The Look

Let me express my views on this short poem of Sara Teasdale:

The Look

Strephon kissed me in the spring,

Robin in the fall,

But Colin only looked at me

And never kissed at all.

Strephon’s kiss was lost in jest,

Robin’s lost in play,

But the kiss in Colin’s eyes

Haunts me night and day.

A beautiful poem isn’t it? It is just brief but it meant a lot. Yes, the voice of the poem was that of a girl. He had many boys in the past, which was evident by the author’s use of words of the seasons like spring and fall. The spring and the fall may also symbolize the different angles and sides of our lives. That sometimes, we grow and bloom like in the spring, or sometimes get disappointments and feel bad and withered like the time of fall.

Why a kiss? A kiss symbolizes care and love. That is why, the poet used this act to attract people to get interested on it because it somewhat describes the act of loving.

Why the look? Well, as I have just discovered recently in our batch retreat, loving does not only require physical attractions and verbal expressions. One thing to express love is just to act, or simply by the use of the eyes. If you love someone and you really get along with each other, one look is enough to share a whole day experience.

By using all the things used in the poem and take it deeply, not just its mere dictionary meaning, we can say that the poem tells a story.

It tells a story about a girl who had many relationships before. And these relationships were of all season, that is, it’s always changing. This is because the girl is just having a relationship without the proper and the right relations. She just find comfortable with the guys she is with but deep inside, she is searching for that somewhat who would complete her. And she did not find that in all the guys that went through her, as stated in the poem that their kisses were eventually lost, and instead to somebody who does not or only has a little feeling towards her. That is why the girl wants his kiss but the guy can only give her the look. But the again, the look has many meanings. It may be that the man does not really like the girl or we do not know that the man has also a mutual feeling of love to the girl.

Some important learnings in this poem is that you should choose people best for you and you should express what you feel towards the person you longed to be with. In this way, you do not have to pretend that you enjoy each other’s company if you really do not. And you will not have all the regrets by not doing the first move. You might end up being like the girl in the poem, having the man she likes only by the look.

Our Research: Vermiculture

Finally, everything we had to do was done. One thing left to do for our research is making it hardbound. But before we graduate the course Research II, I would like to present what our study is all about; how we came up with the study and the experiences we had by doing the study.

But before everything else, let me define some terms you will encounter upon reading this entry further: African Nightcrawlers – they are a kind of earthworm that eats all kinds of organic matter and convert them into useful worm castings; Worm castings – these are the organic materials produced by the African Nightcrawlers. It is like worm castings is to earthworms as a dung is to a cow; Vermiculture – the process of growing healthy worms; Vermicomposting – the production of worm castings through Vermiculture.

As we all know for a fact, the population is still increasing and rising each year. This may cause various effects including the “too much garbage” we are having. But there is an answer to this problem which, at the same time, could help generate our income. That is the technology called Vermicomposting. It is a method of growing earthworms to breakdown organic matter and convert them into worm castings, which are good as an organic fertilizer. Yeah, it was indeed strange at first. We just knew about this topic because Prime and company’s project was all about this and it was just handed down to us. But even we did not like the topic much, considering the fact that we are going to deal with earthworms, we got excited about it and decided to take the challenge and do the said research. Prime and company’s study was about the effect of sol moisture in the growth of the African Nightcrawlers. And to avoid plagiarism, we had to think what other variable we are going to vary and decided on one other factor affecting the subjects’ growth, the kind of feed they ingest. And to make our study more credible, we decided to include the effect of the feeds on the production of worm castings.

Our study was done for around five weeks. Even though our study has insignificant results, which means the different feeds have comparable effect on the Nightcrawlers, we were still very much happy and glad that we finished it and had it hard bound.

People may say that this is but another ordinary school project. But it is not, at least for me, it is not. It is not just ordinary because we did not just do this for the sake of passing. We did this study with dedication and we did this by heart. Yes, I am amenable that because of much dedication, this study often caused misunderstandings and fightings among group members. But I think what we experienced as a group just made us closer together and made us know each other more.

For other people’s views, I am a leader but as what I have learned, I was never one. I was always the boss, telling my group mates to do this, ordering them to computerize this, commanding them to consult a teacher, and others. It may seem like a selfish act, but I guess it made our research study better and it made our paper good; not to mention that we placed third in the Science Congress. It may be not the best paper in the world. But for me, all the hardships and the experiences we had in making it made it the best.

We hope that everything goes fine in the last step of our research requirement and hope to pass it before the deadline…

Peace-keepers or among the bad guys?

Vigilante killings started last December 2004 in Davao City. It is the act of killing ex-convicts, escaped prisoners and other criminals that are not behind bars. These vigilantes wear masks and are on their bikes. They just pass through streets and bang, kill people. Are they really peace-keepers or are they one of the bad guys?

Yes, I admit that the crime rate in Davao indeed lowered. This is because of their vigilante killings. Yes, this act could lessen crime rates and even help the government authorities to seek the criminals. But I believe that this is not righteous. I believe that vigilantes are one of the bad guys.

They say that innocents are killed by criminals and criminals are killed by the vigilantes. But are we amenable that killing is a crime and by doing such, you may be named a criminal. So I guess being a vigilante is comparable to being a criminal. It is just lessening the number of criminals by increasing their number. Ironic, isn’t it?

They also say that the crime rate lessened. But killing a criminal is still a crime that could constitute an increase in the crime rate if counted, so I think that reason is not valid.

