AN ALMOST BURNT HOME

Fire, flood, natural calamities- facing these isn't just a joke. We often see these victims on TV and newspapers. But oftentimes, we're just up to thank-God-I'm-not-a-victim.
But take some time of reflection, what if you'll experience one of these calamities? What if you'll be a victim soon? It is really, really different to experience the feeling of being in these disastrous situations than just knowing it.
December 10, 2006. a date i can't dare forget. It was i guess around 8 in the evening. I was reading a book and my sister was watching TV. My parents were eating at that time. After a while, i noticed the TV turned off but i didn't pay attention because i was so concentrated on what I'm reading. My sister just went downstairs. My mother asked me what happened but i just ignored her. After a while, we heard people shouting. My mother asked me what was it but i was so busy reading to care. After a minute, maybe my mother couldn't take it, she asked me again this time with an irritated voice. I was forced to look behind me and there i saw the fire nearing us. I then told my mother about it. She then gathered the important documents and our clothes. She asked me to go out first and guard our belongings. She called some of our relatives who were just living a few meters a way. They helped us in carrying our things.
The funny thing was, my uncle was really panicking. He goes in and out of our house. He seems like he doesn't know where to go. He grabs my grandmother here and there. When they reached outside, he told my grandmother that he would go back and get his uniform. He is a nursing student. My grandmother agreed since the fire is not that near yet but you can already feel the heat.
I really thought that our house would be burned because the wind's direction is toward us. But after a few minutes, the wind changed its direction. And i was grateful for it. I then uttered a short prayer in silence.
Thank god the fire fighters responded very quickly. After almost two hours, we went back to our house which was luckily spared from the fire. But the electricity didn't come back quickly. It just came the day after. We all ate with the aid of the candlelight.
I can hardly sleep that night. I always think of the outcome if our house was really burnt., where would we sleep, what would we eat. Maybe i was just lucky or shall i say we for not being one of the victims. Just almost.
Maybe I'll just charge everything to experience. At least i know how it feels to have a burnt home. I mean AN ALMOST BURNT HOME.
I

JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE

There are many definitions of life. Each is stressing the reality of life. Some says that life is not a burden to be carried but instead a gift to be enjoyed. Others say that life is so short so we must make the most out of it. We must live everyday like it is the last day of our life. But just the same, the common denominator is that life is so short. But anyway i guess we can all say that life is a journey.
You'll start as a baby. Then slowly, you grow into a child. Then becomes a teenager. Then you must finish your studies, have a job for yourself, form a family. Then you could grow old, have children, then you could just die.
But all of us cannot experience the feeling of contentment and fulfillment of experiencing all of these. Some can't even have the chance to see the beauty of this world. Some died at an early age, during childhood, teen, or even at times when you least expect that death is already coming. But anyway, one thing's for sure, your death would definitely come at a certain time.
I remember my uncle way back then. He died last January 22, 2002. it was also my parent's 10th year anniversary. He died at the age of 37 or 38. he left his wife and his two daughters. My two cousins were just 7 and 8 years old. He didn't even had the chance to see his children grow.
Another is my cousin-to-be. Actually, my aunt failed to deliver her child twice. I really felt pity on those two babies or should i say fetus. They didn't have the chance to experience life. They failed to experience the feeling of being loved and to love.
I know like me you also had lost the ones you dearly love. You didn't even thought that the time of that person would come. But still even if the time would come when that person would die, he would die in any way. You can never interfere with that person's destiny. If that's his fate, that's his fate. You can do nothing about it.
I hope with this message, you would be able to reflect. To understand that life is so short. Thus, we should make each day of our life memorable and worthwhile. Remember that if we want change we should do something which we haven't done before. Because if you keep on doing what you've always been doing, you can never achieve anything you want.
Journey through life is so unpredictable. It's like traveling in a dessert. Maybe in the middle of your journey, if the situation demands, you'll not be able to finish it fir some certain reasons. But whatever happens, always expect to die anytime. Because THE MOMENT THAT YOU ACCEPT THAT YOU'RE DYING IS THE BEGINNING OF LIVING. But whatever happens, you've just have to do one thing: move on, you have to continue the JOUNEY THROUGH LIFE.

