Love will Sacrifice....

The story all started during the first day of school in Summer Fall High. Tasha entered the gate of the school with hesitation. Tasha was a multi-talented girl. She can act and sing very well. It was her first day in the said school and she did not even know whether she will be meeting plenty of friends on that day. The school principal, Mrs. Baggins, introduced her to her new classmates but there was a sea of blank faces and her classmates did not even utter a single word to greet her or say something to her. Tasha went back to her chair still smiling and sat at the vacant chair at the corner. The teacher called her to let her introduce herself personally. “I am Tasha Mirkwood and I will be staying here for the whole school year”, she said shyly. She went back to her chair and listened to the teacher as she continued the discussion. The bell rang and suddenly three girls approached Tasha and introduced their selves. The one with a black hair spoke first, “Hi I am Anna”, and the girl in red introduced herself too, “this is Jenna and I am Diana”. “Nice meeting you”, said Tasha. They toured Tasha to the whole campus and they passed along the student’s alley when Tasha noticed that there will be a musical play and an audition will be done the day after the first day of the school year. Tasha auditioned and she passed the audition. Time flied so fast and there were practices here and there.

Until one day, she met a boy named James. At first Tasha thought that he was just a nuisance to play but she proved herself wrong, James was a one of a kind boy. James and Tasha did not feel that soon they would be close to each other. They got along with each other so well and became lovers, until the day of the play. On that very day, James had a very strange dream, that her love would die in that very night right after the play because she will be hit by a car. James thought that his entire dream was true so he woke up and found out that it was only a dream. He went to school still bothered by that much unexpected dream. The long-awaited hour has finally come, the play. They were all excited, and Tasha approached James and asked him if he was ready for that moment. James nodded his head and kissed Tasha on the cheeks wishing for good luck. James really loved Tasha so much. The play started and all went well, the audience applauded the play for they really enjoyed the play. The play was at its best and everybody congratulated each other for a job well done and James gave Tasha a hug. James asked Tasha to go out for dinner and Tasha went with him. While they were walking on the street, James noticed that everything seemed to be familiar him but he could not remember where did he encountered those stuffs; he could not remember his dream. As they were about to cross the street, there was a fast speeding car that was fast approaching, and to be able to do something to save somebody’s life, guess what, James did protect Tasha, and suddenly the lights went out. And there were sounds from an ambulance, and there was silence.

Leaving the Portals of UP High

University of the Philippines High School in Cebu also known as UP High is an establishment that gives democratized access to the underprivileged. This means that they offer a quality education to those individuals who could not afford to pay for a good education in schools where you have to pay for huge amounts of tuition fee. The graduates of the school easily get job opportunities. What makes UP High unique? Many things are considered that will make UP High extraordinary. Here, the students enjoy all the wonderful things while learning intelligently; they have very good teachers and very good subjects.

As I leave the threshold of this highly acclaimed school, I will always remember the sweet memories and moments that I spent together with my friends. I was able to laugh, cry and develop my talents at their best. I enjoyed the moments that I was with my friends where we used to sit on the benches near our classrooms and chat until we ran out of topics. I will always remember how we went through the different tests and trials where we always hoped that we will just pass them, because as the saying goes, “you always pass failure on the way to success”. Here in this school I was able to make plenty of friends that I can say are true friends, friends who through thick and thin will never leave you hanging in the air. We get so attached to each other that it is very difficult to separate our minds and line of thinking.

I consider being an UPian as extraordinary; I can also say that my school is an amazing school because I think that it is the only school that offers a quality education with no tuition fee at all. All you have to do is just to pay a contribution. It is the only school that gives a Calculus course for the senior studes and a Research or Technical Writing for its Junior and Senior students. For me, offering this kind of courses will give the students training as preparation for the future undertakings of its students.

Few days to go, I will be leaving the school. I am quite happy and quite sad because I am sure that I will really miss all the crazy things that I did in this school together with my classmates and friends. I will be happy because I will be graduating from a very prestigious university and sad because this place is so special to me. Why? Because there were lots of special memories that are already contained in me that I will forever cherish and treasure. Special things will be a part of my memory.

As I graduate and leave the gateways of this amazing and wonderful school, I know that the things that I was able to do will really occupy a special place in my heart and I will always remember that I was once an UPian and part of Batch 2007, the batch that will always be special in everyone’s heart.

What a Week?

March 23, 2007
Friday, 10:05 PM

Few weeks to go…

After a not so long preparation for the fourth periodical examination, at last I was through with it and I was somehow relieved. The exam started last March 21 and ended on the 23rd. the exam was very alright, only that some items in the test were unexpected. Although some items there I was not able to study, maybe that is why I had a hard time answering those. Right after the examination in Physics, we had our Social Science Test, an extension of the test which we had on the second day of the examination. I really read the notes which I got from our book only to find out during the exam, that most of the items were taken from the notes which he had given, but the test was quiet fun. Our exam does not end there; we have to take the periodical exam in Music, where we have to play our own composition in preparation for our graduation. I was amazed with some of the composition of my classmates, because they got very nice melody as well as well-written lyrics. Our music periodical examination went well. I went home together with my close friends and we walked along Molave St. to get to Ayala. I was carrying my guitar when I rode the public utility vehicle.

After the very hectic schedule of the exam, I am now preparing for our recollection. I was really very busy as I prepared my things but I am thankful that my relatives are very supportive to me. I am happy that they are always there for me. There was only one thing that was really missing inside my bag, the extra battery for my phone, it was lost, and I could not find it. It is always better to bring an extra battery rather than charge your phone because charging will really take time.

Our recollection will be held at St. John’s Mission Monastery in Banawa, Cebu and some of my classmates who have been there before told me that the place was very nice and cool. I was excited to be in this place because it is new to me.

After this recollection, exactly one week after, I am going to prepare again for another camping, a reunion camp that is sponsored by RAFI, that is the Timawa Explore, which will be held at UC-METC in Mambaling, again another camp preparation. But I am sure that this camp will be worthwhile.

I will just stop here because I am very sleepy now. My eyelids are dropping and needs a stick to prevent them from falling, no just kidding.

