"TITSER"

Title: "Titser"
Awtor: Liwayway A. Arceo
Notes: In Tagalog
Description: Novel

I finally found time to read this book. I acquired it last December, but haven't got the chance to read it right away. It was just yesterday that I took time reading it and finished it eventually. I bought this book, hoping that it could reassess my feelings towards "teaching". I'm not a graduate of any education related courses, but I've been teaching Koreans for 4 years now. Last December, I was on the verge of my career. Now, 2 months after, I'm feeling the same way again (for the nth time) !!!

I had mixed emotions after reading this book. It didn't give me the refuge that I'm looking for... The book is centered on the lives of a couple, Amelita and Mauro, who happens to be teachers. Amelita's mom always looks down on Mauro, since he is only a teacher by profession. Despite the odds, they struggled to fight their own battles and were able to provide progress for their hometown. They have shown greatness to their town folks by simply being teachers which they taught to be a shabby profession.

Being an English Teacher or Tutor for Koreans is not easy. It takes a lot of courage and patience. Cultural differences and language barrier are the most common problems that you can encounter. It's difficult but I learned to love it, though... There is just One thing that makes me upset. Just like in the story, I think, I dont get the proper respect that I deserve.

The story is good, but it didn't answer my querries. I was hoping that the story will revolve around a teacher's struggles and challenges with his/her daily activities inside the school. How he/she copes up with stress with students, parents and co-teachers, and how he/she manages to get through.

It is more of a love story than what I've expected. It was well written and the characters really reflect some filipino traits and attitudes towards others.

I might not have obtained what I'm looking for in this book, but I enjoyed reading it.

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