My Journey with Microsoft

Being a technology teacher, I was able to teach my students the skills to compete in ICT competitions from the Division Level to Regional Level as well as to the Nationals.  With their expertise, I integrated the different learning areas in every activity we had at our computer class.  Never did I expect that their works gave me the opportunity to be with the best and bright minds in the Asia and pacific Regions of the World.

It was on February 20, 2012 that I opened my email and saw the invitation was already in my inbox for almost a week.  I hurriedly opened and read its content and was surprised that the 7^th Innovative Teachers Leadership Award deadline of entries is 4 days to go.  Nevertheless, I tried to answered and comply all the requirements by downloading and uploading the Virtual Classroom template on the scheduled date.

I constantly check my email because the announcement of 10 finalists will be on the 26^th of February as stipulated in DepEd Memo..  But there was no single email I got from Microsoft, not until on the February 28, 2012 at 7:32 in the evening.  I was so happy then to read that I made it to Top 10.  I could not sleep that night since my mind was occupied with so many things to do. Seeking permission from the principal as well as securing the travel order from the SDS.  Aside from that, I still have to design my tarpaulin as well as to construct the display board.  Luckily, I was permitted to go to Makati City.  But, my excitement was cut short when my niece called me up that my tarpaulin can’t be printed for there was no current at that time at Iligan City and I  was at peace only when the tarpaulin reaches me at 11:30pm for my niece travelled all the way from Iligan City to Baroy, Lanao del Norte.  Thanks to God that Rural Transit has resumed its night trip..:)

Technology was used for communication…e-ticket was sent through email…instructions for the Hotel to stay was sent through SMS and phone call. 

I shared a room with Shateen from Zamboanga City.  We are both clueless as to what would happen to us.  It was 4am on March 2, 2012 that we are awaken by a phone call from Microsoft that we need to set up our tarpaulin in a designated display board at Dusit Thani Hotel.  We met the rest of the finalists and just like me; they don’t have the idea on what will happen.

Judging has finally started at 9am.  There are seven judges at that time whom are all expert in the field of ICT and Education.  Some are professors from the UP, one is a head of the DepEd Computerization program, and the rest are International Teachers and Trainers from the IT industry.

When the awarding has finally in progress, I really did not expect that I would be included in the Top 3 and bagged the Best in Collaboration.  I was so happy because I felt so insecure at that moment..probably, the reason is I am a probinsyana.

I have a mixed feeling at that time most especially when Ma’am Michelle Casio, the Academic Head from Microsoft asked for my passport since it was one of the requirements for the competition and mine has expired three years ago.  To quote, “Pag-uwi nyo, huwag muna kayong mag FB FB ha…I will send the link of the New Zealand’s website for you to download the visa application form.  We need to fly for Acuckland on March 18, 2012.”  GOD, help me.  How can I get my passport if I have 2 weeks to go?  I did not answer their emails right away because I was so worried with my passport.  Fortunately, my passport was released earlier and mailed it to them at Makati City. 

March 15, 2012 around 7:00pm, Robby from Microsoft called me up and asking if Im doing well and informed me that they received my passport and other documents in the morning.  I have in my mind that I would be informed that I cannot join the group to Auckland, New Zealand and I was right.  I was not hurt to hear that…I felt no pain…my heart was so light…and I am hopeful…the only thing I told to myself..it’s ok..i still have one day..tomorrow is still Friday and most of the government offices are opened on that day.

My husband was asking me if I am OK and I said YES but he was not convinced with my answer.  I told him that I was hopeful…God has a plan for me; otherwise, HE won’t let my passport be released after 7 days.  So I went to sleep without knowing that my husband was searching for the prominent people of the NZ Embassy and was able to get different emails of the Ambassador of NZ to the Philippines.  He opened my email account and wrote to the ambassador.  At 10:00pm, he woke me up and told me that he received a response from the ambassador.  I told him, don’t believe on that.  It could be machine generated since you are dealing with officials from the government.  So he just ignored it to. 

March 16, 2012…Friday at 7:00 am, I attended the opening parade of the weeklong celebration of Araw ng Lala.  My husband who is assigned to other school, saw a laptop in the lobby that was connected to the internet.  He asked the owner if he could borrow it for a moment.  He opened my email and was so surprised that a new email has arrived with a very personal message…Hi Edalyn…do you have a contact number?  Are you still in Lanao del Norte? Does your group leave for NZ this Sunday?..regards..nick..Nick was the assistant ambassador of NZ to the Philippines.  My husband gave my number to him and I got missed call from the embassy for I was so busy then at that time with the newly opened ukay-ukay.  My husband called my co-teacher and I was informed to check my phone because the embassy in trying to reach me.  Finally, I was able to talk to the Filipino assistant and ask for my documents.  I told her that it is still there are Makati City at the Microsoft Office.  They asked for their number and I gave it to them.  At 10:00 am, Sir Robby called me up again and told me to send back the softcopy of the visa form and other documents for they will try to process my visa.  4:00 pm..that was 30 minutes before the NZ Embassy closes its office, the Filipina assistant called me up and told me that my travel to New Zealand on Sunday is already ok.  I thanked her while I broke into tears.  Thank you so much Lord.  It is indeed your plan for me.  Thank you for giving me my husband who has been your instrument.

At 5:30pm, I received my domestic ticket for Manila at 8:00am, Saturday, March 17, 2012 for a coaching lesson with Sir Elmer Guizano.  I packed my things with a feeling of amazement.  Still could not believe that I  am joining the Philippine Team.

“You are so blessed”..this is what Ma’am Michelle told me when we met at the Microsoft Office for our visa and passport as well as our ticket.  “Swerte ka sa asawa mo at sa manager ng Microsoft kasi NZ national.”  Truly I am Blessed for I did not expect that God will bless me more to New Zealand as I bagged again as the Winner in the Most Challenging Contexts Category with 60 competing teachers from Asia and Pacific Region.  I am so proud to wave our flag as I get my trophy and certificates.  This is God’s plan for me.  And I truly believe that when we prayed heart fully, God will grant the desires of our heart.   And I am hoping to receive a communication from the Microsoft Asia and Pacific Manager to confirm if I could attend the World Competition to Athens Greece this coming November 4 to 9, 2012.  I lifted it to God already.  If it is for me then He will give it to me no matter how short is the time or circumstances there might be.  Ang akong kadaugan, mao usab ang kadaugan sa akong mga estudyante.  Daghang Salamat.