Parenting Can Solve the Malady of the World

Imagine if all of us parents will only do our jobs in raising our children to be productive citizens of their country and the world then, presto we have no crimes and violence in our society.
This is easier said than done. Though we try hard to mold our children to the right path of living that we know, sometimes they make their own way and defy our efforts. The result? Disaster. These children would become "monsters" of society. They would resort to almost anti-social activities that can destroy them and our society.
Some parents also fail to raise their children. They abandoned their little ones and forget their obligation as parents--nurturers and good providers.
When these children grow up they would remember their irresponsible parents. They would harbor hate in their hearts and the society. They would contemplate that parents are cruel and society should also be destroyed because it represent their parents.
If only parents can do their right job then we can solve more than fifty percent of the problems of the world.

Raising Difficult Child

I'm in a dillemma sometimes. I was a good son because I did not give heartheache to my parents and yet today that I'm a parent myself, I have a 12-year old son who is hard to control. I envy sometimes parents who are irresponsible but have easy to control children.

My son is intelligent I know. But giving him instruction as part of his discipline seems to fell in deaf ears. Usually at the minimum I give five to ten instructions plus threats sometimes to make him follow.

Sometimes out of my anger I boxed him which made me feel sorry because I had already attended seminars against corporal punishment. But what can I do? Sometimes he teased his two younger sisters until they cried so, I applied physical force to make him stop.

Advices have short term effect on him. Usually he ignore them.

Few days ago I boxed him again when I heard him cursing his mother. My heart is aching sometimes when I think I have a difficult son to guide.

But sometimes I rationalize also that there is still hope that my son would change his attitude from bad to good. Then I also contemplate that this is is the risk of parenting. I chose this vocation so I must prepare for the worst.

Goodbye Michael

I'm not really a fan of Michael Jackson but because of his popularity I'm also reflecting of his sudden death. It tells us that life is fleeting. Here today and gone tomorrow. Even do how popular and moneyed you are, death would eventually snatch you in the great somewhere.

Fame and influence are without power in extending our life. If our annointed comes, then goodbye everything.

I don't know if Michael was truly happy in his entire life. Cases against him were filing. He tried to prove something that he had different personality which is morbid for us. This psychological traits of Michael maybe trace down to his childhood.

Did he enjoy his childhood? Or work and schedules with Jackson 5 pre-occupied him that his childhood was not spent accordingly. He worked with the pressure of parents and fans that his childhood was spent more on stage than in play land. The result? Michael Jackson which we could not understand because he had world of his own.

Nevertheless nobody could argue his talent. He was so talented that people all over the world admire him. It was only when his action went beyond the norms of society that he was shunned.

Goodbye Michael. The world remember and reflect your life now that you're gone.

To All Expat Filipinos

I admire how you survive in foreign land. Your efforts really pay off because out of your hardships, now you can afford to buy all necessities and sometimes luxuries of life. You can also send money to some relatives in the Philippines who are in dire needs of financial assistance.
Some of you choose to live in your country of work for a minimum of five years and to a maximum maybe of your lifetime. It is on that foreign land that you also raise your family either together with a Filipino wife or husband or foreign partners.
Now you have your own children. What do you want with their education? Do you want them to be totally detached from their own language and culture? If you fail to nurture their Filipino roots then you're completely throwing them to be gobbled by foreign culture. This is not to say that culture of your host country is bad.
If you teach loyalty of our culture to your children, you're cultivating future generation that may help change the destiny of our nation.
Why not hire tutors from our country Philippines and teach your children subjects as Fiipino, Philippine History, Noli Me Tangere, Fili, Panitikan, Bararila, etc. You can do this via video conference.
In this way, your children are still Filipinos in their way of life. If they become loyal to their country of origin-Philippines--they could acquire good values such as respect of parents and elders. In this way, if you grow old you can quite sure that they would not throw you in the nursing homes.
So, why not invest today in the education of your children to learn their own culture? I assure you they will become loyal to you and thankful as their parents.

People's Fear--H1N1

People are wary today. H1N1 Virus may infect them. World Health Organization and Health Ministries of all countries are alerted of possible pandemic.
It's hard to think that virus of pigs and birds are infecting humans today. Have we transgressed Mother Nature which it seems she allows all the catastrophes to befall mankind?
Precisely yes. Too much vaccination of pigs hoping to instantly mass produce meat and amass profit may trigger resistance of virus ;and mutate to other animals including humans. Like the once publicized mad cow disease that the culprit was the feeding of contaminated meat to cows instead of green grass. The result? Nature's vengeance. The cow became "mad" which if eaten may contaminate humans.
Too much chemical for our plants and animals may eventually explode to environmental backlash. We human beings would also suffer.
Our fear today may have been avoided if we respect the laws that govern Mother Nature. We should not rely too much in chemical. Gene alteration may result in mutation of bacteria and viruses which eventually the final losers are we--the foolish human beings who disregard ecology and the balance of nature.
Finally, too much gas emission in the atmosphere which pollute it may trigger these germs to thrive because the environment is so favorable for their growth. So, when we'll stop of our own folly? When the viruses finally subdue the earthlings to their death bed? Let's think about it.

