It's funny I've got this odd feelings of I don't know. I usually get thrilled when it's the last month of the year- yeah, December. However, I've got this weird feeling of wanting to hibernate, hide and not be found. I just felt so heavy inside. Am I exhausted? Maybe. I could even find myself in tears randomly. I want to shout to the whole world how my life seems not falling into places. I felt so damn heavy but I just couldn't express it. I want to shut myself from people but I just can't since I felt so obligated to work for the rest of my life.

And the funny thing is I've got no one to confide all this heaviness I felt inside. No, not my family, they already have a  burden to carry I just don't want to add up to what they might be going through as well, not even with my friends. The life I have right now is full of pretentions. I pretended to be okay, to be cool, to be fine-but honestly NO, I'M NOT. I'm not totally okay. 

Somebody might question my faith- Yes, God knows what I've been through right now. I even question my faith as well. Am I really have that faith or the life I have right now is just so overwhelming.

I think I'm a failure.

I failed as a Mom

I even thought I failed as a teacher, a worker, an employee.

My kids? I failed them as well. 

I failed in so many areas of my life.

How about my husband. No, he won't understand and he never will be.

I just failed as a person. I have so many regrets that I know I can't take back. I can't undo the time. That is why I am kind of mad of myself because I failed myself. All my dreams will always be just a dream. My life is too far from what I have dreamed of when I was a kid. Far from what I have imagined in my teenage years.

I don't know why my thoughts are so filled with pessimism.

But all I know is I AM TIRED.

Calling all Kagayanons! 

Big Bad Wolf Books is getting ready to make a big splash at the White Water Rafting Capital of the Philippines! Ending the year with a bang, the Big Bad Wolf Unite on a Mission to 1M New Reader campaign heads over to Cagayan de Oro. Big Bad Wolf Books is set to light up the 5th floor of SM CDO Downtown, from December 6 to 16, at 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

After kicking off this year’s tour with its first-ever event in Cagayan de Oro last February, Big Bad Wolf Books is thrilled to go full circle to hold its final book sale of the year for the last hurrah of its 1M New Reader Mission. The mission was first launched during the first Manila stop at Parqal, Aseana City. Now, it’s the Kagayanons’ turn to join in on the reading fun!

Big Bad Wolf Books has been visiting cities across the country, bringing exciting book sales to boost this meaningful initiative. With Cagayan de Oro as its final stop for 2024, Big Bad Wolf Books hopes to inspire even more people to discover a love for reading and experience the transformative power of books. Indeed, they aim to make a difference by changing the world one book at a time!

In pursuit of its mission to onboard 1M new readers, Big Bad Wolf Books also seeks to extend its reach far beyond the book sale. As part of its commitment to improving literacy in the country, Big Bad Wolf Books opens its Red Readerhood counters for donations. Attendees can purchase books from the book sale to donate to DSWD. This partnership and the collective effort of book sale attendees have allowed Big Bad Wolf Books to deliver reading materials to children, schools, and areas that have limited access to quality books. Through this initiative, Big Bad Wolf Books is not only inspiring new readers but also nurturing the next generation of thinkers, learners, and leaders.

The holidays will be in full swing soon, and Big Bad Wolf Books is making sure that no fun or festivity is spared. Going full throttle, Big Bad Wolf Books is bringing unbelievable deals, unbeatable discounts, and an amazing collection of books so that no Kagayanon will leave empty handed. From heart-racing mysteries to wonder-filled children’s stories and soul-soothing reads, the book sale is a treasure trove of great reads. Even more good news, this extensive range of books are available for up to 95% off with prices going as low as P20. With Big Bad Wolf Books, there’s a perfect book for every age, interest, and budget.

Just in time for the season’s festivities, Metrobank is returning with Big Bad Wolf Books with its exclusive offer of 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000. This special offer gives book lovers and holiday shoppers the perfect opportunity to bag even more great finds at the book sale. Big Bad Wolf Books began its 2024 chapter with an awesome book sale in Cagayan de Oro, and as the year comes to a close, it returns to finish strong with an unforgettable book sale. Jaw-dropping deals, an ocean of books, and an extra merry time awaits, so mark your calendars for Big Bad Wolf Books’ anticipated return to Cagayan de Oro. Follow Big Bad Wolf Books’ social media pages for the latest updates!

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you

can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook |Instagram)

About Big Bad Wolf Books

The Big Bad Wolf Books was founded by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng in 2009 and first launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the words of the company’s founders, Big Bad Wolf aims to cultivate reading habits, increase English literacy worldwide, and build a new generation of readers by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone.

One of the company’s best highlights is its book sales, which is popular among readers around the world. As a global reading advocacy initiative, the sales aim to encourage people of all ages to discover the joys of reading, inspire them to pursue their dreams, and, importantly, empower them with the knowledge to realize them.

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has toured 15 countries and 37 cities. Among these include different cities in Asia like Malaysia, Cambodia, Manila, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. The company has also begun branching out to book readers outside the Asia Pacific, having held book tours in Tanzania, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates.

