by Gordon Nary
Gordon: Please tell us about yourself and your ministry.
Cherry: Hello everyone, I'm Ms. Cherry M. Mallorca, also known as the Acronym Lady from the Philippines. I am a Religion teacher by profession, a passionate blogger, and a dedicated podcaster. My journey involves creating videos and content to inspire the world, drawing from my personal experiences of God's love.
You can find my content on my YouTube Channel, @Ms.Cherry AcronymLady. Additionally, I actively manage several groups on Facebook and LinkedIn, fostering a community where we can share insights and support one another.
A few months ago, I launched my newsletter, "Nourishing Your Body and Soul," on LinkedIn. Unfortunately, due to constraints in time and resources, I haven't been able to update it recently. However, I'm eager to resume sharing valuable insights with you soon.
Gordon: What does Acronym Lady mean?
Cherry: "I love creating meaning for any word or name by incorporating related information through the use of acronyms. I can spontaneously summarize any presentation or report using acronyms. I believe it's a gift that I must share with others. To learn more about this, please watch the video on my YouTube channel."
Gordon: When did you attend college, what degree did you earn, what was your favorite course, and why was it your favorite?
Cherry: "I took up the Religion Teachers Course/BS Religious Education at Lumen Christi Catechetical Center, Stella Maris College, Cubao, Quezon City. I graduated in March 1990. Although my original intention was to become a lawyer, circumstances led me to accept a scholarship offered by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary to pursue this course."
Gordon: What initially interested you in teaching religion?
Cherry: When I was in elementary I excel in academics and I was a consistent honor student, I graduated as valedictorian and I have been competing in Academic Quiz bee. It was when I did make it to be the champion in catechetical QuizBee that challenged me to learn more about the Bible. Eventually, I love studying the Word of God and uses my talent in debating to defend my faith
Gordon: Pleas share with our reades an overview of your responsibilities at San Beda College Alabang?
Cherry: "As a Religion teacher at San Beda College Alabang, run by Benedictine monks, I have had the privilege of teaching Religion, Theology, and Values Education for the past 26 years. I have taught students from preschool to high school, covering Nursery to fourth year high school from 1997 up to the present. Currently, I am teaching Religion and Values Education to eighth-grade students."
Gordon: What are some of the most memorable religion questions that your students have asked you?
Cherry: Well some of the memorable and challenging questions asked by my students; Why did God rest after creating the world? Why did God descended to hell?
Gordon: There are significant economic challenges in The Philippines The rate of inflation doubled following two devaluations of the peso in June and October. Also, the country faced its worst liquidity crisis since 1945 due to an estimated $1 billion capital flight from late August to December. What impact does these economic challenges have on education?
Cherry: Economic challenges, such as high inflation rates, currency devaluations, and liquidity crises, can have profound effects on education in our country. Here are some potential impacts:
Budget Constraints: Economic challenges often lead to budget constraints for the government. Education budgets may be cut, affecting the availability of resources for schools, teachers, and educational programs.
Rising Costs: Inflation can lead to an increase in the cost of living, which may result in higher expenses for education-related necessities like textbooks, school supplies, and transportation. Families may struggle to afford these items, impacting students' access to education.
Decreased Government Spending on Education: Governments facing economic challenges may prioritize other sectors over education when allocating funds. This could lead to reduced investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and other essential components of the education system.
Teacher Salaries and Workforce: Economic instability can affect the public sector, including teacher salaries. If inflation is high, the real value of salaries may decrease, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and impacting the overall quality of education as experienced and motivated teachers may seek alternative employment.
Access to Education: Families experiencing economic hardships may find it difficult to afford education for their children. This could result in increased dropout rates as families prioritize immediate economic needs over long-term educational investments.
Infrastructure and Learning Environment: Economic challenges may hamper the development and maintenance of educational infrastructure. Schools may lack necessary facilities, and the overall learning environment may suffer, affecting the quality of education.
Student Support Services: Economic crises can strain social services, including those that support students' well-being. Mental health services, counseling, and other support systems may be compromised, impacting students' overall development.
