The passion of teaching Filipino students

I once again left the comfort of life in Fairfield, California, to teach in the Philippines.

My American brother-in-law was openly against my decision and worried about where I would stay, since I no longer have a home in my own country. He also feared I might once more endure the hardship of delayed salaries—an all-too-common reality for teachers in public institutions who sometimes wait months for pay.

He asked how I could possibly survive, especially given the frequent travel required between Manila and the provinces. In the past, I had even grown accustomed to commuting daily from Manila to my assignment outside the capital.

But teaching remains both my passion and my compassion. It has always been an essential part of my life, and I continue to embrace it as my ultimate service to the Filipino youth—especially now, as they navigate a world reshaped by technology and artificial intelligence.

In the middle of class one day, I received an unexpected call: I had been selected to receive the Rising Filipino Awards 2025’s International Excellence in Journalism and Education. The recognition will be conferred on November 16 at Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.

Dra. Phong’s three daughters

I first met Dra. Ma. Flor Ragoro Concepcion, affectionately called Phong, at a Makati condo. A graduate of Mapúa Institute of Technology, she hailed from Valenzuela and was happily married to Ilonggo seaman John Lindres.

She ran a dental clinic on Santillan Street, not far from where I lived while working at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions. Phong became both my dentist and confidante, always ready with laughter and encouragement.

Her three daughters—Iyrah Francesca (my goddaughter), Dra. Pattrice Angelica, and Dra. Leanne Joyce—continue to honor her memory. Even after her passing, they make it a point to celebrate their beloved mother’s birthday each year.

Lessons from TESOL and British Council

Recently, I attended the five-day workshop “AI in the English Language Classroom—From Prompt to Practice: Exploring AI Tools for English Teachers” organized by TESOL International Association with the guidance of our mentor, Ms. Sara Davila of Chicago.

There, I learned how to:

• apply effective prompting techniques with AI models such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude;
• adapt lesson materials for learners at different proficiency levels, including multilingual support;
• design scaffolded, student-centered activities that integrate AI responsibly while keeping teachers’ expertise central;
• use AI tools across platforms (Microsoft, Google) to save time on lesson planning; and
• evaluate the ethical implications of AI in education.

I am grateful to TESOL International Association for electing me as a member of its Board of Directors.

Later this month, from October 14 to 30, I will also join the ASEAN Teaching English Online Conference 2025, organized through the British Council in London.

Wooster and Wright briefings

I recently joined a briefing led by U.S. Ambassador Henry T. Wooster, chargé d’affaires in Haiti, who spoke about advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities in that country.

I also listened to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who discussed a return to common-sense energy and climate policies.

Justice Regina Benitez honored

Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez, Administrator of the Board of Pardons and Parole and an accomplished painter, paid tribute to his mother, Justice Regina Ordoñez Benitez, during the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations at the historic Mira Nila Mansion.

I recall writing years ago about the United Nations Association of the Philippines—founded by Carlos P. Romulo—for Philippine Panorama magazine.

Those in attendance included Prof. Alice Lucas, Ambassador Rosario Manalo, Ambassador June Alma Dumlao Valisno, Cecile Guidote Alvarez, TESDA Director General Dr. Francisco Benitez, Dr. Margarita Consolacion Ballesteros, Dr. Dary Dacanay, Regina Benitez, Roderick C. Cruz, and the TUP Chorale.

Celebrations and farewells

• Alyssa Daigdigan Varsovia recently marked her birthday with her family at the historic Manila Hotel.
• Farewell to my writing icon and mentor Gregorio Brillantes, whose kindness and guidance shaped my early years at National Midweek and Philippines Graphic magazines.