Another reason why I am anti-vigilante is that it is against the will of God. In His ten commandments, the fourth is the prohibition of killing another. So, by being a vigilante, even though your aim is to help and do good, is still a sin! It is still punishable by law and even by the Creator. People have no right to take lives of others because we owe all our lives, including the life of the victim and the vigilante himself.

Another thing is that people are affected by these vigilante killings. Criminals who intend to change are being killed. Some innocents even are affected and mistaken as one of the bad guys and killed by these vigilantes. Not only are the victims of the vigilante killings are affected but also their family members and relatives. What if that person killed was the bread winner of the family? What will happen to the family?

Between killing for good and stealing for life, I think stealing is the lesser evil. In stealing, you only get things- they have no feelings and they are nonliving. Whereas when you kill, you hurt people when they are hit and still survived after the incident or you deprive people of their right to live when they don’t.

Another thing I would like to point out is that you cannot stop something wrong by another something which is also wrong. What I mean is that people who are doing something wrong simply intend to do more wrong things if you stop them by another wrong act.

Again, I would like to present my point. Vigilante killing is not the answer to the injustices happening in our country. We better leave the judgment to the police authority or let Him execute the final judgment that is fit for the bad guys.

Love: An Act of Will, Not of the Heart

“At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” –Plato

“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” –Willa Cather

“Love does not make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” –Franklin P. Jones

“Love is like a quicksilver in the hand. Leave the fingers open, and it stays. Clutch it and it darts away.” –Dorothy Parker

“The story of love is not important- what is important is that one is capable of love. It perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity.” –Helen Hayes

Love. A word of so many meanings. It is the most frequently used topic for poetry, short stories, and quotation books. Even blog entries are filled with the ones about love! But is there such thing? Who discovered it then? Is it merely psychological or is it just a feeling that only a feeling can understand?

Love is not supposed to be defined. It is supposed to be felt.

“Love is like a rosary, full of mysteries.” That is one of the corniest quotations about love. But admit it. It is indeed true. There are many things love can do, even mysteries or miracles. But why is love associated with the heart? That question, I cannot answer. A heart is a mere organ pumping blood for proper circulation of the body. But where is the love in that process?

I do believe that love is indeed an act of will, not of the heart.

A quotation from Ursula Le Guin says that “Love not just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.” Again, love is an act of will, not of the heart. It is not something that exists without the will of the person. It has to be made, created and supposed to be felt. It needs two parties to share the same feeling. They do special things for each other. They nurture each other, and likewise, nurture love, indeed an act of will.

Another saying by Walter Lippman for me holds true, that “Love endures only when the lovers love many things together and not merely each other.” Love is a kind of feeling that is freely felt by a person towards another. But I agree with the quotation stated. Love endures and lasts when the lovers love many things together and enjoy each other’s company a lot. They not merely love each other but all the activities they do together, one thing that proves my point that love is indeed an act of will.

There are a lot of things which support the fact that love is an act of will. Even sacrifices are done for love. Like our Savior, Jesus Christ, he suffered and died for us. All because of his act of will, the act of love.

Indeed, loving is a choice we make. It is up to us whom to love, what to do for love, or basically, if we would love or not. It is supposed to be our choice, our will.

All things in this world, I suppose, are act of will, not merely of any pumping organ…

How Do I Want to be Remembered when I Leave High School

Leaving High School is a great achievement for me. It means you have surpassed every single test and passed all requirements in every subject you have. But being remembered upon leaving High School is another achievement that I want to have. It is for me, being treasured as someone who touched another’s life. It is everyone’s dream, not to be forgotten and of course, being remembered of something. But how do I really want to be remembered when I leave High School?

I am an ordinary student in this university. I am not so popular in extra-curricular activities that need all the confidence in the world. I am barely noticed in school. But still, I do want to be remembered. I do want to hear people say that they for once, met an Arvin in their life…

First of all, I would like to be remembered as a great friend, as someone whom anyone can trust. I want to be remembered as a good companion. That is why I always do my best to make others feel secured and have the feeling of being at ease and at home when I am with them. In good times or in bad, I want to be always with people. In that way, I get to know them more and they, as well know me better.

I also want to be remembered as that person responsible in his acts and has the sense of commitment in all his doings. Of course, as one of the “prominent intellectuals” in class, they say, I always do my best in my studies and always help my classmates, if needed, and of course, if my abilities can carry the job. I want to be remembered someday as the person who helped them in high school in any way I can.

Other people remember me as the one person who has made most of the “shining love teams” in the batch. I also want to be remembered that way. That when they meet me in the future, they would still remember the couples that I made and teased.

I also want to be remembered as that cute little individual who is always fond of tickling people. I am also easily tickled, and I believe that the best defense is the offense. So I tickle people first before they can tickle me. It is my favorite past time because I am having fun tickling people and in that way, we enjoy each other’s company.

Finally, I want to be remembered as one of the greatest smile-maker of the batch. I want everybody to smile and think about the happy memories we have when they hear my name. That is why I deliver even the corniest jokes just to make people laugh and be happy. Of course, not to the extent that I make a fool of myself. In our case we laugh with each other and not at each other.

Again, I do want to be remembered. I do want to hear people say that they for once, met an Arvin in their life…

I do.

According to Article 1 of the Family Code, Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman, entered into, in accordance with law, for the establishment of conjugal and family life.

Here in the Philippines, absolute divorce is not allowed, but annulment is. But what is really the difference of the two? Well, as far as I have known in my Practical Law class, the only difference of the two is their spelling. Yes, both processes are most likely the same. They mean separation of the married couple and after their separation, they are both allowed to marry another. That is the only difference between absolute divorce or annulment of marriage and legal separation.

