Of Unspeakable Radiance

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Isang post na ibinahagi ni Zarah Gagatiga (@zarah815)

We got the lurvi!

Yep.

We were not spared of COVID-19. So many things are still raging inside my head. For now, I am posting what I shared on FB. Taking it from friends who survived COVID-19, who kept telling me that managing this malady requires a lot of letting go.

Dear everyone

We are surviving.

Covid in whatever form or variant is overwhelming especially when it hits home and strikes down every member of the family. Overwhelming also is the support and concern of family, relatives and friends. It is God’s grace overflowing!

Thank you to all who sent food - we have enough for the next few days; all kinds of magic concoctions - how to schedule taking them is a happy problem; the encouraging words, Bangtan photos and BTS inspired tokens (especially my bias and wreckers - yes, plural) are sources of child like joy. My favorite emotion.

Best of all, I appreciate all the prayers that make me cry every time I check my socmed apps and iMessage - it helps clear the sinuses. To the guys over at YGoal, for being our first responders! To our Magis Deo community, who are living the 4S in action, please continue to pray for our recovery. We will continue on with the journey. We are companions to each other and for each other!

I am still scared of a relapse and a re-infection. But I tell myself that kindness and God’s mercy and great love will see us through.

And then there is the recollection. The fact that Covid has become a family affair, with communities banding and taking care of each other leaves us with so many things to reflect upon.

Putangina. Leni must win.

FIGHTING

P.S. I wouldn’t mind getting a plant or flowers. A bit of art for inspiration.

At Dusk

 

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Kuwentong Bangtan: Kim Namjoon and @rkive

I have been trawling Twitter for links to the GQ and Vogue interviews and all I got for now are snippets and screenshots from fans. Syempre, una kong hinanap ang kay Joonie.

As expected mind blown na naman ako sa sagot niya sa tanong ng GQ tungkol sa BTS and ARMY relationship. Thank you for the respect, Joonie. Biruin mo, fan ka rin ng ARMY. Sinong idol or artist/musicians ang fan ng sarili niya/nilang fandom? Friends forever. Ganyan. Though I can’t help but sense his recognition of the uncertainty that the future holds based on his answer. There is the acknowledgement of the impermanence of all things including our relationships with people we hold dear. May kurot sa puso.

While Joonie makes sense of the ephemeral, two things strike me while he was in the US. First is his IG handle, @rkive and second is his cross country visits to museums. Archives and museums (as well as libraries) are institutions of memory. Places where art, cultural symbols and historical artifacts are preserved, conserved, protected and fairly distributed to the public. He has been dropping hints on his views on the temporary nature of art, how artists make them and the value of leaving a legacy so that future generations can examine, enjoy and take inspiration from what they have created.

Visiting museums have many benefits. For Joonie, so it seems, being in a museum is also a way of learning the sustainability of art, especially music. ARMYs on Twitter connect the dot based on previous interviews with Joon. The vision of Bangtan's leader is wide and encompassing. It would be really cool to visit the Hybe museum in South Korea!

School Librarians Responding to Change During the Pandemic

This is the video I prepared for the PLAI Congress 2021. I gave a talk on my paper, School Librarians Responding to Change During the Pandemic.

Poetry: Stars and Snowflakes

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Author Chat with ZarahG: Ms. Natasha Vizcarra on Science Writing and Book Recommendations

Reading @PandemicTimes (2 of 3): Books provide a structure that develops disciplined thought/thinking

Here is part two of my lecture about Reading @Pandemic Times at the Jose Rizal University last November 2021.

1.   2. Books provide a structure that develops disciplined thought/thinking.

So now I go to the second discussion point but before I talk about the structures inherent in books that shape and discipline our thinking, here is a video on the evolution of the book. It is a TEDTalk by Julie Dreyfuss.

What did you glean from the video we have just seen? Think it over in the next 2 minutes and post your thoughts and insights on the chat.

