In the movie Shrek 2, I remembered that this line was uttered: "Every princess wants to live happily ever after".
And every princess has a prince charming…
Hmm… it’s always a fairytale-influenced belief that "prince charmings" are the PERFECT guys. It’s always been part of every little girl’s fantasies to grow up into a princess, and eventually meet her destined prince.
Sadly, it’s not always the case.
WELCOME TO REALITY, BABY!
Sometimes, we, girls, try so hard to meet the RIGHT one. But we end up usually with the wrong one! And who’s to blame? No one.
I’m gonna share to you what I have read in the September 2004 issue of Candy magazine. It’s an article written by Gen Tiu, entitled "The Family Recipe for Prince Charming". Ok, here it goes:
"As we grow up, we come face to face with the fact that Prince Charming as we define him does not exist, and our search for such man may be in vain. The "perfect" guy, ironically, can never be perfect. In fact, he can have many irritating habits and flaws. Bottom line: no matter who that "perfect" guy is, it is best to STICK WITH REALITY when trying to figure him out and not the fantasy we had since we were eight years old."
So, how do we girls know if HE’S THE ONE?
According to her, the best and possibly most accurate place to look and picture out the guy in our dreams is right at our homes! Or even in one of those weekly get-togethers. In other words, we can picture out if the one we’re liking on is really worth it BY observing the boys who care about us (i.e. father, elder brother, cousin, grandpa) and seeing the good in them. These men (and young men!) have helped us mold into the girls we are now. Each of them has certain qualities that we may have once looked up to or may even unconsciously admire today!
THE MODELS
1. Daddy!
What I love about my dad is that he’s a hard-earner. Even though he’s tired, he always assures us of almost everything! He’s also responsible. He’s sincerely generous, too.
If he’s like dad… I can count on him because of the security that he has assured me. For me, relationships should be taken as long term. So, it’s big no-no for irresponsibility! If he’s like my dad, he can take care of me properly. He also knows his priorities and is aware on what to do next.
2. Elder Brother!
Though I’m the eldest, I know that elder brothers are protective, as what I have observed through my friends.
Brothers are really tough. But if we look hard enough, they’re good qualities will eventually surface! Older brothers are the ones who look out for their younger sisters and they make sure if they’re okay.
If he’s like an elder bro… it means he grew up with proper values since he holds his family with concern and respect. And I do think it’s a big plus since it would also make my parents happy. If he’s like an elder brother, I can be sure that I’m on his "top priority" list… he’ll treat me right.
3. My boy Cousin!
My cousins are really the wackiest and coolest people on earth!! I can purely be myself when I’m with them. We laugh together. We share the same jokes (we’ll even make fun of our parents and elders! Hahaha!!). Obviously, they’re fun to be with!
If he’s like my guy cousin… I can tell that he’s real because he’s fun to be with! He can be honest and brave with me because he’s natural and uninhibited. It’s nice because I will be certain that he has nothing to hide.
4. My Best Boy Bud!
He’s like a close friend with a little something extra! What I love about him is that he’s sensitive and considerate to me. That great sympathy he offers creates a deep connection between him and me. He’s my bestfriend! He can be my make-shift diary --- and he’s totally cool about it.
If he’s like my boy friend… I can put my trust in him, without doubts. I need someone who will be there for me no matter what.
Voila!!! Instant prince charming!
We all have different ideas on who should be "The One". Whoever he is, he should know his limitations and strong points. That is, he must know himself and his obligations first before getting to know the girl he’s liking. So you see, girls do not just consider affluence and beauty as bases for getting the "Prince Charming" title. It’s on the inside that counts. Always.
*Source : September2004 issue of candy magazine
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Soledad
It’s a Spanish word for "loneliness"…
ABOUT THE POEM
Honestly speaking, I never understood the poem maybe because it’s a different type. No words were formed, actually. Whoever that poet is, he must be crazy… JOKE! Well, I think that he/she IS REALLY LONELY. It’s evident through the style he used (and I don’t know what that style is! Sorry!). But the message stays clear… the author was in despair for being lonely.
LONELINESS…
I’m not the type of person who is extrovert. When I was in young, I never wanted to be mixed with everyone else! I don’t crave for attention, just like other people. I just want to be alone, though I’m not really a loner at school. Of course, I’ve got friends. But I prefer to do things on my own.
But as I grow up, I realize that I need to be socially active, at least. I mean, I need people, since they also need me! Haha… We’ll I guess, in this case, there should be an interaction between me and the whole world.
Still, it won’t change the real me… the introvert and shy girl.
But I don’t wanna be lonely. My family cares about me. My friends stay in touch with me. And I’m thankful for that. However, when the time comes that the ones I loved and cherished will be gone, I will really feel lonely… and that’s the last thing I want to happen in my life.
There are also times when I feel desolate.
One time, I was really weighed down by a certain problem. But my friends, whom I trust the most, weren’t there. It’s not their fault that they were not there to comfort me. Though, I feel sick to my guts. I felt that nobody cares about me. That’s stupidity… to be so dependent to them. But if that’s it, then I’m stupid. But I don’t hate them for that. In fact, I’m even grateful because they taught me how to stand on my own, without their help and support.
BACK TO THE POEM
I don’t really know what the author of that poem tries to convey. All I know is that he or she is awfully in solitude.
I hope he’s okay now…
Hey! Wait a second… he’s not lonely!! We aren’t lonely! You know why? Because God is with us!
ABOUT THE POEM
Honestly speaking, I never understood the poem maybe because it’s a different type. No words were formed, actually. Whoever that poet is, he must be crazy… JOKE! Well, I think that he/she IS REALLY LONELY. It’s evident through the style he used (and I don’t know what that style is! Sorry!). But the message stays clear… the author was in despair for being lonely.
LONELINESS…
I’m not the type of person who is extrovert. When I was in young, I never wanted to be mixed with everyone else! I don’t crave for attention, just like other people. I just want to be alone, though I’m not really a loner at school. Of course, I’ve got friends. But I prefer to do things on my own.
But as I grow up, I realize that I need to be socially active, at least. I mean, I need people, since they also need me! Haha… We’ll I guess, in this case, there should be an interaction between me and the whole world.
Still, it won’t change the real me… the introvert and shy girl.
But I don’t wanna be lonely. My family cares about me. My friends stay in touch with me. And I’m thankful for that. However, when the time comes that the ones I loved and cherished will be gone, I will really feel lonely… and that’s the last thing I want to happen in my life.
There are also times when I feel desolate.
One time, I was really weighed down by a certain problem. But my friends, whom I trust the most, weren’t there. It’s not their fault that they were not there to comfort me. Though, I feel sick to my guts. I felt that nobody cares about me. That’s stupidity… to be so dependent to them. But if that’s it, then I’m stupid. But I don’t hate them for that. In fact, I’m even grateful because they taught me how to stand on my own, without their help and support.
BACK TO THE POEM
I don’t really know what the author of that poem tries to convey. All I know is that he or she is awfully in solitude.
I hope he’s okay now…
Hey! Wait a second… he’s not lonely!! We aren’t lonely! You know why? Because God is with us!
Motion for Reconciliation
I was reminded of the time during the Pass & Review practice during the CWTS period. There was a bitter dispute between a good friend of mine, who is an officer, and my platoon mates, including me. It is because the officer who handled our platoon was somewhat harsh to us. To put it bluntly, he was inconsiderate since he didn’t care too much about our conditions. What trigged our anger was when he gave us 36 bummers for being lousy. And so my platoon mates became furious, and so as he (the officer). At the end of the period, there was a "hot battle" between the officer and us. The girls kept on wailing and complaining because their bodies where exhausted and aching. I was torn into two since the two parties who were fighting were both my friends. All I did was to comfort the girls in the platoon. I also got mad to the officer (and also a good friend of mine) because of what he did to us. But, I never held grudges, although I wanted to hit him because of it. However, I also pity him because at that time, he was ALONE. Though his girlfriend was there to calm him down, I felt his despair. To think, it was like him versus almost everyone of our batch mates. I could understand why everyone of us got mad to him. Everyone was blinded with fury and apprehension. Some of the girls even fainted because of that. The atmosphere at that time of the afternoon was awfully gloomy.
So you see, one wrong move could ruin such friendship.
I do think that at that time, everyone of us was feeling extremities of being sad, angry, or disappointed. So, we have to cool down, at least, just to ease the pain and to settle things later.
And, what’s next?
At some point, some of us believe that in forgiving people, we turn out to be "holy" or "spiritual". But there’s a more good reason why WE SHOULD forgive people. It’s not about the enemy’s sake, but for our own good, too.
According to Andrew Matthews, the author of New York’s bestseller book "Happiness in a Nutshell", when we don’t forgive people, WE RUIN OUR LIVES!
Now, here’s a vivid but brief explanation about this (courtesy of Mr. Matthews):
Let's say:
a) you are my boss and you give me the sack, or
b) you are my girl, and you run off with my buddy.
So I say, "I'll never forgive you for that!"
Who suffers? Not you!
I'm pacing the floor. I've got the knot in my stomach. I'm losing sleep. You are probably out partying!
Where do we get the idea that if WE don't forgive people, THEY suffer? It's nuts!
Recent studies at the Public Health Institute in California confirm that hostility and resentment tear down your immune system and double your risk of heart attack, cancer and even diabetes. Bitterness makes you sick!
To forgive someone, you don't have to agree with what they did. You just have to want your life to work.
In a Nutshell
Is it easy? Usually not. But you don't forgive people for their benefit. You do it for your benefit.
So you see, there’s more to life than to keep on whining, crying, complaining, blaming, arguing, and condemning people. And what hurts the most is when we hold grudges inside of us and then eventually never forgive the people who inflicted such pain on us. Though it’s not easy to forgive right away, I think it’s be better if we do… you know why? IT’S FOR OUR OWN GOOD! If we don’t forgive people, we make our lives miserable. And before we know it, we’re creating danger all along.
I’ve already forgiven my friend, who was the officer. I know he just made a wrong move, and I think he already suffered the consequences of what he did.
I hope you could also forgive the people like I do. Believe me, it’s a good feeling…
So you see, one wrong move could ruin such friendship.
I do think that at that time, everyone of us was feeling extremities of being sad, angry, or disappointed. So, we have to cool down, at least, just to ease the pain and to settle things later.
And, what’s next?
At some point, some of us believe that in forgiving people, we turn out to be "holy" or "spiritual". But there’s a more good reason why WE SHOULD forgive people. It’s not about the enemy’s sake, but for our own good, too.
According to Andrew Matthews, the author of New York’s bestseller book "Happiness in a Nutshell", when we don’t forgive people, WE RUIN OUR LIVES!
Now, here’s a vivid but brief explanation about this (courtesy of Mr. Matthews):
Let's say:
a) you are my boss and you give me the sack, or
b) you are my girl, and you run off with my buddy.
So I say, "I'll never forgive you for that!"
Who suffers? Not you!
I'm pacing the floor. I've got the knot in my stomach. I'm losing sleep. You are probably out partying!
Where do we get the idea that if WE don't forgive people, THEY suffer? It's nuts!
Recent studies at the Public Health Institute in California confirm that hostility and resentment tear down your immune system and double your risk of heart attack, cancer and even diabetes. Bitterness makes you sick!
To forgive someone, you don't have to agree with what they did. You just have to want your life to work.
In a Nutshell
Is it easy? Usually not. But you don't forgive people for their benefit. You do it for your benefit.
So you see, there’s more to life than to keep on whining, crying, complaining, blaming, arguing, and condemning people. And what hurts the most is when we hold grudges inside of us and then eventually never forgive the people who inflicted such pain on us. Though it’s not easy to forgive right away, I think it’s be better if we do… you know why? IT’S FOR OUR OWN GOOD! If we don’t forgive people, we make our lives miserable. And before we know it, we’re creating danger all along.
I’ve already forgiven my friend, who was the officer. I know he just made a wrong move, and I think he already suffered the consequences of what he did.
I hope you could also forgive the people like I do. Believe me, it’s a good feeling…
The Look
by Sara Teasdale
Strephon kissed me in the spring,
Robin in the fall,
But Colin only looked at me
And never kissed at all.
Strephon's kiss was lost in jest,
Robin's lost in play,
But the kiss in Colin's eyes
Haunts me night and day.
Ooh… someone’s got an arrière-pensée… it’s a French word meaning "hidden agenda". And it’s none other than Colin.
Strephon and Robin both showed affection to the girl, unlike Colin, who only looked at the girl. The look of Colin’s eyes was haunting, just as what the poem described. Could it be admiration?
In the last stanza of the poem suggest that the two boys in the poem, Strephon and Robin, were lost. But Colin stayed.
THE STORY
In my own point of view, I think the girl had many suitors, like Strephon and Robin. The two men were determined to show affection to the girl, but in different settings: Strephon on spring, and Robin in fall. But a young man named Colin, I think, was in love with the girl even before Robin and Strephon, though he never told the girl. Maybe because he never had the courage to do so.
The next stanza insinuates that the two men, Robin and Strephon didn’t stay that long in love with the girl. That is, they became lost and nowhere to be found by the girl. But still, Colin stayed. I do think that Colin was madly and deeply in-love with the girl, who was the object of fantasy by men like Strephon and Robin.
MEN LIKE THESE…
How do we, girls, tell if the man we choose is going to be patient and loving? We ask: is it for real? Forever? Promise? We can never tell… if we are blind…
There are men who have decent intentions to the girls they liked or loved, perhaps. But it’s certain that there are also men who don’t really care at all! They just court you for the sake that they want someone just for show! If these guys have had enough of you, then it’s gonna be sorry! Sorry for he doesn’t want you anymore. Sorry for he’s been sick of you already. Or maybe it’s just painfully SORRY for he no longer loves you…
It’s heartbreaking… but that’s the truth! Some men will leave the girls they thought they could spend their lives with.
But looking on the brighter side, there are also men who have profoundly showed us girls with great respect and dignity… these men are the ones with character. And these men are worthy to be called "lover". If we look at these type of men closely, we would be happier if we fall in love with them.
And showing love is not just through embraces, sweet and passionate love, expensive gifts, or kisses… one look of love is already a sign!
It’s much sweeter than anything else…
Strephon kissed me in the spring,
Robin in the fall,
But Colin only looked at me
And never kissed at all.
Strephon's kiss was lost in jest,
Robin's lost in play,
But the kiss in Colin's eyes
Haunts me night and day.
Ooh… someone’s got an arrière-pensée… it’s a French word meaning "hidden agenda". And it’s none other than Colin.
Strephon and Robin both showed affection to the girl, unlike Colin, who only looked at the girl. The look of Colin’s eyes was haunting, just as what the poem described. Could it be admiration?
In the last stanza of the poem suggest that the two boys in the poem, Strephon and Robin, were lost. But Colin stayed.
THE STORY
In my own point of view, I think the girl had many suitors, like Strephon and Robin. The two men were determined to show affection to the girl, but in different settings: Strephon on spring, and Robin in fall. But a young man named Colin, I think, was in love with the girl even before Robin and Strephon, though he never told the girl. Maybe because he never had the courage to do so.
The next stanza insinuates that the two men, Robin and Strephon didn’t stay that long in love with the girl. That is, they became lost and nowhere to be found by the girl. But still, Colin stayed. I do think that Colin was madly and deeply in-love with the girl, who was the object of fantasy by men like Strephon and Robin.
MEN LIKE THESE…
How do we, girls, tell if the man we choose is going to be patient and loving? We ask: is it for real? Forever? Promise? We can never tell… if we are blind…
There are men who have decent intentions to the girls they liked or loved, perhaps. But it’s certain that there are also men who don’t really care at all! They just court you for the sake that they want someone just for show! If these guys have had enough of you, then it’s gonna be sorry! Sorry for he doesn’t want you anymore. Sorry for he’s been sick of you already. Or maybe it’s just painfully SORRY for he no longer loves you…
It’s heartbreaking… but that’s the truth! Some men will leave the girls they thought they could spend their lives with.
But looking on the brighter side, there are also men who have profoundly showed us girls with great respect and dignity… these men are the ones with character. And these men are worthy to be called "lover". If we look at these type of men closely, we would be happier if we fall in love with them.
And showing love is not just through embraces, sweet and passionate love, expensive gifts, or kisses… one look of love is already a sign!
It’s much sweeter than anything else…
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Cyberfair Article: Casa Gorordo
One of the finest historical sites in the Queen City of the South is the mid-19th century ancestral house bought by Juan Isidro Gorordo in 1863. Situated along Lopez Jaena Street and very near the Heritage of Cebu monument in Pari-an district, Casa Gorordo (literally, "Gorordo House"), as it is called, represents the period's typical Cebuano architectural style characterized by the prominent use of rock and stone for the lower story and wood for the upper story, as well as the presence of ventanillas and sliding capiz windows. The house itself sits on a 1,410-square-meter parcel of land and occupies about one-fourth of the total area.
It is a low two-story house. The lower floor was intended for a bodega for corn and sugar from the Gorordo farmlands, a garage, and a workplace where usually most of the housework is done. Before entering the upper floor, beside the stairs, is a waiting room for guests who offered gifts (mostly chicken and rice for the family).
