It's SummerTime!!!

Lately this March, the sun rises in the early hours of the day and sets very late. The day seems to be longer than ever. It is even getting hotter too! Can you feel it? It’s summer! Summer is on the air! Splashing at the beach could be one of the perfect getaways. Going to Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines or to other cool places could b e fun too! During sunny days, it would be nice and cozy to sit under a shady tree while enjoying an ice cold drink, right?

Different activities can be enjoyed during summer. But, it is also a perfect time to do things that are useful enough and might still be enjoyable. Here are just some of the stuffs we can do for the summer that are useful enough:

1. Save for the rainy days. Summer jobs could be available in these times. Part time jobs like fast food crew, office assistants, and internet and shop attendants could be obtainable by now. In just for months, you’ll be able to save money future use or even to support some of your basic commodities. To earn during summer is not limited on working for companies or for employers. You could also put up a small business like selling ice candies, banana cues, shake, hamburger or almost anything under the sun!

2. Learn new skills and knowledge. Summer lessons like karate, swimming, cooking and others will be fun also. You are not just enjoying, but also imbibing new skills that can somehow help you in the future. Just like the cooking class, you’ll be able to cook for your family with mouth-watering delight. Or learning how to swim could somehow make your vacation at the beach more enjoyable. During emergency times, like when the ship that your are aboard sinks, so, your skills in swimming would be very useful by then.

3. If you are an incoming freshman in college or in high school, summer could be the best time to comply with your requirements in enrollment to a school. Instead of cramming up, why not do it while there is still time. Don’t just wait for the deadlines. Do it before to avoid the rush.

4. Cleanliness and order is always a must in every home. Yet, during school days, we got so busy. We do not have time to arrange our things and even to clean our rooms. Now, this summer, we can now put off that dust and trash. Do the choirs and even redecorate your house. Who would want to stay in a house with crawling insects around, right?

5. Lastly, relax. We may not know it, but stress can lead to something serious. Try to stop and relax once in a while. Though there are a lot of activities during summer, but do not forget to relax and enjoy. Give yourself a break. And try to strengthen your body by eating the proper diet and doing some exercises. So that, when you get back to school, you will have a sound body and lessen those absences caused by sickness.

Boredom during summer can be felt by some. But enjoying activities like summer jobs and lessons could somehow vanish the boredom within us. Instead of just sitting around staying idle, try to do something useful. As what they say, time is precious, so don’t waste it.

Loneliness

Have you experienced being alone and lonely? If yes, have you overcome such state? How?

Loneliness is a state of someone living in solitude or with no companion. There have been different reasons why loneliness exists in a person’s life. It could be due to financial matters that some have to work far from their families. Or when, someone has not found his or her partner in life yet. I can relate to one of these. My father and sister are both working abroad. Saudi Arabia is my father’s destination, while my sister’s is in Dubai. Probably, both of them feel lonely to be miles away from us. It is really difficult to be away from your loved ones. Yet, my family overcomes this loneliness by staying in touch always.

Have you heard about the saying, “No man is an island”? This relates that no person can exist alone. Man has to interact with others as to live normally. That is why; it is difficult for us to live alone. We find our life so lonely and gloomy if we have to live in solitude or be away from people.

Loneliness could be difficult to overcome. In one point of a person’s life, he should be strong enough to surpass this stage in his life. He may find various ways to beat loneliness. He may do it by making himself busy with work or even with hobbies. One can even express his feelings through creative writing. One example of these is the poem written by E. Commings. The title of his poem was, ‘Loneliness’.

‘Loneliness’ by E. Commings was an intriguing creation. Commings made a poem that is so unique one cannot understand fully what it tries to imply. Various readers may have different interpretations on this poem. As one of the readers, I find his work an abstract. Though there is just a bunch of letters, there is a deeper meaning behind those. For me, E. Coming’s poem is about a fallen leaf. This shows the parting of the branch and the leaf. As the leaf falls, it becomes farther from the branch. If we are to associate this with man, we can find loneliness among people who part ways like when one has to leave like the fallen leaf.

Why didn’t Commings use ‘l’ instead of ‘L’? Probably, Commings also made use of how letter ‘l’ looks like. The ‘l’ in his poem looks like the number ‘1’. They look similar, right? Since, to be lonely means to be alone or in solitude or to be the only one.

There may be a lot of symbolisms that Commings put forth in his poem. There may be meanings in its structure and the style. Yet, what I can explain is the ‘l’ and the fallen leaf. As what I have said, for every reader, there may be various interpretations and understandings.

Every one of us may experience maybe at least once in a lifetime. Yet, it is for us on how to overcome it. We may be as creative like E. Commings. Poetry is a work of the hand that makes art out of words.

LoOK iNtO My EyEs...

[the look]
When you speak, do you have the habit of not looking at the eyes of your chat mate? Or are you the one who looks directly into his or her eyes?
God blessed us with everything. He gave us the trees, the air, the sun, and all the things necessary for us to live. The most important and special among these blessings are our bodies. God made us a very unique shell for our souls. He gave us an intricate body that helps us to do our duties.
One of the great features of our shells is the sense of sight or our eyes. Scientifically speaking, the eyes, together with the brain, make someone to see things. The eyes make us see the glamorous dress we are wearing, the picturesque scenery where we spend our vacations, and the color of the sky. Without our sense of sight, all we can see is darkness.
A lot said that the eyes are the windows of the soul. And I do believe on that. With just a look of the eye, we can determine that someone is nervous, scared, angry, telling the truth or happy. Just like the poem by Sarah Teasdale. With just a simple look of someone, he can already express much affection to the speaker instead of the physical way like kissing. The other men in the poem kissed the speaker but the effects of their kisses did not last that long rather than the look of Collin. His eyes are more expressive than a kiss. There was even a song about the expressiveness of the eyes to show love to a person. It was sung by Christian Bautista, a well- known balladeer and an international artist. The song goes like this, “No one ever saw me like you do. See the things that I can add up to. I never knew just what a smile is worth. But your eyes say everything without a single word. ‘Cause there’s something in the way you look at me. It’s as if my heart knows you’re the missing piece. You make me believe that there’s nothing in this world I can be. I never know what you see. ‘Cause there’s something in the way you look at me.”
The song shows how powerful a simple look of someone’s eyes could be. Without uttering words, the eyes can just say everything. Love can also be expressed in someone’s eyes. You will feel that there is something in the way he or she looked at you.
There was also a song, “my eyes adore you”. The speaker just cannot help to look at his lover. His eyes just adore him or her that much. Simply, his or her eyes just expressed his feeling of adoration to that certain someone.
The eyes as mentioned are the windows of the soul. If you want to express something to someone, try to look at her or him in the eyes. Your eyes may show sincerity to what you say or do.

ThE WeLL miGhT RuN DrY!!!

“You’ll never miss the water until the well runs dry”. I can always hear or see this saying in advertisements of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District or MCWD.
Water or H2O is composed of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, covalently bonded together. It covers up 70% of the earth's surface and . And it is known to be the universal solvent. It is called as such because it is a strong solvent that can dissolve almost all kinds of solutes.
Water has always been important to men. Water is needed by the human body to sustain life processes. Without water, dehydration may happen and might stop the functioning of body organs. It might even lead to death. This is how important water is to men.
Water’s usage does not limit to drinking only. Water is also a source of electricity to some barangays. Just like the barangays located near the Maria Christina Falls.
Hygiene is one thing that water contributes to the society or community. Water is used to clean things against dust or dirt. It is used to wash the dishes, car, laundry and other things that require cleaning. Of course, humans are included in these things. Humans also need water to be clean and to avoid body stench. Cleaning one’s body can also avoid diseases. So, proper hygiene is important everywhere.
Like humans and animals, plants need water too. Water, together with sunlight and other factors, helps the plant to make food for itself. This could benefit the consumers, especially the herbivores. Since their food depends solely on plants. Without water, there would be no plants. And without plants, there3 would be no animals. Then, without the existence of all these, there would an extinction of human civilization.
We can now see the importance of water. Water fills up the majority of the earth. Yet, majority of this water are salt waters that cannot be used for human consumption. Water that humans consume are water that came from the under. There would be a possibility that these would dry up in years. Rivers are supposedly the source of drinking water. Yet, humans have been so crude and pollute it. Are we still going to wait until the well runs dry to stop polluting our water? Don’t let it happen when you have to be forced to drink the salty sea water. While we still have water, try your best to conserve it.
Some ways in conserving water is by the use of containers instead of a hose in washing dishes or the car. When you see your faucets dripping every now and then, call the plumber right away. Then, you may also want to use pails instead of a shower in bathing. There are so many other ways to conserve water.
Let us not pollute our environment, our waters. Because, you will never miss the water until the well runs dry. You might regret in the future wherein you have to cross miles just to acquire drinkable water. In Filipino, “Nasa huli ang pagsisisi”.

