NO MORE 5th Batch of Oath takers

Mr. Cesar Cong texted me yesterday, inquiring about the deadlines for submission of the documents for applicants for licensure under the Grandfather's Clause of RA 9258. He read about the 4th and 5th batches deadlines which I blogged sometime in late October after having received a text message from Dr. Luz Guzman. I myself have observed that in our meeting last Nov. 25, 2008 at the PRC, the Board of Guidance and Counseling OIC Dr. Rosales only mentioned January 26, 2009 and no more the April deadline.

Hence, I texted back Dr. Luz Guzman about it to clarify and confirm the hunch. I forwarded Cesar the message, and told him before the reply came that indeed women can change their minds hehe.

Here is Dr. Guzman's text which I got dated Nov. 27, 2008:

Deadline for filing of application for the 4th batch is Jan. 26, 2009. No more 5th batch. This schedule is based from the interpretation of the law and the Rules and Regulations.

2nd Board exam will be on Aug. 27-28, 2009. Deadline for filing is Aug. 7, 2009. Please check PRC website.

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I checked the PRC website and saw some data on the Guidance and Counseling section of the PRB's. Now there are two faces there, Dr. Rosales' and Dr. Guzman's. The box for the Chair of the Board of Guidance and Counseling is empty. Let's pray that we get one in the coming days so that the Board can be fully functioning in accordance to the law.

I looked for information regarding the announcement, but I did not find any. Maybe I did not search longer. But it should come when something new is added.

I also did not see the PGCA listed as APO in the list of professions the PRC grants license to.

FPCAP National Convention

The Family and Pastoral Counseling Association of the Philippines (FPCAP) is currently having its 1st National Convention at the Little Theatre of Miriam College, Quezon City, the school right beside the Ateneo de Manila University. It's theme is "Bridging Family & Pastoral Counselors Together," and will run until tomorrow. I was invited to do the Invocation, and here is my prayer there:

Father, Son & Holy Spirit,
You Whose Divine Life has created and molded each one of us in Your Image,
You Who shared our nature and being,
You Who abide by us and lead us to eternal life:

We gather before your most holy presence and before our fellow Family and Pastoral Counselors.
We thank you for the gift of this day and this event
We praise you because you have crafted us so well.

You have given us yourself as a model of our family life
Where the love of our parents became the root of our own loving the other
Yet in the midst of our human frailties and imperfections
You still call us again and again
Back into the Trinity: your unconditional salvific love for all.

You have become like one of us, Jesus the Beloved Son
Our Brother Who has shown us how to serve:
To live in God, in the Truth, in love and service
Always caring, giving, guiding us back to our loving Father,
We call on You today to be alive in our midst.

You Who were sent to abide by us
So we will always remember where we came from
And where we'll end up in:
Holy Spirit, come and fill us with your sevenfold gifts
So that our service as Family and Pastoral Counselors
May always lead us to model our very onwn families in You
That having understood what we live by and have learned
We may generously serve you in the people you send us to serve.

Abide by us so that we may listen to our families and communities -
Persons who come to us for Guidance and Counseling
So that we may build, rebuild and reconcile families and communities -
Persons back to each other
So that together we can build the Kingdom of God in our midst
And be constantly re-created and led
To You, Who live and reign forever and ever.

Mother Mary, pray for us and lead us to love and serve as loved Jesus our Lord. Amen

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What was very interesting in the first hour that I was there was the Keynote Speaker. Their choice of the couple who did the Keynote Address was one witness of the effectivity of Counseling. It was my first time to see a model couple who've passed by broken lives that have been given a boost in rebuilding it: constantly aware of their backgrounds, their needs and statuses. It was indeed a booster for all Guidance and Counseling practitioners for here came, particularly the husband who had that "show me" attitude prior to Counseling. In fact, as he related his not-too-different from many of the modern family backgrounds we often have among our clients in the Counseling Room, he himself admitted that Counseling may actually have been the right choice to do. And he with his wife and children did their individual, couple and family counseling sessions.

Before I had to leave them, I went and shook hands with the couple, thankful that for once I have seen the effectivity and thereby the possibility of successful Counseling outcomes. I am involved with the Marriage Encounter and have seen couples grow. And here is another case, this time from Counseling, growing into better persons, better lovers, couples and parents, very much conscious of God's presence in their lives. All the best to this couple, Mr. & Mrs. William & Marie Geraldine Velasco.

Towards the end of their Keynote, the couple further challenged Counselors attending the Convention to do their best because this profession has come of age: for there are about 20 million (families & persons) in need of Counseling in order to deal with their brokenness, particularly those who need to go abroad for economic necessities.


--------------

FPCAP has the following Vision:

We, as Family and Pastoral Counselors, integrating psychotherapy and spirituality, work to empower a Filipino society where families in right relationship among their members, with other families, and God, are highly functional and are effectively contributing to the growth and development of our nation.

The FPCAP Mission include the following:

- To uphold a high ethical and professional standard in the practice of family and pastoral counseling;

- To empower families to live by the values of faith, integrity, compassion and service-orientation;

- To be a driving force for the continuing professional development of family and pastoral counselors;

- To enrich the unique faith perspective in pastoral counseling in its distinctive role as a listening and companioning ministry.

God bless you all, Family and Pastoral Counselors here in the country. May your tribe increase so that our families can find alternatives of being than simply break up or rot in meaninglessness and despair.

PATEF Midyear Invitation

One of IPCAP's Board of Trustees has sent me her invitation to the upcoming PATEF event in December 2008. Here is the invitation:

College/University President

Dear Colleagues:

Greetings!

The Philippine Association for Teachers of Educational Foundations (PATEF) and College of Education of the Philippine Normal University are pleased to invite you to its 2008 Mid-Year National Convention with the theme: “Issues, Challenges and Prospects of the New Teacher Education Curriculum (CMO No.30 Series, 2004) Implementation” on December 3-4, 2008 at the Audio-Visual Theater, PNU, Taft Avenue, Manila.

This gathering of teacher educators, administrators of TEIs and other stakeholders in education intends to provide participants with: 1) a thorough understanding of the NTEC prescriptions and implications; 2) a discussion of issues and concerns on the Field Study Program; 3) knowledge of the required competencies of teachers; 4) and various implementation schemes of The New Teacher Education Curriculum.

The registration fee is two thousand pesos (Php.2,000.00) inclusive of convention kit, snacks, and lunch. Participants from government institutions may charge this amount against their local funds, subject to availability and the usual auditing rules and regulations. The active members may avail of a 10% discount upon presentation of their membership ID.

For further inquiries, please call telephone nos. (02)4001186, 09167519251, 09185384981 or email us at patef_org@yahoo.com Attached is a copy of the program. The DepEd and CHED memoranda will be issued later.

Looking forward to your attendance in this important professional gathering.

Truly yours,


Sgd. CARMELINA E. BARRERA
President

Herein is their Program:

“Issues, Challenges and Prospects of the New Teacher Education Curriculum (CMO No. 30 Series, 2004) Implementation”

PROGRAM

Day 1
AM

7:00-9:00 Registration (PATEF Secretariat)
9:00-9:15 Doxology Sr. Meriza B. Ocampo
Auditor, PATEF / Dean, Siena College, Q.C.
Philippine National Anthem
Dr. Gloria A.Peralta
PRO, PATEF /Dean, St. Mary’s College, Q.C.