SECRET AMBITIONS

I think almost all of us... i mean all of us have ambitions, not just one but many. Anyway, dreaming is free. It is unlimited. You can dream a thousand dreams. You can wish a thousand wishes. You can hope a thousand hopes.
And of course yours truly has also ambitions... secret ambitions. Ambitions which my heart desires. And also like the others, i also have many ambitions, wishes and hopes. First on my list is to learn skating and different self-defense techniques. My hopes on learning skating started when i watched different skating competitions o TV and watched movies on figure skating. Since then i became engrossed in the sport. I started imagining myself being on ice, skating. I often wondered how does it feel to be gliding on ice. Meanwhile, my passion on martial arts started when i watched the movies ' So Cool ' and ' Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon '. i liked the girl character on the two movies. Since then i started renting and buying different martial arts movies.
My second ambition is to be a successful physical therapist and to have my own skating rink when the time comes i can save enough money to buy one. My wish on being a physical therapist happened when i was still small- when i saw many disabled people on television. I felt pity on them. I then asked my mother what do you call the people who treat these kind of people. If god allows and i can finish my studies, i would work hard and if i could save enough money i would get myself a skating rink.
My last ambition is to travel around the world. Even if just one country in every continent, i would be already happy. But if i can't have the budget or the money needed for the trip, i think i would just wait until i can have the money. But my wish and dreams on being in a trip doesn't stop on air. I also want to travel by sea. If time would allow and if money would allow, i would also love to have a Mediterranean cruise. I want to see the view from a yacht. But i know being on a cruise is so costly so i would not just expect that this dream would come true.
But i am the kind of person who just sits pretty without taking action. I am the kind of person does everything in order to reach my dreams and goals in life.
Now, i am in the first step towards me dreams. And i know that as i go further i each step, i would meet different challenges and different people, challenges and people that may even change my life. But one thing's for sure, i would not stop to reach my dreams, and ambitions. I would not stop, not until i make my secret ambitions happen.

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH MV DOULOS AND BOOKS

MV Doulos is the largest floating library in the world. And we, the students of UP High had the chance to visit it. It was built in 1914,only two years younger than the Titanic. It has crews who came from different countries it has been traveling around the world to share knowledge through good books.

Tuesday, February 13. this day we’re finally going to MV Doulos. We had to leave 12:30 PM. We arrived at 1:00 PM. We directly went to the book shop. You can see there everything. From children’s books, books on Christian living, atlas and references to CD’s and cookbooks. There were also souvenir items like caps, pencils and erasers, mugs, key chains and postcards. After a few minutes of roaming around, I went out and stayed for a while in the restroom. But then shortly afterwards, I found out that there’s no re-entry sign in the bookshop. Once you get out, you can never go back.

After a few minutes, I soon found out that there were many of us who were mistaken in going out without reading the sign. Then we seek the instructor’s help. He consulted one of the staffs and expressed our concerns. She then asked if we were on a program something. She contacted someone by the use of the two-way radio. Then she asked us to go down the ramp and board the ship again. There was even another school with us whom I suspect was also in the program thing. Then we were leaded to a room and asked to squat on the floor.

First, we were shown a video on the staff of the MV Doulos. Then there were some intermission numbers. First, there was a number quiz. Then the different staffs were introduced. The emcee was a representative from Brazil, another came from Taiwan, then from West Africa, India and Germany. Afterwards, another video was shown. Then another intermission wherein two representatives competed on wearing the different garments when saving someone’s life in times of danger. Then after the little contest , the representative from Taiwan made a short discussion between the relationship of God to people.

After the short program, we were again led to the book shop. I thought we’re gonna stay there for a couple of minutes or so but I was so greatly disappointed when I found out that we’re gonna left the ship and start the trip back to the school. As we were going down, we were given some booklets and a flyer on MV Doulos. I was really irritated because we still have to wait for the jeepney who would take us back.

But then on the other hand, I felt blessed. Because I had the chance to meet its international crews. I had the chance to roam around the largest floating library in the whole world. And most of all I had the chance to have a LOVE AFFAIR WITH MV DOULOS.

WHAT DO THE STARS AND THE SKY TELL ME ABOUT LIFE

One of my clubs during my first year in UP High is the Stargazer’s Society. It is a hobby club. It encourages the youth or the students of UP High to discover and learn more about astronomy. We hold overnights and for this year, we already had three overnights. But I admit that during the first two, I really don’t know what’s the purpose of the overnight. It’s because all we do is just eat, watch movies, sleep, and have endless talks.

Although I also know that we are so lucky to have Mr. Christopher Go, a NASA recognized Cebuano astronomer, with us. He gives free lectures for us. He explains everything we need to know and patiently answers our questions.