Controversial Speech

Pope Benedict XVI had his speech on his meeting with the representatives of science at the University of Regensburg last September 12, 2006. This speech was entitled: Faith, Reason and the University Memories and Reflections. His speech created chaos among the Muslims.
In our English class last semester, we were tasked to read exhaustively a copy of his speech. Then, we were to react and understand his speech.

These are summaries to some parts of his speech. We have to react about it also.

A. Purified Greek Heritage
Why purified Greek heritage? Christianity has been a religion for some time. The Christian faith has a touch of the Greek culture through its philosophies. Or simply, faith has been mixed with philosophy, in which came from the Greeks.
Yet, as the time of the Reformation came in the sixteenth century, the term dehellenization emerges. Dehellenization means the removing of the Greek culture from something. The Reformists at those times demanded that the Greek culture should be removed from the Christian faith. Or, it is to remove philosophy away from faith. According to them, faith is no longer appeared as a living historical Word but as one element of the philosophical system.
I do believe that faith should not be mixed with philosophy. Faith is no longer faith if you have to find reasons on why you have faith on something. Faith must not be correlated with philosophy.
B. Kant’s Critiques
The modern concept of reason is based on the synthesis between Platonism and empiricism. According to Kant’s critiques of Practical Reason, these two concepts made up or are divisions of practical reason. Platonism is about to reason out with the use of mathematical formula or simply, it is the rationalizing of things. It is just like explaining things with the use of proofs that could state the truth. Empiricism in the other hand is by giving out of reasons using the unscientific way. This explains what science cannot explain and what people cannot see. Just like questions in the creator of the planets, why are they made, and others. Simply saying, faith is a tool in empiricism. Faith is used in explaining things that we can barely explain.
Man cannot live in this world with science alone. Man cannot be complete without having faith in something. How can he see life if life for him is only filled with science and facts, and not by with faith and trust? I strongly believe that people to exist, science and faith should exist all along.
C. Byzantine Emperor
There was this dialogue edited by Professor Theodore Khoury by Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologus and an educated Persian. This was about on the subject of Christianity, Islam and the truth of both. This dialogue was set down by the emperor and was given in greater detail than that of the Persian. Specifically, it talks about the image of God, and of man and the structures of faith in the Bible and in the Quran.
In my opinion, this dialogue must give importance to both sides. It must clearly show Christianity and Islam, but not to compare the two. These two religions must not be equated since these are two different and distinct religions. Religions must not be compared.

LoVE...a choice

[Love: An Act of Will not of Heart]
The heart has always been the symbol for love. During Valentines Day, you’ve got to see a lot of hearts around. You might see it on the walls, the ceilings, on televisions, and so forth. What is in hearts that it was used as a symbol for love? Does this mean that the heart is responsible for a man to feel love and fall in love? Is to love an act of the heart or of something else?
Biologically speaking, the heart is one of the vital parts of a human body. As one of the organs of our circulatory system, the heart is responsible for pumping blood to all other parts of the body. In this case, the heart tends to circulate the blood all over the body systems. Life is not possible without the heart. Without the heart that circulates the oxygen enriched blood, all body parts would soon not to function. Now, we can see the importance of the heart. But, does this mean that love is an act of the heart?
Have you experienced to fall in love? Probably one of those feelings that you will feel is the fast beating of your heart. Or may be you feel like floating in the air or feel like so inspired everyday. But, does this mean that love is an act done by the heart?
Some say that the heart is the seat of emotions. Meanwhile, your brain would be for intelligence. But is this really true? Well, may be not. The brain is responsible for your intelligence and even your emotions. So, we can say that love is an act of the brain, right? Yes, most probably. The brain is the one which process what you feel and what you think. We can say that to love is an act of will and not of the heart.
In the bible, specifically the first Corinthians 13, love is described, “Love is patient, kind, without envy… love excuses everything, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” To love is a will and not just an impulse that sparks just like that. Every one of us is equipped with free will. God gave us free will to make us choose who we love and how we love. If you think you love someone, let it be. You have your will. And nobody can ever dictate who you will love. The choice will be within you.
Love has no exact definition. Yet, it can only be described. Some would describe love as how it is depicted in the bible. Others may also describe it in another way. Since to love is by will and by choice and no one can dictate you how to love.
Hearts are mere symbols of love. But to love is an act of the will and not of the heart. It is your will to love. It is your option. No one can dictate to you, who to love. It is just a matter of choice.

Shattering Glass...

Jeraline Gumalal is a good friend of mine. I was tasked to write about her for Tambuli. I would like to share to you more about her.
An artist. A softball pitcher. A guitarist. What more can we say for such girl with multi-talents?
Jeraline Ebarola Gumalal or simply, Jerah, is a girl of many talents. Yet, she is often misunderstood and ignored for the promising acts she has done. Why can't we fully understand her and seek her true perceptions?
Jerah, as what most people don't know, is a philosophy-enriched individual. She sees things in its deepest sense. Her philosophies keep her going through her everyday life.
“Today is my big fight and I shall win it”, Jerah encourages herself as she steps out of the door. She regards every event of her life as a big competition. The competition may be tough, but she plays it fairly and sees to it that no one gets hurt every time she takes a step. She was really born as a fighter. Since a year old, she learned to live without her parents and siblings. She tried to live as a normal child and only stayed with her lola. At an early age, she had been an independent individual. She admitted that it took her a hard time to be the person she is now.
'Pretender' is not part of Jerah's vocabulary. She has a saying that goes like this: “Be yourself! It's a good back-up on shattering glass.” 'Shattering glass' is her expression of letting the people know who she is. So, she is really not a 'plastic' one.
Jerah's love for art is a big part of her life. She put her whole self every artwork she made. She doesn't paint or draw just for nothing. Every artwork is an expression of the artist.
“Counting your blessings can help you view life in a better way.” Everyday, Jerah never forgets to thank God for all her graces in her life. Like the man without shoes, he is more fortunate than the other without feet. The man should be grateful enough that he has feet for him to walk in his journey of life.
Every time we fall, for Jerah, we are no loser and are worth dying for. Remember what Jesus has done for us? He died on the cross to save us from our sins. If you feel that you are down and worthless, try to think again.
Though Jerah haven't been recognize that much for her great works, popularity for her is nothing. Trying best on everything she does is the only one that fills her mind.
Who is Jerah? A passionate artist, a witty softball player and a melodic artist.

To be a teacher...