The elegance of the house is mostly showcased on the upper floor. The ceilings are intricately designed and show strong European influence, although some Filipino elements also appear. The upper floor consists of the master's bedroom, separate rooms for boys and girls, a prayer room, the kitchen, the dining room, and the comfort room.
The Gorordo home allows one a view of Cebuano culture during the period. For example, in the hallway, there is a place exclusive for courting sessions. The presence of such a so-designated place signifies that the Maria-Clara mentality of women was dominant at that time. The Gorordos were also very religious since they transformed one second-floor room into a chapel, revealing the Cebuanos' religious devotion and piety.
A great view of the gardens outside is best seen from the azotea (terrace or balcony), which is also a typical section of many Cebuano houses during the period.
Though the house is a typical late 19th-century Hispanic construction, most historians and preservationists describe the house as a fusion of different cultures. Chinese architecture is evident on the roof of the house, as well as on decorations. It is a steep, tile-covered roof ending in slightly upturned eaves. The carvings on the ceilings and furniture are European-inspired, but its intricacy is unmistakably Cebuano.
Some of the house's most prominent structural features are as follows:
* The entrance, consisting of a two-paneled wooden door framed by a bas relief of a quasi-classical arch with pillars.* The zaguan or lower floor, a dungeon-like enclosure floored with cut stones (tinabliya) layered with cement. The zaguan is usually used as storage area for farm produce from the Gorordos' farms, for firewood, and for religious images that could not be placed on the family altar.* The decanso (literally, "rest"), a reception area for guests. It usually features a gallinera, a bench made of molave wood and upon which house guests may "rest."* The main stairway, made of tugas (Afzelia rhomboidia) and bayong (Petersianthus quadrialatus) and intricately designed. The size of the stairway reflects the wealth of the household.* The caida or the suitor's corner, situated at the boundary of the sala (and was usually longer) and was customarily the reserved place for young maidens to welcome their suitors. On the opposite side would be a chair for the young lady's chaperone.
Though the house itself was built by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales, the name was taken after Bishop Juan Gorordo, the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, who was also a resident of the house. In 1863, the house was bought by Juan Isidro Gorordo for only PHP2,000.
Casa Gorordo was a home to four generations of Gorordos. Juan, who married Telesfora Garces had seven children: Marcial, Telesfora, Carmen, Jose, Juan and Maria. Only Maria and Jose had children among the siblings. Maria who married Leoncio Jaen had one daughter named Telesfora. Jose who married Baldomera Galan also had only one daughter named Cesarea who married Margarito Revilles. They had six children: Josefa, Aurora (Yballe), Expedita (Yap), Juan and Gemma (died at ten months) and Alejandro (also deceased).
Today, the ancestral house-turned lifestyle museum is reopened to the public after years of renovation. In his desire to do some studies on the history of Cebu and its role in the country as a whole, Don Eduardo Aboitiz set the museum as the foundation of his studies.
Owing to the historical and cultural significance of the place, the National Historical Institute, in 1991, promulgated Board Resolution No. 4 declaring Casa Gorordo as a National Historical Landmark. The house underwent two major renovations in 1980 and in 2005 to replace aging structures.
*special thanks to the management and staff of Casa Gorordo museum....
*bibliography:
Javellana, R. (2003, June 12). Casa Gorordo. Retrieved November 13, 2006Philippines TodayNewman, J. R. (2006, September 24). A visit to Casa Gorordo. Retrieved November 13, 2006 The Governor’s Magazine. Philippine Copyright ©2006 (YELLOW PAGES) by Directories Philippines CorporationVillalon, A. (2006, September 24). PRIDE OF PLACE Casa Gorordo of Cebu, heritage icon. Retrieved November 13, 2006
It is a low two-story house. The lower floor was intended for a bodega for corn and sugar from the Gorordo farmlands, a garage, and a workplace where usually most of the housework is done. Before entering the upper floor, beside the stairs, is a waiting room for guests who offered gifts (mostly chicken and rice for the family).
The elegance of the house is mostly showcased on the upper floor. The ceilings are intricately designed and show strong European influence, although some Filipino elements also appear. The upper floor consists of the master's bedroom, separate rooms for boys and girls, a prayer room, the kitchen, the dining room, and the comfort room.
The Gorordo home allows one a view of Cebuano culture during the period. For example, in the hallway, there is a place exclusive for courting sessions. The presence of such a so-designated place signifies that the Maria-Clara mentality of women was dominant at that time. The Gorordos were also very religious since they transformed one second-floor room into a chapel, revealing the Cebuanos' religious devotion and piety.
A great view of the gardens outside is best seen from the azotea (terrace or balcony), which is also a typical section of many Cebuano houses during the period.
Though the house is a typical late 19th-century Hispanic construction, most historians and preservationists describe the house as a fusion of different cultures. Chinese architecture is evident on the roof of the house, as well as on decorations. It is a steep, tile-covered roof ending in slightly upturned eaves. The carvings on the ceilings and furniture are European-inspired, but its intricacy is unmistakably Cebuano.
Some of the house's most prominent structural features are as follows:
* The entrance, consisting of a two-paneled wooden door framed by a bas relief of a quasi-classical arch with pillars.* The zaguan or lower floor, a dungeon-like enclosure floored with cut stones (tinabliya) layered with cement. The zaguan is usually used as storage area for farm produce from the Gorordos' farms, for firewood, and for religious images that could not be placed on the family altar.* The decanso (literally, "rest"), a reception area for guests. It usually features a gallinera, a bench made of molave wood and upon which house guests may "rest."* The main stairway, made of tugas (Afzelia rhomboidia) and bayong (Petersianthus quadrialatus) and intricately designed. The size of the stairway reflects the wealth of the household.* The caida or the suitor's corner, situated at the boundary of the sala (and was usually longer) and was customarily the reserved place for young maidens to welcome their suitors. On the opposite side would be a chair for the young lady's chaperone.
Though the house itself was built by Alejandro Reynes y Rosales, the name was taken after Bishop Juan Gorordo, the first Filipino Bishop of Cebu, who was also a resident of the house. In 1863, the house was bought by Juan Isidro Gorordo for only PHP2,000.
Casa Gorordo was a home to four generations of Gorordos. Juan, who married Telesfora Garces had seven children: Marcial, Telesfora, Carmen, Jose, Juan and Maria. Only Maria and Jose had children among the siblings. Maria who married Leoncio Jaen had one daughter named Telesfora. Jose who married Baldomera Galan also had only one daughter named Cesarea who married Margarito Revilles. They had six children: Josefa, Aurora (Yballe), Expedita (Yap), Juan and Gemma (died at ten months) and Alejandro (also deceased).
Today, the ancestral house-turned lifestyle museum is reopened to the public after years of renovation. In his desire to do some studies on the history of Cebu and its role in the country as a whole, Don Eduardo Aboitiz set the museum as the foundation of his studies.
Owing to the historical and cultural significance of the place, the National Historical Institute, in 1991, promulgated Board Resolution No. 4 declaring Casa Gorordo as a National Historical Landmark. The house underwent two major renovations in 1980 and in 2005 to replace aging structures.
*special thanks to the management and staff of Casa Gorordo museum....
*bibliography:
Javellana, R. (2003, June 12). Casa Gorordo. Retrieved November 13, 2006Philippines TodayNewman, J. R. (2006, September 24). A visit to Casa Gorordo. Retrieved November 13, 2006 The Governor’s Magazine. Philippine Copyright ©2006 (YELLOW PAGES) by Directories Philippines CorporationVillalon, A. (2006, September 24). PRIDE OF PLACE Casa Gorordo of Cebu, heritage icon. Retrieved November 13, 2006
My Senior Year is the Best Thing That Happened to Me
Graduation is fast approaching. Soon, I’ll be leaving the halls and walls of my high school… my second home…
I’ll be missing my batch mates. The professors and mentors also did a terrific job to us. If not for them, we wouldn’t be that smarter and wiser than ever. I’m so grateful because I met these people who left footprints in my life. These people had been with me in my journey.
Okay! I’ll just save all the drama afterwards!!
Anyways, I’ll have a recap about some of the most unforgettable events that happened during my last year here in UPHigh.
ABAKADA
August is the month for Communications Week, or better yet known as the “Buwan ng Wika” in the University of the Philippines High School. It has been a tradition in UPHigh to hold such commemorative event that showcases the talents of the students in line with the communication arts’ subjects like Filipino, Social Science, and English.
The most anticipated part of the program is the ABAKADA, which is to be presented by the seniors. ABAKADA is an ensemble act depicting the Filipino history, mostly about the Filipino struggles during the era of the Spanish conquest of our country. This performance is annually presented by the graduating students honoring the heroism of the Filipinos in the past.
ABAKADA is a contest between the two 4th-year sections, Gonzales and Tan. But the performances of the two contenders are presented as one, but in intervals. However, we presented it as a batch. I mean, we didn’t care who’s going to win. As a batch, we were very cooperative. We also discovered our own set of abilities, and we used it. And it was obvious since the spectators were amazed by our splendid performance of the ABAKADA. Indeed, it was victorious and absolutely magnificent!
Not only that… what was really surprising was this:
The production of section Gonzales was really grandiose! I’m not kidding! They had plenty of props, which included the soil. The soil was carpeted all over their place, where their actors perform.
After the performance, the Gonzales students were already cleaning the area where they put the props, including the soil. Tan students were already through in cleaning the place. To my surprise, Tan students assisted the Gonzales people in clearing the mess! See? That’s the spirit!
INTRAMURALS
Our batch is known as the “melting pot of all talents and skills”. Artists? We’ve got Jerah, Carla, Yolike, Novelyn, and many others. Dancers? No problem. There’s Christine Marie, Gabby, Ella, Mariel, JP, John Albert, Doanne, and a whole lot more! You need singers? Still not a problem. Here’s AJ, Joseph, Nico Antonio, Shedyl, and yours truly… hehehe. How about the athletes? WE’VE GOT IT ALL, BABY! If I’m going to enumerate them, I bet I’m going to give you a long list for it.
Anyways, the UPHigh intramurals (or “intrams” for short) is the most awaited event by the students. I myself declare that our batch is the best when it comes to competence and collaboration. My batch mates really practiced hard to improve their skills in the different sports their going to play. But the intramurals is not only about sports. There were also contests like the Mr. and Ms. Intrams, Singing competitions, and the Pop Jazz.
As luck would have it, we, THE SENIORS, were declared as the OVER-ALL CHAMPION IN UP High’s INTRAMS 2006!! It was one of the milestones that our batch ever garnered. And we celebrated our triumph in the Athlete’s Night….
To be continued…hahaha!!
I’ll be missing my batch mates. The professors and mentors also did a terrific job to us. If not for them, we wouldn’t be that smarter and wiser than ever. I’m so grateful because I met these people who left footprints in my life. These people had been with me in my journey.
Okay! I’ll just save all the drama afterwards!!
Anyways, I’ll have a recap about some of the most unforgettable events that happened during my last year here in UPHigh.
ABAKADA
August is the month for Communications Week, or better yet known as the “Buwan ng Wika” in the University of the Philippines High School. It has been a tradition in UPHigh to hold such commemorative event that showcases the talents of the students in line with the communication arts’ subjects like Filipino, Social Science, and English.
The most anticipated part of the program is the ABAKADA, which is to be presented by the seniors. ABAKADA is an ensemble act depicting the Filipino history, mostly about the Filipino struggles during the era of the Spanish conquest of our country. This performance is annually presented by the graduating students honoring the heroism of the Filipinos in the past.
ABAKADA is a contest between the two 4th-year sections, Gonzales and Tan. But the performances of the two contenders are presented as one, but in intervals. However, we presented it as a batch. I mean, we didn’t care who’s going to win. As a batch, we were very cooperative. We also discovered our own set of abilities, and we used it. And it was obvious since the spectators were amazed by our splendid performance of the ABAKADA. Indeed, it was victorious and absolutely magnificent!
Not only that… what was really surprising was this:
The production of section Gonzales was really grandiose! I’m not kidding! They had plenty of props, which included the soil. The soil was carpeted all over their place, where their actors perform.
After the performance, the Gonzales students were already cleaning the area where they put the props, including the soil. Tan students were already through in cleaning the place. To my surprise, Tan students assisted the Gonzales people in clearing the mess! See? That’s the spirit!
INTRAMURALS
Our batch is known as the “melting pot of all talents and skills”. Artists? We’ve got Jerah, Carla, Yolike, Novelyn, and many others. Dancers? No problem. There’s Christine Marie, Gabby, Ella, Mariel, JP, John Albert, Doanne, and a whole lot more! You need singers? Still not a problem. Here’s AJ, Joseph, Nico Antonio, Shedyl, and yours truly… hehehe. How about the athletes? WE’VE GOT IT ALL, BABY! If I’m going to enumerate them, I bet I’m going to give you a long list for it.
Anyways, the UPHigh intramurals (or “intrams” for short) is the most awaited event by the students. I myself declare that our batch is the best when it comes to competence and collaboration. My batch mates really practiced hard to improve their skills in the different sports their going to play. But the intramurals is not only about sports. There were also contests like the Mr. and Ms. Intrams, Singing competitions, and the Pop Jazz.
As luck would have it, we, THE SENIORS, were declared as the OVER-ALL CHAMPION IN UP High’s INTRAMS 2006!! It was one of the milestones that our batch ever garnered. And we celebrated our triumph in the Athlete’s Night….
To be continued…hahaha!!
40 Questions About Me
Since this is the last year of my high school, I decided to allot the notebook, given to me by my bestfriend on my 16th birthday, for autograph purposes. It is intended for a personalized autograph to be signed by my batch mates. Why personalized autograph? Because the autograph questions were made by me!! Of course, not all of the questions. I got some of them from the magazines and internet.
I also wanted to answer those questions myself. Hahaha.
1. What’s your nickname at home?
Hmmm… my parents call me “Gelle”, a shorter name of my second name which is “Angeli”. I never want them to call me by my first name.
2. When people first met you, they say that you are…
They say that I’m snobbish and sophisticated (arte in Visayan). Maybe because of my facial features, example, my eyebrows: they are arched high. Or maybe because the way I dress. Actually, I’m just a t-shirt-slash-jeans girl!
3. What’s your biggest obsession?
I had a lot of obsessions in the past: from anime, singers, bands, and even celebrities! Well, I think I have no obsessions right now. All I can say is that I’m “obsessed” when it comes to food and music.
4. If you could be someone else for a day, you’d be…
Sometimes I wonder what it feels like to be a terrorist. It’s just that I’m curious about their ideologies, and why they want to spread the world with terror.
On the other hand, I also want to be a girl version of Justin Timberlake. I just love the dance moves!
5. What are the 3 material things you can’t live without?
a. LOTION = My skin is usually dry. I don’t wanna leave the house without putting this on my body.
b. WATCH = Though I’m the “queen of procrastination” (according to my mom), I just can’t stand it when I don’t know what time is it. Weird.
c. HANKY = as in handkerchief… I feel so dirty without this.
6. How good are you with household chores?
Is that a question? Of course, VERY GOOD! Hahaha… Really! Maybe because I’m the eldest in the family and I assist my mom in the household chores.
7. The movie that you’ll always remember is…
I LOVE MOVIES. Unfortunately, I’m out of touch when it comes the latest movies because I haven’t got enough free time to watch those.
I’ll never forget the movie “13 Going 30”, starred by Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. The story was fantastic. The characters were awesomely performed by the actors. I just love the love story!
8. What type of music do you usually listen to?
I’m a fantastic music fanatic. Any genre will do. Actually, I appreciate all types of music. Though, I’m just very picky. And I hate overplayed music. It sucks.
9. Describe yourself in 3 words.
HANDLE WITH CARE.
10. You’d never eat ____ unless your life depended on it.
I’ll never eat out-of-this-world food like grilled roaches, snake soup, fried rats, and many more!!! EWWW!! YUCK!
11. Do you have any pets at home?
Nope. But we have a lot of stray cats in the neighborhood. I want to have cats and birds someday.
12. 3 things that you hate.
a. OVERPLAYED MUSIC
b. MESS
c. EXPECTATIONS
13. People don’t know that you are…
SIMPLE. You may find it objectionable. If you know me that well, despite of the flashy clothes I wear and the way I deal with things, damn, I’m just so simple! Because God made simple things…
14. What do you do in your spare time?
It depends on my mood. Hmmm… usually I love to eat, chat with anyone, sleep, and even daydreaming. If I have money, I’ll spend it so that I could surf in the internet or text using my cellphone.
15. What’s your best asset?
My voice.
16. Aside from bed stuff (i.e. pillows, blanket) or persons (i.e. siblings, parents), your bedside companion is….
My cellphone.
17. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
a. TELEPORTATION = so that I can go anywhere I want.
b. THE POWER TO CONTROL TIME
18. What do you love most about yourself?
I still learn how to laugh despite of the problems that I encounter.
19. Who is more closer to you: mom or dad?
I was daddy’s little girl before…
20. You want to more ___ and less ___ .
Emotionally stronger ; sluggish
21. What’s your dream travel destination?
Maldives is a nice country. I just love the tranquility of the white sand beaches. I also want to tour Holland. It’s like paradise! The flowers and grasses are fascinating.