During the last overnight, while I was lying on my mat with hands behind my head, I came to reflect on something. As I was looking at the stars in the night sky, I asked myself if what are the stars for? Surely, god didn’t create it for nothing. There is a reason behind it. And as the moment pass by, several thoughts came to my mind thoughts on why are the stars there. What are they for?

Then something just went inside my mind- a justification or make-believe by yours truly to explain the presence of the stars. As we all know, stars pass different stages of life- just like people. And just like people, stars also have their births and deaths. First it is still a white dwarf, then it becomes bigger, hotter and gives more light. Then as it grows old, little by little, its light fades away. It becomes smaller and cooler. And then afterwards, becomes a dead massive star or what is popularly known as the black hole.

I’m sorry but I do not intend to give you a long boring lecture about stars but I just want you to figure it out yourselves- the relevance of stars life on human life.

Just like stars, humans also pass different stages of life. From birth, we slowly grow to being a child from a baby. But in this state, we are still fragile and petite and still dependent to our parents. But as we grow older, say being a teen, we become more hyper. But being hyper doesn’t last forever. We have to have a direction. A goal and dream to follow as we grow older. Growing and becoming older by humans are just like stars which also passes this stage. And just like stars, people also die.

What the last two paragraphs implies is that if we just really think deeper and comprehend or analyze everything what is around us, we could relate it to present day issues and realities of life. Just like the stars to the life of humans and people.

FREEBIES

I know there are some who already had an experience on freebies. But in our situation right now, freebies are just promos, and to give people something to make them happy isn't�t really their ulterior motive.

I remember when my family and I were walking inside SM City Cebu, a girl gave my mom a flyer saying there was a free something. (I was still around 9 years old that time and I can�t remember what the free thing was.) My mom was so excited about it and she drag the whole family to the place stated in the flyer where we could get the freebie.

While we were walking I was thinking about the promo. I thought about the status of the people and I can say that freebies that time were just too good to be true. Probably, they just did it to promote new products.

Finally, we came to the venue and we directly went to the line leading to the counter. When we reached the counter, my mother handed the flyer to the person at the counter. Imagine my mom�s surprise when she found out that we should buy something to get the freebie. My mother turned her face behind her to see the line. And she thought, I guess, that instead of being humiliated, she might as well pay the charge.

Instead of making a big fuss out of what happened, my mother decided to just enjoy the whole afternoon. We continued to roam around the mall. We bought the things we needed at home and at school. We acted as if nothing happened when in fact; I know they are still thinking of what had happened.

On the way home I guess my mom just couldn't�t help it. She blurted out what she had inside. She told us to learn from that lesson- that never readily believe any promo that seems too good to be true. Like my mother, I can�t also get it out of my mind. That�s why until I slept I still have it with me.

The day after that incident, I told one of my friends about what had happened. And she told me that she had also experienced the same. But hers was a different thing because she was just alone when she was handed the flyer. Like us, she was also excited. She went to the place and when she knew she had to buy something to get the promo, she was irritated and instead of paying the amount, which appeared on the monitor, she turned her back to the girl at the counter. I silently wished that my mother had done the same.

From what I have heard and from what I have encountered, I made a promise to myself never to believe those promos that are too nice and tempting because they might have something in exchange.

I have learned something from that experience. And it helped me somehow I living my everyday life.

FILIPINOS

Filipinos are small but proud people. We are known because of our hospitality. Whenever foreigners come to our country, they don't hesitate to talk to us because we are approachable and very accommodating. Hospitality is the trademark of the Filipinos. It is also one reason why foreigners want filipinas as their wives. Another thing is that Filipinos are also loving and caring. They know how to run a household effectively.

Another thing that we Filipinos can be proud of is our workmanship. Businessmen from other countries like Filipino workers. It is because when you get Filipino as a worker, you'll be sure the project you're working would turn out to be the way you expected it to be. Filipino nurses are also in demand abroad.

My aunt's aunt works as a head nurse abroad. She said that the director wants to hire Filipino nurses than other nurses of other nationalities. Still the same with other hospitals. The reason: it�s because the Pinay nurses are more dependable than others. They are more hardworking. And also if they're already tired and sleepy, they mange to smile at patients but the others just grunt especially when they�re assigned to hardheaded patients.

