2022 Blog Review: My Monthly 1st Posts of 2022

Keeping a blog tradition, here's my monthly first posts of 2022.

January - My Reading Inventory 2021 

Things have been tough at the homestead 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! 

February - BA Library Pop Talk: : Heroism in Anime, DC and the Marvel Universe

So, the library is hosting another event this month, February. Sharing the proposed activity here in the blog.

DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVE:

The People Power Revolution of 1986 took place on EDSA in the month of February. It was an age populated by different political and religious personalities that turned the tide of Philippine politics and social life. It has been 37 years since. Many things have changed including the way we perceive and define heroes and heroism, villains and villainy and the characters and personalities that exist in between the spectrums. It is but appropriate to revisit this place where heroes and villains trod but from the lens of pop culture and literature, particularly comic books, graphic novels and popular superhero movies and films. The goal is to find parallels to the current political climate while exploring these relevant but controversial issues in a safe space, though masked and mirrored through art and literature.

March - Direct Instruction and Explicit Teaching

One of the things I have been busy with since recovering from COVID-19 was co-facilitating a DepEd Teacher Training organized by Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. The past four session leaned heavily on theories on language and literacy teaching, especially the psychology and nature of reading. Tonight, we had a session on Direct and Explicit Instruction. I have a group of teachers I monitor, supervise and learn from. Most of them are very new to the ideas we are discussing in the training. Speaking for myself, I am also learning new things and re-learning strategies to teach literacy for students in the K-12 levels.

April - The Philosopher's Path

I have walked / The way of the wise / I have trodden on / Philosopher’s ground

A path strewn with / flowers all in bloom / A moment / Of awakening / Gone too soon

Kyoto, 2015

ZarahG 4.1.22

May - A New Book Project: Philippine Folktales Remiganed

In April, I began a new adventure. 

June - Can you teach me how to make a book?

 Let's begin June with a question from a young reader, Ryannah. She loves books and from my observations, her taste and reading choices are varied and diverse!

July - National Children's Book Day is Children's Day

A friend from work, Mayen Lopez sent me a photo of a newspaper clipping from the Inquirer circa 2006. It is an article written by Neni Sta. Romana Cruz on the 2006 National Children's Book Day (NCBD). 

August - Book Launch: Sulatan sa Panahon ng Pandemya

I was down with very bad diarrhea on Saturday last week I thought I would miss the book launch of Sulatan sa Panahon ng Pandemya (Gantala Press, 2022). It is a book project that took a year to complete. Edited by Merlinda Bobis, Joi Barrios LeBlanc and Mailin Paterno, it is a collection of letters by women and of women living through and surviving with grace and wonder during the pandemic.

September - PPT: Focus and Method

A slide deck on Research Skills: Focus and Method, a session I had with our high school seniors.

October - The Lighthouse Diary Entry #44: Research Month at the Academy (2 of 2)

Taking note of three wonderful things that happened last September regarding research skills instruction.

November - Movie Review on Ghost (An Intergenerational Review)

On Hallow's Eve, we decided to watch Ghost, the 1990 smash hit movie that defined my generation. A genXer, I was proud telling my kids about it. How it spawned the pixie haircut among girls my age because Demi Moore looked so androgynously charming. The soundtrack and the movie theme song marked an era too. Even the visual effects and the chemistry of the cast were points I bragged to my kids since it was perfect. 

December - Notes and Letters of Thanks from Grade 2 Students of the UP Integrated School

I received a host of messages from grade 2 students of the University of the Philippines Integrated School. I visited their class last month for an Author Visit. It was fun. As always, the teachers of the class sent me the students' letters and messaged. 

My Journey in Art Journaling

One of the many hobbies I am able to start in 2022 is Art Journaling. Thanks to Ouie Badelles of @badelles.artstudio for opening his classroom in August to art enthusiasts and those willing to explore art - in all its forms. I signed up for it and -- viola! I am able to draw and doodle. 

What is Art Journaling? Simply put, it is keeping a journal of drawings, paintings and any work of art. I am not putting any serious analysis in my work. All I know is that, at the end of each entry and drawing or doodle, I feel happy. And that's what I want to be moving forward from here on.