I am really against the legalization of absolute divorce in the Philippines. First of all because marriage is a sacrament. It is then blessed and holy. Why then would you break a blessed and holy rite? Absolute divorce, for me, is a sin. It is against some verses in the Bible. The following is an example:

“Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” –Matthew 19:4-6 NIV

Marriage is a contract joined by God. So it is not righteous to separate that togetherness. Even though the contracting parties do not love each other anymore, it is still not valid for them to be absolutely divorced or separated, even if they are not happy with their relationship anymore. They must have thought of that before they went into the process of marriage.

Another reason why I am not for absolute divorce is that it has many ill effects on the people. If people are informed about this, they will depend on it. Depending on it makes him play with his relationships with other people, making the blessed marriage ceremony useless. This also has bad effects to the children of the contracting parties. If the parents of the children were happy for around ten years and something went up on the eleventh, causing them to file a divorce, what will happen to their children? See, not only their lives are affected but also the lives of their children.

Legally speaking, according the Family Code, the husband and the wife must live together, observe mutual love, respect, and fidelity and render mutual help and respect.

Spiritually and religiously speaking, these verses support my stand:

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love you wives, and do not be embittered against them.” –Colossians 3:18-19 NASB

“So each husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself, and each wife should respect her husband.” –Ephesians 5:33 CEV

These are merely my opinions. But I still believe in my stand; that people must think over their decisions many times before saying the two words that can indeed, change your fate in the future: “I do.”

The odd poem

As what I have read in the English Communication Arts and Skills book, poetry is the oldest among all forms of arts. Even before, when our ancestors did not knew yet how to write, they already sang or recited lines of verses. It is the most flexible of all the literary types.

A poem is basically a thought or a feeling expresses in rhythmic and in a beautiful language. It can be about anything. It comes in different forms and styles. Here’s an odd one:

l ( a

l e

a f

f a

l l

s )

o n e

l

i n e s s

You may think those letters and symbols above are pointless. Who would have thought that the figure above is a poem? Yes, a very unique kind of poem. Even I did not believe that it was indeed a poem. It is very new to me, the form, and all other aspects. It is not the usual kind of poem I knew, the rhyming words, the measured lines, everything was changed and far from the traditional poems I used to meet in books.

But let us look closely at it. If you put the letters together, you would form l(a leaf falls)oneliness. It has the word loneliness in it, with the phrase a leaf falls inserted in it.

Maybe we’ll have different interpretations on it. But let me present mine.

The poet might have a very deep meaning of this but as far as my knowledge can reach, all I can say is that if a leaf falls, it causes loneliness. Of course, it causes loneliness because the leaf, considering that it already has fallen becomes separated from the tree, who held it from the start. It is where it grew. It causes loneliness to the leaf, being alone and causes loneliness to the tree, having one of its leaves lost. But another sad thing is there to figure out- what caused the leaf to fall? Is it the wind that blew it very hard? Is it the tree that let it go? Or is it the leaf itself that grew tired holding on to the tree? This poem indeed makes sense. It somehow tells a story.

Long time before, people use typewriters to input things. And typewriters before has no key for number one. Being on the imaginative side of myself, this makes me think that the first character in the poem is the number one. That one thing that can cause loneliness is the number one,or being on the top. Being on the top causes loneliness because you get pressured that the one next in line will surpass you. That you cannot enjoy where you are right now because you were busy preserving your position. This causes loneliness because you cannot experience the funny and enjoyable experiences of the people below you.

Another realization I have made by looking at this poem is that loneliness has the word one in it. That another thing that can cause loneliness is by being alone. People cannot live alone. They need one another to survive. Being alone indeed causes loneliness.

Well these are only some of the things I figured out simply upon looking closely at this odd poem. I believe there are many interpretations more so let us not limit ourselves by simply looking at the form and structure of anything. If given enough time, look closely at every thing on earth. Who knows, something more may be in store for us.

Leadership…

“Leadership is a decision and therefore, a responsibility”. “There is a big difference between a leader and a boss. A boss says ‘Do it.’ while a leader says ‘Let’s do it.’ These are the words delivered by the candidates in the recently held Students’ Rally.

Last March 09, 2007, Friday, was a date for the candidates for the next school year’s Student Council Executive Committee (SC ExeCom) Officers elections, which was to be held on March 12, 2007, Monday. It was their time to show to the citizens of the school what they can do to improve whatever needs to be improved in the school.

Both parties indeed prepared campaign materials like posters, stickers, and many more prior to the Students’ Rally. The ACTS or the Alliance of Concerned and Transformed Students was a party led by Chic Madonna Tambagan as the candidate for the position of SC President while her co-candidate, Bap Palen, led his LIFE party or the Leaders in Full Energy. Indeed both parties delivered their respective platforms well.

And finally, the day of the elections came. On the said elections date, around 9:30 in the morning, student liasons went to their respective assigned sections bringing with them ballot boxes and that piece of paper where the future of the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu lies on. Of course, each student of the school has his or her own favorite or the person whom they think, can manage and run the school well.

