My Unique Way of Learning the Kanji (漢字)

Currently throughout the Philippines, most students are on their summer vacation. This period of the year perhaps, is their most desired moment for finally, they’ll be away from exams, projects, hectic schedules, “terror teachers” and bullies. I am a student by the way, and just like most of the Filipino students, I am presently spending my two-month long summer vacation. Nevertheless, I don’t consider it as such…because lessons incessantly haunt me.

I am an incoming third year student of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (ミンダナオ国際大学). My course is BS in International Studies major in Japanese Language and Studies. At this period, me and the rest of my classmates will be handled by four Japanese Nihongo (日本語) professors—Prof. Ichido Miyake, Prof. Ayumi Kobayashi, Prof. Mika Haruyama and Prof. Yasuko Kuroda. The first three already made their move even though it’s still summer vacation. They gave us loads of Japanese-related stuff—signing up at Mixi.jp, writing a diary, etc. Other than that, they also encouraged us to study…study…and study.

That request was the most horrifying of all. Honestly, I really find it difficult to study Japanese on my own especially, the familiarization of the Kanji characters. Though it’s hard, it must be done at once because it is my specialization. I’ve tried various methods of Japanese language learning and I must say, none of them were quite effective. But, I still never stop searching for a learning style that suits me.

Two days ago, I started a new learning method which I originally conceived. This method involves the labeling of certain things found within my room in Kanji characters. I only use a color marker, a piece of paper and a scotch tape in doing this activity. So far, I’ve labeled at least ten things. Some of these are the wall (壁), my mirror (鏡) and the windows (窓).

Before I label a thing in Kanji, I get to know first the correct stroking of the character through a Japanese language learning application. Learning the correct sequence of strokes is one of the elements in learning the Kanji. Although it’s not so a very important factor nowadays, I guess it is still better to follow the long-established rules. It will be a great challenge for anybody’s discipline for sure.

I have learned more than ten Kanji characters in just a very short span of time through this method. It never makes me feel exhausted. It rather excites me. Doing it everyday will really allow you to learn the 2000+ Kanji characters effortlessly.

This new method has proven itself to be very suitable to me. In fact, my interest about it constantly grows bigger and bigger and I’m so determined to pursue it in the future. I think I’m starting to love the Japanese language once again.

I am planning to expand the scope of labeling things anytime this week. By which time, the things in our house’ living room and in the kitchen will be included in the labeling. I’m also thinking of perhaps labeling my parents and my pets. That would be awesome! :)

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MKD: Its Seal, Philosophy, Vision & Mission

THE COLLEGE SEAL

The MKD seal was originally designed by Mr. Ricardo N. Obenza, a member of the MKD Board of Trustees. At the center of the big circle are letters M, K and D inscribed in a Mindanaoan ethnic fashion. The small red circle on the upper right side symbolizes the country of Japan. The year 2001 below is the year of the college's registration to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The characters at the lower section are Kanji characters. These characters are one of the three writing systems currently used in Japan. From left to right, the three groups of kanji are read as follows:

• Houshi (奉仕)-service
• Gakusai (学祭)-Experiential learning
• Shourai (将来)-Future

Those three words imply the aim of the college which is to develop human resources who can address the problems among the Philippines, in Japan and in the ASEAN countries. It will then provide learning opportunities for poor but deserving students and help all other students achieve their dreams.

PHILOSOPHY

The college provides whollistic, excellent and quality education to students so they may become persons with ability to face any global problem.

VISION

To be the pioneer international college in the Philippines and in Southern Mindanao with state-of-the-art technology that caters not only for the Christians, Muslims, and Lumads but for foreign students as well. The college gives preference to ASEAN students.

MISSION

The Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku aims to equip its academic community with up-to-date knowledge, research capability, and civic consciousness that will propel them to be the pioneering leaders in their respective work arena.

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Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (ミンダナオ国際大学) : A College Conceived by Philippines-Japan Relations

The image on the left is the institution where I'm studying right now. Let me tell you something about my college alma mater. The facts are based upon the MKD's student handbook.

Established in the year 2002, the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (Mindanao International College) is one of the newly-stood colleges in Davao City, Philippines.

The realization of the MKD is credited to the Japan-Philippines Volunteer Association (JPVA) which, has been assisting the Filipinos who are Nikkeijin (Japanese descendants) as early as 1980.

A philanthropist named Ayako Honda-Uchida initiated the construction of the college building by donating a substantial amount. She had dreamed of a welfare college after visiting the city several times.

The name "Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku" was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 18, 2001. The requirements imposed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) had been met. Furthermore, the ironing of essential operations and the preparation of necessary documents were done as the completion of the 6-storey building drew nearer.