And another that we Filipinos can also be proud of is our talents. Speaking of talents, a common example is Ms. Lea Salonga who is an internationally acclaimed Broadway actress. Another are the singers who bested other countries in winning world championships in singing like Jed Madela and Riza Navales. Also, we could not forget to mention Kenneth Cobonpue who is a Cebuano. His works are often sold to Hollywood actors and actresses. And his best works were displayed during the ASEAN Summit, which is attended by nine heads of states with their spouses and other delegates. Aside from those mentioned above, there are still many Filipino artists who are recognized by other countries because of their commendable talents.

And of course we can't dare not mention Leo Oracion, Pastor Emata, Romi Garduce for reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. Who could forget that historic day- that day when they made us very proud. That day when they had proven that Filipinos could do it, too. That day when they gained the other nations� trust and respect to our little but proud country- the Philippines.

Another that serves as pride of the Filipinos is its beauty queens. There�s Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Precious Lara Quigaman and many more. These Filipinos conquered the world. They made us, their fellowmen, really, really proud.

With the Filipinos fine and pleasant qualities, I know we can still make things that seem unreachable possible- if we just try. If we just really try.

CONFIRMATION

The sacrament of confirmation is given to anyone who is Catholic and aging 12 and above. It is one of the seven sacraments namely Baptism, Confession, Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Order of the Priest, Anointing of the Sick. It is also one of the three sacraments that is received only once. The other two are the Baptism and Order of the Priest.

In receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, you are receiving the Holy Spirit in your heart. In the last decades, when you are six or seven, you can already be confirmed. But it was changed because the priests thought that the faith of the conformant must be matured. When our guidance councilor announced that a confirmation would be done, I then consulted my parents about it and they said yes. I then gave the requirements necessary for the confirmation.

But before the actual confirmation, several meetings were held in the guidance office for us to be prepared for the actual confirmation. The first meeting was about the Holy Spirit. What is the Holy Spirit? And other related questions. The next was about the sacrament of Confirmation. What is it all about, why do we need to be confirmed and questions related to these. The next was the Recollection of the parents and sponsors of those who wish to be confirmed. And then the confession with the Taize prayer.

According to what we have been told, Taize derived its name from a little village in Southern France. They said that everyday, the youth gather and pray. But theirs was different. Songs and chants accompany their prayers. While the prayer is still going on, one by one, we were asked to confess to Fr. John.

During the actual date of confirmation, we arrived early at St. Therese Parish Church. We have to wait for about an hour for the others. I thought the actual confirmation would start at 1:00 PM sharp but it started at 2:00 PM. But that 2:00 PM was just the seminar. (We have to have seminar first before the ceremony would start for us to understand better the sacrament of confirmation and what are we up to.) The ceremony for the confirmation started at 2:30 PM. But first, the priest got a model to show us how the confirmation is done and what to answer the priest�s questions.

Then the right time came. The catechist lined us up together with our respective sponsors. First, the priest made a cross sign in our forehead with an oil in his thumb. He said that it wasn�t ordinary oil. The higher positioned priests blessed it during the Holy Week. After the cross sign, he said something, maybe a prayer, which I answered with AMEN. Then he slapped my face before saying PEACE BE WTH YOU, which I answered with AND ALSO WITH YOU. Then we were taken back to our seats and after the others who wished to be confirmed were confirmed, the ceremony continued.

After the confirmation, we eat in a fast-food chain in Ayala Center that�s why when we arrived at home we were so full.

When we got home, I was so happy because at last I am already CONFIRMED.

EDUCATION

When education becomes the main topic of conversations, automatically, schools are inserted in the chat. We then voice out our dream schools, what do we want to be or what do we want to take when we reach college. But what really is education for you?

For kids born with silver spoons in their mouths, they take schooling as a game. They are often acquainted to cutting classes and often repeat a year in high school or college. In fact, they are also into drugs and alcoholic beverages. They thought they are already rich so why waste time reading those books and memorizing those formulas.

We don�t need to meet these kinds of kids to know their ways. In TV alone, roles portrayed by rich kids are often like that. We also happen to hear news with fraternities who do the riot thing. Leaders of these fraternities are known for their power and influence. Even though policemen catch them, they can always get themselves out of trouble because of their families� manipulation and influence.

While the poor ones really work hard for their education. Even when they are already studying in a public school, they still apply for scholarships to support them financially. Oftentimes, the benefits they get from the scholarship are spent for their families� daily needs instead than going to their school projects and fees. They really have to work hard to secure their bright future.

When these children work hard during their high school years, there�s a big possibility that they could get a college scholarship grant. Then their future is secured. After graduating college, they could go and find theirselves a job to support their families.

