"Be Careful With My Heart"

Synopsis [edit]

A simple girl, Maya dela Rosa (Jodi Sta. Maria), her older sister, Cristina Rose, and Cristina's son are introduced as tour guides in their hometown of San Nicolas, with their mother runs a souvenir shop. Money is often less than the living expenses and household repairs. Cristina Rose hopes to work at sea, while Maya dreams of becoming a flight stewardess. One rainy night, after an attempt to fix the roof, Cristina breaks her leg and is thus unable to complete her schooling to become a seafarer. With a large medical bill, Maya deems it necessary to work overseas for two years to help her family. Upon arrival in Manila, Maya discovers that the woman who had offered work overseas had swindled her. Maya is stuck in Manila with no money or place to go. Relentless, Maya allows no one to stop her, not even the handsome, wealthy widower Richard Lim (Richard Yap), who reminds her of her shortcomings.

Ironically, Richard is her last hope because of his influence in the airline industry. He offers Maya to become his youngest daughter's (who has selective mutism) temporary nanny in exchange for his help. Maya agrees to become a maid and nanny in his household. Upon entering the Lim home, she finds herself involved in the private lives of Richard and his three problematic children: Luke (Jerome Ponce) Nikki (Janella Salvador) Abby (Mutya Orquia)

Maya realizes that since Richard's wife died, the family's joy died with her; hence their problems. Maya is tasked to bridge Richard to his children and eventually she succeeds in rebuilding the family. However, in repairing their broken hearts, Maya encounters bigger challenges that test her determination and, more importantly, her heart. While fulfilling her obligation, she falls in love with the Lim children and, admittedly, with Richard.

It is a simple, innocent and wholesome love story between Richard (her ex-boss) and Maya, a poor girl from the village. A spirited, kind-hearted, warm and dignified young lady. Beautiful, too. She always has a positive outlook towards life. She fumbles she cries, she gives her heart to Richard's children and finally opens it to accept the love of her ex-employer. 

I have never watched a Filipino drama series. I started to watch it when Ikram was home as that was the time when I came home with his lunch. So, we watched the programme (3:00 - 400pm every Mondays to Thursdays on TV3) and got hooked with the drama series. Ha..ha..ha.. :-D)).  Whenever I came home late due to extra classes in school, meetings or co-curriculum activities, I would catch up the missed episodes on tonton.com. I never thought I would be so caught up in their problems and it always made me smile and felt good with the story. 

The series is in Filipino and English languages but it has sub-titles. The actors are attractive, the child is adorable, Maya is lovely and Richard is handsome. It is a relaxing drama series and there is no hatred or fighting jealousy as in Malay dramas. Who knows how many episodes it consists of. Nevertheless, once Ikram is back in his campus, my interest will slowly wane and I will forget to watch it as I do not usually take lunch on my own. The TV is hardly on during the day time. So, I hope you have enjoyed the video of the soundtrack of the drama. It is beautiful with meaningful lyrics. Catch the drama if you wish .... at least it will make you smile. Or is it only the sentimental, undying romantic me? :-))

Promkireepittayakhom School Visit

Before the Chinese New Year break, our school was "chosen" to receive visitors from a school from Thailand. Promkireepittayakhom School of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province was graciously welcomed with a traditional welcome by our school. Out of the schools in Alor Setar, our school was picked to welcome them. Guess who was chosen to do the documentation of this auspicious event? Ha..ha.. the chosen one as usual - ME !!!!!!  :-)D  Fine ..."whatever" !!!!

