Happy Thoughts

Right now, I'm very happy about the Philippine National Men's Football Team (Azkals) winning over their Mongolian opponents at Bacolod earlier this evening! Although I still say they could've done so much better, the Azkals really did every Filipino proud! And, the 2-0 win is definitely something! What I love most about all these, though, is seeing Filipino pride rising with every kick of the ball especially at a time when the nation is beset with controversies and corruption, and how Filipinos are starting to see the beauty of football. If only for those reasons, I am very thankful to the Team Azkals! Mabuhay kayo!!! :)


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I was happy to have found my way to Tina Tagle's blog. The said blog became popular when a popular fashion blogger mentioned it. It's hilarious and it gives us a glimpse into the lives of some rich people in the Philippines and also shows us the daily outfits of the very classy and fashionable Miss Tagle. Other people who enjoyed the blog were right when they said that one has to read the blog with an open mind. I, myself, enjoyed the blog very much. Or at least what I got to read from it. There were so many funny entries. The thing is, Miss Tagle may, at times, sound stupid but she really knows how to laugh at herself. She makes a lot of mistakes, but she's not apologetic about that because she's just being herself and she accepts who she is wholeheartedly. I loved that about her.

But, I guess not everyone likes that or can stand someone like her. Some people probably threw cruel words at her and that probably is the reason why she has made her blog open only to members or people she has invited. Sad. But, I guess that's the price one has to pay for being popular, huh? Back when only her friends knew about her blog, she could write about anything, she could say anything. Now that she's become popular, she's less free. I'm just amazed, too, at how there can be so many haters in the world. People who just can't be happy for others. People who have nothing but complaints and negative criticism about other people. People who only see what's bad about everything! Such a waste, if you ask me. Tsk.

Reading Miss Tagle's blog was really fun. And, it has made many bloggers go back to their blogs, dust these off and write again. I guess that's also one good thing that her blog has brought to the blogworld! Daghang salamat, Miss Tagle! :)


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This week, I had an Impromptu Speaking activity in my Public Speaking classes. I always enjoy this activity because it really makes me know so much more about my students and what kind of people they are. The questions are your common "If/What if..." questions. There are, of course, no wrong answers. I grade my students in terms of manner, matter and method in speaking. The questions are always interesting and answers equally interesting if not even more interesting. Some unexpected and some disturbing even. I have been doing this for the past years, that is, ever since I started teaching Public Speaking. But, I use different sets of questions, of course.

I'm writing about this because one student of mine surprised me with her answer. Her answer touched the very core of my being and inspired me to be better. The question was:
"If there was someone (could be someone from the past) in the world who would remain youthful forever, who would it be?"

Now, normally, when this question or something similar to this is asked, students would say, in response, that they want their mothers or their fathers to stay youthful forever. I think that answer is quite expected, right? And, my student who got asked the question, her answer was:
"If there was someone in the world who would remain youthful forever, I'd want it to be our instructor, Ma'am Diane Macarambon, so that she can continue to teach more young people. If she remains youthful forever, she will be able to teach more young people in the future. She can teach them Public Speaking and other things. They will all learn so many things from her."

It was an answer I didn't expect and I was really touched hearing that. I jokingly replied, "Don't worry, I'm a vampire so I will be youthful forever! Hahaha!"

Hearing that from a student really made me happy as a teacher, but it has also made me realize how much I still have to do and how far I still have to tread so I can reach more students and teach them what I can. Those words from one of my silent, serious and no-nonsense students are enough to push me to really do more and give more. Insha-Allah. :)