But I�m not saying that all rich kids are like what I�ve stated a while ago. There are also some who are serious with their studies because of their parent�s guidance and enlightment. And I�m not also saying that all less fortunate children are hardworking and determined as what I�ve said in the previous paragraphs. There are also those that are lazy to educate themselves because of poverty. All they think is to get theirselves a job to help earn a living.

But whatever their reasons are, they must put in mind that education is important. Rich or poor, we have every right to attain education. And we all ought to learn to find our life�s direction and to be educated and attain breeding.

We must also consider that we, children, are our country�s future, thus we should be educated to live up to the expectations of our country.

We must make EDUCATION an important thing. We must consider it an inheritance more valuable than any gold or hectares of lands.

ONE FREAKY NIGHT

My grandma is fond of telling us stories on mysterious situations and scary things. She often tells us stories on her own experience on ghosts.

One night when my mother was out, I stayed in the sala with my grandma, sister and uncle. For a few minutes there was silence. Only the music from the radio was heard. Then my sister asked my grandma to tell a story about her own experiences on ghosts and mysterious entities.

The first story was about a puppy that was walking on water. Yes, you heard me right, a puppy walking on water. When I heard what the story was all about, I was intrigued and decided to myself to continue listening on the story. And when the story ended, I really felt scared.

My sister wasn�t contented on the first story so she asked my grandma to tell another story. My grandma willingly agreed and told us another story. At that time we were carried away with the story but my uncle interrupted by suddenly standing up and went to his room. We were laughing instead of being scared. I thought maybe he didn�t take it as we were nearing the climax. But then again, my grandma ended the story.

After the second story ended, my mother arrived and we went upstairs to sleep. But the stories never left my mind. Also, at that time, my grandmother (from my father�s side) has just died.

I woke up at 4 AM and went to the CR. Afterwards I got out. After a few steps of walking from the toilet to our room, I felt a cold wind passed. I felt goose bumps all over my body thinking it was my grandmother. I was really afraid because all windows and doors were closed at that time so I thought, there�s no way the wind could get inside. I directly went upstairs to sleep. But I can�t sleep because my experience still lingers on my mind.

After that incident, I kept on thinking that maybe it was really my grandma. That maybe she wanted to say something but unfortunately, because I am no psychic, I don�t know what was it. I really want to know what she wanted to say but I don�t know how.

On the other hand, I stick to the fact that maybe it was just a cold wind. I am not really a ghost believer. They (my classmates) kept on talking about their freaky experiences on ghosts. But I don�t readily believe them. My reason: I can�t believe on ghosts not until I have seen one.

Other people would probably raise their brows when they hear my reason. I am not only the person who thinks this way. Maybe when the right time comes for me to believe, I would accept the fact that there are really GHOSTS.

AN EARLY VACATION

During the ASEAN Summit (January 12-15) classes were suspended. My family decided to have a vacation in my grandmother�s province since it was also the feast day of the patron at their place. My aunt, two uncles with their families went with us too together with my grandmother. We boarded on a ship to Leyte Thursday night. We are supposed to start our voyage at 10:00 PM but there be some problem because the ship started at 11:00 PM. We arrived at the port of Ormoc at 4:00 AM because the voyage took five hours. After that wwe took a bus to take us to my grandmother�s residence. We arrived at 6 or 6:30 in the morning because it took about one and a half hours to reach Maducao, Leyte Leyte- my grandmother�s hometown. I really thought it was still five because it was still dark and the air is so cool.

When we arrived at the house, our great-grandparents were so happy. We all took a nap for a while because we were so tired. I woke up at 8 AM and directly went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I saw my aunt and my mother in the dining room. They were talking about something. I then eat my breakfast. Afterwards, I went out of the house. I saw my brother walking and I went after him. After a few minutes of walking, we were already in a high place. The view was so nice. I felt closer to nature. There were so many trees and I can see the hills and mountains clearly. When I look down, I saw a cliff. But the cliff didn�t bring any horror. Instead, I learned to appreciate the nature more. After a few minutes my brother told me that he�s going and asked me if I�m going with him. I refused because I want to enjoy the scenery more. After a few minutes I decided to leave the place.

Later that day, we went to some of my grandma�s relatives. They were also happy to see us just like our great-grandparents. That night we went back to my great-grandparents house. It was really a long walk. Maybe one to one to one and a half kilometers. There was no electricity so we had an oil lamp. We then went to sleep.

Saturday, January 13. after I took a bath that morning I then went to the place where I had fallen in love with the scenery I once again enjoyed the view.

