Attendance to the Lifelong Leadership Congress

Good day friends from everywhere.

I had the opportunity to attend this important event sponsored by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) this November 2020.  Mind you, it is just the first day of the workshop and I felt that I was overwhelmed by information already.  

First and foremost, I had no intention to attend this important activity for I thought it was only for the Career Service Executive Eligibles and not for the Career Executive Service Written Examination (CESWE) passers like myself.  But the very moment that I received an email from CESB inviting me to go to that event I immediately grabbed that opportunity.

Here I am after answering the Adversity Quotient (AQ) and the  GRIT Gauge Assessments (GRIT Gauge) I felt that I was a renewed man.  AQ discusses one's ability to respond constructively and GRIT Gauge reliably predicts performance, learning, agility, resilience, tenacity, and well-being.

I did poorly on the first exam but recovered fully-well on the second one.  Amazing!

I have been attending various activities of CESB before but this one is giving me great satisfaction.  

I Will Persist Until I Succeed (by Og Mandino)

I was not delivered unto this World in defeat, nor does failure course in my veins. I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. The slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny.

The prizes of life are at the end of each journey, not near the beginning; and it is not given to me to know how many steps are necessary in order to reach my goal. Failure I may still encounter at the thousandth step, yet success hides behind the next bend in the road. Never will I know how close it lies unless I turn the corner.

I will be likened to the rain drop which washes away the mountain, the ant who devours a tiger, the star which brightens the earth, the slave who builds a pyramid. I will build my castle one brick at a time for I know that small attempts, repeated, will complete any undertaking. I will persist until I succeed.

I will never consider defeat and I will remove from my vocabulary such words and phrases as quit, cannot, unable, impossible, out of the question, improbable, failure, unworkable, hopeless, and retreat. I will avoid despair but if this disease of the mind should infect me then I will work on in despair. I will toil and I will endure.

I will remember, the ancient law of averages and I will bend it to my good. Each frown I meet only prepares me for the smile to come. Each misfortune I encounter I will carry in it the seed of tomorrow's good luck. I must have the night to appreciate the day. I must fail often to succeed only once. I will persist until I succeed.

Never will I allow any day to end with a failure. Thus I will plant the seed of tomorrow's success and gain an insurmountable advance over those who cease their labor at a prescribed time. When others cease their struggle, then mine will begin, and my harvest will be full.

Nor will I allow yesterday's success to lull me into today's complacency, for this is the greatest foundation of failure. I will forget the happenings of the day that is gone, whether they were good or bad, and greet the new sun with confidence that this will be the best day of my life.

So long as there is breath in me, that long will I persist. For I know one of the principles of success - if I persist long enough I will win.

I will persist! I will win!

Credits go to Og Mandino

Encryption 101 for the Bureau of Learning Resources

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

It was in the year 2007, while I was in Okinawa, Japan for training of educators, when I was introduced by my fellow scholar Chubascu  Maximus Diranga from Nauru to the Internet Society, a global organization for technical experts, researchers, educators, and other stakeholders. A community engagement platform that opens a world where everyone can access and help develop a connected, borderless, limitless Internet that creates opportunity and progress for all. He gave me some ideas as to how I would grow personally and professionally once I joined. I did not pay much attention to his stories as I was too busy with my output for the course Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education (AMT) one of the programs sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for developing countries like the Philippines. I did not want a minor distraction to my already successful journey as non-teaching personnel of the Instructional Materials Council Secretariat (IMCS) now called the Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR). 

Only after my challenging stint in Okinawa, Japan that I was able to focus on my other extra-curricular activities and community engagement in Manila such as Google Teachers Academy, Internet Society, and many more notable organizations. However, the switch from the old education system to the K to 12 Curriculum proved to be a daunting challenge as I was assigned various tasks in the Department of Education - Central Office (DepEd-CO), i.e., coordination with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Commission of Culture and the Arts. I also became the focal person for the illustrators and artists activities nationwide, and the Disaster and Risk Reduction Management of our bureau, and management of Grades 1 and 2 submissions of manuscripts from different bureaus and publishers as well.

Being in-charge in different activities, I am aware that the flow of communication between and among the Department of Education (DepEd) stakeholders is a paramount concern.  Correspondence must reach the recipients with a strong degree of confidentiality and utmost care.