22. Celebrity crushes?
Very many… To name a few: Chris Pine (in “Just My Luck”), Mark Ruffalo (in “13 Going 30”), Adam Beach (in “Windtalkers”), Hugh Jackman (in “Kate & Leopold”), Pete Wentz (bassist of Fall Out Boy), Gerard Way (vocals of My Chemical Romance), Mike Shinoda (emcee of Linkin Park) and Brandon Urie (vocals of Panic! At the Disco).
23. Do you cook or bake?
Cook only. I’ve tried baking in 1st-year high school, in HomeTech I.
24. What’s your cheap thrill?
Internet, cellphone load, food.
25. Dreamer or doer?
I dream a lot. Just to escape reality for some time… If I’m really determined, I become a doer.
26. If you could have coffee with anyone, dead or alive & except God, who would it be?
I actually don’t drink coffee… hahaha. Well, I would love to have Oprah by my side. She’s a very intelligent and interesting conversationalist. But sometimes, I just want to fly solo! I want to be in solitude… hehehe.
27. Would you rather “save the day” or “be saved”?
I want to save the day so that I will be remembered. Haha! But most of the time, I’m always the one who gets saved… geez.
28. When you and your crush talk, you prefer funny conversations or serious talks?
My ideal guy is someone who knows when to get serious and knows how to make me laugh.
Hmmm… both!
29. You will never…
Aside from drinking liquor, smoking, PMS, and taking dangerous drugs, or even suicide…
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE PEOPLE WHO ENTERED IN MY LIFE. If not for them, I wouldn’t be who I am right now.
30. What’s the craziest thing you ever did?
SECRET!!! Hahaha! It’s so shameful and hilarious at the same time.
The 2nd craziest thing I did was cutting my hair… ALL BY MYSELF. My hair was really crooked afterwards.
31. What’s the sweetest thing that a person has done to you?
Calling me by my name. A simple gesture like this can make me realize that “Oh! He/She knows me after all!”.
32. Describe love as an ice cream flavor.
Rocky road.
33. What’s your ideal guy?
The first thing that I would notice in a guy is the way he struts his style. Not really showing off, but the way he radiates confidence. It’s also a turn-on when a guy is talented. I like guys who has an appealing quality of voice. And most of all, I love guys who can really dance! Haha…
To sum it up, my ideal man in 3 words:
LEAVES ME BREATHLESS.
34. The date that you’ll always remember (except special occasions) is ___.
12-28-98
35. What’s your greatest fear?
To be left alone.
36. Who is your first crush in UP?
Chrys Brent!
37. Did you ever get a line of 7 in UP?
Yah… That was I think in 1st year. The subject was Math I.
38. What’s the best thing about being a UPian?
Being a UPian comes with great responsibility. But in spite of that, UPians like me survived a lot of long tests, researches, presentations, and even misunderstandings.
39. What’s your favorite high school memory?
Everything! I met 69 wonderful people…
40. Words to live by.
“We are the captains of our own ship…”
I also wanted to answer those questions myself. Hahaha.
1. What’s your nickname at home?
Hmmm… my parents call me “Gelle”, a shorter name of my second name which is “Angeli”. I never want them to call me by my first name.
2. When people first met you, they say that you are…
They say that I’m snobbish and sophisticated (arte in Visayan). Maybe because of my facial features, example, my eyebrows: they are arched high. Or maybe because the way I dress. Actually, I’m just a t-shirt-slash-jeans girl!
3. What’s your biggest obsession?
I had a lot of obsessions in the past: from anime, singers, bands, and even celebrities! Well, I think I have no obsessions right now. All I can say is that I’m “obsessed” when it comes to food and music.
4. If you could be someone else for a day, you’d be…
Sometimes I wonder what it feels like to be a terrorist. It’s just that I’m curious about their ideologies, and why they want to spread the world with terror.
On the other hand, I also want to be a girl version of Justin Timberlake. I just love the dance moves!
5. What are the 3 material things you can’t live without?
a. LOTION = My skin is usually dry. I don’t wanna leave the house without putting this on my body.
b. WATCH = Though I’m the “queen of procrastination” (according to my mom), I just can’t stand it when I don’t know what time is it. Weird.
c. HANKY = as in handkerchief… I feel so dirty without this.
6. How good are you with household chores?
Is that a question? Of course, VERY GOOD! Hahaha… Really! Maybe because I’m the eldest in the family and I assist my mom in the household chores.
7. The movie that you’ll always remember is…
I LOVE MOVIES. Unfortunately, I’m out of touch when it comes the latest movies because I haven’t got enough free time to watch those.
I’ll never forget the movie “13 Going 30”, starred by Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. The story was fantastic. The characters were awesomely performed by the actors. I just love the love story!
8. What type of music do you usually listen to?
I’m a fantastic music fanatic. Any genre will do. Actually, I appreciate all types of music. Though, I’m just very picky. And I hate overplayed music. It sucks.
9. Describe yourself in 3 words.
HANDLE WITH CARE.
10. You’d never eat ____ unless your life depended on it.
I’ll never eat out-of-this-world food like grilled roaches, snake soup, fried rats, and many more!!! EWWW!! YUCK!
11. Do you have any pets at home?
Nope. But we have a lot of stray cats in the neighborhood. I want to have cats and birds someday.
12. 3 things that you hate.
a. OVERPLAYED MUSIC
b. MESS
c. EXPECTATIONS
13. People don’t know that you are…
SIMPLE. You may find it objectionable. If you know me that well, despite of the flashy clothes I wear and the way I deal with things, damn, I’m just so simple! Because God made simple things…
14. What do you do in your spare time?
It depends on my mood. Hmmm… usually I love to eat, chat with anyone, sleep, and even daydreaming. If I have money, I’ll spend it so that I could surf in the internet or text using my cellphone.
15. What’s your best asset?
My voice.
16. Aside from bed stuff (i.e. pillows, blanket) or persons (i.e. siblings, parents), your bedside companion is….
My cellphone.
17. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
a. TELEPORTATION = so that I can go anywhere I want.
b. THE POWER TO CONTROL TIME
18. What do you love most about yourself?
I still learn how to laugh despite of the problems that I encounter.
19. Who is more closer to you: mom or dad?
I was daddy’s little girl before…
20. You want to more ___ and less ___ .
Emotionally stronger ; sluggish
21. What’s your dream travel destination?
Maldives is a nice country. I just love the tranquility of the white sand beaches. I also want to tour Holland. It’s like paradise! The flowers and grasses are fascinating.
22. Celebrity crushes?
Very many… To name a few: Chris Pine (in “Just My Luck”), Mark Ruffalo (in “13 Going 30”), Adam Beach (in “Windtalkers”), Hugh Jackman (in “Kate & Leopold”), Pete Wentz (bassist of Fall Out Boy), Gerard Way (vocals of My Chemical Romance), Mike Shinoda (emcee of Linkin Park) and Brandon Urie (vocals of Panic! At the Disco).
23. Do you cook or bake?
Cook only. I’ve tried baking in 1st-year high school, in HomeTech I.
24. What’s your cheap thrill?
Internet, cellphone load, food.
25. Dreamer or doer?
I dream a lot. Just to escape reality for some time… If I’m really determined, I become a doer.
26. If you could have coffee with anyone, dead or alive & except God, who would it be?
I actually don’t drink coffee… hahaha. Well, I would love to have Oprah by my side. She’s a very intelligent and interesting conversationalist. But sometimes, I just want to fly solo! I want to be in solitude… hehehe.
27. Would you rather “save the day” or “be saved”?
I want to save the day so that I will be remembered. Haha! But most of the time, I’m always the one who gets saved… geez.
28. When you and your crush talk, you prefer funny conversations or serious talks?
My ideal guy is someone who knows when to get serious and knows how to make me laugh.
Hmmm… both!
29. You will never…
Aside from drinking liquor, smoking, PMS, and taking dangerous drugs, or even suicide…
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE PEOPLE WHO ENTERED IN MY LIFE. If not for them, I wouldn’t be who I am right now.
30. What’s the craziest thing you ever did?
SECRET!!! Hahaha! It’s so shameful and hilarious at the same time.
The 2nd craziest thing I did was cutting my hair… ALL BY MYSELF. My hair was really crooked afterwards.
31. What’s the sweetest thing that a person has done to you?
Calling me by my name. A simple gesture like this can make me realize that “Oh! He/She knows me after all!”.
32. Describe love as an ice cream flavor.
Rocky road.
33. What’s your ideal guy?
The first thing that I would notice in a guy is the way he struts his style. Not really showing off, but the way he radiates confidence. It’s also a turn-on when a guy is talented. I like guys who has an appealing quality of voice. And most of all, I love guys who can really dance! Haha…
To sum it up, my ideal man in 3 words:
LEAVES ME BREATHLESS.
34. The date that you’ll always remember (except special occasions) is ___.
12-28-98
35. What’s your greatest fear?
To be left alone.
36. Who is your first crush in UP?
Chrys Brent!
37. Did you ever get a line of 7 in UP?
Yah… That was I think in 1st year. The subject was Math I.
38. What’s the best thing about being a UPian?
Being a UPian comes with great responsibility. But in spite of that, UPians like me survived a lot of long tests, researches, presentations, and even misunderstandings.
39. What’s your favorite high school memory?
Everything! I met 69 wonderful people…
40. Words to live by.
“We are the captains of our own ship…”
What It Feels Like To Run Out Of Air
* This essay was one of my Significant Human Experiences (SHEs) in English IV. Originally entitled “Faint”.
Ever since I was young, I was so skinny and unhealthy. People would always tell me that I looked like a stick. Of course, it followed that I was underweight. But that’s not all! I was hospitalized during my elementary years because of a variety of diseases in the lungs and digestive track. Praise God… for I’m still alive!
My father then told me that even before, when I was still an infant, I have a weak immune system. That’s is why that I’m prone to illnesses. Mom would always complain to me that I’m so untidy and filthy (when I was in Grade II), and that is why I got sick and hospitalized.
After the hospitalization, I realized that “Health is Wealth” and “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Talk about recalling moral values in grade school…
Anyways, I have learned that I have to be careful because my health is not that strong. I should maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle. I should be hygienic, food-conscious, and neat at all times.
Then here came the day… that was in the 28th of June, 2006. And here’s the story:
After classes, my friends and I were surfing in the internet café. I kept telling myself, “Why am I so happy today? I’m kind of overjoyed about something!”. I was in a good mood. It’s a good thing since I was used to unnecessarily worrying about things. So, we went home via Molave street to Ayala. There, we talked and talked. Even if it was a rainy day, I was super happy.
So bad that we had to part our ways. Good thing was that one of my friends was coming with me because we always ride the same jeep. Unfortunately, the line in the Ayala terminal was so long that we had to wait for a couple of minutes. When we were already halfway along the line, I started to inhale a lot of smoke coming from the vehicles. Too bad that I was in the middle of a crowd of passengers. Suddenly, I felt that my system couldn’t take the smoke. My heart was pumping ice through my veins, figuratively! I then realized that there was no fresh air to breathe for. So I went out of the line to find at least some fresh air. And then my legs were starting to give way beneath. I tried to maintain my stance, but it was hopeless. So I leaned on my friend’s shoulder. When we were on the jeep, at last, I collapsed. But I still managed to get up for a while. Instead, I slept on my friend’s lap.
She decided to take me home because I was impossible. I couldn’t walk or see my surroundings clearly. We rode a tricycle on the way home. Then when I got home with my friend, my father carried me to the sofa. I laid there helpless, cold and unable to think clearly.
It was a very terrifying but quick experience. For the first time, I experienced the feeling of what it feels like to run out of air. At the same time, I was reminded that I have a weak immune system.
For me, that was one heck of an experience. I never thought that I would suddenly “faint” even if I was in a good mood. Because of all the pressures in school, my health was neglected. Nah, it’s always been a compromise for me. Well, I’ve learned my lesson! Thanks for that…
Ever since I was young, I was so skinny and unhealthy. People would always tell me that I looked like a stick. Of course, it followed that I was underweight. But that’s not all! I was hospitalized during my elementary years because of a variety of diseases in the lungs and digestive track. Praise God… for I’m still alive!
My father then told me that even before, when I was still an infant, I have a weak immune system. That’s is why that I’m prone to illnesses. Mom would always complain to me that I’m so untidy and filthy (when I was in Grade II), and that is why I got sick and hospitalized.
After the hospitalization, I realized that “Health is Wealth” and “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Talk about recalling moral values in grade school…
Anyways, I have learned that I have to be careful because my health is not that strong. I should maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle. I should be hygienic, food-conscious, and neat at all times.
Then here came the day… that was in the 28th of June, 2006. And here’s the story:
After classes, my friends and I were surfing in the internet café. I kept telling myself, “Why am I so happy today? I’m kind of overjoyed about something!”. I was in a good mood. It’s a good thing since I was used to unnecessarily worrying about things. So, we went home via Molave street to Ayala. There, we talked and talked. Even if it was a rainy day, I was super happy.
So bad that we had to part our ways. Good thing was that one of my friends was coming with me because we always ride the same jeep. Unfortunately, the line in the Ayala terminal was so long that we had to wait for a couple of minutes. When we were already halfway along the line, I started to inhale a lot of smoke coming from the vehicles. Too bad that I was in the middle of a crowd of passengers. Suddenly, I felt that my system couldn’t take the smoke. My heart was pumping ice through my veins, figuratively! I then realized that there was no fresh air to breathe for. So I went out of the line to find at least some fresh air. And then my legs were starting to give way beneath. I tried to maintain my stance, but it was hopeless. So I leaned on my friend’s shoulder. When we were on the jeep, at last, I collapsed. But I still managed to get up for a while. Instead, I slept on my friend’s lap.
She decided to take me home because I was impossible. I couldn’t walk or see my surroundings clearly. We rode a tricycle on the way home. Then when I got home with my friend, my father carried me to the sofa. I laid there helpless, cold and unable to think clearly.
It was a very terrifying but quick experience. For the first time, I experienced the feeling of what it feels like to run out of air. At the same time, I was reminded that I have a weak immune system.
For me, that was one heck of an experience. I never thought that I would suddenly “faint” even if I was in a good mood. Because of all the pressures in school, my health was neglected. Nah, it’s always been a compromise for me. Well, I’ve learned my lesson! Thanks for that…
The Killers
* This was one of my essay reports in Advanced Biology when I was in 3rd year (25th of June, 2005).
As we all know, viruses are sometimes taken for granted. But in reality, they can be life-threatening, and often times, they are fatal and the whole human race is going to pay the price. After I read about an article in Microsoft Encarta Reference Library, I found out that viruses strive and reproduce inside the bodies of wild animals and household pets, and even in pests. Most are found in Africa (i.e. Zaire, Cote d’ Ivoire), Southwestern China, Europe, and India. Viruses that cause measles and chicken pox are mild ones, and after the invasion, the host will become immune to it. Colds is a mild type of a virus-caused disease, but the victim cannot be immune into it because cold viruses mimic the DNA structure of the person infected and eventually evolve into another strain, and possibly become more resistant from antidotes or antibiotics. Unfortunately, most countries in Africa suffer from different types and strains of viruses and constantly subtracting 60% of the population. AIDS, Lassa Fever, Hemorrhagic fever, and Influenza are just 4 of deadly virus-caused illnesses attacking in down-trodden Africa.
Viruses are one of the smallest particles, measuring in nanometers, and almost a one-billionth of a cell. These are only bundles of incomplete DNA structures that needs a machinery for reproduction. In order to live, these tiny particles look for hosts for shelter, and they found it: the rodents, pigs, and monkeys are some. After reproducing themselves, without harming the said animals, they transfer to human beings for further changes. They enter in portals such as the nose, skin pores and wounds. They hide themselves in cells, bloodstreams, and lymph nodes. Then these viruses then coil and inject themselves on a DNA strand. Using ribosomes and enzymes, the viral DNA directs the synthesis of messenger RNA, enzymes then break up DNA, and enzymes that allow the replication of viral DNA. Proteins are synthesized, using mRNA, from the DNA code; these proteins form heads, tails, and tail fibers. And the virus particles assemble into complete virions. An enzyme breaks up the cell and liberates the new viruses, which can infect other cells.
These lifeless objects suddenly become animated when attached on a living organism. Research believes that these viruses may be once part of a DNA, then jumped away from it freely. “Rebel DNA structures”, biologist Richard Dawkins of England's Oxford University
claims. Then evolved and became more dangerous than ever. Viruses once lived in a solitary and secluded life, until other organisms caught them, then evolved and developed into a “full-grown killer” of humans.
Virologists find it hard to trace the development of these parasites, and confused about why viruses became another deadly strains of it. For now, science is still wondering how these parasites existed, and why is it so hard to control their rapid development.
One of the things that I have realized in my biology class in 2nd year and 3rd year is this: “Everything has a price. There is no such thing as free lunch”. These were the favorite statements of one of the highly respected professors in UpHigh. In everything we do, there’s always a consequence, either favorable or not. And if we permit these viruses to impair the society by apathy and ignorance, then were going to get it! Someday, Mother Nature will go screaming “Enough!”. Mother Nature’s going to get revenge if we, the entrusted beings by God to protect and nurture this planet, will continue devastating His creations. That is to say, we should be the one who will be responsible for the welfare of everything that He made… the welfare of the people. Consciousness isn’t enough, I tell you. There should be action, even in our own small ways. Cooperation is also necessary.