The student liaisons then collected the ballot and went to the Guidance Office, together with Mrs. Maglasang to tally the votes. The students had already spoken. Here is the previous and the new set of SC ExeCom Officers for the incoming school year:

Chairperson: Euvic Ferrer Chic Madonna Tambagan

Vice-Chairperson: Michelle Gudito Camille Ann Garcia

Internal Secretary: Chic Madonna Tambagan Theresa Ynez Polistico

External Secretary: Bernalene Vidal Rowella Aguillon

Treasurer: Olga Marie Soon Leslie Adolfo

Auditor: Gayle Lorraine Tallo Stacey Kaye Fortuna

4^th year Councilor: Arvin Suralta Ann Carmel Vidal

3^rd year Councilor: Camille Ann Garcia McCherry Ann De Leon

2^nd year Councilor: Stacey Kaye Fortuna Dan Clever Gigantone

The previous SC ExeCom officers are about to turn over the responsibility to the newly elected officers. I, being one of the previous officers, do hope for the betterment of the school in their management. I could really say that these newly elected officers are responsible enough to run the school, for majority of them were SC members this year.

Indeed, being a leader is a great responsibility. It is not easy to run school activities and be the voice of the students in school. According to Lou Holtz, Ability is what you are capable of doing, motivation determines what you do, and attitude determines how well you do it. And I do believe in this quote. These three are essential for a leader to become a good leader. He must have the ability to do things, motivation to determine what to do and attitude to do his responsibility well. Leaders should not always ‘lead’, oftentimes ‘following’ determines a good leader.

Now showing: In the name of the blind father

“Sa Ngalan ng Bulag na Ama.” That is the funny combination of the two equally renowned plays rendered and presented by the fourth year students of the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu last March 02, 2007, Friday. Of course, some of the parents were present that night to witness such a marvelous event for their children, especially to the actors and actresses of the play. Some lower year students were also present that night and of course, the faculty would not miss this annual event.

Prior to the big night, the seniors kept on practicing their plays and did everything just to make their play a very good one. Both sections would stay late in school, around 10:00 in the evening just to perfect everything. Three nights before the night of the presentation, the two sections went through a night full of criticisms, the critics’ night. Four critics were there to deliver all the criticisms in the world. It was indeed, a “Critics’ Night”. Only a few words of praises were heard that night and the rest were criticisms. But the two sections were not affected by the criticisms to them. They whole-heartedly accept them and use them for the betterment of their productions.

And the big night came.

Tan’s play, “Bulag” was written by a student, but not form anyone of the batch. Their production, “Tanikala” won eight awards, including best actor, best actress, best direction, and best production, under their production manager, Razel Paldo.

On the other hand, “Sa Ngalan ng Ama”, the play presented by the Gonzalez students was written by a playwright, very known in his field. It won nine awards, more on the technical side of the play. Their production was named “Quevedo”, a Spanish word for the “different kinds and collection of mirrors” under their production manager, Euvic Ferrer.

Funny it may seem, but I was the one in-charged for the committee that takes care of the make-up and wardrobe of the actors and actresses. And surprisingly, we won for the “Pinakamabisang paggamit ng make-up at kasuotan.” I was proud and honored of the award and at the same time, ashamed of it for I think girls should have been the one in my position as head of that committee.

After the announcing of the winners, the senior batch rejoiced because the said productions served as their fourth quarter periodical exam. We were indeed delighted because all the hardwork in practicing and preparing for the productions ended up into a success. Another thing to be grateful at is that even for the tough competition between the two sections, the still friendship was not affected. Indeed, the bond of the fourth year students could not be broken anymore after the four years of laughter and tears in school.

Now, we are having our debate, held every Filipino period, and our production album, currently in the process, as our last requirements for Filipino IV. We are hoping a hundred percent in the number of batch mates to graduate. I know this is not the end, but the beginning of a brand new journey in College life.

On the right of Non-College graduates to run…

It is already year 2007. I cannot wait to turn 18 by next year, not because it is the age associated with debut (because guys actually do not have debuts upon turning 18), but because it is already the age of majority. A time wherein I can be called an adult. This is the age where we can already enjoy a lot of stuff like adults do. This includes the right to vote.

This coming May 14 is this year’s election date. It is when the people vote other people as their “leaders”, whom they think are worthy to be called one and has the capabilities and perseverance to be a good one.

Other people say that people who did not graduate in College have no right to run as candidates in the elections. This is the main topic of this blog entry. I do not agree in this.

The Philippines is a democratic country where the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. This means that the power lies on the people to decide on how to manage their country. And the Filipino people have various rights to exercise. As a Practical Law student, I know a little about these rights. One of these is the political rights. These political rights include the right to vote and the right to be voted and elected.

As what I have known and read in the 1987 Constitution, the only requirement and qualification on the educational aspect of running as a candidate is the ability to read and right. And I believe that these people who have the capability to read and write are not all College graduates that is why I remain to my stand that people who have not graduated in College also have the right to run and be a candidate.

I admit that some of the already elected leaders in the country who are not College graduates did not handle and manage the country well. But I would like to stress something about the previous statement that I have just delivered. “Some” did not handle and manage the country well. Only some. We all know that Lipa is a very good place and it is run by Ms. Vilma Santos, who is not a College graduate. This adds to my point that non-College graduates can indeed, manage a place well. I am not saying that all of them are capable of doing that but I am stating the possibility that they could.

Of what importance is a leader of all educational attainment in the world, if he could not or would not manage the country well? Yes, I admit that College graduates have the advantage, and the more possibility to make the right decisions for the country but I would also like to say that non-College graduates have the possibility too. Not that much possibility, but the fact remains that it is possible that they could run a country well too.

If you are thinking that only non-College graduates are depending on political advisers, think twice! I know for sure that elected College graduates also rely on political advisers. So that is not a good reason to ban non-College graduates to run as candidates.