So, on 28th January 2014, an entourage of 34 teachers and students from the Promkireepittayakhom School reached the gates of our school. A group of kompang players welcomed them as was our culture to welcome most important visitors. They were led by the Director of the school, Dr. Surapong Ueasiripornrit. We had representatives from the State and District Education offices, the Principal, teachers and students to receive and welcome them. I observed, followed and asked facts so that I got the documentation and especially names correct. It was called an Exchange of Cultural and Academic and the signing of MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation) visit. Hmm .... cooperation visit, cooperating teacher ... isshhh... I must be good at "cooperation" !!! Ha..ha... :-0))

Anyway, the report was finally submitted and I enjoyed their visit especially when they visited our English booth and I exchanged thoughts and ideas on teaching English at our respective schools. It was quite difficult at first to understand his language as he spoke with a thick Thai accent but once you got used to it, the discussion was enlightening. Thus, I suggested to my Head Panel to present him a copy of our latest OPS programme for the Forms 1 and 2 English. He was very pleased and happy with them. Well, at least we had achieved the exchange of academic part of the visit. :-))

As usual, besides the academic booths and signing of the memorandum, we had cultural presentations from both countries. At the end of the day, I asked the PK why our school was chosen. He told me that it was due to our Principal's experience of visiting 2 schools in Thailand when he was with Langkawi PPD. Well, that answered the question as to why SMKTAA was "the chosen one".... ;-}

The guests being welcomed by our staff and students

Our students with the bunga manggar and sirih junjung welcoming the Thai visitors into the school

Our guard of honour is made up of the army cadets, police cadets and St. John ambulance members

Dr. Surapong, the DIrector of the school, inspecting the guard of honour

The programme book to commemorate the visit

The signing of the MOU - our school represents Kedah Education Office

Sealing the memorandum with a warm handshake between our Principal and the Director of the Thai school

Some of the Thai students enjoying the show

The silat performance 

A student of Siamese origin was one of the guides as she can speak Siamese

A big round of applause - our student performed 2 songs in Siamese much to the delight of the guests

The must-have group photo of the performers

A special performance by the Promkireepittakhorn School

We served them traditional Kedahan cuisine of rice and ulam or fresh vegetables/herbs. It was a once in a lifetime visit of a foreign school to our humble school. We were honoured and it was interesting to observe their students mingled with ours albeit with a language barrier. Gestures and smiles helped to break that barrier. Thus, we bade them farewell and I was sure there would be a return visit from either the state or the school. .... ;-)) 

Our English Panel team entertaining questions fielded by the visitors

Goodie bag from us - I have no idea what is inside

Enjoying a simple lunch at our meeting room

This Form 1 boy was a favourite even with the DIrector as he could speak Siamese. His mother is a Siamese.

A motherly hug of farewell from one of the staff  -  whether he liked it or not ... :-))

Cross Country 2014

Last Saturday 15th February was a replacement school day. So, the school decided to have its cross country day. Being in the middle of the padi fields, it was thus logical to have the cross country around the paddy fields. Of course, all the teachers would have their tasks given out and guess what my task was for the first time in as many years as I was in this school? The head of check-points. What was this???? Couldn't they give it to a male teacher who could go around on a motorbike as the paths between the paddy fields was only fit for one car. An incoming car would have to take careful manipulation so that it would not fall into either the canal on one side and the paddy fields on the other!!! The chosen one again ????? Oh pleeaassseeee .... give me a break !!!!

Oh well, what was the point of arguing? As if there were no younger teachers or male ones for that matter. Sometimes the logic or justification defied me. Thus, I took a deep breath and muttered my favourite word of the moment - "whatever" !!!   I would just make the best of the situation.

Thus, on that day, after I had given the instructions and gathered those under me for the 3 check points, I walked with the students from the first to the third check point - making sure the students were alright and urging them on when they stopped or got distracted along the way. The paths were dry and dusty due to the hot weather. The paddy fields were bare and dry as they had been harvested, the wind was dusty and it was scorching hot. A good day I would say as I did my 3.5 km walk and had fun chatting with some students while enjoying the view. Once I reached check point 3 and after the last student had gone through it, I took a lift from one of the teachers back to school. :-0))  Another cross country event done. I am just waiting for the year when I finally leave all this strenuous activities  ..... let the young ones take over.