Today, doctors and researchers are still searching for preventing the entry of these alien and tiny structures and its further invasion. Many are still hoping to find the cure. Whatever this is, thanks to these people who care…
Sources: National Geographic, July 1994
Microsoft Encarta Premium 2006
As we all know, viruses are sometimes taken for granted. But in reality, they can be life-threatening, and often times, they are fatal and the whole human race is going to pay the price. After I read about an article in Microsoft Encarta Reference Library, I found out that viruses strive and reproduce inside the bodies of wild animals and household pets, and even in pests. Most are found in Africa (i.e. Zaire, Cote d’ Ivoire), Southwestern China, Europe, and India. Viruses that cause measles and chicken pox are mild ones, and after the invasion, the host will become immune to it. Colds is a mild type of a virus-caused disease, but the victim cannot be immune into it because cold viruses mimic the DNA structure of the person infected and eventually evolve into another strain, and possibly become more resistant from antidotes or antibiotics. Unfortunately, most countries in Africa suffer from different types and strains of viruses and constantly subtracting 60% of the population. AIDS, Lassa Fever, Hemorrhagic fever, and Influenza are just 4 of deadly virus-caused illnesses attacking in down-trodden Africa.
Viruses are one of the smallest particles, measuring in nanometers, and almost a one-billionth of a cell. These are only bundles of incomplete DNA structures that needs a machinery for reproduction. In order to live, these tiny particles look for hosts for shelter, and they found it: the rodents, pigs, and monkeys are some. After reproducing themselves, without harming the said animals, they transfer to human beings for further changes. They enter in portals such as the nose, skin pores and wounds. They hide themselves in cells, bloodstreams, and lymph nodes. Then these viruses then coil and inject themselves on a DNA strand. Using ribosomes and enzymes, the viral DNA directs the synthesis of messenger RNA, enzymes then break up DNA, and enzymes that allow the replication of viral DNA. Proteins are synthesized, using mRNA, from the DNA code; these proteins form heads, tails, and tail fibers. And the virus particles assemble into complete virions. An enzyme breaks up the cell and liberates the new viruses, which can infect other cells.
These lifeless objects suddenly become animated when attached on a living organism. Research believes that these viruses may be once part of a DNA, then jumped away from it freely. “Rebel DNA structures”, biologist Richard Dawkins of England's Oxford University
claims. Then evolved and became more dangerous than ever. Viruses once lived in a solitary and secluded life, until other organisms caught them, then evolved and developed into a “full-grown killer” of humans.
Virologists find it hard to trace the development of these parasites, and confused about why viruses became another deadly strains of it. For now, science is still wondering how these parasites existed, and why is it so hard to control their rapid development.
One of the things that I have realized in my biology class in 2nd year and 3rd year is this: “Everything has a price. There is no such thing as free lunch”. These were the favorite statements of one of the highly respected professors in UpHigh. In everything we do, there’s always a consequence, either favorable or not. And if we permit these viruses to impair the society by apathy and ignorance, then were going to get it! Someday, Mother Nature will go screaming “Enough!”. Mother Nature’s going to get revenge if we, the entrusted beings by God to protect and nurture this planet, will continue devastating His creations. That is to say, we should be the one who will be responsible for the welfare of everything that He made… the welfare of the people. Consciousness isn’t enough, I tell you. There should be action, even in our own small ways. Cooperation is also necessary.
Today, doctors and researchers are still searching for preventing the entry of these alien and tiny structures and its further invasion. Many are still hoping to find the cure. Whatever this is, thanks to these people who care…
Sources: National Geographic, July 1994
Microsoft Encarta Premium 2006
Snail, Snail, Go Away!
At last, our research project was done. After all the hard work and efforts in pursuing this study and presenting it last February 2007 in the annual Science Congress, it was pure magic! Magic, in the sense that we were able so say “Phew!” because it was all worth it.
Our study is entitled “The Effects of Rice Hulls on the Leaf Intake of the Golden Apple Snails”. Here’s a brief introduction of our study:
ABSTRACT
Golden Apple Snails (GAS) are freshwater gastropods from South America that has been the staple food in the Philippines and the primary source of income for most of our farmers but has caused insurmountable destruction to rice crops. Due to their exposed soft bodies, they are easily irritated to abrasive materials and one of these things is the rice hull. This study attempted to find the effects of rice hulls on the GAS’ leaf intake.
The pretest – posttest, nonequivalent control group design was used in the study. The independent variable is the rice hull and the dependent variable is the mass of gabi leaves. The initial mass of Gabi leaves was 5 grams. Twenty-four GAS were randomly assigned to four different set-ups that had two GAS in each group and with different amount of rice hulls. There were three experimental groups having 5 grams, 10 grams and 15 grams of rice hulls and a control group. Final measurement on the masses of gabi leaves was made after 12 hours.
The findings showed the mean mass of gabi leaves after exposure to the different amount of rice hulls. Using ANOVA, the study found out that there was a significant difference between the mean mass of gabi leaves after exposure to the rice hulls. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that rice hulls can affect the leaf intake of GAS in terms of the mass of the gabi leaf. The improvement of the GAS management and further research is recommended.
In other words…
Our study entails the usage of rice hulls as a medium of somewhat like a molluscicide, minus the dangerous chemicals. Golden Apple Snails or kuhol (in tagalog) is a major rice and taro pest here in our country, and as well as countries in Asia and South America. The percentage of rice production declines each year, and the emergence of these snails is the culprit. Many methods had been tried in order to retard their population growth, in biological, chemical, cultural, and manual ways. But according to the farmers, none of these methods were actually farmer-and-environment-friendly.
Our target was different. We have to study the anatomy and physiology of the Golden Apple Snail. Then we found out that the snail has its own vulnerability: their delicate skin.
Since mollusks have this characteristic (delicate skin), they are easily irritated by rough surfaces. And when irritation happens, they produce a mucous-like substance to lubricate their skin and to prevent further abrasion. However, when they produce more and more mucous, their system weakens, and may cause their dehydration and death.
Since the kuhols “hate” rough surfaces, we had to find materials which may cause their irritation. And we found out that the rice hull was what we were looking for.
Rice hull is the outer covering of the rice grain. It is a tough and abrasive material made of opaline silica and lignin.
Rice hulls are also one of the biodegradable wastes that accumulate here in the Philippines.
Hence, this study entails the usage of rice hulls as a medium to irritate the snails. Since the snails will be weakened when exposed to these, our dependent variable will be the leaf intake of the snails. In other words, we will measure the amount of gabi leaves left after exposure to rice hull-weakened snails. The more the amount of gabi leaves left, the more effective the rice hull. And the more the rice hull, the more amount of gabi leaves left.
Our study is entitled “The Effects of Rice Hulls on the Leaf Intake of the Golden Apple Snails”. Here’s a brief introduction of our study:
ABSTRACT
Golden Apple Snails (GAS) are freshwater gastropods from South America that has been the staple food in the Philippines and the primary source of income for most of our farmers but has caused insurmountable destruction to rice crops. Due to their exposed soft bodies, they are easily irritated to abrasive materials and one of these things is the rice hull. This study attempted to find the effects of rice hulls on the GAS’ leaf intake.
The pretest – posttest, nonequivalent control group design was used in the study. The independent variable is the rice hull and the dependent variable is the mass of gabi leaves. The initial mass of Gabi leaves was 5 grams. Twenty-four GAS were randomly assigned to four different set-ups that had two GAS in each group and with different amount of rice hulls. There were three experimental groups having 5 grams, 10 grams and 15 grams of rice hulls and a control group. Final measurement on the masses of gabi leaves was made after 12 hours.
The findings showed the mean mass of gabi leaves after exposure to the different amount of rice hulls. Using ANOVA, the study found out that there was a significant difference between the mean mass of gabi leaves after exposure to the rice hulls. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that rice hulls can affect the leaf intake of GAS in terms of the mass of the gabi leaf. The improvement of the GAS management and further research is recommended.
In other words…
Our study entails the usage of rice hulls as a medium of somewhat like a molluscicide, minus the dangerous chemicals. Golden Apple Snails or kuhol (in tagalog) is a major rice and taro pest here in our country, and as well as countries in Asia and South America. The percentage of rice production declines each year, and the emergence of these snails is the culprit. Many methods had been tried in order to retard their population growth, in biological, chemical, cultural, and manual ways. But according to the farmers, none of these methods were actually farmer-and-environment-friendly.
Our target was different. We have to study the anatomy and physiology of the Golden Apple Snail. Then we found out that the snail has its own vulnerability: their delicate skin.
Since mollusks have this characteristic (delicate skin), they are easily irritated by rough surfaces. And when irritation happens, they produce a mucous-like substance to lubricate their skin and to prevent further abrasion. However, when they produce more and more mucous, their system weakens, and may cause their dehydration and death.
Since the kuhols “hate” rough surfaces, we had to find materials which may cause their irritation. And we found out that the rice hull was what we were looking for.
Rice hull is the outer covering of the rice grain. It is a tough and abrasive material made of opaline silica and lignin.
Rice hulls are also one of the biodegradable wastes that accumulate here in the Philippines.
Hence, this study entails the usage of rice hulls as a medium to irritate the snails. Since the snails will be weakened when exposed to these, our dependent variable will be the leaf intake of the snails. In other words, we will measure the amount of gabi leaves left after exposure to rice hull-weakened snails. The more the amount of gabi leaves left, the more effective the rice hull. And the more the rice hull, the more amount of gabi leaves left.
Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
· This essay was one of my Significant Human Experiences (SHEs) in English IV. Originally entitled “Preoccupied”.
One of the best days in my life take place every summer. I feel free and relaxed because there are no home works to be done, projects to be accomplished, lessons to be crammed, or tests to be answered. But last summer, even if I was literally free, I still felt that there’s something wrong about me…
Unfortunately, my summer break was so short because of some school projects and requirements. Yet somehow, I still managed to enjoy it by swimming in the beaches, surfing in the internet, visiting my grandparents, playing PC games, drinking homemade fruit shakes, and spending time with my family and friends. Although happy, my mind was so preoccupied with thoughts that I cannot even reconcile.
Being a teenager is totally fun and exciting. But when undergoing difficult circumstances, it seems like it’s the end of the world! Does that mean that I easily give up on life just because something or someone is bothering my serenity?
I have realized during summer 2006 that my self-confidence and self-esteem is low, and it served as a warning for me. Now, what is it that’s really shaking me?
My friends were always raining compliments on me. They said that I have an awesome singing voice. They said that I really dance very well. Some even said that I’m fortunate-looking, but I don’t really believe that. You know why? Because there are also people who doubt me. Some were criticizing me. And how would I take that? I don’t hate them, but I’ll hate myself. I guess I was so hard on myself, because I’m afraid. I’m afraid of showing too much. I’m also afraid of disapproval and failures.
Before, I’ve always though that people felt the same way, too. But it’s a negative attitude to be so hard on oneself. Maybe there were some things I wished I had. I was asking for things which I know that wasn’t for real. I knew I’ll never have them. Then I realized that I need to improve myself in order to become contented.
So I found out ways for me to feel good about myself like talking to people who I can trust, and seeking advice through reading books and magazines. Eventually, I learned that everyone of us has legions of insecurities. Even the prettiest celebrity or the wealthiest tycoon are insecure, too. What matters is how to deal with those.
Now I’m still discovering myself; my purpose in life, my unique characteristics, my limitations and weaknesses, and my strong points.
So, it’s okay to be a midget because I’m still going to grow taller since I’m still young. It’s okay to stutter when speaking in public, after all, it takes a lot of practice in order to deliver it articulately. It’s okay to be a loser in sports, because again, practice makes perfect. It’s alright to be not-so-good at Mathematics, because I’ve done great in other subject areas. Nobody’s perfect after all! I just have to make a difference.
There may be some things that other people have that I’ve longed to possess. Nevertheless, there are also some things which I have and which others don’t have. So, I don’t have to chase on waterfalls… I should be satisfied!
And now, I’m proud that I am unique and irreplaceable by someone else. There’s only one ME in this planet. Yes, I can sing and dance very well. I am beautiful inside and out. I must not care of what people think about me, especially if they say bad things about me. I won’t let their words hurt me.
In any case, I live my own life!
One of the best days in my life take place every summer. I feel free and relaxed because there are no home works to be done, projects to be accomplished, lessons to be crammed, or tests to be answered. But last summer, even if I was literally free, I still felt that there’s something wrong about me…
Unfortunately, my summer break was so short because of some school projects and requirements. Yet somehow, I still managed to enjoy it by swimming in the beaches, surfing in the internet, visiting my grandparents, playing PC games, drinking homemade fruit shakes, and spending time with my family and friends. Although happy, my mind was so preoccupied with thoughts that I cannot even reconcile.
Being a teenager is totally fun and exciting. But when undergoing difficult circumstances, it seems like it’s the end of the world! Does that mean that I easily give up on life just because something or someone is bothering my serenity?
I have realized during summer 2006 that my self-confidence and self-esteem is low, and it served as a warning for me. Now, what is it that’s really shaking me?
My friends were always raining compliments on me. They said that I have an awesome singing voice. They said that I really dance very well. Some even said that I’m fortunate-looking, but I don’t really believe that. You know why? Because there are also people who doubt me. Some were criticizing me. And how would I take that? I don’t hate them, but I’ll hate myself. I guess I was so hard on myself, because I’m afraid. I’m afraid of showing too much. I’m also afraid of disapproval and failures.
Before, I’ve always though that people felt the same way, too. But it’s a negative attitude to be so hard on oneself. Maybe there were some things I wished I had. I was asking for things which I know that wasn’t for real. I knew I’ll never have them. Then I realized that I need to improve myself in order to become contented.
So I found out ways for me to feel good about myself like talking to people who I can trust, and seeking advice through reading books and magazines. Eventually, I learned that everyone of us has legions of insecurities. Even the prettiest celebrity or the wealthiest tycoon are insecure, too. What matters is how to deal with those.
Now I’m still discovering myself; my purpose in life, my unique characteristics, my limitations and weaknesses, and my strong points.
So, it’s okay to be a midget because I’m still going to grow taller since I’m still young. It’s okay to stutter when speaking in public, after all, it takes a lot of practice in order to deliver it articulately. It’s okay to be a loser in sports, because again, practice makes perfect. It’s alright to be not-so-good at Mathematics, because I’ve done great in other subject areas. Nobody’s perfect after all! I just have to make a difference.
There may be some things that other people have that I’ve longed to possess. Nevertheless, there are also some things which I have and which others don’t have. So, I don’t have to chase on waterfalls… I should be satisfied!
And now, I’m proud that I am unique and irreplaceable by someone else. There’s only one ME in this planet. Yes, I can sing and dance very well. I am beautiful inside and out. I must not care of what people think about me, especially if they say bad things about me. I won’t let their words hurt me.
In any case, I live my own life!
A Question of Belief : Did God create evil?
This has been an argument for quite some time and a question that remains unanswered. I think there was a point in my life when I raised this question: Did God create evil? I asked my parents about that. But they ended up arguing.
“Christianity teaches that God is all powerful and all-loving created the universe. By the Christian definition, everything is created by God. Everything includes evil and sins. So it is a local deduction that evil and sins are created by God”. I got this statement from a non-believer of the Christian faith in an internet forum in a certain all-Christian website. This statement was clarified and argued, and they came up with a possible answer.
I also researched about other non-Catholics who understood the words “create” and “evil”. Luckily, by this time, I got the side of a Jew. If a Christian refers to the bible and believes in God and Jesus Christ, the Jews, on the other hand, believe only to the main Creator and their holy doctrine, the Torah.
In my humble opinion, God didn’t create evil. Why?
Let’s take heat and light as an example. Heat is energy, same as light. Some say that the opposite of heat is coldness. No, it is wrong. Coldness is not the opposite of heat, but merely the absence of heat. And darkness is the absence of light. Just like evilness and goodness. Evilness is the absence of goodness and righteousness.
“If we classify evil as the absence of good, then it couldn’t be a created thing, and if it’s not a created thing, God couldn’t have created it. Remember this next time you are challenged to defend the goodness of God in the face of all evil in the world. Evil is not the opposite of good, but the absence of good”, according to one of my sources.
Yes, He created Lucifer, who is a fallen angel. But it doesn’t mean that He created evil.
He only gave us free will, it is the power of independent action or choice (from Encarta Dictionary). Now, we have two choices: to do good or to do bad. He instructed us to do what is morally righteous. He told us to obey His rules. And because of free will, we either choose to obey Him or not.