 

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Book Project Update: Filipino Folk Stories for Children

 In the first quarter of 2022, my friend and colleaugue, Jose "Ouie" Badelles signed with Tuttle Publishing for a book project with a working title of Filipino Folk Stories for Children. It is a compilation of seven folk stories with notes and activitiy sheets. It is a collection we intend to share with readers young and old, especially to families of Filipino descent who are based abroad.

Today, I was able to finish all seven stories. Ang sarap ng feeling! I will rest for a few days and move on to writing the remaining parts of the book.

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Ahjumma Reviews: The Fabulous

Ep 1 of The Fabulous (2022) is glossy, kitschy and unapologetic of the excesses of the fashion and advertising industry. Two episodes after, it revealed its true colors. It’s the Kdrama we all want to escape to when life is being a bitch.

While it romanticizes the despair of the young professionals’ heartbreak from jaded colleagues and discrimination in the workplace, I am happy of three things:

1. The reference to Bangtan as global icon;

2. Choi Minho in a romantic lead role; and

3. The portrayal of the successful ahjumma who guides and mentors trumps the likes of Miranda Priestly.

It’s streaming on Netflix this holiday season. Go check!

Movie Review: Roald Dahl's Matilda, The Musical

Kuwentong Bangtan: Run BTS Choreography

The choreography for Run BTS will forever have a special place in Bangtan History. Many ARMYs have pointed out the combination of steps and moves taken from popular songs that defined Bantan's earlier journeys. As always, the Tannies are excellent at making connections with their past and envisioning their future. One particular pattern of choreography in Run BTS  I am invested in is the use of handkerchief. It fascinated me the most that when the video of the dance practice dropped on BangtanTV, I watched it several times! 

This segment from the dance practice of Bangtan for Run BTS where they used a handkerchief as a vital prop in the dance. This enhances the story being told, providing visual texture and depth of context.

To begin with, the handkerchief as prop in storytelling is very handy, practical, flexible and serves a multitude of functions and symbols. In the dance choreography of Run BTS, it was used as a helmet or cap, a disguise or covering to stay hidden, a ribbon or thread that was twirled from one dance step to the next. It was waved, flicked flirtatiously and even caressed in a tender manner. What looked like an ordinary cloth became an important accessory. From Namjoon, the leader to V, the 2nd maknae, then to Jin, the mathyung the handkerchief was passed on implying the connections that bind them.

Jin held the handkerchief like a banner. A shield of identity as they prep and rev up their motors in running towards the next chapter, the forthcoming journey. (Best) Moments yet to come!

Despite the obvious mishandling of the prop in the last part of the handkerchief segment, it was gallantly saved and efficiently done by the mathyung himself. Jin’s movements were fluid in his attempt to clean up the little mess. It was in sync with the choreography and with everyone else. Isn’t it amazing how correcting a mistake such as this, Bangtan continued on dancing as they appeared to have achieved perfection.

ApoBangPo!

clipped from @BangtanTV on YT

My Little Christmas Tree

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Movie Review: Giullermo Del Toro's Pinocchio

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A Meeting of Artists at Yuletide

That day when @STUDIO.Badelles met Amy Lopez Nayve of Pumapapel Crafts was magic! 

So happy to have touched based with Amy after the lockdown. 

Looking forward to collaborative projects with these two amazing people!

@zarahg_08 That day when @STUDIO.Badelles ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic

Stay safe and strong, Seokjin!

@zarahg_08 The Spring Day Tree at the #pearlarmymuster2022 ♬ Spring Day - BTS

Day 3 at the Pearl ARMY Muster: Holiday Ever After 2022

The PAM: HEA was also a place where members of Titas of BTS (TOB) had meet ups; availed of membership cards and TOB exclusive merch; where Pearl ARMYs played games and had arts and crafts. At ARMY Time, young ARMYs had their time to shine as they showcased their talents! Titas of BTS celebrated TaeJin’s birthday at Mary Grace on D3 of the PAM: HEA. Whoever said fangirling is only for the young must have not known and realized Bangtan’s (unintentional) message against ageism. There is more to this “Kpop band” than meets the eye.