At this juncture of our discussion, I want to emphasize three things from the video. First is that the book is a technology. It was created out of a need to solve something and to achieve a purpose. Tablets and papyrus rolls containing important information were easily destroyed either by rain, humidity, disasters by nature of by men. Over time, stronger materials were used and its creation and production were limited to the learned. Those who can read and write make books. Because it was so laborious, the monks and the scribes who make them, put the books in chains. There exist stories and information that must be told and shared beyond the confines of exclusive communities like abbeys, palaces and churches. The implements used to create the book are taken from what inventors and craftsmen believe are sturdy enough to hold the pages together there by securing the information. They used what is available in their immediate environment. It is likely to say that the environment shaped this technology known as the book. What makes the book special rests on the fact that both the content it has and the format in which the content is stored or kept in is TECHNOLOGY. Furthermore, the thinking of the time and the age influence the technology.

The same process is happening today except that, we are dealing with and engaging with digital tools. The need to secure information and provide access to readers are constants. Be it an ebook or a printed book accessibility and security remain the truths that librarians and book industry role players observe, protect and advocate for.

The second point that I would like to make would be on the book’s standard format. This format presents information as organized following a framework built around a context, a culture and a world view.

 Do you still remember back in your elementary days when your teacher taught the parts of the book? What do you remember as important about the parts of the book to this day?

 Let’s do a review. I am going to read aloud this poem I wrote years ago.

 I am a book

 I am a book

And I have different parts

A cover to keep me clean

A spine so I can stand

 I have a body

With several good pages

Of facts and stories

You can read from start to finish

 Open me now

And you will know

The author who wrote

The illustrator who drew

 Don’t forget the title

That’s what I ‘m all about

Who put me all together?

Oh, it is the publisher

This poem is intended for younger learners emphasizing two things namely, that information is created and communicated through a book and two, information is organized following a purpose, a function as informed by its contents.

Needless to say, books remain an important technology that influences our thinking, frames and focuses our thought processes given the appropriate manner of reading instruction and formal literacy skills instruction. These are evidences that the humanity’s capability to create rests on collaborative endeavors with a community who supports it.

Author Chat with ZarahG: A Children's Book About COVID by Natasha Vizcarra

 

The Light House Diary Entries of 2021

Rounding up posts about work, especially on my entries for The Lighthouse Diary.

 The Lighthouse Diary Entry #24 - One of the many things this pandemic robbed me of doing is the joy and the experience of leisurely visits to parks, museums and libraries. Going out to walk among the trees, plants and works of art is a source of relaxation, a time to be and an opportunity to step back from work and worries. It is a dredging ritual for the brain and the soul delights in this form of nourishment. An hour or two in a museum or library, an unhurried walk in the park and a snack and coffee afterward.

The Lighthouse Diary Entry #25 - I am part of the team assigned for the supervision and mentoring of juniors who will begin the Extended Essay and Senior Project (EE/SP) this year. Much thought was spent on the planning of the kick-off and presentation to students since we are all experiencing the difficulties and challenges of learning during the pandemic. As a school who believes in Conceptual Learning and Constructivism, we take into consideration the contexts, experiences, interests and attitude of our learners. As teachers and educators, we are learners too. That is why, when we set out the launching of this years EE/SP journey, there is a spark of hope and a clearer vision on what we need to accomplish by February 2022. It is important that students complete the EE or the SP with joy and a sense of self.

The Lighthouse Diary Entry #26 - I attended a webinar yesterday morning. Yes, another webinar. The local distributor of Turnitin, APAC Marketing organized a 2 hour webinar on Academic Integrity at the heart of teaching and learning processes. There is less talk of the Turnitin app and more of practices in teaching and learning. 

The Lighthouse Diary Entry #27 - This week at the Academy, we learned about the Skill Tree. A Skill Tree is a series of skills that programmers use to create games. Needless to say, we are learning how to incorporate gamification in teaching and instruction. Here is what I made for the library's instructional program for research skills.

