Right Angle
 Hi everybody! These past few weeks were very, very busy and hectic for me. I see that the tension seems to be building up in the Filipino Section. I find it hard to understand why so many of us feel we are living in the shadow of the "discrimination" here in Thailand. It's just a way of life, a state of mentality where native speakers are chosen above us, and we can't blame them for the fact that they are native speakers whereas, we are not. Yes we can speak English, but we must remember we just learnt the language and were not born with it, but some of you post me to the contrary, I know that some Filipinos were!

It is not something to feel ill about, instead we should use it as inspiration to further improve ourselves, work hard and continue to learn, but not take offence to comments we receive. See it as constructive criticism! By doing this, we will prove to the world that we are worthy and at par with the native speakers.
This section of Ajarn.com is the place where we can show, prove ourselves as good as native speakers, and that's the main reason as to why none of the articles we post are edited. It is a sad fact that most posts and articles we receive don't show a good picture of the Filipino English teachers as a whole. This would be the trend not unless all of you "Able Pinoys" (quoted from Ginoong Woody) do something to change it.

If we have the mentality of "nobody is perfect and everyone is prone to mistakes and the errors in the articles written, posted are just but a unique way of communicating" we are not doing ourselves any favours at all.
I don't believe that "Able Pinoys only sits and waits for something fruitful and intellectual to happen". If you know you are able enough to spark a change, then you don't have to wait for someone to break the grounds for you!
I hope this would be a wake up call for all of us. It is a fact that our counterparts are being saluted in other parts of the world, and that's what we should be setting as our goal.
I am calling all Filipino English teachers here in Thailand to do something to alter the damage that has been done by bad articles. This is not a result of "lack of research and planning", but by our own carelessness.
There's a lot of good Filipinos out there and I am looking forward to all of your contributions. Let us all work together to make this section a success. Let's all bear in mind that not only Filipinos read this section but native speakers too.
This time let's show them what we really got! Lets us not just think only of our own good but the good of the whole Filipino community working here in Thailand.
If you want to comment on any article posted, please do so. Your comments will go in the post box corner.
See you around.....
comments, suggestions, letters, mail to rpaula0511@yahoo.com
Paula Norman

Presently Looking Back For The Future
by Manny Juromay
After some heartbreaking circumstances and adversities, we made it to celebrate our 3rd year of stay in Thailand. We recalled the time when we (as family) treasure some garbage for survival.

A word of warning (August 2007)
When applying for a job, normally the interviewer will ask you to show your original documents. But under no circumstance should you entrust your original documents such as passport, diplomas, certificates to anybody but yourself. If they ask you for photocopies, go and do them yourselves or bring copies with you. Get them before the interview!
Some recruitment agencies will ask you to surrender your passport to them. They will only return it to you until such time you finish the contract with the agency. Please take note that recruitment agencies should never have permanent possession of your passport and work permit. These documents should always be with you! Schools and agencies are not entitled to take hold of any of your original documents. This post is based on experiences by our fellow Pinoys who have been taken advantaged by schools and agencies. "Batu-bato sa langit, tamaan ay huwag magagalit!
Annie Batungbakal

Scam Alert
This is to warn our fellow Pinoy about possible scam out of the flooding Filipino job hunters. Agencies were making bargains nowadays to the target markets that Filipinos can as well teach English in Thailand. That sounds gracious in favor of Filipinos. BE AWARE! agencies (of course not all) will bite anything to draw a penny. Employing Filipinos would mean more money for agencies. We frustrated Filipinos sometimes disperately grab whatever there is to survive in Thailand. To a great advantage of crook agencies offering a slave rate wage barely enough to pay the house rent and transportation. Thanks for a free lunch in school.

If we take the lowest offer on earth we save ourselves from starving. But we open the way for corruption of agencies. One agency is now launching the projects to benefit government schools around Bangkok. They seek the help of agencies to provide English teachers, if possible Native Speakers. There is a problem; Native speakers won't bite 30,000 Baht as a salary per month so they settle on Filipinos and offering 15,000 Baht instead. Yes! you are not dreaming. It's a multiple slap on our face. You see the scam? You judge for yourself. Save yourself or save the reputation of Filipinos?

Archives - 'More Power to Me' was a fairly controversial collection of letters from the year 2006 and tackled the issue of Filipino teachers spamming job advertisers - something which still causes much ill-feeling among recruiters to this day. Quite a number of you had something to say on this topic. Read the collection of very interesting responses here. 