The sun in all its scorching, blazing glory - 8:09am

Part of the path of the cross country track - the canal on the left and paddy fields on the right

Miles and miles of paddy fields as far as the eyes can see - some paddy fields are still ripening while others have been harvested

The view of the front gate from across the road

Enthusiasm or just showing off ???  :-D))

Off they go - the boys were let off first followed by the girls

Trailing after the girls slowly to check on the check points. The lone "kekabu" tree and the new housing project

Slowing down to a leisurely stroll - it was a very hot, sweaty walk

Check point 2 - one student down with the St. John members on duty

Having fun in the middle of the padi field

All of us, whether if you are students in a public school or boarding school, will have gone through this event. Most of us did not win any positions to get the main prize - a hamper of goodies - but just to score marks for the sport houses. I walked and trudged after these youngsters. Of course, I was among the last to reach check point 3 but at least I had a healthy day ..... :-P

ALMOND ROCHER

I found this recipe in one of friend of a friend's facebook. It seemed easy as it did not involve any baking or steaming. It needed few ingredients. So, I thought since Ikram was home and he loved anything sweet and chocolaty, why not gave it a try?

Well, we planned. We went to buy the ingredients at the cake ingedients speciality store - the only one in Alor Setar anyway - almost a fortnight ago. I just could not find the time to sit with him and make it. There was always something on and I was feeling quite under the weather due to the very hot and dusty weather. During the Chinese New Year break, even though we did not go anywhere, the boys and I were busy with the shop. Besides, it was not fun making cookies alone.

Thus, since today was a free day - Ikram and I decided to make this cookie - by hook or by crook - after Friday prayers. So, we presented the simple and easy to make ..... almond rocher !!!!  :-p))  Chocolate and nut lovers would love this.... Ikram really scooped and licked the bowl clean ...

The ingredients - 250gm cooking chocolate, 200gm almond (toasted), 50gm cocoa fat, 30gm nutella (substitue for hazel paste) and paper cups

Ikram's firm and steady hand scooping the mixture carefully into the paper cups

The end product of the almond rocher - chill them in the fridge

All you have to do is to melt the chocolate, cocoa fat and nutella together on a slow fire until they have blended nicely together, Put in the almond and mix well with the chocolate. Finally, scoop it into the paper cups. Easy huh???

At least we have activities to do to bind as mother and son besides watching movies, trying out new stalls and restaurants, my evening walk partner, gallivanting or hanging around cooking and trying new recipes together. Thank you, Allah, for the time given together before he goes back to campus. Alhamdulillah.  :-)

Cooperating Teacher (Guru Pembimbing)

The chosen one? Again? Of all the staff, I was picked by the school to mentor and guide the three new trainee teachers doing their internship at our school. As if I had not enough to do with the exam department, exam classes, form teacher, running the OPS programme for the Form One ... what with my commitment as the KPKw for ULBS SPM, MUET Speaking Examiner ..... stress!!!  :-0))  We had not received any TESL trainees for almost twenty years. We usually received trainees of other options but never TESL trainees.

The trainees were very young, sweet, enthusiastic and fresh .... how they reminded me of what I once was a long time ago. I thought of Akmal who had undergone his internship at Underwater World Langkawi and how welcoming the staff there was. Syafiq and Ikram would also faced their internship one day. Thus, believing that kindness begets kindness, I prepared for their arrival. I made sure they got our best classes. I had asked the SPBT teacher to clear out the books from the table reserved for anybody in the staff room. Cleaned and wiped the table. Photostated the necessary things that might help them and practically tried to make an easy transition from trainee to teacher. They had never undergone any practicum and this was their first time. I was late on their first day but I managed to catch them at the office waiting for the PK and Principal. Later, after their necessary briefing from the PK, they were sent to the staff room. I welcomed them and introduced them to the English panel and the other staff. Very soon they were referred by the others as my children. They were Akmal's age. I gave them whatever was needed and more.

This week they were eased smoothly into their classes. I asked the other teachers involved in their internship to take them to the classes they would take over and introduced them to the students. Let them observed and followed these teachers first. I told the trainees to go and see the PK Ko-Ko and discussed their co-curricular activities as that would be 5% of their total marks. I got for them files, marker pens and anything that was entitled to them as teachers. I felt they deserved it until they proved me otherwise. Let us hope that they would try their best as I had given my best.