Early this year, Internet Society invited chapter members, who are mid-career professionals to apply for a training course for its 2020 Training program on the following topics: 

𝑎) 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑁𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑠, 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙 𝑅𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑀𝐴𝑁𝑅𝑆) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑡, 𝑏) 𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐) 𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑦𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

Since I am very interested in Encryption, I immediately selected the course and applied for it.  I knew from the start that this topic will help me and the office where I served to protect data especially communication letters to reach the rightful recipients. Mid-of-March, I got a letter indicating approval for the course I previously selected.

So, I am giving back what I learned from the short period of engagement with the experts of the Internet Society.  Selected participants are required to make an initiative on the topics discussed above.  In this initiative, I will try to share information about Encryption to BLR staff and other readers.  So, hang on as I delve further into the discussion of the importance of Encryption in our office lives. 

𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟎𝟏

The information on this paper are mostly culled from the Internet Society website (internetsociety.org) which gave me the inspiration to dig further on the usefulness of encryption. I will try to contextualize them into the BLR language so that it will be understood fully by our employees.  It is hoped that BLR will use encryption in its future undertaking. Please be reminded that my comments here are personal and not the opinion of my organization.

𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑎, 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓

The Bureau of Learning Resources (BLR) has one of the biggest chunks on the  Department of Education’s budget most of these funds were spent on the procurement of manuscripts through competitive bidding of textbooks and other supplementary learning resources. The private publishers are given full authority to make learning materials that are aligned with the curriculum guide and learning competencies set by the Department of Education for public schools’ consumption. Information like bidding documents, the total number of manuscripts to be printed, the amount of the project, project proposals, and other documents and files must be protected to avoid unscrupulous people to get the necessary information and gain an undue advantage among other stakeholders.  The exchanges of information from the Department of Education and publishers and vice-versa may be compromised.  In my opinion, it is one area that documents must be protected and secured to avoid giving undue advantage to some.  Vital documents must only be accessed by intended recipients the need for encryption is of paramount importance.  At this juncture, I will be sharing with you some basic concepts of encryption and why it will help us in protecting our documents.

𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝐸𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑦𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛?

Encryption is the process of scrambling or enciphering data so it can be read-only by someone with the means to return it to its original state.

Encryption keeps criminals and spies from stealing information.  Although you might not realize it, you rely on encryption every day.  It protects you while you browse the web, shop online, use mobile banking,

or use secure messaging apps.

So, encryption scrambles data, but how?

Modern encryption scrambles data using a secret value or key.  The data can then be decrypted, or made readable, by using the same or a corresponding key.

For data communicated over a network, the key is typically known by both the sender and receiver, while for stored data, only the owner knows the key.

What is end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption is any form of encryption in which only the sender and intended recipient can read the message. The most important aspect of E2E encryption is that no third party, even the party providing the communication service, has knowledge of the encryption keys. 

End-to-end encryption is the most secure form of encryption that you can use. So where possible, always use end-to-end encryption to protect yourself and your data. Please see the E2E flowchart to visualize its importance.

Examples of end-to-end encryption communication services include WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and Threema.

How else might encryption impact me?

Encryption helps protect your data from being exposed, it also helps you:

Protect your data (documents, files, etc.) from tampering;

Be sure who you are communicating with; and

Sign digital documents.

You don’t even have to use the Internet to feel the benefits of encryption! Encryption has a big impact on the global economy and your daily life.

Companies use encryption to protect their sensitive information, like customer information, trade secrets, and financial records.

Critical infrastructure, like power plants, use encryption to protect their systems and keep your lights running. 

Automated teller machines, or ATMs, use encryption to protect your financial information from criminals. 

If you look closely, many parts of your life rely on the security that encryption brings.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚

Encrypting data could be the new normal that every organization must face.  Whether or not this is necessary in the nature of our work. Only time can tell. What is definite is that change is inevitable, and no information can ever be safe in this fast-paced digital world. Until next time. 

I will try to share other info in my next post.  See you soon.

Helping Cats in Need

 I am not really a cat person, but yesterday was different.  