Our Role as a Father

It's father's day! Congratulations to all fathers all over the world.
As a teacher, I have the first hand information on the role of the fathers to their children. Fathers are symbols of authority and discipline. This is not to say that mothers cannot do that roles. But our society which is happening all over the world, fathers are seen as model of bravery and protector.
Today there are many who are fathers but not responsible as head of the family. They left their children while they were young. They failed to nurture their children. Their children were either left to their mothers or family relatives. Because of this, the children would grow deprive of father figure in homes.
What's the negative consequences for the children growing up without fathers? Many of them would have a confuse role to choose. They would mimic more of the characteristics of their mothers or relatives. They may hate their destiny and envy those who have fathers.
Some of these children without fathers would struggle throughout their lives especially if their mothers are poor. Life to them is like a hell and a nightmare because their fathers have abandoned them. These kind of fathers are creating "monsters" in the process. These children would hate society and when they grow up may engage in anti-social activities. They would be a source of headache to the policemen. They may engage in criminal activities.
In my class I observe, children without fathers are sometimes hard to control. They are not focusing in their studies and do not follow school rules and regulations. They do this probably their fathers failed to enlighten them of rules at home.
Finally, if we fathers abandon our children then we are not contributing good for the society and the world in general. We as fathers should know our roles: to raise our children as responsible and productive citizens of their countries. If we fail to do this then we're raising children who have a mentality of Cain who is envious and murderous.

Disciplining Children:Spanking or Not to Spank?

I'm always in a dilemma when it comes to disciplining my children. I grew up with a corporal punishment as a form of my father's discipline. Belt or guava stick were my constant "companions" when I erred. Though I resented this kind of upbringing but nevertheless I reasoned out that it made me of what I AM TODAY-a professional teacher and a teacher leader of a teacher organization.

Taday, I have a headache. I do not want to replicate the "stick" discipline I received but soemetimes I forgat, I boxed and kicked my eldest 12 year old child--the first born. He is the type of a child who is restless and extra energetic since baby. He would not follow instruction in one, two or three instructions until you're shouting at the top of your voice.

I regretted if I inflict pain onhim. But circumstances may compel me to use my hands and feet if he teased his two youngers sisters until they cried.

My child is intelligent. In fact he is more knowledgeable in computer than I. The only thing is that: he lacks study habit. If only he has self-control, maybe he would also be in the honor list.

Sometimes I also feel guilty when I punish him. I had already attended seminars to stop corporal punishment sponsored by a non-government organization with international tie up. These seminars have no effects at all especially if I'm angry.

Some of you may say that I lack patience. You are wrong with this because I'm the type of guy who would not shout unless the house is on fire. I usually tried to be patient but to no avail. I also give consolation to myself that my child would change. Yes he changed too; but so little and so temporary.

Raising a child is really a dificult task for us parents. If so happens that we think we are good and have done everything for the welfare of our children and yet they remain unchanging especially when they are already matured, then we are guiltless. If they continue with their bad atttitude, then all we can do is to accept our fate or failure in raising our children as good citizens of this country and the world.

Panawagan sa Tanan nga mga Ilonggo

Nakatan-aw ako sa You Tube kag nakita ko didto ang pila ka mga hiligaynon nga ambahanon. Makita gid nga kita nga mga Ilonggo may duna nga talento. Ang masubo lang ugaling kay kadaku na gid sang impluwensiya sang dumuluong nga kultura sa aton ambahanon, panghambal kag panggawi. Gani maayo gid nga ibandera naton ang aton kultura bisan diin man kita nga bahin sang Pilipinas kag kalibutan.

Nagadayaw gali kita sa aton mga kauturan sa Panay kay sila gid prime ang nagapanguna sa pagpalapnag sang kultura nga Ilonggo. Ambot lang ayhan sa mga taga-Bacolod kag taga-Negros basi pa lang makabuylog man kami sa inyo nga mga taga-Irong-irong.

Gani sa tanan nga mga Ilonggo bugtaw na kita. Ipalapnag naton ang kamanggaran sang aton kultura. Bisan diin kita nga bahin sang kalibutan dapat naton panumdumon pirme nga kita Ilonggo. Kita kaapuhan sang mga isganan kag maisog naton nga mga kaluluhan. Kita mga maayong lake. Maragtason nga mga kaliwatan.

Integrity a Vanishing Specie?

If you're honest today and you want to fight corruption and exploitation done by your government the probability is--you'll be imprisoned or killed.
The "in" today is cheating, stealing, lying etc. If you are a man with high integrity, you're an "abnormal" in today's society.
Those who exposed corruption in the government are jailed or maligned. Those who cheat are still called "honorable".
I'm particularly referring to the event in the Philippines today. Those who exposed the corruption of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's government were either killed or jailed. Countless lives had been snatched due to political killings.
GMA in my opinion is the worst president of the Philippines. She lacks integrity. She betrayed the ideals of People Power II which is to effect meaningful changes in the miseries of the Filipino people. Worst the people become poorer as before the people power.
She announced not to run as President last December 2003 but she ran and cheated in 2004 election as she was scandalized in the "Hello Garci".
Today she announces not to run in 2010 election. Majority of the people do not believe including myself. We cannot trust her for she lacks integrity.
This is not to say that we should all0w dishonesty to perpetuate. We can do our share by joining advocacy group that fight corruption. If necessary to sacrifice ourselves, let's do it. We should overturn dishonesty in our country and if possible in all corners of the globe.

