As many readers that have been visiting my blog for any time now will know, I have been taking Bisaya (Cebuano) lessons online for around two years now. You might be thinking that I should be pretty proficient at it by now. Well, I agree that would be the case if it wasn’t such a stop and go affair for me.
That’s what I want to write a little about today. First the incredible patience of my teacher (maestra, magtutudlo) and second the nature of my lessons and what the have become to me.
As I’ve mentioned previously, I take lessons online via Skype with my teacher, Bebe Metillo, who lives in Davao. I have only had a couple of lessons in person, so by far the bulk of my learning has been through the internet. It works well most of the time, but there are technical issues (brownouts for instance) that must be dealt with. Then there are life commitments from both of us that also cause interruptions.
I’ve stopped a few times, and Bebe has always been more than understanding. She has held my spot for me, and that is no small deal, as she is incredibly busy. She not only teaches privately but also at some Academies. There have also, especially lately, been instances of personal issues that cause the lessons to either be cancelled or steer off kilter.
That brings me to the second point. Bebe has become much more than a language teacher to me. She has become a counselor in regards to the cultural differences that I encounter. Helping to explain any things that I have a hard time understating. Even more than that, she has become a true friend.
Since my visit to Samal Island and Davao last October, many of lessons have taken on more of a counseling/discussion nature than a language lesson. I’ll not go into all the reasons for that, but I can not begin to explain how grateful I am to have a person like Bebe to confide in, and to truly learn more about the area that I hope to retire in. I feel that I’ve learned many lessons, that I may have eventually learned while living there, that will really serve me well in the future. More importantly, I feel I have a real friend in Davao, and that means a great deal to me.
Daghang salamat para kang Bebe.
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 lessons online for around two years now. You mig){kind=link}
Jan 23, 2011 @ 19:59:32
Thanks for this post, Randy. You’re not the first person I have heard very good things about Bebe from … she must be one fantastic person.
You know, I write often about language teaching and coaching on-line. In addition to the regular recommendations to native English speakers, I’ve often tried to interest Filipino friends in teaching Tagalog (or another Philippine language they are good at) oin line … and making some honest pay for honest work while doing that. “Uptake” on the idea has been pretty slow, but that doesn’t mean I am going to stop promoting it.
But when you see an article like this, you can see that Bebe is gaining a lot more than whatever amount of money she earns … a lot more. You know I have a lot of friends … some of whom I consider good friends. Of the ‘good’ ones, I’m sure a number might write a few good words about me, perhaps if prompted to. But if I ever touched anyone the way she has, and if anyone ever wrote words like that about me, I’d not only be amazed … I’d probably be crying as I read them.
There are many kinds of ‘wealth’. Not all are associated with money. Thanks for showing some of the other aspects of being outgoing, helpful, and not spending the day mired in poverty and the negative thoughts of ‘Woe is me, I’m a poor Filipino, what could I ever do to make a difference in life”?
Jan 23, 2011 @ 20:55:47
Daghang salamat (many thanks), Dave.
You always make such excellent points. Yes, Bebe certainly has taken the bull by the horns with regards to making a living. I don’t know if all would be as successful as her, because she does seem pretty special, but I agree most could make a decent living if they had the motivation.
You know I had a visit to friends house awhile back. He tutors online. Various subjects, none if which he is an expert at. I had to laugh because many of the questions he was asked to answer, he just googled and then replied. Point being, I don’t think you have to be an expert to make that work.
I’m glad to hear my article came off about Bebe the way it did. I meant it to. I don’t even think Bebe reads my blog, she’s too busy for that kind of thing
Jan 24, 2011 @ 21:36:06
Bebe is the best. Without a doubt in my mind, Bebe is one of the most important people in my life, and I don’t say that lightly. I have learned a lot from Bebe, both language and also life lessons about living in the Philippines. I have told Bebe that I consider her to be like a sister to me, and I am serious about that.
Bebe does read blogs. I don’t know for sure if she reads yours (does she know the URL?), but I know for sure that she reads mine. I am sure she would like to read your site too if she doesn’t already.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 12:53:25
Thanks, Bob. I knew you cared a great deal for Bebe. too. Daghang salamat for introducing her to me. I am very grateful.
I think Bebe has visited my blog in the past I just don’t think she does much or at all anymore. I know she was doing an article with you there for awhile. Good to hear she is still checking in.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 20:40:34
Hello Randy,
Salamat kaayo sa imong gisulat. Mibasa ko sa imong gisulat (things witten or article) I tried to reply yesterday but it did not post. I don’t know why.
Mibisita ko sa imong site ug mibsasa pus sa imong gisulat. Salamat gyud kaayo.
Jan 25, 2011 @ 21:28:25
Hi Bebe – daghang salamat for your comment and visiting my site. You are testing my language skills, but I think I got most of it
Salamat pud for all you have done for me. I can’t thank you enough.
Restarting Bisaya Lessons | Journey to Samal
Sep 10, 2012 @ 09:32:59
[...] waited a few weeks after arriving here to hook up with my teacher, Bebe Metillo. I had quite a few things to get in order here first, but I did find the time time to practice my [...]