Amidst the strong wind and heavy rain caused by Typhoon Rolly, I found a mother cat carrying a little kitten using her mouth (back and forth through the hallway near our condo unit) in Binondo, Manila.  She seemed to be in panic mode looking for a safe place due to the scary weather condition. My attention was not really directed to them as I was preparing for a big chess tournament by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines which was a Rapid Open Tournament via Tornelo.   

However, as the wind continued to blow the mighty cat with a kitten repeatedly appeared in front of my door too.  I saw them through the screen and I felt so disturbed.  I hastily opened the door and let them in. BTW, my family was feeding two other bigger kittens (from the same mother) outside the Cluster 3 building so perhaps it was the familiarity that kept us connected.  

But as I wipe the mother cat and the kitten, she went near the door for almost a minute and I wondered why would she leave her kitten?  I open the door and she ran so fast and after 2-3 minutes came back with another kitten.  She did it 3 times until she got all her babies totaling 4 in all.  Whew!  

I am so proud of this mommy's heroic acts of saving her moggy. I took the bigger kittens too to have them reunited.  

I am not sure if I will return them outside the building after the storm since they do not have caretakers, but to tell you frankly.  I am beginning to love them!

Basic Photography Lesson

📸 My First Step into Photography: From Fear to Focus

I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I walked into a photography class without a camera, without skills, and—if I’m honest—without confidence. Holding a DSLR for the first time felt like cradling something fragile, almost sacred.

But that’s the beauty of beginnings: they don’t demand mastery, only courage.

The lesson wasn’t about perfect shots or fancy gear. It was about daring to see the world differently—through light, shadows, and the courage to press the shutter even if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Mistakes became part of the story. Blurry photos were proof that I tried.

That “basic” photography lesson gave me more than technical tips. It taught me that starting is always the hardest part, whether in art, in work, or in life. And once you start, the world looks different—clearer, sharper, more alive.

So if you’ve been waiting to try something new—stop waiting. Pick up that camera, brush, pen, or whatever tool you’ve been afraid of. The first step doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be taken.

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🔔 Your Turn

What was your “first lesson” moment—the time you stepped into something new, afraid but determined? Share it in the comments, or better yet, post a photo that reminds you of that beginning. Let’s celebrate not just the perfect shots, but the courage it takes to start.

Allow me to share with you some of my shots in the broad daylight at the Tropical Beach, Okinawa City, Japan.

Currently, I am assigned as the focal person for the selected and talented illustrators at the Department of Education, Philippines.  What a twist!

   

My First Five Days in Okinawa, Japan

Did I ever tell you that I was granted an international training scholarship by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in the years 2007 to 2008?  Well, the training course was about the “Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education".  I will share with you my experiences on my first five days in Okinawa, Japan.

I started forming impressions on Japan as soon as I landed at Narita Airport. After I was through with the landing procedure of the Bureau of Immigration, I took my stuff and lifted them from the baggage carousel. As soon as I approached the JICA lady officer at the airport, I was provided with a ticket to a limousine bus, then she gave me a detailed instruction on what to do next, thereafter, she escorted me to the bus stop, told me to go to the Haneda Airport and never forget to place the JICA sticker on my T-shirt.  I traveled again by plane to Naha Airport where I was cheerfully assisted by another JICA staff to my final destination - Okinawa International Center (OIC). At the OIC, a room key and a meal card were given to me, some personnel offered explanations as to how these cards and other amenities of the center be used. I felt I was never away from home especially after two young Filipinos (Erik-PhilRice and Cris-TESDA) entertained me by telling wonderful experiences of their first week of stay.

I immediately bought call cards to call my wife and daughter in the Philippines.  My first day ended at Room 235 of OIC,  the weather was so cold, and so am I.  

I woke up at about 7:00 a.m. and started the 2nd day at the Tsukudo (dining area).  I saw various participants from different countries and it seems that a U.N. convention was being held there.  Cris san guided me to the canteen and showed me how to use my meal card.

After eating, I was visited by my coordinator (from MTEC) who briefed me about important matters like house rules, courtesy, meetings, and many other more.

I was able to meet my classmates for the training and various participants from other courses.  It was fun to meet them and our sponsors as well.