Raising kids these days is really quite a challenge. I have three kids, my eldest is a boy who is now on 7th grade while my two girls are still on their primary grades. My youngest daughter was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, good thing she is highly functional but just can’t control her sudden burst of emotion. She was in therapy for almost a year but due to financial constraints, we were not able to continue our sessions. However, I noted all the therapist's recommendations for her. One of her recommendations was ZERO SCREENTIME. However, there were just situations where I allowed her to use the phone for me to focus on my work. I just limited and prohibited her from watching YouTube videos. She loves to draw but also loves to explore all my mobile games. I purposely installed an Anti-Stress App on my phone so she could use it and in the same manner, could help her develop her auditory skills since she loves listening to sounds especially ASMR videos. 

My other kids just can’t get enough of their phones as well which makes me mad sometimes. My eldest daughter is into animation, that’s what took most of her screen time. My son is into piano tutorials too. But from time to time, they love playing mobile games which I dreaded the most. But somehow, I could not totally blame them because I played mobile games too. I have installed a lot of game apps on my phone so I could have something to dwell on while in a long queue, or when I just couldn’t sleep. I also installed PC games through a friend’s help. Playing on a PC is much preferable since it has wider screens. I also recommend it to my kids but for a limited time. 

Lately, I discovered one website that almost has every game that I love. It’s educational too so it’s okay for my kids. If you happened to visit www.culinaryschools.org they have hundreds of varied online games at culinaryschools.org/kids-games/ . You might be asking what a culinary website has to do with online games, well, most of their games are food-related! It’s a fun way of learning how to do things in the kitchen. When I showed it to my son he was amazed with Cooking Boiled Egg! 

They also have an ingredients conversion calculator. I remembered following a recipe, yet I had difficulty converting pounds to grams! Aside from different online games, the website also has some powerful weight loss tips at https://www.culinaryschools.org/blog/weight-loss/. 

I entered my data on their weight calculator and I was alarmed because I am already obese! Good thing I’m a work in progress with my weight loss journey. I have a feeling that this website could help me pull this off. If you are curious about it, just visit https://www.culinaryschools.org/blog/weight-loss/ for more helpful tips!

As a teacher, it feels good to be celebrated upon. It feels good to have our role in the society being recognized-being considered as the unsung hero. However, being a teacher is not all about being in the limelight at all times. We can work even when no one is looking, we can perform our job even if no one is supervising. We did our job because we are committed to give our best- above all, we are committed to serve our future leaders.

But the teacher nowadays have lots of challenges to take. With the presence of Social Media, different interpretation of Child Protection Policy, the wrong interpretation (again) of the motto: No Child Should Be Left Behind, and a whole lot more that seems to be Pro-Student than pro-teachers, our job is sometimes got compromised. 

It may not be inappropriate to compare what we once were when we're still a student to what kind of students we are dealing right now- it creates a huge difference. Huge, in the sense that most of the students we're dealing right now are so entitled, overly empowered, and egotistical beings. 

As a teacher, I do what I thought is right. I don't tolerate laziness in the classroom, I always speak what's on my mind. If I need to reprimand a student, I do it without holding back. I felt the need to let them realize that there's so much things they need to learn about the realities of life.

I commend all those parent who don't tolerate the misbehavior of their children. I commend all those parents who give premium to disciplining their children. I commend them because it's just the right thing to do. I despise parents who pampered their children so much that made them entitled enough to insist on things they want to do that won't help them to become the kind of person that they ought to be when they will become adult.

This World Teachers' Day, I commit to do what is right and appropriate; I commit to hone the skills of my students and at the same time teach them the right attitude towards work as a student.

I commit to restore the best practices that I once experienced when I was a student.

Happy World Teachers' Day to all teachers- let's all commit to mold a responsible, sensible leaders in the future!

#WTD2024

Can you find me? #WTD2024

It is difficult as a human being to realize that in any given day, in any given moment many things are unpredictable and beyond our control. In modern society, we may have all the conveniences that technology offers, but in some ways, we are helpless, and this feeling causes stress: the weather can disrupt our plans, a cold can appear from nowhere, a pandemic can change our everyday life. Here are four of the most typical issues that might be causing headaches and are probably best dealt with in another way: The Weather The first of these is the weather which is always considered an uncontrollable environmental factor. Suppose you have planned the most beautiful of events to be held perhaps in the outside environment and then the rains come. The disappointment and frustration can be felt. Though we are able to verify such forecast and possibly prepare for it, the weather is a natural faculty we cannot command. This may not always be a successful endeavor but having this fact accepted and having a backup plan lessens frustration. Health Issues Health is also one of the domains where we tend to perceive ourselves as victims. Unfortunately, even when one tries their best to ensure their body is in good health, at time one may fall ill or get involved in an accident. It becomes quite annoying and irritating when it hinders our normal day to day activities or even a long term forecast. The changes outside of our control can also be difficult in some ways for patients and their caregivers: the best approach here is medical adherence and positive thinking at least. Global Events We can meet the global events like economic crisis, viruses spreading, and shifts in power overnight. It is usually out of our control and may result into what is referred to in psychological terms as Helpless and anxious ness. Remaining knowledgeable and discovering how we can successfully square ourselves into new situations allows us to regain feelings of control. Traffic and Delays The regular traffic congestion and travelling schedule become very much inconvenienced due to traffic jams, flights delays etc. They can at times be rather irritating, mainly when they lead to one being late for an event as this is socially unacceptable. Of course, such delays are rather frustrating, but listening to the audiobooks or podcasts, for instance, can help to pass the time with benefit. Coping Strategies 

The life is full of unpredictable events that are beyond our control, but what we can control is our attitude to these events. Here are some strategies to help manage frustration:

Acceptance: Admit that there are things that you cannot change and do not waste time and energy on such things.

