KYSD 2007

KYSD or known as know your school day is an event in UP High School wherein students get the chance of being a one of the staff members or a member of the faculty. Students who wanted to experience in becoming a teacher are requested to apply for the said position whether they will be applying as a principal, as a clerk, as a math teacher and etc.

Ever since first year high school, I have never tired in becoming a student teacher for the KYSD. I realized that it is really hard in becoming a teacher since you would need to prepare the things that you would need for the discussion or prepare some lesson plans. As a teacher, you also need to communicate effectively for the students to understand the lessons more. You also need to prepare some quizzes or seat works to the students so that you can determine whether the students learned something or not at all.

Based from my experience, I feel comfortable of how the student teachers teach us because I know that they understood us more and they can relate to us since they themselves are also students just like us. I am not also saying that I don’t like or I am not comfortable with the teachers in UP High School either. It is just that sometimes I get too nervous if I have done something wrong in the class or I would fail in a particular test because I know the teachers would really talk to me or ask me what is going on and of course it would really cause butterflies in my stomache. Yes, teachers are more strict than the student teachers but of course, we cannot deny the fact that teachers know more about the subject than the student teachers because the student teachers are still maybe an amateur or neophyte unlike our teachers who are really professional about the subject they handle. But when a teacher scolds us or ask us about our performance in school, we should not be scared or get too nervous and besides we should be thankful for our teachers are concerned for us students and that they did their very best to teach us and that is one thing which I have learned In school. Sometimes, we would also find some teachers who are strict. I think it is okay to be strict but it should also be tolerable. When a teacher is strict, do not take it negatively or maybe you might dislike the teacher because he/she is strict but the truth is that it is just one way of disciplining the students. If you are just a calm teacher or is not that strict about the rules in school or in the classroom, your students wouldn’t be that disciplined also or it would result maybe for the child of being spoiled in school.

KYSD is not only for the students to have the experience of what it is to become a teacher but also for the students to pay tribute to their teachers. Every year, we students would give some cards, dedications, flowers, a mini-presentation, etc. in honor of the teachers. As for this school’s KYSD which was held last February 2007, our tribute to our teachers was a song composed by one of our batch mates and who is also one of my classmates now Aiko Sarmiento. It is a song about the work and the role of the teachers in school. At the same time, we also gave some dedications to some of our teachers.

Our last KYSD in UP High School was memorable and for me it is one of the most unforgettable events in our batch.

Loneliness

L(a

Le

Af

Fa

ll

s)

one

l

iness

Actually, I have no idea what this poem means. It is really very hard to interpret it for me, I don’t know for the others, since in each line it consists of about 1-5 letters each not even representing a word. But as the title itself, it is loneliness so therefore the poem is all about loneliness. But I just couldn’t understand why the poet or the one who composed this poem separated or needs to separate the letters of the word loneliness and there is a parenthesis wherein there are words inside which says “a leaf falls.” Well, this is also another hard poem to interpret besides the poem “the look.” But of course it is a must to interpret this poem for our blog project so let me just share to you my own interpretation about this poem.

For me, the letters of loneliness are separated from each other because as the poem is entitled, it is loneliness meaning you are alone, with no one or you are isolated in a particular place the same as the letters of loneliness at this poem. I really do not have much idea about this poem but when I hear the word loneliness, what comes into my mind is being alone in a particular place with no one or no companion at all or being isolated to a group. Yes, it is hard to be alone with no one to lean on. It is totally a hard feeling or experience with no one at your side or no one to stand by you. But some people enjoy being alone or is contented of being alone. That is why we have a term “loner” or people who are all alone or do not usually go with a companion. An example of a loner is a person who loves to work alone or be alone even though many people wanted to go with him/her or wanted to be with him/her but still they manage to be alone or be by themselves most of the time and some became loners too because they feel nobody would understand them or they might have a world of their own. I don’t know the reason why there are people who are really like this but of course let’s not mind them for that is who they are.

The line “a leaf falls” also means or symbolizes something in the poem. Of course when a leaf falls normally, it is a sign of sadness or other related things. And sadness has something to do or is associated with loneliness because it is really a sad feeling when you are alone in your life. And one cause of loneliness too, for the others, is sadness. When you feel sad, the tendency is that you want to be alone in your room and maybe think things over. Others who cannot stand their feelings would run away from home and go to a particular place wherein they are totally isolated.

Each of us has different interpretations towards this poem and this is my own interpretation about it. And I think most people here on earth don’t want to be alone in all their lives. Lastly, all I can say about this poem is that “no man is an island” and we all need each other in order to live.

The look

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

Actually, I am not good in interpreting poems. But of course, we have different interpretations regarding this poem. But if you were to ask me, I also have my own interpretation about this poem and here it goes.