[On Being Taught By Students]
Making a lesson plan, checking the students’ projects, discussing the lesson with clarity, coping up with mischievous students and other numerous tasks, are what teachers have to fulfill for the rest of their career. This may be the reason why majority of our class prefer to be a nurse, an engineer, a lawyer and an accountant rather than being a teacher.
To be a teacher is a profession that is a serious one. You may be at less risk compared to an electrical engineer or not be charged by malpractice as that of a doctor yet you have a great responsibility to be a good influence to someone. And you have a big responsibility in implanting knowledge to the minds of the leaders of the next generation.
Teachers have been special to students. They served as parents to the students in school. As tribute to teachers, UP celebrates KYSD or the Know Your School Day every February. Different activities are done during this celebration. These include the offering of tributes to teachers like gifts, letters and presentations; the turning over of the school to the student principal and PED chairperson; and the substitution teachers by student mentors.
The most exciting part of the celebration is the temporary replacement of the subject teachers by the students. In this way, several students may experience the life of a teacher and being taught by student teacher for days.
In my first year in UP, I applied as a Health teacher. Truly, being a teacher is a hard task, especially for me that I don’t have a loud voice. So, I had a hard time to be heard by my classmates. That is why I did not apply as student teacher for the succeeding Know Your School Day. I learned that being a teacher is a difficult one, but enjoying your work may let you somehow barely feel the burden.
From my second year up to the fourth year, I have experienced being taught by my classmates in a student-teacher way. For me, it was fun. The class was a bit less formal than in ordinary days. And during Know Your School Days, I got the chance to be less shy on asking question with regards to our topic.
To be a teacher may be a difficult but also a fulfilling job. That is why, let us thank our dear teachers that have done great things for us; educating us.

Got milk?

[The Lactose Content of Commercial Powdered Milk: A Comparative Study]

Milk is a nutritional whitish fluid coming from the breasts or udders of the female mammals. This serves as food for their young ones, especially when they are still incapable of chewing solid foods.
The humans, like any other mammals, consume milk. But their intake of milk does not stop after infancy. It continues until adulthood. Sources of milk for humans include cows, goats, and other cattle.
Why do humans still drink milk even in the stage of adulthood? Probably, humans find milk as a practical way to be healthy. Of course, it contains vitamins, minerals, acids, lipids and carbohydrates that are essential nutrients for a man to have a sound body.
Milk was made by humans into various forms. This sea of milk products includes the evaporated milk, condensed milk, powdered milk, and all others. The powdered milk is one of the convenient forms of milk. Powdered milk can be stored in a longer shelf life since it has lower moisture level that can spoil food. Unlike the fresh or raw milk, it can only be stored for a couple of days. Milk powder is also much useful to people in remote areas where fresh milk is not visible or available at all times.
Meanwhile, one of the components of milk is lactose. It is the sugar naturally found in milk. Lactose comes from the Latin word lac which means milk. Milk, as a carbohydrate, gives energy to the drinker. There are also other benefits that we can get from lactose. According to According to­­­ National Dairy Council, research suggests that lactose promotes the growth of beneficial lactic acid- producing bacteria that compete with undesirable putrefactive bacteria. (National Dairy Council, 2000)
Lactose content may vary on milk or on any mil products. The higher the lactose content, it is more favorable to infants and children who still need much energy to play and in growth. Then, the lower the lactose content, the more favorable it is to the lactose intolerants who can only digest 2% lactose and the diabetics also.
Nowadays, numerous brands of commercial powdered milk are being produced and advertised on televisions, radios, billboards, and other forms of media. Yet, the consumers need to be assured that these milk brands are pure enough and can sustain the nutritional needs of our body.
As part of the consumers, the researchers developed a study which can determine the percentage purity of powdered milk. Specifically, to determine the lactose content of commercial powdered milk.
There are various laboratory techniques that can be used in determining the lactose content in powdered milk. One of these is by titration of lactic acid. This method was done by making a milk solution out of the powdered milk and water. Then, this would be soured for a span of two days. The curdling of milk could create lactic acid from lactose. Simply, lactose is converted into lactic acid. Then the lactic acid content is determined by titration. Specifically, the acid-base titration was used. It is used to determine the concentration of an acid in a solution by it with a base that has an accurately known concentration. In the study, we are to determine the concentration of lactic acid in the milk solution by titrating it with a sodium hydroxide, a base.
After determining the lactic acid content in milk, we can now imply the lactose content in referring to the CODEX standards. If the lactic acid content is at least 0.35%, it would imply that the milk has a lactose content of 61%.
The research subjects in our study are the ten brands of commercial powdered milk and are divided into two categories. The INFANT’S MILK include Alacta, Enfapro, Nestogen, Promil, and U-Care 123. The FAMILY’S MILK include Alaska, Anchor, Bear Brand, Bonakid, and Nido.
Out of the ten brands of commercial powdered milk, Alacta has the highest lactic acid content while Anchor has the lowest lactic acid content.
The ten brands of commercial powdered milk namely Alacta, Alaska, Anchor, Bear Brand, Bonakid, Enfapro, Nestogen, Nido, Promil, and U-Care 123 passed the Codex standard for lactose content of at least 61%.

I was too shy then...

“aayy, mauwaw ko”, this is always my line ever since when I was still a toddler. Whatever things that need to face the public, I always deny that request. I was just too shy.
My Ate always hates me for my shyness. Whenever she wanted me to face someone or the public, I tend to hide and never to show up. I was just too shy then.
When there are gatherings, I would just stay at the corner and not minding to mingle with others. I don’t even talk that much. Like in conversations, what I prefer to answer are the yes-no questions only. I was just too shy then.
Time passes by and I have to leave my elementary years. Of course, I applied in high school like UP and Cebu City National Science High School. Other than written exams, there was also an oral exam or an interview. I really find it hard not to be nervous during those times. I cannot calm myself. I even got a low score in the oral exam in Science High School. This step towards high school made me reflect about my shyness and inferiority. All I can say to myself is this, “Mulambo kaha ko ani kung sige lang ko ug kauwaw?” or “Will I be successful if I would be shy all the time?”
The next step to these interviews is my entrance to a new environment, high school. In this matter, I choose to study in UP. My life really changed a lot as I entered UP.
To be shy is a no-no in UP. There are various activities that required full confidence to face the public. In my first year, there were orations, declamations, and circle stories. In later years, these activities evolved into debates, impromptu speeches, poem recitals, role plays and speech choirs. I can really say that my shyness has no room in this school.
One step that I have thought to lessen my shyness is to be a CWTS officer. So, I applied as one. Luckily, I was accepted. And now, my step towards confidence is getting closer everyday. Every Fridays as an officer made my confidence level go higher a little bit.
I realized that there is nothing wrong with speaking to the public. Criticisms may not be bad as you think. If you have done some mistakes, don’t ever attempt to commit suicide. Instead, try to do it better the next time.
Though currently, I am still shy, but somehow, my confidence level rose once in a while. I thought that shyness can lead you to nothing. Be confident and do not fear to have mistakes. We do not know, your confidence might lead you closer to your dreams. Raise your chin up and don’t always look at the top or below. Be confident! Soar high and pursue your dreams! Never give and never surrender. Reach for your goals, dreams, and aspirations and do not let shyness be a hindrance to your success.