Down with Con-Ass Congressmen

We the Filipino people have the moral obligation to throw to the dustbin of history those congressmen who voted for the so-called constituents assembly. These "lawmakers" try to fool us in the midnoon that their intention is not to prolong the stay of their queen PGMA. Can you believe that?

We the 88 million Filipinos excluding them (Congressmen and other cohorts of PGMa) would allow this kind of cheating to happen?

Vigourous campaigns should be done. Smear campaigns should be launched against these shameless tonggressmen who always think of Charter Changre to earn money from their Queen in Malacanang. These shameless vultures and crocodiles have no business in our country. They're the traitors of the Filipino people.

Next year 2010 is another election. These congressmen should not be voted to power. They should be treated as aliens and not genuine Filipinos. Shame on you Mr. Congressmen!

Politicians Without Conscience

Usually politicians are adhering to their selfish motives. They fool the people and the people allow it to happen. Majority of the people are poor that's the reason they are gullible. They could easily be swayed by sweet talker p0liticians.
When these politicians won in an election, usually they become forgetful of the promises they made with the people. They begin to amass wealth in order to recover the massive spending they threw during election.
Educating the people of the evil of politics is necessary. Vote buying should be vehemently opposed. Intimidation and oppression should be exposed.
Philippine politics today is so dirty that even the vulture would not dare to eat. Congressmen and Senators alike have the tendency to trick people into believing that they are doing their work which in reality they are not. Now they have the so called Constituents Assembly or Con-Ass which aims to revised our 1987 Constitution.
This is madness! All free-loving Filipinos should oppose and throw these congressmen who support it in the dustbin of history. These politicians are only loyal to their own pockets and are traitors to the people.

Charter Change

Our Philippine congressmen, majority of them, are greedy. They passed a resolution which would trasform Congress into a Constituents Assembly or ConAss which would oversee the so-called charter change or chacha. According to their argument much should be revised in our 1987 Constitution to attune it the changing times.

The people are afraid because of the hidden agenda which would change our presidential form of goverment to parlimentary form. If ConAs succeed then President Gloria Arroyo could run in 2010 national election as congressmwoman or paliamentarian thus if majority of her party won then she would become a prime minister and could perpetuate to power. She could go away from human rights and corruction charges.

Granting that we need changes in our 1987 Constitution, why not implement that next July or August 2010 after the national election? Why hurry that now?

Not all of us 88 million Filipinos are dumb to deduce that there is a selfish motive with this ConAs move.

So, all righteous and enlightened Filipinos here and abroad should register their strongest opposition to this deception that majority members of Congress are plotting to do. Only our concerted effort could stop these power hungry politicians who only think of the money they could get from the movers of ConAs. They do not think at all the poor and the destitute Filipinos.

These congressmen should not be voted anymore into position next election

Requiem for Air France Victims

I can only sympathized with the families of the passengers of Air France that was believed to have crashed in the Atlantic Ocean. Airline crash is usually fatal and left no survivors.
If I ride in an airplane I usually have a negative thoughts that the plane may crash. No one can tell. Though I keep on believing that airline safety is world standard and the pilot is expert in his field but the fear of air crash still persist. So, to dispel my fear I recite a prayer which I found so effective. My nerve became calm.
It is really necessary to put yourself in the hands of your Creator when you are traveling. How about if you are an atheist or agnostic? Putting to chance is your only option. You may control your mind that everything is okey and nothing worst would happen.
Usually a plane crash is so sudden that to say a prayer or goodbye is next to impossible. Both theist and atheist have no chance to say their last words.
So, before embarking into a journey which usually involves hazard why not say a prayer? You have nothing to lose but only to gain. We are surrounded with uncertainties and the only thing we can do is make certain that our souls will have somewhere to go if the unexpected like accident may happen.

Why Lodestar?

I'm just new in blogging. The itch of writing my thoughts forced me to find a way to write through this blog. Why Lodestar? It's because lodestar refers to the guiding star especially the North Star. In ancient times, it became the guide of the sailors and travelers. These travelers and sailors reached their destination because of the guiding star which was the lodestar. I hope that in today's world where information is numerous, that instead of guiding the people it confuses most of us; this blog may contribute to the enlightenment of the readers. People today are bombarded with information more than they could comprehend. The internet has positive and negative information to offer. The positive ones refer to ideas or knowledge that can help a surfer improve his situation. The negative information refers to ideas that may lead to the downfall of the readers. Some of these are porn sites that are so destructive both to old and young surfers. It is my hope that this blog may help explain to the inquisitive reader. I will post here per issue basis. Thanks for reading. See you in the next issue.