Hot Seat Interview - Vincente Morantes
In all the time we've been running the ajarn hot seat interviews, only one Filipino has put themselves in the hot spot. It's only befitting that the chat with Vincente Morantes should be an integral part of this page.

Visa Information (July 2007)

1. You are permitted to stay up to 90 days on visa exemption entries within a six month period. Time spent on any kind of other visa (tourist visa or non-immigrant visa) do not count towards the 90 day total.
2. The first six month period has started from your entry after 1 Oct. 2006, every entry counts.
3. After 01 April 2007 the rule has been adjusted slightly, but you still cannot exceed the 90 days allowance within the six month period.
4. Most people have started their second six month period and are able to do 3 consecutive border run (3x30) again. The 30 day stamp or visa exemption stamp is NOT a tourist visa as many think.
5. Example for six month period: 18.12.06 to 17.06.07, re-enter with visa exempt on 18.06.07.
Entry at airport 11.10.06 exit at Ban Laem 9.11.06 30 days visa exempt
Entry at Ban Laem 9.11.06 exit at Mukdahan 8.12.06 30 days visa exempt
Enter at Mukdahan 9.12.06 exit at Ban Laem 6.2.07 60 days tourist visa
Extend in Thailand at immigration office for 30 days THB 1,900 extension until 7.3.07
Entry at Ban Laem 7.3.07 permission to stay until 5.4.07 30 days visa exempt.
Immigration will allow this person to be back in the country with a 30day visa exempt stamp on 11.4.07

This person has now two possibilities:
A: Get another extension (THB 1,900) for 7 days at the immigration and re-enter Thailand on the 11.4.07 with a 30 day visa exempt stamp to start a new SIX-MONTH period with 3x30 days border runs.
B: Apply on/before the 5.4.07 for a new tourist visa.

Extensions are applied at the Immigration Main Office in Suan Phlu, Sathorn Road Monday to Saturday or at the Immigration Office Novotel next to Suvarnabhumi Airport Monday to Friday. Any extension costs THB 1,900
A tourist visa will be extended for 30 days. A 30-day visa exempt stamp and any Non-Immigrant Visa will be extended for 7 days only.
You can convert the 30-day visa exempt stamp to a Non-Immigrant Visa by going to the Immigration with the proper documents and 21 day stay remaining, meaning you have up to 9 days time after your entry. Application fee THB 2000
Please not that your passport needs to remain valid for at least another six months for any visa applications.
Further info: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/12/php
All embassies/consulates in SEA will issue only Single Entry Tourist Visas. Please be reminded to apply for a re-entry permit before you leave the country, otherwise your visa is cancelled.

Mukdahan and Savannasakhet Border Run Rules:
1. Royal Thai Consulate do not process the visa on the same day anymore and limits the issuance to 2 tourist visa per one calendar year to one person.
2. Prepare 3 passport size photos and copy o0f your passport.
3. Passport should be valid for six months and have at least 4 free pages for the visa stamp.
4. Nationals of Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines do not need to apply for Laos Visa.
5. Application for Non-immigrant single entry is THB 1,000.

Ban Laem Border Run Rules:
1. With immediate effect it is not required anymore to show an air ticket.
2. Every person without a Visa (enter with 30 day visa exempt stamp) has to buy compulsory bus ticket for additional THB 200 and 1 passport size photo. Note: 4x6 cm photo and passport size photos are required.
For more info email visathai@gmail.com  or call 0818154803 or call Ms. Ofelia 0851169771

The Filipino Educators Council
Jimmy Lee offers an update on the progress of the Filipino Educators council

A Filipino perspective
Abner Thaifil has a few comments to make about how Filipinos can prove their abilities in the classroom and how they can strive to be the best!

Notes on the second Filipino Educators Conference held in Bangkok. Jimmy Lee is once again your guide to who said what.

Which is Which? Is it U FT or A FT?
We really cannot escape “Philippine politics” in Thailand, can we? says Jimmy Lee

Notes on the first Filipino Educators Conference held in Chiang Rai
Jimmy Lee takes you through the discussions and how to better things at your place of work.

Integrating Campus Journalism to ESL Reading & Writing Courses
One of the co-curricular activities that an ESL/EFL teacher can integrate to its reading and writing course syllabus is the introduction of the basic concepts of campus journalism and its application. Jimmy Lee

Challenges for a non-native teacher by Rolly Cainglet Obedencio
Rolly has been teaching ESL in the Philippines, China and Thailand for about nine years. He has earned a Certificate in TESOL. He is presently pursuing his second MA in Educational Leadership. He lives in Bangkok at the moment.

