Book Recommendation: Pagkatapos ng Unos

Ahjumma Reviews: Mr. Plankton

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@the.readingarmy)

Kuwentong Bangtan: Happy 4 Years BE!

BE is 4 years old today!

BE is a heartfelt and intimate album that perfectly captures the collective emotions of resilience and hope during challenging times, specifically, the pandemic of 2020. It offered songs with soothing melodies and reflective lyrics that provided a sense of connection and solace, making BE a timeless reminder of how music can heal and unite during moments of global uncertainty.

The lead track, “Life Goes On”, stands out for me with its gentle, easy melody that offers comfort and reassurance, embodying a quiet yet powerful determination to persevere no matter what life throws our way. Coming in second is, “Blue & Grey”, as it shines as an emotional masterpiece, with V’s velvety voice delivering raw vulnerability and an ethereal falsetto that ascends beautifully, leaving a lingering impact. Together, the album’s introspective themes, sincere lyricism, and diverse soundscapes create a deeply personal listening experience that speaks to the heart of any listener navigating life’s ups and downs.

Thank you, BTS! You really are ARMY’s forever artist!

Book Recommendations: Typhoons, Cyclones and Natural Disasters that Changed Lives

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@zarahgeeh)

Poetry After Pepito

The storm has passed

The morning sky is clear

No red sunrise

but only the moon

A vestige of its full glory

The Lighthouse Diary #65: Towards A Combined Expertise for Student Achievement

For the past two weeks, we have had the pleasure of collaborating with MYP subject teachers.

💙 We helped them identify technology and texts that meet learning objectives.

💚 We facilitated research skills sessions for MYP students in grades 7, 8, and 10.

💙 We selected and curated books for a small library for our grade 7 students to explore in the coming days.

💚 We recommended texts and sources for guided research in grade 10.

By collaboration with our MYP teachers, the library's role in learning is given importance. By working together to support student learning and development, teachers’ subject expertise is combined with the librarian’s knowledge of resources and research strategies. 

Together, we create a richer, more comprehensive educational experience. This partnership ensures that students not only meet their learning objectives but also build essential skills like critical thinking, information literacy, and a love for reading that will benefit them in all areas of life.

Pagbusilak ng Bukitkit

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@the.readingarmy)

Recommended Reads for World Kindness Day 2024

 

@titazeeh7

Recommended Reads on World Kindness Day 💜😊💜

♬ Friends (Hoseok Theme) [BTS World Original Soundtrack] - BTS World

Advent, BTS and Cyanotype Printing

Inspired by RM of BTS’ full length album, Indigo, I ventured into learning Cyanotype printing early this year. With the help of Enzo Abalayan showing me how to make prints, I was further motivated to learn this new skill as my ARMY Glow Up 2025 project. Collaborating with the talented Sin So, my Tita ARMY chingu, we were able to design tote bags that were sold at the bazaar during the Pearl ARMY Festa of 2024. It was a special endeavor and personal project since part of the proceeds funded my parents’ medical care. Needless to say, being ARMY and my fangirling has led me to graces I never asked for. Believe if or not, I find God there in all His amazing glory.

Since then, I would make prints as a mental health break. Keeping a few in a portfolio that may lend to a new project in the future. When I received an invitation from friends in Magis Deo to share something for our kids, teens and young adults in the community, I immediately said yes.

I thought about conducting a Cyanotype printing workshop for our Magis Deo Youth. The idea made me happy. I looked forward to the activity during an exhausting but productive week in school. I was going to share a skill that began as an ARMY Glow Up 2025 Goal under AGU Recreation and proud that I learned it from a former student. What’s more, I was excited to connect Cyanotype printing with the message of Advent.

Advent is the season of waiting. Advent is the season of light breaking through the shadows.

Advent is a time when we are called to recognize and accept change.

Advent is an opportunity for transformation.

Cyanotype printing, with its vivid blue tones and shadowy, ethereal imagery, has a poetic resonance with the season of Advent. Cyanotypes capture light in a unique way, creating images through sunlight exposure. This parallels Advent’s theme of light emerging from darkness, as cyanotypes reveal delicate forms and shadows when exposed to light, symbolizing hope and revelation.

Since Advent is a season of waiting and preparing for light to break into the darkness, Cyanotype printing follows a similar process that involves anticipation, patience, change and transformation. Such abstract ideals, beliefs and concepts may be too far off to be fully understood by children — even adults. To enrich our context of Advent as we all prepare for this season of hope in chaotic and confusing times, an art activity such as Cyanotype printing may prove meaninfgul for the child and the child at heart.