For me, the poem talks about the different interpretations of people towards one another especially about love. I think this kiss symbolizes that there are people who are plastic. When you are around, they treat you nicely and of course we do not know what their true intentions to us are. Just like in the poem, Strephon kissed her in the spring and Robin the fall but Colin only look at her and never kissed at all. I think this means that Strephon and Robin really showed their feelings to the person or to her in the form of a kiss but we are not sure of what are really their true intentions for her, if they really love her or is just to showy or superficial. But talking about Colin, he never dared to kiss her but just merely look ate her. Of course, he didn’t show his feelings to the girl. He is not showy enough but behind that look, one can tell or maybe feel what his intentions are. We are also not sure that maybe the kiss of Strephon and Robin are just a betrayal kiss or a kiss just for showing up. But of course, we cannot tell right away too about Colin’s feelings and intentions, whether is he the same as the two lads.

In the second stanza, Strephon’s kiss was lost in jest and Robin’s lost in the play but the kiss in Colin’s eyes haunts me night and day. I think this means that Colin’s look towards her has a different meaning and this makes her unease or it is always on her mind because the look meant different. It is special compared to the kiss of the two people in the spring and fall. In my opinion, the girl forgets about Strephon and Robin’s kiss since for her it is nothing. It meant nothing. It is just a fake kiss. It is different from the look of Colin towards her for maybe she realized that even though Colin only look at her but never dared to kiss her, it was Colin indeed who has true feelings for her and who loves her indeed. Just by merely the look, one can tell how he feels. When somebody loves a person, I know that the other person also feels what the other person is also feeling except if you are just numb enough not to understand and feel ones feelings and emotions.

The look is really a very deep poem. Deep in the sense that it requires analysis and each has a different symbolism. People who have read it may like the poem since it has a really deep meaning but of course, we do have different interpretations of this poem. As for me, this my own interpretation and I think this poem was entitled the look because the look of Colin towards her is different from the kiss that Strephon and Robin gave to her which makes Colin’s look to her special than the others.

Just nothing...

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The truth is that now, my mind is blank. I don’t know of what I am going to write for the blog or to write some entries for the blog. Up to now, I am still thinking of a topic but for now, this is still what I can write. I know it’s not understandable or readable either but try understanding it or just merely reading it, okay? Have a nice day!!!

How I want to be remembered after I leave High School

It takes several days more to go and we are going to leave our alma mater which is UP High School. But of course, we cannot deny the fact that we would really miss each and every one of us, through the good and bad times, laughter and the tears and whatever memories we have shared in our high school life. Well, its time to bid goodbye to our fellow teachers, batch mates and also to our school. But when leaving UP high school, how do you want to be remembered of?

If I am the one being asked about this question, I want to be remembered as one of the batch who loves music and who loves to play the guitar. Yes, I do love music and I love playing musical instruments especially the guitar. I also want to be remembered as a person who is a friend to everybody. I know that I am not that close to some of my batch mates but the truth is that I want to know them more and four years is not enough but still I am glad and thankful that I get the chance to meet and know them all. Actually, I am a secretive type of person. Some of my batch mates still don’t know most about me. As what others say, I am mysterious but friendly. But the truth is that I am shy to make friends or introduce myself first to a particular person but if that person wants to befriend me, then why not? I am happy if a person would befriend me or is glad to be my friend. But of course, I think everybody would remember me differently or has different opinions towards me. I don’t know but during the positive stroking in our retreat, what they can say about me is a person who loves to play the guitar, friendly, silent, etc. But that were only the opinions of my other batch mates. Some also find me a happy-go-lucky person or a lazy person when it comes to studying. As for my friends too, they say I am talkative outside of class but silent during class hours or school discussions. They say I am a person who loves to makes notes during classes but is not that attentive to the teacher. There are even others who ask me if when will I cry or when can they see me cry because I seldom cry and I cried only once in school and that was the time when it was the farewell of Bea Villamor last second-year high school because she is going to USA, who is one of my closest friends in school. Yes, I am a little bit numb and I think I inherit it from my father but that doesn’t mean that I have a heart of stone. When the situation demands, then maybe I can really cry. But of course I don’t want them to remember me as numb person. Some also of my classmates often teased me as KJ or kill joy that’s because when there are parlor games or contests at school, I am not fond of joining at it. If some would invite me to go anywhere else, sometimes I would fail to go with them. But of course, I have a reason for this and one is that I enjoy going home together with my family or going to my grandparent’s house at the province during Saturdays and Sundays that is why I cannot go with them most of the time. The truth is that I enjoy staying there and it’s the same thing since me and my brother and my other cousins would also hang-out there, anywhere we want to go and I know that they understand and know this. But I don’t normally get angry if they view me as this because it is their own opinion and not mine.