The Moor’s Legacy

By
Washington Irving
I would like to share to you a story I read when I was in third year. This was the same story that I made a report and was used in our radio play.
Synopsis
Long time ago, Peregil, a water carrier, resided in Granada, Spain with his ragged children and talkative wife. One night, he helped a sick Moor but later died in Peregil's home, leaving him a sandalwood box. Unluckily, Pedrillo, his gossip neighbor, wrongly related everything to the greedy mayor. The mayor, upon hearing this, called Peregil and found out that the Moor only left a sandalwood box with paper scroll and a candle end but, in exchange of Peregil’s life, he seized Peregil’s donkey. Peregil asked a Moor at a shop about the contents of the sandalwood box and knew that those were used for a spell to open a cave in Alhambra where treasures were found. Peregil and the Moor get some of the treasures there and agreed to come back. Because of Peregil’s wife, Pedrillo knew about it and related it again to the greedy mayor. The mayor thought of a plan between him and his sheriff to burn the Moor and Peregil after they acquire the treasure. So, Peregil and the Moor led the mayor, the sheriff and Pedrillo to the cave. At first, only the Moor and Peregil got two jars of gold. Greedy for more, the mayor, the sheriff and Pedrillo entered the cave. The Moor blew out the candle and threw it away, trapping the three greedy men in the cave forever. The partners divided the treasure between themselves and left Granada with their families.
Setting
The details presented by the author showed the locality of the story. It indeed happened in Granada, Spain! The Alhambra, a palace and fortress found in Granada, Spain, can even say it all. The use of Spanish names like Pedrillo and Peregil can also tell that it happened in Spanish-influenced countries or really in Spain. Or the being considered as enemy of the Moors or Muslims shows that it is a non-Muslim country, like Spain, a Christian country.
But we cannot directly conclude the date this story happened. Yet, I am quite sure that this story may occur after Granada was conquered in 1492 by the Christians from Muslims’ hands. If this story happened before the Christians conquered Granada, then why is that the Moors are considered enemies of the state? Before 1492, everybody in Granada is in good terms. They have their freedom of belief when the Muslims rule Granada.
Theme
Contentment is the way to happiness.
If you are a contented person and someone gives you something, you will gratefully thank him or her. Yet, if you are an uncontented one, you will surely ask for more and would make you a greedy person. Anything you want, though not for you, but still you want to seize it. Greed can even harm you in many ways. In the story, three people were trapped in a cave forever and may die there. That happened because of the greed of these people.
Personal Insight
Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.The above saying is considered the golden rule. The golden rule is best interpreted as saying: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” It was endorsed by Confucius in his analects and Jesus in his teachings and parables. To apply it, you'd imagine yourself in the exact place of the other person on the receiving end of the action. If you act in a given way toward another, and yet are unwilling to be treated that way in the same circumstances, then you violate the rule. You will need your imagination to visualize what would you feel in somebody’s place upon receiving your action. Would he or she feel good about it or not? Think about it!
In the story, this was applied between the greedy ones and not. The greedy mayor was planning to burn the Moor and Peregil after he seizes the treasure. Yet, he and the others were the ones trapped and could die in the cave. If he was not planning to kill the two, the Moor would not think about trapping them too.

Wonderless World?!

Human beings have been so much blessed. God provided us everything that we need. The luscious vegetation, the clear and refreshing water, the energy-giving sunlight and everything! The world that we are dwelling is just full of wonders!
Reading Reader’s Digest is one of my favorite pastimes. One of the articles of the January 2007 issue got the curiosity in me. Why is it entitled as such? Isn’t the earth wonderful and magnificent? So, I continued reading the article to satisfy my urge. The exact item is as follows:
RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW
WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY
WONDERLESS
WORLD
See these places
before they fall off
the face of the earth
The six wonders of the world disappearing before our eyes, as selected by Wish magazine.
Kauai’s North Shore, Hawaii
High-rise buildings are encroaching on this previously unspoilt coastline.
The Maldives, Indian Ocean
Global warming may drown 1190 beautiful islands that sit just one meter above sea level.
Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Just 20 percent of the imposing peak’s original glaciers remain, due to rising temperatures. No new snow is accumulating on the top.
Highlands, Iceland
Untouched highland landscapes, from windswept rocky meadows to deep blood-red canyons, are being drowned by Europe’s biggest dam project.
The Three Gorges, China
A great wall of water will soon flood China’s grandest canyons as the world’s largest hydropower station and dam is built.
Bioluminescent Bays, Puerto Rico
Sediment from coastal construction and diesel fuels from tour boats threatens to extinguish this stunning night-time glow.
Now I know why the article is entitled as such. It talks about an issue concerning us all, the deterioration of some of the wonders of the world caused by human activities. The development of human civilization has been an advantage for all. There exists new technology, with discoveries and inventions. Yet, the industrialization of nations can have bad effects to the environment.
Global warming is just one of the serious environmental deterioration. Global warming is the increase in temperature of the earth. It is caused by existence of too much greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases come from the burning of fossil fuels and other substances that emit carbon dioxide and other gases to the earth’s atmosphere.
The ill effects of global warming are the melting of ice caps, raising the water level, and then flooding some parts of the earth. The issue about global warming was discussed at the UPVCC Conference Hall. The said forum was entitled, “Forum on the preservation and deterioration arrest of the environment.”
The said event was divided into two parts. That includes the film showing of “An Inconvenient Truth”, and the open forum itself. The film shown was about Al Gore’s (vice president under Bill Clinton and a presidential nominee of the Democratic Party in the US, Turque, Bill) exploration on the impact of global warming. In this film, he talked about the causes of global warming, how to prevent it from worsening, and how humans are affected by this phenomenon. The next part of the convention is the open forum. In this part, students had the opportunity to ask questions regarding environmental concerns. In this way, UP students would not be ignorant when it comes to environmental issues and at he same time, we will be able to help in preventing the worsening of global warming.
As one of the students present in the forum, I realized a lot of things. Human beings are the ones that are destroying the environment. But, the human beings are the only creatures that can solve this issue. And, as a human being, I should have done something to prevent worst things from happening.
Truly, the world is fully-equipped with wonders and beauty. But it’s sad to know that that these God-given attractions have been destroyed by men.

what's with tv show?!

“Mula Sa Puso, Maging Sino Ka Man, Pangako Sa’yo, Maria Flordeluna…” are you a T.V. fanatic? Probably, those words are familiar to you. How about “Fushigi Yuugi, Naruto, Sakura, Dragon Ball Z and Inuyasha”?
Those mentioned above are just some of the soap operas or telenovelas and animé shows that we always encounter everyday. These are shows that TV addicts do not want to miss watching. What are in these shows that a lot became involved with them?
Ever since I was a kid, I am always fond of watching television. And, what is television if there are no shows, right? I am always fond in soap operas, animé shows, game shows, documentaries, and a whole bunch of them! Yet, two of these shows are most intriguing for me: the animés and the soap operas.
Animés is famous for the Japanese animations. This is a mixture of creativity in visual arts which includes, cartooning, sketching and computer graphics. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, animation is a motion picture made from a series of drawings simulating motions by means of slight progressive changes. Simply, animations are like drawings that come to life. Instead of living creatures moving, it is the drawings that squirm about. Surely, people involved in making animations are creative and excellent enough, right? With their creative minds, they made smiles to a lot of viewers, especially to the children.
The soap operas or telenovelas are also famous for people who want suspense and drama out there. The soap opera depicts a story especially of the serious type. And, instead of moving pictures, it is time for the real people. Actors and actresses are the ones who portray the roles of the drama. Common topics of soap operas are romance, struggle from rags to riches, conflict between the rich and the poor, clash between belief, and others. It may be about lovers who are separated by family and other unfortunate events but still be destined to be together in the end part of the story. Probably, people keep on watching telenovelas because of its great touch to lives of the majority, just like poverty and the struggles of achieving success. Soap operas may somehow inspire people to work hard and be eager to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Television shows like soap operas and animations have been viewed by millions of people. They have been there to make us smile and laugh; to touch our souls and make us cry; to inspire us to strive harder; and to thrill us from unexpected events. They may serve as good influence o the other way around. Stories in soap operas and animations may be fictional, and it is for us, the viewers to choose among this sea of shows. It is up to us to follow or not to follow what these shows presented. So, like a jury in a trial, you must be the one to judge objectively what you are viewing or watching in televisions. And, don’t let fictional things in TV blind you.

To have siblings or not to have siblings...