The bottom line is: we create our own EVIL. Even if I’m a Christian, I believe in the Buddhist philosophy of KARMA. In everything we do, there’s always a consequence. If we do good, most likely we will be able to experience good things. But when we do the opposite thing, then we’re asking for bad things. That is, what goes around, comes around… what goes up MUST come down…
Some people blame God for their misfortune. That’s crap. God doesn’t control our lives. We control our own lives. Just like what this saying goes, “We are the captains of our own ships”. He only looks over us, trying to see what we are doing. He is guiding us. He is not an authoritative figure in-charge if our lives. I think people blame God for their misery, it is because they think that God created evil. I am a Christian but I am not fond of remembering the verses in the Bible which support these statements. All I can say is that my FAITH is intact, and this is the reason why I’m saying that God didn’t create evil. Well, I think it’s up to people on what to believe. After all, there’s no sense in pushing my beliefs to them.
source: http://www.endtimesevents.com/F.A.Q.extension2.html
“Christianity teaches that God is all powerful and all-loving created the universe. By the Christian definition, everything is created by God. Everything includes evil and sins. So it is a local deduction that evil and sins are created by God”. I got this statement from a non-believer of the Christian faith in an internet forum in a certain all-Christian website. This statement was clarified and argued, and they came up with a possible answer.
I also researched about other non-Catholics who understood the words “create” and “evil”. Luckily, by this time, I got the side of a Jew. If a Christian refers to the bible and believes in God and Jesus Christ, the Jews, on the other hand, believe only to the main Creator and their holy doctrine, the Torah.
In my humble opinion, God didn’t create evil. Why?
Let’s take heat and light as an example. Heat is energy, same as light. Some say that the opposite of heat is coldness. No, it is wrong. Coldness is not the opposite of heat, but merely the absence of heat. And darkness is the absence of light. Just like evilness and goodness. Evilness is the absence of goodness and righteousness.
“If we classify evil as the absence of good, then it couldn’t be a created thing, and if it’s not a created thing, God couldn’t have created it. Remember this next time you are challenged to defend the goodness of God in the face of all evil in the world. Evil is not the opposite of good, but the absence of good”, according to one of my sources.
Yes, He created Lucifer, who is a fallen angel. But it doesn’t mean that He created evil.
He only gave us free will, it is the power of independent action or choice (from Encarta Dictionary). Now, we have two choices: to do good or to do bad. He instructed us to do what is morally righteous. He told us to obey His rules. And because of free will, we either choose to obey Him or not.
The bottom line is: we create our own EVIL. Even if I’m a Christian, I believe in the Buddhist philosophy of KARMA. In everything we do, there’s always a consequence. If we do good, most likely we will be able to experience good things. But when we do the opposite thing, then we’re asking for bad things. That is, what goes around, comes around… what goes up MUST come down…
Some people blame God for their misfortune. That’s crap. God doesn’t control our lives. We control our own lives. Just like what this saying goes, “We are the captains of our own ships”. He only looks over us, trying to see what we are doing. He is guiding us. He is not an authoritative figure in-charge if our lives. I think people blame God for their misery, it is because they think that God created evil. I am a Christian but I am not fond of remembering the verses in the Bible which support these statements. All I can say is that my FAITH is intact, and this is the reason why I’m saying that God didn’t create evil. Well, I think it’s up to people on what to believe. After all, there’s no sense in pushing my beliefs to them.
source: http://www.endtimesevents.com/F.A.Q.extension2.html
All It Takes
*This essay was one of my Significant Human Experiences (SHEs) in English IV.
Before vacation, our soon Research II adviser, Prof. Lapa, instructed us to work on our project starting May (2006), as soon as possible! So, we practically did our job. Our research project was originally entitled “The Effects of Papaya Leaf Extract and Papaya Latex on Golden Apple Snails”. At first I thought it was a hunky-dory type of experiment because when I scanned through the methodology section of our group leader’s paper, it’s JUST SO SIMPLE. But as we started caring the snails, gosh… it’s JUST SO DIFFICULT! We’ve gone through a lot of work on that. We had to endure the filthy smell of the organisms. We took care of them, observed their lifestyles, and providing them the environment they loved. Golden Apple Snails were really difficult to deal with. We had to exert our best efforts so that they’ll live, but most of them just could not even survive for just a week.
So our group decided to work on the experiment in Inayawan, Pardo. Why there?
After “re-researching” facts about the said organisms, we found out that they easily die if they’re not in their original environment. Our group leader’s mom has a friend who lives there and she said that her friend has an access there for getting snails.
Last Saturday (July 15,2006), we began our journey. Although I was late in getting to our group leader’s place, we got there at 9:45 in the morning. We brought our materials with us like the papaya leaf extract, gloves, and mask.
The road to Inayawan was so narrow and long! And there was heavy traffic. When we got to our stop, I thought it was already there. To my dismay, we’ll be walking “miles” just to get to the rice field. The smell of the canals and the intense heat of the sun… we endured those because it’ll be worth the undertaking.
At the middle of the journey, the friend of our group leader’s mom approached us. He led us to the rice field. He also told us about how the snails pestered the farmers and about how the snails lived.
At last, it was our stop. We rested for some time. Then the neighborhood asked us a lot of questions like “From what school do you come from?” or “Why are you doing that?”. Yeah… they’re so curious! But not annoying because when we revealed that we’re studying in UP, they’re like “Wow! UP? That’s a very nice school!”. So even if I was so tired and stressed, on the brighter side, I am proud of what I am doing. I am so proud that I came from UP and after 3 years, I survived. Well, hopefully, I hope I could graduate!
Back on the experiment… While we were soaking the snails with the Papaya leaf extract, our group leader, his mom, and I went to the rice field to get some snails, mud, and grass. It was already 11 AM and the sun’s scorching rays beat on us. I’m grateful because I didn’t faint.
Then our companion, the friend of our group leader’s mom, assisted us in finding the snails. To summarize everything, the journey plus the experiment was so stressful, taxing, intricate, and tiresome! We spent a lot of time, effort, and money for that. It’s also frustrating because we haven’t started our research proper because all we did was to observe the nature of these snails. What I was also afraid of was that we’ll never be able to start our experiment because of financial problems, extra-curricular activities, and school projects or home works.
But I always put in mind that God permit stumbling blocks to pass on our way for us to learn something from it. And in every problem, there’s always a solution. This research project has been a challenge to me. It made me realize that I have so much to change for myself, especially my time management and my sensitivity towards things. It had hit me hard, of course. But I’ll see to it that I’ll be able to get through all of these.
It takes a lot of discipline and sacrifice in order to get what you really want. Me? I want to graduate in a “nice” school. Ok, I’m here in UP. That’s a nice school. But will I ever graduate here? Well, if I made it here, why not make the research project successful, too? Let’s see…
Before vacation, our soon Research II adviser, Prof. Lapa, instructed us to work on our project starting May (2006), as soon as possible! So, we practically did our job. Our research project was originally entitled “The Effects of Papaya Leaf Extract and Papaya Latex on Golden Apple Snails”. At first I thought it was a hunky-dory type of experiment because when I scanned through the methodology section of our group leader’s paper, it’s JUST SO SIMPLE. But as we started caring the snails, gosh… it’s JUST SO DIFFICULT! We’ve gone through a lot of work on that. We had to endure the filthy smell of the organisms. We took care of them, observed their lifestyles, and providing them the environment they loved. Golden Apple Snails were really difficult to deal with. We had to exert our best efforts so that they’ll live, but most of them just could not even survive for just a week.
So our group decided to work on the experiment in Inayawan, Pardo. Why there?
After “re-researching” facts about the said organisms, we found out that they easily die if they’re not in their original environment. Our group leader’s mom has a friend who lives there and she said that her friend has an access there for getting snails.
Last Saturday (July 15,2006), we began our journey. Although I was late in getting to our group leader’s place, we got there at 9:45 in the morning. We brought our materials with us like the papaya leaf extract, gloves, and mask.
The road to Inayawan was so narrow and long! And there was heavy traffic. When we got to our stop, I thought it was already there. To my dismay, we’ll be walking “miles” just to get to the rice field. The smell of the canals and the intense heat of the sun… we endured those because it’ll be worth the undertaking.
At the middle of the journey, the friend of our group leader’s mom approached us. He led us to the rice field. He also told us about how the snails pestered the farmers and about how the snails lived.
At last, it was our stop. We rested for some time. Then the neighborhood asked us a lot of questions like “From what school do you come from?” or “Why are you doing that?”. Yeah… they’re so curious! But not annoying because when we revealed that we’re studying in UP, they’re like “Wow! UP? That’s a very nice school!”. So even if I was so tired and stressed, on the brighter side, I am proud of what I am doing. I am so proud that I came from UP and after 3 years, I survived. Well, hopefully, I hope I could graduate!
Back on the experiment… While we were soaking the snails with the Papaya leaf extract, our group leader, his mom, and I went to the rice field to get some snails, mud, and grass. It was already 11 AM and the sun’s scorching rays beat on us. I’m grateful because I didn’t faint.
Then our companion, the friend of our group leader’s mom, assisted us in finding the snails. To summarize everything, the journey plus the experiment was so stressful, taxing, intricate, and tiresome! We spent a lot of time, effort, and money for that. It’s also frustrating because we haven’t started our research proper because all we did was to observe the nature of these snails. What I was also afraid of was that we’ll never be able to start our experiment because of financial problems, extra-curricular activities, and school projects or home works.
But I always put in mind that God permit stumbling blocks to pass on our way for us to learn something from it. And in every problem, there’s always a solution. This research project has been a challenge to me. It made me realize that I have so much to change for myself, especially my time management and my sensitivity towards things. It had hit me hard, of course. But I’ll see to it that I’ll be able to get through all of these.
It takes a lot of discipline and sacrifice in order to get what you really want. Me? I want to graduate in a “nice” school. Ok, I’m here in UP. That’s a nice school. But will I ever graduate here? Well, if I made it here, why not make the research project successful, too? Let’s see…
Friday, March 9, 2007
The Spirit of the Poor
Matthew 5:3
"Fortunate are those who have the spirit of the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of
Heaven"
Reflection
The Church had already spread and Christian communities had brought together
all kinds of people: slaves, ordinary people and the wealthy ones. Everything in the Bible
is the Gospel of God. Matthew tells us that the Gospel is not necessarily for the poor
only, but for all types of people. Although, God is more sympathetic to the destitute. And
then again, it is not only by being poor to that we can please God, but through our inner
attitudes and way of life.
People who have the ‘spirit of a poor’ live like a poor. ‘Poor’ here not only means
financially broke, but in almost every aspect. A poor man suffers a great deal of pain and
frustration in life. Perhaps, he has no money, no house, no family, or no friend. But
through it all, he understands and accepts what he has, despite of some difficulties. He
tends to care even for small things. He tends to act wisely, but with humility. Most
importantly, he is grateful of what has God given him.
It’s like seeing a hundred horizontal barb wires barricading his path. Instead of
whining because of the barb wires, he focuses on the spaces in between them to get
out. It is quite true that when everything seems so blur, we have a habit of directing our
attention to the negative side. But a poor man learned a lot through his suffering, and
has acquired a lot of patience and wisdom in order to sort out things, with the help of the
Lord, of course.
And God is pleased when we appreciate what we have, when we concentrate on
the good and deviate from what is evil, and when we are thankful for what He has given
us in the face of injustice and immorality. A poor man may be poor forever on earth, but
God promises him eternal bliss in the next world.
Luke 6:20
"Then lifting up his eyes to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘Fortunate are you who are
poor, the kingdom of God is yours’…"
Reflection
So Luke points out that the Gospel gives much priority to the unfortunate: the
poor, the peasants, and the marginalized. The Beatitudes are like a calling to those who
haven’t turned to God. His Beatitudes are like a new law which demands spiritual
readiness rather than external acts.
Jesus offers to everyone, who enters the Kingdom of God, the gift of happiness.
Take note that ‘happiness’ is different from ‘pleasure’. Happiness is deeply moral and
spiritual while pleasure is satisfaction provided by the senses or material things.
"Fortunate are those who have the spirit of the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of
Heaven"
Reflection
The Church had already spread and Christian communities had brought together
all kinds of people: slaves, ordinary people and the wealthy ones. Everything in the Bible
is the Gospel of God. Matthew tells us that the Gospel is not necessarily for the poor
only, but for all types of people. Although, God is more sympathetic to the destitute. And
then again, it is not only by being poor to that we can please God, but through our inner
attitudes and way of life.
People who have the ‘spirit of a poor’ live like a poor. ‘Poor’ here not only means
financially broke, but in almost every aspect. A poor man suffers a great deal of pain and
frustration in life. Perhaps, he has no money, no house, no family, or no friend. But
through it all, he understands and accepts what he has, despite of some difficulties. He
tends to care even for small things. He tends to act wisely, but with humility. Most
importantly, he is grateful of what has God given him.
It’s like seeing a hundred horizontal barb wires barricading his path. Instead of
whining because of the barb wires, he focuses on the spaces in between them to get
out. It is quite true that when everything seems so blur, we have a habit of directing our
attention to the negative side. But a poor man learned a lot through his suffering, and
has acquired a lot of patience and wisdom in order to sort out things, with the help of the
Lord, of course.
And God is pleased when we appreciate what we have, when we concentrate on
the good and deviate from what is evil, and when we are thankful for what He has given
us in the face of injustice and immorality. A poor man may be poor forever on earth, but
God promises him eternal bliss in the next world.
Luke 6:20
"Then lifting up his eyes to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘Fortunate are you who are
poor, the kingdom of God is yours’…"
Reflection
So Luke points out that the Gospel gives much priority to the unfortunate: the
poor, the peasants, and the marginalized. The Beatitudes are like a calling to those who
haven’t turned to God. His Beatitudes are like a new law which demands spiritual
readiness rather than external acts.
Jesus offers to everyone, who enters the Kingdom of God, the gift of happiness.
Take note that ‘happiness’ is different from ‘pleasure’. Happiness is deeply moral and
spiritual while pleasure is satisfaction provided by the senses or material things.
Poor Unfortunate Souls
Life is unfair… there are people who enjoy all of the luxuries, and it is inevitable that there are also people who live in misery and chaos. Some would unashamedly flaunt their possessions or discard the things they thought they couldn’t use anymore (but the truth is that they could still use it, but they have to ditch it just because of some stupid reasons!). But sad to say, some would have to withstand the filthy smell of garbage just to earn money from it, or even find food in it!
Why is it that some of us have to suffer!? I extremely hate the thought of this… I feel sorry for these people: the street children, the homeless and down-trodden, and the ones who were left behind by their families. It’s maddening! I really wish that I could help them, if only I have the capacity to.
That is why whenever I see these kinds of people, I am grateful to Him because he gave me things which these persons cannot even attain.
What hit me the most was the CWTS activity… we visited a home for the aged (Gasa sa Gugma) in Mabolo. Actually, it was not my first time there. I was a member of the Campus Ministry in 2nd year. We, as a club, held a "pahalipay" activity for the senior citizens who were left alone by their relatives. It was hours before the Christmas party (2nd year) when we got there.
When I saw the faces of the unfortunate old people, I began to hate people who are so lucky, and that includes myself. I started to resent the families who left these people here. I couldn’t imagine that these people were abandoned by their loved ones. How could they do these to them? They had the nerve to desert their lolos or lolas here.
I couldn’t help but feel pity… pity for these sick and ill-fated, old people and pity for everyone of us! Good thing is that there are kind-hearted people who forsake their personal needs just to devote their times in taking good care of the aged. If not for them, these poor senior citizens would be left homeless and hungry, or even die on the streets. Thank God that there are merciful people who are left in this world.
Unfortunately, the activity wasn’t successful because there was a mass just in time when we got there. We would have loved to serve these people, even just once in a lifetime. We were supposed to make these people feel that they are important and loved by giving them snacks and perform presentations for them. Eventually, we just returned to the school and… nothing! What a waste… We should have stayed at least for a while to serve them.
You know what’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience? Contentment and charity. I hope that I will learn how to accept things as it has to be. I hope that I can help people in need. And I will never leave my loved ones, especially my parents, behind. I will make sure that when I graduate, I will give them a good life after what they have sacrificed for me. In that way, maybe I could thank them for taking care of me when I am still growing up.
My prayers are also for these people. Maybe life has its own way of things… we cannot fully comprehend why there are unfortunate people suffering a great deal of despair. Well, after all, there’s always hope. Just like in Southborder’s song, "there’s a rainbow always after the rain"!...
Why is it that some of us have to suffer!? I extremely hate the thought of this… I feel sorry for these people: the street children, the homeless and down-trodden, and the ones who were left behind by their families. It’s maddening! I really wish that I could help them, if only I have the capacity to.
That is why whenever I see these kinds of people, I am grateful to Him because he gave me things which these persons cannot even attain.
What hit me the most was the CWTS activity… we visited a home for the aged (Gasa sa Gugma) in Mabolo. Actually, it was not my first time there. I was a member of the Campus Ministry in 2nd year. We, as a club, held a "pahalipay" activity for the senior citizens who were left alone by their relatives. It was hours before the Christmas party (2nd year) when we got there.
When I saw the faces of the unfortunate old people, I began to hate people who are so lucky, and that includes myself. I started to resent the families who left these people here. I couldn’t imagine that these people were abandoned by their loved ones. How could they do these to them? They had the nerve to desert their lolos or lolas here.
I couldn’t help but feel pity… pity for these sick and ill-fated, old people and pity for everyone of us! Good thing is that there are kind-hearted people who forsake their personal needs just to devote their times in taking good care of the aged. If not for them, these poor senior citizens would be left homeless and hungry, or even die on the streets. Thank God that there are merciful people who are left in this world.