Each of my batch mates has really different views towards me. But of course, the truth is that I don’t want them to be remembering me as one of the batch who is lazy, KJ, would always fail in math, numb, etc. But of course, if they remember me as like that, I respect it. But of course, I really want them to remember me as one of the batch who is a friend to everyone, who loves to play the guitar/who loves music a lot and a happy-go-lucky one.

Things in this world which I like and dislike

I like: Radio, music, computer, internet, television, CDs, VCDs, DVDs, guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, sound box, flute, violin, ukulele, CONVERSE stuffs, my-gel ball pens, handkerchiefs, walkman, jansport bags, jamming, atlas books, encyclopedias, history books, helping my grandparents at our hometown, going to my hometown, bonding with my cousins, talking with my friends, laughing, joking and making jokes, taking a bath in the sea, chess, scrabble, blue, yellow, red, cards, blankets, dominoes, hiking, crossword puzzles, soccer baseball, parties, starstudio magazines, k-zone magazines, songhits, having an out of town, pokemon, MTV, myx, cartoon network, ABS-CBN, Asianovelas, Filipino cuisine, Chinese foods, pillows, jeans, hats/caps, TAZmanian devil in looney toons, songs of Hale, songs of Dishwalla, songs of Swithchfoot, alternative rock music, acoustic music, reggae, bossa nova, skipping rope, biking, sleeping, eating, talking, travelling to different places, peace, to speak different languages, to tour around the world, making faces, teasing, gathering seashells in the sea, going and taking a bath in the spring, living in our province, watching comedy movies, to learn martial arts, anime last time but now a little bit, general information, listening to live bands, island hopping, nature, praying and talking to God, summer, aficionado perfume, sinigang, noodles, snickers, HAZELnut, keychains, stuff toys especially teddy bears, pasta, fruits especially grapes and mango, cd players, water, fashion shoelace, polka dots, going to school but it all just depends on my mood, people who are jamming, cross-stitching, surfing the net, photography or taking photographs and advising other people.

I dislike: memorizing, studying and analyzing a lot of things, boredom, chaos, staying at home always and of course pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets, pets especially dogs.

One early morning.....

One day, I woke up in the morning and hear the sound of the rooster of my Uncle, tugtugaok, tugtugok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugutgaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok, tugtugaok. When I went outside, I saw my lolo repairing our damage chair. He was pounding and this is what I hear, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk¸ puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk¸ puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk, puk. As I was sitting outside, I can hear the bark of my cousin’s pet dogs which is really very noisy. Hearing them bark awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww, awww is really very irritating to my ear. Then came the seller of puto maya which passed by near our house shouting puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto, puto,. As I was sitting also on our bench, I heard my cousin playing the guitar. He loves playing the guitar early in the morning just like me and it became his hobby. Some also of our neighbors were listening to their favorite music. As I was sitting in our bench, I felt it was getting hot already because the sun is already up but still I haven’t eaten my breakfast and took a bath yet. Later on, I decided to do so.

My public speaking class

Last enrollment during the second semester, I arrived about past 9:00 am. Some of my classmates were already lining up for enrolment. Some arrived early just to be enrolled in their choice for electives. But since I only a brought a small amount of money, I went to my aunt’s office to borrow money for the payment of the PTA dues, intrams t-shirt, etc. When I arrived back to UP High School, some of classmates told us that there were only a few slots left for practical law. And of course, I really wanted practical law as my elective subject since I want to know more about the Philippines’ constitution and other related things. When I went to Sir Nuñez to enroll for practical law, it was already full so I have no choice but to take up public speaking as my elective subject.

At first, I felt nervous during our public speaking class because our teacher told us that maybe we would have some impromptu speaking or some speech delivery. Actually, I was expecting this kind of activity because as the elective itself, it is called public speaking so we should expect more speaking activities. But I am really not good when it comes to speaking in front of the public. I usually have stage fright and of course if you got nervous onstage, the result is that you would forget all the things that you wanted to say. But of course, as days and months passed by, I begin to love this subject. I like also this subject since it doesn’t require much memorization too and I am the type of person who doesn’t want a lot of memorization either. At our activities like newscasting, advertisement, karaoke singing, etc. , the comment of our teacher, Mdm. Hermosa, to me is to open my mouth and not to eat the words while speaking and of course to have enough stage confidence. Days passed by and public speaking is almost over but I really hope that maybe for sometime I could also improve my speaking skills. When we are on our last activity which is having our own speech about a particular topic assigned to us and also delivering an introductory speech, the comment about the speech about my topic is that I still lack stage confidence and there is no change in the intonation of my voice. Lastly, I delivered my introductory speech and I was happy that there was a comment that I gained enough stage confidence and I think my speech was delivered well than the previous one because my score has increased. I was happy because I have improved my speaking skills and gain enough stage confidence.