They would be here until June. Well, LizaMaria, Shazliyana and Mohd. Zaini - welcome to the real world of teaching, have fun and have an open mind. A new phase of life begins. I hope it will be memorable, beneficial and meaningful where not only will I learn from you but I hope the three of you will also have learned from me.

Jubli Perak Park aka Taman Rimba

Its been almost two years now that I had changed my evening walk venue from the IWK area near my housing estate to this public park. It is right in the heart of Alor Setar town. It is surrounded by mini palaces of Sultan's Kedah consort, the Raja Muda, Raja Temenggung and mostly families of the royal family. It is also what is known as the millionaire's row in Alor Setar. The park is also part of the Royal Golf Club where a mini golf course outlined the jogging trail.

The Sultanah's personal palace

The Raja Muda of Kedah's private quarters

This two mini palaces are some of the views that we joggers and walkers enjoy as we walk/jog around the mini golf course which is just opposite these mansions. They are beautiful to look and I guess most of us will imagine a life of princes and princesses. I enjoy this view especially when you walk around this area where there is a shady section where the large trees will be blown strongly by the winds creating its own musical rhapsody. Every time I pass by this area I will just smile and let out a satisfying sigh of "Alhamdulillah". Thank you Allah.

I like this season in Kedah. Although it is scorching hot, it is also very windy. Thus, the cold wind balances the humid and hot weather. The Kedahans will refer this weather as "angin timur" with reference to the cold monsoon wind albeit very dry. You can see the clouds of dust when the winds blow over the dried grass. Some refer to this weather as "musim padi masak" as the stalks of swollen, bulging paddy stalks need the hot weather to ripen naturally. Now, instead of the lush green of rows and rows of paddy fields as far as the crows fly .... one can see unending, boundaryless fields of golden dry paddy fields. The air is dry and dusty. Hence, it is the season for coughs, fever, asthma and flu. The clinics and hospitals are always full with patients. Very soon the farmers will start harvesting and this is the time when sometimes the dust from the dried, harvested paddy fields is intolerable.

I call this season the autumn season as the large trees lining the roads will shed their leaves bare. The fallen dried leaves will fill the roads and walkways. When one walks, one can hear the crunching sound of the dried leaves. Sometimes I sympathise with the sweepers as it is an endless, thankless task. The trees will just shed more dried leaves.Then, slowly, without even the benefit of rain, the bare branches will sprout lush fresh green leaves again. The cycle never stops. It just goes on as it is meant to be. This dry, cold and humid weather will last until April or May when the rains will start to come and back to the normal Malaysian weather. And this is the weather for the sports house practice to begin ..... ;-{{

The road leading to the mini palaces. On the right is the park with its playground, reflexology walk, uneven jogging trail and areas for recreational activities such as tai chi, aerobics, takraw, etc

The walled fence is the State Administration Office (Wisma Negeri). Notice the bare-branched trees and the clear, cloudless blue sky

A month later - look at lush green fresh new leaves - even without the benefit of rain ..

I usually do 2 rounds of my walk around the mini golf course on the left which is about 1.5km per round and a round of the uneven terrain around the park. I do my walk alone and I like it as it helps me to arrange my thoughts and reflect what I have done for the day. I like to be alone with my thoughts. My zikir. My dreams. Alone but never lonely. I hardly meet anyone I know. Mornings will be full and packed with people thus I prefer to go early in the evening where there are few and regular senior walkers. After six pm, it is usually full of parents and children and the regular after office joggers and walkers.

It is not much on losing weight ( I hardly seem to lose weight anyway) but to maintain it to control my hypertension. Besides, walking fights the frustration and disappointment with whatever that is not going the way I want it to. It helps to exercise my stiff legs and although I walk much slower than I used to, the walk makes me sleep very soundly at night as I will be so tired out after a morning of work, household chores and a few rounds of my evening walk. May I be graced to continue this simple form of exercise ....