@zarahg_08 Titas of BTS celebrates Taejin Holidaze at Mary Grace @ayalamallsmanilabay on Day 3 of the #pearlarmymuster2022 ♬ It's Definitely You - V & Jin

Day 2 at the Pearl ARMY Muster: Holiday Ever After 2022

Here are photos taken from the event featuring the Pearl ARMY Bazaar at the PAM: HEA 2022. The PAM: HEA gathered ARMY sellers and merchants for this holiday bazaar at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

@zarahg_08 Yun nga ang inuna ko sa Day 1 ng PAMHEA @ayalamallsmanilabay Pearl ARMY Muster Bazaar! Big discounts! Affordable gifts and tokens for give aways to ARMY friends, family and loved ones! It’s worth going to the #PearlARMYMuster2022 ♬ Still Life (with Anderson .Paak) - RM

Day 1 at the Pearl ARMY Muster: Holiday Ever After 2022

@zarahg_08 Yay! Day 1 pa lang may Bangtan budol na! The girls at @goldenclosetfriends are so accommodating and patient to an ahjumma like me! Borahae ARMY!!! #PearlARMYMuster2022 @armyconnectph ♬ original sound - zarahg08

Pandemic Poetry: When Life is Still

 

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The Year I Became a Spotify Streamer

 

Kuwentong Bangtan: Kim Namjoon's Indigo

Indigo, Kim Namjoon’s first solo album is the deep breath before taking that leap of faith.

Sonically, the tracks are so diverse sounding that it breaks conventions with lyrics that probe the consequences of popularity; leading the listener to ponder on what truly matters in one’s life. Indigo is an album of quiet reflection, disturbing and painful too but satisfyingly beautiful in its portrayal of Namjoon’s journey as Bangtan’s leader and artiste. Moving out of Mono, Joon is in transition and Indigo is that bridge for the best moments yet to come.

ARMYs would know how to respect and revere the man that is Kim Namjoon and his works of art. 

Notes and Letters of Thanks from Grade 2 Students of the UP Integrated School

I received a host of messages from grade 2 students of the University of the Philippines Integrated School. I visited their class last month for an Author Visit. It was fun. As always, the teachers of the class sent me the students' letters and messaged. 

I am pleased to share some of them here in the blog.

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Boredom Busters: Bibliotherapy and Beyond!

Some outtakes from my Bibliotherapy Talk and Workshop with Love Education PH and Reading Buddies Baguio.

Can bibliotherapy help address or serve as a guide in discussing difficult topics to the readers?

Yes. There are research and studies that prove this assumption and answer your question. One study was done by college students who tested the benefits of Bibliotherapy in raising the confidence of abandoned children. It works.

How would you select books which are appropriate in tackling those kind of topics?

Selection of books would come from a knowledge of students and their issues, as well as the existing literature about their issues written for them. Rules number 2 and 3 yan ni Ranganathan every reader his/her book. every book its reader it's been an indisputable law of Library Science.

It is therefore our role to do Developmental Bibliotherapy.

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Kuwentong Bangtan: Mono and Me

I love Mono for its sophisticated sound and wholeness. It has seven tracks that are sonically distinct from each other but with one musical theme tying the songs together. The bass and down beats tug at the heartstrings so it is best to listen to the mixtape on headphones. Despite the moody and gloomy tones, there is the sharpness of light permeating in each song. Hope, yes. And the acceptance of realities that no one else can change. This too is light, emanating in the darkness.

It is what it is. Live with it. But also, make the most of it. This is Mono’s message to me and it has comforted me many times especially on days when sanity hangs by a thread. The Bangtan creativity is not lost in Mono. Because, while RM sings of his own pain, struggles and beliefs, he also sings to me; to us who care enough to listen to his stories. Offering encouragement and companionship as he goes.

Needless to say, Mono is a journey in which RM sings and raps away his feelings and anxieties of a future yet to come. It is a quiet and soothing reflection about change, isolation and the unending quest for meaning. Deeply introspective and beautifully poetic, Mono is by far, RM’s definitive work as a solo performer and artist.

This is RM in 2018. Who is the Kim Namjoon we are to meet in Indigo? My insides are tittering with excitement!