On February 13, 2002, the permits for Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) majors in Early Childhood Education/Special Education and the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) with majors in General Science/Mathematics were issued by the CHED Regional Office XI.

The issuance of the permits for Bachelor of Science in Social Services (BSSS), majors in the Care of Older Persons/Child Governance and the presently defunct Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) came next on May 10. On the other hand, the permit of the so-called "specialization of MKD" which is Bachelor of Science in International Studies (BSIS) major in Japanese Language and Studies was issued on May 20. The issuance of courses' permits happened just before the MKD's formal opening.

On June 3, 2002 the portals of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku opened and ready to accept high school graduates and baccalaureate degree holders. A total of 63 students became pioneers of the MKD, 23 males and 40 females. The college's formal grand opening occurred last June 10, 2002. It was followed by three packaged tours of Japanese students, teachers and vacationers in August.

The school year 2002-2003 started with 11 full-time staff and administrators cum faculty and six part-time members. They worked on policies, manuals, curricular or extra-curricular activities, and the regular classes in addition to the entertainment of Japanese visitors.

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Revisiting the MKD's Very First P.E. Night

MKD people, do you still remember this? If you don’t, let me help you recall.

It was on the night of October 5, 2007 when the very first P.E. Night took place at the “highest ground” of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku. With Prof. Arnel francis Morales as the adviser, the SSPE1 and SSPE3 students organized the said event for months to give extreme recognition to physical education, health, music, dance, sports and recreational activities. The venue was adorned by Mr. Grand Crizzel Ravacio with glittery blue and silver objects.

The event was ignited through a massive multimedia presentation created by Czar Rod Joven and a magnificent performance of the entire freshmen and sophomores of the MKD. After that, there had been a series of superb presentations. The SSPE1 students, wearing the new P.E. uniform, gave tribute to various types of sports as well as to some quiet and active recreational activities. Conversely, the SSPE3 students, dressed up with traditional Filipino attires, showed up and gave pride to popular Philippine folk dances.

The Mr. & Ms. P.E. on the other hand, was the focal point of the P.E. Night. A total of six pairs joined in to compete and become the most deserving guy and gal, gifted with extreme glamour, athletic prowess and wit. The members of the jury were Mr. Sherwin Tinnae, Mr. Arnel Solis, Ms. Flora Mae Cabacungan, Ms. Celestina Japos and Ms. Olivia Trinquand. In the end, the titles were given to Hiruko Osanai and Jamaica Omega Mendoza.

Have I already brought your memory back? You should not forget this one. It’s too precious to be forgotten.

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The Epilogue Part 2

This is the last one everyone! “The Epilogue Part 2” is the album’s title and it consists of a total of 52 photos. Some of these were taken while we were heading towards the airport. The tall skyscrapers really caught my eye. That’s why you have to expect that this album is more on “architecture appreciation” (haha!).

Well, most of this album’s included photos were taken inside the Manila International Airport (MIA). While we were there, I just noticed a certain thing. The airport’s security was not that strict as that of the Davao International Airport. I’m not saying that MIA’s security personnel don’t do their job well. It’s just that I find it to be very different and strange. Metro Manila is more prone to terrorists’ threat than Davao City I think. So, I was just wondering why the security was like that. That’s all.

Hmmm, I guess this will be the end of sharing to you the Gakusei Jichikai’s Baguio City experience, huh. ‘Til then!

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The Epilogue

I’ve just uploaded the next album and it’s entitled “The Epilogue”. It includes 51 snapshots; all were taken in Metro Manila, particularly in Eastwood City, Quezon City. We spent a night in one of the condominiums there (sorry, forgot the name…). How luxurious, eh? No, it just so happened that some of the fourth year students of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku Batch 2008 had their on-the-job training as call center agents there. They wanted us to visit them and I guess there’s no point of refusing that precious opportunity.

Living in a condominium will really make you feel you’re part of the first class society, you know. Those schoolmates of mine definitely got the contentment of life. I mean, they are receiving high salaries, staying in a condo unit with a plasma TV, an aircon, and others and most of all, living the life independently. If that would be the case then, I would love to become a call center agent in the future. It’s never a bad thing to do though…

When we were there, we didn’t have the time to roam around and do shopping. Shame on us. Better luck next time.

By the way, the actual number of photos for this album is 103. But, that freakin’ Photobucket doesn’t allow me to exceed up to 100 pics per album. So, I decided to divide the number of photos by two.

You gotta check the other half soon. That would be the last set!

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Before the Departure

Now here comes the album of our last day in Baguio City. The PACSA seminar at this moment was totally over and so, it only meant one thing…FUN, FUN, FUN! This was the climax of our Baguio City experience. It seemed like we were in high spirits at that time knowing that we could finally explore the renowned tourist spots within the City of Pines without any constraints (well, money and time are exceptions).

