What's In A Name?

I didn't order the first one since I cannot pronounce slt in one word.
The franch must be crackling with these food names.

Only Filipinos can probably relate to this post of mine.

I am always confused when I take the MRT.
Who in the world would like to get off at Nana Street,
unless you plan to visit a doctor.

And one more stop is Soi Ari, as in whose, yours or mine.

I traveled once to U-thong street and thought I got some bumps along the road.

I remember getting lost in Phu-kae, not that I want to, but I ended looking for a way out.

I was waiting for my student's driver to pick her up.
I asked for his name and she said, "My driver is Khun Supot, and I just smiled.
All Thai men are, if you get what I mean.

When I was walking at the open market to look for some shirts,
one shop was called Issara, but it was open.

There is this assistant teacher who goes by the name Mayette.
No Thai will dare call her name loudly or shout, to call her from a distance.
Ma in Thai means come, while Yet means the f word.
Imagine a young man calling a not so young woman in the corridor of the school, "Ma-yet, ma-yet."
Watch your manners, say please! Ma-yet please!

How about having a name like Porn or Bang Sue?

I dare not say the word banana, Kuay in Thai because one wrong intonation
then it sounds like I wanted to buy a male organ.
"Can I have a penis please, the long one."
How embarrassing!

A student of mine said that it is stinky and dirty in Phi Phi island.
Then I asked if he is passing Phuket. Then it is dirtier.

Nom in English means milk, same as with the women's bosom.
So would it be impolite if I say, "May I have some nom, please?"

Lastly, my nickname is Jon. In Thai, this means poor.
So here is your poor blogger friend signing off.
La-khon (that means good-bye!)

The basil left the fried rice while
I do not enjoy eating papper with two p's.

troubled

it will pass...

the smile in the morning

cease to be alive

each day that passes

deep in the graveyard

the zest of yesterday

failed to brighten

candle like state

frozen comedienne

this phase passing by

let it roll not drag

for the shine is fading

white flag to wag

gather every piece of

lies and deceit

throw them to the fire

a bonfire to lit

walk on without guilt

thy honour is intact

recall the glory reality

bad vibes counteract.

Flora Sensation 2013

I happened to visit one of the main malls (Central Rathanathibet) around my vicinity and then, I was enthralled by the majestic display of flowers in animal forms. 

A giant duck greets mall visitors at the entrance.

What did Parrot Polly ask for?

Polly wants a "quack-er!"

I could have stand in between but I was shy.

Why did the butterfly move away from the bread?

Ah, a flying butter!

 I find the lion's face a bit sad.

Why do lions grow manes?

So that they'll look mane-ly.

Mother and offspring, a beauty to behold.

How come I don't see any silver swans?

They all turned into soy sauce.

"Ah, where's my colour dude?"

Why is everyone noisy?

Because there's a panda-monium.

"Look at me!" 

Where do giraffes sit down?

Definitely not on a high chair.

If elephants are this delicate.

Once upon a time I fell down riding an elephant and this is no joke. 

Pardon me for the corniest jokes ever but I just wanted to make you smile, if you didn't get annoyed by them. Have a great weekend!

Project Work 2012-2013: The Hanging City

Original Draft

Second Draft

The city, as seen by the children ages four and five, begins with a reflection of the identity of their cities. The current issue of the “problem of the city” draws important considerations thus creating a diversity of ideas and reflections upon which to build theories and hypothesis, and later, change. The construction of the hanging city gives shape to the evolution of ideas where an identity is established. 

Houses

Building the 'Hanging City' enables the houses to communicate, the community to interact, and the people to live cooperatively. The city, in the process of becoming, shows the relationships between what is real, and what is imagined. But the imagination paves way for the future.

 Bridges and Ladders

The children became critical of their ides and thinking an at the same time, they became creative and imaginative. Some became resourceful while others were inventive. All the skills learned throughout the year stemmed from their contribution and involvement in the project. Thus, growth came naturally rather than forced. 

If there is one thing I can say about the project this school year, it is filled with awesomeness. The children did great and the ideas that spun around the city are brilliant and cohesive. Teamwork at its best, for children four and five years of age. Kudos to everyone!

The Hanging City

All the best to Alex, Chloe, Carlota, Eli, Daniel, Benjamin, Jason, Ji Min, Nikki, Prim, Luke, Lukas, Matteo, Thijs, Tempo, Pon, Guy, Emina, Gene, and Kenji.

Sowing the Seeds of Teaching

It was the last day of school for the pre-kindergarten children I teach. There wasn't any fanfare associated with the year end just like previous years. The surprised gatherings were missing as well as the throng of well wishers saying their last farewells. This was no surprising at all since this year was the most difficult in terms of my teaching path, the most thorny to be exact.