Write to you soon.

Time to Reconcile and Love

Retreat may mean to withdraw from the war or end and pull back or pull out the troops being deployed in the war.

Last March 24-25, I had my retreat together with my batch mates. Not to retreat because I joined in a war and have to retreat because I lack ammunitions, but to reflect on myself and think about it. In the morning of March 24, I had to go to UP first because there were sets of activities which were held there. Just like the “Positive Stroking” activity, although I already experienced one when I had my camp, but I could not help it, tears started to flow from my eyes. It was a nice activity because it really made me happy because it made me realized how I was appreciated by my batch mates and classmates, and it also showed how we appreciated each other’s presence in our lives as high school students. I took my lunch at Brown Gates since the hired jitneys were not yet there. After 30 minutes, the jitneys arrived and at around 1:30 PM, I departed together with the group, to the retreat venue. The place was very peaceful since it is away from the main road. The road in going there was just like that of a roller coaster because it really is an up and down.

When I arrived there, I was amazed with the place, because it was big and wonderful. One of the sisters there showed us where the girls’ quarters are and I immediately arranged my things there. Our country is not the biggest but at least, we all fit in. I enjoyed my room mates since they are my friends. After sometime, we had to go to the session hall to listen to the series of talks prepared for us. I was able to attend an adoration session and was able to confess my sins. I learned so many things and even reconciled with my friends whom I had a small fight with. All of the reconciliation and all those other stuffs during the night, when we were about to sleep, the last activity for that day. We were given candles and we have to give it to someone whom we have offended and ask for an apology. I did it and was able to be forgiven. I slept and had only very short hours of rest because I have to wake up early to take a bath and prepare for that Sunday’s departure. I had my breakfast at the dining area of the vicinity and had a very beautiful time. I went back to my quarter and got my bible and went to the session hall for a short activity and a bible sharing. After the bible sharing, I attended the mass, and after which, I packed up my things and prepared for our departure.

I left the area with my heart with a less burden left. I was happy that I was given an opportunity to experience such activity because I now do not have to worry about things. And learned so many things that will be applicable to my future undertakings in life.

Flying High

I always dreamt,
A creature that will reach the clouds.
Enjoy all the 24 hours,
In just flying hither and thither.

Butterflies in the fields,
Birds in the sky,
They reach the unreachable
Because they fly.

Reaching the stars
Would really make them happy
It is just like touching

the hands of the Lord.

Loneliness: A Poem Critic

It requires a lot of analysis in understanding a poem. Poem possesses a different form since it may tell a story in just few words and then you can understand the story behind it. Just like the poem written by E. Cummings entitled Loneliness, and is one of the poems in the world which has a unique and distinct structure. At first, I thought that the poem was just a poem which means nothing because I saw that the poem possess a very different form and it really required a full analysis in understanding it. It was extraordinary because it is not like those other poems that I see in books or anywhere.

Loneliness and inside the parentheses, a leaf falls. The poem’s structure has a very influential or should I say a very meaningful form. It projects a figure 1. And I see that when I say that loneliness, it means one. Because, being lonely means that you are alone in that very moment and you needed space to have time to understand things. And when a leaf falls, I can imagine that the leaf is just only one. I noticed that if one does not really speculate and really examine the poem, one cannot really see that the poem has a special meaning or thing that it is trying to imply.

The poem may imply so many things or meanings. It may mean that one is very low and down and there is a feeling of seclusion or oneness. I can see that that during the time the poet wrote the poem, he is lonely and imagines himself down and troubled. A man when he is lonely may feel that he is like falling down on the ground just like the leaf that falls from the branch of the tree. And when the leaf will fall, it will fall to the ground or earth and by the time that is already there, then it will be alone and will only be one.

I see this poem as a complicated poem but mean many things. It has a crucial meaning and sense. It is very difficult to understand at first and it really took my time. But although it is very complicated, but then it was just okay because the poem already expressed a thousand meanings in just a few words or lines. I do not know who the speaker in this poem is or what the persona present in this poem is.

Reading a poem is a very hard task because you have to understand and know what the underlying meanings are in that particular poem. It requires a very broad analysis and understanding.

What should be done to help solve the cases of flooding?

In the Philippine setting, seeing floods around the country is not a new thing for me as a Filipino.

Flooding is the situation being experienced by a place after a heavy downfall of rain where the water cannot easily flow. Mostly affected by the flooding in our country are those places which are located in an area that is probably a half meter below sea-level as well as the areas that are near those places which do not have a proper drainage system.

I always see on TV the areas in Metro Manila where people are so busy rescuing their things so that they will be saved from the rising level of flood. I always question myself, what are the government officials and those people concerned doing to help solve this problem?

As the world continues to grow, the technological advancement is also growing. I always see the effects of the things that man wants to expand their horizons. The mountains are being converted into subdivisions. The urban areas are being molded and shaped to become rural areas. See how man would transform the great creations of nature. They cut trees and some do not bother to replace the cut trees, they do not even care whether the balance of the ecosystem will be affected or not. This cutting of trees is one of the many reasons why our country experiences flooding when it rains hard.

Another thing is that the drainage system is not properly taken care of. Although the system would affect the flow of water but still there is another factor that greatly affects the flow of the water. What could be that reason? Is it something related to politics or is it something visible but are sometimes neglected?

I believe that proper waste disposal is a thing that should be considered and it should where our attention should be. The discipline of the people in the community is something that really needs to be exercised, the discipline matters. If only we have the discipline to throw our waste properly, our garbage would not be walking around the city streets making our streets to look very untidy and dirty. Aside from making the aspects of cleanliness, the garbage also contribute to the clogging up of the drainage system.

I think that the problem here is the proper waste disposal of the society. Only a few people in this country know how to segregate and locate the proper trash bins. What I mean by waste here are not only the waste that we eliminate everyday but also the wastes like papers, plastics and all other thing that cannot be used anymore. I could not understand why is it so difficult to follow rules and policies but it is easy to neglect them.

What we all need right now to help prevent the clogging up of drainage systems is that we should have a proper discipline regarding the proper waste disposal and another thing would be that we could also plant trees in our surroundings. By joining our hands together, we can create a different future.

