat. Baka naman dahil lang yun sa lungkot? Char!
Biglang may pumaradang isang puting kotse na BMW sa harapan namin ni Auntie. Nagkatinginan kami at nagyakapan. Ito na yata ang sundo. Shit naman oh! Panira moment teh!

"Hala sige, shupi na! Ayan na ang sundo mo!" Tinataboy ako ni Auntie?! Ang bad nya!
I waved goodbye to her and went to the parked car. Fuck, nakakainis. Bakit hindi ko pwede gamitin ang lambo ko?! Mas gusto ko yun kesa dito eh! Sumakay na ako ng kotse.

"Good morning, ma'am." Napatingin ako sa lalaki na nasa passenger seat.
S-shet... A-ang gwapo! niya....

"Uhh... H-hi?!" Pakiramdam ko nag-iinit ang pisngi ko. Nakakahiya to...

Hindi na ako umimik at nahihiyang sumandal sa upuan. Feeling ko, umakyat ang lahat ng dugo ko nang mahuli kong nakatingin sa akin yung lalaki. Umandar na ang kotse.

Pero, bakit ba sya nag 'ma'am' sa akin eh halos magka-edad lang kami? That's... Uh, weird.
Napatingin ako sa passenger seat ng biglang tumawa ang lalaki. Ang smile nya... Nakakatunaw!
"Really? Hindi mo ako namumukhaan? Grabe, ang gwapo ko talaga! Haha!"

Napaismid ako. Mahangin. "Saffie! It's me!" None. Doesn't ring a bell to me.
The man sighed and crossed his arms. "Kenta Urusagi, at your service!" 

"Whut? You? Ikaw?""Ay hinde. Sya, Saffie! Sya!"

"Oh, ganun ba?" Tumingin ako kay kuya Driver, "hi! Ikaw pala iyan, Kenta!"
I grinned when Kenta facepalmed himself. Oh yeah. I am a bitch at a right time.
"Sa pagkakatanda ko eh, hindi ka pilosopo. May kinalaman ba toh sa paglipat mo sa LAM?" LAM? What the hell is that?

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, LAM is Light Academy of Magics." The hell? Is he reading my mind?
Tumawa na naman sya.  Is he insane? Bakit ba palagi syang tumatawa ngayon?
"Uh... Something wrong, Saffie?""Wala. Pansin ko kasi, palagi kang tumatawa ngayon. Anong meron? May clown ba dito at nage-entertain?"

"No. Wala. I'm just happy dahil makikita ko ulit ang mga friends ko doon." Friends? Doon?
"Huh?" Confused. I'm confused right now.

"Oh. Eh kasi naman eh. Ang hirap kaya maging nerd. Buti at hindi na ako magpapaka-nerd doon. Sa school kasi natin dati, palagi akong binubully at ikaw lang yung tagapagligtas ko." Ohhh, yeah. Pansin ko nga na palagi syang binubully.

-------

Mahigit dalawang oras na kaming bumabyahe at bored na ako. Kahit pa naka-earphones ako. Tulog si Kenta at hindi ko makausap si kuyang driver. Aish.

Humarap ako sa bintana at doon ko lang na-realize na puro puno ang dinadanaanan namin. Cliche much? Nakatago ang school at invisible ito? At nasa loob ng gubat na may secret world na nag-eexist? Kalokohan.

At nang hindi ko na kaya, kinausap ko na ang driver. "Kuya, kuya. Malapit na po ba tayo?"
"Malayo pa po ma'am. Mga... Sampung oras pa po bago tayo makarating doon." ANO?! SAMPUNG ORAS? KAYANIN KAYA NG PWET KO YAN?!

"Kuya, sure po ba kayong hindi kayo nababaliw? I mean, sampung oras tayong magba-byahe? Sigurado ba kayo kuya?"

"Opo, Ma'am. Malayong-malayo po talaga ang Akademya sa lugar na kinagisnan nyo."
I closed my eyes. Masyado ba talagang malayo ang paaralang iyon?  Hay...

--------

Nagising ako na parang may tumatapik-tapik sa akin. I groaned in annoyance and turned around.
"Saffie, gising na uy! Andito na tayo!" Tinakpan ko ang aking tenga at sinipa ang mapangahas na tao na gumising sa akin.

"Ang sakit ah! Ano ba naman yan!" Kumunot ang noo ko ng hindi ko makilala ang boses na iyon.  It's not Auntie's so who?

Unti-unti kong minulat ang mata ko at napangiwi ng maramdaman ang sakit sa aking balakang. Oh, ang makata ko naman yata ngayon?

Medyo malabo pa kaunti ang mata ko dahil siguro nasobrahan ako ng tulog, pero noong ayos na ang paningin ko, nakita ko si Kenta sa harapan ko at nakahawak sa kanyang tyan na marahil ay ang sinipa ko iyon.\"Kenta? Nasaan na... na tayo?" Tanong ko habang ikotin ko ang buong bagong lugar sa paningin.

Kumunot ang noo nya at hinawakan ako sa noo na para bang may sakit ako.

"Hmm, wala ka namang sakit." Ako naman ay napatingala sa kanya. Kinapa din nya ang leeg ko at nang tumagal ay uni-unting lumaki ang kanyang mga mata.

"Don't tell me, naapektuhan ka sa barrier na nilagay ni Libra?"

"Ano ba iyang mga pinagsasabi mo? At anong barrier? Sinong Libra?" Kinamot nya lang ang kanyang leeg at tinakpan ang aking mga mata."It will hurt a little but, kaya mo 'to."

Naramdaman ko ang pagsidhi ng sakit mula sa aking mata kung saan hinawakan ako ni Kenta.
"Ayan! Ayos na." Kumunot ang noo ko. Para saan ba yon at in fairness, marunong din pala gumamit si Kenta ng magic... Teka, magic? Si Kenta?

"Gumagamit ka ng magic?!" I asked, amused by what he had done. At doon ko lang din na-realise na ang barrier na pinagsasasabi ni Kenta ay isang protector lang. Ang slow ko talaga minsan.

Tumawa sya ng mahina at inilahad ang kanyang kamay para tulungan ako. Char...
"Yup.  And I am Kenta Lockser, a light bender."

Pls continue  Chapter 6. Pls click Home or View Web Version Button below to see the side bar  containing  Blog Archive for easy navigation. Salamat... and God bless...