The first place that we visited was Mines View Nature Park. There, we witnessed the beautiful panorama of the Cordillera mountain range. Yours truly had some picture taking with a horse…love it! By the way, while were there, we encountered a magnitude 4 earthquake. That was kind of scary but indeed; it was another unique experience of mine.

The Mansion was our next destination. It is the official summer residence of the head of the executive department of our government, the President of the Republic of the Philippines. In front of it is the Wright Park. All I can say about it is that it is absolutely splendid. I never thought I’d find such place like that of the Wright Park without ever going overseas. Baguio City makes you feel like you’re in the subtropics.

From The Mansion, we walked a kilometer or two to reach the Baguio City Botanical Garden. I’m not so sure but I think the place is not that maintained well. It seemed to be just an ordinary botanical garden for me. The local government of Baguio City must do some actions to make it more appealing to the eyes of tourists. In that way, money will keep on flowing in. Go Baguio City!

Sad to say, that place was the last one that we explored before our departure. Oh before I forgot, the title of this album is “Before the Departure”. 79 snaps are coming your way!

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Day 3 in Baguio 市

Fourth album uploaded! This is the second one with the most number of snapshots…65 to be exact. I entitled it as “Day 3 in Baguio 市 (read as “shi” which is a suffix for “city”). I think this was the most serious day of all. We were inside the conference hall the whole day listening four seminars. Fortunately, I didn’t catch myself sleeping. 講演者はとても面白かったから。。(It’s because the speakers were quite interesting.)

We only had time roaming around Baguio City when the night came. But that was too short. We just went to SM City Baguio. That was the very first time I’ve ever been to a mall which, even if you’re already inside the building, you’re still gonna feel the rain pouring down on top of your head. Moreover, it’s the only mall in the Philippines (I think) that don’t need air conditioning services anymore.

Before I forget, this album also includes exclusive snaps of Charlyn Velasquez’ awesome performance at the PACSA seminar’s last night. She really got the crowd good.

The slideshow below only presents 30 photos. To view all, click “view all images”.

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Our Day 2 in Baguio

It seems like I’m working so fast this day, eh? Well, this blog post is a notice that the third album of the Gakusei Jichikai experience in Baguio City has just been uploaded and is ready to be viewed by everyone. It’s all thanks to me, huh.

The album’s title is “Our Day 2 in Baguio”. It is a heck of 72 photos compiled into a single yet very interesting album. Some photos were taken during the first three leadership seminars and some during our leisure time which we spent inside and in front of the Recto Hall.

Nevertheless, the highlight of this album is the photos taken when we were at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, the capital city of Benguet province. It’s pretty cool and cold there. Going there will really surprise you and make you say, “The Philippines indeed has strawberries!” If you’re going to Baguio City, I recommend you to go forth to the Strawberry Farm. There are several souvenirs shop there selling very cheap stuffs like strawberry jams, lengua de gato, peanut brittle, strawberry wine, handicrafts and many more.

Since this album is so far the most bulky, I decided to put 30 snaps on the slideshow. But, it’s better if you’ll view the entirety, y’know.

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First Day in a City Called Baguio

Hey, it’s done! I finally made the second album and I decided to call it “First Day in a City Called Baguio”. The included photos are those when we were having a good time at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), found somewhere in a place called Fort Gregorio del Pilar (I’m not sure about this…). It also includes photos of me and Harry Mercurio inside the Teacher’s Camp sitting on a bench while waiting for those who “abandoned” us (eg. Eduardo Balaga, Sir Michael Sabaldan, Ana Rose Halili…hehe).

Same as the first album, the slideshow below is not the showcase of the entire number photos. If you want to view all, don’t hesitate to click “view all images”.

You’re gonna love this fo’sho’.

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Heading Towards the City of Pines

After four lengthy months, I finally had the time to upload the photos of me and the other MKD Gakusei Jichikai members who attended the Philippine Association of Campus Student Advisers (PACSA) annual seminar. But, so far, the photos that I already uploaded are just those that were taken when we’re still heading towards Baguio City. それなので (Because of that), I named this first batch of snaps as “Heading Towards the City of Pines”. Catchy name for an album, ain’t it?

Here's the slideshow of the contents of the album. However, it will only show 20 of the 37 photos. Click "view all images" button if you desire to view all.

Enjoy!

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"Mother Earth, I Love You": A Tribute to the Earth and A Final Requirement As Well

Here's my work for the fulfillment of our group's final requirement in GNAS1 (Modern Biology) and GNAS3 (Earth Science). I made this for one night only and I'm so proud that I finished it in just a short span of time.