9:15-9:45 Welcome Statement
Atty. Lutgardo B. Barbo
President
Philippine Normal University

9:45-10:00 Introduction of Participants
Prof. Celia N. Malagueño
Secretary, PATEF
Philippine Normal University

10:30-11:30 Plenary 1: Bridging CMO NO. 30 Series, 2004 & Licensure Examination for Teachers:
Dr.Brenda B.Corpus
Chair, Board for Teachers,
Professional Regulation Commission

11:30-12:00 Open Forum
12:00-1:00 LUNCH BREAK

PM 1:00- 4:00 P.M. Panel Discussion: Field Study Experiences: Problems, Issues and Challenges
1. Tertiary Level: PNU Experience
Prof. Natividad P. del Prado
Head, Dept.of Field Study and Practicum-CED
CEU Experience -
Dr. Milagros L. Borabo
Head, Human Resources Dept., CEU

2. Basic Ed Experience:
Dr. Eduardo V. Lopez, Superintendent
Division of City Schools, Parañaque

Dr. Ponciano A. Menguito,
Asst. Supt. Division of City Schools, Manila

Mrs. Herminia Gonzales, Principal IV
Aurora Quezon Elem. School, Manila

4:00-5:00 Open Forum
Officer of the Day: Dr. Avelino A. Dechavez
Vice-President, PATEF
Dean, Olivarez College

Day 2

AM 8:00 – 8:15 Morning Prayer
Prof. Marivilla Lydia B. Aggarao
Asst. Secretary PATEF

8:15-8:30 Synthesis of Day 1
Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales
Board Member, PATEF
Dean, Western Mindanao State University

8:30- 10:00 Plenary Session 2:
"The NTEC & NCBTS: Prescriptions & Implications”
Dr. Beatriz Torno
Executive Director, Teacher Education
Council (TEC)

10:00-10:15 Open Forum

10:15- 11:45 Plenary Session 3

11:45 – 12:00 Open Forum

12:00-1:00 LUNCH BREAK

1:00 -2:30 Professional Education and FS Courses: Theories and Praxis
Dr. Paquito B. Badayos
Dean,College of Education
Philippine Normal University

2:30- 3:00 GROUP SESSIONS: PROBLEMS AND CONCERNS On CMO No. 30 series,
2004 and LET Suggestions and Resolutions/Presentation of Output

Closing Ceremonies

Distribution of Certificates

Closing Remarks
Dr. Carmelina E. Barrera
President, PATEF
Philippine Normal University

3:00-4:00 PATEF Board Meeting
Officer of the Day
Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas
Board Member, PATEF

The IPCAP National Convention: A Review

I know there have been those among you who have been checking this site for a review about the 1st IPCAP National Convention last Nov. 21-22, 2008 at the University of the East. It was only last Friday and Saturday, and we ended at 5PM, then the Board met and evaluated while having supper at Blue Bay near the Manila Ocean Garden. Pabuya man lang sa mga pagod na IPCAP Board and our very able-minded members who actively assisted the Convention.

First, I feel very thankful to God because we were nearly bumped off the Convention site. We had made reservations for UE since the beginning of October 2008 when the IPCAP Board of Trustees decided to hold the Convention. On Oct. 14, I was texted that the reservations had been finalized. But another organization wanted to have their event in the same place at the same time. There were raised concerns about some impropriety, and thanks God, the University of the East, being an ethical institution kept its word. And thanks indeed to our Guidance and Counseling Office there. Nila really deserves our deepest gratitude.

And yes, we got the projected number of participants who were RGCs already amidst the email brigade sent to many Counselors. The email was supposed to discourage participation in the Convention and IPCAP for that matter, but I believe that not all of us are gullible and would like to ensure that there is a legitimate process in organizing ourselves. We are not simply heirs of the past, and blind followers of the mob. We can also determine our present, particularly when our needs cry out so loudly. I have yet to read a PRC document which states that an organization is not to use the word "integrated" because I believe the PRC may not have such curtailing powers of the freedoms of peoples, least the RGCs. IPCAP really has nothing to defend itself for. We have gone through the rigors of registration. We sought PRC indorsement for the SEC to register us, got ourselves SEC-registered, and there has not been any order from anyone revoking our status. So there is no truth to the rumor that IPCAP is illegal. Whoever is spreading that word is liable before the law. In fact, to forestall those rumors, we have included the SEC registration number in our invitations and brochure.

In all humility, the first day started late, about an hour because of onsite registration problems, plus other matters like adjusting the site for our meals. But by 0900AM the program began. I was still at the Secretariat ensuring things were to move smoothly when I saw the body of participants doing the taichi under the guide of an American lady in the projection screen. Wasn't that fun seeing everyone doing the same motions! Then, we were wowed by 20 members of the the 35-big internationally-acclaimed UE Chorale that sang the National Anthem and a spiritual song that uplifted the participants and made it an Invocation experience in itself. (Pa-style ba?) They actually came back during the break time to serenade us with Christmas carols and other songs. It was indeed a UE Treat we got during the opening of the Convention. What a way for the Registered Guidance Counselors! You missed that definitely.

Anyway, we did not have the former Congressman to Keynote us. Instead, we had the Former PRC Chair herself, UE Chancellor Antonieta Fortuna-Ibe who gave us the Keynote Address. It must have been Providential for IPCAP because I heard in the introduction by Dr. Llanes that Chancellor Antonieta resigned from PRC when her own daughter was to take the medical board exams, the delicadeza we have so often heard our government officials being demanded of. She thus becomes for me now a face of the delicadeza we Filipinos have. Yes, may delicadeza po ang Filipino, and Chancellor Antonieta has it. I bet she's not yet in her 50's? Wala po kasi sa hitsura. She can pass for late 40s. After her Keynote, we were like ordinary Filipinos who encircled her after the IPCAP Board of Trustees had a picture taken with her. Picture picture. (I will load that here when I get the pics.)

The UE Marketing Department went all the way to support the IPCAP 1st National Convention. It had a press release a day or two before the event, and had sponsored a game for the participants. The PhilPsyCor also did its gimick. All during the break. I actually had a difficulty stopping them so the 1st Plenary could start.

Plenary 1: IMPLICATIONS OF THE LAW FROM VARIED PERSPECTIVES

We had speakers from the hospital setting, private school, private practice, assessment provider and public school sectors.

A. From the Hospital setting:
Dr. Bernadette Padilla gave a very thorough description of the many traumatic sequelae of victims of abuse which we Registered Guidance Counselors really need to be sensitive to as we handle clients in every field we're in. The cases they have handled in the hospital gave them the gut feel that "no one is safe" nowadays from abusive behaviors of adults around us. Hence with the Registered Guidance Counselors' unconditional positive regard and acceptance for the client, we may be the first to know these "secrets" under long sleeves worn on hot days everyday, or the behavioral changes indicating emotional effects of verbal, physical and emotional abuse. One of the highlights of Dr. Padilla's presentation was a video clip of children cat walking in the ramp, carrying with them placards of the pain they carry: words often said to them as if these were a fashion nowadays that pull their self-esteem down, keep them from developing normally and in a healthy manner, i.e., BOBO TANGA G-G_ and the material means used to deflate their development. Hence, accurate diagnosis is a must for all of us if we were to be of help to our abused victims. This the law expects from us professional and licensed Guidance Counselors.