BA Library Online Author Visit of Ms. Natasha Vizcarra - The Online Author Visit of Ms. Vizcarra was very informative. She covered important aspects of the writing and the research process. Sharing what she learned from real practice and building on skills overtime was precious. We learn by doing, indeed! We hope that her input and the sharing of her thinking process allowed us to reflect our own approach and style.

And here is  a post that discuss How I prepared for the Online Author Visit.

Now that is done, I continue taking stock of the work that lies ahead.

Ajooma Reviews 2021

Rounding up my Kdrama Reviews of 2021 and some notes on the ones that did not make a full review on the blog.

True Beauty Review Part 1 - Right after the finale of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we decided to watch True Beauty for three reasons namely: 1. Moon Ga Young; 2. Cha Eun Woo; 3. And GFRIENDS' revival of The Nolans I'm In The Mood for Dancing. And well, we are not disappointed at the turn of events and how the story has progressed thus far.

True Beauty Review Part 2 - True Beauty folded up last month. It has left us with good memories and lasting impressions. It had everything a Kdrama has to offer. A solid one true pairing (OTP); an unforgettable second male lead; an imperfect but admirable supporting cast and a sound track that is worth listening to over and over. I enjoyed it for what it is. I am forever grateful.

Do You Like Brahms -  is a Kdrama about young musicians and the pursuance of their dreams. Park Eun Bin plays the aspiring violinist but she is a bit short in the talent department. Nonetheless, she is diligent and dedicated to her job as an intern in a music and arts foundation. This makes her an endearing female lead. Park Min Jae plays the male lead in this drama and it is such a delight to see him essay a conflicted character breaking out into his own. He and Eun Bin have chemistry. Their look and personalities complement each other so, when the scene of their first heart break happened, I wanted them to be back in each other's arms again.

When the Weather is Fine - is one of the under rated dramas of 2020. I am happy to have seen this with my daughter. It is a visual feast, a well crafted story of redemption laced with comforting stories of family life and community. Park Min Young and Seo Kang Joon perfectly portrayed the disturbing silences inside them preventing them to love each other. And when they break this silence, their dialogues to each other  is poetry.

Lovestruck in the City -the story of six yuppies living in Seoul. It tells of their daily lives and the choices they make on love and career. It looks as simple as that. Yet, at the core is the quest of finding one's self and being happy about it. These six characters are connected to one another and  through interviews done by an unidentified character, the documentary/oral history approach in storytelling works. It was like watching a magazine interview in three parts or installments. 

 Chicago Typewriter - Ajumma Reviews is back after a long while. Let me tell you what I think about Chicago Typewriter (CT)

Looking back at 2021, I watched seven Kdramas that did not make it on the blog for a review. Bangtan happened. That is another story. So, here are three sentence reviews of the following Kdramas I have seen last year.

Reply 1994 - I enjoyed this very much because of Yoo Yeon Seok. I love works of the writer and the director of the Reply series as they offer a slice of life of many lives that make the ordinary extraordinary. Lastly, it is a homage to the 90s, my decade and my generation.

Warm and Cozy - Another YYS Kdrama with Kang Sora. This is a slow burn and the sudden change in YYS' character didn't sit well with me. There was a gap in his character's development but, Jeju Island made it to my Bucket List!

Dr. Romantic 1 and 2 - Recommended by a dear friend, this is a Kdrama I regretted not watching earlier on. But. This is so good I am awaiting season 3 to happen.

Hospital Playlist 1 - From the team that put together the Reply Series, Hospital Playlist did not disappoint. I fell in love with the Winter Garden couple and I dream of being friends with the Lacking Five. HP 1 made me subscribe to YYS' YT Channel following the reality shows featuring the Lacking Five.

Vincenzo - Song Joong-Ki plays an alluring villain that challenged me to examine my own definition of heroes and heroism. The supporting cast is hilarious! One of the best I have seen since CLOY.

