HARLZ BERRY DEMEGILIO
Me
I’m a native of Iloilo. Born in a loving family and grew up in an interesting community. I got my first gasp of earth’s air on the 6th of December 1994. I’m currently a UP Mindanao student. And still adjusting in the new environment and like any other kids my age I have a hard time adjusting. But I know this is part of growing up.
I don’t deny that I’m childish. I am a playful individual who love to laugh and make others around me laugh. I enjoy life and take advantage of it. I want to make sure that I’m living to the fullest and not wasting every second of it. I love adventure. I love to do lots of things but I always got easily bored and tired causing me to not be able to finish the things that I’ve already started. I’m a restless person. I’m always ready to grab every opportunity lurking around.
Possessed
It was our recess and my friends and I were walking on the hallway when we saw that there were lots of students peeking at the window of a classroom. There was something interesting happening inside, we thought. We squeezed ourselves to the crowd and we saw a female student bathing in her own saliva. Her eyes were red and threatening, like she could kill anyone anytime she wanted. Her voice was not soft anymore, it sounded hoarse and powerful and she became surprisingly stronger than the five students who were holding her on the arms and legs so that she would be restrained while the teacher was chanting a rosary for her. I stared straight into her eyes and suddenly I felt my heart stop beating. I couldn’t move. Fortunately, the head teacher arrived and I recovered my awareness. Her annoying squeaky voice commanded us to go back to our classrooms and we had no choice but to follow her. I thought the teachers could handle that situation and that everything was going to be fine. But I was wrong. As we entered our classroom, we heard a deafening scream just across the third year curriculum building. Curious, we got out of our room and found out that another student got “sapi-an” or possessed. And another and another, until the whole school was in red alert. My classmates and I ran inside our room, closed the doors and watched the horrible scene from the windows. We didn’t dare to get out of that room. We were all so scared that some of us cried. I was so scared too that I was crying and begging God to make everything fine. One of my classmates asked us to form a circle so that we could pray together. We held hands, closed our eyes and prayed with all our hearts. I don’t know how long we prayed, but when I opened my eyes I felt more secure and strong (spiritually). I didn’t pray very often, but after that incident I prayed every day and attended services on any church. The truth is, I don’t have a religion. But it didn’t stop me from having a strong faith.
JANICA CAMILLE TE
TRAVEL THROUGH MEMORIES
Approximately4.6 billion years ago,God created the heavens and the earth.But just 16 years and 2 months ago, God created a pesky and clumsy kid. It was exactly 1:05 in the afternoon in that very day of July 15 year 1995, and the sun's heat was freakishly excruciating,a girl was born which made the angels' smile - she was named Janica.
Janica is the 3rd and youngest member of the Te family. At an early age of three, she already entered kindergarten. At 6, she finally stepped on the 1st grade level. She loved going to school mainly because of the reason to be around with her friends. At age 11, she completed her elementary education at Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementaru School.
When it was time to enter high school, Janica was confused as to what school she will be entering at. Because of that, she followed her father's suggestion to enter at Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School which is a Japanese school in Davao City. At this point of her life, Janica discovered what she wants to do in the future. She understood how to value time and friendship. I also realized how important the role of family is. It was at this point when she discovered her passion in Asian languages, culture and arts.
Janica struggled in high school for having no guidance from her parents. They went abroad just a week before she will get her elementary diploma.Nevertheless, she took her studies seriously even without her parents around her.
Janica has an elder brother and sister who are already graduates with a degree in Nursing. Because of her siblings, Janica was inspired to do well in her studies -they are one of her inspirations in life.
Currently, Janica is fond of painting, singing at the shower and traveling.
A REVIEW ON DEPARTURE
The movie ‘Departures’ made me cry for about three times. At first, I was actually shocked when Daigo Kobayashi (the main cast) was cleaning a corpse he is not even related with; then I had learned that the Japanese has the tradition called ‘cleansing’ wherein after cleaning the corpse with wet cloth, they put on some make-up on the dead person’s face – a tradition that is known to make the corpse beautiful before sending them off to the other world. I find that tradition of theirs creepy; maybe because I don’t see any group of people here in our country that has the same kind of ritual.
The movie was truly worth-watching because it touched my heart and made me laugh countless of times. Through the movie, a deeper rapport has been created between me and the Japanese people; even though I didn’t literally interact with them. I was also able to understand and relate on their way of living and how the people there socialize with one another. Somehow, I’ve learned a lesson on how to value family relationships – It is important to always communicate especially when a member of your family or two is away from home. Every member of the family should not be ashamed to show his or her feelings to the other members because through communication, a closer and much deeper relationship will definitely be developed.
Life is not certain. There are countless of things that may or may not happen in your future which are included in the list of your plans. But in this planet, you can and will surely encounter these two certain things: change and death. Change will always be your partner as long as you’re still running in this race called life; while death may only come to you as a surprise.
PRECIOUS ERIKA ALIBOYOG
When She Came
Still keeping a hold on him...that's me. I still remember the day he would tell me that I should do well in my studies... the way he slips “goodluck” notes with a big smiley face under my armchair... those times when we would walk the rooms from the library and talk all the while. And oh, how could I forget our kiss. How I wish t'was longer. How I hope we could still be together. How I dream of moments with you, just hanging out, eat and shout at the shore like what we did before. But time did outdate us. You are now hers. You can never be mine.
You are just but a dream. My fantasy, wish, my hope, a prayer. I thought we were going good together. I thought you would never leave me. Sometimes things change and so do you.
They said you were perfect for each other. I really can't deny it Her fair skin glowed as the light radiates her. She was beautiful in every angle I look. I can't help but admire a woman like her. You two were just so admiring to look at.