Unfortunately, the activity wasn’t successful because there was a mass just in time when we got there. We would have loved to serve these people, even just once in a lifetime. We were supposed to make these people feel that they are important and loved by giving them snacks and perform presentations for them. Eventually, we just returned to the school and… nothing! What a waste… We should have stayed at least for a while to serve them.
You know what’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience? Contentment and charity. I hope that I will learn how to accept things as it has to be. I hope that I can help people in need. And I will never leave my loved ones, especially my parents, behind. I will make sure that when I graduate, I will give them a good life after what they have sacrificed for me. In that way, maybe I could thank them for taking care of me when I am still growing up.
My prayers are also for these people. Maybe life has its own way of things… we cannot fully comprehend why there are unfortunate people suffering a great deal of despair. Well, after all, there’s always hope. Just like in Southborder’s song, "there’s a rainbow always after the rain"!...
I'll Be Missing You
(How I Want To be Remembered After High School)
My life had never been the same since I entered high school. The most depressing and blissful days of my life… it all happened in high school! I guess that it’s the stage where I began searching and learning things about success, relationships, love, as well as life. It is when I knew how to talk back to my parents when I’m being reprimanded. It is when I started to hang out with my friends than with my family. It is when I critically judge the people around me. It is when I established the unspeakable teenage angst inside of me. But in the remaining years of this stage, I learned a few but substantial things about how I see the world, and as well as myself. I started to care and understand everything. Somehow, I regretted the fact that I didn’t get to enjoy high school life that much because I was too hard on myself.
But on the brighter side, I was too young and immature! It was in my sophomore year when I finally adjusted to the UP environment. Although it was inevitable that I encountered some snags and fights, but I didn’t care! I found true and lifetime friends on that year, too.
In my junior year, I had classmates who I thought who were difficult to deal with. These were the people who I thought were domineering and condescending. But no, I was surprised that after all, they were more or less just like me! They were young, but also had the sense of maturity unlike on the past few years. On that year, I started to develop my self-confidence, but I still remained shut in my own shell.
At last, senior year came. I guess that this year is the most memorable high school year in my life! It’s because I progressed already. Even if it’s a very busy year for me, I get to enjoy and savor every bit of it. I know how to deal with different types of people and I can say that I already know how to cope with different situations. My self-confidence also boosted. I had more friends. I had been closer to my parents than in the past. The prom was great! Everyone also remembered my birthday. The batch outing was the best, ever! I just love my batch mates!
Ok, so how do I want to be remembered by my batch mates? I know that they would say that I have the most impressive voice and that I sing very well. It’s very flattering, but honestly, I don’t want to be remembered by that only. I hope that they would remember me as their friend… a friend who sees their worth and cares for them. I want to be remembered as an amazing person. I may not be the best friend that they ever had, but I just wish that they would consider me as one.
You know, I will really miss the crazy things we did together… the laughs, the agonies, and the drama. I guess that they were a great part of me. My batch mates are the best! God knows how much I will miss them when we go on our separate ways. They made me realize that the world is a happy place to live in, and life is tough, but surely it is fun! I wish them all the best in their lives. I hope that they will really get what they want. I wish them happiness. I will really miss them!
My life had never been the same since I entered high school. The most depressing and blissful days of my life… it all happened in high school! I guess that it’s the stage where I began searching and learning things about success, relationships, love, as well as life. It is when I knew how to talk back to my parents when I’m being reprimanded. It is when I started to hang out with my friends than with my family. It is when I critically judge the people around me. It is when I established the unspeakable teenage angst inside of me. But in the remaining years of this stage, I learned a few but substantial things about how I see the world, and as well as myself. I started to care and understand everything. Somehow, I regretted the fact that I didn’t get to enjoy high school life that much because I was too hard on myself.
But on the brighter side, I was too young and immature! It was in my sophomore year when I finally adjusted to the UP environment. Although it was inevitable that I encountered some snags and fights, but I didn’t care! I found true and lifetime friends on that year, too.
In my junior year, I had classmates who I thought who were difficult to deal with. These were the people who I thought were domineering and condescending. But no, I was surprised that after all, they were more or less just like me! They were young, but also had the sense of maturity unlike on the past few years. On that year, I started to develop my self-confidence, but I still remained shut in my own shell.
At last, senior year came. I guess that this year is the most memorable high school year in my life! It’s because I progressed already. Even if it’s a very busy year for me, I get to enjoy and savor every bit of it. I know how to deal with different types of people and I can say that I already know how to cope with different situations. My self-confidence also boosted. I had more friends. I had been closer to my parents than in the past. The prom was great! Everyone also remembered my birthday. The batch outing was the best, ever! I just love my batch mates!
Ok, so how do I want to be remembered by my batch mates? I know that they would say that I have the most impressive voice and that I sing very well. It’s very flattering, but honestly, I don’t want to be remembered by that only. I hope that they would remember me as their friend… a friend who sees their worth and cares for them. I want to be remembered as an amazing person. I may not be the best friend that they ever had, but I just wish that they would consider me as one.
You know, I will really miss the crazy things we did together… the laughs, the agonies, and the drama. I guess that they were a great part of me. My batch mates are the best! God knows how much I will miss them when we go on our separate ways. They made me realize that the world is a happy place to live in, and life is tough, but surely it is fun! I wish them all the best in their lives. I hope that they will really get what they want. I wish them happiness. I will really miss them!
Memoirs of My Highschool Life...
*Thanks to Doanne Lyre for helping me with this batch history meant for our yearbook... Luv yah Batch '07!! This is for you...
Over a thousand aspiring applicants tried their luck in the “most sought for” High School Admission Test of the “home of the Iskolars Ng Bayan”, the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu. But only seventy hopefuls were worthy to be called Upians. It was in the month of June in the year 2003 when we entered the gates of UP. Everyone was a sea of strangers… we didn’t know what to expect!
And so we were classified into two sections: Villamor and Bartlett. Certainly, Villamor and Bartlett were two different worlds. We hardly knew everyone in the batch. Most of us probably secluded ourselves with only those from our section. We lived our own lives. Good that we were headed right with dynamic class presidents. Bartlett was lead by the classy and cute Gabrielle Roxanne Cabunoc. Villamor had themselves their geeky but humble “Chairman”, by the name of Michael Angelo Joaquin. We were little angels; full of innocence and naivety. As newcomers, we followed every rule in the UP system including the passing of every circular that is circulated. It was a long year and we made it through.
Though we were neophytes, we never failed to please our teachers and schoolmates in every school activity. Since we were under the Science curriculum, everyone had huge expectations from us. The most challenging part of being a freshie at that time was the making of our Science Investigatory projects. Hopefully, we were able to showcase them with pride in the annual Science Fair and Science Congress. Thank goodness, we made it! Even though at first, we were struggling with the introduction of tricky subjects like Elementary Math and Filipino I, we still managed to survive the first blow.
But not all had the opportunity to continue. Caryl Kit and John Saint didn’t make it with us.
Days went by so swiftly that we already became sophomores, and we were now facing another year full of surprises. The feeling was the same. We didn’t know what to expect.
Benton and Palma were now our new homes. Villamor and Bartlett mixed up so we came to know new people and new lives. This year was different. If Villamor and Bartlett were different worlds, Benton and Palma were of different galaxies. Palma was more of the luckier galaxy because they got to win almost every contest over Benton. They were the more serious type of people who were very determined and diligent. Palma was headed by small but terrible Michelle Gudito. Benton, on the other hand, was childish, stubborn and carefree. It was the wackiest section of that year. They were headed by pretty but tough Yolike Alverio. Though there was somehow a discreet rivalry between the two galaxies, on the brighter flip side, each one of us got to familiarize each other’s faces and names, including the lasting impressions. For the Bentonians, the Palmanians were domineering and aggressive. And for the Palmanians, the Bentonians were childish and careless!
Who could forget the separate yet creative compositions of the two sections in the Sci-Tech Jingle contest? How about the life of Francois dela Cua or popularly known as “Iska” presented through a “Sabayang Pagbigkas” in the Communications week? Remember the Chinese Culminating Activity in Soc-Sci II? And of course, don’t just overlook the Karaoke Activity in English II, drawing plates and gardening put forth by Mr. Nellas, the ever-taxing tessellations in Geometry,… and the youthful and radiant glow of the Sophies (our batch, of course) despite of the rising tide of academic pressures. We, as a batch, were beginning to tighten the bond between ourselves, albeit the indifferences and conflicts.
And so another unfathomable year passed but there were still some who had to say goodbye. Bea had to pursue her dreams outside the country. Brent finished his journey with us but he continued his studies outside UP High.
Then another year of anxiety awaited us. We were becoming as stunning ladies and enthralling gentlemen. Lo and behold the Banggiitang Juniors! We were back again and we’re bigger and better. Benton and Palma evolved to Bocobo and Sison. We were to adjust again to new attitudes because we were mixed for the third time. This has been a tradition for us. Bocobo, headed by the vibrant and affable Bernalene Vidal, was of the quiet people while Sison, lead by the prim and proper Gayle Lorraine Tallo, owned a barn full of noisy animals. But we also developed better minds and became more mature people so some of us were already into relationships.
But this didn’t stop us from being young at heart. We still played the Pantintero. We were the only batch who patronized this game. Our batch also reached the competitive mode of life. We won quiz bowls and other contests against every year level in school. We discovered more of our hidden abilities and we can now afford to showcase our talents and skills. We can do singing, dancing, performing arts, writing, drawing and even painting an old bodega in just half-a-day! And because of that, our Kwentuhan in the Communications week was splendid and victorious. We became more driven with competence when it comes to sports and performing arts.
Through hardships and victories, we got to know each other more and established new and strong relationships with everyone. Our bond tightened even more. And it was pretty obvious since we celebrated our Christmas party as a batch! In the same year, we got to experience our first Junior and Senior Promenade. It was nerve-wracking because the pressure in preparing almost everything for the prom was on us. We were all together through our struggles; Trigonometry, Physics, Art Appreciation, and Research.
And we safely sailed on… but left Robert. He couldn’t make it with us.
And the next thing we knew was that we were facing our final but best year. We don’t want to take it but it leaves us no choice. We have to grow and move on, though we knew some of our treasured friends didn’t make it.
Gonzalez (headed by the exuberant math-whiz Mary Grace Cabalida) and Tan (lead by the laconic and diligent Nathaniel Gopinathan) were not of different things or places anymore. We don’t care that much about our sections. All we knew was that we’re all in this together, as a batch. We share the same chuckles and tears. We experience the same tension with our research papers and Calculus pop quizzes. We share the same love.
We had the best victory we always wanted when we won as the overall champion during our Intramurals. It was a very big accomplishment for us because we sweated our butts out there and we did our very best to enjoy everything this last year could offer us; the ABAKADA, the showcasing of our Research Projects in the Sci-Tech Week, the Dramafest. Just like in third year, we celebrated Christmas Party as a batch. And thanks to the postponed ASEAN Summit, we got to enjoy our very first batch outing in Blue Reef.
Can you imagine how close we were as a batch? We established the Globe Unlimitxters Club just to keep in touch with almost everyone of the batch! And occasionally, we dropped by Ayala Mall and Ayala Lagoon via Molave street in order for us to get to know each other well and to share a myriad of laughters, sufferings, dreams, and secrets between us. I guess our bond grew stronger and stronger… even in the last days of the school year.
I guess we are just inseparable…
These would probably be the most unforgettable moments of our lives-our high school days.
God has been so good to all of us and thanks to Him we met each other.
They may be hot BUT we’re EXTRA HOT.
God speed, Batch ’07!
Over a thousand aspiring applicants tried their luck in the “most sought for” High School Admission Test of the “home of the Iskolars Ng Bayan”, the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu. But only seventy hopefuls were worthy to be called Upians. It was in the month of June in the year 2003 when we entered the gates of UP. Everyone was a sea of strangers… we didn’t know what to expect!
And so we were classified into two sections: Villamor and Bartlett. Certainly, Villamor and Bartlett were two different worlds. We hardly knew everyone in the batch. Most of us probably secluded ourselves with only those from our section. We lived our own lives. Good that we were headed right with dynamic class presidents. Bartlett was lead by the classy and cute Gabrielle Roxanne Cabunoc. Villamor had themselves their geeky but humble “Chairman”, by the name of Michael Angelo Joaquin. We were little angels; full of innocence and naivety. As newcomers, we followed every rule in the UP system including the passing of every circular that is circulated. It was a long year and we made it through.
Though we were neophytes, we never failed to please our teachers and schoolmates in every school activity. Since we were under the Science curriculum, everyone had huge expectations from us. The most challenging part of being a freshie at that time was the making of our Science Investigatory projects. Hopefully, we were able to showcase them with pride in the annual Science Fair and Science Congress. Thank goodness, we made it! Even though at first, we were struggling with the introduction of tricky subjects like Elementary Math and Filipino I, we still managed to survive the first blow.
But not all had the opportunity to continue. Caryl Kit and John Saint didn’t make it with us.
Days went by so swiftly that we already became sophomores, and we were now facing another year full of surprises. The feeling was the same. We didn’t know what to expect.
Benton and Palma were now our new homes. Villamor and Bartlett mixed up so we came to know new people and new lives. This year was different. If Villamor and Bartlett were different worlds, Benton and Palma were of different galaxies. Palma was more of the luckier galaxy because they got to win almost every contest over Benton. They were the more serious type of people who were very determined and diligent. Palma was headed by small but terrible Michelle Gudito. Benton, on the other hand, was childish, stubborn and carefree. It was the wackiest section of that year. They were headed by pretty but tough Yolike Alverio. Though there was somehow a discreet rivalry between the two galaxies, on the brighter flip side, each one of us got to familiarize each other’s faces and names, including the lasting impressions. For the Bentonians, the Palmanians were domineering and aggressive. And for the Palmanians, the Bentonians were childish and careless!
Who could forget the separate yet creative compositions of the two sections in the Sci-Tech Jingle contest? How about the life of Francois dela Cua or popularly known as “Iska” presented through a “Sabayang Pagbigkas” in the Communications week? Remember the Chinese Culminating Activity in Soc-Sci II? And of course, don’t just overlook the Karaoke Activity in English II, drawing plates and gardening put forth by Mr. Nellas, the ever-taxing tessellations in Geometry,… and the youthful and radiant glow of the Sophies (our batch, of course) despite of the rising tide of academic pressures. We, as a batch, were beginning to tighten the bond between ourselves, albeit the indifferences and conflicts.
And so another unfathomable year passed but there were still some who had to say goodbye. Bea had to pursue her dreams outside the country. Brent finished his journey with us but he continued his studies outside UP High.
Then another year of anxiety awaited us. We were becoming as stunning ladies and enthralling gentlemen. Lo and behold the Banggiitang Juniors! We were back again and we’re bigger and better. Benton and Palma evolved to Bocobo and Sison. We were to adjust again to new attitudes because we were mixed for the third time. This has been a tradition for us. Bocobo, headed by the vibrant and affable Bernalene Vidal, was of the quiet people while Sison, lead by the prim and proper Gayle Lorraine Tallo, owned a barn full of noisy animals. But we also developed better minds and became more mature people so some of us were already into relationships.
But this didn’t stop us from being young at heart. We still played the Pantintero. We were the only batch who patronized this game. Our batch also reached the competitive mode of life. We won quiz bowls and other contests against every year level in school. We discovered more of our hidden abilities and we can now afford to showcase our talents and skills. We can do singing, dancing, performing arts, writing, drawing and even painting an old bodega in just half-a-day! And because of that, our Kwentuhan in the Communications week was splendid and victorious. We became more driven with competence when it comes to sports and performing arts.
Through hardships and victories, we got to know each other more and established new and strong relationships with everyone. Our bond tightened even more. And it was pretty obvious since we celebrated our Christmas party as a batch! In the same year, we got to experience our first Junior and Senior Promenade. It was nerve-wracking because the pressure in preparing almost everything for the prom was on us. We were all together through our struggles; Trigonometry, Physics, Art Appreciation, and Research.
And we safely sailed on… but left Robert. He couldn’t make it with us.
And the next thing we knew was that we were facing our final but best year. We don’t want to take it but it leaves us no choice. We have to grow and move on, though we knew some of our treasured friends didn’t make it.
Gonzalez (headed by the exuberant math-whiz Mary Grace Cabalida) and Tan (lead by the laconic and diligent Nathaniel Gopinathan) were not of different things or places anymore. We don’t care that much about our sections. All we knew was that we’re all in this together, as a batch. We share the same chuckles and tears. We experience the same tension with our research papers and Calculus pop quizzes. We share the same love.
We had the best victory we always wanted when we won as the overall champion during our Intramurals. It was a very big accomplishment for us because we sweated our butts out there and we did our very best to enjoy everything this last year could offer us; the ABAKADA, the showcasing of our Research Projects in the Sci-Tech Week, the Dramafest. Just like in third year, we celebrated Christmas Party as a batch. And thanks to the postponed ASEAN Summit, we got to enjoy our very first batch outing in Blue Reef.