Mindfulness: Develop effective strategies by focusing on the present moment to effectively overlook the future due to pressures associated with time.

Flexibility: Be flexible and be ready to alter the arrangement if need be.

Positive Thinking: It is important to work on and with the positive aspects where possible or turn a negative situation into a positive one.

Support Network: Discuss matters with friends and family and get another opinion on the matter so as to get a better perspective.

These frustrations are avoidable and with coping mechanisms and positive attitude, the stresses can be handled well to enable us to lead a peaceful life amidst chaos.

Most often than not, our world now accepted broken relationships, broken marriages, divorce, annulment as part of the norms in our society. Sad, but true. It seems like its detrimental effect to the affected persons are of no value at all anymore. Most likely, it is the young ones that becomes the collateral damage which also have detrimental effect to their growth and their views in life and the value of relationship as a whole.

But why is it happening?

In the intricate dance of love and relationships, breakups are often painful and bewildering experiences, leaving many wondering why things didn’t work out. When it comes to why men leave women, there’s a myriad of factors at play, each as unique as the individuals involved. Understanding these reasons can shed light on relationship dynamics and pave the way for healing and growth.

Communication Breakdown: One of the primary reasons behind men leaving women is a breakdown in communication. Often, men might feel misunderstood or unheard in the relationship, leading to frustration and eventually detachment. It's crucial for both partners to cultivate open and honest communication channels to address concerns and grievances effectively. 

Unfulfilled Needs: Men, like women, have emotional and psychological needs that must be met within a relationship. When these needs go unaddressed for an extended period, it can lead to feelings of neglect or dissatisfaction. Whether it's emotional support, physical intimacy, or shared interests, partners must strive to fulfill each other's needs to maintain a healthy connection. 

Compatibility Issues: Despite initial chemistry, compatibility issues can arise over time, leading men to reassess the relationship. Differences in values, lifestyles, or long-term goals can create rifts that become increasingly challenging to overcome. Recognizing and respecting these differences is essential, but it's equally important to determine if compromise is possible without sacrificing individual happiness. 

Emotional Disconnect: Emotional intimacy is the cornerstone of a strong relationship. However, when emotional bonds weaken or fade, it can drive men away. This disconnect may stem from unresolved conflicts, past traumas, or divergent emotional expression styles. Couples therapy or counseling can offer a safe space to explore these issues and rebuild emotional intimacy.

Lack of Appreciation: Feeling unappreciated or undervalued can erode a man's commitment to the relationship. Acts of appreciation, gratitude, and acknowledgment are vital in reinforcing mutual respect and admiration. Taking the time to express gratitude for each other's efforts, both big and small, can reignite the spark and strengthen the bond between partners.

Fear of Commitment: Commitment-phobia is not exclusive to one gender, but it can contribute to men leaving relationships prematurely. Whether due to past relationship trauma or personal insecurities, some men may struggle with the idea of long-term commitment. Patience, understanding, and open dialogue can help address these fears and build trust over time.

Changing Priorities: As individuals evolve and grow, their priorities and aspirations may shift. Men may leave relationships when they feel their personal goals and ambitions are no longer aligned with their partner's or when they need space for self-discovery. Encouraging each other's personal growth while maintaining a sense of togetherness can foster a healthy balance in the relationship.

Infidelity or Betrayal: Infidelity and betrayal can deal a severe blow to any relationship, often resulting in irreparable damage. Whether it's emotional or physical infidelity, rebuilding trust takes time, effort, and mutual commitment. However, some men may choose to leave rather than navigate the complexities of rebuilding a shattered trust. 

I am a product of broken homes and believe me, the effect is, indeed, disheartening. But somehow, it made me strong as a person. It made me brave enough to face the adversities in life. It made me cautious enough in choosing my lifetime partner, though I'm not saying that he's the perfect one but at least he is not the same with my father. However, not all products of broken homes viewed and fought life the way that I do. As a teacher, I witnessed children (learners)who became a liabilities in the community just because they have a dysfunctional family. They are misguided, neglected and lack the purpose to live on accordingly.

Nevertheless, navigating the complexities of relationships requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to confront challenges head-on. While understanding why men leave women can offer valuable insights, it's equally important to recognize that every relationship is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. By fostering open communication, mutual respect, and genuine appreciation, couples can cultivate thriving, enduring partnerships built on a foundation of love and understanding.