FETJ-Shizuoka's 1st Advanced Teacher Training: A Success!

FETJ-Shizuoka Chapter conducted its 1st Advanced Teacher Training (ATT) last February 28 and March 1, 2015.  The two-day training aims to enhance knowledge and build a harmonious relationship among the Filipino English Teachers in Japan.

The event started with the registration of the  participants from different parts of Shizuoka at about 9:00 AM. Then at 9:45 Mrs. Joji Ueda, the FETJ President of Shizouka, formally opened the seminar. This was followed by the opening prayer led by Ms. Lorina Baltazar and the introduction of the speaker by the Shizuoka President herself.  The speaker is no other than the vibrant and the epitome of a passionate educator, the FETJ National President, Mrs. Sampaguita Salazar.

The discussant, Mrs. Salazar, talked about the different challenges the teachers face in the teaching and learning process.  She also emphasized the use of English  the ESA ( Engage, Study and Activate) Way in conducting classes. Likewise,  she talked about Eikawa, Pronunciation and Phonology.  Furthermore, she stressed on the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting motivation.

In the Training, the participants eagerly listened to Mrs. Salazar as she discusses topics and gives instructions about the different activities.  They were so motivated that they all engaged themselves in the different games and activities that she prepared for them.

In the course of her discussion, the speaker mentioned that learning to be effective should be interactive.  In addition, she explained the role of a teacher. To quote her, she said that, " To be effective teacher you should have an overflowing knowledge.  You have to learn more to have enough."  Understanding the nature of the learner is also one of the best topics she discussed. She said that teachers should always focus on the learner.

After the discussion of concepts, the participants were asked to join the games and dialogues. Towards the last session,  they were grouped for the lesson presentation.  They were asked to prepare a lesson about the topic assigned to them using the different teaching  styles and techniques she has introduced to them.

In the preparation, everyone in the group shared her ideas about the topic during the brainstorming.  In the presentation, each one performed with zest and passion. The exciting part was, the group that gets the most number of smiley wins.  So everyone really tried her best to give justice to the role assigned to her.  Indeed, one of the highlights of the ATT is the presentation part of the participants.

After the presentation, the winners were announced.  This was followed by the awarding of token of appreciation to the speaker, the awarding of certificates to the participants and the awarding of prizes to the winners of group presentation. There are smiles on the faces of the FETJians as they receive their certificates and prizes.

The Seminar ended with the group picture taking.  Truly, the 1st Advanced Teacher Training in FETJ- Shizuoka was a success.

MY MATSURI EXPERIENCE....

Hmmm.... one of the things I love to do when I travel is to observe the culture of people.  Today will be a milestone in my blogging career because I will try writing  and dedicate a post about "MATSURI" or FESTIVAL.

In my readings, I have come to know that Matsuri is one of the traditional festivals among Japanese people. The term matsuri means festival or holiday.  The celebration is often sponsored by a shrine or temple and is celebrated within an area or locale during summer or early autumn and is usually related to rice harvest. For some, the observance of matsuri has a religious meaning....

I was able to watch this traditional festival among the Japanese which expresses how they value their old customs. I have observed that in the celebration, floats are pulled though the streets with Japanese drums where some participants play these drums and bells together at the same time. The festival shows the importance of a local festival in order to connect local people and how much effort each Japanese put importance on the festival. 

 OMIKOSHI....It is a portable Shinto shrine for the gods and spirits.
It is like a house or building. It is usually very heavy
and requires many folks to carry it on their shoulders. 

 Omikoshi is also called a Float....pulled by young and old alike...

the festival floats are pulled through the streets....

Surprisingly, even the kids pull the rope....

 Ladies wearing their kimono called yukata

 I posed with these teens who are wearing their yukata for a picture

 with my sis in law, Arlene, with the omikoshi (honorific term) or mikoshi as our background...

 

 It's time to pose with hubby, with our "I LOVE JAPAN" shirts....

 

 another pic with these ladies....natuwa sila....

 These are Filipinas who are on the street ....they look like Japanese on their yukata...

 

 I spotted this cute little girl in her yukata buying a candy....nice back....

 Teens seated on the street just to watch as they enjoy eating...