I think it is really God’s plan that I will be enrolled in public speaking because I really learned many things about this subject even just for one semester and I was able to conquer my fear of speaking on stage or in front of the public. And our teacher also told us that if ever we are hired or given a chance to speak in front of the public or be an emcee of a show, then go for it, do not be afraid and just be yourself.

Love: An act of will, not of the heart

Love has many definitions. Some may define love as affection or a tender feeling of liking somebody. The others define love also as a feeling that only a feeling can explain or love is like a rosary full of mystery. These are just some of the many definitions of love. And talking about love, what do we mean by “love as an act of will and not of the heart?”

A heart is just a representation or a symbolism of love. A heart cannot love or doesn’t know how to love. The major role of the heart in our body is to pump blood throughout the body. Of course, when we feel that we like somebody or we began to like or be attracted to somebody, of course it is natural for the heart to beat faster or different than the usual especially if that person is near you but of course if you begin to feel love to that person, it is not the heart anymore who is controlling your feelings and emotions but the one controlling about that feeling is your mind. Our minds are the ones who control almost everything and even the mind is controlling our heart. If you begin to feel nervous, your brain responds to the nerve cells in the body and this causes your heart to beat faster. But as what science says, your emotion is controlled by your mind or brain by a part called limbic system. The Limbic System is the one in-charge for your emotions and feelings associated with memory. If you are in love, then it is not your heart which feels it but your limbic system generally. But of course, we get used to it that the heart naturally is the symbol of love and compassion. Even during Valentine’s Day, it is called also Happy Hearts Day because this is the time to show our love and care to our loved ones and the main symbolism of Valentine’s Day is not the Limbic System or the mind but still the heart. Just imagine a boy courting a girl as usual saying “I love you with all of my heart” compared to saying it like “I love you with all of my limbic system.” I think it sounds awful that the heart is replaced by limbic system as a symbol of love. But of course, if you feel weird to a particular person or like you want to let go of that person but still you can’t because you still love him/her, some would blame their hearts. But of course your mind generally is the one who is in-charge of this emotion. It is you who will decide and not your heart. You must be conscious on what to do and not purely listening always to your emotions. You also need to make your own decisions. That is why the mind is very important and this is the reason why when we love somebody or we are in love at somebody, it is not the heart that controls your feelings and emotions. The heart is merely a symbolism of love but the controller of these feelings is our mind/our will or in other words love is an act of the will and not of the heart.

The problem with men and women

We are just human beings. We are not perfect. We commit mistakes and we cannot please everybody. But of course men and women are different in general. There are some qualities of men and that of women that we don’t like. To start it off, let’s find out what is wrong or what is the problem with men.

The problem with men in general is that they sometimes hid their true feelings or emotions. They want to appear strong and not an emotional or sentimental one. Sometimes even if they want to cry, they try to stop it or hid their true emotions because it can lessen their manhood/becoming a man or for them man must be strong and should not to succumb their emotions. Another problem with men is that they are sometimes not serious in a particular thing and one example is in a relationship. There are really men who are not serious in a relationship and just thought of it as a game not knowing that he may hurt that person who he is having a relationship with. Another problem with men is that they are not easily contented with just one thing. Just like if ever they are already married, they are still looking for another girl or as what they call it, concubines. They are still not contented with their wife and their relationship with each other. Lastly, the problem with men is that they believe they know everything and they would insist in what they believe that they are right all the time. Just like our father or our brothers, they believe they are the ones always right and they know of how we feel even though what they think is wrong and we don’t feel the same about the way they think it would be.

On the other hand, the problem with women is that they love secrets and gossips. Yes, I think it is the nature of women to be more talkative than men and loves to share secrets with other people. They love to backbite and gossiped or even spread some rumors to other people too. Another problem with women is that they tend to be judgmental. Whenever they know a particular person, the tendency is they will judge him/her at first without knowing who he/she really is. But when the time comes, they would still want to find out or know the person more. They are just judgmental at first. Just like men, women sometimes also hid their true feelings too. Just like when a boy courts a girl, sometimes there are really girls who are always in denial even though they feel the same way that the boy feels and this is one example of women/girls who hid their true feelings sometimes to a particular thing or person.

But of course, we cannot please everybody. There are some who doesn’t like you and there are some who likes you no matter who you are. But in our society, it is accepted already that men and women by nature are like this and like that. And of course, it’s just natural to accept it because God created men and women and we are all sinners and we all commit mistakes because we are not perfect. Let us also remember that “No man is an island.” Each of us needs each other in order to live.

