I have known my fourth lady for a long time but we really didn’t have any intimate conversation, until I called her for the photo shoots.I am glad that I did this interview and with the previous ladies and 46 more to come. I am grateful for the time we have shared our thoughts for a lot of topics ,only ladies can relate (hopefully, men do relate too).
My lady teacher is Priscila Arcilla De leon, born January 16, 1955 in Tondo, Manila. Married to her long time college sweetheart, Delfin de Leon blessed with four children, Derrick, Dondee, Danica and Danielle. (Note: all names start with letter “D”). Graduated from Philippine Normal University with a degree of BSEE-HE (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in Home Economics) 1972.
For how long you’ve been teaching?
I’ve been teaching since I graduated from university, got married in 1979, I continued teaching even when I came to Jeddah year 1984.
What school in Jeddah?
I started with IPSJ (international Philippine School of Jeddah) teaching from grade 1 to Grade 6. Currently, I am teaching PE (physical Education) for girls from grade 1-4 in Al Wadi International School (British Curriculum).
Would you described briefly what is the difference between a multicultural foreign school as against to Philippine school? (on teacher point of view)
From my experiences (this is only my opinion) its behavioral differences… more of attitude problem than academic differences. Filipino students are more polite, respectful and easy to manage.
How would you describe yourself as a teacher?
Disciplinarian! The first and foremost that I teach to my students is self-discipline.
What is your strength and weaknesses as a teacher?
Discipline is my strength and my weakness? I am easily distracted!
Well, I guess it’s also a practice at home. What about your children? Tell me more about them.
My two sons are already working, my daughter Danica recently graduated from Southville Int. School and Colleges with a degree of BS in Nursing. My youngest is in her 2nd year of BS in Tourism.
(At this point of interview, I felt she is getting emotional and overwhelmed by the facts).
It would be practically impossible for me to describe her inner feelings as a parent of these children (adjectives…out of my mind) proud parents as they are, or should I say, a proud mom! She confided her difficulties while her husband was away working , She was left alone with her son, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy . On top of that, she still has to work to help augment their needs financially.
(Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non-contagious motor conditions that cause physical disability inhuman development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement.)
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain and can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or after birth up to about age three.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
At the time of delivery, she was told , her baby did not cry and oxygen was given immediately. (I guess, there wasn’t enough oxygen to reached the brain).
When he was growing up, at three years old,she noticed, he can’t crawl or walk like any other child of his age, this prompted her to seek medical attention.
Did you stop working?
No, I didn’t, I have to help my husband, my son needs regular medical attention, and we practically stay more in the hospital than any other place. Then, we move to Jeddah, searched for another treatment. He had surgery in his leg so he can walk better. Continuous physical therapy was needed and done.Thanks God, he was alright. He grew up normally even played basketball.
As she continues to unlock her other sufferings (like many of us…financial, lack of extended family support, homesickness etc.) her tears rolls down, trying to control herself (and myself too) she gives me a smile and said, let’s move on to other aspect…Beauty”!
All right, tissue please! Whoa, what a moment, I admire her courage and perseverance.
“The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks. “ ~Carrie Latet
Are there any beauty secrets that you can share? Any things that you can’t do without? What are the things that you love to shop and buy?
I don’t shop for myself, I think of my children first (mothers!)Oh well, SUNBLOCK 35SPF, even I am inside my home, we should protect our face from the lights in our house. I also use moisturizer every day under the sunblock cream. At night, I use egg white, so my skin feels tight and smooth.
It’s like egg white mask! There you go ladies, another secret unveiled!
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Filipino Women are facing the higher risk of Breast Cancer in Southeast Asia.Some 6,360 breast cancer patients die each year in the country, making it the leading death among Filipino women (data from the Philippine Cancer Society as posted by Bulatlat)
How did you break the news to your family…to your children in particular?
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