Who on earth needs this training program?
Jimmy Lee, has got a bee in his bonnet about this 20-hour Thai culture program. Is the program going to make for better teachers and improve the standard of the TEFL industry in Thailand? Absolutely not says Jimmy.

Concerns about the Philippine Embassy Bangkok. A reader writes to the Filipino section to voice some concerns

The Philippines’ Cyber Education Project: Pros and Cons. Jimmy Lee analyses a project that will be of interest to all Filipinos involved in the teaching profession.

Ideas for the TEFL classroom from Kenneth Perelta.
What’s the best seating arrangement for a class? What can the teacher do to help establish rapport with the students? How can the teacher ensure instructions are clear?

Breaking the controversies behind Thailand's no fail policy. The “no fail” policy has become an unending topic among online ‘forumers’  Jimmy Lee

Where are you going?
I "chronicled" my teaching experience in Thailand through poetry, and I would like to share one piece which I wrote about teaching. Jean

The Issues on the Implementation of Thailand’s Learner-Centered Approach in Teaching English as Foreign Language. Jimmy Lee

The English Language Teaching in Thailand: A Filipino’s Viewpoint and Inspiration. I would like to share an inspiration that I have with me for the past years as one of the Filipino teachers who came to Thailand not just as a breadwinner but as a dedicated educator as well. Jimmy Lee

RIL Top 20 English teachers
As we moan along with those sufferings of discriminated job hunters, and underpaid fellows; we alongside have all the reason to rejoice with the achievements of our comrades in the foreign land. Manny

Qualities of a Good Teacher
Good teacher encourages the students to take risk and always has a positive attitude.
Kenneth Perelta

We will (might) make it
It’s been 5 years now since I arrived in Thailand . I went here due to the insistence of my sister who, outside of my knowledge, has distributed my resume to different schools.

Always Remember the Golden Rule
This is reaction and support to the articles sent by the angel up in heaven (Mr. AOA) about the Filipino coordinators working here in Thailand
Roserly Chavez

Living and Working in Thailand
Alfredo T. del Mundo Jr, an English lecturer from the Prince of Songkhla University, brings his valuable experience to the ajarn.com filipino section, and tells you how to do it right.

Teaching English to Thai Children
Even though it seems obvious, a common mistake is to think that children are simply 'short adults!' This is sure to get you off on the wrong foot!
Orlando P. Odtujan Jr.

Improve their Speed
Valuable advice on how to get your students to speak English twice as fast. Orlando Odtujan

Comfort Zone
With the reality of finding a teaching jobs for Filipinos, everyone knew that they will just end up the day buttered by the prevailing fact of being discriminated. Manny

ARTICLES
by Andes Orman Angel

Heaven and Hell
I remember asking my Philosophy professor why there is heaven and hell. He answered, “ Oh my God. You’re so naive. Can you imagine the world with out people who believe in heaven?

An appeal to all Filipino co-ordinators. Have you heard about a guy named Narcissus? by Andes Orman Angel
 

"I don’t wanna be too formal but I feel the need to say this coz some things never change. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always be the same. I think it’s necessary to leave bad things in the closet before we decide on working abroad" by Andes Orman Angel

Most Thai secondary school contains an average of 45-50 students. This can make it difficult for teachers to manage their classes efficiently without feeling overloaded with work. I like to share some activities/techniques and introduce practical ways to manage this kind of set up.
Andes Ormon Angel

Not at All
Writing pieces of advice in finding a job in the midst of discrimination is a challenge. Honestly, I prefer not to sensationalize a topic that I feel not worth writing for because no matter what we do, we really can’t do anything about it
Andes Ormon Angel

How to Survive in the Classroom
(Pinoy Style)
Each day in the class of M.1-M/3 is a battle for me. I find it difficult and mind-boggling how to tame 40 students with different learning styles. If you have been to a market, you know what I am saying. I always ask myself the following questions before I prepare my lesson plan
Andes Ormon Angel

Pinoichio States by Ginoong Woody
Getting to know Pinoys and The Philippines.