B. From the Private School Guidance and Counseling Practice
Prof. Leonila Urrea gave her impressions about the implication of the law in her practice, seeing it as now a regulatory matter that will challenge all of us in the conduct of our profession. In her own presentation, she said "without the law, every one could be a charlatan." Hence opportunities for respect and self-worth for the Counselor are opened. Thus there is a challenge to ensure that the quality of our Counseling in the schools will not decline. With the law, an orderly and systematic screening of Counselors will be easy to implement. In short, if one has no PRC license, one may not apply anymore as Guidance Counselor. Besides, there is the challenge to constantly update oneself if one has to maintain one's status as a licensed Guidance Counselor. Hence, the law has given her and other Counselors some sense of "next level confidence" given the fact that professional regulation implies ensured professional quality. In fact, the law has sent many Guidance Counselors shifting from the educational to the industrial setting, and even other jobs that give higher pay. Prof. Urrea took and passed the 1st board exams but she opines that it seemed not to be a measurement or gauge whether or not she will be a good counselor. She mentioned that "a review of the Law must be done so that we don't lose more and more Counselors who are truly experienced." She made her own survey of Counselor's perception of how the law will affect the Guidance Counselor. One of these said that "the society's impression of us would definitely change for the better." "With the Law, information dissemination about the Guidance and Counseling field will be discussed more comprehensively inside the classroom. As a result, students will have the opportunity to direct themselves if they would really like to pursue the Counseling career." Hmm, sounds promising.

C. From an Assessment Services Provider Perspective
The PhilPsyCor Technical Director and Company Psychologist Ms. Cristabel Garcia-Chao, M.A. gave us an introduction to the company that has been serving as early as 1948 in PWU as Institute of Human Relations (IHR) before it branched out into providing testing services to other schools, companies and government institutions, thus giving it legitimacy to establish itself as an independent business institution in 1961. She mentioned that PhilPsyCor is at the forefront of confronting the unethical practices in assessment, misrepresentation of qualifications, as well rampant violation of copyright laws which is now a criminal offense. The Law definitely has an implication to PhilPsyCor as an assessment services provider as stated in Article I Section 3 Definition of Terms such that Guidance and Counseling "...includes functions such as counseling, psychological testing, (i.e., personality, career, interest, aptitude, mental ability, achievement),..." utilized in "the use of an integrated approach to the development of a well-functioning individual..."

First, the law regulating the Guidance and Counseling profession has gained for us "the respect of international community of test publishers and users" as reported by PhilPsyCor in an international journal: "the field of counseling in the country (Philippines? mine) is already professionalized & this milestone will upgrade the local practice of testing for career counseling." ("Career Coaching in Asia & the Middle east" by Shoya Zichy, APTI, Bulletin of Psychological Type, Vol. 31, #3.

Secondly, regulating the profession gives PhilPsyCor (and I bet other providers as well) an easier accreditation process since there may be no more need to cross-check the credentials via background investigation of the license presented.

Thirdly, the PRC and membership in IPCAP will be an assurance of proper credentials. I bet this is really promising to the guidance counselors doing psychological assessment in schools, community and even private practice as well as a strong challenge for IPCAP to properly accredit its registered members.

For PhilPsyCor, the law's implication to their accreditation system is in providing them easier evaluation. PhilPsyCor would only need to evaluate on the specific tests Registered Guidance Counselors wish and are qualified to purchase since applicants with the license will have satisfied their background. PhilPsyCor can be of help to them in making the most out of the instruments by providing them with specialized training and references if needed. For feedback as well as contact, PhilPsyCor's telephone number is +63(2)636-6327 to 29.

D. From a Private Practitioner Perspective
Dr. Julian Montano, our IPCAP Vice President and Convention Chair shared on Accountability as an immediate implication of the Law to private practice. He phrased "Accountability" this way: it is a means of assessing the impact of our services on our client's improvement...If before the Law focus was on techniques, interventions, theories, approaches (all inputs), the Law challenges us to focus on insight, learning, understanding, solutions (all outcomes)...the "show me" attitude...used to answer the questions that concern what difference Counselors or our services and programs have made to children, adults, students, families, teachers, employees, and community. He also dealt with the possibility that maybe our people are not that willing to pay for counseling services simply because we have not yet shown the validity of our claims in our practice. Sir, we can test your hypothesis for the next years. I bet your ideas will be at the forefront of development of Counseling in the Philippines.

E. The public school sector representative showed the challenge of the law towards ensuring that counseling is really practiced amidst the fact that even principals may be charged with the task of counseling. The public school sector is one area we can still better address in the next convention in Dumaguete and Zamboanga.

Plenary 2 and 3: Legal Aid for RGCs and IPCAP Organizational Process

In the afternoon, we had Dr. Atty. Joyce Cruz who talked about Legal Aid for RGCs. She focused her talk on ensuring that the Registered Guidance Counselors know what they are obliged before the courts of law and how to deal with confidentiality, privileged communications, informed consent and the privacy clients expect from their Counseling sessions with us their Counselors.

Then came our IPCAP Organizational process. Dr. Rose Llanes gave us her Presidential Address, expounding her address published here a few days ago. Then the Treasurer Cesar Cong gave us the financial standing of the organization. We are really thankful for the fund assistance the PGCA Board under then Dr. Llanes extended to IPCAP last year so that IPCAP would be registered with the SEC. The present fees have not been included in the report yet since it was just the first day and the Treasurer needed time to sum the collected fees yet. We are secure though that with auditing to be done, and the decisions the Board of Trustees have made, there should be no room for dis-integrity in this area.

Then I gave a history of IPCAP, the acts and decisions we have made, the two-year process IPCAP went through together with eight Guidance and Counseling-related organizations, namely the PGCA, PACERS, PACC, PAPSHP, CDAP, GCC, FCAP and the RGS Community that led to our SEC-registration. IPCAP since March 2006 was already clear in its direction stirred by the Law's Article III Section 21 provision. While we have not made any claim about being APO, and have in fact not yet submitted our petition to be APO of the Guidance Counseling profession, IPCAP remains ready to do that role for the profession. It is an organization formed after the law and according to the intent of the law. Hence, we are clear about our organizational direction which is always for the good of the profession. We advocate transparency and integrity, something which other organizations may need to constantly strive for, including ourselves. Since I gave a rundown of the revitalized IPCAP Constitution (the present IPCAP Board of Trustees deliberated and made additions to the Constitution formulated last year and signed by the IPCAP Incorporators) the facilitators of the IPCAP Constitutional process (Drs. Polestico and Montano) decided to give all members the chance to read it on their own and be ready the next day for a ratification process. We went home early the first day.

Oh yes, did I forget to say that one of this blog's followers, Ms. Kit Molina serenaded us with two songs from her album which were distributed during the Convention. Finally, I heard the voice of the face that follows this blog. Thanks indeed Kit. God bless.

Early Saturday morning, I received an email from one of the IPCAP members stating her views about the Constitution and asked that she be included in the ratification process which we did in the afternoon of Saturday (more on this later).

Plenary 4: Legal and Professional Accountabilities

Fr. Ranhillo C. Aquino gave a highly interesting talk that merited the open dialogue process of trying to understand the nuances of our profession. Worthy of note was the possibility for Guidance Counselors to be called to the court for expert witness. In his words, Fr. Aquino said that we Registered Guidance Counselors may now be called by the courts to testify and provide expert witness about the personality of the defendant or plaintiff, whomsoever we may be called to testify on. The tips he gave were so encouraging. Dr. Luz Guzman, our first member of the Board of Guidance and Counseling (I said "a historical figure and still alive in our midst) was present for his talk, and in her presence, I extended the invitation for Fr. Aquino to come with us to Dumaguete and Zamboanga next year. I also noted that since this matter seems to be very essential for Registered Guidance Counselors, we at IPCAP intend to offer this as a CPE course. It would be just fitting for IPCAP to do that since we have always made the law our bedrock in the process of organizing ourselves.