My greatest dreams in life

Each of us has different views towards life. Some people live life to the fullest, never complains when they have some problems and there are also others who are pessimistic or the other way around. But as human beings here on earth, we also do have dreams in life and of course it is not bad to have our own dreams even though how impossible they may be or it needs patience. There are people who dreamed of becoming a billionaire like Bill Gates someday or dreamed of having superpowers just like superheroes. There are some who wanted to travel the whole galaxy even the whole universe. Even I myself do have some greatest dreams in life.

Yes, I love to daydream about these dreams of my life since it feels good to think about it. One of my dreams is to finish my studies. Of course, I wanted to fulfill this dream of mine and it is also one of my goals in life. Second, I wanted to become a successful doctor or a graduate of medicine someday. Ever since I was still a kid, this is one of my ambitions and of course it is one of my goals in life to help my family later on. Being a linguist is also one of my greatest dreams in life. It is one of my dreams to speak different languages just like our dear national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. As I was reading this book entitled “Rizal’s travels”, I learned that aside from being a most-traveled man, Rizal can also speak various languages and I think it is a nice experience for me to be able to learn different languages all over the world. And because of my love for geography, I really wanted to study and learn not only the physical features and history of a country but also its language and its system of writing too. Another dream of mine is also to tour around the world. I think that is also what most people wanted to do. Ever since I was still a kid, I love reading atlas books or books about flags, places or geography books. And because of this, I wanted to visit these places and countries. I really love geography and so is history that is why because of my curiosity about a particular place or country, I wanted to know more about it, that is why I wanted to visit them. Lastly, one of my greatest dreams in life is to enjoy life, live life to the fullest and be with God in heaven someday.

These are just some of my greatest dreams in life and I or we cannot assure if these dreams would really come true. But we cannot deny the fact that one of our goals in life is to pursue our dreams but maybe not all of it will be fulfilled. But for now, what we need to do is to take one step at a time and with patience, hard work, perseverance, determination, and with God at your side, little by little you can fulfill your dreams. And as what they say, dreams are real and all you need to do is just believe in it.

The true meaning of Christmas

Gifts, Christmas tree, Santa Claus, lanterns, Jesus, firecrackers, exchanging gifts,etc. These are just some of the words that comes out of our minds every time we hear the word Christmas. But what is really the true meaning of Christmas and how can we spend this once-a-year event to make it special?

Christmas is the time when Jesus Christ was born. It is the time of love, peace and forgiveness. During this time of the season, we often see children caroling on the streets and going to different houses to carol. We also see some people having some firecrackers and fireworks. We can also see the colorful lanterns and the Christmas trees of different houses. Of course, on the malls we can also feel the coming of the yuletide season because many people are buying special gifts for their loved ones. In schools and offices, we cannot deny the fact that there are also some Christmas parties and maybe some kris-kringle, manito-manita or exchanging gifts.We could also see many people during the dawn going to the church to attend this so-called simbang gabi or misa de gallo. When Christmas eve comes, the first thing that most people do after hearing the Christmas eve mass is to have a noche buena with their families and loved ones. During Christmas day, some people would have an exchange of gifts and these is what we often do during Christmas day with my family, cousins, and relatives. There are also others who would have this manito-manita or kris-kringle which is also fun. Some godfathers and godmothers would also give special gifts to their godchildren and this is why most of the kids get too excited during Christmas because of the gifts that they would be able to receive. Some acolytes of the priests too would visit different houses carrying the statue of the baby Jesus for the people to kiss and at the same time offer a donation. But the most important thing that really happens during Christmas season is loving each other and to “forgive and forget.”

Christmas comes only once in a year so why not make the most out of it and celebrate this season with your loved ones. Having no money and having no gifts to give to your loved ones is not a hindrance that we cannot be happy and we would not be able to enjoy the Christmas season. As long as you are with your loved ones and you are complete in the family, there is no doubt that your Christmas is as splendid and as wonderful as the others. And of course, during this time of the season, let's not forget to forgive our enemies or have peace with them. I know that Christmas is still far or is still approaching and it is still nine months to go before Christmas again but when Christmas comes, let's try celebrating it with Jesus by going to church and completing the misa de gallo or not necessarily complete it and of course never forget to pray and thank God for the blessings that you have receive. Just by merely doing this during Christmas, not only us would be happy but also Jesus Christ and the Creator above.

It's a blog thing

When we hear the word blog, what comes into our mind is an online journal or a user-generated website wherein you can display your own opinions, journals, etc. In our English class this 4th grading period, it is our requirement to have a blog. We are required each week to post at least five entries, one assigned topic and four topics of our own choice. It is also required that the entries must be at least 500 words each. But regarding the blog project, is it really useful to us students and what are the skills that I have improved? What are also the problems that I have encountered? Then let's check it out.