Can you imagine how close we were as a batch? We established the Globe Unlimitxters Club just to keep in touch with almost everyone of the batch! And occasionally, we dropped by Ayala Mall and Ayala Lagoon via Molave street in order for us to get to know each other well and to share a myriad of laughters, sufferings, dreams, and secrets between us. I guess our bond grew stronger and stronger… even in the last days of the school year.
I guess we are just inseparable…
These would probably be the most unforgettable moments of our lives-our high school days.
God has been so good to all of us and thanks to Him we met each other.
They may be hot BUT we’re EXTRA HOT.
God speed, Batch ’07!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Points of Authority
You know what’s the difference between a student and a teacher? It’s the authority. Both have the capacities to teach. Both also learns. But a teacher is someone who is paid to educate people, most especially the youth, or persons who decided to learn through schooling. It is a prerequisite that teachers should be professionals; that is, these people must have a bachelor's degree in college, but not neccessarily taking B.S. Education. Of course, anyone could teach! But expertise in the teaching field is a requirement to ensure the students quality education.
The bottomline is: teachers have the authority over the students.
But what happens when students are given the chance to take over the job of the teachers? In short, students are given the power to teach their fellow classmates.
If I remember correctly, UP High just held a Know Your School Day or KYSD activity on the last week of January. That is, teachers can have their rest days! Even though it’s just a two-day event, it was to be remembered. Just like what I said earlier, prospective student-teachers were given the chance to educate their fellow classmates, and luckily, our beloved teachers did have a break!
KYSD is an annual event here in UP High. This school activity is alloted for students who will be given a chance to educate their classmates. Subject teachers will assign the topics to be discussed by their respective wannabe's in the class. But not only that. Students can also apply for a position in the faculty, either they wanted to be a principal for a day or two, or the faculty clerk.
More often than not, aspiring students, who want to become teachers or one of the school's faculty staff, doesn't have to be that brilliant or experienced. Students actually apply for a position because of willpower and passion. It is also a very great opportunity for students to know what is it like to be a teacher. So, you see. An effective teacher has to have the DRIVE to spread knowledge to the people.
Honestly, I never wanted to teach. I even dreaded the thought of speaking in front of the class. I also hate class reporting. And so, I haven’t got the guts to apply for a position in the faculty. But I am glad that some of my friends took the chance.
But looking at them, who stood in front of the class to discuss the assigned topics from the teachers, made me think that teaching is not that easy! They were, shall I say, tough enough to continue lecturing and lecturing even if we were very unattentive and apathetic! Thank goodness, they were really tolerant towards our behavior in class. Maybe because we were much comfortable to them rather than to our real mentors. And so, we were relentlessly abusive! But anyway, we appreciated their efforts and for enduring the situation.
But just like other ordinary students felt, I was at ease with the student-teachers. I'm sure that most of us were not afraid of asking questions to the student-teachers or responding to their queries. They also take into consideration our intellectual capacities.
Although it was a 2-day event, we enjoyed and made the most of it. After the struggles in the part of the student-teachers and even our real professors, we, the ordinary students, paid tribute for all their efforts and their great deal of understanding towards us. I guess every year level had their chances to thank their dearly loved mentors. The freshies gave memorabilias to the teachers. The sophomores accoladed them by showcasing their talents in playing the flute. Singing, with matching choreography, was the Juniors' way of thanking their mentors. And lastly, the Seniors paid tribute to the teachers by means of giving them stuff worth to be remembered, and at the same time, sang a song piece composed by one of the musically-inclined seniors in honor with our beloved professors.
The world really needs teachers... They teach us the concepts in almost everything from Language to Mathematics. They make us understand why things happen and why did it happen. They have been part of our lives since they have an influence over us. And most of all, teachers shape our minds. If not for them, a bigger part of us would be empty. Aside from providing us with the knowledge that we once don't know, they encourage us to develop our potentials through their promising wisdom. KYSD is UP High's way of making us students realize that we should be grateful to these people who sacrificed all day to make lesson plans, tolerated our unruly manners in class, and even accepting the worst criticisms from us in order to improve their teaching strategies. A regular laborer is paid according to the number of hours that he/she spent working. Teachers are also laborers. But, teachers aren't well paid. They do not only work for 8 hours, but more since they have to prepare their syllabus. But they weren't totally complaining, even though they were striving to give us students the best education they could give. And I think it's unfair if we don't express our gratitude towards them.
We salute our teachers for understanding and giving us wisdom and intellect as we enter the four walls in our classrooms. We salute them for helping us grow.
We also hope that our mentors will be successful in directing their major purpose, to educate more and more people. And as we walk past the tough times in life, we will cherish them in our hearts and remember that they have been with us in lighting the roads we have passed.
The bottomline is: teachers have the authority over the students.
But what happens when students are given the chance to take over the job of the teachers? In short, students are given the power to teach their fellow classmates.
If I remember correctly, UP High just held a Know Your School Day or KYSD activity on the last week of January. That is, teachers can have their rest days! Even though it’s just a two-day event, it was to be remembered. Just like what I said earlier, prospective student-teachers were given the chance to educate their fellow classmates, and luckily, our beloved teachers did have a break!
KYSD is an annual event here in UP High. This school activity is alloted for students who will be given a chance to educate their classmates. Subject teachers will assign the topics to be discussed by their respective wannabe's in the class. But not only that. Students can also apply for a position in the faculty, either they wanted to be a principal for a day or two, or the faculty clerk.
More often than not, aspiring students, who want to become teachers or one of the school's faculty staff, doesn't have to be that brilliant or experienced. Students actually apply for a position because of willpower and passion. It is also a very great opportunity for students to know what is it like to be a teacher. So, you see. An effective teacher has to have the DRIVE to spread knowledge to the people.
Honestly, I never wanted to teach. I even dreaded the thought of speaking in front of the class. I also hate class reporting. And so, I haven’t got the guts to apply for a position in the faculty. But I am glad that some of my friends took the chance.
But looking at them, who stood in front of the class to discuss the assigned topics from the teachers, made me think that teaching is not that easy! They were, shall I say, tough enough to continue lecturing and lecturing even if we were very unattentive and apathetic! Thank goodness, they were really tolerant towards our behavior in class. Maybe because we were much comfortable to them rather than to our real mentors. And so, we were relentlessly abusive! But anyway, we appreciated their efforts and for enduring the situation.
But just like other ordinary students felt, I was at ease with the student-teachers. I'm sure that most of us were not afraid of asking questions to the student-teachers or responding to their queries. They also take into consideration our intellectual capacities.
Although it was a 2-day event, we enjoyed and made the most of it. After the struggles in the part of the student-teachers and even our real professors, we, the ordinary students, paid tribute for all their efforts and their great deal of understanding towards us. I guess every year level had their chances to thank their dearly loved mentors. The freshies gave memorabilias to the teachers. The sophomores accoladed them by showcasing their talents in playing the flute. Singing, with matching choreography, was the Juniors' way of thanking their mentors. And lastly, the Seniors paid tribute to the teachers by means of giving them stuff worth to be remembered, and at the same time, sang a song piece composed by one of the musically-inclined seniors in honor with our beloved professors.
The world really needs teachers... They teach us the concepts in almost everything from Language to Mathematics. They make us understand why things happen and why did it happen. They have been part of our lives since they have an influence over us. And most of all, teachers shape our minds. If not for them, a bigger part of us would be empty. Aside from providing us with the knowledge that we once don't know, they encourage us to develop our potentials through their promising wisdom. KYSD is UP High's way of making us students realize that we should be grateful to these people who sacrificed all day to make lesson plans, tolerated our unruly manners in class, and even accepting the worst criticisms from us in order to improve their teaching strategies. A regular laborer is paid according to the number of hours that he/she spent working. Teachers are also laborers. But, teachers aren't well paid. They do not only work for 8 hours, but more since they have to prepare their syllabus. But they weren't totally complaining, even though they were striving to give us students the best education they could give. And I think it's unfair if we don't express our gratitude towards them.
We salute our teachers for understanding and giving us wisdom and intellect as we enter the four walls in our classrooms. We salute them for helping us grow.
We also hope that our mentors will be successful in directing their major purpose, to educate more and more people. And as we walk past the tough times in life, we will cherish them in our hearts and remember that they have been with us in lighting the roads we have passed.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Robots V.S. Barbies ( A Prequel of the War of Roses)
Although I haven’t seen this, “War of Roses” is a 1989 motion picture starred by Danny de Vito (Batman Returns). “War of Roses” is a violent comedy flick, and it’s all about a bitter dispute between a husband and wife.
But long before there was “War of Roses”, there was already a prologue… and it’s not even a motion picture! It’s a phenomenon. It’s a natural occurrence since the time of Adam and Eve. And as long as the generations in the world exist, there’s always this: a discreet war between the two opposite sexes, the male and the female. Little wonder what women would think about men, and vice versa. What I ponder is that girls have a lot to complain about the boy species! Well, I don’t know about the males out there… hahaha! But don’t worry guys, I’m also giving out some criticisms regarding our OWN breed (the girls) afterwards.
One of the most annoying things about guys is that they tend to virtually brag about almost anything! From their girls, basketball games, PS2, cars,… you name it! Ever noticed how a group of guys talk with each other? Sorry guys, I’d rather call it trash-talking.
It’s always been said that girls mature faster than guys. As a matter of fact, it has been proven by various studies. In other words, guys are immature until they have reached the age of 18-21??! Can we blame them for being childish? Irresponsible? Here’s a proof: Notice the rooms/things of your teen brothers or cousins… isn’t it messy? If you’ll ask me, I have a brother who knows how to get wild and messy in his room but who doesn’t know how to arrange or clean it afterwards! Well, I don’t know about some other guys if they are an exception. Another thing is that they dread serious commitments (so girls, look more closely to your suitors)! But tell you what, they have a strong passion to change, but definitely have weak will power.
Who tease gays a lot? Answer: the boys, of course! I have a guy friend who really hate gays. Some boys say that it’s an insult to their species (duh!). Maybe they think that gays are weaklings (but if only they would look closely, gays are not THAT weak). Well, that may be true, but not always. Guys also tend to generalize about girls. They’re so “physical” (boys, don’t you dare lie!). If a girl is pretty and sexy, especially if she struts her long legs and shows-off her “fergalicious” curves, then she’s lucky because she’s going to be noticed by guys. But if she’s not, especially if she wears ordinary clothes, then it’s 50:50… harsh!
Want another one? Nah, maybe afterwards…
How about the girls? Hmmm…
Red-blooded females will always have this: the shopping-gene. Men may despise our being so-into-fashion-and-beauty attitude, but what can we do? Men don’t really hate us, girls, for going on shopping and makeovers… they just can’t be patient enough to wait for us to choose the right shade of lipstick or the perfect dress.
And when we (girls) have lain our eyes on that gorgeous pink purse, oh we can’t really help but filch our savings! When girls love what they see in stalls, most of the time they wanted to have those things. And then afterwards, they (or we!) realize that “oh, the lipstick just won’t match my skin color!” or “I’m not comfortable wearing this dress, it’s very tight”. Guilty? Fret not. Look meticulously at this paradox: Girls are more impulsive than guys, but are the best in terms of budgeting.
Ok, so I’ve come up with a somehow-unique realization…
Both sexes, male and female, are both EMOTIONAL beings! Guys, don’t ever deny, ok? I’m going to start with the guys first…
We all have insecurities. Am I right, or AM I RIGHT?? And that includes the males… absolutely. When you see a guy who is so happy and smiling, don’t be fooled; they may wear a mask that hides what they deeply and truly feel, either pleasant or awful. Oops! Does that mean that they are plastic? Think twice. Let’s just say that’s a defense mechanism.
A lot of ladies complain a lot about men. It’s usually in three words: dense, rude, and insensitive! Amen to that… What’s so “defensive” about that anyway? Guys, as much as possible, don’t want to wind up as an assuming person. When a girl wants something said, she doesn’t really say it straight. Instead, she does all sorts of things in order for a guy to comprehend what she’s trying to tell him. But of course, guys take it into consideration that they won’t read TOO MUCH on it, because they might make a fool of themselves by reading something which isn’t really there. And according to them, it’s safer to act dense or insensitive. Guys act dumb, or maybe they’re just plain dumb (sorry!). So now you know… guys just want to protect their sense of selves after all! Better call it PRIDE, anyway…
Speaking of pride! I would say that the most INFURIATING thing about men is that they have this superiority-complex attitude, especially towards women. They have this mindset that they are always “right” and therefore they should be followed (or worshipped, perhaps…). A lot of circumstances, I have been cheesed off by a guy who had the nerve to swank, from looks to intelligence (or whatsoever!). What is this? Overwhelming self-esteem? I prefer the term SELF-DOUBT.
When a person is unsure (or insecure!), he/she will either do two things: engage in self-absorption, or blame other people for his/her misery. I would say that boys would do the second option and then the first, afterwards.
But you know what? Guys are more rational than women in handling problems, despite of their hidden vulnerabilities and emotional incapacity. And that is what is missing in the girl’s gene: rationality.
On the worse flip side, girls care too much, either on other people or themselves. In three words: sensitive, moody, and fickle-minded! Girls are most of the time ruled by their hearts over their minds. Maybe it has something to do with the PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), or maybe not. When we usually follow what and how we feel, we narrow our minds. And that is what I call IRRATIONALITY. And the consequence? Girls change decisions according to how and what they feel (fickle-mindedness). Girls frequently feel guilt, resentment, and regrets after making a bad decision.
But in the face of irrationality, one good thing about girls is that they (or we!) don’t withhold emotions for a long time. They ventilate. How? By crying, as often as not. Girls hold lesser grudges than men, because they don’t keep their feeling to themselves. They try to express it. Because they want to be heard and understood.
Guys = “insensitive” = ROBOTS!
Girls = “vain/irrational” = BARBIES!
I could say that robots are always robots, and barbies are always barbies. In full honesty, boys will be boys… and girls will be girls. But nevertheless, both share the same rights. Both have faults, but both have good aspects. Both have edges on one another. No competition, please. Because if there is, no one will win in God’s eyes. The key is great understanding, in order for both sexes to get along well and relationships to work out. Well, is it so hard to ask? You decide.
But long before there was “War of Roses”, there was already a prologue… and it’s not even a motion picture! It’s a phenomenon. It’s a natural occurrence since the time of Adam and Eve. And as long as the generations in the world exist, there’s always this: a discreet war between the two opposite sexes, the male and the female. Little wonder what women would think about men, and vice versa. What I ponder is that girls have a lot to complain about the boy species! Well, I don’t know about the males out there… hahaha! But don’t worry guys, I’m also giving out some criticisms regarding our OWN breed (the girls) afterwards.
One of the most annoying things about guys is that they tend to virtually brag about almost anything! From their girls, basketball games, PS2, cars,… you name it! Ever noticed how a group of guys talk with each other? Sorry guys, I’d rather call it trash-talking.
It’s always been said that girls mature faster than guys. As a matter of fact, it has been proven by various studies. In other words, guys are immature until they have reached the age of 18-21??! Can we blame them for being childish? Irresponsible? Here’s a proof: Notice the rooms/things of your teen brothers or cousins… isn’t it messy? If you’ll ask me, I have a brother who knows how to get wild and messy in his room but who doesn’t know how to arrange or clean it afterwards! Well, I don’t know about some other guys if they are an exception. Another thing is that they dread serious commitments (so girls, look more closely to your suitors)! But tell you what, they have a strong passion to change, but definitely have weak will power.
Who tease gays a lot? Answer: the boys, of course! I have a guy friend who really hate gays. Some boys say that it’s an insult to their species (duh!). Maybe they think that gays are weaklings (but if only they would look closely, gays are not THAT weak). Well, that may be true, but not always. Guys also tend to generalize about girls. They’re so “physical” (boys, don’t you dare lie!). If a girl is pretty and sexy, especially if she struts her long legs and shows-off her “fergalicious” curves, then she’s lucky because she’s going to be noticed by guys. But if she’s not, especially if she wears ordinary clothes, then it’s 50:50… harsh!
Want another one? Nah, maybe afterwards…
How about the girls? Hmmm…
Red-blooded females will always have this: the shopping-gene. Men may despise our being so-into-fashion-and-beauty attitude, but what can we do? Men don’t really hate us, girls, for going on shopping and makeovers… they just can’t be patient enough to wait for us to choose the right shade of lipstick or the perfect dress.
And when we (girls) have lain our eyes on that gorgeous pink purse, oh we can’t really help but filch our savings! When girls love what they see in stalls, most of the time they wanted to have those things. And then afterwards, they (or we!) realize that “oh, the lipstick just won’t match my skin color!” or “I’m not comfortable wearing this dress, it’s very tight”. Guilty? Fret not. Look meticulously at this paradox: Girls are more impulsive than guys, but are the best in terms of budgeting.
Ok, so I’ve come up with a somehow-unique realization…
Both sexes, male and female, are both EMOTIONAL beings! Guys, don’t ever deny, ok? I’m going to start with the guys first…
We all have insecurities. Am I right, or AM I RIGHT?? And that includes the males… absolutely. When you see a guy who is so happy and smiling, don’t be fooled; they may wear a mask that hides what they deeply and truly feel, either pleasant or awful. Oops! Does that mean that they are plastic? Think twice. Let’s just say that’s a defense mechanism.