Another thing to ponder about is that College graduates, as most of us think, have the more intellectual capacity and intelligence of how to run an entire country. But didn’t we realize that because of their intelligence, they could have the possibility to corrupt? All because they know too much about the country’s ways! I am not saying that non-College graduates could not and would not corrupt. But the again, I would present the possibility that they would not.

Another point is that, why ban College graduates from running as candidates when in fact, it is their right? And another point is that candidacy does not automatically mean winning! They can run and be candidates but still, the vote of the majority wins! It is up to the people if they would vote non-College graduates or not, but still the thought remains that non-College graduates could indeed run and be candidates.

As the elections day is fast approaching, qualified voters must really think of whom to vote for. They must vote wisely for the betterment of our home country.

Need a Friend?

“The most called upon prerequisite of a friend is and accessible ear.” –Maya Angelou

It is true. The first thing that makes a person a friend to another person is his capability to listen. Everyone needs to be heard. And mostly everyone respects anyone who listens to him. That is, for me, the start of friendship.

“Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.” –Ed Cunningham

Yes, this is another quotation that tells how listening could start a friendship. Barely anyone could ask us how we are. But only true friends will listen to what we feel and understand us. That is why we feel comfortable with them and always want to be with them. We also trust them, even to the point that we trust them more than we trust our family members. Another good thing about having true friends is that they do not need your explanations. Your enemies won’t listen to your explanations but your friends do not need them. They simply understand you and can relate to you.

“The proper office of a friend is to side with you when you are in the wrong. Nearly anybody will side with you when you are right.” –Mark Twain

This quote often applies to almost anyone. When you are right, everybody seems to side with you and be your friends. But when you are wrong, most of them leave you and always side with what they think is right while true friends will still stay with you, understand you and be with you all throughout.

“Stay is a charming word in a friend’s vocabulary.” –Amoss Bronson Acott

It is true. Friends really stay with you through good times or bad. They will always encourage you to go on with life and still makes you believe that it is worth living. Often times, friends are the causes of your unbecoming acts that lead you to be scolded, punished or more severely, jailed. But that is the test of true friendship. When you are in trouble at around 2:00 in the morning, a friend will surely call, but a true friend will surely go to your house and check if you are all right. Indeed, a friend always stays.

“One does not make friends. One recognizes them.” –Garth Henrichs

People cannot make friends. Friends are people. Of course, people can make people. But people cannot make someone a friend. It is a relationship. So people cannot make friends but make him a friend and be a friend to him too. Again, people cannot make friends. They make their bond with each other stronger and thus, create friendship (not friend). People recognize someone a friend and not make him a friend.

I am fortunate to have many friends. And I am more thankful because I belong to a certain group of friends, the CRBMMDAJ. It is here that I feel secure and it is where I can be myself. It is important to have many friends. And for all these reasons, I also believe that this last statement holds absolutely true…

“How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment when we realize we have discovered a friend.” –William Botsler

Good Luck-God’s Luck

New Year is a time to thank the Lord for the previous year that had ended and to ask Him for enlightenment and guidance for the coming days of the new year. It is about changing yourselves for good. Majority of the people celebrate this event on the first day of January, the first month of the year, which I think is the best and right time to celebrate new year. However, Chinese have a different calendar of activities and celebrate this on the second month of the year.

February 18, 2007 was the official date for the Chinese New Year. It is the official date for the year of the Fire Pig. By this time, we can witness dragon dance, lightings of very thin candles and incense, fire crackers and fire works, and the many Chinese beliefs of and ways to have fortune. Even wearing red-colored or polka dot clothing during New Year is now observed by the Filipinos. Even having the thirteen round fruits during New Year’s Eve is observed too.

“Feng Sui.” I am not referring to Kris Aquino’s horror film but the Chinese belief of being lucky by rearranging things and furniture at home. Many Chinese people observe this belief. They hire Feng Sui experts to rearrange the things in their house. They even buy stuff that they say can drive away evil spirits and help enter good luck in money, health or even love life. They even have body ornaments like bracelets of different purposes.

I am not saying that we should disregard and do not follow these Chinese beliefs but this is a Filipino country. We have our own traditions. We should not always rely our life to luck. The best way to achieve what we want and dream is hardwork and perseverance. I always believe in the saying that “If there is will, there is a way.” Everything is possible in this world for a man who dares. As long as that person strives very hard in achieving that goal, for sure, he could always make it. Some people in this world may have all the luck and they are the ones who never depended on it.

Many people depend on luck for money. And for that, some lives were lost. Just like the Ultra Stampede for the show, Wowowee. I am not blaming anyone for the unfortunate event but if you would look at it closely, people went to the venue of the show because they wanted to join in and let luck determine their fate. And what happened? Many lives were lost.

Another thing that I would like to point out about luck is that people, when it seems all the luck in the world are theirs, become greedier. If they are lucky in the financial aspect, they intend to have more. How I wish people with the “luck in money” would use their money the way people who “lack in money” would.

After all, I also believe in what Roger Miller has said, that “Luck is God’s nickname.” Everything that is happening in this world has a purpose and is God’s will. So I think that luck should not be termed “luck”. It should then be “God’s will”.