I have never really tried making some blogs ever since. Actually, I am not fond of making blogs and other related things. But because of this requirement, I get the chance to create a blog and fortunately I learned how to create it. And one of the skills that I have improve is my composition skills. I am not really that fond of composing or writing journals, experiences in everyday life, diaries and other stuffs. It also improve my typing skills because now, I am already not that slow anymore in typing the keys in the computer unlike last time. It also improve my knowledge in vocabulary and grammar in English. I am not really good when it comes to vocabulary and grammar or my knowledge about vocabulary and grammar is not that wide.

But of course, in making our blogs, we also encountered different problems and one is financial problems. Since our computer was destroyed, I need to go to the Internet cafe. And it takes me about 2-3 hours to create several topics and of course I would have to spent a bigger amount of money. One problem also that I have encountered is to be able to reach 500 words. Yes, that is really my problem ever since the blog project started but I get used to it little by little. Lastly, time is one of my problems regarding the blog project. Because of our busy schedule, sometimes I have no time to go to the Internet cafe anymore.

But the best thing to do in order to come up and be finished with the entries in your blog project is to have time management and self-discipline and I think I lack both of this. You also need to have a draft first so that when you are in the Internet cafe already, you won't be thinking on what to type and at the same time wasting your time. This is the reason why you can spend about how many hours in the Internet and at the same time spending a bigger amount of money for it.

All I can suggest for the coming blog projects is to set a deadline per week. Just like now, others would just depend on the deadlines which is still far and they would not make some entries per week. And because there are really others who are practicing the mañana habit or the eleventh hour, that is why they would make many entries the day before the deadline or on the deadline itself which causes them stress, pressure and would consume most of their time on that particular day.

An ideal leader

Again it is almost election time. As you can see there are already some political ads on the TV and some posters posted anywhere with the name of the candidates for election. Of course, some are already thinking of whom they would vote for this coming election and there are also others who get confused of whom they would vote this election and as usual there are really people who wanted to boycott because they believe that our country would still remain a poor country even if they would vote or not. But for us who have still no right to vote, of course we wouldn’t think or maybe have a problem of the candidates we would vote, right? But what are really the qualities of a good leader or what are really the qualities that you are finding for as a leader?

For me, one quality of a good leader is that he/she must be responsible enough in the sense that he/she is reliable and can make decisions independently. Another quality is that he/she must be independent. Independent in the sense that he/she is capable of what he/she is doing and not always consulting or relying on others for decisions or in decision-making and other things. To be a good leader too, you need to be thoughtful. Being thoughtful means you can anticipate of others wants and needs and as a leader you need to listen and fulfill the Filipinos’ needs. To be a leader, you need to be wise too or should I say clever and intelligent. You must have the wisdom and the mind of making the right decisions, to think about plans for our country to have a stable economy and to minimize poverty in the near future and which the people can also benefit. Lastly, I think this is the most important one and this quality is being a nationalistic person. Nationalistic meaning devoted to ones country. For me this is really important because how can you be able to serve the country and the people when you yourself do not love your country and its people. If you love your country, then I know that you would not think twice to serve its people and perform your duties and responsibilities as a good leader. And if you are proud of your country and you are proud of your nationality, I know that you would really do your very best to serve for the benefit of the country and its people. So the same as here in the Philippines, if you love this country and its people here, then I know that you would do your very best to make this country prosperous and in peace and at the same time do your best to serve the people.

But of course, we are not perfect. Not everyone, especially those who are leaders and those who wanted to become leaders of this nation, has these traits or qualities. But despite all of this, you can still become a good leader and that is if you have the guts and you really wanted to serve the country, I know that you will really do your best to be a successful and be a good leader someday. And for us Filipinos, as citizens of this country, the best thing to do is to perform your duties and responsibilities as citizens of this country or as a Filipino.

The Philippines Now

The Philippines, as of now, is one of the third-world countries in the world. It has not yet recovered that much from its poor economy or our country is still not that industrialized and our economy is not that stable unlike the other first-world countries. But what are really the reasons why there are many poor people in our country today or what are the causes of poverty in our country today?