I was late during the 3rd day meeting with the participants and sponsors and I felt so sad.  I was not able to control myself for I overslept.  Perhaps, it was due to the changing of weather conditions which I was not accustomed to.  I saw that my colleagues were given calling cards by Japanese staff from prestigious companies.  Damn me, for not waking up on time!  I felt I was a little form surrounded by the head and foot of a parenthesis.  But I was able to recover as my name was called to give a brief self-introduction.  I stood up and immediately recited my prepared speech – in Japanese language of course!  I felt relieved after that.

The 4th day was spent at Urasoe City, wherein, the participants were introduced to the mayor, and we were given keys to the city,  at the same time, we were issued non-resident alien cards for us to be able to formally live and mingle with the locals.  Astounding!

In the afternoon a raffle was set for the participants – a visit to the Chaurami Aquarium.

The 5th day was spent studying Japanese culture and discussing their form of government, especially Diet, etc.

I got interested to go to the Chaurami Aquarium because of the feedback I received from my friends in Okinawa.  They told me that it was extremely beautiful.  My enthusiasm to go there was further intensified by the fact that only a few participants will be able to go there due to a limited number of slots.  It would really rely on luck.  So I was praying very hard that my name would be called.

Oh... how can I forget the raffle day for the trainee to attend an Observation Tour at Okinawa Aquarium. The slots for the participants were 53, but more than 80 persons signed up in the manifesto. So what the JICA staff did was picked 53 individuals by random. Sad to say I was not chosen.

But the big fighter that I am, I did not quit.  I know that somewhere along the way some trainees who were selected would not be able to join the trip for some reason or another. So I thought waiting early in the morning of the next day would be a great idea... maybe I could get a slot... oh just maybe...

The next day I immediately went to the registration room but got shocked after I saw five other individuals, ahead of me, forming a long queue in case someone back-out of the trip (I thought I was the only one with that kind of thinking). So I was kinda praying that God would give me a chance to join the trip - then two people called the staff that they won't be able to join (as expected of course)... another three sent peelers that they won't be able to make it... after 10 minutes.  I lost the count.  I was left alone in the line and I was so nervous, my heart was pounding too fast, maybe if you would come nearer to where I stood you would hear my anxious heartbeat.

 But no more participants backed-out.

The coordinator then signaled the driver to start the engine.  I got so frustrated and upset.   I prepared myself to leave and never to look back again...

While walking (with my head showing melancholic despair), I felt a soft tap on my shoulder - "Common join us, young man!"

 I consider myself fortunate that these two generous people from the bus company agreed to accommodate me on a two-seater bench...

and the rest was history.

Insulin Plant is my New Normal

 

Back in September 2007, I visited my doctor (Fortune Care) for a general checkup.  I was told that I had symptoms of being a diabetic, i.e.,  urinating very often, feeling thirsty all the time, always hungry though I have eaten already,  etc.  I was told to drink Metformin as my first-line of medication and discussed some things like proper dieting and exercising.  

I did not pay much attention to those things above as my upcoming training in Japan was near.  I nailed a JICA training for the Application of Multimedia Technology for e-Education in November and I have to focus on that.  

A year later and I got my final verdict - I was diagnosed to be a full-time Type 2 diabetic.  

Currently, I am taking my Insulin shots to control my blood glucose levels and protect some of my vital organs. At first, I felt this annoying feeling of injecting every now and then (22 units in the morning and 12 units in the evening) but I got used to it through the help of my Humalog Insulin Pen.  

At this time of COVID 19 pandemic, my health is my primary concern. I make sure that I have my Insulin Pen with me wherever I go.  However, there are scary moments too like during lockdowns and what if my stocks are over.  This scenario leads me to the picture above - the Insulin plant.  I purposely planted some in front of our condo unit in Binondo, Manila. At first, it was just an item in a flower pot which I took at the DepEd Central Office, and look it has been growing now.

This plant has become my refuge and I am not worrying much about the lockdown since I have now a back-up for my health.  Not only that it was free but the leaf of the plant helps in producing insulin. They control the blood sugar levels of my body. The leaves of the insulin plant contain corosolic acid which helps to generate insulin thereby treating diabetes.

So guys, if you need this plant just give me a message and you'll get some for free.  It works for me and I wish it will work for you!