Five Brothers, One Mother by EXIE ABOLA -----Many Mansions

EXIE ABOLA   -----Many Mansions
THE AUTHOR HOLDS THE COPYRIGHT TO THIS STORY. 

Five Brothers, One Mother 
Taurus St., Cinco Hermanos, Marikina 

The Marikina house wasn’t finished yet, but with an ultimatum hanging over our heads, we had no choice but to move in. Just how unfinished the house became bruisingly clear on our first night. There was no electricity yet, and the windows didn’t have screens. There were mosquitoes. I couldn’t sleep the whole night. My sister slept on a cot out in the upstairs hall instead of her room downstairs, maybe because it was cooler here. Every so often she would toss and turn, waving bugs away with half-asleep hands. I sat beside her and fanned her. She had work the next day. In the morning someone went out and bought boxes and boxes of Katol.

Work on the house would continue, but it remains unfinished eight years later. All the interiors, after a few years of intermittent work, are done. But the exterior remains unpainted, still the same cement gray as the day we moved in, though grimier now. Marikina’s factories aren’t too far away. The garden remains ungreened; earth, stones, weeds, and leaves are where I suppose bermuda grass will be put down someday.

In my eyes the Marikina house is an attempt to return to the successful Greenmeadows plan, but with more modest means at one’s disposal. The living room of the Cinco Hermanos house features much of the same furniture, a similar look. The sofa and wing chairs seem at ease again. My mother’s growing collection of angel figurines is the new twist. But there is less space in this room, as in most of the rooms in the Marikina house, since it is a smaller house on a smaller lot.

The kitchen is carefully planned, as was the earlier one, the cooking and eating areas clearly demarcated. There is again a formal dining room, and the new one seems to have been designed for the long narra dining table, a lovely Designs Ligna item, perhaps the one most beautiful piece of furniture we have, bought on the cheap from relatives leaving the country in a hurry when we still were on Heron Street.

Upstairs are the boys’ rooms. The beds were the ones custom-made for the Greenmeadows house, the same ones we’d slept in since then. It was a loft or an attic, my mother insisted, which is why the stairs had such narrow steps. But this "attic," curiously enough, had two big bedrooms as well as a wide hall. To those of us who actually inhabited these rooms, the curiosity was an annoyance. There was no bathroom, so if you had to go to the toilet in the middle of the night you had to go down the stairs and come back up again, by which time you were at least half awake.

Perhaps there was no difference between the two houses more basic, and more dramatic, than their location. This part of Marikina is not quite the same as the swanky part of Ortigas we inhabited for five years. Cinco Hermanos is split by a road, cutting it into two phases, that leads on one end to Major Santos Dizon, which connects Marcos Highway with Katipunan Avenue. The other end of the road stops at Olandes, a dense community of pedicabs, narrow streets, and poverty. The noise – from the tricycles, the chattering on the street, the trucks hurtling down Marcos Highway in the distance, the blaring of the loudspeaker at our street corner put there by eager-beaver baranggay officials – dispels any illusions one might harbor of having returned to a state of bliss.

                                                                              * * *

The first floor is designed to create a clear separation between the family and guest areas, so one can entertain outsiders without disturbing the house’s inhabitants. This principle owes probably more to my mother than my father. After all, she is the entertainer, the host. The living room, patio, and dining room – the places where guests might be entertained – must be clean and neat, things in their places. She keeps the kitchen achingly well-organized, which is why there are lots of cabinets and a deep cupboard.

And she put them to good use. According to Titus, the fourth, who accompanied her recently while grocery shopping, she buys groceries as if all of us still lived there. I don’t recall the cupboard ever being empty.

That became her way of mothering. As we grew older and drifted farther and farther away from her grasp, defining our own lives outside of the house, my mother must have felt that she was losing us to friends, jobs, loves – forces beyond her control. Perhaps she figured that food, and a clean place to stay, was what we still needed from her. So over the last ten years or so she has become more involved in her cooking, more attentive, better. She also became fussier about meals, asking if you’ll be there for lunch or dinner so she knows how much to cook, reprimanding the one who didn’t call to say he wasn’t coming home for dinner after all, or the person who brought guests home without warning. There was more to it than just knowing how much rice to cook.