Innovation and Technology Adoption: Economic challenges may slow down the adoption of innovative teaching methods and technologies. Lack of funds can hinder the integration of digital tools and resources in education, limiting students' exposure to modern learning methods.
Gordon: Please share with our readers an overview of your newsletter Nourshing our Body an Soul.
Cherry: 'Nourishing Our Body and Soul, ‘is a newsletter crafted to ignite inspiration and encourage readers to embark on a journey towards wholeness and holiness. In this publication, I open the pages of my personal odyssey towards sainthood, firmly believing that each one of us is a saint in the making.
Over the past seven months, I have been privileged to publish 13 editions of this newsletter, and the response has been nothing short of remarkable, with a thriving community of over 600 subscribers. Together, we delve into reflections, insightful acronyms, and heartfelt prayers, all woven together to promote holistic wellness—contributing to both the beautification and beatification of our lives.
Thank you for supporting me and being a part of this enriching journey as we strive to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls, fostering a sense of completeness and spiritual well-being.
Gordon: Tell us about The Missionaries in the Modern World.
Cherry: The Missionaries in the Modern World" is a public group on LinkedIn that I established to advocate for the threefold mission of Jesus Christ: prophetic, priestly, and kingly. The purpose of this group is to create a platform where like-minded individuals can come together, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions about embodying these aspects of Christ's mission in today's world.
My objective is to extend an invitation to my LinkedIn connections to join this dynamic community. By fostering conversations and collaborations within the group, we aim to inspire and empower each other to live out the values of prophetic proclamation, priestly service, and kingly leadership in our respective spheres of influence.
I welcome you to be a part of this community, where we explore the relevance of Jesus Christ's mission in the contemporary context, and collectively strive to make a positive impact on the world. Together, let us embody the essence of the threefold mission and contribute to the transformation of our modern society."
Gordon: What is potential impact of of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT on Education?
Cherry: The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including technologies like ChatGPT, on education is substantial and multifaceted. Here are several ways in which AI can influence and enhance the educational landscape:
AI can analyze individual student performance, learning styles, and preferences to tailor educational content. This enables personalized learning experiences that cater to the specific needs and pace of each student.
Adaptive Learning Platforms
AI-powered language learning applications can enhance language education by providing real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. ChatGPT can serve as a conversational partner to practice language skills.
Enhanced Resource Accessibility:
AI can facilitate the creation of accessible educational resources, such as text-to-speech tools for students with visual impairments or translation services to make content available in multiple languages.
Data Analysis for Educators:
AI-powered tutoring systems can provide additional support to students outside the classroom. These systems can adapt to individual learning styles, offering targeted assistance in areas where students may be struggling.
Augmented and Virtual Reality:
AI is changing the employment landscape, and incorporating AI education into curricula helps prepare students for future careers. This includes understanding AI technologies, ethical considerations, and developing skills that complement AI.
While the potential benefits are substantial, it's crucial to address challenges related to privacy, equity, and the ethical use of AI in education. Striking a balance between technological innovation and the human touch in education will be key to maximizing the positive impact of AI on learning experiences.
Gordon: Please share with our readers an overview of your work as a Vlogger.
Cherry: As a vlogger, my mission revolves around championing holistic wellness by delving into the profound threefold mission of those who follow Jesus Christ. I am dedicated to fostering beauty from the inside out, emphasizing the significance of cultivating a healthy body, a pure heart, and a holy soul.
In my content, I explore the belief that each of us is a saint in the making, without exceptions. Through engaging discussions and practical insights, I aim to inspire viewers to embrace a comprehensive approach to well-being. From physical fitness to emotional resilience and spiritual growth, the overarching theme is to encourage individuals on their journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
Join me as we navigate the path to holistic wellness, celebrating the beauty that arises when our bodies, hearts, and souls are in harmony. Together, let's embrace the transformative power of recognizing the sacred in the ordinary, affirming that we are all on a shared quest to become the saints we are destined to be."
Thanks for having me, I am grateful to be interviewed here.
God bless us all, I am your Acronym Lady, Ms. Cherry
Gordon: Thank you for an exceptional and informative interview.