Oh yes, we posed for some picture taking with him before he had to leave for his next commitment. Thanks a lot, a million in fact Fr. Rannie.

The DSWD and DOJ representatives who came were celebrated figures due to the fact that they have handled celebrity cases of abuse. They gave a very informative presentation of the Laws of the land regarding the defense and protection of children and other victims of violence and traumatic events, as well as the protocols needed in reporting cases of abuse.

After lunch, we inserted the IPCAP Constitutional process. It was a very lively, frank but prudent discussion about the major issues in the profession, including the controversies haunting the field. I myself just summarized my position in this manner: "If your answer to these questions - is borrowing money from the organization and not paying back now acceptable?; is it now acceptable for Treasurers to not submit a financial report to the members and officers of the organization? Is it now a fad to simply let Board members withdraw money even when its authority has lapsed? Is it now the trend to buy for the organization a property and not liquidate it immediately? - is YES, sorry I AM NOT WITH YOU.

There were comments about certain people who were actually known to have not qualified and yet were given the license. Our position at IPCAP is: if you can gather the evidences, we will help in the process of correcting what errors may have been committed. This is our way of ensuring that we don't just hurl accusations left and right without regard for due process. I was busy ensuring that the questions about the Constitution were the focus. One of the questions was on the term of office for the Officers. We were of the opinion that we are not supposed to frame a Constitution in the likes of EDSA in 1987 when a lot of emotions were in it that we end up virtually having difficulty implementing it. Hence the Constitution we wrote and presented for ratification is one that is forward looking and intends to allow for a process of correction in the conduct of our Officers if ever proven to not have done their obligations. Then we sent two pages of bond paper where members wrote their names, PRC license number and affixed their signatures, without coercion but with full knowledge of their choice to ratify or not. I will write more on the results of this process in the next blog. But let it be stated here that we now have a ratified IPCAP Constitution which is waiting for full implementation after our last event in Zamboanga.

The Psychological Resources Center gave us for a break an introduction of their services. Together with PhilPsyCor and Rex Bookstore, we were really well supported. IPCAP is indeed deeply greatful for their generous support for this Convention. They will be with us in the forthcoming events in 2009.

The scheduled workshop became a plenary facilitated by Dr. Elvi Ramos. She talked about Career Realities and Prospects. After her talk we had our Oath-Taking as IPCAP members, followed by the release of the IPCAP Certificate of Membership, one which cannot be duplicated because we have devised a measure of authenticity. We had ready the Certificates of Participation, Attendance for all to get. This seems to be the most coveted moment as each searched for their certificate or for those who did not submit their names for the Attendance certificates, chasing me to sign.

Our handouts were given after the talks, and if there were those which were not printed, they will be emailed to the IPCAP participants.

The Board of Trustees had a simple supper at the Blue Bay restaurant near the Quirino Grandstand, and we enjoyed each other's sacrifice and service, something which we will treasure for the years to come, knowing that IPCAP now has a life of its own, and we are sworn to protect and promote it by our dedicated service as RGCs.

Upcoming Events

Now we are ready for the next event. See you in Dumaguete on January 23-24, 2009. Do reserve that date ahead of time. We are coordinating with our IPCAP members there so that those of us from anywhere in the Philippines, particularly those from the Visayas can be housed in decent and affordable lodging areas. We know there's an economic crunch looming, hence we made sure that IPCAP will not make attendance a heavy burden but something affordable and worth spending because indeed the Convention is growth-inducing for us professional Guidance Counselors.

As regards the Zamboanga schedule, while we intend to proceed with it, we are contemplating some changes due to some conflict schedule. We will keep everyone abreast nonetheless about developments on this matter.

God bless and take care.

ONSITE Registration Begins 730AM: IPCAP 1st National Cnvention

Yes, I got a call asking about the On-site Registration tomorrow Nov. 21, 2008. It's at the UNIVERSITY of the EAST, Manila, Claro M. Recto Ave. Yes, it will start at 730AM. The site will be open a few minutes before that. The program will formally open at 830AM.

For those who intend to come only for a day, let us know so we can ready your certificates.

For those coming on the second day, Registration will be at 730AM and we begin the Plenary at 830 also.

Everything is set. Welcome to IPCAP's 1st National Convention at University of the East, Manila (Claro M. Recto Ave., Manila City).

Registration fee is P2,000 only. Application for IPCAP Membership (only for RGCs) is P500. See you and God bless

IPCAP 1st National Convention Plenaries & Process

For the upcoming IPCAP 1st National Convention on Nov. 21-22, 2008, we have designed 4 Plenary sessions, an organizational process and one workshop to stir the participants to realize the theme: “The Professional Guidance Counselor & The Law: Status & Prospects.” It is just right that we look into our status as Registered (PRC-licensed) Guidance Counselors always in the light of the law, the R.A. No. 9258 or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004.

Plenary I: Implications of the Law from Varied Perspectives

Among our speakers include the following (to be revealed on the day itself - suspense!):

- a private school Guidance Counselor who will share with us what effects the law has on the practice of Guidance and Counseling in the private school setting;

- a representative from the Department of Education (DepEd) who will share with us the qualification standards for the public school;

- a private practitioner to share us the effects and implications of the law on his practice;

- a physician working with victims of abuse in a hospital setting will help us see what the law means for her and us;

- an assessment-provider will let us see what this law has for school assessment.

Plenary II (130-230PM): Legal Aid for RGCs
A lawyer will share with us on what to do if and when we need legal assistance.

Then we will have our organizational process: history of the IPCAP, our IPCAP Constitution, something which we will work ourselves from the one we constructed last year and then ratify. Only IPCAP members will be voting, although non-members may participate in the process. This would be an interesting process. I hope we can be ready to elect the officers for the incoming year.

Plenary III: Legal and Professional Accountabilities
For this second day, we will hear a legal expert share with us our legal and professional accountabilities on the 1st plenary of the day.

Plenary IV: The RGC and Human Rights
And since we are now professionals, we will be hearing what being an RGC means in the light of the laws of the land as regards the protection and defense of victims of human rights, abuse, as well as the report protocols as these impact on our practice in the schools and in community.

In the afternoon of the second day, we shall have a workshop on Career Path and Linkages facilitated by some Board of Trustees members and Officers.

This event is one full of surprises. Give-aways are right now being readied, and I hope we can achieve what we would like to see in a Convention of PROFESSIONALS, the first of what we should have on a constant basis for our ongoing development. I am actually excited to see everyone getting so much while paying so little. If this is not God's grace we are being offered, then what is it?

All Registered and Licensed Guidance Counselors, do feel free to come and attend this first for the Guidance and Counseling profession.

For Counselors: Laugh A Little

A friend has sent the following which really made me laugh amidst the preparations for the upcoming Convention. Let me share this with you, and hope that these will make you smile at least or belt out in laughter. Registered Guidance Counselors in particular may need to laugh every now and then as well as get informed of medical terms. This may be one implication of our professional status now. In no way is this meant to downgrade the site where the following humor has supposedly taken place. The non-Tagalog readers may have to bear it all. Happy reading and God Bless

KUWENTONG P.G.H.