Weight Sustainability: Our Research Paper

To be able to fulfill the requirements of being a high school student, I have to do a thesis paper. But doing such research is not only for the sake of doing a research but also to provide a new knowledge to the people in this generation.

The research project which is entitled, Sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate as Binding Agents in Papermaking: A Comparative Study was a study which is about the comparison of the two binding agents in determining the maximum weight sustainability of the recycled papers treated with the varying amounts of the two binding agents.

The study also aimed to answer the question, is there a difference in the maximum load of paper between 250 grams of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide; is there a difference in the maximum load of paper between 500 grams of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide, is there a difference in the maximum load of paper between 1000 grams of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide. With papermaking, using the binding agents, sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate, a stronger and better paper industry is expected.

In making the recycled paper, I together with my group mates, cut old newspapers that measure 1/2 square inch that was soaked overnight inside a pail of water. The soaked papers were then pounded and were squeezed to remove the water. The soaked papers were then mixed into the solution of either of the both binding agents in a specified amount. And after which, the papers were then dried under the sun’s heat for about 2 days.

After drying the papers, we then tested the weight sustainability by applying weights and gradually applying more until the paper breaks. By doing such an experiment or test, we found out that the papers made from 250 g of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Hydroxide were able to sustain weights greater than 1590 g but less than 1685 g. And the paper made from 500 gram of sodium hydroxide was able to sustain a weight that is more than 510 g but less than 530 g of weights while the paper made from 500 g Sodium Carbonate sustained more than 390 g but less than 400 g of weights. The paper mixed with the 1000 grams of sodium hydroxide was only able to sustain a weight that was only between 10 grams and 20 grams while that of the recycled paper mixed with 1000 grams of sodium carbonate was able to sustain a weight which is between 480 g but less than 500 g of weights.

Based on the results and findings, we reached the following conclusions:
• The lesser the concentration of a binding agent with water, the greater
would be the weight sustainability. As the concentration increases, varied weight sustainability will be achieved.
• The Sodium Carbonate at 1000 g proved to be more effective as a binding agent than the Sodium Hydroxide of the same amount since the paper mixed with it was able to carry heavier weights.
• As the Sodium Hydroxide’s concentration increases, the paper’s weight sustainability also decreases.

We gladly recommend that the lesser the concentration of the binding agents, the better, because the concentration greatly affects the sustainability.

We Almost.... We Really Did..

The Dramafest, is a yearly event in UP High for the seniors to show to the world that UP students are not only in to academics but for arts as well. So it was in March 2 this year when we had our turn to show our artistic talents. But how did we prepare for that big night?

We were given options by our Filipino teacher, that if we could not make it, we will have a written periodical exam. Of course, to lessen the subjects to be studied for the finals, we opt to have a dramafest. At first, we thought that it will be very impossible, because there was really a limited time. Then there was really a day that we almost decided not to push through with it. We thought very well what will be the Pros and Cons if we do this and that. Until we finally decided that it is going to be final, we will present. We were really under time pressure and all of us were really in a hurry. All of the committees really have to double-time to catch up with the demands of the group. During those times, we always go home late. Why is it that in every group activity, there is always misunderstandings, here and there? Maybe they were all part of that Great Man’s plan for us to do well and to put our very best in that strenuous endeavor. There were instances at that time when we almost had a quarrel with the other section but then we e do not want to make the memories of our batch shatter, so we just remained cool. The judgment night came and we were all nervous d started to have butterflies in our stomach. Then the production manager of each section was called to draw lots for whom who will present first. Razel, Tan’s production manager, went there and had her turn. When she opened the roll of paper she was holding, the number there was a number one (1), which meant that we were presenting first. All of us really did our part. The show started but after a few minutes, our teacher declared that the presentation should be stopped. What could be the reason?

The connection for the lights was busted, to make it fair; our teacher declared that the presentation should be stopped in a few minutes. We were left hanging in the air because the presentation was already good. The connection was fixed so we started from the top again.

We went through the first scene again, when suddenly an unexpected event happened, the bottle that one of the characters incidentally fell. All of the people present at that time were already shouting and were all very afraid because that certain scene was a fight scene. I and my partner were not able to focus on the music. My partner gaped and I stood there with my knees shivered. The shattered glass was swept cleaned and the show just like any other show must go on. So we went on and all of my classmates really did there best to perform their parts. The whole presentation went well and when we were through with it, we really hugged each other.

We really jumped off in our seats when the announcing of winners came. All our hard work was paid off because we won in the category of Best in Production and Best in Direction. Although we were not able to bag the Technical Awards but still are happy because most of the major awards went to our section; Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Poster and other major awards.

We were all jumping at that moment because we almost did not pursued on that feat. It was really worth to be remembered.

When I Danced With Him...

It was already a month ago when we had our Junior-Senior Promenade. The theme was about blazing the trails of friendship and that sort. That night of February 9 was really a night that I will never ever forget.

Every afternoon on the week prior to the said event, we always practice. We practice on how to walk the proper way, how to go to the buffet table and how to eat, dress and act accordingly.

This year’s prom, just like last year, was held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. And amazingly, we had the same prom date with Science High. There was a short reunion between the classmates and my classmates. They met with each other before our prom started. I do not have any close friend in Science High so I just watched my friends met their former classmates and friends. I was happy for them because they were given a chance to meet each other before our graduation.

It was the second and the best prom that I attended. Why? Because all the students was enjoying each other’s company that night. I mean, it was unlike the last prom, when the fourth years had their own group and the third year also had their own group, the two groups never mingled with each other completely. This year’s promenade was really a cool one because there was this mingling and as what I have noticed, that the teachers really danced in this year’s prom.

