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.