On Medical Terminology (Actual sentences found in patient's medical charts at the Philippine General Hospital):

1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year (TALAGA!!).
2. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared. (HOW?)
3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night. (HMMM)
4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
5. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993. (pangit siguro)
6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission. (meaning: ran away)
7. The patient refused autopsy. (HA?)
8. The patient has no previous history of suicides. (Pwede)
9. She is numb from her toes down.
10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
11. The skin was moist and dry. (Ano ba talaga KUYA?)
12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid. (Pareho nga namang butas hehe)
15. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life,until she got a divorce. (Terrible stress indeed)
16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
17. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.
18. Skin: somewhat pale but present. (If absent, then what?)
19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities. (You mean having children is one?)

********************
Sa PGH, may tinatawag na Central Block. Andoon ang Radiology Department kung saan ginagawa ang mga X-rays, Ultrasound, CT Scan at Radiotheraphy. Dito ko naobserbahan ang evolution ng mga Pinoy medical terms. May mga pasyente o bantay na aking nasasalubong, ang madalas magtanong ng direksyon. Mga versions ng CT Scan:

1. "Doc saan po ba ang Siete Scan?"

2. "Doc saan po ba magpapa-CT Skull"

3. "Doc saan po ba CT Scalp"

4. "Doc saan po ang CT Scam?" (hmm, timely with all the zte, C5 and euro generals and jocjoc scams)

********************

Madalas akong mapagtanungan ng direction papunta sa Cobalt Room. "Doc saan po ba ang Cobal?" Yes, laging walang 'T'. Marami ang gumagamit sa term na Cobal. Saan napunta ang 'T"? Marami din kasing nagtatanong, "Doc, saan po ba ang papuntang X-Tray?"
Conclusion: Ang 'T' ng Cobalt, ay napunta sa X-Tray.

********************

7:00 am: Nagbigay ang kasamahan kong doktor ng Instruction sa bantay ng pasyente, "Mister, punta po kayo sa Central Block at magpa-schedule kayo ng X-ray ng pasyente ninyo."

3:00 pm. Kadarating lang ng bantay.
Nagalit na ang Doktor. "Mister, bakit naman napakatagal ninyong bumalik? Pina-schedule ko lang naman ang X-ray, ah."
Sumagot ang bantay, "Eh kasi po Doc, ang tagal kong naghintay sa gate, haggang sabihin ng guwardiya na sarado daw po ang Central Bank kasi Sabado ngayon."
(Nasa Roxas Blvd ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, at sarado nga naman yon kapag Sabado)!


*******************
The following seems informative for those who've taken PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY among us:

Nang mag-rotate ako as intern sa Pediatrics ng PGH, mahal na mahal talaga ng mga nanay ang kanilang mga anak na may sakit. Pilit nilang tinatandaan ang mga gamot at tawag sa sakit ng kanilang anak.

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ang mga gamot na iniinom ng anak niyo?"
Mrs 1 : "Doc phenobarbiedoll po."
Doktor: "Ah baka po phenobarbital." (Gamot sa convulsion ang Phenobarbital)

**********

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ba ang antibiotic na iniinom ng anak ninyo?"

Mrs 2: "Doc metromanilazole po."

Doktor: "Ah baka po metronidazole." (Gamot sa amoeba ang Metronidazole)


**********

Ang tawag sa recovery room ng PGH ay PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)

Doktor: "Mrs., tapos na po ang operasyong ng anak ninyo, punta na po kayo sa PACU

Mrs 3: "Eh Doc, saan po sa Paco? Sa may simbahan po ba o sa may palengke?"

***********

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ba ang sinabi ng dating doktor kung ano daw ang ang sakit ng inyong anak?"
Mrs 4: "Eh Doc sabi po niya Tragedy of Fallot.
Doktor: "Ah baka po Tetralogy of Fallot (Isang Congenital Heart Disease ang Tetralogy of Fallot)

************

Biglang nagtatarang ang isang nanay at sumigaw.

Mrs: "Scissors! Scissors! Nag-sciscissors ang anak ko, Doc!"
Doktor: "Nurse, diazepam please, nag-seizure ang pasyente!" (Cool na cool si DR. no?)

************

Doktor: "Mrs. ano daw po ba ang sakit ng anak ninyo?"

Mrs. 6 : May ketong daw po.

In-examine ng doktor ang balat ng pasyente. Wala siyang makitang senyales ng ketong. Tumawag pa siya ng isang Dermatologist para mag-examine nang husto. Wala talaga.

Doktor: "Mrs. sigurado po ba kayong ketong ang sakit ng bata?"

Mrs : "Eh iyon po ang sabi ng doktor niya dati. Mataas daw po ang ketong sa ihi dahil may diabetes."

Doktor: "Ah ketone po yon! (Ang positive ketone sa Ihi ay senyales ng kumplikasyon ng diabetes.)


************

Doktor: (Tanong sa buntis na Mrs. na nagle-labor)

"Mrs.pumutok na po ba ang panubigan mo?"

Mrs: "Eh, Doc, wala naman po akong narinig na pagsabog!"

(Hanep!)

The DepEd Memo

I have just received a call from an RGC in Southern Luzon inquiring about the upcoming IPCAP 1st National Convention this coming Friday Nov. 21-22, 2008. She was able to get the information through the DepEd memorandum she received from her division office. It thus became for her a magnet that led her to inquire about the Convention.

This is something totally different from the comments of certain RGCs who felt short-changed by the DepEd memo. Apparently, expense incurred during the participation of the Convention shall be personal on the part of the RGC-participant rather than charged to the local funds for professional development. One managed to convince the supervisor to let the Counselor attend the Convention. I just am not sure if the expenses will be charged against the local fund. However, the gratitude in having been allowed to come and attend this Convention hints at a beneficial end. The other one felt like an official leave was to be made rather than have the participation credited as official time and the expenses will totally be personal.

I actually called up the DepEd here in Ortigas to clarify the Memo since in our letter request for the Memo, we have asked for official time for the participants as well as local fund support for such participation. Accordingly, DepEd shoulders only DepEd-initiated events. I really cannot say anything about this arrangement. One thing for sure though is the fact that now that we are professionals, with license and all, a lot of our professional development activities will have to be either personal or we may coordinate with our local situations so that we are encouraged through fund support rather than discouraged by the lack of funding. Hence, I bet it is something for us to think about so that our budgets for the upcoming years consider this particular factor. Whereas before, schools would alternate those they send in order to equalize the fund support. Now, we will have to find ways and means so that we can get the support we really need for our professional development. This is one reason why we at IPCAP decided to find ways and means to make the participation and registration expenses lesser than we used to have (I remember paying P4,000 at least for participation/registration). Remember that we only charging P2,000 for the registration. Hence, the organization will be challenged to really make itself a non-profit, non-stock and financially viable while at the same time not forgetting that it is the organization members' we have to help rather than simply be a "collecting agent."

Let's pray that this organization will surely give the RGC the support and encouragement deserved. For we spend our lives helping others. Let's find ways to make our organization, the IPCAP in particular really responsive to the needs of its members.

God bless and see you on Friday.

On IPCAP Membership

This is an email which I bet everyone can learn from since the matter may be anybody's and for once let it be stated here more officially:

Email:

"Greetings!

"Just like to inquire how to be a member of IPCAP. What are the process? How much is the membership fee?"

My Response:

"Peace!

