girlsandboys1b6 @ MindSay

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ARGUMENTATION

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lozada

02 Alfonso, Joselle Erin G.

17 Dizon, Anne Rose R.

Lozada: The only truth?

THE TRUTH: Everybody is demanding to know the Truth. But what is Truth?

Engineer Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. was in a similar predicament when he performed in the Senate circus. As he groped the National Broadband Network elephant and some people involved in the behemoth project, he told the senators what the beast was.

Lozada, a former government consultant to the NBN project, recounted how Neri described Ms Arroyo while the CHEd chair was giving a presentation to Senators Panfilo Lacson and Jamby Madrigal on the country’s oligarchy-dominated economy last December.

“When he (Neri) said she (Ms Arroyo) was evil, he was describing the web or ecosystem of corruption in the country and that she was actually right in the middle of it,” Lozada said in emotional testimony at the 10th Senate hearing on the NBN deal, which was allegedly overpriced by $130 million to fund kickbacks for certain people, including Ms Arroyo’s husband.

Asked why Neri wanted to resign, Lozada replied: “Because the President has lost all moral authority over him.”

Based on Neri’s presentation, Lozada said the oligarchs were funding the election campaigns of politicians, leaving them no choice but to follow the dictates of the oligarchs. “Which is why most of our laws are blind or are siding with them,” Lozada said.
He said one reason the country was not exploding “no matter how many anomalies” were uncovered was that Filipinos, specifically the middle class, were going abroad instead of getting angry.

On the basis of his moral principles as he expounded on them, Lozada would have found the overpriced NBN deal permissible if the commission demanded was only $65 million and not $130 million!

Lozada spent endless hours talking, but failed to submit documentary evidence proving any wrongdoing by anybody. Even in his post-Senate appearances, he has not been presenting evidence. He just talks.

Lozada has not submitted any piece of evidence to back up his negative assertions about people. It would be premature, if not downright irresponsible, for us to now accept his statements as gospel truth.

We have revered institutions for accepting complaints, and for investigating and prosecuting persons accused of wrongdoing. We also have time-tested rules of court for just and orderly processes.

We do not trust due process and these institutions? Then let us go where the anarchists are leading us: Chaos, civil strife, street mayhem, bloodshed.

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PREPARED BY: FIRMACION, Nicole

EDITED BY: ESPINEDA, Monica

Will Truth ever Prevail?

By Nicole Louise Firmacion

Can we say that we, Filipinos are immune to corruption and cheating as well as the ‘dirty policy’ that runs our government? Never-ending government anomalies are now exposed to Filipinos. Jun Lozada was an instrument to awaken the minds of the corrupt people in the government.

Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr., former head of the state owned Forest Corporation, was abducted the day he arrived our country. Malacanang financed his one week trip to Hog Kong in order to avoid implication regarding overpricing and bribery in the NBN-ZTE deal, which was a $329 million project.

Some evidences suggest that the abduction was planned. Some of which is his unstamped passport (without an immigration stamp) that was intended in order to mislead the people. Everything was questionable and he was held more than three hours without even informing his family. It was truly a conspiracy amongst government personalities and some remain unknown to protect their names.

Jun testified against the government and revealed to the senate the overpriced cancelled NBN project with the Chinese ZTE Corporation. The project only costs $130 million and thus, the price was beyond norms. Both Chinese ZTE corporation and some Philippine government officials concerned had a commission to accumulate kickbacks and protection money for those who are involved. Resigned commission on election chairman Benjamin Abalos and first gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was among those implicated in the scandal.

Lozada said, “True Filipinos are those who serve the truth.” As of now, we have no idea who really is telling the truth. There are still ongoing investigations done. People may takes sides and as well have different perceptions but it’s a good thing for people to be awaken for truth and justice will finally prevail.

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Prepared by: Michelle Mendoza

Edited by: Jazreel Dela Paz

Unarmored Hero

By Michelle Mendoza

Accusations handed over to Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada lacked its credibility to conclude that he can not be considered a hero of the nation. Standing out for the truth does not mean getting attention and being the center of all the controversies. Of course, this battle Lozada’s facing is not for fun. Going against the biggest people in the government also means sacrificing his own safety.