The whole affair started with the presentation of the juniors with their escorts and the seniors with their escorts. Then just like any other school activities, we sang the Philippine National Anthem. We had our dinner and after which, the announcement for that night’s Prom Queen and King. We had the batch and class picture taking. The third year students offered their tribute in a song and dance concept and they were all good when they had the prophecy. They gave their tokens in a form of a small pillow and a compact disc (CD), which contains all the songs that were played that night. Then there was a disco and we really enjoyed it. The sound in-charge played the Boom Tarat-Tarat and everybody including the teachers danced. Then, what I like was when me and my crush danced. I was happy, who will not be happy if your crush will dance with you. It was really a memorable night. It was my first and last dance with him because we will be graduating. When I danced with him, I was really happy and glad. Just kidding, but really I was happy because at least, before we will graduate I had the chance to dance with him. I will always remember the song; it was MYMP’s version of No Ordinary Love. Everybody was all very happy and extraordinary.

We ended the whole affair by singing the UP Naming Mahal, the University Hymn. I went home inspired and happy. My heart was so full of memories that I will always cherish and treasure.

SPEECH-less?...An ICT Afternoon

Guests, friends, and colleagues, good afternoon.

I feel very pleased and glad that I am one of the many speakers that you have invited in the 25^th International Information and Communication Technology Conference.

Just like what John Schaar said, that “the future is not some place we are going to but the one we are creating”. His statement is quite true, isn’t it? In the present times, we are creating and fabricating the future. Through how and in what way? In developing new information and communication technology gadgets, we develop them to prepare for the future. We create them not because we are going to use and consume them in the present but also to help us prepare and be ready for the future. All the tools and gadgets that we are developing today will change the future of the human society.

We are now in the 21^st century, which means that we are now in an era where almost every little thing is being run by electronic gadgets and tools. In the advancement of ICT, we now have electronic mails or e-mails that enable us to write and send our letters online. We do not need to wait for the postman to come and deliver our letters and we also do not need any envelope to enclose our letters. What we need is to click the mouse and there it goes, the email will be delivered within a few seconds. We also have the computers and mobile phones that enable us to communicate easily. We can now see the person whom we are calling to because of the latest 3G developments. In few years back, we need to have a compact disc and a CD player first before we can play the songs that we purchased from the music store, but today, because of the ICT progress, all we need is to download and store the songs inside a handy-dandy music player, the i-Pod or an MP3 player. Also in few years back, we used to have Personal Computers run by Windows 95 or 98, which is quite slow, but today, we now have Windows XP, 2000, and the latest, the Windows Vista, which has a more updated and better features compared to the former types. We can now also retrieve news in just a few clicks of our mouse, and a few surfing on the net because of the internet connections. The ICT expansion enables us to transmit and process our works online.

Let us all admit it that the technology that we are experiencing today is much comfortable compared to the past years and that we are happy or should I say glad about it. That we are still very eager to develop more and more ideas and tools to help us make create the possible inputs for the future.

As developers and programmers, let us not stop thinking and looking for ways to improve the tools and systems that we have today. Throughout the 21^st century, the developments of the communication world will continue to boom and will still continue to grow unless we stop working and developing new ideas.

Thank you very much and good afternoon.

I got bored, so I....

“I’ll always remember, it was late afternoon.”

Singing is something which makes me happy. I like to listen to music and tunes unless that is a hard rock. I was in my second year then, when our teacher in English announced that we will be having a karaoke singing. I got excited and started to look for VCDs that contain nice songs. I prepared and when that day came, I sang. I trembled and I really got butterflies in my stomach. I could not control the movement of my hand it really shook. I just sang and after that, I was relieved.

During that time, I admired somebody from our batch. It was his turn to sing and because he was not able to prepare for his VCD so he just sang together with his guitar. There was no microphone stand at that time, guess what happened, I hold the microphone for him. Why I am talking about things that are senseless. I just cannot think of a topic right now.

I have this observation by myself, why is it that extraordinary things happen in the afternoon or when it starts to get dark? Just kidding. I consider nice experiences treasures and will always be remembered by my heart. There are things that concerned me and those things happened in the dusk. Some experiences are nice and a bit cool but some are scary.

It was August, when the Language Week was fast approaching. We were having our ABAKADA practice then, when there is really that something that calls my eyes. I do not have the talent to see strange things, my eyes are not designed for that. Every time, when we started our practice, my eyes were diverted to the second year building. I do not understand why, my eyes just moved there. I have a friend which has the capacity or the talent to see the things that could not be perceived by my naked eyes. She said that there was really someone inside the rooms in the second year building. I said, ”mao diay, ma-divert gyud akong eyes didto.” Maybe some people experience the same that they cannot also see the things that we usually see with our naked eyes.

Another horrifying experience occurred when we were also having our practice. The group leader decided to dismiss us. In going to our classroom we always pass the corridor of I-Bartlett. When we passed there at that time, some of my classmates were already shouting. It seemed that they were afraid. When we passed in the corridor, there was this smell of a flower which I do not know. Then one of my batch mate and classmate told us, that there was really a person unknown to us, sitting at the teacher’s chair. We started to get very afraid and that we were shouting. The smell got very strong, and my classmate told us that the unknown man stood up and went near the door.

There are still many mysterious events in school that are quite strange and very creepy.

That experience is something that is not easy to forget. The lesson here is that we should always have a strong faith in God and that we also have to strengthen our selves and brace our selves with events like those which are inevitable.

Poem Reaction: The Look

The Look, is a poem written by Sara Teasdale is a poem, which is about a girl who fell in love, thrice? The voice used in the poem is in the first person. The speaker or persona of the poem is anonymous, that it really required a full attention in order for the poem to be understood.

What was my interpretation of the poem? How did I understand the poem?

The speaker for me, is a she. The poet wanted to convey her feelings or the idea present in the poet’s mind during that time she wrote it.

In the first stanza, it merely suggested or conveyed how the speaker fell in love. When she fell in love with Strephon, she thought that she would be happy and that the person is sincere for her, but then, she made a big mistake. The person just only loved the speaker for a joke and that told me that the love being showed by Strephon is not true, that is the reason why, the girl or the speaker, easily forgot the love that Strephon showed. In this case, I can say that a love when it is not sincere, it would only be lost in the blue.

Another thing in the first stanza, the speaker loved again; maybe she thought that if she would love again, she would be happy. She fell in love with Robin and just like what Strephon did, Robin just played with her, without even thinking that love is not a game.