"The Integrated Professional Counselors Association of the Philippines (IPCAP), Inc is the only professional organization in Guidance and Counseling that is PRC-endorsed for SEC registration and duly incorporated with the SEC. Its members are ONLY the RGCs or registered and licensed Guidance Counselors, meaning those who have passed the Board exams and those who've been granted the PRC ID as Guidance Counselor sans licensure examinations under Sec. 14 of R.A. No. 9258 or the "Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004" otherwise known as the Grandfather's Clause. Hence, an applicant for IPCAP membership needs to submit a copy of one's PRC ID, a 2x2 ID picture and membership fee of P500.

"I hope you can get your PRC ID soon, and welcome po kayo to apply for membership once you have the PRC license.

"I have blogged in counpsychphil.blogspot.com the requirements for either the Board exam or the Grandfather's Clause. Please check in there, or else please inquire with PRC also about your situation.

"Thank you and God bless. Do let me know in what other way I may be of help. Take care."

ADDENDUM:

If anyone has questions about IPCAP, please email me or anyone in the IPCAP Board (email addresses have been posted in earlier blogs here). NO ONE OUTSIDE THE BOARD, even if the person is an incorporator, IS AUTHORIZED TO SPEAK FOR AND IN BEHALF OF IPCAP, unless given such authority to do so. IPCAP incorporators are advised to forward to the IPCAP Board of Trustees questions related to this new organization. We would like to make this clear that any reply about the IPCAP as an organization that does not come from anyone in the Board of Trustees is a personal opinion and may not necessarily be official and endorsed. We in the IPCAP Board of Trustees will ourselves let you know if our response is official or personal.

On this particular matter here, I have conferred with the IPCAP President and has mentioned to the members of the Board at one of our recent meetings about blogging an official statement. We would not like to give any opportunity for anyone to speak for us since we can still do that. Any claim to speak in our behalf will need authorization, without which misrepresentation may have been committed. Please be guided accordingly.

Thank you.

IPCAP President's Address

The following is the IPCAP President's Address for the upcoming 1st National Convention at the Conference Hall of the University of the East in Claro M. Recto Ave., Manila City. Happy reading! God bless

The joy that 2004 brought to the guidance counselors was the RA 9258 or the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004. That euphoria brought us together as some of us took our oath at Manila Hotel this year after four years of waiting. The essence of the license has now to sink into our system as we continue to serve in different sectors. The impact of the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Good Practice has to be analyzed and integrated into our practice. There is now a need for formative evaluation of the implementation of the law and the effect on our practice. This evaluation is expected to lead us to areas that need to be revised. Thus, IPCAP after two years of hard work, is now registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is the only professional organization that is endorsed by the Professional Regulation Commission for registration with SEC. Another unique feature of IPCAP is that it only accepts members who are licensed. In addition, it is the only organization that was organized by all the guidance and related organizations. As a maiden activity to launch it, we have chosen a timely theme: The Professional Counselor and the Law: Status and Prospects. The inputs and resolutions that will result from this convention are envisioned to elevate the profession to our common goal which is excellence in the delivery of guidance services.

Only with our cooperative efforts and commitment can we expect our profession to reach a stature equal to the world standards. The timeliness of our profession is the fact that there is a marked need for guidance services in all sectors of society. We have to address too the myriad of concerns that people are faced with. The bottom line is that competencies have to be upgraded continuously as we expand our services.

Let us buckle down to work with each other's help, hence, let this linkage be maintained as we move up in our careers. More power to all of us!

DR. ROSA MARIA I. LLANES

Wheelchair, even Second Hand Needed

One Guidance Counselor interested to attend the IPCAP Convention texted me about her 72-year old mother who is currently in the hospital after an accident that will make her unable to walk. In two weeks time, she will be released from the hospital and will need a wheelchair. Since she mentioned her inability to get one at the moment, I referred her first to her fellow Zamboanguenos but it looks like there's a difficulty in there. Hence, after a week of searching, the desperation has led to this thought of blogging it here in case one of the readers may know how to help this Guidance Counselor in her need for a wheelchair for her mother. She is ready to use a second-hand one, that is, that which is no longer being used. Hence, if anyone among the readers knows of a kind-hearted person who's willing to give away or donate a wheelchair, please text Ms. Carolyn Araneta who has mobile number 0920-7269561. Right now, her youngest sister Cecil is in Zamboanga watching over her mother. She may also be contacted at her mobile number 0929-5888845.

Ms. Carolyn mentioned that she may need to contact the military so that the transfer of the wheelchair from wherever (maybe Manila) will be free of charge. Or if anyone in Zamboanga has this facility there, may I ask for your kind heart to share with Ms. Carolyn and Cecil's mother the wheelchair she will need so as to be free from this transport cost. If this is one way to make her Christmas a little happier, please extend your assistance.

May the Lord bless your generosity. Take care

DepEd Memorandum for IPCAP 1st National Convention Released

This is announce that the Department of Education's Memorandum regarding IPCAP's 1st National Convention has been released this afternoon Nov. 11, 2008, and uploaded in its website, particularly http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/DM%20No.%20522,%20s.%202008.pdf. One may download it from there, or request by email and I shall attach it there for you.

What we await last is TESDA's Memorandum. Hope it will be released this week too in time for next week's highly awaited event. Let's pray that we get good weather, and good health for all speakers, participants and those in charge of the event.

We have invited test providers Philippine Psychological Corporation and the Psychological Resources Center to exhibit their assessment tools for those who may have set a budget for their institutions or even individual private practice.

All the best and see you then. God bless

Update on the Scammed Nun's Email

Yesterday, Sr. Cora received in her other email address a message stating something to this effect: "Hey there, (sister) someone has tried to enter your email account in yahoo. If you want to keep it secure, go to the yahoo service area, and follow the instructions."

Sr. Cora immediately went to that site and gave the answers only she knew to the security questions, e.g., who is your favorite hero?, etc. and soon enough she was asked to change password, and PRESTO: she got her email back! Hence she immediately texted me about having recovered her lost and mangled email account. Reminded me of the joy in heaven over the finding of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the Prodigal Son.

She read the SENT emails and saw all of her contacts were sent that "busted-style-of-duping-people-email. And soon enough she got calls asking about her, how much she needed to which she replied "As much as you can because the congregation needs it hahaha" (but of course she did not send those emails just to attract donations for her group), and words such as "I really thought this is not true because this is not your style of writing." I got those same comments in my experience last year. There was even one who replied in Tagalog, sige nga tawagan mo nga ako ngayon kung ikaw nga yan! But of course the guy who stole my email and sent solicitation duping emails knew not one Tagalog. One of my confreres even commented to me as soon as I came back from that American break: the letter did not give me a "feel" of you. That gave me a sense of security that there are people who know me well and would not be easily duped into believing when someone poses as me.

I am really happy sharing about this experience because who knows - other Registered Guidance Counselors may get the same scare of their life with this style of scam. At least, here we have a model we can follow. There is a solution to a problem such as this. So let's not be so downhearted.

What is really heartwarming is the security arrangements yahoo has set for its system. Congratulations, yahoo. Your vigilance in your service is really great! Hope you're getting more for what you're giving.