That afternoon, we eat in different houses after we attended the mass. I was so full. Then we went back to my great-grandparents house.

Sad as it may seem, I have to go back here in Cebu on Sunday. We boarded the same ship for a special trip. We boarded at 11 AM and reached the ports of Cebu at 4 PM. All of us were so tired that the moment we reached home, we took a nap.

They might not say but I know that this year�s vacation was worth remembering for them with their own respective reasons. But my own personal reason on why I said that this year�s vacation is so nice was because again of the scenery. I regret a lot on why I didn�t take a picture of the view. Maybe next year.

I�ll make it sure that I�ll get a picture of it as a memorabilia. I�ll get a picture of that WONDERFUL place.

KOREAN FEVER

Princess Hours, Jewel in the Palace, My Girl, Endless Love, and Full House- who wouldn�t recognize these few examples of Koreanovelas, few of the most popular ones. TV stations often get high ratings because of the airing of koreanovelas, which are undeniably made a mark.

These koreanovelas hit even though they have different stories. There�s romantic comedy like Full House, My Girl, Princess Hours. Some are dramatic like Endless Love series and the Memories of Bali. Others are inspiring and true-to-life stories of ancient heroes and famous people who played a very important role in our history like the Jewel in the Palace, Emperor of the Sea, and Love of the Condor Heroes. Action shows fanatics who are at the same time koreanovelas die-hard can also have their pick- like Forbidden Love, Jumong, and Emperor of the Sea.

Even the young-at-hearts are really going crazy over these shows. Just like my aunt. Her favorites are those romantic comedy and also action koreanovelas. When I asked what do koreanovelas got to make her go crazy like that. She told me that these alien shows from Korea got something different from our shows here. When I asked her what was it she just told me that even she doesn�t know what was it.

It�s not just at home but also in school. My friends and classmates are going crazy over these shows too.

One time while we were having our overnight for our Stargazing, my classmates and I talked about different topics because we can�t sleep that time. We talked different topics until our discussion went to koreanovelas. We talked longer on these than on other topics. When a title of one show is said, one would make a quick recap about the story. After those shows have been called, we came to talk on why people are going fanatical on them.

We came on the following conclusions:

� Maybe because from the past few years we�ve been watching local and Mexican shows alike.

� Maybe we�re just excited on seeing new faces on TV- Asian ones because we�ve been watching too much of Western shows.

� Maybe we get to be addicted to these shows because they are shorter than our shows here in the Philippines and Mexican ones. They get straight to the point; they don�t produce the same conflict over and over again unlike us.

One proof that they�re really famous is the coming of the different Korean actors and actresses here in our country. Venues are always full and tickets are always sold-out everytime they have their shows here.

But too much idolizing might make us forget of our roots. We might get crazier everytime we happen to know that a new Korean show will be aired in one station.

I�m not saying that it�s bad to idolize foreign shows. But what I want the folks to understand is that we must learn to appreciate our own shows. Anyway what are writers and directors for.

But anyway one thing I can say is just ENJOY!!!

ELEMENTARY YEARS

Memories of my elementary years haven’t slipped out of my mind. Especially that I am still in first year high school. Of course I still reminisce the years I had with my former classmates.

When I was still in the first grade, I was so silent. I didn’t even have any bestfriend. (Well someone to talk to, yes but bestfriend I guess, no) I don’t know what’s wrong with me that time. It’s not that I don’t want to have a bestfriend, I just don’t want to talk to someone whom I don’t want to be with. So as a result, obviously, I didn’t have any close friend.

My days during the second grade was fun. I say because we have singing and dancing every now and then. Also I have learned so many songs. Our teacher was also very wonderful. Even though she’s fifty’s of age, she can get along well with us.

When I reached grade three, I was so nervous. It was because our teacher was so famous of being so strict. And I have proven that even during the first few weeks of being in the third grade. The fun part was the group presentation. Anybody from the group can sing, dance, recite a poem, group singing or anything we want. Three groups would do it alternately.

Actually, there was nothing really worth remembering when I was in the fourth grade. The same classmates, same school. But that year was some what fun. I remember the times when my classmate and I clean all together and compete with whose place is the cleanest.

I consider my grade five days as the worst bit the most challenging one. Why? Because I was often misunderstood by my teacher. Our teacher was also strict. But it wasn’t really that bad, it just that the other years were better than this one. In fact, we also had little presentation just like when I was still in grade three. And I could say that our presentation were indeed better than it was in grade three.