Maybe it is already an instinct for people to ask for three signs. And the speaker fell in love again. The third guy whom she fell in love with was not like the former guys she loved. The third one by the name of Collins did not go directly to the relationship; instead, he just kept his feelings inside his heart and observed first the personality of the speaker. Our speaker I think has this personality of falling in love so easily. There are really times that girls’ behavior are like this, easily attracted to the opposite sex. I think that the speaker’s perception about the love that Collin is hiding in his heart is the true one. Many would say that the eye is the window of the heart. The sincerity of a person could be seen in his or her eyes. In the case of Collin and the speaker, there is that something in Collin that really attracted our speaker’s attention and emotion. She felt that Collins love is for real. She could not forget the view in Collin’s eyes. The speaker now fell in love again and that the love that she feels right now is something that made her sick.

Love can sometimes make a person to go crazy. So be careful you might fall and make yourself to go crazy.

I am not good in poem critiquing but I tried my all to understand the poem and express it into this blog. Feel free to give comments about this entry. Good day!

If I Won in a...

Winning in a lottery is what everybody is dreaming about because in a lottery, they give out large amount of money and I know that everybody has been dreaming of that fortune especially those who really dependent on this kind of game. However, a question would probably just come unexpectedly when I think of that good fate and a question here is how would I be spending such big amount? Helping somebody would be a very realistic thing to do so that when someday you need help, they will help you also. Another thing is by saving because I do not know what will happen in the future of my existence here on earth.

Now, if I were given a chance to have that money, I would probably give out a fraction to our parish because that is one of the many ways that I can thank the Lord above for giving me such a great luck. I would also save in a bank and earn interest in it. That is a way of how I can expound my money. Because I know that someday, I would need the savings of mine in some future instances. Moreover, I know that the savings would also be needed in my brothers and sisters schooling. This amount of money would also be very helpful to my mother and relatives because to admit it, I belong to a big family. With this money, I would also fulfill my dreams. Just like to refurnish our old house and to make it a lot better for us to really fit and feel comfortable in our house. Another thing that I am thinking of is spending some for those street children who really beg for money for food but there was this Anti-Mendicancy Law and I would not be able to give money while I am on the street but instead I would probably spend for a feeding program to help them. I am also thinking of helping those illegal settlers to build their houses because I really do not know why the government would let them suffer so much. I know that there must be some way to help them and I believe that if somebody who wins in lotto helps them, I think that they would not suffer that much. However, this help that I want to offer is not to the extent that they will become dependent on the help from another person and not working for themselves at all.

Going back to the lotto, I will not also depend on it because if one would rely on it always, then I think that nothing would happen. Because I believe that in this kind of game, fortune is the main driver. Because I believe that it is luck if ever one would win in such a game.

As I have observed to some people, some would count the benefits they are going to get if ever they have the money. However, my grandmother would always tell me that do not count your blessings before they come into reality. What I want to stress here, is that one should not count what he would have in the future if ever they win because something might happen and his dreams would not come true anymore.

Love an Act of Will, Not of the Heart....

Love an act of will not of the heart, a phrase that has a very deep meaning. Love is something that has a very broad scope. It is something that should be taken care of.

We often associate love with a heart and in addition to this, the word “I Love You”. Nevertheless, according to the title, love is an act of will and not of the heart.

For me, when one person is going to say that he or she loves you, I think that I should probably say that “show it”. Because for me, saying the word “I love you” is not an easy job or something, it is a very serious word needs to be used properly. Saying I love you sometimes may be very easy and sometimes it is taken for granted. Sometimes, it is expressed in the wrong way or probably used in a wrong way.

I sometimes think to myself, that I should use my heart in deciding things however, my mind argues about it. Because based on what I have heard before, that the reason, why our mind is being placed higher than our heart, is that for us to use our brain over our heart. However, let me go back to the topic.

Loving someone is something that we really need to prove to show how great our love for that person is. What I am trying to say here is that, if we love a person, we should do something to show to that someone or person how great and big our love is. Loving is that it is your will, not because of the reason that we love because our heart wants to. Sometimes, in my own point of view, that our heart is at times, foolish. Because, as what I have noticed, that if we really love someone because our heart tells us to do so, then why is it that many girls or boys end up crying. My answer to that question would be that, our heart has chosen the wrong one or maybe there is something missing. Maybe it is because of lack of the guts or will to do something in order to fulfill that love that we wanted to be felt by another person.

Love should be an act of will and not of the heart. This statement or phrase is something, which is true and should be properly observe. Because in loving somebody, we cannot show how we deeply love that somebody if we are not going to show it. It is just like proving something to defend one’s side.

Sometimes it is very hard to express our love to somebody. There are times when it is just very easy to say the word but it is very difficult to do.

Sometimes we often take the word “love” for granted without even knowing how or what it really means in its true sense.

Love is sometimes like that and for me, should be an act of will. Love should be shown in the acts that we do and not up to words only.

How I Want to be Remembered After I Leave High School

Just few weeks from now, I will be graduating from high school. After 4 years of studying, yes at last! However, for me, that coming day will going to be a day full of emotions. Leaving is a very difficult thing since the bond that binds me with my batch mates is quite strong that it will require 1000 Newton to break that bond. I am just kidding.

Being a high school student is the best part of a person’s life. All kinds of situations are being experienced in this stage as well as different kinds of reactions being expressed.

Remembering is a way of reminiscing the times when we are still young and making the happy memories come to life again. I remember because I want to be happy and another reason is that to make the memories to be never lost in the blue. Remembering is one way of refreshing things or situations.

After graduating, we know that there will come a time that somebody or the batch will call for a reunion. Definitely, on that day, I will be remembering my classmates and batch mates through the memories that they have imprinted on my heart. And on that very day, one might say this line, “oh, remember ____ di ba he/she used to have this and that thingy. Then I will remember my batch mates, and mostly, what will come into my mind are the times when everybody is laughing at something. I usually remember someone by associating that someone with a thing or an event that happened few years back. Everybody is unique and will be remembered because of an extraordinary thing that he or she has created a sensation to everyone.