Things may change, but not my love for you. It's what I've only got now. I continued loving you because I can't stand not being with you.
But there are also things I regret. Things I want to undo or delete. I do regret that day, I swear. I wish I have thought of other options. I wish I never did. I wish I deeply thought of how it was gonna be without you, my family and her by my side, caring and understanding me. Never did I anticipated this. That... that I was going to be empty. To be left out and cheated by my own feelings. But the thought of you- leaving-me was so absurd. You showed me how you cared for me but you never did plan a future with me. How come we're not part of your stupid plans? How could you be such a coward? Afraid? Scared? How could you turn us down and left us? Why were you selfish, inconsiderate and so insensitive?
I was there. Begging for you to come back and make our family because Nicole came to our lives. But you ran away. Saying you don't deserve an early responsibility and burden to your life, escaping the fruit of our secret. You were 21, I was 16 then. You said you had set your goals ahead of you. You had better plans... and we we're not a part of it.
I was clouded by my hurt, blinded by your rejection, I ran. After all of what I did, there is one more option to pick. A choice I have made. A solution to my own predicament. A sweet agony. You can't blame me, I just want to be cold, to be numb, to feel nothing. In that way, I may not feel the excruciating pain flowing and surging in my blood.
Despite all of what happened, I am still here. Guarding you, protecting, caring, loving in every possible way I could even lifeless as I am.
“SISTER, FOUND”
Recess was just over. I was in the middle of Slumberland because our class had been cancelled. Then suddenly, I felt the heavy hands of Rosie, my classmate, waking me. She told me my sister wanted to see me. Knowing her, I doubted that she had good intentions but still I came along and went outside. Feeling the cool wind on my face, I braced myself for a heated conversation and bloody encounter because she would only humilate me in front of people. This time Ate was playing her role so good. She was in tears when I saw her. My heart was frozen for a second. My thoughts of her fooling me were dismissed. She immediately hugged me. Hugged me tight. It was very unusual. Unfamiliar. Awkward. That was the very first “sister” hug she gave me. I was a 2nd year high school student but I couldn't remember anything before that showed she cared for me. She used to put me in shame. She used to tell everyone that I was so stupid. I waited for any prankster dialogue. But none came out from her mouth. She only hugged me while she continued crying. We were at the back of the door, I was still in shock when she stopped hugging me. She told me how much our parents had sacrificed just to satisfy her needs and wants. She told me that she had been a fool. How she regretted what she has been. She added that I must not be like her, that I should work harder and take my studies seriously. I was amazed by what was happening. She said sorry for all her wrongdoings towards me. I really didn't know what exactly happened in the faculty room earlier with the teachers and my parents with her. But something told me it was somewhat good... she changed. It was the first hug I received from her. That day, I found a sister. All my hatred for living under her shadow were pulled out and thrown away.
A REVIEW OF DEPARTURES
Movie Review:
The movie was touching yet it was also very humorous and funny at times. Kobayashi ended up desperately hunting for a job after his dreams were crushed. Upon his profession, witnessing many casketing and burial ceremonies, he realized how noble his job is. That a mortician is not just a high-paying job but a job that needs passion, respect for and understanding of human life. He did not only respect the “departed ones” but he now understands how significant his profession and started gaining his self-esteem even though his love left him. He started believing in himself. I liked it because it tells us that we don't need to be accepted by people around us. As long as you know you have not hurt them.
My favorite part was the ending. He hated his father. He even forgets his face. He was blinded by the hurt that he has been feeling. He had not entertained even a possibility that his father might love him and even if he would, Kobayashhi would hate him. And when his father died, the undertakers did their job without care that's why he was disappointed. He had made the casketing himself and there, he discovered that his father had always thought of him and that he was loved by his father. He finally reconciled and accepted the truth. He respected and eventually loved his father again. He may be dead but what was important is that his hidden feeling and hatred was resolved.
DUANE EMMANUEL BENEGRADO
Who's Who?
When our E.I.C. told me to write an autobiography I thought it would just be a piece of cake. But as I started writing it I realized how difficult it is to write an essay of your own self. So I’ll start it with the typical stuffs. I’m Duane, born 14th day of March during the year of the dog. I am second among the three sons of Deal and Cherlita and I can’t live (literally) without basketball. Basketball is the second most amazing invention ever created. Everybody knows that I love to goof off and make silly and corny jokes. I have this tendency to act very weird especially if I just finished a very difficult test or when I am very hungry. People see me as a happy-go-not so lucky guy (just kidding about the “not so”, I told you I make corny jokes) and it is somehow true. I am quite lazy and procrastinating is my best friend. I have a passion for music. Music also helps me concentrate and it manipulates my emotions. It also clears my mind especially if I am having a hard time dealing with my studies or other stuff. These are the things that my friends already know. But everything they know about me is just like a façade, covering who I really am. Truth is I am very sensitive, sensitive in a way that I am very much concerned about other people’s welfare. Especially those who are in desperate need of help. I may sound like a politician but it is true. Some people think, because I am always goofing around, that I don’t give a damn about others. They don’t know I have done things for them in my own little way. Every time I see a disabled person I often show an unconcerned face but deep inside they serve as one of my inspirations to work hard and have enough money to start a foundation for them someday. I always hide what I truly feel especially when I am very down. I do this maybe because I don’t want to show to people that I am very vulnerable. I am weak at times but a life full of failures and victories is always better than the one’s who are always on top. Because in reality there will always be failures and you must live with that fact. Life’s simple you make choices and you don’t look back, regretting the things that have been said and done is pointless. Writing this essay kind of helped me know more about who I really am. Writing an autobiography is tiring but it’s cool. =)
A Taste of Heaven
I will never forget the first time I joined a band competition and won my school a championship trophy. I was the youngest member of my band and the story why I got in their band is a little bit awkward because I was at the comfort room at that time, minding my own business, suddenly when I got out my upper-class man approached me and invited me to be one of their vocalists in the band. I accepted their offer immediately and went home wearing a big, million-dollar smile because that band was our representative against college students for the “Palakasan Band Competition”. They won the championship trophy last year and that put a pressure on me. Thoughts began to run in my mind and I began to doubt my capabilities. I got ready for the event and I had to exercise discipline like I didn’t talk much to my classmates so that I won’t stress out my vocal chords and I was careful on what I put inside my mouth, meaning, no sweets, no cold drinks etc. While at home, I practiced our pieces and I asked my brother pointers on how to sing the songs since he was a way better singer than me.