Which do you prefer, having siblings or none at all?
Having no siblings at all could be an enjoying one. You got a chance to have all the love your parents can afford. You do not have any competition with regards to food, education, and almost everything.
Yet, having no siblings at all could somehow make you feel alone and lonely. You’ll just find yourself being envious to those who have siblings who are always there when they sleep, eat, and all other stuffs that they can do together.
Having a sibling or siblings could be advantageous and sometimes the other way around. For the beneficial part, there are values that you can learn if you have siblings. One of those values is sharing. Sharing is what most siblings’ lack. As what people usually say, “hating magkapatid”, or the line, “sharing is loving”. You should try to give to others what you have. Like, when you have a candy, you should try your best to share it. If it cannot be shared, be generous once in a while and give what you can give, especially the one in need is your own brother or sister. Non-sharing of stuffs could be a source of fights among siblings. If there is no sharing among siblings, does love exist in their family?
Respect among brothers and sisters is also one important value. Respect is not only thrown by the younger sibling to the elder one, wherein the older should be called with the tags such as kuya, ate, atse, manang and manang. The elder sibling should also respect the younger ones by listening to them when they are speaking or not to fool around when they are busy with their assignments and projects.
Communication is essential to sibling too. Can you imagine your whole family talking at once? How could you understand each other? Communication is not a one-way process. Rather, it is a two-way. You talk or open up and be heard and listen to others when they speak. Be there always for your siblings. Try to listen to their problems or experiences and give some words to lighten up their hearts. It could also be dome vice versa. You open up, and listen to your siblings’ advices.
Rivalry is common among siblings. Rivalry happens when there is competition among siblings on something. One big factor in sibling rivalry is the parents. If the parents are the pacifier type that aims peace in their homes, probably, rivalry would never exist. Yet, if parents tend to always compare the achievements of one from another, rivalry would exist. Just like aiming for the highest honor. If parents do not compare the achievements of their sons and daughters, their children would not be pressured to compete with their siblings.
To have siblings could be fun and lessen the feeling of loneliness. There would be problems encountered among siblings. Yet, the whole family should be united enough to face these difficulties. Also, parents should also encourage their children to learn the values of respect, sharing, and communication and not to put gap among them.

To surrender...

Retreat is to surrender. It may be implied to soldiers in battlefields. But, in this case, it is to surrender one’s self to God. Retreat is a time for reflections and giving time to one’s self. Retreat is sometimes mistaken with recollection. Both have the same purpose, to surrender to God. Yet, retreat took in a longer time compared to recollection.
Just this March 24 and 235, our batch got the chance to join a retreat. This retreat would be the most memorable for me, since it is my first time to join in this said activity. The retreat started at the UP Campus, specifically, at the Tan classroom. It started with some possible outcomes in our life and what we would do if this happen. After which, we were grouped with 4 members. My group mates were Razel, Arvin and Michelle. We shared our answers to the possible outcomes in a life of a teenager. We all had similar answers yet in a different manner. Just like in a funny, religious, or serious way. Then, Mdm. Maglasang, our guidance counselor, discussed to everyone the whole thing. It was about a teenager’s life, how to overcome some teenage problems and how to assess one’s self. There was one thing that I cannot forget, to be STRONG always. To be STRONG is to be steadfast, trustworthy, respectful, open-minded, noble and gutsy.
The next part of the retreat was the ‘positive stroking’. It was an activity where one can hear all the positive things that you possess. It was done by dividing the whole batch into two. One of the groups formed a circle and was requested to close their eyes. Then, around then were the other group. This group would be the first one to say positive things about the inner circle. The inner circle had a chance to hear from each of the outer circle. After, the outer circle was given also a chance to receive positive comments about themselves. It was somewhat an inspiration for me. It made me realize that people should not only focus on their weaknesses but also of their strengths or the positive side of themselves. Knowing one’s strengths would somehow heighten his level of self-esteem or confidence.
After the positive stroking, everybody had their lunch. Later, we went to the ‘Community of St. John’, in which we will stay until Sunday morning. The way going there was somewhat rocky, dusty and steep. St. John’s is located in Banawa, an elevated area.
The first thing that we did when we arrive was to arrange our packs. Then, we had some briefing on the rules of the monastery. One thing that distracted me was the silence of the place. It was so quiet that a normal conversation could be heard from afar. So, every time we talk, we have to whisper instead. This act is difficult for us since UPians are naturally talkative.
The first activity that afternoon was about loving one’s self. To start it up, we had a game, then a debate on whether to love or not to love oneself and a talk with Sister Karine. It made me realize that loving oneself is important. We are gifts from God and we should thank God for this precious gift, take care of our body, and love it.
After a short break, we were grouped again. Every group was requested to perform a scene specified by Ate Abegail. Everyone portrayed the roles of people on different situations. There was a pacifier, denier, blamer, victim, merciful, teacher, complainant, and passive. It was shown that listening is important for any situation, especially with regard to problems. After this activity, Fr. John had a talk about love and reconciliation with others. Then, adoration and confession followed.
After the adoration and confession, we had our dinner. At those times, everyone got so excited to eat and even forgot to form lines in getting food. That was why we were scolded.
Circle of Love was the next activity. It was like an open forum and we were given a chance to say sorry for the people we have offended. It was done by giving candles to either who offended you or the one you offended. Though I didn’t receive any candle, I still say sorry for people I offended. It was already 12 midnight that this activity ended. Some slept right away but others still have some chats.
Though I slept late, I was able to wake up early, about almost 4 in the morning. Everyone have to wake up early so that everybody will have a chance to take a bath before breakfast.
After breakfast, Father John had a talk about faith and divine healings. Then we were grouped and had a bible sharing after the talk. In our bible sharing, we discussed the gospel for that day. It was about the woman who was about to be stoned to death because of committing adultery (John 8:1-11). Jesus did not condemn the woman and was merciful enough. We should not condemn others who have sinned, since it is only the non-sinners who can condemn the sinners. But, no one in this world is a non-sinner, right?
Before the holy mass, we packed our things since we will leave after the mass. So, we saw to it not to leave any trash on our quarters. Our retreat ended with a mass.
Retreat is not a time for vacation only wherein you can experience throughout the day a life of pleasure and leisure. Retreat is your opportunity to stop for a while on worldly things and to reflect on your spiritual life. It would be a good time to repent on your sins and to thank God for your life, and reconciliation with others as well. retreat is a time to surrender to God.

Accepting our faults…[ The Problem with man/woman…]

Man and woman, two distinct creatures that started the civilization of man. These are the two individuals that fill up the world carrying with them their personalities, which makes the world not a monotonous one.
Every one of us has his or her personalities, with various weaknesses, strengths and mistakes. Even Adam and Eve can’t resist temptations that got them away from Eden. And, we may see problems with man that different with woman, vice versa or applicable to both genders. As a woman, I can cite some of the problems among us and also among men.
Commonly, men have a hard time in swallowing their pride. Since ancient times, different communities have high regards to man than in woman. Yet, as time passes by, gender equality was continuously fought. So, there was the existence of women empowerment and women’s rights. But, some men still have the idea that they are strong and cannot be tumble right away. So, they have a fear of failing. Then, if there are circumstances that women tend to overpower them, which would somewhat a slap on their face. For example, a man serves as the bread winner of the family. Unfortunately, the man got sick and cannot work anymore. All he can do is just to stay home and do some simple household chores. This situation forces his wife to stop being a housewife and have to look for a job. There would be a tendency for the man to be depressed and might plan to take away his own life. Because of his pride, he cannot accept of his failure to earn for his family.
Fidelity for some men may be a difficult thing to fulfill. That to be a one-woman man is something huge that he has to accomplish, though against his will. Some men thought that there would be no night of boredom if his one-night stands would be around to fulfill his leisure. Also, some even have five girlfriends or have practiced concubinage. For some, infidelity makes them feel more ‘macho’ or masculine. This kind of problem is somewhat most women hate and at the same time fear to be hurt if her husband has at least one or two mistresses.
Being too much logical is also what women hate about some men. There are some men that palpitation of ones heart is due to ones limbic system and not of love. There are some men that always think of the facts and not of the emotions. Sometimes, they become so insensitive towards the feelings of others.
There are some men that are too possessive. They thought of their wives or girlfriends as a precious gem that cannot be held by anybody’s hand. They prevent other guys from speaking to their partners. And they even got jealous so fast, faster than the speed of light.
There are also some behaviors that women tend to be hated by men or by their co-women. One of which is their fickle-mindedness. Some women seem to gradually keep on changing their decisions. They become so picky or choosy on things. Just like choosing the right dress, the best restaurant, and others.
Some women are impulsive. That is why women are so prone to impulse-buying. It is a term in economics that describes someone who buys something without planning to buy it. They just keep on buying what they see on stores.
Nagging is a common thing among women. Women tend to talk too much instead of listening to explanations and solving the problem, they just can’t help but to talk and talk.
Every one of us has his or her mistakes. It is up to us to accept and change it for the betterment of others and also for ourselves.