Everyone wants to be remembered in a nice and a beautiful manner. Like me, after I leave the happy high school days, I want to be remembered as my batch mates would want to remember me. However, more or less I want to be remembered by the noticeable things that I once did in high school. Remembered as the silent type and a fabricator of the corny jokes inside Tan, the source of the stapler, which suddenly got lost inside the classroom. I also wanted to be remembered as the jolly, cute fellow who is afraid of spiders. I want to be remembered in a good sense. I want to be remembered in my happy face.

Just like any other person, I want to that, my batch mates will remember me in a good and pretty sense. My batch mates would want to remember me in the uniqueness in me. Just like them, I would also remember them in their uniqueness.

For me, if I am to remember my batch mate or classmate, what directly comes into my mind is that classmate or batch mate of mine would create an extraordinary thing that made me laugh and cry or made me express my emotions well. However, I really want to be remembered, after I leave the portals of UP high school, or be associated with that something that my classmates think of me.

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” – Carl Sandburg

Love is…

“Love is always patient and kind,

It is never jealous,

Love is never boastful nor conceited,
It is never rude or selfish
It does not take offense
And is not resentful.”
=13 Corinthians 4-7=

It is quite understandable from the verse the meaning of the word LOVE. But in my own point of view, love is a word that conquers all.

For each one of us, we denote love in different ways. For me, it is something that one experiences if he likes to do some likable things. Every time we do something that we are very fond of, it is a sign that we love what we are doing. Love is unexplainable. A word is beyond any human brains.



For those who are in a relationship, love is that feeling every time their hearts beat the “dub-dum, dub-dum”. It is what they feel every time they like someone very much. For those people who are devoted to something, they love what they are doing because they are attracted to it. Every time we give respect to someone, it seems that love is there, because we do not want to hurt him or her. Every time we help somebody do something, it is love. Every moment, even if we belong to different lifestyles, love is there.



Love is always patient and kind, correct or not? Even if how much we hate a person, there is always something there, a kind of a magic, which will make us forgive that person. Even if how much we wait for something, we still wait for it for we do not want to leave and make him or her sad.



It is never jealous…. Love will never be jealous of things. If we do something, we do it with a big heart and never ask for any consequences or exchange of what we do. It is love. Loving is forgiving.



Love is never boastful or conceited…. If we love, we never boast about it nor brag about it. Every time we love one another, we remain humble and accept everything.
It is never rude or selfish. A person who loves something will never become someone who is selfish. By loving, we always give and share what we have, even if how small that thing is, we always share it.



It does not take offense… Love will never make something undesirable. By loving, we do something different. If we love, we always make things to their best and never ruin them.
Love will never be resentful. A person who loves will never be bitter. A person who loves will always make it to the point that nobody will get hurt or angry at him or her.



Above all this love thing, Jesus died on the cross because of His GREAT LOVE for US.
Love can be expressed in varied ways, but one thing is for sure, we LOVE because we like it and not because that we are forced to do it. The ideal way of showing that, we love somebody or something, is that we do everything to make his, her happy.

“Love is like a violin, the music may stop now and then but the strings remain forever”.
June Masters Bacher

Would you do the same?

Gasa sa Gugma is an institution established to take care for the old and aged citizens that are not paid attention by their own families. It was named Gasa sa Gugma: A Home for the Dying Destitute. It has a total population of about 96 old people as of February 2, 2007.

Before we went there, the whole group planned for what food to bring and prepared for some presentations that might entertain the aged. When I went there together with the rest of our CWTS class last.

During our visit last February 2, 2007, my heart was moved. During our arrival, all I can say was that the surrounding was very peaceful and placid. All I heard was just the rustling of the wind as it passed on the leaves of trees around the place. The place was ideal since it is clean and big. We were entertained by the one of the nuns who takes care of the facility. Then the nun gave us the “GO” signal to go and meet the aged. She said that they were having a mass on that day and she invited us to join the Holy Mass. Some of the old people were taken inside the small chapel through wheelchairs, because a lot of them are not able to walk anymore. I went to some of the aged and asked them if they were willing to go inside the chapel and attend the mass. As I noticed, I was worried because of their health conditions. I mean that there were some who had very dry skin and I think that it should be moisturize to avoid the dryness. I think that it is a problem because some of them are bothered by that situation. Some old individuals already developed a wound on their skins because of too much scratching in it. I met some of the aged.

I met Lola Barbara Ouano, and she told me that she would attend the mass later. At first, she was not able to give her name right away maybe she was recalling what her name is. I asked her where she used to live before she entered the facility and she told me that she once lived in Mandaue. In what part, she did not mention. We had a lot of talk and I asked her whether she is enjoying her stay there or do they have some sort of television there, but she told me that they do not have a TV. All they do is just to seat on the monobloc chairs that were prepared for them. However, her answer left my jaw hanging. She told me that she could not do anything about that. She could not do anything about the decision of her family to leave her in the facility. My heart started to get heavy.

I think that crying is just one of the many ways where one can express his or her feelings. Although I was not able to cry out my emotions, but I can really feel that deep inside my heart, it was very heavy. I could not imagine how selfish their family is. How stupid they are to let their mother or father to live inside there even if they could take care of them. I fear that someday I would be like them; I could not accept the fact of it. I was somewhat sad to the answers I heard. The aged are the people in this world that needs the most of our care and love. They deserve to be loved and not to be taken away. They need the most of our attention. Loving them is a way to save them from their very emotional state of their beings.

I was somewhat happy that there is a facility like Gasa sa Gugma who offers a home for the people who lacked the love of their families.

On Being Taught by Students

Know Your School Day or better known as KYSD, is the time of the school year when students apply for the position of a teacher that they wanted to replace for 3 days. It is a time where our teachers have to rest for just only two days, because it is also a right thing to do, if we give them a break. This year’s KYSD was not a three-day event but rather two. This is because of the very hectic schedule of the school year. However, even if it is only a two- day event, I really am happy and content about it. I did not apply of being a teacher or apply for any school staff position. I thought that maybe I would not make it because I am quite busy. So, how was it to be a student of my classmate?