The day finally came and we were armed and ready. I was armed and ready. When the competition started butterflies begin to build up in my stomach and I couldn’t sit still because the other bands that performed before us were outstanding, especially their vocalists. Still I kept on telling myself that I can do it, I have the voice and I will help them win the championship title again. When it was our turn to impress the crowd and the judge, the “butterflies” started to fly away from my stomach and an air of excitement and extreme joy breezed through me. The cheers from the crowd pumped me up as they were shouting “Soup #5!” It felt like nothing else mattered, no past and no future; just the moment. The feeling of success and accomplishment started to come to me after our performance and was made even better when Soup #5 was named the 2008 Palakasan Band Competition Champions. It was like a little taste of heaven for me.
A REVIEW ON DEPARTURES
The movie departure is a story about a cellists, who, after his orchestra was bankrupted decided to go back home to try his luck there. Desperate, while reading the newspaper he answered the advertisement for the company called “Departure” thinking that he would be working for a travel agency. Unfortunately, there was a misprint and it was really “Departed” a mortuary and so he had to work as an assistant to his boss __________. Departure is kind of a dramatic movie but it isn’t just a typical dramatic type of movie where it is all about crying because it has a touch of comedy too that will surely make you laugh out all your problems. I really liked the part when it was his first time to assist his boss in cleaning up a corpse of a woman who was discovered two weeks after her death; I really enjoyed his facial expression. It also has exciting twists of events because it is very original and unpredictable especially the part when the friend who despised him for being an undertaker ironically hired him when his mother died. I was really touched in the part where he discovered that his dad actually cared for him because he found the stone in the hand of his father while cleaning his corpse. The movie Departure tells us about how we should value life. It showed to us how we should take every single day in our lives as a gift and we should give importance to our family and friends because they are not always there for you. It also showcases the uniqueness of the Japanese in terms of cleaning the dead. And lastly it highlights the importance of undertakers who are often discriminated because of what they do for a living. It is a very fantastic movie; the setting was simple yet because of the rise and fall of events you won’t get bored and it is something that everyone should watch because I am sure it will really touch your heart and make you cry. Departure is one of the most ingeniously made movies I have ever seen and it really speaks about the life and reality. No wonder the movie won an Oscar award last 2009.
CLYDE CHARISSE LETIGIO
ALL ABOUT MYSELF :)
My name is Clyde Charisse S. Letigio. You, my dear reader, can either call me Clyde or Charisse— it doesn’t really matter. My mother gave birth to me on the 11th day of February of the year 1995, and, well, I have been existing for 16 years now (yehey me!). I come from the place where the real champions are— General Santos City. You may have heard of this city because of Manny “Pacman” Pacquio, Shamcey Supsup or tuna.
My dear reader, if this article is starting to bore you, you always have the choice to close the window. However, I will continue blabbing about me. I must say that I am not just any ordinary person. I may look ordinary on the outside, but, on the inside, I’m actually wacky (ha! XD). There will be times that I could bore you to death, but, at times, especially when I feel like it, I’ll probably be one of the wacky people you’ll meet. Most of my friends would describe me as weird. But, when I looked for the defintion of weird, I realized that it wasn’t a good thing to be weird at all. It stated that weird means strange. Because of this, I would rather consider myself wacky. Furthermore, this Clyde person is indeed a good friend (hihi~! :P). I am the type person whom you can lean on when you’ve got problems.
Well, I guess, it’s now up to you, reader, to distingush who I really am. How? Read my articles more. Okay? :D
“My First Time in an Audition”
Being part of The Quantum Girls’ Ensemble, our school’s choir, had always been a dream of mine. So, when I was in 2nd year high school, I got the chance to audition in this club. I was both excited and nervous. It was Monday morning when our school principal officially announced the audition date. After the announcement, my friends and I quickly talked about auditioning, and discussed what we were going to sing. Isa thought about singing Kim Chiu’s Friend since it’s one of her favorite sings, and she happens to be very good at singing it. On the other hand, Joanne and I were planning to sing Someone’s Watching Over Me by Hillary Duff. As soon as I got home, I looked for the song’s lyrics. Then, I practiced a boit. I must say thay I did have the confidence and the assurance of getiting in. Friday finally came. It was certainly a big day for me and for my friends. After eating our lunch, we immediately changed our clothes and signed ourselves up. The teachers instructed all of us to fall in line outside the 2nd year high school classriim. The three of us were starting to shake. One by one, a teacher called the students in. After ten minutes or so, Joanne was finally called. I wished her good luck. I was walking back and forth thinking that this nervousness would go away. Then, it was my turn. I went inside.the two judges were smiling at me, and told me that I could start. I sang the Hillary Duff ong, just like I had planned. At first, I felt nervous that my hands couldn’t stop sweating and shaking. But, as soon as I finished singing the song’s first line, that nervousness slowly faded away. “Thank you,” that’s what the judges said. Then, I went out of the room thinking that I hadn’t been able to sing the song well/ I no longer expected to fet in. Monday came, and I was not excited. My classmates were congratulationg me as soon as I got inside the classroom, and I didn’t have any idea why. Joann approached me. She told me I got in. I didn’t want to believe her at first, so I looked for my name on the list, and there it was. Joanne and Isa didn’t make it, but they made it in the Theater Arts Club. We were all so happy.