This makes me realize that the email is really a personal thing. The answers we give to the security questions are really our individual property (at least the Religious with vows of poverty are given this right here hehe) and no one knows these answers better than ourselves. Hence, already in the internet, for yahoo to be sensitive to these subtle cues is really commendable. Yahoo helped solve the problem within the day. Gmail took me about a week before I could recover my account. This may have been so because from the time I reported abuse to the time I got my account back, 6 days to be exact, from Dec. 18-24, 2007 passed by. Anyway, I may have not been able to check my account on a daily basis since I was in Texas and my high school batchmate host kept on touring me around with no time to check my yahoo account. The only time I was able to do that was on the night of the 24th in my cousin's place.

So there you are. At least here we get some direction in times like these - being burglarized in the internet. Hope these burglars will STOP this! There are better ways of living which will be more blessed than the few cents we can get via duping people but whose punishment cries out to the heavens.

God bless and take care.

I just got her email for everyone to know. Kadami ng mga napadalhan nitong kalokohan. She also did that over the email she got which we really need to be wary of. The subject of that yahoo email she got was: Yahoo Warning...Update Your Account Now To Avoid Blockage!!! Kalokohan talaga!!!!!

Anyway, happy reading:

Dear sisters and friends,

I remembered that i filled this message from yahoo last week, and the consequence of it, my yahoo email account was hacked last November 10. The hacker/s sent a letter to all my contacts telling that i was in London, was robbed and i needed money so as to leave the hotel..

so i am sending you this message to warn you not to fill up the data being requested.. This is very deceiving.. thank you

This is the burglarzing email she naively replied to:

Yahoo! Customer Service!!! wrote:

Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:06:01 -0600 (CST)
From: Yahoo! Customer Service!!!
Subject: Yahoo Warning...Update Your Account Now To Avoid Blockage!!!
To: Undisclosed recipients: ;

Yahoo! Mail
Yahoo!
Let your email come to you.
With Yahoo! Mail Alerts, you’ll know the instant you get one.

Account Alert Yahoo!

Dear Valued Member,

Due to the congestion in all Yahoo users and removal of all unused Yahoo Accounts,Yahoo would be shutting down all unused accounts,You will have to confirm your E-mail by filling out your Login Info below after clicking the reply botton, or your account will be suspended within 24 hours for security reasons.


UserName:.......................................................... Yahoo!Password: .............................................................
Date Of Birth: ........................................................
Country Or Territory: ...............................................

After Following the instructions in the sheet,your account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal.Thanks for your attention to this request.We apologize for any inconvinience.


See the lies and the wrong spelling? The wrong spelling indicates the lack of education these guys really have. Is this what raw poverty will give us in the future? Or is this what lazy people will do even if poverty is not at their doorsteps?

Haah! God be with us!

Sister's Account Re-Activated

At about 10PM, Sister Cora texted me that she was able to recover her email. She contacted yahoo's customer service who sent her some guide to follow in her other email account. Presto! She was able to sign in again.

This is very encouraging because a complaint is lodged and it's given attention, and the problem is solved! Sometimes I wish we had something like that here in the Philippines.

So the lesson is: NEVER GIVE AWAY YOUR USERNAME and PASSWORD especially to someone you don't know.

But if ever you get fooled, don't lose hope. Report! There are still a lot of good people out there who can help.

This gives us hope that the world we're in is one that's not necessarily only out to dupe us. There are those whose happiness is to help. And if there are people who dupe you, REPORT! They should stop what they are doing!

COUNSELOR NUN SCAMMED

I received this morning an email coming from Sr. Cora Lobo, which says, and I quote:

I am in a hurry writing you this message i am sorry i didn't inform you about my urgent trip to London i don't have much time on the pc here,so i have to brief you my present situation which requires your urgent response actually, I had a trip to London yesterday but unfortunately for me all my money got stolen at the hotel where i lodged due to a robbery incident that happened in the hotel.I had been so restless since last night cos i have been without any money i am even oweing the hotel here as well moreover the Hotel's telephone lines here got dissconnected by the robbers and they are trying to get them fixed back i have access to only emails at the library because my mobile cant work here so i didnt bring it along,please i want you to help me with money so please can you send me 1,200,Pounds so when i return back i would refund it back to you as soon as i get home,I am so confused right now and dont know what to do,you can have it sent through Western Union Money Transfer so will get it immediately its sent but let me know if you can helpme then i will make findings.please let me hear from you so i can give you my full name and address where you can send the money to today please.Its really urgent for me as i dont know what to do right now than to leave here soonest you send it to me and i'll pay you back immediately i get home..Thanks alot for your kindness,

I will really appreciate your quick response.

Best Regard

Sr. Cora

I contacted her myself and informed her about this, and her reply:

Tnax Father, my sister told. It's a hoax! how to solve ds! Many of our sisters r victims of this.

In case you have received this email above, PLS DON'T ACT ON IT. IT'S A HOAX. I was a victim myself last year when I was in the U.S. Hope the action to report it will work like it did on my part last year.

Yes, how do you avoid this problem?

First, like me, Sr. Cora replied to an email saying that her email address was one of those chosen to be removed from yahoo (in my case it was gmail or google) unless she gave her user number and password and other data.

We must have been so innocent and naive because we gave our required data. Sure enough, what the scammer did was to immediately access the email, change password, and lo and behold, the scammer has become the owner of the email account.

To fulfill the scammer's evil way, emails were sent to those in the contacts list, usually milking them money via incredible stories. Woe to those naive people who will reply because the poor Sr. Cora may not have the amount to pay back what was owed deceitfully. One of my friends nearly gave P1,000, and the other P10,000. I would have owed so much had they not done their investigation prior to releasing the money.

So, NEVER REPLY TO ANY EMAIL THAT SAYS YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT WILL BE ERASED NO MATTER WHO SENDS IT TO YOU! What you can do is spam it immediately. I believe that the email servers live by some ethical standards and one of them is to NEVER DECEIVE PEOPLE. The internet is a "dark world" where no one really gets to know the other unless there is a previous basis, or in my case, a picture, and actual address, continuous communications. Really, life in the dark virtual world of the internet can be precarious, much like in the real world.

How did I solve the problem?

I sent an email to abuse@gmail.com who immediately replied, asking me some questions pertaining to establishing my rightful ownership of the account. I was asked for some data and account numbers which I thankfully kept in my secondary account, my yahoo email. From there, I received the communications gmail made to the scammer and their intent to recover the account. I gave gmail the absolute right to "bomb the house" so to say just to recover ownership of the account. The problem started on Dec. 16, my ordination anniversary last year, and on Dec. 24, 2007 I got it back.

Thanks gmail guys! If you did not succeed, I would have never been able to use this blog again.

Thanks and God bless

CHED Memorandum for IPCAP 1st National Convention Released

Today, Nov. 6, 2008 the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has released the Memorandum endorsing IPCAP's 1st National Convention. For those who need it, please email me about it so I can attach it in my reply to you. I have yet to scan this document so that we can see it for ourselves here for documentation purposes.

Congratulations CHED! And thanks to the personnel who so professionally and efficiently acted on our request. Bow ang IPCAP sa inyo!

We are still awaiting the DepEd and TESDA memoranda. I got word that these have already been formulated but are still awaiting the signatures of their respective heads. Let's be patient. I shall announce it here too.

God bless.

Another Counseling Association Affair: ON ABORTION

An invitation is extended to everybody by the
IHACA or International Hope Alive Counselors Association
to a FORUM on
“How the Abortion Industry is Destroying our Economies.”