Our Magis Deo Youth participants in this morning’s Cyanotype Printing activity brought home their hand made cyanotype greeting cards and “photographs”. Glad and grateful to learn something new as well as making art that restonates with the anticipation and joy of Christ’s birth.

The Lighthouse Diary #64: Direct Instruction in Teaching Research Skills and MIL

Here is a key takeaway from yesterday’s library skills and research class: 

The OPVL was used as a method for analyzing and evaluating sources. Source evaluation must be taught explicitly. Direct instruction is a teaching approach that can be used to facilitate the learning of research skills.

Direct instruction is a teaching approach where the teacher leads the lesson in a structured, straightforward way, typically involving clear explanations, demonstrations, and guided practice. In this model, the teacher is the primary source of information, presenting new material in small, manageable steps, with checks for understanding and immediate feedback along the way.

The core components of direct instruction include:

1. Clear Objectives: The teacher sets specific learning goals and communicates them to students.

2. Modeling: The teacher demonstrates the skill or concept, often by thinking aloud to show the thought process.

3. Guided Practice: Students practice the concept with support from the teacher, who provides feedback and corrects mistakes.

4. Independent Practice: Once students are confident, they practice on their own to reinforce learning.

5. Assessment and Review: The teacher checks for understanding through questioning, assessments, or reviews.

Direct instruction is often effective for teaching foundational knowledge, procedural skills, and step-by-step processes, especially in subjects like math or grammar as well as academic writing and research. It is sometimes associated with explicit teaching methods and contrasts with student-centered approaches like inquiry-based or discovery learning, where students explore topics more independently.

Research and MIL Skills Instruction: Source Evaluation Using OPVL for Grade 8

Lesson Plan and Presentation Slide

Kuwentong Bangtan: Happy First Year, Golden!

Happy first year to Golden, a remarkable album by our golden maknae, Jungkook!

The album’s collection of songs is a testament to Jungkook’s artistry and his growth as a solo artist. With each track sung in English, the album shines as an example of his impressive linguistic skill—learning a second language to perform at this level is no small feat. Jungkook’s commitment to connecting with a global audience is evident in his flawless vocals and clear intention behind each song, showing his range not only in musical style but also in storytelling.

The title track, Standing Next to You, is a standout example of how Golden beautifully blends influences from classic literature and pop culture. The music video draws from diverse inspirations, including the works of Shakespeare, Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic style, and the iconic moves of Michael Jackson. This homage to both romance and pop culture reinforces Jungkook’s versatility and creativity, establishing him as an artist deeply rooted in both timeless narratives and contemporary artistry. The video’s visually stunning scenes, color palette and choreography offer a perfect complement to the song’s narrative, amplifying the emotional intensity of Jungkook’s performance.

The album as a whole is intensely romantic, weaving themes of longing, holding on, letting go, devotion and loyalty. Each song showcases Jungkook’s vocal prowess, as he effortlessly transitions from soft, heartfelt ballads to upbeat tracks that highlight his dynamic range. The album’s romantic themes, combined with Jungkook’s rich, emotive voice, create an experience that resonates with listeners on a personal level. With Golden, Jungkook has crafted a soulful and captivating album that speaks to his evolution as an artist and the lasting connection he shares with ARMYs.

#JK_Golden #everythingjungkook

What Informs Us of Developing the Library Collection

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@zarahgeeh)

The Lighthouse Diary #63: "I Love Studying in the Library"

Our grade 10 Philosophy class had research in the library today. 

I heard one student say, "I love studying in the library".

Music to my ears.

Another came up to me with a book on epistemology saying, "Miss, I didn't realize our library has good books. It's so, varied!"

My heart beat triple time in joy. I smiled to her and replied, "Thank you! We will keep our library books relevant for your learning needs."

Their Philosophy teacher asked, "Miss Zee, Mark (not his real name) is looking for a new topic. The Inductive Method. Which volume of the World Book Encyclopedia will he use and where is it located?"

I was intrigued so I went over to Mark. "How did you come up with that topic? Aren't you assigned to read up on logic?"

"There's a "see Inductive Method" after the last paragraph, Ms. Zee. So I suppose I can look it up in another volume." Mark said.

"Aha! The article is cross referenced" I exclaimed. "Can you show me where the term "see Inductive Method" is found"?

Once he did, I congratulated him for being sharp and for paying attention to what he is reading. 

"This topic or entry is cross referenced. It is one way of locating additional information in an encyclopedia." I said. 

I then brought him to the set of World Book Encyclopedia, showed him volume "I" and handed it to him. He was all smiles and politely thanked me.