CHRISTINE MAE ASTRONOMO
THE START OF SOMETHING NEW
“Nothing is permanent in this world but change.” That saying has been implanted on my mind since I was on elementary student. Now an important change recently in my sixteen years of living in the physical world of humans and animals and also plants had happened, the start of my life as a college student.
“I’m Christine Mae J. Astronomo. I graduated from Kidapawan City National High School. 15 years old (at that time! It was May when it happened and my birthday is on July 12.). I chose Anthropology because it is a social science like Psychology and I watch the tv series “Bones” where I became interested in anthropology. Love is a thing that inspires people that even the most difficult thing becomes the easiest because of it,” I said as I introduced myself in front of my upclassmen-and-classmate-to-be on our First Bloc Encounter. A new chapter of my life began there. New beginnings, new school, new professors, new classmates, new friends. These are the things that awaited me in my college life.
My mother, Nora Jamero Astronomo, supported me as I travel in this new journey.
She’s always supportive to me. I’ll gonna miss her, my father Zenon Curambao Astronomo and my brother Mark Emmanuel Astronomo in our home in Kidapawan City. Even everyday, I have a fught with them, they are still very dear
She’s always supportive to me. I’ll gonna miss her, my father Zenon Curambao Astronomo and my brother Mark Emmanuel Astronomo in our home in Kidapawan City. Even everyday, I have a fught with them, they are still very dear
I will also miss my friends. The ever bubbly Rae Marie Manar, the intelligent and smart Joselle dela Cruz, the kind and caring Jireh Mae Retiza, and the silent but wise Orly Czar Anuba, and I also would part ways for the same journey but in different places.
As I began my college life, I became friends with my blocmates and made acquaintances with some of our upperclassmen. Most of them called me “Otaka”, some shorten it as “Taka” or “Taks”. There are few who called me on my name “Christine” and there’s one who calls me “Max”. I prefer my nicknames rather than my real name because my name is so common that I got confused who is being called that I tend to look to that somebody and realized that I’m not the “Christine” that is called.
They know me as a short girl who is very optimistic and sort of cheerful person who had a rather peculiar laughter. They even know some of my interests are animes, Jpop, yaoi and sleeping. I love Tagalog romance pocketbooks, Rick Riordan’s works and Harry Potter series. What I dislike are moustache and lots of cream. I have a fear on dogs, snakes, being in the crowd, and dark places. I love cats, chocolates and blue things.
Like a normal teenager, I also feel something that seems out of normal in our society and people think that these feelings are brought by my adolescence stage. One example of this is having a crush on a girl. I’m also confused. I don’t know what I really want, what I believe, and what I stand for.
I’m also a heavy sleeper. I somebody wakes me up, I muttered curses without thinking and become surly for few minutes. I talk to myself even in public. I tried not to but still can’t stop it; it’s a “displacement” method to express myself. I’m a messy person. I don’t care if my hair is messy but there are times that I get irritated to look at my disarranged things because it’s messy.
I intend to use my life effectively. I want to help others to lessen their burdens. It may sound impossible but I want to help them in my own way. May be unnoticeable or not, I don’t care, I just want to help them. I want to make those closes in my heart to be happy. I just have this feeling to repay them always being there for me. And again, I’ll do it on my own way. Lastly, enjoy my life without regrets and doubts. I want to do things that I dream like to go to other places, see those people I admire, become a philanthropist and to see people happy.
To wrap it up, I’m optimistic, cheerful, anime-Jpop-yaoi lover, 4’11 anthropology student that believes “Everything changes” and also wants to have a fulfilling life. I’m just as normal as Homo sapiens sapienses are with a little bit of peculiarity. I love my God, family and friends and also the people I admire. I also love my countrymen in my own way.
To end this, I’ll leave you an excerpt from a song Becca: “I’m alivw! I’m alive! Oh yeah! Between the good and bad is where you’ll find me, reaching for Heaven. I’m alive and I’ll sleep when I die. I live my hard life, I live my life. I’m alive!” J
The First time I Did Something in My Jumpers
It was a cold, early Sunday morning. Lighted candles were all over the place. The place was packed with many people just standing at the back. Music was ringing in my ears as the people sang with joy and enthusiasm. A man in a white robe or alb was telling us the resurrection of Christ. The typical early Easter Sunday mass. We, my family and I, were just standing at the back. I wore my shirt and jumpers. I woke up before 4:00 so I was still sleepy. As minutes passed by, I yawned. I sat down and listened to the priest’s sermon. Well, I was six year old that time and I couldn’t take the sleepiness anymore so I slept. Twenty minutes later or so, I woke up. The sky was light blue and the sun started to appear, it was past 5:00 am. I could feel the uncomfortable feeling in my stomach as if there’s something that wants to get out. I told my parents that I want to go in the CR and my father accompanied me. As we got inside the CR, the first thing that hit me was the smell that nauseated me so I didn’t continue what I needed to be done. We came back to the church. The feeling didn’t subside; instead it grew stronger and stronger. I couldn’t take it anymore so I pooped in my jumpers. It really felt awkward and uncomfortable. It was so wet on my butt, mushy and icky. I got out the church as the smell started to scatter. Looking at it back now, I laughed and at the same time embarrassed. For me, it is the funniest and terrifying childhood experience ever.