A lot of ladies complain a lot about men. It’s usually in three words: dense, rude, and insensitive! Amen to that… What’s so “defensive” about that anyway? Guys, as much as possible, don’t want to wind up as an assuming person. When a girl wants something said, she doesn’t really say it straight. Instead, she does all sorts of things in order for a guy to comprehend what she’s trying to tell him. But of course, guys take it into consideration that they won’t read TOO MUCH on it, because they might make a fool of themselves by reading something which isn’t really there. And according to them, it’s safer to act dense or insensitive. Guys act dumb, or maybe they’re just plain dumb (sorry!). So now you know… guys just want to protect their sense of selves after all! Better call it PRIDE, anyway…
Speaking of pride! I would say that the most INFURIATING thing about men is that they have this superiority-complex attitude, especially towards women. They have this mindset that they are always “right” and therefore they should be followed (or worshipped, perhaps…). A lot of circumstances, I have been cheesed off by a guy who had the nerve to swank, from looks to intelligence (or whatsoever!). What is this? Overwhelming self-esteem? I prefer the term SELF-DOUBT.
When a person is unsure (or insecure!), he/she will either do two things: engage in self-absorption, or blame other people for his/her misery. I would say that boys would do the second option and then the first, afterwards.
But you know what? Guys are more rational than women in handling problems, despite of their hidden vulnerabilities and emotional incapacity. And that is what is missing in the girl’s gene: rationality.
On the worse flip side, girls care too much, either on other people or themselves. In three words: sensitive, moody, and fickle-minded! Girls are most of the time ruled by their hearts over their minds. Maybe it has something to do with the PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), or maybe not. When we usually follow what and how we feel, we narrow our minds. And that is what I call IRRATIONALITY. And the consequence? Girls change decisions according to how and what they feel (fickle-mindedness). Girls frequently feel guilt, resentment, and regrets after making a bad decision.
But in the face of irrationality, one good thing about girls is that they (or we!) don’t withhold emotions for a long time. They ventilate. How? By crying, as often as not. Girls hold lesser grudges than men, because they don’t keep their feeling to themselves. They try to express it. Because they want to be heard and understood.
Guys = “insensitive” = ROBOTS!
Girls = “vain/irrational” = BARBIES!
I could say that robots are always robots, and barbies are always barbies. In full honesty, boys will be boys… and girls will be girls. But nevertheless, both share the same rights. Both have faults, but both have good aspects. Both have edges on one another. No competition, please. Because if there is, no one will win in God’s eyes. The key is great understanding, in order for both sexes to get along well and relationships to work out. Well, is it so hard to ask? You decide.
Close the Gap, Win a Heart
I was raised by my parents to become a responsible and sensible person. When I was young, I was trained to become the best I could be. And because of that, I always garnered good grades in the past. I guess my dad (most especially) molded me to be always on top. I was a consistent honor student… until high school.
School has become my top priority aside from the obligations I have to carry out as a daughter and an eldest sister. Before, I was used to sleeping late nights just to write visual aids for the next day’s class reporting. During my spare time, I always made sure to refresh my mind and contemplate if I understood the lesson clearly. I had to ensure myself if I totally comprehended what the teachers discussed. I’m also thankful that I could grasp the lessons easily, and because of that I seldom went over my notes. That is to say, I never bothered to study at all! It’s just that I’m confident about everything, because even though I didn’t engage in too much studying (the term is “naning” in Visayan), I still got high grades.
But when I got low scores, I got worried and hysterical. And to think, a low score for me meant ‘not getting the highest possible score’. Truthfully, it was so important for me to be the ‘highest possible scorer’ in the class, though I’m not the class genius or whatsoever. My parents frequently monitor my grades. When I got a ‘bad’ score, they always gave me that familiar look on their faces: disappointment. Out of desperation, I had to convince them that it happened just because of carelessness (or some other stupid excuses that I HAD to formulate).
Then after all the nagging and lecturing, and when they cooled down, that’s the time I would cry in silence… questioning my abilities.
I really hate it when my parents are not satisfied with what I do. But even if they are like that, I still try so hard to understand them… though I know it’s painful. It lashed my pride, of course.
Passing the HSAT has always been one of my greatest achievements. I thought that maybe in UP, I will shine more than in my elementary years… I was determined that I will never disappoint them.
But to my dismay, I found out that there were kids who were smarter than I am. I realized that I was competing with valedictorians from other schools ,or extremely brilliant people… I found out that I wasn’t THAT smart as they were.
But what I am scared of is not because of personal reasons, but of my parents’ reaction.
I can instantaneously remember the time my father was awfully upset when I got a line of 7 in the card grade. It was in first year… I almost failed in Math. Do you know what he did to me? Better not ask.
It was all clear to me. I wasn’t good enough in their eyes.
In spite of the growing pains, I could still say that I DID my best.
Slowly, as time passed by, I was no longer included in the honor roll. Maybe because I got low scores in algebra & geometry in second year, physics and trigonometry in my junior year, and calculus in my last year here in UP.
Now, I’m mighty glad that after all, my parents DO understand me. It seemed that they were just terribly taken aback when I got 79 in Math I, and I think it’s because I always got grades higher than 85 in my elementary years. I understood that they have great expectations from me because they knew that I have what it takes to become successful someday… that I have potentials. Maybe they were not used to hearing me that I ‘failed’. Nevertheless, I’m grateful that they understood me, especially right now that I am a graduating student. They know that I am a not that good at math or physics. They know that everyday in UP is a test day. But in return, I’ll see through it that I won’t get a failing score in a major test, and I will pass homeworks and projects on time.
You know sometimes in life, your parents get disappointed at you. You think that they always see the faults in you and you never remembered that your mom or dad told you how good you were. Well, that is true… But you can do something to make them realize that YOU are just human! You may not be as good as the dean’s listers, or as great as your elder brother. Talk to them, as much as possible. All you have to do is understand them, even though it’s hard for you. You know why? I’m one of the living proofs! I was struggling in my high school years just because I that. But eventually, I SUCCEEDED in making them understand me because instead of rebelling, I focused on telling them about my doings and my whereabouts. I began to make them put their trusts on me.
Mothers and fathers always want what’s good for their children. They may be upset in a couple of minutes, but they will just cool off afterwards. I always remember this every time they get mad at me when I do something wrong: I keep in mind that my dad works hard in order to send me to school and my mom wakes up early to prepare food and clothes for me (and as well as for my siblings). Some parents may be showy in terms of affection, but some aren’t just demonstrative. But I’m cool with it! Now, I’m glad that my parents and I are much closer than before. Again, the key is UNDERSTANDING, in order for relationships to work out.
I may not be an honor student again. But I can boast to all of you that I closed the gap between me and my parents… I won their trusts, and most importantly their hearts.
School has become my top priority aside from the obligations I have to carry out as a daughter and an eldest sister. Before, I was used to sleeping late nights just to write visual aids for the next day’s class reporting. During my spare time, I always made sure to refresh my mind and contemplate if I understood the lesson clearly. I had to ensure myself if I totally comprehended what the teachers discussed. I’m also thankful that I could grasp the lessons easily, and because of that I seldom went over my notes. That is to say, I never bothered to study at all! It’s just that I’m confident about everything, because even though I didn’t engage in too much studying (the term is “naning” in Visayan), I still got high grades.
But when I got low scores, I got worried and hysterical. And to think, a low score for me meant ‘not getting the highest possible score’. Truthfully, it was so important for me to be the ‘highest possible scorer’ in the class, though I’m not the class genius or whatsoever. My parents frequently monitor my grades. When I got a ‘bad’ score, they always gave me that familiar look on their faces: disappointment. Out of desperation, I had to convince them that it happened just because of carelessness (or some other stupid excuses that I HAD to formulate).
Then after all the nagging and lecturing, and when they cooled down, that’s the time I would cry in silence… questioning my abilities.
I really hate it when my parents are not satisfied with what I do. But even if they are like that, I still try so hard to understand them… though I know it’s painful. It lashed my pride, of course.
Passing the HSAT has always been one of my greatest achievements. I thought that maybe in UP, I will shine more than in my elementary years… I was determined that I will never disappoint them.
But to my dismay, I found out that there were kids who were smarter than I am. I realized that I was competing with valedictorians from other schools ,or extremely brilliant people… I found out that I wasn’t THAT smart as they were.
But what I am scared of is not because of personal reasons, but of my parents’ reaction.
I can instantaneously remember the time my father was awfully upset when I got a line of 7 in the card grade. It was in first year… I almost failed in Math. Do you know what he did to me? Better not ask.
It was all clear to me. I wasn’t good enough in their eyes.
In spite of the growing pains, I could still say that I DID my best.
Slowly, as time passed by, I was no longer included in the honor roll. Maybe because I got low scores in algebra & geometry in second year, physics and trigonometry in my junior year, and calculus in my last year here in UP.
Now, I’m mighty glad that after all, my parents DO understand me. It seemed that they were just terribly taken aback when I got 79 in Math I, and I think it’s because I always got grades higher than 85 in my elementary years. I understood that they have great expectations from me because they knew that I have what it takes to become successful someday… that I have potentials. Maybe they were not used to hearing me that I ‘failed’. Nevertheless, I’m grateful that they understood me, especially right now that I am a graduating student. They know that I am a not that good at math or physics. They know that everyday in UP is a test day. But in return, I’ll see through it that I won’t get a failing score in a major test, and I will pass homeworks and projects on time.
You know sometimes in life, your parents get disappointed at you. You think that they always see the faults in you and you never remembered that your mom or dad told you how good you were. Well, that is true… But you can do something to make them realize that YOU are just human! You may not be as good as the dean’s listers, or as great as your elder brother. Talk to them, as much as possible. All you have to do is understand them, even though it’s hard for you. You know why? I’m one of the living proofs! I was struggling in my high school years just because I that. But eventually, I SUCCEEDED in making them understand me because instead of rebelling, I focused on telling them about my doings and my whereabouts. I began to make them put their trusts on me.
Mothers and fathers always want what’s good for their children. They may be upset in a couple of minutes, but they will just cool off afterwards. I always remember this every time they get mad at me when I do something wrong: I keep in mind that my dad works hard in order to send me to school and my mom wakes up early to prepare food and clothes for me (and as well as for my siblings). Some parents may be showy in terms of affection, but some aren’t just demonstrative. But I’m cool with it! Now, I’m glad that my parents and I are much closer than before. Again, the key is UNDERSTANDING, in order for relationships to work out.
I may not be an honor student again. But I can boast to all of you that I closed the gap between me and my parents… I won their trusts, and most importantly their hearts.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
hApPinEss NoW!!
(ok... pls dont sue me for plagiarism, pls.. i just recently read a book entitled "Happiness Now" by Andrew Matthews. and i know ur thinkin y i'm postin these. isnt it obvious that i find that book fantastic? i wouldnt even bother if i posted about these.
ok, the modern society is one heck of a mess. no offense, but its true. anyways, i'm going to share what i read. i hope it's going to inspire u)
this is taken from http://www.success-and-happiness.net/tough-life.html
WHEN LIFE GETS
TOUGHHow do you survive when life gets tough?How do you hang on when you are grieving, lonely or broke?
You can only tackle your problems as you would climb a mountain ...
If you go rock climbing - and you get stuck on a precipice - you suddenly focus on the present moment! All your effort goes into your next step. Then your next step. Inch by inch.
Eventually you find that the worst is over.
The same strategy works for everyday life.
When things seem desperate, you can only focus on the present moment. One problem at a time. You take a step. You get a little confidence ... and take another step, and another.
Eventually you find that the worst is over.
If you were to worry about a) everything you need to do in the next year, or b) everything that could go wrong in the next year, you might go bananas!
But you can handle one day at a time.
And whenever 24 hours is too scary, bite off five minutes at a time.
In a Nutshell
All you can do is give your best effort until bedtime. Let tomorrow take care of itself.
Why Think Positive?
When things go wrong, remember:
It's not WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU that matters most.
It's how YOU THINK ABOUT what happens to you …
EXAMPLE:Let's say that you are at the airport, waiting to catch a flight, and the airline tells you, "Sorry! Mechanical trouble. You won't be leaving for three hours!"
You get very angry. You tell yourself: "This is terrible! This is a disaster!"
While you remain stressed, things will get worse!People will trip over you, spill coffee in your lap and lose your baggage.
When you fight life, life always wins!
Then finally you cool down.You tell yourself: "There's nothing I can do about it. I am probably where I am meant to be. I'll make the most of it."
Suddenly, everything changes! From nowhere an old friend appears, or you make a new friend, or you stumble on a fresh opportunity - and life begins to support you.
Once we change our thoughts about "a bad situation", we can take advantage of it. You already know this!
Life's great opportunities mostly arrive disguised as misfortune and disaster.
EXAMPLE:Imagine two women, Mary and Jane. Both get divorced. Mary says, "I've failed. My life is over." Jane says, "My life has just begun!" Who will blossom?
In a Nutshell
Every "disaster" in your life is not so much a disaster, as a situation waiting for you to change your mind about it.
The Power of Thoughts
How often do you ...* bump into old friends in unlikely places?* learn a new word, and suddenly you see it everywhere?* hum an old tune, and then hear it on the radio?
How often do you think about someone - and seconds later they phone you?
Coincidence? Not really.Your mind is a magnet.
Happy people attract other happy people.Positive thinkers attract opportunities.Crooks attract crooks.
Thoughts might be invisible but they are REAL THINGS - just like electricity or gravity. And thought energy obeys natural laws.
If radio waves and TV signals can travel huge distances - through bricks and concrete - why not thoughts? Your brain is at least as amazing as any TV transmitter.
A thousand books have been written on the power of thought. How many "coincidences" do we need to get the message?
If you sweat enough about going broke, it will happen.If you worry enough about getting sick, it will happen.
Picture yourself surrounded by true friends - and you'll find them.Picture success, and work toward it, and you are on your way.
Your life is not a lottery. YOU ATTRACT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT.
In a Nutshell
What you think about, you become.
ok, the modern society is one heck of a mess. no offense, but its true. anyways, i'm going to share what i read. i hope it's going to inspire u)
this is taken from http://www.success-and-happiness.net/tough-life.html
WHEN LIFE GETS
TOUGHHow do you survive when life gets tough?How do you hang on when you are grieving, lonely or broke?
You can only tackle your problems as you would climb a mountain ...
If you go rock climbing - and you get stuck on a precipice - you suddenly focus on the present moment! All your effort goes into your next step. Then your next step. Inch by inch.
Eventually you find that the worst is over.
The same strategy works for everyday life.
When things seem desperate, you can only focus on the present moment. One problem at a time. You take a step. You get a little confidence ... and take another step, and another.
Eventually you find that the worst is over.
If you were to worry about a) everything you need to do in the next year, or b) everything that could go wrong in the next year, you might go bananas!
But you can handle one day at a time.
And whenever 24 hours is too scary, bite off five minutes at a time.
In a Nutshell
All you can do is give your best effort until bedtime. Let tomorrow take care of itself.
Why Think Positive?
When things go wrong, remember:
It's not WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU that matters most.
It's how YOU THINK ABOUT what happens to you …
EXAMPLE:Let's say that you are at the airport, waiting to catch a flight, and the airline tells you, "Sorry! Mechanical trouble. You won't be leaving for three hours!"
You get very angry. You tell yourself: "This is terrible! This is a disaster!"
While you remain stressed, things will get worse!People will trip over you, spill coffee in your lap and lose your baggage.
When you fight life, life always wins!
Then finally you cool down.You tell yourself: "There's nothing I can do about it. I am probably where I am meant to be. I'll make the most of it."
Suddenly, everything changes! From nowhere an old friend appears, or you make a new friend, or you stumble on a fresh opportunity - and life begins to support you.
Once we change our thoughts about "a bad situation", we can take advantage of it. You already know this!
Life's great opportunities mostly arrive disguised as misfortune and disaster.
EXAMPLE:Imagine two women, Mary and Jane. Both get divorced. Mary says, "I've failed. My life is over." Jane says, "My life has just begun!" Who will blossom?
In a Nutshell
Every "disaster" in your life is not so much a disaster, as a situation waiting for you to change your mind about it.
The Power of Thoughts
How often do you ...* bump into old friends in unlikely places?* learn a new word, and suddenly you see it everywhere?* hum an old tune, and then hear it on the radio?
How often do you think about someone - and seconds later they phone you?
Coincidence? Not really.Your mind is a magnet.
Happy people attract other happy people.Positive thinkers attract opportunities.Crooks attract crooks.
Thoughts might be invisible but they are REAL THINGS - just like electricity or gravity. And thought energy obeys natural laws.
If radio waves and TV signals can travel huge distances - through bricks and concrete - why not thoughts? Your brain is at least as amazing as any TV transmitter.
A thousand books have been written on the power of thought. How many "coincidences" do we need to get the message?
If you sweat enough about going broke, it will happen.If you worry enough about getting sick, it will happen.
Picture yourself surrounded by true friends - and you'll find them.Picture success, and work toward it, and you are on your way.
Your life is not a lottery. YOU ATTRACT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT.
In a Nutshell
What you think about, you become.
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