 Matsuri booths are on the side of the streets.  People sell souvenirs and delicious foods

 This is OKONOMI....a  savory Japanese pancake which has a shape of a fish...

 Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour based 

batter (a semi-liquid mixture of one or more flours ) and cooked in a special takoyaki pan. Takoyaki are small dumplings made from batter with a small amount of octopus...

I love the smell of this fish called SALT GRILLED AYU....

It is a fresh water fish with an appetizing smell....YUMMY!

 A game called, goldfish scooping....

 This is another game for the kids....they have to scoop as many as they can to win a prize....

I love this day....the last day of Matsuri.....just having  my last pic for the Matsuri...

 

Here is a video that has captured the a part of the festival.... 

In my stay in Japan, I have come to know that the Japanese are workaholics, but with my Matsuri experience, I have learned that they also find time to celebrate festivals with so much fun and pleasure. With the festival, the hearts and minds of the people were integrated because they have to work hand in hand with each other for its success.  With that, it results to a spiritual sense of unity.  

June 14 and 15  are definitely among memorable days of 2014 because of the Matsuri which has made me understand better the Japanese people's way of life....Matsuri was an experience of Japanese culture I will always treasure. 

Conquering the TUNA Capital of the Philippines, GENSAN...

Finally, Hmmm...I was able to explore the much talked about top producer of tuna in our coutry, the TUNA Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City also dubbed as, "GENSAN".

I was given the chance to see the fishport of Gen San...

getting around the city with Bro Roy... a pose with the big yellow fin tuna...
thanks po  Bro for showing me around the place at sa pagsundo....

exploring Sarangani Highlands...

with Sis Irene, my friend, my roommate, my photographer, my etc...etc... 

I can smell Durian now....hmmm...need to follow where the smell is...
It's here at the Durian Garden....

aha...so the fruits are here...finally...I used to just imagine how it is to be under the durian tree...it has now become a reality...

Awesome waterfall...I was able to explore 2 of the 7 waterfalls...

communing with nature makes me feel relaxed and high spirited...nice place...

just trying to look like a Tiboli...hmmmm...I am with my friends Ms. Rossine and Ms. Irene here...

Lake Sebu is indeed a place where life blends with nature...!

Welcome to the place called....Lake Sebu...

they are my friends and former classmates...thank you ladies for a meaningful day...Ladies, I enjoyed your company and the places we visited.

Of course, the very reason why I have to go to the South is to be with the Golden Gurls

One of the reasons why I went home is to attend the reunion...

I was elated with the warm welcome accorded to me by my former classmates and friends and with my role in the reunion. Need to make on the spot petitions for our mass and do the opening prayer during the program. To the organizers, thank you so much for giving me a special role. I appreciate it very much for it has made my travel for the reunion a meaningful and memorable one.

After having visited some of the places in Gensan, I feel blessed....Thanks again to all my friends and relatives who have made my travel an awesome experience.

Exploring SINGAPORE with Friends....

Clarke Quay...

inside the train with friends....

at the Merlion Park...

Singapore Expo....

night adventure at Clarke Quay...a historical riverside quay....

at the Merlion Park with my friends...this is one of the landmarks in Singapore

just passing by the Fullerton Hotel ....

Songs of the Sea in Sentosa....

with friends inside the train....

Esplanade, Singapore at our back....the Esplanade is a waterfront location just 

north of the mouth of the Singapore River in downtown Singapore.

with Sis Tey in our room....

the Esplanade....the performing arts venue...

@ Siloso Beach 

VILLA ESCUDERO....

It has been my desire to see the place and finally hubby and I were able to visit Villa Escudero Resort in San Pablo City. The villa is surrounded by coconut trees and mountains.  It has a cool surroundings and breathtaking views.

 It was one of a kind experience because you get to have buffet by the roaring waterfalls.  I love the ambiance in the waterfall restaurant especially their food....so yummy....The experience of eating at bamboo tables with the clear water spring running through your feet was really a great feeling...

Dinner Time....

the Labasin River....

at the Alfresco dining area....this is where dinner and breakfast are served....

the waterfall restaurant....a unique site with a man-made waterfall

Carabao Cart ride with hubby....

Bamboo Rafting around the Labasin River....

I love its placid environment....so peaceful....

Carabao Cart ride with hubby around the place....