I think one reason is graft and corruption. Many of our leaders are so corrupt nowadays. Having a high position in office, many government officials are abusing their powers to gain money by illegal means. Another reason of poverty in our country includes overpopulation and one way to prevent this thing is having family planning. Just imagine that you are ten members in the family and your parents have no permanent work to sustain your daily needs. Because of this, some children are forced to work at an early age and they are forced not to go to school anymore. Some would be brought to the orphanage and there are others who really have no choice but to do bad things or improper ways like to steal, snatch, etc. just to earn money. That is why there are many robbers, snatchers, etc in our country today and there are also people who never really have the chance to go to school and how can they have a good work when many companies of today’s time would prefer a college graduate? Another reason is also education. Many children were not given the chance to study or go to school. Of course, if you haven’t gone to school, you would really have no permanent work when you would grow up and this would lead to having no enough money to sustain your daily needs and this would maybe somewhat lead to poverty except the fact that you could find other ways to succeed or you would really strive hard to earn money.

Nowadays also, many people wanted to go abroad because they believe they would earn more money abroad because of the peso-dollar rate. Many students are taking up nursing, computer science, etc. because it is in-demand abroad. They prefer to work abroad because they believe they would earn more money there than here in the Philippines. Filipinos are just practical and it is also a fact that if you would work abroad, you would really earn dollars wherein converted to peso is already a big amount. But of course, it would be much better if we Filipinos would work and serve our country because just like today since many nurses, teachers, computer programmers, etc. are going abroad, only a few were left to serve and work here for our country. Yes, many professionals are going abroad to earn money. But of course OFW’s are also helping our country by means of helping and putting a better life to other people here in our country especially their families.

Let’s admit it that our country is really poor and at the latest survey that I have watch from the news, the Philippines rank first in graft and corruption in Asia and we are also rank second as the poorest country in Asia, first is Bangladesh. But despite all of this, many tourists and foreigners would still come to our country because Philippines have some treasures that no country has ever had. We have abundant natural resources, many beautiful spots and historical places, many beautiful beaches, colorful festivals and as what they say Filipino people are the world’s most hospitable people.

Winning in a lottery

Winning in a lottery especially a very, very big amount is what most people dream of. Of course lottery is a form of gambling. If you really wanted to win, you need to gamble your money to buy a lot of tickets and this can cause you to be “short” or in other words run out of money. But of course there are really people who are risky and no matter what happens, they hope to win so they would spend all their money to buy lottery tickets even though they know that there could be a probability that they would not win or they would win that big amount. Well, it just depends on luck and who knows someday you might become an instant millionaire.

But of course, who wouldn’t be happy if a time will come when you would win in a lottery. What would you do with the money? If I am the one given the chance to win in a lottery, the first thing that I would do is to build a house for my family. Not really as big, as fabulous or as magnificent as the other houses but a house that has enough rooms for all of us since we are several in the family with of course some guest rooms and a music room. I don’t care if it is a two-storey or a three-storey house as long as it is well-designed, it is enough for all of us and it looks nice and elegant. Secondly, the remaining money would be for the payment of our debts. I admit it, we do have a lot of debts and until now, some were still not paid and I really wanted to help my family specifically my parents and aunts so I wanted to share my money with them for paying our debts. Thirdly, the money remaining would be for our educational finances. Nowadays, the school tuitions are already increasing and only a few are given the chance of becoming a scholar. Of course, my brothers and I wanted to go to school and finish our studies that is why I wanted to finance myself and my brothers. Just like what my aunt told me who is a choir member, if ever she may win a big amount of money in a game show, a contest or in a lottery, she wanted to donate some of it for the church in our province. I, myself also wanted to do the same thing. I also wanted to help some charities or orphanage too. If there is still some remaining money, it would not only be for me but I wanted to share it with my family. Maybe some would be spent for our personal necessities and some would be deposited in the bank.

Lottery is a form of gambling and some people just don’t care what would be the effect of gambling a big amount of your money in the lottery as long as they have tried because we cannot predict what would happen in the future. Who knows you might get rich someday and only God knows. What is important is just pray to the Creator above and being rich is not a hindrance in life not to be happy, successful and pursuing your dreams in life. God has plans for us and there are really people who are just lucky enough to win in a lottery and other contests, raffles, etc. but for the others who are hoping to win in it, just try and try until you succeed but of course gambling is not good but if you have the guts and you believe you would really win, then go for it.

A Special Birthday Celebration

One event that is really very special and memorable in our lives is our birthday. Yes, we cannot deny the fact that if our birthday is coming or fast approaching, we get too excited and happy. I know this is not applicable to some people because there are really people who just feel normal or think that their birthday is just an ordinary day unlike the others. But of course, birthdays just come once in a year so why not spend the most out of it or maybe have fun and thank God for it is your birthday!