A REVIEW ON DEPARTURES
The movie “Departures” is a wonderful combination of comedy and drama that made the audience laugh at the beginning and cry at the middle to the end of movie. “Departures” shows that many would discourage and mocked you because of your job. But if you love it, just continue and don’t mind those people. If your career makes you contented or happy, just keep working.
The protagonist of the story, Kobayashi Daigo, was a professional cellist until their orchestra was disbanded and he was desperate to have a job to provide his and his wife’s daily needs. Just because of a simple clerical error in a job advertisement, he took a job as an assistant of Mr Sasaki, an old man whose job is to prepare corpses for burial, reluctantly. As the story progresses, Daigo learned to love his job and know the process of preparing dead bodies to appear presentable. As his pregnant wife found out about his job, she let the protagonist choose between her and their future together or his job. The guy didn’t answer and his wife left him. Later, the wife returned to him and the wife understood his passion for his work. The final straw of the movie was that his long-gone died and he was the one who prepared the body of his father. He forgot the resentment he felt for his father. Most of the people cried and I got teary-eyed at this point.
I really laughed at the start of the movie and got teary-eyed from the middle down to the end of the movie. It was a touching movie for it showed a once-reluctant guy turned into a devoted guy in his work and how it changed his point of view in his life. Even though many discouraged him from that work, he never backed down and he continued his devotion to his work. It makes me think that if I find a career (hopefully on the near future) that makes me happy and contented, I’ll pursue it and will not let any people intervene in what makes me satisfied. J
KAREN JOYANNE CHUA
She is NEAR
On the 6th day of April 1994, a family celebrated a new life. A baby girl was born in a hospital in the heart of the city of Caloocan. The girl grew up to be a nice cute girl, well; she’s really cute because you can’t say her age if you base it on her height, by that I say she’s really small.
Years past and the girl turned four years old, her family moved to another city, a city far from the customs, language and traditions of the city she was born in. It was difficult to adjust at first but as years go by, she was able to adapt in the new environment she was in.
She started going to school at Ford Academy of the Arts, there, she learned different aspects of life, started working on her projects without her parents and sibling’s help. She also honed her talents in dancing and in different fields of art.
High school, a whole new experience. New circle of friends, new teachers and a whole new world compiled in a small school called Davao City National High School. There, she learned more about handling pressure and enjoying life without parent’s supervision. Organized programs with only her members to stand as manpower.
Scouting, an experience hard to forget and an addiction that’s hard to quit. This girl is a member of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Davao City Council, she was able to go to different places and experience life as a hiker, a friend, brother and admirer. Well, maybe it’s because she admires a lot of people she knew in this activity it is mainly because they helped her overcome challenges and obstacles on this field. Because of scouting she also became a part of the BSP – Emergency Service Corps and undergone a lot of trainings to be able to learn things as a first aider. It really did make a lot of help to her; she became second family medic in their house. Why second? It is because her brother is a nurse and is more knowledgeable at this field.
First day in the dormitory. It was heck of a nerve tingling experience. She don’t know what to do first, it was her first time to be studying away from home. She will spend a lot of her time staying in this place. She must accept that the University of the Philippines is now her new home.
Things happen for reasons and those reasons, she’ll never know if she won’t try doing things prepared for her. She believes that her one and only God has a lot of things to give to her and she’s willing to wait until the time she’s able to give back to others.
This girl, knows a lot of people and a lot of people knows about her, but not her real name. she prefers to be called Near than being called by her real name. Why Near? Simple, she wants people to know that there is always someone near them to be of company whenever they need help. She wants to people to know that even if they are not with her, there is always someone near to call upon and share burdens of life. It may sound absurd but this deep meaning behind her nickname is the way she wants people to remember her. Who is she? She is Karen Joyanne Chua. She is Near.
A Place of Independence
I was sitting in a corner of my bedroom when suddenly I took a glimpse of the past 13 years of my life. It was one September afternoon of 1998; I woke up from my siesta and saw my papa carrying two huge bags. My mama was in the living room talking to her siblings and her mother, their eyes a bit teary. My brothers all dressed up while playing with my cousins. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw that I was also dressed up and seemed to be ready to go somewhere. Few hours later, my aunts called us and we proceed to the dining room. They also called the rest of the members of the clan, both Chua and Balagtas families were there. I ate a lot that time so I felt really sleepy but I tried to fight it so that I can see what really is happening because as far as I know, there wasn’t any occasion to celebrate that time. Before I totally fell asleep, I saw myself not home, I mean not inside our own house; I was in my granny’s house. Mom then approached me and said “Karen, it is about time, tell your cousins and aunts whatever you want to tell them and don’t forget to tell grandma that you love her.” It was then I realized that it may be the last time I can see these people and take step inside my granny’s house. I thought it would be a happy day but it turned out to be a sad one after I saw my relatives crying and I realized that it was a despedida. I was too sleepy that I fell asleep inside the car and when I woke up, I saw myself inside an airplane. I did not mind it at first but when it landed, there seem to be a voice inside my head that tell me that this is the first time I’ll take step in a place I’m not familiar with. It was the first time I will be away from the rest of my relatives. It was the first time I saw Davao. Since then, I was only given a chance to go back there during my grandfather’s cremation and during my two day visit there, I saw a lot of changes, I became unfamiliar to a place that I was once familiar with. It seems like I don’t have the feeling of coming back again. It seems that I just want to stay here, the place where my family started a new life without other relatives. The place of my family’s independence.