Why are there Filipino Teachers of English in Thailand?
by Ginoong Woody

Let me state a fact: The Philippines is the third largest English speaking nation in the world, next to the United States and the United Kingdom. Unlike in India and other third-world English speaking nations which have big population, the Philippines is controlled and compelled to take English with equal importance as the mother tongue. For the less nationalist few, English, in fact, is even more important - it being the Philippines’ official language. This lets Filipinos earn higher knowledge and ability to read, write, listen and speak English. All academic curricula from the low class government school to the most famous private school are loaded with subjects taught in English; thus, a Filipino is always guaranteed of an A-1 English curriculum from Physical Education to Physics subjects. Being a primordial right of the citizen, education is accorded to almost ninety-five percent of all Filipino children from age five. It is basically like children’s blank minds are loaded with stuffs in English, so you can never imagine how much more education is accorded to a Filipino who spends more for it by enrolling in an international school in the Philippines. I will tell you that he will have the makings of a President, leader of the Senate – or even a U.S. city mayor. But of course, it will always depend on the enthusiasm and upbringing of the society, particularly the family and the Filipino himself.

Individual differences lead to different input and output levels of knowledge. Nevertheless, even if coming from a mediocre private school, a 15-year old can speak publicly in English with too much confidence and articulation. And talking about life after school, Filipinos are confronted to deal with all business matters in English. This simply means that every business centers require an applicant to read, write, listen and speak in English even just for a low-paying job. This enforcement, plus the other inherent positive values molds an “able” Pinoy who, even not English major or Education graduates, turns out to be superb teachers of English in Thailand. These Pinoy teachers provide decent education and more, as they seem to understand the fragile factor in Thailand’s education system, i.e. students are hungry of an education with a twist – something which some other teachers can’t give. The truth is Filipino teachers teach with their hearts and they are now slowly creeping up on those slots abandoned or shamed by some so-so “blond-haired and blue-eyed” native or European teachers. They have been so keen and founded a concrete stance to teach English not only in Thailand, but also in Japan and U.S.A. – eventhough both of these countries seem to have a market so impossible to be penetrated by non-native teachers of English, moreso by “coffee-skinned” Filipinos.

Now, let me share a reality: There are three types of Filipino teachers in Thailand. First is the “able Pinoys” whom I have introduced above. These are the Filipino teachers who have a credible knowledge base. They have earned considerable degrees of profoundness of the English language. They can be Masteral, Bachelor Degree Holders, English major or Education graduates. They are the ones who forced or were nourished in an intensive environment where English is viewed as a natural language. These Filipino teachers have a great deal of perspectives. They can view their tasks in a wider framework, trying to spend most of their time to become even more productive. They can formulate unique approaches to amaze the discriminating eyes. Some of them are even endowed with qualities, physical and intellectual, that turn market demand 360O. Like their counterparts elsewhere in the world, they have started to rake in a bit of success – humbly perfecting their crafts in the most unselfish and undamaging way. The second type of Filipino teachers is the “leveled Pinoys”. They are bachelor degree holders who did not grow up in an environment where English has been conceived as a natural language.

They are not to be blamed because an ordinary Filipino would not really care so much honing his knowledge of the English language. It is enough for him to have a degree and, as long as he can read, write, listen and speak English more than his Thai students, he very well knows that he can survive teaching in Thailand. This type of teachers can actually come from provinces wherein strong regional accents influence their speaking skills. And like some European, African and Asian teachers of English, they confuse the students in learning the correct stresses and enunciations. But, in the long run, because of their education, they will improve as they very well know how to recognize faults and turn them around. Another type is the “gutsy Pinoys”. They are teachers who, even not bachelor degree holders, have managed to sneak into the Thailand education system. They are full of guts proving, but actually feigning, that they can manage the task with gusto; because, in the first place, they don’t really know, at least in the beginning, even the basic rules of grammar and phoneme. When you let them read and write in a complex structure, you will see them grumbling and making excuses to get away with it. They are the ones who have the tendency to dent the truth and disturb others in a damaging proportion by being asslicks. They are insecure due to maleducation and probably misdemeanor, but not individual differences, I am sure. They are actually thorns that need to be pricked out from the esteem being built up by the good-hearted and educated Pinoys. They need orientation and warning to make them improve and change.

