@titazeeh7 Recycling and repurposing in the school library These posters from an old calendar can be used as visual aids for a class - Filipino, Art and Design, Civic Education and the Humanities.
♬ International Day of Human Rights Song - The Lyrical Lanterns
Dean Alfar’s The Kite of Stars remains an enchanting tale, brimming with poetic language that defies convention yet feels intuitively right. I revisited it in preparation for a literature lesson, drawn once again to its magical phrasing and layered meanings. The story’s portrayal of love as both a fulfillment of time and presence struck me deeply. The nameless butcher’s boy, who sacrifices his life’s essence for a dream that isn’t his own, embodies devotion in its most profound form.
Sigh. Maria Isabella, that bratinella, does not deserve the butcher's boy. And to this day, I fear that one of my children loves the way the butcher's boy loves. Ah, there! The Kite of Stars' magic lies not only in its fantastical world but in the truths it reveals about the human heart.
This semester, our grade 8 English teacher will take on The Hobbit in class. I will request for a sit-in since he read this book in earnest. What a delight to share our own passions and geekiness to our students who, born in this generation of Zs and Alphas, may not respond the way we gen Xers do. Then again, this is the challenge of reading and teaching literacy where in we derive much joy.
For Siddhartha, my review can be read here.
Yup. I gave myself a good session of bibliotherapy. Now, for my review of Siddhartha, a book that Kim Namjoon read or recommended (an assumption since he posted this on his IG Story last December 2025).
Religion provides us a structure to practice and make evident our faith. However, there are religious rituals that may prove rigid and superficial that it drives us away from faith that is real and life affirming. In Siddhartha, my take away is this: true authenticity and spirituality come from embracing both life’s joys and struggles. It’s not about escaping challenges but fully immersing oneself in them to find peace. And there I find a similarity to Ignatian Spirituality because, when praying through the Examen, one is able to look at the highs and lows of pivotal life events; the happy times and the sad moments of the day where grace and gratitude resides. I think this experience is synonymous to finding inner peace and striking a balance in life.
Kim Namjoon’s documentary, Right People, Wrong Place echoes this search for balance. Like Siddhartha, he reflects on finding harmony by accepting life’s imperfections and contradictions. Both explore the idea that peace comes not from avoiding hardships but from understanding and growing through them. Namjoon’s journey, much like Siddhartha’s, is about learning to embrace life in its raw, authentic form.Before I begin making a new reading list for 2025, here is a rundown of books I read and posted reviews on in the blog and in my IG.
Human Acts by Han Kang
Cliffton Strengths Finder by Gallup
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Who Saved Who by Roslyn Cohn
Ipis Man by SKAIT Comics
Trese 8 by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo
Keeping a blog tradition of curating a the month's 1st post for the year 2024.
January 1 - The events and the milestones I experienced in 2023 overwhelms me still. I will hold on to these photos for now and allow the days to roll over while I reflect on the year that was.
February 3 - I am truly grateful to the learning communities who have recognized and allowed me to be me. I do not follow society’s assembly line nor do I fit into an institutional mould. I have sharp edges and misplaced curves. Being consistent is a struggle for me, yet I yearn for the constants in life - respect, integrity, empathy to mention a few.
March 4 - Coming soon! A new picture book!
April 3 - Updated Bio: Zarah C. Gagatiga is a teacher-librarian of the Beacon Academy, storyteller, literacy coach, reading interventionist, and award-winning author from the Philippines.
May 2 - Thank you, Pam Capacete and Hope Builders for including my book, Beybi Bibe in your organization's reading campaign.
June 2 - The Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. (PASLI) in collaboration with Saint Louis University will hold its 42nd PASLI National Conference with the theme “IntenZfied School Libraries: Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity" on June 26-28, 2024 in Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Saint Louis University, Baguio City.
July 1 - ARMY Month Day 1: I am letting go of this hand built ceramic plate hoping that the ARMY who will get it may find joy and comfort because, I was happy and content when I made it.
August 2 - Believing in the magic of new beginnings!
September 2 - In light of the upcoming release of our new picture book, I Say Thank You (Lampara House, 2024), friends on Facebook shared their gratefulness as response to my question. "What are you grateful for?"
October 1 - Kuwentuhan Series: My Daddy, My One and Only!
November 2 - When art heals
December 2 - Teachers and librarians from Woodrose PAREF visited the Beacon Academy library for a collaborative exchange of ideas.
What truly sets Lee Dong Wook apart in A Shop for Killers is his ability to elevate the entire cast. His chemistry with the lead actress, Kim Hye-jun who plays his niece, is exceptional. Their dynamic brings out some of the most heartfelt and transformative character arcs in the series. Wookie’s subtle mentoring presence, both within the story and as an actor, enables her to shine, making their relationship one of the show’s emotional anchors. His interplay with other cast members also showcases his knack for creating layered relationships, whether through tension, camaraderie, or betrayal.
Lee Dong Wook’s versatility as an actor is evident in every frame. From romantic leads to menacing villains, he has proven time and again that he can inhabit any role with aplomb. In A Shop for Killers, his androgynous aesthetic adds an intriguing layer to his character, amplifying the sense of unpredictability and allure. It’s this unique blend of talent, aesthetic appeal, and chemistry with his co-stars that solidifies him as the driving force behind the drama’s success.
No wonder it was 4th on Time Magazine's Best Kdrama of 2024.
D7 to 2025: Ginisang Gulay sa Giniling
Hindi naman ako nagpakabonga sa performance ko sa kusina kagabi. Lutong bahay. Lutong nanay. Ganun ka-simple. Low key lang ang goals sa Noche Buena.Ang saya makita na na-enjoy ng mga bata ang niluto kong ginisang kalabasa at sitaw sa giniling. Nilagyan ko lang ng kaunting oyster sauce. Syempre hindi ko sinukat. Pinaikot ko lang yung sache ng Mama Sita’s sa ginigisa ko and that’s it. Gut feel. Naubos naman. Walang nasayang.