After some hugs and goodbyes to moms and the children, there wasn't any tint of sadness or separation anxiety. There wasn't joy, to be honest. The feeling was numbed and the absence of emotions was very evident.

After all the adieu, I rushed to the flower shop to get myself a bouquet of flowers since I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony of a former student. This student of mine attended my class when he was only three years of age. I was excited to go since it was the first time I will be attending a student's high school graduation.

During the ceremony, it was there that I spilled out all the emotions bagging in my heart. As trickles of tears started falling on my cheeks, the student I once taught went on stage to receive his diploma. Later on, I discovered that another student was there as he finished high school as well. It was overwhelming for me though there were only two among a hundred and fifty graduates. At that moment, I was so proud of myself as I was once a part in the lives of these two children. It was the fitting crown to end the school year.

Here is what my former student wrote in his invitation card for me:

          Dear Mr. Jonathan. I will be graduating this Friday and it would 

be my honor if you could attend. You were my first teacher, 

the first one to guide me, to support me. 

Thank you for all the love you have given me 

and I hope you can make it.

 Love, Alex dV

When I planted seeds many years ago, the fruits of my labour are what I am sowing right now. I am thankful for God and the people who believe and continue to do so. 

Another School Year Ends

It's the time of the year once again when we have to say our good byes to the fives and fours in my class. They will be moving to a bigger school, a much more different set-up from the loving, home-styled nurturing they knew and had been used to.

My personal reflection for this school year was not of praises and joyous moments. It is to recollect the learning experiences and transform them into positive changes for the next school year. 

I may sound like a broken record, but I sincerely appreciate your support--of me, of E., of so many in our community. You are a guide and a help to people small and large, and that help is noticed and appreciated. Once again, I send deepest gratitude. (Udagawa family)

Again, thank you for everything including how you look after our kids throughout the year. I really hope we will be in touch even if you move somewhere in the future. (Richter family)

Thank you for all you have done for C this year. You have played a huge part in making her first ever school experience a positive one. She has flourished so much over the year and a lot of it has to do with your love and concern for C, and of course, your expertise. Thank you! (Reid family)

Jonathan, thank you for everything you do for our children. You teach from your heart and it shows. You have been such an important part of my children's lives and education. You truly have made us all better people. (Marinos family)

We would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication during the last school year of P at ELC, Samakee. P enjoyed being in your class, and was always sharing us what she learned. P has improved significantly since she started learning with you. I am so glad that you are P's teacher. Thank you so much for your patience, kindness, and effort to our child. 
(Ngamsirijit family)

If there is one thing making me stay in teaching , it is in how the parents and children show me their love and appreciation. I wish everyone a pleasant summer. 

I need a vacation badly. 

Journey of the Raindrops

Drooping branches welcomed me that morning.

I was mildly roused because of the gushing rain outside the house. I don't hear the pitter patter of rain because the sound was more of a tap being turned on by God to wash the dirt off the world. The sound awoke me but later lulled me to sleep. I was just tired.

The early morning light woke me up before I even hit the alarm button. I had been waking up earlier so that I can beat the alarm which is very ironic. It is just me, a man of many complications and quirks.

When I went to see what the rain brought in the early dusk, the whole garden was soaked with freshness and the smell of orange jasmine permeated the air. It seemed that another work of God cleansed my soul as the garden is my spiritual abode.

A raindrop is weak and as it scattered rain at the start, it builds its momentum. Later on, the raindrops become heavy rain and the water gushes forth as if quenching the thirst of the earth. Meanwhile, the trees, with their many branches, succumbed to the weight of the rain, not by breaking themselves, but by bowing as if they accept their surrender without losing the fight. It was a bow of respect, acknowledging the strength of the rain. It was a bow of thanks, providing the trees and flowers with nourishment. It was a bow of grace, finding the right time to shine forth by giving way to others.

I am a raindrop and I am looking for other raindrops to fill the earth with respect, love and abundance. I am talking not of earthly matters but one from the heart. A sense of reverence to our fellowmen so that we can live in harmony. A little sprinkle of love in what we do to others, whether a smile or a friendly gesture. A life of abundance to share in the form of positive words, acknowledgement and gratitude.

Sometimes, we need to humble ourselves so that we can see what we are missing in life.

Wherever...

                    travesed a little of earth's boundaries to catch a glimpse of the sun

Trat, Thailand

the greens that marked the waterways in a boat ride to a forgotten civilization

Bohol, Philippines                 

the bouncing and lapping waves that rocked the humble kayak

Ton Le Sap, Cambodia

wherever my feet led me, I saw the beauty of the waters and their soothing calm

Rayong, Thailand

far above from a distance the immensity of the ocean implored my senses

Taipei, Taiwan

 thankful that I had seen many,

                            experienced bounty, 

                                             collected memories, 

                                                          and lived purposely.