WITH: Philip G. Ney, MD, FRCP, MA, RPsych, a Child Psychiatrist and Psychologist; Founder and President of the International Hope Alive Counselors Association based in Victoria BC Canada; and author of the book, “Deeply Damaged: Problems arising from Aborting Babies and Abusing Children”

Date: November 19, 2008 (Wednesday) 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening
Place: Word Community Church Main Hall
352 Capt. Henry Javier St., Bgy Orambo, Pasig City
(after Valle Verde Country Club coming from Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong, in front of Skyway Twin Towers Condominium)

NO REGISTRATION FEE but Love Offering Baskets will be passed around. SNACKS will be sold at the lobby.

*******************
PROGRAM
Welcome Remarks :
Dr. Orpah Marasigan, DVM
(Director, Hope Alive Philippines)

Rev. Boc Laurico
(Evangelical Community, National Director,
Campus Crusade for Christ)

Presentation:
Dr. Philip Ney
“World Leaders are Finally Waking to the Destructing Impact of Abortion”

Response:
Ms. Enchang Kaimo
(Stage Actress/Director: Repertory & Trumpets)

Closing Remarks :
Sr. Pilar Verzosa, RGS
(Chairperson, Pro-life Phil)

************************

For more information and reservations, contact:

Pro-life Philippines: Tel 911-2911, Telefax 421-7147 email: life@prolife.org.ph
Sr. Pilar: 0920-945-5494 and Hope Alive office: tel 4125428-29


Reservation Form (please return before November 15)
Name: ______________________________________________________
Organization/Church/School/Hospital ________________________
Number of persons attending: ________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Tel _________________ Mobile: __________________ email: ___________________

HELPING CHILDREN with SEXUAL BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

One of the Plenary Speakers in the upcoming IPCAP 1st National Convention, Dr. Bernadette Madrid invited me to this Child Protection Unit Network-sponsored Annual Conference. Their topic this for year is on "Helping Children with Sexual Behavior Problems" and it will be held on Nov. 12, 2008 at the PhilAmLife Theatre, U.N. Ave., Ermita Manila from 9:30AM - 4PM.

The Speaker in this Conference, as described in the flyer, is Dr. Toni Cavanagh Johnson, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in South Pasadena, California. She's been working in the field of child abuse as a researcher, trainer and clinician. She has written five books, two booklets, two therapeutic games, published numerous articles in refereed journals, as well as book chapters on child sexual abuse and children with sexual behavior problems. As chairperson of a task force of the California Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (CAPSAC), Dr. Johnson assisted in the development of Guidelines for Monitored (Supervised) Visits.
Dr. Johnson provided training on child abuse and domestic violence in Australia, New Zealand, South America, Europe, Africa, Hong Kong, Great Britain, Canada and throughout the United States.

REGISTRATION RATE (Meals Not Included): Early Bird (On or before October 17, 2008) - PhP1,800.00 includes references

Regular/On-Site Registration - PhP2,000.00 includes references

Group of 5 from a single organization - P1,800 each

Early Bird, according to the flyer is on Oct. 17, 2008. However, since the matter came to our attention only today, the Early Bird rate has been extended up to Nov. 11, 2008 only.

Onsite rate is on the day of the Conference itself.

For more information, please contact
Anna Teresa Clemente
Child Protection Unit Network
Mezz., Tropicana Apt.-Hotel
1630 Guerrero Street
Malate, Manila
Phone: 404-3954 Fax: 404-3955

You may also visit their website - URL: www.cpu-net.org.ph

See you there.

IPCAP National Convention Invite now in PDF

I have just finished having the Invitation Letter to the 1st IPCAP National Convention in PDF format which can be very convenient in sending, receiving, and printing on my side as sender as well as in the side of the receiver. It looks clearer too than was reportedly darker output, which I myself tried on my printer here. Just send me an email so I can send the document to you.

We have also a Pre-registration form which is here in picture form, from the document format that was converted into a pdf file. That simplifies the registration process which guarantees you a space. Register early to keep oneself away from the hassle. We will be setting up an EXPRESS LANE for those who have pre-registered.

Please wait for the CHED, DepEd and TESDA endorsements. As soon as I get them, I will have them scanned as well and placed here and then send them to you too. Spread the word and welcome to the IPCAP 1st National Convention on Nov. 21-22, 2008 at the University of the East Conference Hall, C.M. Recto Ave., Manila City.

God bless

Express Lane for the Pre-Registered

In view of our need to keep the "ritual chaos" during Conventions, IPCAP has decided to set up an RXPRESS LANE for all those participants who have Pre-registered themselves. The organizers need to prepare the Official Receipts ahead of time, plus the fact that participants want to keep themselves from sweating and waiting tirelessly at the cue, a just reward for their time management and deliberate decision to participate.

Hence IPCAP has prepared a PRE-REGISTRATION FORM for those who would like to do that. I have attached the form already to those who have requested for the invitation. Some have simply typed in the data required and attached it back in their emails to me. There was this group that even went as far as scanning their own Pre-registration forms and attached them into a Word document so that I saw their own handwriting in there. Technology nga naman ano?

The Pre-registration Form requires that one pays ahead one's registration/participation fees in the bank mentioned in the letter. Some have even done that and texted me about their payment which our Treasurer has been monitoring these days already. Some have LBC'd their documents after depositing their dues. One's intent to participate sent via text message require the Pre-registration Form although we do count you in. These will however need the Official Receipt which may only be done prior to the Convention or Onsite at the Registration Booth.

You may also request for the IPCAP Application Form for membership which I may send as a WORD document attached in the email. Submit the Application Form on the opening day of the Convention. The required documents are the following: a xerox of your PRC ID (both sides) and 1 piece of colored 2x2 ID picture.

Welcome to IPCAP and may God bless our efforts to make the organization be a significant part of each Registered Guidance Counselor's life and practice.

A Poem: NAILING THE PAST

I woke up from bed early yesterday, and these thoughts came like water from a newly-opened faucet, flowing until no more. I am sharing this here.

NAILING THE PAST

When the past haunts, NAIL it!

Nailing the past is acknowledging it
Accepting that it DID exist, it was real
Nailing the past is fixing it in one place
So that it can't move, it can't play around and make a fool of those living in the present and those having a future to pursue.

Yes, the past is gone
But when not nailed, it can carry a life far stronger
than either the present or the future
and Both together.

When not nailed, it can hide, it can just pop up and show faces
Taunting
Haunting
Disturbing
Crippling & Paralyzing
Trapping and killing any hope of something better
and the promise of a brighter life & living.

Nailing the past is holding it in the light, keeping it still
Not simply forgetting it, nor believing it never was - denying it
For once denied, the past is set free to create itself again
Making us in the present its slaves, condemned to no growth,
no possibilities, no redemption

Yes, the past can kill
Just look at the One who carried all our pasts and had them nailed on the cross
Yes, the past is really best nailed than forgotten.

Forgetting the past is believing it never was
Forgetting that we are its fruits ready to be sown to create another past again
Forgetting is denying, is not being watchful,
not knowing of its power to rise along with what is new and better.

How can we so simply say "forgive and forget?"
What a travesty of justice!
To forgive? YES! To forget? NO!
Sorry, but past is past and may best be forgiven, not forgotten.
For to forget is to say we were never really there ourselves.
Were we then living unconsciously as if in the dark
That having a past to be forgotten is like having nothing seen or experienced
Therefore we were never really living?

The past will always be ready to devour us
Like a black hole awaiting our careless steps
Happy to stir us back to our old and dying selves

But when nailed, the past can be crippled, and we become free
To choose something better, something more enduring:
Eternal life with the freedom of the Beloved: Truly Living.