These days were no ordinary school days because my teachers were my classmates. I felt fine during these days. I just enjoyed watching and listening to my classmates who were my teachers. I do not know how to express my feelings in this blog about being a student of my classmates. I was not afraid to raise my hand and ask questions to my classmate teacher. However, there were times that I forgot to call them Ms or Mr because I thought that they were just my classmates at that time and not my teachers. I could see in their faces that they were happy about the career that they chose and they were happy to teach their beloved classmates. They gave us different activities to work on and I am happy about that. My classmate teachers were very jamming and I enjoy their company. They may have different styles in teaching but one thing is for sure, they were there in front of us to teach us the things that we really have to know.

I was just happy of being a student and I do not regret it at all. Different people do have different things that they are fond of. On their part, they were fond of being teachers and in my part, in being a student.

At the 26^th, it was a time when we have to give thanks to our real teachers for all the things that they have done to us, the students gave different tributes to our very own teachers. The 2^nd years gave some flute presentation; the 3^rd years gave an acapella song number and the 4^th years gave a song number.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the KYSD 2007, even though I am not a teacher. It is enjoyable if you are a student because, you do not have worry about things. In addition, it is a requirement for every student to do projects and work on assignments that they gave us. But it is part of student life, right?

In spite of these, I would like to express my big THANK YOU to my teachers who were always there to teach us lessons, not just the scholarly ones but also lessons in LIFE. And also a big THANK YOU to my classmates who were my teachers during that two-day event because, in spite of their busy schedule but then, they were able to find ways on how they could teach their classmates without making them bored.

The Week that was...

So, last week was just a sort of fine but somehow a very busy one. After the Sinulog celebration, I went back to school and faced a very hectic schedule. We had our Know Your School Day for two days deviating from the normal, which is supposed to be a three-day event. However, more or less, it was okay. The change in the number of days is maybe because of the ASEAN Summit, but it just well. We also had a lot of projects to be passed on the Friday; health, music, research, and calculus. My financial resource was really depleted. On the afternoon of Friday, I was relieved because I was able to pass all my projects.
During that Saturday of that week, I had my test at Cebu Normal University for the course that is nursing. I arrived there at around 6:50 in the morning together with my grandmother. I saw Carla, Lyndel, Aiko and Kimberly for they are also taking the test. When I got there, I was surprised to see other students who also took the test, for they are tall and they really looked like they are college students already. Nevertheless, it was just okay, size does not matter, isn’t it?
The test probably started at around 8:00 in the morning and ended around 12+ in the afternoon. The test was okay and I never did expect what kind of test they would give. I was not able to eat my snacks because it is really my style not to eat when taking a test. When the test ended, my grandmother went to the nearest fast food chain to have our lunch. And guess where was my next stop? I went to the MV Doulos; a ship that sells different kinds of books. I went there to seek for some books that I really, really love. Moreover, what I found there was the book, which was one my favorites, the book by J.R.R. Tolkien. I found the book The Lord of the Rings by Houghton Mifflin. My grandmother bought it for me. It was expensive but in some way cheap, because in that book, the three LOTR movies was compressed. I do not have to buy that P350+ book in our local bookstore because one edition will cause me that much. What I am trying to say is that, if I buy the three books separately, it will cost me a thousand, which I could not afford to pay. Anyways, I was very glad to have the book. I have been longing to own one, it was really a blessing. Let me talk about the ship. My first impression was that I was astonished to see such size of a ship and went on board. It was my first time to get in a ship that big, I have been to a ship but it was that boat named Ocean Jet, imagine its size. When I got inside, I felt like I was inside the cruise ship Poseidon, no just kidding. As I went up the ship, I was excited to see how the inside part of the ship looked like. In the books on sale, there were plenty of them, that were sold at affordable prices. From the entrance to the exit, I met different kinds of books, from different Atlas to Bibles.
I went to the counter and paid the books my grandmother bought. I went home with a big smile on my face. Thanks to my grandmother who gave me the book.
My week was very fine and exciting, from the busy stuffs to the adventurous type.
Live life!

“All life is an experiment.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I see your true Colors…

Colors?, they make my world beautiful, they make me happy and gay. They are not only present in my world but in yours too. We see them in the rainbows, in the streets, in our school, in the public utility jeepneys and everywhere.
A color may also mean something that someone possesses, I mean, that someone’s attitude or behavior.
Different colors have different meanings. Below are some of the colors that have corresponding denotations.

Red- symbolizes strong emotions, or things of strong emotions rather than intellectual ideas, excitement, energy, speed, strength, danger, passion, and aggression
Orange- can represent energy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, flamboyant, and demanding of attention.
Yellow- symbolize joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, gold, dishonesty, cowardice, deceit, illness, and hazard
Green- nature, the environment, good luck, youth, vigor, jealousy, envy, and misfortune.
Blue- symbolize peace, calm, stability, security, loyalty, sky, water, cold, technology, and depression.
Pink- color of good health and life; is symbolic of pure love
Black- Black can also represent ideas such as power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, sadness, remorse, anger, and mourning
White- is a sacred and pure color; represent reverence, purity, simplicity, peach, humility, youth, winter, snow, good, cold, clinical, and sterile

From: http://three-musketeers.net/mike/colors.html

You can shine in your own colors. It is just that you have to be in yourself and no to be pretending that you are somebody else.
Always believe that everyone sees your true colors.

The PROBLEM with Men is that, the problem with WOMen is that...