Sinulog: the tale of the feast…

Sinulog is certainly something that is associated with Cebu. That is why it is considered one of the local attractions in the province. Because of this, it is something to write on as one of our Cyber Fair articles. My article is as follows:Philippines is known to be a happy country full of festivities and celebrations in honor of patron saints. One of which is Sinulog. Sinulog is a famous festival in Cuba. It is in honor of the Child Jesus, Sto. Niño. It shows a dance ritual of the Filipino’s acceptance of Christianity in the past and on how thankful they are for the miracles and help the Child offered. This is done gracefully by using the Sto. Niño’s image being worshipped. It may be one, if not the most colorful lively festivity here in the Philippines. It uses a lot of splendid costumes and props that would surely mesmerize the audience. In addition, its lively beat of drums, trumpets and native gongs would surely make you dance and groove. This celebration, held every 3rd Sunday of January, involves a lot of people; those in charged of the preparations, the venue, and of course, media. This also showcases the talents of many schools, organizations, and other contingents in moving their bodies and crying out those chants. There is also Sinulog for the youth, the Sinulog sa Kabataan, done a week before the grand parade. The Sinulog contest is traditionally held in the Cuba City Sports Complex, wherein most of the major provincial events are held. The festival traditionally lasts for nine days. A Fluvial Procession, a water-parade, is also held the day before the parade, carrying the image of the young Jesus with lots of candles and flowers from Mandaue to Cuba City’s wharf. It ends by a re-enactment of the Christianity of Cuba at the Basilica. On the feast day, the Cardinal together with several bishops of Cuba celebrates a Pontifical Mass. “Sinulog” originates from the Cebuano adverb sulog which is “like water current movement”, which describes the dance, its “forward-backward” movement. The dance consists of two forward steps and one backward step, done to the beat of the drums. It is categorized into Sinulog-base, Free-interpretation, and lately, a Latin category. Historians noted that the natives, in honor of the anitos, their wooden idols, already danced Sinulog. Fernando de Magallanes, a Portuguese navigator arrived in April 7, 1521 and planted a cross on Cuba’s shores. He then presented the image of the Sto. Niño as a baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, Rajah Humabon of Cuba’s wife. Hara Amihan was then named Queen Juana in honor of Juana, Carlos I’s mother. With some rulers of the island, some 800 natives were also Christianized. Beginning 1980, the Cebu City government organized the Sinulog Mardi Gras and gave opportunities to some dance troupes. David S. Odilao Jr, former Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development (MSYD) organized the first Sinulog. The Cuba City Historical Committee became responsible for the conceptualization of the Sinulog as one of the province’s major events.Filipinos all over the country visit Cuba just to witness this marvelous celebration. Even foreigners get to use in watching Sinulog. And because of such a large crowd, people engage in selling foods, drinks and some products that shall serve as memorabilia of the said event.Indeed, having such a prestigeous celebration would somewhat help the economy. It could generate income. This is also a way of preserving the religion and the unique culture of the Filipinos. By practicing Sinulog, the people’s faith could be strengthened even more. So the government of Cebuanos must preserve this culture for the future. It is also one of the trademarks that make Cuba City a must-seen place in the Philippines.

Christmas Spirit

Christmas is a time of sharing, giving, eating together, and having fun. It is most awaited by the people for the whole year. Children receive cash and other goods from their relatives and exchange gifts with their friends in school and in the community. People of different carrers who get salaries also get excited to receive bonuses. It is really a time of merry making and fun. But do we realize the true value and the essence of Christmas as Christians? Christmas is not just a season of gifts, foods, and games. It is the season when we commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. People often neglect this fact and just do what they used to do during this time. It is indeed the time of the year whenwe give thanks and celebrate the birthday of our Messiah. For God so loved the world, He gave us His only son who sacrificed and died to save us from sins. Let us look closely at the word “Christmas”. When there is no Christ, “mas” is left. It is somewhat like “Without Christ, ‘Many Are Sad (MAS)’”. It is like being a Christian. When you get Christ as well, “ian” is left. This could also mean that “Without Christ, ‘I Am Nothing (IAN)’”. You see, we can really interpret many things just by simply looking at the letters used in “Christmas and “Christian”. The Yuletide season is indeed a happy season for me. Let this season be a time of love, not only for each other, but also to Jesus. May all Christians all over the world value the essence of this season and may the Spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts.

Blazing Trails of Legacy and Friendship (post-prom)

We finally had our last high school JS Prom last February 9, Friday. In the morning of the said date, all students are required to attend classes. The juniors and the seniors were dismissed earleir at 9:30 AM. This was to give them enough time to prepare for the prom. But during class hours, no teacher went except for Ms. Rodel, our research teacher. We do not have research period during that day but Ms. Rodel used the time. We went home around 10:15 AM because we still had something to do in school. I arrived at home around 11:00 AM. I slept for an hour and then took my lunch. After taking my lunch, I watched TV for two and a half hours. The boys were lucky because no make-up and hairdo is needed for them in salons and parlors. Around 3:00 PM, I prepared myself and left 30 minutes after. I arrived in the Waterfront Arctic 3 before 4:00 PM. My mother was supposed to see the venue of our prom but unfortunately, our car had a problem and had to be brought to the shop. So my mother just dropped me and went home right away. The prom went smoothly. I really had myself filled with the many foods that were served. I also had fun with the juniors’ tribute to the seniors. They also gave us individual CD’s of songs. But what I liked most of the programme was the juniors’ presentation of prophecies to the seniors. What I liked to be in the future was to become a successful CPA-lawyer and the juniors prophecized me as the future ‘banker’ of the European Deal or No Deal! Adrian played the ‘Arvin’ in the future. The juniors say that they see me always dance. So they asked Adrian to dance too. But he was more ‘hyper’ than the real me, I guess! After that part of the programme was the handing down of the seniors’ legacies. The turnover rites then followed. Prof. Baltazar then gave a speech that served as a challenge to the students. The next part was the giving of tokens. I really liked their token because it was a pillow of my favorite color! I also brought home one candle that was used in the candle-lighting rites. It served as a remembrance for me. One of my tablemates even brought home the sachet of butter and one brought a toothpick! Indeed, I had fun with my tablemates because they were so loquacious like me. Two of them, Lovelle and Joseph were even nomimated in the Royal Court. Eventhough they did not win, we were proud of them as our tablemates. The most awaited part then came, the disco. Pictures were taken. Everyone danced and had fun. This was the time when I saw that the juniors and seniors were united. When the last dance came, almost everyone danced with their loved one but I had my last dance with Elaine, one of my closest friends. After all the dancing came the singing of the fellowship song and the singing of the school hymn. The prom ’07 finally ended well. Indeed it was the time of blazing trails of legacy and friendship. It was the last prom that our batch would experience and I found it memorable. All preparations all went smoothly. The prom was costly but learnings and fun were also gained. The expenses were all worth it. Next week will be another serious week for no activities can interrupt the classes.