Move to Heaven - For a Kdrama that has death at the core of its storyline, Move to Heaven is awe inspiring and life affirming. This is the first Kdrama I saw that respected people with special learning needs. It also makes a statement on LGBTQ relationships.

I have four Kdramas on my watch list so, let's see how things go!

Butter Instax Mini 11

 

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My Reading Inventory of 2021

Things have been tough at the home stead with COVID scare and news of infection from friends and relatives. It is hitting us so close to home. Needless to say, the pandemic is challenging each and everyone of us to respond in the most proactive and graceful manner. Tells self: bring out your inner Ms. Universe. Or rather, bring out your inner Dora, as in, Kimmy Dora! 

Kidding aside, I go back to blogging this week with my reading inventory of 2021. This is how my reading life looked like.

1. School Is Life - I begin 2021 reading this book, School is Life: Progressive Education in the Philippines (Almario and Zamora, ADMU Press, 2020) Makes me examine my teaching beliefs and philosophy.

2. The Potager Garden at Arya Residences - I got this book as a gift last Christmas. Must learn how to grow veggies in the yard. The cocktail recipes are good for the body, the mind and the soul!

3. Trese: Bloodlines -What arrived in the mail today!

4. The Toll: Arc of the Scythe - Another book series ending with poignancy. I am giving myself a few moments to let it sink in

5. A Sky Beyond the Storm - And so it ends. The fourth and final book in the Ember in the Ashes series is an exclamation point to the redemptive role of women, enforcing justice and restoring peace. Those who believe otherwise must carefully choose their words and their actions. We do not call nature as mother for no reason at all.

6. What is Peace? - This book has so many questions about peace. It does not provide answers nor explanations. Only illustrations of animals that make the book truly beautiful.

7. Walking on Water - For Lent

8. Proust and the Squid - Rereading Proust and the Squid (Wolf, 2007)

9. The Wild Robot - Thank you Peter Brown, for making the Wild Robot a ”She”. It matters to me. 

10. Frindle - I first read Frindle (Andrew Clements,Atheneum) in my mid-20s. I was just starting out a career as a school librarian then. I remember enjoying this middle grade book as an ode to words and language, a battle between opposites, of growing up and knowing the value of saving up for the future. Two decades after, I read the book once more. I still recognize all the wonderful things I discovered about the book the first time I read it but, now, it gave me a deeper insight into the life of teachers and educators and the fascinating dynamics between their students. Thank you Mr. Clements for creating Mrs. Granger. I want to be like her when I grow up!

11. Letters from Crispin - Stories take time to grow and develop. Letters to Crispin took three years to write and a few more before it was published.

12. Map of the Soul 7: Persona, Shadow and Ego in the World of BTS - Reading this right now. BTS x Jung x Why BTS is on another level. My kind of BTS budol. Ang ganda ng Map of the Soul (Stein, 2020) gusto ko ulitin. Pero ang dami pang magagandang aklat na nasulat tungkol sa Bangtan. Panalo din ang reading list in Joonie at Yoongi.

13. Norinaaga San: The Doctor Who Wants to Learn - Through this picture-story book, young children are informed about the folk hero of Matsusaka, Motoori Norinaaga. The narrative is honest and direct to the point. The illustrations are beautifully crafted capturing the nostalgia and the simple, but noble beauty of Noringa-san's life. 

14. My Story When I was Three - My Story: When I Was Three, a collaborative book project by Kunihiko Ida, Naomi Nakagoshi, Almira Raymundo and Ched Magaspar. It tells the story of Kunihiko Ida who is an atomic bomb survivor. His story, though very tragic, is filled with resilience and inspiration. War is never a pretty topic to explore but the beauty of the human spirit to survive is always at its core. 