Problem is something that is synonymous with dilemma. Problem may mean a person, a thing, or a matter that that is difficult to cope with. Each of us have problems; you, me, everyone.
For me, having a problem with someone or somebody does not mean that you hate that somebody or you find her or him an obstruction to you.
The problem with men is that they keep on fooling to somebody, maybe not all of them but some. I also find them easily angered over small things. In addition, sometimes they do not want to listen to someone else’s opinion. They are unpredictable. Sometimes they really love to play and play and forget serious works at all. Sometimes, they are hard headed. The things that I am writing right now are just my observations in my surrounding. Another problem or dilemma about men is that they kept on saying to you that they cannot dance even if they can, and cannot sing even if they can. They do not like to cook. I find it a problem because cooking is essential. Not being prepared to something that might happen is also another thing, which I find as a problem with them. When men, get into fights, their heads easily get hot and they really like to punch their foe. One thing that I also find as a problem is that they really like to draw tattoos on their skin that is dirty to look at. One problem with them is that they cannot simply pour out or show right away, what they really feel inside them, when they wanted to cry or walk out the door. I find men to be presumptuous sometimes because they tend to be expecting from somebody who smiled at them that that somebody like them.
As you do, I also find some problems with women. Like my problem with men, I find women easily angered. Sometimes, for those serious types, they easily get hot. Some girls do not want to listen and they just keep on talking and talking without listening. They easily cry, just as I do, and for me it is a problem. Because sometimes, it is a reason that one can possibly bark at the wrong tree. I also find some women to be hard headed. I find women to be keen observers, and sometimes it becomes a problem. Why? Because there are times that because of their being keen observers, it will put them into trouble.
The different sets of problems that I mentioned are more or less the same for men and women. For me, sometimes, a person views that something as a problem but there are also some who do not view that something as a problem. Maybe it is just base on one’s personal views.
The things that I have been writing are just base by my observations. I do not intend to hurt somebody or someone if ever you get across in this blog of mine.
Thank you for reading and have a nice and awesome day. Forget about those problems, they will make you old.

Sinug for Sinulog.. For Him..

After 9 days of novena, the day for the Feast of Señor Santo Niño is here, the Sinulog celebration of the Cebuanos. Many have joined the Fluvial Parade and the long walk, which is a dedication of the people for the saint.

Actually, the feast is not celebrated on the month of January; it is originally celebrated on the month of April, particularly on the 28^th. They moved this celebration on January because it is the month nearest to the Christmas celebration.

The feast day that the Cebuanos call Sinulog is a word that came from the word “sulog”, which refers to the water current that is moving forward. As what I heard from our parish priest and as what I read in the newspaper, “sulog” is the movement of the water that after crashing into the big rocks will move back or the forward and backward movement of the water.

This feast became a yearly devotion of the Cebuanos and many other citizens all around the globe, in honor for the Patron saint of Cebu who is Señor Santo Niño. Señor Santo Niño was the image introduced by the Spaniards during the time when they first landed here in our island.

Every year, a lot of people coming from different places and races come here to Cebu to celebrate and dance to the Sinulog beat. Even though the streets are very hot, but this is not a hindrance for the devotees, balikbayans, and tourists. They come here to witness the different contingents that joined in the Sinulog Grand Mardigras, may it be under the Free Interpretation category or for the Sinulog Based category.

As what I have seen on the streets, children and adults alike spend the feast with a great enthusiasm. They buy different masks and wear them on their faces, whistles, ready –to-go tattoos, and other stuffs that will really make them enjoy and feel the beat and heat of the festivity. They do not care about standing for hours and lining up on the busy streets for the reason that they are doing this as devotion or a “panaad” to the child patron, Santo Niño. Aside from waiting for the very colorful Sinulog contingents, they are also fascinated by the different stunning and exquisite floats by the different establishments of the city. This sight is on the streets and so as inside the Cebu City Sports Center where the population is very tight and very hot because the viewers are sitting from elbow to elbow.

Aside from street dancing, many also go to the Basilica del Santo Niño to pray and light candles. Most of them are balikbayans and people from the province of Cebu since they are not always here in Cebu.

As the sun started to set, the energy of the contingents never did cease and vanished. They kept on dancing and enjoying the Sinulog beat.

This is how the Cebuanos celebrate the Sinulog 2007. All of these is an offering and a religious fervor in honor for the patron saint of Cebu. All of these is for him, Señor Santo Niño.

Viva Pit Senyor!

One In A Million Pal

“A friend is a single soul dwelling in two bodies.”
Aristotle

Do you believe in this quote by Aristotle?

Why single soul dwelling in two bodies?

Maybe it is because, that every little thing you do, he/she understands it. You get along well with each other and just a small wink of your eye; he/she then identifies what you want to say to him/her. Have you experienced that?

I do.

For me a friend is…

I describe a friend as someone who is always there for you when you need help and always there to support your good intentions. Making friends to someone is not a difficult task at all. All you need to do is smile. By this gesture, the one you smiled at will respond to you in a smile also. You and your friend share a lot of things and likes common things.

A Friend is someone who:

• helps you in making good deeds is one,
• is always true to you and says the truth about certain things, is a good and true friend,
• will never encourage you to take prohibited,
• will not put you into trouble and not backbite you,
• always listens to your problems and stories without giving advices that are not good for you,
• is very hospitable and caring,
• gives you intermediate paper when you do not have one,
• lends you a stapler when you do not hold one,
• lends you a book and sometimes forget to get it from you,
• who scolds you if you make something awful and ugly,
• likes the clothes you wear and admire you for your awesome personality,
• will make you smile when you are sad,
• shares his or her umbrella to you during rainy days and on hot days,
• protects you from those bad boys on the streets
• accompanies you to everywhere you go,
• shares who is her/his crush and telling you not to reveal it,
• helps you in cleaning the classroom,
• asks you if you are okay, “are you feeling well?”, and all those stuffs,
• helps you in going to the clinic and will never leave you until you feel well,
• teach you things that you never know before,
• helps you in borrowing books from the other room,
• helps you in finding good and durable photo albums,
• helps you in looking for a cloth
• etc..

Every person that you see are all your friends. Your sisters, brothers, mother, father, grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, neighbors, classmates, enemies, seatmates, teachers, the staffs in your school, the passengers inside the public utility vehicles and all the people and individuals that are surrounding you are all your friends. Jesus is a friend as well as the angels that are guarding you.

No matter what walk in life you are in, every person you meet in your way, are your friends. All you have to do is just smile at him or her and greet them every morning, evening, and everyday.

Like you, I gain a lot of friends along the way, let us not forget to cherish the old ones. I know that even your pet is your friend. Our friends deserve special place in our hearts and they also deserve a SMILE.

According to Cicero, “Friendship makes prosperity more brilliant, and lightens adversity by sharing and dividing it.”

They are a one in a million pal.