NETizen: Is Being One a Good One?

Because of the development of technologies, computers are now already very accessible to people especially to students. They stay in Internet cafés and spread most of their time surfing the net. But is it really good to be a Netizen- a citizen always surfing the net?Due to their exposure to computers, students can easily do research works, projects, advance studies and many more. Other advantage is being socially acquainted with people through the Internet. They discover new things and goes with the trend nowadays.But computers also have ill effects to students who get hooked to it. They spend too much money on computer cafés instead of feeding themselves during lunch breaks and other free time. This may cause tardiness in their school. Another bad thing about too much exposure to these computers is that students discover many more games and some sites that are not advisable for their age. This is one thing that parents and other adults should be aware of and monitor their children.These are just few advantages and disadvantages we can obviously observe nowadays. It may keep students busy and stop them from taking illegal drugs but might influence them badly in school. Let us always be responsible on our acts and do the things that we know could improve our lives better.

Class Animals

Animals are living organisms under the Kingdom Animalia. Even humans are animals, the highest form of them. Some animals are loved and made into pets and some are really feared and hated. My favorite animal is the bird. I like it because of its colorful feathers and its ability to fly. I really want to fly and see the world below me. It is my wish since I was younger. My hatest animal is the snake. I do not like it because it bites and its bite is poisonous that may cause immediate death. Our class is made up of humans (luckily) but these humans are called names, names of animals! This makes our class enjoyable. People are called animal names but do not get angry. Instead, they just laugh at it. Let me cite some of them. Here are the four-legged animals of our batch: Olga and Euvic are pigs. Janua and Byron are dogs. Czarina is a cow. Daisy is a turtle. Dan is a big lizard. Grace is a goat. Nico Martin is a giraffe. We also have winged-animals: AJ is a duck. David is an owl. Eldee is a penguin. We also have an amphibian: Juna is a frog. We also have pests and insects: Christine Marie is a wati and Mariel is a mosquito. We also have an aquatic animal. Gabby is a fish. Everyday, these people are called by their animal names. It is either they act as one or just for the sake of calling them an animal. But these are just for fun. They laugh with each other and not at them. These animal names are also names of endearment. It is normal in our batch. My other batchmates are called names that are not animals too. Some are: Aiko is Monalisa. Albert is kulot. April Rhiz is halap. Artsron is lolo. Christille is itlog. Ella is simud. Neil is Spongebob. Like my batchmates who are called by animal names, these people are also called by these names. Even teachers are not excempted from being called by names. But of course, these names are again the mild ones. It is not meant to offend but to bring happiness and fun. It is also done in a manner still full of respect. I am not called by any of these names or any animal name. Lucky for me! (Hehe) I think that this calling of names is just our way of relieving ourselves of the stress and the pressure of being an iskolar ng bayan. We have many things to do and we cannot even have time for leisure. So we just make fun of ourselves in school. In that way, we have fun without expense. It is also one way of being closer to each other. If you call another person by names, it just means that you are already close to that person. But it is always important to remember that to avoid misunderstandings, you should laugh with others and not at them.

Prom Preps (pre-prom)

JS Prom ’07 is already fast approaching. It is already scheduled this coming Friday, February 9, 2007 at the Arctic Hall of the Waterfront hotel. I am not really that excited because it is already my second time. The Prom is the time wherein the seniors leave a legacy to the juniors as they leave the school when they graduate. It is a time to tie knots of friendship. It is also a time wherein we, students experience being young gentlemen and ladies. It is a formal event so we have to dress and act descent too. In the classroom, some of my classmates are already talking about what they are going to wear. Some even have the same place to rent to. Yesterday was a Saturday and it is scheduled for our mentoring program at Hipodromo. But my mother said that the day should be spent securing for what I shall wear for the Prom. So I had my first absence in the mentoring program. Around 10:00 AM, we left the house and went to Colon to look for stores who offer coat renting. We got very exhausted that time! We only found the right coat for me at the 4th store we came in! But I also had fun because there were also many students renting for gowns and coats that day. One store attendant said that it is because other schools are also having their Prom on February 9. We ate lunch at Dimsum. After eating, my mother went to a nearby store to buy a medicine. She was very lucky to find the medicine she is looking for because she already went to so many drugstores and not even one has it!We then went home riding a taxi because our car was brought to a shop because as always, some of its parts are again broken or something.Today, we are planning to go to SM to buy a polo that would be worn as inner of the coat after hearing mass. I hope to easily see the right polo for me.Having a prom is really expensive. We had to pay 750 each for the hotel accommodation. We also have to rent or even buy what clothes we are going to wear. But I find having a prom essential to high school life. As I have stated a while ago, it is a time to tie knots of friendship. It is a time to mend broken relationships that maybe caused by misunderstandings last intramurals. It is a time wherein the seniors give the juniors the responsibility of taking care of the school because they are going to be the eldest among the high school students the following year. It is also a time for us to remember our proper manners and act gently for one night. This maybe useful in the future where we can meet a lot of people and dine in a formal restaurant or hotel.Some time after the prom, we are also planning to have a grad ball. It is my first time to experience such so I hope that it would be another fun and exciting event!