Being Generous...

Our graduation or commencement rite is fast approaching! Imagine? It would be just weeks from now. There was even a schedule for meetings and practices with regards to this special event. And songs for the graduation were chosen already. Sadly, we have to leave high school very soon.
Graduation could be one of the most fulfilling parts of a student’s life. It would be fulfilling because for so many years of hardships and difficulties, you were able to overcome the struggles and be ready to face the next steps of life. Meanwhile, graduation would also be somehow sad. It would be difficult to leave the school that molded you, the teachers who polished your talents and capabilities, and the colleagues who supported you all the way.
Memories. As we left our alma maters, memories whether of the good and bad will always be there, intact in our minds. As what they say, these are the memories that would last forever. After leaving high school, how would you want to be remembered? You could be as the batch clown, sleepy head, the boss and other categories.
Generosity is giving or sharing to others what you have. Even though you have less, you still strive to give to others what you can share. This is what most people in our batch remember about me. They thought of me as someone who is always ready to share.
The legacy of generosity was even bequeathed to me. I did not expect to receive such. It was after our junior-senior promenade that my classmates showed appreciation on my generosity. Generosity in me is not that obvious then, but because of this Legacy of Generosity, it was one big start for me to be known as ‘generous’. Whenever people asks for something from me, the word, “uy, legacy of generosity bitaw ka...”always come with their requests
I was really flattered by their comments. Truly, I do try my best to share what I have. Yet, I am not the perfect Samaritan. There are times that I can’t give everything that people wished. Sometimes, I also thought of myself. Being generous does not always necessarily mean giving every time somebody needs something. You also need to prioritize yourself a little bit. Sometimes, you need to tell them not to depend on you too much. Being generous means helping those in need. In need in that very moment, because sometimes, people tend to become dependent on you. They need to provide things for themselves also. Being generous to anyone could be a very great act. But, what if a person is frequently asking you paper, or other supplies and don’t have any valid reason not to have such? It can already called as parasitism or irresponsibility. It is good to give someone fish. But it is likely better to teach people how to fish. I even joined the academic mentoring program in our school. This program was conducted by UP high school students. In this, UP high students like me, would be given a chance to be teachers to elementary pupils in Math. We were not merely teaching math, we also strive hard to teach students to be more responsible and be able to attain their goals in life. In this way, we are teaching the tomorrow’s future to fish and discouraging them to beg for one.

Ms. True Beauty!

Why so I have a flat nose? Why don’t I have such porcelain skin? Oh, do I look like an ogre with my pimples? I hate my thick lips! I wish I could have straighter hair. I look fat with this outfit!
As we meet people, one that we can directly see is his or her outer covering. That is why we always got conscious on the way we look and dress. We always spend hours of our daily routine in putting up make-ups, splashing to your favorite scent, choosing a dress, so on and so forth. We always find ways to be presentable and ‘perfect’ in the eyes of others.
Being presentable always could be a good habit to an individual. Being hygienic and presentable all the time would create a good aura, right? And, who would want to chat with someone who has a bad breath? Nobody, right? Yet, people tend to exaggerate on things. Instead of aiming to have shampooed hair, this becomes the straightening of one’s curls or the other way around. Or instead of just wearing high heels, others take up medicines that can make them taller. Or instead of just wearing padded bras, others opt for breast augmentations.
Insecurities and discontentment can be perceived among these individuals. They wanted to be like somebody whom they think is perfect. That is why the business in cosmetic surgery never dies. Sometimes, people forgot about reflecting on their values and instead thought about having cup C breasts.
Like everyone else, I do not deny that I have insecurities too. Honestly, I am conscious on how I look. Especially with my flat nose, big tummy, dark complexion, masculine builds like having hair on my legs and a lot more. Yet, as much as possible, I do not want to undergo in such cosmetic surgeries. Sometimes, I thought of such. But hey! You’re going to spend thousands just to implant ‘plastics’ in your body?
Beauty is always associated with the perfect, slender body, luscious lips, shiny hair, fair and porcelain-like skin, and others. We always associate beauty with the physical aspect of man. Yet, beauty is not just this one. True beauty is not just about cosmetics and hairstyles. True beauty is the kindness of the heart. True beauty is not possessed by someone who does selfish acts to their fellows.
If you find yourself ugly, think again. You might be a candidate for Ms. and Mr. True Beauty. Show to the world that beauty is not of the face but also of the pureness of the heart. True beauty does not lie on how many girls have crushes on you but on how much people love you with your kindness. Beauty is not obtained by few, but is of everybody you just have to show the real you. There is no need of ‘plastics’ in you. Don’t let yourself be wrapped up with those cosmetic surgeries. Physical beauty may fade as you age, but true beauty will last forever.

I am Envious…[The SECOND Edition]

(The first was written last December 2006 for our journalism class.)
“C is for the candy around the Christmas tree, H is for the happiness…” this is one of the earworms during the during the Christmas season that I myself was infected. Singing carols and giving gifts are just the common stuffs that happen during the holidays. Before anything else, curiosity filled my mind. What is Christmas by the way? Is it really just for spending and singing carols and stuffs?
As I know, Christmas was the time that the child Jesus was born. He was conceived by Mary. And guess what? When Mary was to give birth, no family ever offered their homes for Mary and Joseph. So, in Bethlehem, they stayed in a manger. They joined the company of the donkeys and cattle. How simple the Holy Family was! Then, the three kings who sought Jesus, offered him great that one cannot refuse! Maybe, it was the time that people get the idea of offering gifts on Christmas day. And it is also the time that the people rejoice since it is the nativity of the Messiah.
For some, they spend their Christmas on visiting their loved ones and giving them hugs and kisses. Some even jumped at the chance of having a reunion with friends and family.
But, I wasn’t after all one of those gay people. I do not feel like celebrating Christmas this year. I can’t feel the excitement of putting up the well-decorated Christmas tree, the colorful parol, the glittering Christmas lights, and all those Christmas decors! I don’t feel like singing Christmas carols and buying gifts for my friends. It like my Christmas would be gloomy this year.
Honestly, I am envious with these people. I am envious with how they eat with their whole family, how they share their smiles with them and how happy they are! Yes, you got it. My family is physically not complete this Christmas. My father is apparently working in Saudi Arabia while my sister took a job in Dubai. It is only my brother and mother who are celebrating Christmas with me this year.
Though my father and sister are not celebrating the yuletide season with me this year, it is like my yuletide season is not gloomy after all! Fortunately, my uncles, aunts and cousins stayed with us this Christmas. This would be my first Christmas that I’m going to celebrate with them. Opposite than what I expected, my Christmas was a bit fun!
I do understand that my family have to work hard to provide everything, the best for me. They wanted me to experience or feel the comforts and joys of life. I extremely appreciate the sacrifices that they have to take for my sake. And now, I’m truly inspired to study well for me to give in return the ‘paghihirap’ they have done.
So, this Christmas time, my family is still complete. Though not physically, but I’m pretty sure that we are much bonded together. And no distance can cut our strong bondage.

A Blessing...