I know it gives her joy to have relatives over during the regular Christmas and New Year get-togethers, which have been held in our house for the past half-decade or so. She brings out the special dishes, cups and saucers, platters, glasses, bowls, coasters and doilies she herself crocheted. Perhaps I understand better why her Christmas decor has grown more lavish each year.

After seeing off the last guests after the most recent gathering, she sighed, "Ang kalat ng bahay!" I didn’t see her face, but I could hear her smiling. My father replied, "Masaya ka naman." It wasn’t a secret.

Sundays we come over to the house, everyone who has moved out, and have lunch together. Sunday lunches were always differently esteemed in our household. Now that some of us have left, I sense that my siblings try harder than they ever did to be there. I know I do. I try not to deprive my mother the chance to do what she does best.





This essay won First prize for the Essay in the 2000 Palanca Awards

INFORMATION LITERACY

•the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, effectively use and communicate information in its various formats.

Group Assignment/project
Createan audio - visual presentation (Text, Pictures, and Audio) about what information literacy is and why information literacy skills are important.
Rubric for AVp will be used.

The Rural Maid By Fernando M. Maramag

The Rural Maid

By Fernando M. Maramag

1.

Thy glance, sweet maid, when first we met,

Had left a heart that aches for thee,

I feel the pain of fond regret—

Thy heart, perchance, is not for me.

2.

We parted: though we met no more,

My dreams are dreams of thee, fair maid;

I think of thee, my thoughts implore

The hours my lips on thine are laid.

3.

Forgive these words that love impart,

And pleading, bare the poet’s breast;

And if a rose with thorns thou art,

Yet on my breast that rose may rest.

4.

I know not what to name thy charms,

Thou art half human, half divine;

And if I could hold thee in my arms,

I know both heaven and earth were mine.

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY:

  Write a close analysis/critical interpretation or brief essay (three-stanza)- (PERSONAL THEME & MESSAGE) about the poem of Fernando Maramag, write it on your notebook and post it on your FB account tagged to my FB account or present thru a video presentation.”

3 Main Issues of Intercultural Communication

3 Main Issues of Intercultural Communication

1.Knowledge – awareness of the customs and values of a certain culture.

2.Skills – respectful manner, using grammatical competence in the foreign language, use nonverbal cues and other strategies unique to the foreign culture.

3.Attitudes – respectful attitude towards any culture, we can interact with any individual without difficulty.

How to Conduct Intercultural Communication Properly

1.Be conscious of your own culture.

2.Be open-minded towards other cultures.

3.Immerse yourself in the practices of other cultures.

SENSITIVITY TO

1.CULTURE

2.GENDER

3.AGE

4.SOCIAL STATUS

5.RELIGION

“Intercultural Communication" is used to refer to the wide range of communication issues that inevitably arise within an organization composed of individuals from a variety of religious, social, ethnic, and educational backgrounds.

Significance:

Effective intercultural communication helps to eliminate communication obstacles like language and nonverbal cues barriers.

How to Avoid Communication Barriers (Butterfield Tips ‘2009)

1.Use appropriate language.

2.Make the delivery of your message clear.

3.Send consistent signals. Nonverbal cues should be synchronized with your verbal delivery.

4.Reduce Physical Distractions. Stay away from background noise, interruptions and uncomfortable temperatures.

5. Become an engaged listener

6. Keep stress in check

7. Assert yourself

AGREEMENT: Notebook Task. Explain:

uHow can being sensitive and aware to cultural differences help avoid intercultural communication breakdown?