A REVIEW ON DEPARTURES
The dead are part of the living. As we can see in the story, only some people appreciate the beauty and how much help a casketer could be in a society. Well, maybe if we don’t talk of the sense that a casketer touches dead people, but if we talk about how much happiness and joy he could give the family of the one who died, including the soul of the person who died. Imagine he’ll depart the world clean and restored to his beauty. It seems to be a crazy idea but this practice really helps a lot in helping the families move on to the tragedy of losing someone important. It doesn’t only help in physical aspects but also in the emotional and mental aspects. As we can see, there are softer people who tend to go crazy after having a person near to their hearts die; it is actually a tragic phenomenon to a person, think again of the people who lost a loved one in a morbid way. Will they be able to move on seeing that their loved ones buried without being restored to a beauty? Of course not, it hurts not being able to do something to give justice even in a simple way of making the corpse’s appearance look better, this is where the casketers start to work. They do not only give and restore dead to more presentable and peaceful looks, they also give some prayers so that the soul will depart the world with protection and ease. As what we saw in the movie, Daigo only entered the job to earn money to sustain the needs of his wife Mika, but later in the story, he begin to love his job and he did not care what others would say, Mika was even disgusted when she found out that Daigo’s job was a casketer. Daigo’s close friend also looked down to him after hearing rumors about Daigo’s job but he eventually found out how this job made his friend so happy and the person he was once disgusted with was the one who made his mom beautiful before the burial. At the end of the story, Daigo found out that his father died, he noticed that two undertakers did not care at all and carry the corpse carelessly, he was furious and he wanted to process his dad’s body. He soon realized that being a casketer is not just a mere job for desperate peole who badly need jobs but it is a fate-led mission. A mission to make others realize how the dead were once a part of the living and as time goes by, they will always be part of the living and it will never be changed.
RENZE EDANO
I, Me and Myself
Who am I? I often ask this question to myself every time I am alone in a lonely room or before going to sleep at night. I thought I already know myself, unconsciously, knowing that almost half of my life is a mystery.
To tell you honestly, writing an essay about myself is quite a difficult task for me. I don’t know why maybe because I don’t know what side of my life I am going to tell aside telling the common information to myself.
To start with, I am Renze P. Edaño, 16 years of age born on the middle of the night at exactly 12:15 of January 1, 1994 in our hometown at New Isabela, Tacurong City. A son of Mr. Celso Edaño and Mrs. Vivian Edaño who taught me to be optimistic in life whatever challenge and tribulations may come to my life because having a positive outlook in life are one of the most important traits in life. And I have also a very supportive brother and loving little sister namely Rencel and Recel.
My interests in life are to read books, see the unfamiliar things in this world and to know the secret, mystery, and hidden reality of life. I am a naturally friendly person. My friendliness is not limited to those whom I only know but even to stranger I meet. I’m a type of person who do everything I want and to express myself through many ways to make my life enjoyable because I do believe that a person should not be judged on what is seen on the outside but with the positive attitude he/she possesses.
Lastly, my goals and dreams in life is simple, to achieve the highest and the greatest that I can achieve while I am living in this world. I believe in a philosophy that life is too great to be wasted. Everyone has decisions to make and choices to take. For me, I choose to do what is right and enjoy life. That’s who I am.
Time to let it go
I had the most exhilarating experience that day. An explainable feeling crawled throughout my entire body, making my entire hair stand. I was not a ghost or an unwanted a creature. It was a strange combination of beauty and extraordinary appeal of a guy who mesmerized me. This undeniably good-looking guy made my clock to turn counter clockwise and suddenly stopped. I tried not to obvious but my face couldn’t hide it. I wanted to know him more. Fortunately, he was my classmate. Weeks passed and fate brought us closer together. For quite a long time, I somehow touch his life by making friends with him. Every time I meet him, I search for words to say. He was extremely handsome. I tried to get rid of my feelings because I know it just a crazy imagination but I can’t resist myself to love him. I formulated lot of plans about how I was going to stop my feelings. It was a moment of testing my courage and determination, but I finally decided to stay away from him. I alone was the victim of my own emotion. But I know it’s not the end of the world.
MARIA ANGELYNNE ANNE ALAPAG
The REAL Me
Familiarizing the unfamiliar ones is a common thing for us. We socialize, make friends, and acquaint, nothing is new. But have you ever done unfamiliarizing the familiar ones? Before jumping to other people you should try it to yourself. Yes, try to ask yourself if you really know who you are.