Cupid’s Stupid Arrow

Love is a word, which is not supposed to be defined, but felt instead. It is often celebrated during Valentine’s Day which is this coming Wednesday. During this time of the year, people show and express their love to their partners in a sweet and romantic manner. It is often called the Love Day among lovers. For me, it is like magic. But unfortunately, not everyone is feeling the enchantment. How about those people who are ‘loveless’? ‘Broken-hearted’? How do they celebrate Valentoine’s Day?Many of my batchmates already have boyfriends and girlfriends. Some of them really show their feelings in public, but some are disciplined to know where and when to show them. It makes me think that maybe love indeed has magic or something because as what I observed among my batchmates who are already in the relationship, they are doing well in the academics. I can really see the spark in their eyes and the grace in their actions. Because of love, people care and experience being cared for.‘Love enters on tiptoe but bangs the door when it leaves’. Indeed, love comes without notice, unexpected. But when it leaves, it really leaves a great impact to the person who loved. I also see this kind of situation among my batchmates. Because they loved so much, they really get hurt when they break-up. ‘Sometimes we wish Cupid to be hit by his own arrow to make him feel how love hurts’. This line in a text message makes me really think how painful love really is. In loving, one must really not give all; he must leave something for himself.But I really do not see why people cry when the person they love leaves them. There are 73 billion people in this world and they say that they cry because the remaining 72 billion 9 hundred 99 million, 9 hundred 99 thousand 9 hundred 99 people cannot replace him or her. I really see it stupid, crying over just one! You have not yet met the remaining 72 billion people and maybe the one really meant for you is there! Another thing why a person must not cry over the loss of someone he loves is that he still has his parents, his relatives, the people who love him from the beginning! Another thing is that he still has his friends. I am quite certain that friends love you too as much as your boyfriend or girlfriend loves you!I have not yet been in a serious relationship. But I cannot say that I have not yet been in love. I am in love with the Lord, my parents and all the people that love me as well. But others say that the feeling is simply different when it comes to loving someone besides these people, someone who you treat special in your life. It is really brave of me writing something about these, about love! I wonder when would I be hit by Mr. Cupid’s stupid arrow…

An Amazing Trilogy

Last March 3, 2007, Saturday, we, the UP High School students went to SM Cinema 1 to witness the “tulo-Tulo sa Marso”. This is a significant trilogy presented by the USC’s Theater Guild, STC’s Buhilaman and UP’s Bathalad because it is about our own Cebuano culture and heritage. We are very fortunate because the UP high school alumni decided to pay for the tickets which would have cost P75 per student. We are really very lucky to see an amazing trilogy for free.The first play was staged by the University of San Carlos, the “Tuba ra’y Makatimbang’. The play’s orientation was very good. It is a play wherein we were able to realize the many political killings under the regime of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The message was clear enough for me to understand. They used the projector to make their play easier to understand. I did not enjoy their play that much because there were only two major characters. Their dialogue was so long that I was bored. They also used minimal props that made the audience less attracted. However, they used proper make-up and appropriate costumes. They also used the lights effectively but they have only a little musical scoring. Nevertheless, they had a good organization. The scenes were linked well.The second play was the “Sulog sa Gugma”. It was the play that I liked most. Not because it was presented by UP nut because of the different aspects of a play that were managed well. The play showed the effects of industrialization on the human life. It can cause floods and other natural calamities because trees are cut and lands are made into factories. This was effectively delivered by the writer of the play to the audience watching in an interesting way. The use of God-like images added beauty to the play. The use of ethnic music also made me even more attracted to the play. The dancing people in the play not only added beauty to the play but also proved that UPians are good not only in academics but also in different skills in theatre. The play was indeed full of artistry. The music and the lights were managed well. The props used were very simple but are very important to the play. The costumes and make-up were also just for the characters. I also liked the face and body paints of the dancers. They danced very gracefully. I can really say that the play was made by a professional person. That is why I am wondering why the play did not win anything.The third play was presented by the students of Saint Theresa’s College. It was presented by all-girl performers. That is why I was so impressed because their acting was very effective. The play was about a poor girl who started small whose head grew bigger upon being famous and rich. The play indeed made us realize the importance of the value of humility. The performers used many props and costumes which made the play attractive. The dubbers were also very effective as well as the main character. They did not use bulky backdrops unlike the previous performances. They did not use the colors of the lights and music that much but their very humorous script brightened up the whole play. Their scenes were very organized and arranged. It is just righteous for them to bring home most of the awards.I really had fun in watching the three Cebuano plays. This is not only an extension of my knowledge on theatre and stage plays but also a good visual presentation on different values that can be used in life. I am really thankful to the people who made the play free of charge for us and I would like to extend my rearest Congratulations to the people behine the success of the amazing trilogy.