Excitement filled my day as we left school for an entrepreneurship conference at the Waterfront hotel. As a proof, I wore my best uniform, polished my leather shoes, fixed my hair properly and others. I was excited to learn new things different from the school’s curriculum. Honestly, I was also relieved that we are exempted from classes.
As my companions and I reached the hotel’s entrance, we were served well by the hotel employees. After the registration, we went inside the hall and were asked to sit. Elegantly, we sat down on the chairs located around the round tables. I felt like one of the businessmen present in the conference.
Minutes later, the room was filled. We were surprised when we were asked to vacate the seats and to occupy the chairs at the sides of the hall. Honestly, I was insulted by that. But later, my mood changed when the forum began. The rich and the famous shared to us their success stories.
It was time for the morning break. Luckily, we were given the chance to eat the mouth-watering delights. Yet, the waiters served us late than the others. Again, my emotions shifted into a happy one as the speakers continued. During lunch, my stomach started to tremble. In short, I was hungry. Everyone was served with lunch. But none of the UP students received or have eaten lunch. Since that time, I wanted to leave the hotel. Thank God! I was able to control my anger. My pals and I just left the hall and ate at the carenderia located at the basement of the hotel. Yet, some left for lunch and ate outside. Later, they returned and at the same time, we were done with our lunch.
We returned to the hall and it was the time the speakers started to talk. Later, we were served with the afternoon snacks. Mariel, one of my companions, was later invited to come on stage to present her ideas in business. So, she went up stage together with the Saint Theresa’s College and Sacred Heart-Jesuits spokespersons. We clapped our hands to show our full support.
After the talks with Mariel and other students, we later left the hotel by batch to avoid chaos. We might disturb the conference since still ongoing when we left. We returned to school and shared to others our experiences. At this time, we were able to thank God for the opportunity He had given to us.
To recall everything, I remembered what madam Baltazar told us. She said that we must thank God for this great opportunity that came our way. We may not have been treated like señoritas and señoritos or treated the way we expected to be. But it is because, we joined the conference without paying any cent. We went there to listen and to imbibe new ideas, not to be as hotel guests. We should thank the organizers that we were able to eat snacks eventhough we did not pay for it. We were advantageous since we were not asjed for fees. After all, the things that we experienced were blessings in disguise.

Not an easy one...

Brand x, an age defying shampoo, delays the signs of aging. Brand y makes your skin glow and removes wrinkles. Brand z makes you sexy and young looking as ever!
Lots of products have been formulated, manufactured and sold which aimed to prevent or lessen an intricate call of nature, aging. But why do people made such things? Isn't aging a natural phenomenon that no individual can stop?
To age is to grow or mature in different aspects. But the most evident one is the physical aspect. It is so obvious that a lot of individuals try to prevent it. It is because, to be old is to have wrinkles, white hair, lesser strength, and others. And because of the old ones' weakness, some even considered them as futile or useless. This mentality of some, started the existence of homes for the aged or for the dying destitute.
The homes for the aged ones seem to be a dwelling for a few elders who are left by their families who don't like the hassle of taking care of them. Some says that homes like such are like waiting area for 'kamatayan'. Or, it is somewhat a waiting shed for passengers waiting for departure.
Gasa Sa Gugma, located at Mabolo, Cebu City, is one of the several homes for the dying ones. It is a place for the dying destitute. And it is maintained by nuns and other kind-hearted workers. As a project in CWTS, we went their to socialize and feel the conditions of the dying destitute. And our main objective is to give them love, attention and emotional security that they have not felt for a long time.
As we went inside the haven, I can feel the aura of sadness welcomed us. It is like the place is filled with loneliness and sorrow. Yet, there have been elders who tried to put away their sorrow. They have been laughing and chatting with us. And in return, we chat with them and share our laughs with them.
Seeing the elders' condition made me worry about my future. Will I have the same situation like what they experienced? Will I stay in a place like theirs and be away from my family? Will my family accept my weaknesses done by old age?
This situation of theirs made me realize something. I should respect the elders and help them for their needs. It made me think that to be old is not easy after all. You have to ask assistance for a lot of times and you even have to cope with other people who seemed to dislike you for your differences.
So, if my parents get old, I should not complain for the lots of errands. I should remember that to be old is not an easy one. I should take care of them with a light heart and not with a heavy one.
And in the future, if I would have kids of my own, I should show them that to be old is not an easy one. If they don't want their family to disown them because of old age, they should show the right example to their children too. They should remember the saying, “ Don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you”. Respect the elders as they are to be respected and love them as they will love you back.
We should respect the elders and give the love that they deserve. Since, to be old is not an easy one.

a tExT MESSAgE

“FOR NCAE TOMORROW: Mongol 2 pencls, ID, 2nd grading grades for EnSciMa plus Filipino and SocSci! Check d internet 4 UPCAT results! It is now online! Pass tnx! ü "
As I read this text message, my heart starts to pound faster. The more I think about it, the more butterflies flew inside my stomach.
A lot of questions entered my mind. Will I pass the UPCAT? If not, where will I spend my college years? What course will I take? Will I pass the NCAE? What if I won’t? What will happen to me? As these words keep on spinning inside my mind, I got even more nervous and started to have sweaty palms and feet.
Wow! This is the same scenario I had four years ago. Before the UP HSAT, I first took the Cebu City Science High entrance exam. Reading the test questions made me feel upset. “I think I wouldn’t pass this exam. Goodbye Sci High!” I murmured during the test. Then, moment of judgment came. The test results were just released. And guess what? I placed 50 in the written exams. I still have to take the oral exams. So, I went for my final interview. Though I wasn’t used to in speaking, especially in an interview and was a bit shy, I still passed this step. Now, all I have to do is to enroll and be part of this school. Yet, I was still in dilemma. I just have to take the UPHSAT. Meanwhile, Sci High keeps on calling us and wanted me to enroll in their school. It was such an honor for me!
Then, I did take the UPHSAT. It was more difficult than I thought. So, I thought, maybe I just have to enroll in Sci High. It is a good school after all. Then, I was surprised that my father was so happy. He related to me the good news. I passed the UPHSAT and even placed 6th! I was so happy at that time.
I was in confusion then. I have to choose between these two good schools. I got a hard time. I have to consider all factors. So, after some days of deliberation, I decided to enroll in UP. It was nearer to our house than Sci High. Then, we have to spend less in UP than in Sci High. Since UP has what we called as the democratized access to the masses.
Now, here I am a senior student of UP High and is trying to decipher her college life. There is one thing that I realized. We must never give up, never surrender.
Opportunities may be everywhere. It’s just up to us to make the most of it. If choosing one is a necessity, we must think before making any actions so that you won’t end up blaming yourself. As what our social science teacher always says, before making any decision, we must consider all factors.
Whatever road I will take, whether I passed the UPCAT and NCAE or not, I should make sure that I will be persevere enough to pass the tests of life.