In my sixteen years of existence as Homo sapiens sapiens, I already learned and discovered a lot of things, gain knowledge and wisdom from my experiences but I know its still not enough. I still need to learn more because I am just starting my journey in this chaotic world. I am also meeting different types of persons in my day to day life. Some are just acquaintances, some remain in my life as friends, and some vanish like how fast days pass by. Some know about my family’s background, or my childhood days or even my everyday life and they will say they already know me. It’s funny how they know me if even I myself don’t really know who I really am. Well of course, I know my name. My full name is Maria Angelynne Anne Gamis Alapag a very long name given to me by my father. It is exactly 29 letters the same as my twin sister’s name. people call me with different names such as Angie, created by people who are lazy to call me in my complete name. Gelyne, given to me by my family. Lynne, the exact opposite of Lique given to us by our friend. Lini, Gel, Angel, Lenny and Nene. Please call me any of those names except for Maria. I also know the date my mother gave birth to her angelic twins, it’s us. It is two days after Christmas celebration in the year 1994. As what I said, I’m born with a twin sister. Her name is the same as mine except for Angelynne because hers is Angelique. I am taller than her by an inch. I’m 5’5, she’s 5’4. People say I’m skinny but I think I’m not. Well, my father’s name is Raul but he likes to be called Rolly. My mother is Aleda but commonly called Dang. My eldest sister is Alyanna, we use to call her Yana. My twin sister is Kaka and my youngest sibling and only brother is Adrian. Obviously, we’re six and we are super close to each other. What can I say to our life? Well, our life is a very inspiring mellow, drama, horror, comedy, and action; for short an amalgam of emotions. And we are able to survive this challenging and chaotic world because of the presence and grace of our Lord. What more can I say? Ah! My favorite foods are siopao and chocolate. It’s not because of the taste or anything but because they have sentimental value to my life. My favorite chroma is gray because same as myself I am mysterious. I am simple, my dreams in life are simple too because I am doing what I can for my parents and to serve other people. And I think education is my key to achieving these goals in my life. Some people see me as a jolly person, the exact opposite of what I think I am. I have this great fear of being left alone in this world. I don’t understand why but my eyes suddenly burst into tears. I’m a bit, but not that serious type, of obsessive compulsive and have this attitude of knowing more but I have turned it in silent mode for a long period of time but it will suddenly be active depending on the type of person I’m dealing with. And if I treasure someone, I’m willing to die for them but of course everything has its own limitations.
I’m still too young to know everything. I still can’t tell you who Maria Angelynne Anne G. Alapag really is. The things I’ve revealed are all objective description of myself and I need more time to discover the real me.
The Milk That Made My Eyes Cry
It was eleven o’clock in the evening but still everyone in our house was awake like owls. We are all enjoying the foreign action film while my father was drinking his favourite whisky. In the climax part of the movie I felt a bit hungry so I asked my mom to get ma a glass of chocolate milk. After a few moments my mother returned holding a glass full of hot milk. After noticing that it was not what I had asked for, I told my mom that I won’t drink it because I hated milk, it left a mustache on my face and if it was cold, something like a plastic formed on the surface that turned it bitter. This were the result of my naïve mind, I’m just six turning seven on that moment. But still my mother forced me to drink it because it would be good for my body and she had exerted effort to make that milk. Everyone in our house tried their pursuing powers to force me to drink that milk then the chair of my dad fell on the ground, followed by his frightening voice demanding me to drink that glass of milk. I am so hard-headed so I didn’t even touch the glass. Then my father so irritated with my attitude dragged me to their bed and there he asked me again if maybe I changed my mind. He counted from five to one but I never made any actions so he started to hit my butt with his heavy metal belt that made three round, big and aching welts. I was in shock knowing my father as a very patient and kind person; he was the one who always stopped his brothers from hitting their children. I was dazed to what was happening but I knew that if I didn’t drink that milk and swallow my pride, my father wouldn’t stop hitting me. So I drank the milk. My eyes were tired of crying and my pillow was already like a sponge filled with tears and my butt was numb after receiving the forty-plus hits so I just closed my eyes and forget everything that happened that night. After a few moments my eyes opened and I saw my father curing the wounds on my butt. He carefully cleaned them with warm water mixed with ethyl alcohol and puts an ointment. After it he explained to me that it was not his intention to hit me but I was so hard-headed. He didn’t want me to grow with the same attitude. I understand my father now and I am very thankful to him for correcting my mistake because of it I have learned to follow rules and that in real life every mistake has its own consequences and the best is to swallow my pride on needed times.
PETAL CAGAPE
Hey Guys!
Do you know that in this very big world God made, He included a special gift given to a couple namely Nemesio and Ederlina. They are my parents and fortunately, that special gift is me. A simple but beautiful human being who made my family’s life more colorful, well, according to them. And it started on June 29, 1994.
I’m seventeen years old now, I have learned many things already but still, I’m willing to explore more. Back when I was a child, I can remember my parent’s advices to me, “Nak, pag-ampo dyod permi aron kaloy-an ka. Ayaw kalimti nga magbinuotan.” They never forgot to remind me that I should always trust the Lord and prayer is the most effective way to communicate with Him. My mother kept on telling me that as a person, I should respect others for them to respect me too. She was the one to whom I shared my achievements, problems and even my secrets. That’s why I grew very close to her than my father. Until now, I have those words in my heart.
I have seven siblings who are with me in tears and laughs. As I grow older, I often spend time with my four older brothers. I want to play like basketball and “takyan”. I also want to dress up like them. I want to wear loose t-shirts instead of blouses, wear shorts and pants with caps on my head to look like them. However, my sisters don’t like the way I act so they always put their eyes on me. They buy dresses and sandals for me to wear them but I can’t. I’m shy. I think they don’t find my personality. I would prefer to wear clothes as simple as me.
As my sister waste their time correcting my boyish actions, I also give my time in dancing. It is because my passion is dancing. I started joining dance contests when I was in elementary and until now my interest in it has never changed. Dancing brought me to different places and experience many things. It is also my one way of expressing myself without saying a word.
During my free time, I would love to read horror stories, watch movies, chat with friends and sing my favorite songs “Someone”, “The Gift” and Godly songs. I also want to spread my free time in sleeping and eating well, as always. My favorite food is “Pinakbet” and spaghetti. I don’t know why but I always want to eat them.
