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Paradise English
Boracay Island
www.ParadiseEnglish.com admin@paradiseenglish.com +63362884544

In Focus
Teacher Andrie Ceballos learns from natures fury

The Power of One

PE friends, students and staff pull resources together for Typhoon Haiyan Victims

The most powerful typhoon in history may have triumphed in its rage, leaving a country and its people utterly devastated. More remarkable though is that it failed to crush the human spirit whose power to stir mankinds collective being to move as one, is well and alive. The outpour of support and assistance was almost instantaneous and everywhere across the globe, help in many forms continue to arrive. Typhoon damages in the home of PE owners Claus and Stephanie did not stop them from taking the lead in launching a relief/fund drive for victims in Panay Island, Leyte and Samar. Their three young children took turns manning the boxes as family and friends from overseas, students and staff sent their contributions. Acts of generosity in any scale, multiplied in many places throughout the world, warm our hearts and strengthen our faith that when we act as one, we will certainly overcome lifes adversities.

No one is ever ready for the world's biggest catastrophe. Last November 8, 2013, a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of over 250 km/hour gusting over 300 km/hour hovered over Boracay. The storm hit Paradise English at a most vulnerable time while we were in the middle of classroom expansion and roof replacement. The strong winds and rain blew off the roofing material, flooded the classrooms, cut off electricity and water supply for more than a week, and disrupted the regular flow of classes. We were humbled by the ferocious storm, feeling tiny and helpless in the midst and aftermath of natures wrath. But nature has a way of helping us understand the human response to adversity. Some students were scared, others excited about a first time experience. A handful of students moved into hotels inland, a few teachers took friends to hunker down in their homes. A number of families sought refuge in our school premises. The storm spared the island from vast destruction. Many houses were ruined but thankfully, no life was taken. Unity with, sensitivity to and awareness of others were valuable lessons learned. With the worst over, it is now time to repair, not only properties damaged but more importantly, regain inner strength, re-establish harmony and rebuild community.

Whats inside
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Halloween Fright Night Island Hopping on a Banca

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Student Thoughts Photo Gallery

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PEs Korean Team PEs Fun Loving Teacher

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NOVEMBER 2013
Spooky and scary, weird and wacky, bewitching and beguiling Twas indeed a fright and fun night for PEs creepy creatures!

Halloween 2013

Around the Island in 4 Hours

11/02/13 - PE students and teachers boarded a banca that took them around Boracay Island for a Saturday of sun, sea, sky and sandsnorkeling and swimming plus a sumptuous packed lunch shared and savored to the last bite 2

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Students Yukio & Noriko Complement Learning by Journaling; Compliment PE by Sharing Their Thoughts

NOVEMBER 2013

Students & Teachers Pause & Pose for Fun & Learning

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NOVEMBER 2013

Our Korean Team

Ray and Kathy are up for any questions in Korean or Chinese!

As many ESL students from Korea study in the Philippines, it is very helpful to have these two great people working with Paradise English. Ray came into the PE family early on. Stephanie and Claus were at the beginning of their journey, having started Paradise English in 2005. In 2007 Ray came wandering unto the campus one day, unannounced, wondering if they needed a Korean colleague who could try bringing students to the school. At first Claus and Stephanie thought, who was this guy, but warmed up to him quickly. It was a different time with little office space in the old school where PE was until 2009. Ray would be busy on his laptop in the corner where the Internet worked best, blogging and connecting to Korean students wanting to study English in a different place.
At first, students came at a slow pace but gradually due to his determined work ethic, many students from Korea enrolled. Ray gradually became part of the PE family and secured his place as a trusted partner of Claus and Stephanie. Kathy was a student that started studying at Paradise English in October of 2010. She was here for 3 months and obviously loved it as she then joined the PE team in July this year. Having spent time on Boracay in those 3 months gave her an appreciation for our beautiful island and island life. Kathy worked in Macau for 3 years where she learned to speak Chinese. If you are a Chinese or Korean student and you need any help, you can easily find Kathy as she always has a smile on her face. She has been a great addition to the front office and we really appreciate her help. Last year, 39% of our student population came from Korea. Most of this is due to Ray and Kathys hard work. They are a great complement to the rest of the dedicated team of Paradise Englishs family.

Figuring Out Peejay

Teacher Ava Saligumba attempts to unravel the mystery behind her work colleague

It was a jaw-dropping moment when I was tasked to interview this teacher. Why? A full page would not be enough to write about him and his life! So as not to be overwhelmed, Im sharing snippets of our Fun Loving Teacher of the year. John Paul Delfin, better known as Peejay, is from Manila. He joined Paradise English after working at an ESL School in Iloilo. While waiting for his companys notice to report to work, he learned about PE, applied, got accepted and quit the old job right there and then. Peejay quickly adjusted to his new job as 1 to 1 tutor, even being soon designated as head tutor. To say that Peejay is an interesting person is an understatement. These are some fascinating viewpoints from several people: persistent to the point of being a hound but nonetheless caring; artistic and tasteful but messy; talkative but occasionally spaced out; fun to hang out with and funny as well; either someone you loath or someone you love so much. When Peejay disclosed that he has a passion for cooking, I couldnt help compare his personality to that of a dish with contrasting flavors like sweet-and-sour chicken. As a colleague, I find him among the best teachers in school. When asked how he handles criticism, he said I find it healthy. I took it negatively in the past but now I realize constructive criticism is a good way to start again. I truly admire Peejays positive outlook in life. I think I will follow this daily habit he shared: I smile the moment I wake up. It is one of the most important ingredients to have a happy life. It is no wonder I relate to him as a laudable Kuya, the Filipino term for elder brother. 4