When Paula Norman talked to me in the beginning, I swore to myself that I would not be writing anything about the academe of Filipino teachers in Thailand. I have long been dreaming to complete a write-up about my banner image and some interesting articles about the competitiveness of the Philippines as a business hub; but my excruciating schedule would not really permit me, as I need to work on some researches. It just seemed that there was a need for this article. I must accept that I was strickened by what Paula Norman said in her “Right Angle”, “I don't believe that ‘able’ Pinoys only sit and wait for something fruitful and intellectual to happen.” She also averred that, “If you know you are ‘able’ enough to spark a change, then you don't have to wait for someone to break the grounds for you!” There was indeed some tension that built up lately. I am just thankful to Paula and Phil in how they have managed that tension and gave in to some little requests, particularly taking out that banner comment which was posted recently in this section. PINOYS, we really just have to wake up! Wake up a hundred times?

I will be leaving again; and because I am really a stupid workaholic, it might be long again that I can update my column. I am just hoping that this article is worth reckoning. I am still posting that article regarding “Fascinating Philippines” and I promise to return with more next time. Let me greet my former co-teachers: Marcela, Alma, Maureen, Estrella, Irish, Darwin, Ronn, David, Tom and E, plus Ajarns Toffee, Chadsuda, and Walapa. I hope you all have good days always!

Fascinating Philippines by Ginong Woody. Click here.

Dear Ms/Mr Person-In-Charge of the Filipino Page on the Ajarn.com site:
May I make a suggestion? I think you may have to rethink about posting the note: "None of the contributions on this page are edited. They are submitted in their original format." While it is not totally offensive to the untrained ear of the user of the English language, it leaves much to be desired as a reading material in a site that is visited or depended upon by many professionals using the English language in their careers here in Thailand, whatever it may be.
With the unedited materials that have been posted, the Filipino teachers become sitting ducks as to why they should not be hired in the first place. It is so very sad or poor, grammatically. Granted, Filipinos are less burden with their admirable traits compared to the quirks and headaches that come with hiring half-hearted farang teachers but that doesn't mean the Filipino teacher can be slack in his ability. Please try to make an effort to edit the material before posting for public readership and avoid spelling colloquially or using SMS (very Filipino "texting" jargon) or else you are doing more disservice to your fellow Filipino teachers than good.
Good luck.
MP (July 2007)

This is in reaction to the new article by AOA about making the best of the job to get respect in the work place. That's a good encouragement bro. Thanks! and more power to you. But. If you think that there is nothing we can do about it (discrimination in finding a job for Filipinos), you really have nothing to write. You are throwing your opinion which is not related to the issue at all. The issue being raised here is the discrimination to which Filipinos are experiencing while finding for a job, and not after having the job. For your update, those Filipinos who are working anywhere in the world are known to be hard working and respected in fact some were awarded. At least 5,000 teachers and tens of thousands nurses in the US were known to be diligent.

Again, our problem is the discrimination even prior to interview for a job not after having one. Because, as soon as Filipino gets a job respect is beyond consideration, it will come naturally. In Thailand, the kindness of Thai people is just one of the many things which naturally came as a result of relational blend in a work place. Pinoys can easily work with anybody regardless of race. This is proven with the fact that 8 million Filipinos in 204 countries are having no problem keeping their job. What is your advice in finding a job in the midst of discrimination. Please write on this issue only.

Filipinos are unique! Be one of them. Go Pinoy Go! Be counted.
Manny (July 2007)

I am writing to extend my congratulations to two brave teachers who started putting up a corner in this website for us, teachers, from the Philippines. Months ago, I was browsing the internet for some teaching jobs in Asia when I came across ajarn.com. I felt humiliated reading the articile "Are Filipinos Shooting Themselves?" But in a way, I told myself, "What it contains is quite true." Back in the Philippines, people tease each other by saying "Gaya-gaya puto maya!" (translated as copycat!) I guess, we are actually living it, in a way. One commented on "similar application letters from different Filipino applicants" which greatly annoyed the HR manager. Well, who wouldn't be? That is one reason why we are looked down by other people especially those of Asian origins. But sadly, it is because we cause it to happen.
However, we must not dwell on the negative side. We Filipinos, are global people. We can survive wherever we are, under any kind of circumstance. We don't need to have the Western accent to belong. We belong because just like R. Zulueta da Costa said, "We are firm, resilient, staunch, rising on the hillside, unafraid, strong in his own fibre; yes, like the molave...."
To teachers from the Philippines seeking work abroad: bring with you your resilience, your compassion at work, your honesty, and your cleverness. Bring along with you your pride in being able to touch the lives of young people. Walk tall and talk smartly. You will be loved and respected by everyone....
Helen Orobia (June 2007)