The Game of Life

Calculus was exhausting! It gives me a relief that our exams week has just ended. We have enough time to do the things that we haven’t done for a couple of days. Just like unlimited texting, watching television, and so forth.
But wait! We are still tied up with all those sorts of projects. So, to fulfill one of those projects, some of my friends and I went to the internet café in close proximity to our school. Yet, as we saw a classmate of ours playing something on his PC, we got so curious and tried to play as well. We were amazed by the games’ high tech gears and got so thrilled to join in.
Without hesitance, our classmate introduced to us this pastime. It is popularly called as Counter-Strike. Well, this game is an encounter between two forces. These are the terrorists and the counter-terrorist forces. You can be part of one of those groups. Both teams aimed to win against each other by killing each member of their opponent.
For the first time, we played this game. We very thrilled and ecstatic, then. As we come across our enemies, we got easily killed. We just can’t help but to laugh our heart out. I even got teary eyes because of laughing too much. As more familiar faces joined, the game got extremely exciting. There were more opponents who wanted to take your life, and more forces to help you out. It was like a mini-battlefield.
The day after, my friends and I played the same game. Compared yesterday, we got better in winning against the enemies. Yet, I still got the difficulty of accurately shooting the enemies.
Honestly, to be involved in this game can be pretty fun. No wonder, a lot got addicted of playing this. High tech gears and the thrill are not the only factors that make this game popular. It also teaches some values in an enjoyable way. These values are the ones that can be applied even to our daily lives.
To enumerate some, these are perseverance, teamwork, patience, courage, self-preservation, calmness and sportsmanship. It may sound O.A. or over acting, but these values were really applied in the said game.
Unity or teamwork was exposed when you have to work with your mates to win over your opponents. Then, you must not give up finding all your enemies and eradicating them. Perseverance and patience can be witnessed in that scene. You must also be courageous enough to fight against your enemies. Next, calmness is important in the game. If you lose your composure during the game, you can easily be killed. Self-preservation is also exhibited. You have to make the necessary actions to make yourself safe and your teammates. Afterward, whether you win or lose, you should be humble enough to take everything.
Video games like Counter-strike may give values that we can apply in our everyday lives. But, don’t be too addicted with it that you are overspending and left a hole in your mother’s pocket. Try to play it in moderation. As what a popular saying goes, “Too much of something is bad enough.”

Not a sign of weakness…

“Guys, it looks like MC cried last night!” one of my classmates commented as I arrive in school one morning. Everyone got so curious and surprised for my popping eyelids. They hypothesized a lot of probable reasons why I cried. They even gave some fumy ones. Just like, I was scolded by my mom because of cooking rice without water or using laundry water for it. I even got a joke for myself and had an alibi of cooking rice pops or ampao instead of the normal one.
Honestly, I really don’t know the exact reason why tears fell from my eyes. Maybe it just fell. Or maybe I was just dramatizing a scene in a soap opera.
As I can remember, I was teary eyed when I watched Princess Hours, a Korean soap opera in Channel 3. I think I was helpless when I saw Janel’s father crying, missing his only daughter. Maybe I was just overreacting then. But as the night got deeper, a lot of things approached my mind. Like missing my father and sister, the fact that I’m leaving UP very soon, and thanking God. Maybe these things that entered my mind tickled my emotion bone and made me cry.
Crying is somewhat a way of emitting all the sadness and joy inside me. I was having some mixed emotions then. My tears were a mixture of grief and joy.
My unhappy tears were caused by the truth that I miss my father and sister. They are both working in the Middle East. They wanted us to experience a relief from poverty. With their sacrifices, I was evenly motivated to do well in school. I want to pay them back their sweat they have shed for my sake. Though I miss them, I just have to trust God. I know that he will take care of them and make them safe.
Upon knowing the fact that I have to leave UP makes me sad once in a while. If I’ll be able to graduate this year, leaving my second home would be hard for me. It’s like a part of me will never left this school. The school where I gained my esteem, confidence, and everything that made me someone. Most of all, it is where I met my friends who became a part of my life.
Thinking about everything that God has done for us, I just can’t help but cry. I’m so thankful for my life, for all the problems that make me strong, for blessings, and for every single element that comprises me. God is so great that my simple gratitude is not enough to thank him.
Each day, all of us have been busy with our work, studies, and other things that occupy us. Though how busy we are, we must not forget to stop once in a while. Let us give ourselves some time to listen to the voices within us. Don’t forget to pray and thank God for he has done for us.
Bunches of tear jerker may surround us. If you feel to cry, why not let go of those tear drops. Crying may be a way to release tension, right? Crying is not a sign of weakness, but of knowing it and dropping it off.

Short but tall...

Nowadays, more and more people got conscious with their height. A lot of parents even give their children some growth enhancers or maximizers, like Cherifer and Growee. These food supplements can make children tall as they can be.
Honestly, I don’t deny that I’m conscious with my height too. Sometimes, I got insecured upon seeing that my cousins are taller than me. It’s like I’m the most potot or the shortest among them all. So, having the fantasy of becoming tall, I took some Cherifer myself. It’s like to be tall is to be powerful and makes you feel confident. You even have the advantage of having less effort of reaching things.
But is height really that matters? Can’t short people do the things tall people can do? Why is it that a lot of people always tease or look down on the short ones?
Who says that height is power? There have been powerful leaders of the past and the present who actually doesn’t have the five-foot height. One of these present leaders is the president of the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She is the second woman president of our country. Did you know that she actually didn’t reach 5 feet? Well, she is such a tough one. Look at her now; she is one of the most powerful women of our country.
Meanwhile, an example of a leader from the past is Napoleon Bonaparte. According to the article of Owen Connelly in Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia, Napoleon Bonaparte was the emperor of the French, who consolidated and institutionalized many reforms of the French Revolution. One of the greatest military commanders of all time, he conquered the larger part of Europe and did much to modernize the nations he ruled.
Lastly, one of the ‘small but terrible’ that I know is Razel Paldo. She is currently our corps commander in our CWTS. She is even the first girl corps commander, UP has ever been.
Now, who says that height is what matters most? Truly, height can be an advantage. You can do lots of stuffs if you are tall. Be thankful that you are blessed with such. Use your height for the best and not for the worst. Instead of bullying others, try to give a helping hand to others who are in need. Who knows, you can be a hero or a saint for doing such marvelous deeds.
In the meantime, for the petite ones like me, stop being insecured by others. If others tease you, take that as a compliment. Instead, prove to them that height doesn’t matter for someone to be happy or successful.
Not that I’m preaching, but physical appearance is not important in God’s eyes. If God doesn’t, then why do we judge people. As what the famous saying says, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” People usually judge others in the outer covering. But what is really important is the inner beauty of oneself. But, if you are blessed with inner and outer beauty, use it to inspire others, not to despise.

Time is not gold

Everything seems to be spinning. It’s like a minute washing machine or blender is planted inside my brain! Maybe this is a symptom of insanity!
There are bunches of things that I need to do and so many things to think about. I have to solve my calculus problems, write my reactions about reproductive health, make my articles for my blog, design our CyberFair webpage, so on, and so forth. Maybe I need a secretary to decipher which task to do first, the next and the last.
With only these minor, teenage responsibilities, I already got so mixed up. How much more for the bigger and heavier ones? Will I be ready to take these challenges waiting for me in the future? Will I be strong enough to survive in this complicated world?
As I kid, I usually mess around. Having a disorganized room with toys left on the floor, crayons on the bed, scissors on the chair, and other stuffs that makes my mother’s head ache so much. There were a lot of times that I have been scolded by my siblings and parents for this unmanageable behavior. But then, I still didn’t care at that time.
Time came that I have to go to school. With those required books, notebooks and other supplies, my days were almost over. I have to neatly arrange my things to be found easily. This is the moment that I realized the essence of orderliness.
Like things, usage of time can be messed too. Both are similar or alike. Disarrangement of things and mismanagement of time can create great confusion in your life. If your things are disorganized, there is a big possibility that one of your important things might get lost or thrown away unintentionally. Meanwhile, with time, opportunities might jump out of the way.
Time is gold. My mother always reminds me as she saw me cramming for a test tomorrow, or a project to be passed the following day. She wanted me to think about the importance of time. We must treasure it as what we do with gold. Kidding myself, I even thought of a joke. That time is definitely not gold. It is the watch that is made of gold.
Funny or corny as my joke would be, time is something not to jeer at. It must not be ignored and be spent carelessly. Once spent, it cannot be turned back. A lot of people even wished to turn back time, but fail to do so. So, you must treasure every event of your life and spend time the right way.
Now, as I grow old, I discovered one great mistake. It is the mismanagement of time or simply, wasting time. Wasting time can have a bad effect on you on the future. Like piling up tons of tasks and not been able to work effectively and efficiently.
Now I know why I got so mixed up! I just didn’t spend my time the right way. Sadly, I just wasted it away. As for now, time is not gold. It’s just more precious and valuable than gold.