The sixth grade was really the busiest, I can say. Because we are the sixth graders we are often into school activities. Almost every month, we are acquainted with different activities. And when it comes to academics, several quiz bowls were also conducted. And often times, I am one of the representatives of our school.

And as we all know, we have to be separated from our friends and classmates for we are now entering a new stage of life. We have to say our goodbyes and farewells with them because we know the facts that we can’t enter the same high school with the same classmates.

I remember elementary had ended but those memories with them still clingers in my mind. I could still remember those sweet times with my friends. And I know they feel the same way, too.I just hope that through times they won’t forget me.

LIVING IN A MODERN WORLD

Try to look around your surroundings, everywhere you look, the environment speaks ‘modern technology’. People, adults and youngsters alike, everywhere are obviously acquainted with modern technology. You often see them with cell phones on their hands. It’s like they’re going to die if they can’t get their selves one.

Another proof that our world is facing this new phase of modernization is the computer. Here in the Philippines, you are indeed considered lucky if you have PC’s or personal computers at home. But in the foreign countries like the US, having a computer is just like possessing cell phones. Teens in their country even drive their own cars. But anyway, going back to computers, computer and IT geniuses created several machines and made computers even smaller- from PC’s to notebook computers to R2H and who knows they might even make a computer as small as a coin purse.

During the past decades, people became observant of the world. From outer space to the inner part of the Earth- they studied all these. Together, they made several inventions to make life easier and faster. (I know I’m stating the meaning of machine but I don’t care) And as we can see they succeeded to change the world. Now, we can definitely say that the scientists did help us.

If it weren’t for them, we won’t be enjoying the free information offered by the internet, we won’t be experiencing the luxuries we are enjoying at home- the TV’s, radios, MP3’s, fridge, oven, etc. also if it weren’t for them, we would be walking from one place to another- no automobiles, airplanes, ships to take us from wherever we want. Also we would still be ignorant about those twinkling things in the night sky.

Examples cited above are just few. But when we really would think about it, we could still make some improvements. Because you see, facilities we use today at home and at work are not yet the best. They may give us the comfortability we are looking for but still they have some unwanted effects in the environment.

Some examples are the microwave ovens, fridge, air-conditioning units and many more. You might have not known this but it’s true. And worst, it might result to greenhouse effect.

Of course we, we don’t want this to happen. So before worse comes to worst, we might as well take some actions. Persuade others to be concerned and take also some actions, too. Just as the saying goes ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ Maybe with the guidance of this proverb, we would be realizing our faults and make some plans on what we should do.

We should not fill our minds with thoughts of unwanted things instead we must think of a better way to improve the things which are needed to be improved. We could also enjoy the things offered by science and technology. And thus share what we have learned to those who are thirsty in knowledge of the modern world.

LIFE AND EXPERIENCE IN UP HIGH

UP High, I guess, is every student's dream school. It s a nice school. Although, it's a public school, its training is great. You don't have to pay for tuition fees. You just have to pay 2000 pesos for PTA dues, and books every school year.

But UP High is not that easy to enter. First, you have to apply. Upon application, you will be interviewed by a certain teacher. If you're qualified, you can take the HSAT (High School Admission Test). If you pass the admission test, you have to have a medical examination to see to it that you are physically and mentally fit to study in high school. I have gone through all of these and I am proud to be what I am right now.

At first, I had second thoughts on entering UP High because I have heard so much about it - the negative ones. Little did I know that it's just the college department who does the rally thing. I'm thankful to my mother that she persuaded me to give it a try. I followed her and as they say, the rest was history.

I had learned so much during my first few months as a freshman and I owe it to my instructors and instructresses. Even the subjects which I thought are hard ones at first, were made easy to learn and understandable by many of the teachers.

Aside from academics side, there are also several extra-curricular activities in UP. Some are the Intramurals and KYSD (Know Your School Day). And we are now preparing for the science week. There would be a science fair. As part of the fair several activities were prepared. Some of these are the: Slogan Making Contest, Essay Writing Contest, Inter-Public Elementary Schools Sci-Math Quiz Bowl, Poster Making Contest, and the main highlight is the presentation of the investigatory projects of higher levels.

For us freshmans, we were grouped into 12 and each would make a slogan . Selected slogan would be chosen to be the most meaningful. Other slogans will be aligned and put in the corridors of the first year rooms.

An open house will also be conducted in different subject areas. It is where the selected projects made by students will be displayed for the teachers, parents, and others to see. Of course, the teachers would choose the better ones and set aside the not-so-beautifully-done.

