The Circus of Hebei
SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon at Lim Ket Kai Atrium, Cagayanons converged and patiently waited for the death-defying and heart-pounding stunts and routines from the acrobats of Hebei, China.
I thought “Pinoy Time” is only true among Filipinos, but we waited almost an hour when finally a voice over cued in and introduced the performers from Hebei. First-timers like me with my children around though found the routines entertaining but not totally amazing for those who saw last year’s performers who came from the same country.
A colleague commented that their local (municipal or barangay) resident acrobats could have done better and more complicated routines than these performers from Hebei are doing. Joggling porcelain jars, twisting body into unusual postures, dancing gymnastic with harness on air, piling blocks and tables to the highest level topping an artist spreading both legs and raising an arm on air were magnificent. They may seem to appear simple and easy but details of such routines are perfected through months or might be years of strenuous rehearsals and agonizing physical injuries. These require mammoth physical strength and endurance, muscular and skeletal flexibility and density, mental discipline and spiritual ardor.
Apparently, the qualifying and pronounced characteristics of the rigors of the circus from Hebei are comparable to the implementing rules and guidelines of the recently implemented K to 12 Curriculum. Controversial issues and concerns e.g. laboratory of skills and facilities (literally), hard copies of instructional and educational materials and resources (modules, textbooks, learning manuals, teaching guides), mass trainings, seminars and workshops (as literally understood not only to a few or closest to the heart), and financial breakthrough (proposed budget due to Caesar!) are selling hot as pancakes!
I have been teaching for quite some time in both private and public schools where I started and where I am stationed at right now respectively. The experiences can be both nightmares and opportunities. The former bring in realizations of how politically motivated this system is, yet, amid all these circuses of academic and socio-political disturbances opportunities of change are brewing. These may come to terms with how passionate we are and arduous in teaching and transforming lives of the innocents.
We are stewards and agents of change that may hope to bring rebirth, restoration and healing to this ailing society. It is time to break off the chain of generational poverty, corruption and moral decadence. The K to 12 Curriculum is “NOW” which dreams to develop, enhance, and produce globally competitive, literally and numerically functional, emotionally strong, morally and spiritually matured individuals. Its rigors and discipline may seem too impossible to bear, but the conse- quences and products of hard work, determination, service and commitment will be as amazing and awesome as circuses produced locally and internationally.
Let’s bring it on!