15. Ginto't Pilak - Ang saya ko sa pagdating ng aklat na ito nung nakaraang araw. Salamat @anvilpublishing

Inspiring talaga si Hidilyn. Iba ang kanyang angking lakas at galing. Nasa-spiritual level yata. Napapaisip ako hangang ngayon kung ito ba ay dahil sa kinalakhan niyang lugar, kultura at komunidad. Ihahanay ko ang kaisipang ito para sa mga susunod pang non-fiction reading adventures. May mga scenario sa kuwento na paulit-ulit ang bangit sa kahirpang danas ni Hidilyn. Sana lang ay binawasan. Medyo poverty porn na ang dating para sa akin. Tanong ko sa sarili, paano ba mabibigyang dangal ang kahirapan sa kuwentong pambata? Ika nga ni Uncle Iroh kay Zuko, “there is dignity in poverty...”

Kung sakaling magrereprint ang publisher ng aklat na ito, suhestiyon ko na baguhin ang kulay ng font sa mga pahina na may madilim na color palette. Nahirapan ako magbasa kahit may ilaw.

Overall, this is an inspiring read. And man, we badly need it.

16. Almond - Almond has everything I love and enjoy. It is like I am reading 16 episodes of a beloved Kdrama. It can be brutal but kind; and beautiful in its brokenness.

17. BTS: Art Revolution - Reading this book kick started my quest to understand the non-rational appeal and charm of BTS’ music and art. Lee explains in detail how Deleuze’s theory of the Rhizome is at the core of BTS’ art production and creative process. The relationship of BTS with ARMY is further explained through the concepts of synchronicity, multiplicity and open structure. The writing is academic in tone and nature but the examples are specific to the MVs and songs of BTS. 💜Bangtan is phenomenal.

18. Philosophizing About BTS- Anxiety. Heiddeger. BTS and our unending search for inner peace. From the book Philosophizing BTS by Cha Minju

19. BTS & ARMY Culture - This book helped me establish conceptual moorings on the socio-cultural aspects of fandoms, fangirling and the movement known as Bangtan Sonyeondan. Published in 2019 before the COVID-19 outbreak, it charts the indomitable force that is ARMY for good and otherwise. Proof that we aren’t bots and AIs.

20. The Myth and Legends of the Philippines - The constant retelling of myths and legends amplifies the values and beliefs we hold dear. Each tale is accompanied by notes and activities for parents and educators. It’s cool that it has QR codes for more activities online that children and grownups can enjoy.

21. The Kingfishers and a Can of Sardines - I like this book for celebrating the curiosity of the child. It reminded me of what I need to nurture every day. It is a comforting read during these times of uncertainty.

22. Cely's Crocodile - I love this book because it shows the curiosity inherent in children and young people; it celebrates creativity as key to survival; and it inspires readers to write about personal and family histories. The illustrations illuminate the strength of the young Araceli Limcaco Dans. We have very few children’s books set in WW II Philippines so this book deserves to be in your book shelf.

23. Ang Katawan Ko at Ako - I finally received my copy of Ang Katawan Ko at Ako (Rivera & Lim, Adarna House 2021). I am excited to ask Teacher Val to learn the song that is included in the book. Back in September 2020, I interviewed @augierivera for being conferred the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagats and we talked about his new book. Here is the link to the interview

24. Nina Inocente - Once again, Rivera pokes and uncovers an issue labeled as delicate in children’s story writing. Niña Inocente is a story of child abuse on cyber space. There is danger and fear in this narrative but the call to courage and the compelling drive to keep children safe is stronger.

25. From Manila with Love - Beautiful to look at and a wonderful read. Though at some point I asked myself, for whom is the book written for — the child, the child in me or the adult who misses home? Ah, now there lies the appeal of From Manila with Love!25. Spikey's, Prickles and Prongies

26. The Midnight Library - Like in all libraries, The Midnight Library offers choices and opens doors to possibilities. No room for regrets. There is grace to be had when we recognize it even in situations when all hope seems lost.

27. Pitong Tsinelas - Pitong Tsinelas invited me to play. I said yes and I had fun. I am including this now in my list of books I wish I had written.