I leave you with the MV of ‘forever rain’ and a painting of rain falling softly on monochromatic green mountains and gray skies by Christabel Annelle Sevilla. How it reminds me that, as I walk through midlife and menopause, in this phase of empty nesting and claiming autonomy of self, I am not alone. I am never alone.

The painting is her response and personal take on RM’s painting in ITS season 2. What precious gifts these are that have been given to me. I am forever grateful.

Team Kuwentista on Family Feud PH

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Mga Sagot sa Katanungan Ukol sa Paglikha ng Kuwentong Pambata

 1. Ms Mailin at Ms Zarah, ano ang inspirasyon sa istilo ng pagsulat mo?

Ms. Z: Inspirasyon ko ang pamilya at mga mag-aaral; ang bata at kabataan.

2. Paano ayusin ang pagsulat mo kung mas kalat?

Ms. Z: Makalat talaga ang paglikha. Kailangan maunawaan ang proseso. Kailangan ito pagtuunan ng panahon. Sa pagsunod sa proseso, maaring maiayos ang kalat. Tanda mo pa ba ang mga hakbang sa proseso ng pagsusulat? Ibinahagi ko ito nung una nating pagkikita.

3. Yung mga kuwentong sinulat mo na parang alamat, paano ka nag-isip nito? Halimbawa sa kuwentong "How the Moon and Stars Came to Be" paano ka nag-isip na yung necklace ay naging mga bituin.

4. Ano ang una sa paggawa ng kuwento? Yung guhit o yung sulat?

Ms. Z: Sa proseso ng pagsusulat, may tinatawag na pre-writing o paghahanda. Dito nangyayari ang pagbuo ng kuwento gamit ang framework o balangkas at ang pag-iisip ng mga katangian ng tauhan. Ang mga tauhan ay madalas may problema at nagahhanap ito/sila ng solusyon. Makakatulong kung gagawan ang manunulat ng graphic organizers para dito. Sa ganitong paraan, maaring mag-drawing ang manunulat.

Ito ay gawain ko rin. Nahirapan akong bumuo ng kuwento ng isang alamat, Ang alamat ng ni Mariang Makiling. Kaya, nag-drawing muna ako at bumuo ng framework gamit ang SIMULA-GITNA-WAKAS/KATAPUSAN. Handa na akong magsulat. Matapos nito, may manuscript na ako o draft ng kuwento. Atsaka na ako magdo-drawing o makikipag-usap sa ilustrador ng kuwento.

5. Ano ang iyong mga inspirasyon sa pagsusulat? Nagsusulat ka ba at pagkatapos ay paikliin ang iyong mga talata o naisulat na ito na pinaikli?

6. Ano ang pinakamahirap na bahagi sa pagsulat ng kwento? At saan mo nakukuha ang mga ideya ng kwento?

Ms. Z: Pinakamahirap ang mag-revise at mag-edit. Nasagot ko na ang follow up question sa number 1.

7. Paano gawin organizado ang kwento na gusto no sumulat?

Ms. Z: Balikan nag sagot ko sa number 2 at 4.

8. Paano mo magsulat ng kwento kung wala kang ideya kung anong gusto mo sumulat?

Ms. Z: Meron akong journals. Doon ako nakakakuha ng ideya. Ang mga iniisip nating ideya, mga panaginip at hiraya ay nakalutang na parang ulap. Nawawala ito. Kung hindi isusulat, mas mahirap makabuo ng kuwento. Kaya, ang mga manunulat ay may paraan na ilatag o alalahanin ang mg ideya. Journaling ang gamit ko para dito. Ganun din ang blog ko at mga socmed sites or accounts.

9. Bakit gusto (mo) ang kuwento ng "Ang Leon at Ang Daga", para sa mga bata? Ano ang mensahe na nasa kuwento, na gusto mo kumalat?

10. Sino ang target audience para sa iyong mga kwento?

Ms. Z: Ang target audience ko ay mga bata sa Kinder hangang Grade 2.

11. Paano mo iniisip ang mga ideya? Gaano katagal bago magsulat ng kwento?

Ms. Z: Nakakapagsulat ako ng manuscript sa loob ng isang lingo kung yun lang ang gagawin ko. Madalas, inaabot ako ng buwan at taon.