BARRIERS Part 2

***Kinds of Nonverbal Communication

1. LANGUAGE OF KINESICS – body motion

a. Oculesics – eye contact

b. Facial Expression

c. Gestures (head, hands, arms, shoulders)

d. Stop. Used to admonish or warn someone.

e. Thumbs up – acceptance, approval or encouragement

f. Thumbs down – bad or not accepted

g.You! Pointing at people is rude

h.Looking at wrist – time to end communication

i.Shrug – lack of knowledge or concern

j.Posture – attitude and body carriage.

k.Arms crossing – self-confidence, defensiveness, arrogance

l.Shoulders forward – tired, bored, shyness or low of self-esteem

m.Standing erect – relaxed, full of energy, approachable, friendly and confident

2. LANGUAGE OF HAPTICS (touch)

Examples:

a.Handshakes

b.Holding hands

c.High five

d.Pat on the shoulder

3. LANGUAGE OF PROXEMICS

(nearness, space/distance, arrangement)

a.Physical arrangement – layout of the room, seating plan, chalkboards, similar aids, physical barriers

b.Distance – extent or degree of separation between you and your audience

Four Distance Zones

1. Intimate Distance

§From actual touching to 18 inches

§Applies to closest relationship (husband & wife)

2. Personal Distance

§From 18 inches to 4 feet

§Teacher to student

3. Social Distance

§From 4 to 12 feet

§Applies at work or social gatherings

4. Public Distance

§Outward from 12 feet

§Lecturer and audience

4. LANGUAGE OF CHRONEMICS (time)

a.Duration – length of time devoted to an activity or learning task in the classroom

b.Activity – learning task facilitated in the classroom

c.Punctuality – the exact time agreed upon

5. LANGUAGE OF COLORS (UNIVERSAL MEANING)

a.Red – anger, hostility

b.Pink – love, beauty

c.Yellow – wisdom, joy, happiness

d.Violet – royalty

e.Black – death

f.Blue – peace, calm, sadness, truth

g.Gold – wealth

g.Green - life

h.White – purity, cleanliness

Notebook Task.

uExplain: For you, what is an Effective Communication?

BARRIERS IN AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Part 1

   Noise is the technical term used to refer to all the possible barriers to effective communication. Noise can be physical, psychological, physiological, systematic, attitudinal or semantic.

1.LANGUAGE BARRIERS – different languages, listener’s limited vocabulary, different interpretation, clarity

2.PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS – stress, depression, suspicion, Paranoia, anger, emotional conflicts, biases

3.PHYSIOLOGICAL BARRIERS - distracting sound, reduced hearing, stomach ache, eye problems

4.PHYSICAL BARRIERS – geographic distance, visual conflict

5.SYSTEMATIC BARRIERS – structure, work, organization inappropriate info. system and communication channels

6.ATTITUDINAL BARRIERS – personality conflicts, poor management, resistance to change or lack of motivation

Verbal Communication - includes not only oral discussions, but also written messages and even mediated communication.

Verbal Communication Skills

1.Volume – loudness of voice.

2.Enunciation & pronunciation – proper pronunciation of the sounds on a word or the blending of sounds to produce a word.

3.Pitch – the frequency of the voice.

4.Stress – emphasis on a certain word.

5.Phrasing – how one group the words in a sentence.

6.Speed – how quickly you speak.

Nonverbal Communication - A process of generating meaning using behavior other than words. Hermosa

***Kinds of

Nonverbal Communication*

1. LANGUAGE OF KINESICS

a.Oculesics – eye contact

b.Facial Expression

c.Gestures (hands, arms, shoulders, head)

d.Stop. Used to admonish or warn someone.

e.Thumbs up – acceptance, approval or encouragement

f.Thumbs down – bad or not accepted

g.You! Pointing at people is rude.

h.Looking at wrist – time to end communication

i.Shrug – lack of knowledge or concern

j.Posture – attitude and body carriage.

k.Arms crossing – self-confidence, defensiveness, arrogance

l.Shoulders forward – tired, bored, shyness or low of self-esteem

m. Standing erect – relaxed, full of energy, approachable, friendly and confident

2. LANGUAGE OF HAPTICS

Examples:

a. Handshakes

b. Holding hands

c. High five

d. Pat on the shoulder

3. LANGUAGE OF PROXEMICS-nearness

a. Physical arrangement

b. Distance

3. LANGUAGE OF PROXEMICS (continuation)

Four Distance Zones

1. Intimate Distance

§From actual touching to 18 inches

§Applies to the closest relationship (husband & wife)

