Driver And Commuter Blues: Beep, Beep By Juan Dela Cruz

Where I come from, if you don't have car or motorcycle/scooter, then you commute to where you're going. These days, commuting is getting more and more difficult due to the rising price of gas and the growing traffic problem in my area. On top of that, there are some drivers and commuters who have bad habits that make traffic worse, leaving everyone in a bad mood. That's definitely not the way to start the day. When I think about all the hassles caused by both commuters and PUVs, the song "Beep, Beep" by Juan Dela Cruz comes to mind.

Thing I hate about PUV drivers is that they stop in the middle of road to pick up passengers even if there are none, causing a swell in traffic. This then leads to a lot of irritated drivers and commuters who trying to get to their destination. I know they just making a living but they should know when they're going too far. Some commuters can also be pain in the butt when they board the jeeps and take up too much space and then spread their legs like they want some. This makes the PUV stay longer cause it wants more passengers and passengers can't ride cause some selfish jerks want to sit comfortably.

Sometimes I wish these punks would realize that they're making thing miserable for everybody. The drivers' should when there's nobody coming aboard and move on. This is the reason why I dread to areas on my way to and from work cause that's where they stay the longest. As for commuters, they try to accommodate others and vice versa. I mean public transport and if you want to ride comfortably and go by sports car. In the end, it's a lose-lose situation for everybody and that's a bummer.

When Symbols Of Your Culture Are Starting To Disappear: Great Pinoy Antiquities By Juan Dela Cruz

I remember when I was college, my of my English Elective class made me read the book "State Of War". I remember one chapter where one of the characters who was an old man was looking at the pier. As he gazed, it struck him that something was missing and if I remember right, it was the boats that fished in the area. The reason why there were no boats was the livelihood was dying out and it was part of that town's culture and heritage since the town began. When I realize that several iconic structures which represents one's culture starts to disappear one by one, the song "Great Pinoy Antiquities" by Juan Dela Cruz comes to mind.

It's incredible these days how much has change over a period of time. Sadly, some of those things that vanish are part of our identity. The old houses, certain customs and traditions and even institutions that identified us as a people are now fading with time. The fact that we don't notice it should alarm us for these things are part of who we are. If that is lost, then it won''t be long until everything will soon follow after.

You know I'm glad that there movements that help preserve our cultural heritage. Even if it means going pop, it's better than not doing anything at all. I guess these new young bloods are doing some good when it comes to something important as this. The effort we put in preserving our cultural heritage reflects how much we value our identity as a people. Never take that for granted cause it's part of who we are.

Figure It Out In Due Time: Panahon By Juan Dela Cruz

It sure stinks when things are just starting to work out well only to have something happen and then things start falling apart. As I have blogged in recent entries, right now we're still adjusting to a lot of things after my father passed away and as we are doing what we can to cope, I can't help but feel disappointed because a lot of things that I wanted to be and do in life never came about. I prayed for the safety of my family and to have this as the answer sure sent me crashing. Despite all the difficulty that we're having, kind people do reassure me that things will get better in due time. Hearing that reminds me of the song "Panahon" by Juan Dela Cruz.

I use to listen to this song during those down periods in my life when I was down in the dumps. When listening to it, I also remember Henry Bergson's "Shipwreck Theory" that these things will pass and you just need to be strong. Right now with all the bad things happening, I try my best to hold my ground against and keep my head on my shoulders as I face the weight of my responsibilities. It doesn't help when the could'ves and would'ves from the past enter my thoughts which tempts me to acknowledge my regrets. All I know is that I didn't live this long to give up and so I soldier on.

What's in the past is past and so I must concentrate on the present to ensure that future will be good. I take comfort when I remember my brother telling me that I am my father's son because it gives me strength to carry on. Apart from that, I am putting to play things I can do to help as well as using any and all possible resources that are within my reach. I just hope things get better soon. In the meantime, I'll figure out what else I need to do to achieve it.

Those Who Give Teachers A Headache/Disappointing Juan Dela Cruz Song: Titser's Enemy No. 1 By Juan Dela Cruz

With school opening within one week's time, you can bet that students are probably going to be restless on the first day. For teachers, the first day is going to be make or break time for them. As for the "usual suspects", don't be surprised if they start to pull something out of nowhere which will probably bring the school down. When that happens, you can bet that it's going to be a long year. When I remember those students who make trouble in school, the song "Titser's Enemy No. 1" by Juan Dela Cruz Band comes to mind.

This song was a far cry from the great psychedelic rock songs that the band use to belt out in the 70's which is why I was disappointed when I heard it. Anyway, when I was a teacher I had my fair share of headaches from student trouble makers back then. I had fish sauce all over my pants and there were times when many of them literally pushed me to the boiling point. To top it off, there was the mass cheating that went on, during quizzes. I had to learn quickly to deal with the situation or loose control of the class and the trust of my peers and superiors which was like going through the eye of the needle.

It's been a while since I taught after that. For those who are about to venture forth on the first day, make sure to ask around who the trouble makers are and find out what sections they were enrolled in. Assert yourself on the first day and lay down the rules of what you expect from your students during class. Most importantly, defang those troublemakers to show the class who's boss because once you take out the top dog, the rest of the pack will obey. Remember keep your eyes sharp and your guard up to ensure not only a smooth first day but a manageable school year as well.