You may sing it if you know Destiny's Child's single "Brown Eyes" from their album "Survivor".

MOTHER EARTH, I LOVE YOU

Remember the first day when my mom bore me
Remember the first day when you first saw me
You welcomed me and you took care of me
You let me grow up and you gave me life

Remember the first day when you showed what you got
Remember the first day when I said "you're hot"
Got nonliving stuffs, as well as living stuffs
You're so perfect and you've got a lot

Your precious creatures, big and small
Your lands and seas and atmosphere
It felt so good that you are here
I thank you for the life you've given me

I love you Mother Earth 'cause you love me too
I love you Mother Earth 'cause your caring shows
You provided me with things I really need
I swear I'll take good care of you 'cause I

I love you Mother Earth 'cause your precious
I love you Mother Earth, 'cause your generous
Even though we tend to be so cruel to you
You still are capable

Oh Mother Earth, I love you

Remember all the days of catastrophes
Remember all the days of uncertainty
People tend to put all of the blame on you
Didn't know they should be blamed too

Remember all these days of your suffering
From burning to polluting to this global warming
I'm really sorry for you're feeling those things
We never gave back what you've given

You're losing your resources now
Your beauty's quickly fading now
But don't you lose hope, don't get down
We need you and we will do what we can

I love you Mother Earth 'cause you love me too
I love you Mother Earth 'cause your caring shows
You provided me with things I really need
I swear I'll take good care of you 'cause I

I love you Mother Earth 'cause your precious
I love you Mother Earth, 'cause your generous
Even though we tend to be so cruel to you
You still are capable

Oh Mother Earth, I love you

I will help you
I'll never let you die, and you must help too
I can never do this thing without you
We have to work as one so it'll come true

Whoa, I love you

I love you Mother Earth 'cause you love me too
I love you Mother Earth 'cause your caring shows
You provided me with things I really need
I swear I'll take good care of you 'cause I

I love you Mother Earth 'cause your precious
I love you Mother Earth, 'cause your generous
Even though we tend to be so cruel to you
You still are capable

Oh Mother Earth, I love you

You’re capable
Oh Mother Earth, I love you

Wonder why this is our final requirement? Well, let me explain it to you. Professor Arnel Francis "Bryan" Morales, our dear professor in both GNAS1 and GNAS2 decided not to follow the traditional written exam as a way of evaluating students. He's always like that and I love it. He's an innovator!

Now, to continue...Bryan 先生 believes in the Theory of Multiple Intelligences of Howard Gardner. He believes that each individual manifests varying levels of intelligences and that, each person has a unique "cognitive profile". Because of that, he decided to divide our class into seven groups. Each group will represent a particular intelligence. It's either on of the following:

• Logical-Mathematical intelligence

• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Interpersonal Intelligence

• Intrapersonal Intelligence

• Musical/Rhythmical Intelligence

• Spatial Intelligence

• Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence

Since, I am interested in music and I think I am capable of writing songs, I chose to become a part of the Musical/Rhythmical Intelligence group. I was the leader then and so, I had the power to name my group as M.R.I. (Musical/Rhythmical Intellectuals).

See how genius our prof is??? :)

By the way, I also wrote another song other than this. Catch it later!

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The Blue Team Cheer Prowess (Another P.E. lympics Moment)

Hey students of the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (...and the entire world as well)! Here's another video of the recently concluded P.E. lympics.

Do you know which team got the first prize during the Cheerdance Competition event? Okay, I think I have to give clues. Here it is!

• First, this team was the first and last team to perform.
• Second,they came up being the 3rd over-all champion at the end of the P.E. lympics.
• And third, I belong in this team

C'mon, it's obvious! It's nothing but the ever renowned BLUE TEAM.

Just because I thought that uploading the raw video clip of our second performance would be not so presentable and catchy, I decided to incorporate a number of video effects. Believe me, that work was so tough. I had to do it all day long. Whew... I'm glad I made it.

Here's the fruit of my hard work!

Thanks to Mary Danielle Yu for the video clips.

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P.E. lympics Videos Unleashed on YouTube

After spending a day of uploading, finally, the two videos of the recent P.E. lympics can already be viewed on YouTube. The first video entitled “The P.E. lympics...Binding Every Color As One” consists of candid photos taken during said event’s proper. On the other hand, the video “Tribute to the P.E. lympics Athletes (An Outro)” is obviously an “outro” and a tribute for the athletes (haha!). No, I mean, it is composed of snaps (not candid) of the SSPE4 students, the persons behind the successful P.E. lympics.

And if you’ll be asking who made these videos…well, I think you know the answer. Yours truly freaks! :)

By the way, allow me to thank Ner Bandoy for the pics.

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