I made a mental note to add cross references as tools in locating information when I do a briefing or a library orientation on the use of encyclopedias. When I do, I will have to emphasize its connection to hyperlinks and the manner in which knowledge can expand and deepened.

Yes. I had a good day at work today. 

ARMY Glow Up Update: Painting on Handbuilt Pots

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@the.readingarmy)

When Art Heals

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@the.readingarmy)

The Lighthouse Diary #62: Gratitude Week at the Academy: Learning for Life

 

The Lighthouse Diary #61: Gratitude Week at the Academy: Grateful for the support of leadership and external partners

UPDATE On our BA Library management System (LMS aka KOHA) 

In our meeting with our LMS partner, Mr. Tamayo, this morning we were able to add new features in the BA Library LMS such as: 

1. the extension and renewal of borrowed books; 

2. identifying the reference of books to weed out and to whom these old books will be donated; 

3. and polishing a reporting system for auditing of existing book collections versus the ones deselected from the recent inventory. 

All library admin stuff. 

We continue tomorrow to discuss HTML Coding for our BA Library Web Page updates and use of Google Drive into the database for access of ebooks and digital resources. 

It can be overwhelming, but we're still smiling!

Kuwentong Bangtan: The Gift Economy, Reciprocity and Kim Seokjin of BTS

In a gift economy*, goods and services are freely given without any explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards, unlike in a market economy where exchanges are transactional. This form of economy values social bonds, generosity, and mutual support over profit, often strengthening relationships within communities. In fandoms, the gift economy fosters a unique reciprocity between fans and artists, where each side continually gives and receives, enhancing their connection.

An example of this reciprocity is seen with Jin of BTS. Following his military discharge, Jin immediately returned to releasing content, including a new single, TV appearances, interviews, the Olympics, fashion events and a variety show. Although he could have taken a well-deserved break, his decision to actively create and share with ARMYs can be viewed as a generous gift, demonstrating his appreciation and commitment. This choice to work hard, even without obligation, highlights the value he places on his relationship with fans.

In return, ARMYs show their gratitude by promoting his work, streaming his music, purchasing his merchandise, and organizing fan support events. These fan-driven efforts reflect a desire to reciprocate Jin’s dedication, not out of obligation but out of appreciation. By investing their time, resources, and creativity, ARMYs boost Jin’s visibility and success, enriching the bond between him and his fans.

In this ongoing cycle of giving, the lines between giver and receiver blur. Jin’s offerings are gifts that resonate on a personal level, while ARMYs’ reciprocal support embodies gratitude and loyalty. Through this shared exchange in the gift economy, both artist and fans continuously deepen their mutual connection, reinforcing a sense of community that values emotional depth over transactional interaction.

* The gift economy, as introduced by anthropologist Marcel Mauss in The Gift (1925), describes a system where goods and services are exchanged to foster social bonds rather than for profit. Unlike market transactions, gift exchanges create a sense of obligation and reciprocity that strengthens community relationships. In artistic and fan communities, this dynamic is especially pronounced; artists offer “gifts” like content, while fans reciprocate with support, creating a cycle of mutual appreciation. Authors like Lewis Hyde in The Gift (1983) expand on this, exploring how creativity and art function as gifts that inspire connection rather than mere commodities.

Ahjumma Reviews: Edward Lee's Culinary Class Wars

The migrant story of Chef Edward “Kyun” Lee and his creativity to bring this forward into every dish he prepared and cooked won me over my fave chefs in Culinary Class Wars. I was rooting for the Black Spoons being an avid fan of the underdogs. Somewhere in episode 6-8, I was intrigued by Chef Edward’s personal challenges to retrace his roots and regain an identity he can truly call his own. Furthermore, he came into the competition with limited knowledge of the local culture.

By episode 11, I came to the conclusion that Chef Edward was not just competing to win but was on a journey of self-discovery, one dish at a time. Each plate he crafted felt like an expression of his desire to reconnect with his heritage, blending traditional flavors with his own inventive flair. He had transformed significantly — not only as a chef but as a person. His struggles with cultural identity and belonging resonated deeply, making his dishes a true testament to his growth.

In that episode, he presented a dish that was both beautiful and symbolic, showcasing elements from his homeland but reimagined through his experiences as a migrant who achieved success in America, his second home.

It was as though he was weaving his story into every bite, and that authenticity was palpable. Watching him gain confidence in who he was, despite the adversities, I found myself more invested in his journey than in the competition itself. He wasn’t just a chef by then; he was a storyteller.

#CulinaryClassWars #chefEdwardLee

Learning to Paint with Acrylic

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zarah Gagatiga (@zarahgeeh)