Last March 17, 2007, was one of my most unforgettable birthdays. It was really different from all the birthdays that I have celebrated before. It was really not that grand or a big event. It was just a simple birthday celebration. One thing that makes this birthday event special is that we are complete meaning my parents, brothers, grandparents, cousins and relatives are there. Spending my birthday with many of my loved ones makes my birthday really complete, special and very happy even though we haven’t prepared much food or I don’t receive many birthday gifts. I am really the type of person who is very close to my cousins and relatives. I consider them as part of my family and spending a special event like Christmas, birthdays, etc without them is not really that complete. I often celebrate my birthdays in Sogod, my hometown and the place where my grandparents live. I found this place also very special to me since it is the place where I grow up, I spend my childhood days here, I found a lot of friends here and of course many of my cousins and relatives are living here.

During my birthday, I never really expected that many would come. We had our dinner together at about 7:00 pm. I was really happy that many were able to come. It is really a pleasure to me if the people whom I have invited in my birthday would come and celebrate with me but if they can’t, then it is still okay. I really enjoyed spending time and having a bonding with my dear cousins. We haven’t seen each other for almost a month and of course we easily miss each other because of our closeness. I enjoyed having music sessions with them or having a jamming with our favorite songs together. Yes, all of us really love music that is why we enjoy and have fun listening to music, jamming or having a videoke or karaoke. Sad to say, since we spent a lot of time for our music sessions that is why we were not able to watch our favorite TV shows and watch our favorite movies on the DVD in my aunt’s house. But still it is okay, what is important for me is that many came and celebrated with me and greeted me a happy birthday. My birthday was really somewhat like a little reunion also since there were some who came whom we haven’t seen for how many months and of course we had an exchange of how are you’s.

My birthday was not that magnificent or grand. It is just a simple celebration with my loved ones and with that, I am very much happy. Even if you have no enough money or your birthday is not that grand as it used to be or as you want it to be, it is not a hindrance that you would not be happy or you would not enjoy on your birthday. As long as you are with your loved ones, it is very much okay and of course never forget to pray and thank God for the blessings and graces that you have receive throughout your life.

A memorable retreat experience

Last Saturday and Sunday (March 24-25, 2007), we the seniors are having our retreat at St. John in Banawa, Cebu City. Of course, it is good to have a retreat during these times since it is really a busy month and specifically a week for us. We need to comply with the requirements and we have a lot more things to do like our research projects and other things that are needed for our clearance signing. I admit it, it is really a very tiresome week for me and I think for the others too and of course going to the retreat is one way to rest, reflect and pray and maybe for two days to relieve your stress or tensions that you have felt for the entire weekday.

For us seniors, going to the retreat is also important since we are already graduating students and this is our last year in UP High School so why not go and make the most out of it and at the same time, aside from reflecting or praying, there are also a lot of activities that are fun and interesting wherein you can also learn some lessons in life.

The retreat was really very unforgettable or should I say memorable. There are really a lot of unexpected things. I was happy that all of us shared and interacted with each other. One activity which for me is one of the best during the retreat is the positive stroking. In this activity, we get the chance to say something good or positive things to our other batch mates. It was quite an emotional activity. Many were touched and were able to cry because of the positive things that their batch mates tell to them especially the unexpected ones. Talking about my experience about this activity, I really did not expect this activity to be emotional and sentimental since I have never tried this activity before. But the truth is that I am just very much happy about what my batch mates said to me. I was glad that they treat me as their friend and that they are also happy and thankful to be my friend even if some of them are really not that close to me.

Talking about the activity which I like the least, one is the open forum. It is not that I don’t like it but not all of us were able to talk to the whole batch and I am one of them since the people who were not able to receive candles were not able to talk to the whole batch because of the time but I understand and it is okay since we lack time already and some were already sleepy at that time since we end past 11:00 pm. One activity which I also like the least is the talk about faith healing. The truth is that at that time, I was really very much sleepy and I was not able to concentrate and listen very carefully to Fr. John, one of our facilitators, but still, I did my best to listen to him despite of my sleepiness since it is also good to have an idea about faith healing and some related things about it.

Staying in St. John for about two days, I was able to reflect and pray to God. We spent time there having some fun activities, games, bible sharing, knowing God more, seminar about the circle of love and others. I was also happy that for several years, I was able to confess again. At the same time I was able to interact with my batch mates and know them more. We also get the chance to say sorry to them during the open forum and we have the opportunity to talk to them and settle down things in the past, bad things that happen and of course letting the anger or hurt be relieve in our hearts.

The retreat was really worth it and it was not merely reflecting, praying and relaxing our minds but I was also able to gain some insights or learnings that is very much applicable in our lives. One is I was able to know God more and his parables through the talk of the facilitators and the bible sharing. I also learned to interact and know my batch mates more because of course, we cannot deny the fact that sometimes we get to be judgmental to others not knowing who they really are and I think it’s nice feeling of getting to know them more. Lastly, I learned that no matter what happens, just be yourself always and believe in yourself.