2. Personal Distance

§From 18 inches to 4 feet

§Teacher to student

3. Social Distance

§From 4 to 12 feet

§Applies at work or social gatherings

4. Public Distance

§Outward from 12 feet

Lecturer and the audience

4. LANGUAGE OF CHRONEMICS

Duration – length of time devoted to an activity or learning task in the classroom

a.Activity – learning task facilitated in the classroom

b.Punctuality – the exact time agreed upon

5. LANGUAGE OF COLORS

a.Red – anger, hostility

b.Pink – love, beauty

c.Yellow – wisdom, joy, happiness

d.Violet – royalty

e.Black – death

f.Blue – peace, calm, sadness, truth

g.Gold – wealth

h.White – purity, cleanliness

i.Green - life

Truly A Hero (Jose Rizal) - An Assignment

Arvie Manzano with Nel Versoza.

2 hrs · 

Truly A Hero (Jose Rizal)
Originally tuned and composed by Arvie Manzano and assisted by Ma. Maria Elizabeth Manzano

I.
An extraordinary human
Who showed greatness to his fellow Filipinos
Saving his beloved nation
From colonization

Pre cho:
His whole life is an instrument
Making his writings to us we're all embedded
He's number one in eminence

Cho:
His sacrifices will never be forgotten
Nor will never be wasted
With nothing but his paper and pen
The Philippines was truly shielded

II.
A man of love, lived with compassion
Aimed for freedom, taught us to fight
With his legacies, we will abide
Jose Rizal, truly a hero
(BACK TO CHO)

Bridge:
Lessons in our hearts we'll keep
No matter who we are and where we'll go
Lucky we are to have been loved so well and offer his life at times of rebel
(Back to Cho)

Tags:
The Philippines was truly shielded
The Philippines was truly shielded
The Philippines now free because of you... Jose Rizal

With the special participation Joan Lordios Natura, Notselrahc Tintero, Junjun Lamarca, Jhay-Cee Canceran

A Change made by Rizal - An assignment

Joanna Joyce Ramirez with Diosdado Manzano Dacusinand 4 others.

46 mins · 

A Change made by Rizal

Colonization, desperation and oppression
You came by and wipe those tears and give them solution
Nationalization arise on you
We,the Filipinos,are gladly to have you
Only dreams before came into reality

Bridge:
Jose... Protasio Rizal
Mercado y Alonzo Realonda
Our national herooo

Chorus
You made the children free from fear
You made us learn to seek for the truth
You made our nation at peace
You are the only one!
Because of you,our life has changed
Thank you for the love you made
Too much love are all for you
You are the only one!

Sacrificing is indeed a great honor
That for you,your life,made a change
Your beloved name is always recognized by your co-men
It is always in our hearts forever and ever

Bridge:
Jose...Protasio Rizal
Mercado y Alonzo Realonda
Our national herooo

Chorus
You made the children free from fear
You made us learn to seek for the truth
You made our nation at peace
You are the only one
Because of you our life has changed
Thank you for the love you made
Too much love is all for you
You are the only one

Doctor Rizal, Oh beloved Rizal - An Assignment

Giselle Soriano with Nel Versoza.

1 hr · 

😍😍😉🖒🖒

( Doctor Rizal, Oh beloved Rizal )

I;
When all else failed and war is at stake
You sought for peace for thy
motherland’s sake.
You were alone in the coldness of winter
But your pen and paper enflamed the hearts of your country men

Chorus;
Doctor Rizal, oh beloved Rizal
Your words alone had brought down an empire.
Your silence and wit had echoed a cry
A cry that sent legions into battle to die.

Oh Rizal, our hero, Rizal
The bullet did brought an end to your life
But it failed to quench the brewing strife
Instead it set free, the mission of your life.

II;
To die in battle, not with sword or gun fire
You inspired millions to break their silence and cry.
To cry for freedom, for the right of every man
To fight against the tyranny of the foreign crown

REPEAT CHORUS.

III;
Centuries had passed, wars have been won
Yet still your words brings hope to every man.
Your words are immortal as you spirit is
Your dreams will arise, your people are free.

REPEAT CHORUS...

Cecille Hyacinth Yra
Giselle Soriano
Janette Padua
Gesha Bell Obina
Aaron Bocaya