I know I would have to take the journey for me to finish high school with flying colors- just what my parents want me to. I have to go through the obstacles waiting for me along the way for me to succeed.

Maybe through this, I would be able to tell children who are aiming to enter UP that UP High that it isn't as scary as you thought it is. You just have to take the risk and you'll see it's worth it.
I know I still have three more years to spend with UP High and I know I would be successful in going through all of these with my parents' and advisers' guidance.

LIFE

‘The only permanent thing in this world is change’ You’d often hear this quote everytime you had chance to have a heart-to-heart talk with someone. Or this thought might strike you everytime you reflect on something.

You often come to realize the things you missed and regrets afterwards. You say to yourself ‘I should have done something better. I should have not missed the opportunity when it came once knocking at my door. I should have done this… I should have done that…‘ But as they all say, it may be not the right time for you. You should wait for your time to come.

Strange as it may seem, but it’s true. Nothing is really permanent in this world. Not things, riches, properties, fame… not even life. Yes, not even life. You can never choose when to die neither could you choose how to die. Remember that death comes like a robber in the night. You just have to choose how to live your life now.

I remember last few years ago, a close family friend of ours met an accident. He once had a nice job, nice disposition, and a very happy married life. After the accident, he had lost his job and eventually, in the turn of events, lost his family.

Another example is the Mass Communications student of UP who died in a vehicular accident. Another is the UP alumnus who died inside their house. So you see even in your own house you can’t escape death.

Another one is a neighbour of ours. She once used to own a nice house. She had children who are all professionals. Until their house caught fire one time, she lost everything she had. But now, she is starting to move on. She now has a new life. She just puts in mind that what had happened was just a challenge on the journey the journey through life.

Therefore, we should learn to appreciate all the blessings we have. We should put in mind that are less fortunate than us who needs help so badly but often ignored. We must not forget to give thanks to the Lord for all the graces and the blessings. Thus, we should also share what we have. Learn to practice charity. And who knows that person whom we handed our hand to might do something which may help us in the present.

Also, consider this day as your last day on earth. Help those who needed help. Make friends with your enemies. Call all the people whom you had hard feelings before. Show your love and affection to your loved ones and show them how much you do care for them.

STRIVE TO BE HAPPY AND LEARN TO LOVE LIFE !!!

AS A STUDENT TEACHER

I’m a first year student of one of the best high schools in the Philippines, I guess. I know I’m a lucky girl because I’m studying in UP High. Aside from academics, we also have school activities to improve our different skills and talents and to make us ready for the future.

One of the activities enjoyed in UP High is the KYSD (Know Your School Day). It is where the students became the subject teachers and teach fellow students. It is a three-day event or for this year’s case, just for two days. It is done every third week of January.

Just like the ordinary teachers, we were given the chance to experience the feeling of being interviewed. And I guess all of us really felt tense and nervous. After the interview, we waited for the results and we were quite disappointed when we found out that the results would be given the day after. And fortunately, my application was granted. Plus, I felt so proud because there was just two available slots and I was one of the two who were given the privilege to teach the subject, Science I- C (Oceanography, Meteorology, Astronomy).

Another subject which I was given the chance to teach is English I. There were only three of us who applied, and I was lucky enough to be accepted. That was what I thought at first, when I haven’t known yet that I’ll be teaching the other section. (There are just two sections in UP High.) I really felt tensed because I’m not at ease with them. I know them personally and vice-versa but nothing more than that. I don’t know how to handle a class which I’m not familiar with. I’m afraid I might do something which they would feel bad about. Or I might say something so mean. Or my teaching might be not enough for them. Several negative thoughts came rushing into my mind but my teacher assured me that as a subject teacher I have the authority what a teacher should do.

Then the event came, I gathered all my self-confidence. I needed to look dignified and confident so my fellow students would respect me. I had fun in teaching English I.

While in Science I- C, it was a team teaching. I had so much fun and for me it was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life. And to add that it was my first year in UPHS.I gained so much self-confidence because of what I’ve experienced. And also I’ve realized, it wasn’t what I thought at first. It’s really worth the risk. For through this, I’ve unveiled my potentials and I’m learning.

And most of all, I’ve experienced to be a teacher. I’ve experienced their hardships and their determination for us to learn more on a certain topic. I have also experienced how to handle hard-headed and naughty students. And I really admire teachers for they had the patience to deal on this kind of students.

NOW I KNOW HOW IS IT TO BE A TEACHER!!!