Speaking of favorites, I like yellow green, black, white and gray. My favorite music is acoustic and I love watching “teleserye”. How ironic, a person who acts like a boy wants to watch “dramas”. When you look at me, you can say that I’m cheerful, friendly and sometimes crazy but even though I smile a lot most of the time, I am a crybaby when it comes to my family. Sometimes, I cry on my movies, in songs and even when I’m listening to my friends telling their problems. I cry when my mother cries, my tears fall on my cheeks when I see my family and friends are suffering. I cry when I pray and ask forgiveness to the Lord. The weirdest thing is I even cry secretly if someone says bad words to me.
I think we tread in a deep topic already so let’s go to my bubbly, sometimes annoying but very loving friends. As a teenager, I have also my “barkada” namely Jsushmita, Alvie, Susmeta, Airish, Klean, Mark, Edgar, Maxi and Red. We were known in high school as ALEAHN-KRID – from the last letter of our names. Check it out and you will see. We became close to each other because of our interests in music and dancing. For good times and bad times, our friendship never faded well, that’s what friends are for, right? And I really love them.
My friends also comforted them on the most fatal day of my life. It was when my number one fan and inspiration left us. It was my first day in senior year when my mother died. It was very hard for me to accept that fact easily. She was the one who comforted me when I have problems. The one who protected our relationship as a family. She was the one who first laughed on my jokes and teased with my crushes. It was hard for me but with the help of my family and friends, I’ve moved on already things. Although I still miss her, I know that God has its own reason.
Things that happened in my seventeen years in this world help me to learn more and stand on my own. I know it is not enough. I know, still, many things will come to my life and teach me new lessons. Now, all I want is to serve God, my family and friends and most especially to help my fellow countrymen. As “Iskolar ng Bayan,” desires grew in me to help others and serve my country.
Too much about the boring story of my life. I will now end here. Just visit me on facebook: petal.cagape@yahoo.com or follow me on twitter:missdanzfloor.29. See you there!
To all of the “Iskolar ng Bayan’, repapipz, guyz and gals out there, my friends, Padayon sa pag-uswag! May you will be inspired in this sonv of the famous singer, Sam Concepcion/
“Tara, simulan mo na.
Tena, bagong pag-asa, tara tena
Oh, kabataan ang galing naman
Simulan pagbabago sa bayan, tara tena
Tara, wag kakaba-kaba
Tena, oo may laban ka
Simulan nang paghusayan
Panawagan. Kabataan, tara tena!
CHANCE TO DANCE
I was third year high school when our municipality conducted a workshop for dancing, singing and acting with Mr. Frank Rivera. After three days of learning and enjoying performing arts, I was lucky to be chosen to be part of the Tamfaken Dance Ensemble to perform at Kalahi Cultural Caregiving Program held at Intramuros, Manila directed by the National Commission for Culture and Arts or NCCA. After our trip, I was also chosen to be one of the performers to perform and represent Philippines for the 4th Asean Festival of Arts. I was very excited for our next trip the next two months and practiced well for our performance. It seems that time runs so fast and I found myself with others in the plane going to Manila. From NAIA, a van fetched us and after a long trip, at last, we reached Pampanga. A staff guided us to Nayong Pilipino where we stayed for one week. At the festival, I had my first time activities. First was to see the beautiful Clark, Pampanga. To meet and interact with the Asian people and the most interesting part was my first time to learn a Thai dance taught by a handsome Thai. But the most memorable for me was to perform at the Amphitheatre of Clark, Pampanga. It was our second day there when we were scheduled to perform. At the dressing room, I sat at the corner waiting for the others and encouraging myself to relax. I can hear my heartbeat and I can feel that I’m already shaking that time. Before our performance, I prayed that the Lord will guide us as we dance in the stage. Few hours later, it was our turn and then, with costumes, we did B’laan dance. While dancing, i can see the huge crowd composed of different persons from different countries. I can’t even hear the music because of the loudness of my heart beat. But, I know we did great! At the back stage, with big smiles, we took a rest. I was about to take off my costume when someone approached us, asking us to dance again for the finale. I was shocked because we didn’t even practice for the finale. “Just dance.” the person said. So we prepared again, planning what to do. Our group was the first one to enter and I was really afraid because we are composed of only seven people. If I will commit mistake, everyone would notice. The finale came and we did our best to make it great and I was overwhelmed that the crowd gave us a standing ovation. That someone told us, “Well done, did you practice for that?” and he was amazed when we answered no. A week ended and we went back home with big smiles. Gladly, I will never forget that once in my life, I represented the Philippines in the Asean Festival of Arts.
A REVIEW ON DEPARTURES
I was touched by the movie “Departures” because it possesses a great lesson of valuing your family and setting aside your pride for the people you love.
Being left is difficult. I have tried crying in front of my mother’s coffin and it was hard. I can’t believe that the person I’ve been hanging out with and laughing with can’t be with me again. How much more foe Daigo who was left by his father when he was only six years old and did not even cry for his mother when she died. Only his job becomes the way for him to forgive his father for thirty years of not being with him. Seeing the stone enlightened him about how much his father loves him even though he had left them for another woman.
The story implies that truly, we could only learn to set aside our pride and forgive people when they are already gone. It made me realize that life is too short. We don’t know when our time is up so we should value people around us before it’s too late. Our bodies need regular washing because we get dirty every day just like our hearts. It is because people hurt us, forget us, step on us and reject us. But if we choose to forgive, we cleanse our hearts and face each day refreshed and pure. Indeed! Being grateful also cleanse the spirit.
Overall, the story is amazing. The characters’ emotions matched the flow of the situations. It did not only teach us to forgive and value people but also to sacrifice, learn to accept and most especially, that death is not the end, it is just a gateway on another journey. Lessons we can get that made the story great!
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