When ZTE deal was exposed in the country, Lozada went to Hong Kong to avoid appearing in the Senate. He left, being aware of all the faulty work of this deal. He thought of this, in order for him not to get involve and as he said in an interview he’s afraid that he “might not be able to lie.” Still, after a while, he decided to tell the truth. This just proves that he is not saving himself but putting himself in danger solely to uncover the realities to the people.

Arriving from the airport, he was abducted by four men mysterious to him. He was held for two days to prevent him from uttering the truth. Even Lozada was experiencing such events, he still didn’t get affected by his disadvantage, and instead he continued his plan. He exposed his knowledge regarding the deal, facing all consequences of he ought to receive, and even breaking a relationship with a friend. He tactlessly discussed the overpriced $130 million for the proposal, which accommodates kickbacks demanded by Abalos and Mr. Arroyo, to whom they failed to moderate their greed.

Lozada trustworthiness was tested. Senator Miriam Defensor revealed some questionable contracts given by Lozada to his relatives. Lozada admitted, “There are things that I have done in my life that have diminished my self-respect. Whatever self-respect I still have, I would like to keep. I felt that if I had approved the ZTE contract, I would have lost my soul.” It only shows one great thing about him, he well knows the definition of honesty. Moreover, without his courage of giving information regarding the deal, there will be no one to stand and to speak the truth. His move opened the mind of the Filipinos and became a step for them to rise against corruption and rise against the government.

Lozada revealed himself to the nation, without a suit of armor. He faced a battle recognizing him to be an underdog, not even minding the capabilities of his opponents. He’s risking not only his life but also of his family. However, just like a reluctant hero, he stood up for what he think is right.

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Tags:

exposition

PREPARED BY: Jazreel Dela Paz

EDITED BY: Michelle Mendoza

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Who have never tasted this indulging cookie? Cookies that make many people crave for. I guess everybody had a taste and even a smell of it. Every one of us is familiar with it. We usually visit a bakeshop just to avail it. However, have you ever tried baking a chocolate chip cookie all by yourself? And for some reason they were a complete flap because they were dried up and brittle, too damp and powdery, or perhaps they had an appalling taste? Well, try this recipe and who knows it might be the best cookie you have ever tasted.

There are certain things that should be done before baking. You should first gather all the ingredients needed near you, where you can get it easily while preparing the food. Also, remember to clean all the utensils that you will be using. Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water. It is also a must that the food that you will be doing should be germs free.

To make 28 large cookies of about 4 ½ inch in size, you will need the following: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, 2 sticks or 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, 1 ½ cups of packed light brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla, and lastly 2 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips.

In preparing chocolate chip cookies you should follow the following procedures carefully. First, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. Then, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Afterwards, beat together butter and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and fluffy, for 2 to 3 minutes. Lightly beat 1 egg with a fork in a small bowl and add 1 3/4 tablespoons of it plus 2 remaining whole eggs to butter mixture, beating with mixer until creamy, about 1 minute. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and mix in flour mixture until just blended, and then stir in chips. On 2 baking sheets, scoop 1/4 cup batter for each cookie arranging mounds 3 inches apart. Flatten mounds into 3-inch rounds using moistened palm of your hand. Form remaining cookies on additional sheets of parchment. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until golden, about 13 to 15 minutes. And lastly, transfer cookies to a rack to cool and continue making cookies in same manner using cooled baking sheets.

Baking stuffs, like chocolate chip cookies, can be fun. All you need is a little imagination, time and passion in doing it. The food will become more scrumptious if you do it not as a duty for you to do and being pressured by the time but instead an enjoying experience. A step-by-step process should be followed carefully and meticulously in order for it to be successful. Except that, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to have this great love for baking and cooking. You should combine all these aspects in order for you to come up with a perfect output in baking and in cooking.

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PREPARED BY: Monica Espineda

EDITED BY: Nicole Firmacion

My Big Family

Have you ever dreamt of having a very big family or even wished to have many sisters and brothers? No need for me to dream or even wish for such a thing because I already have one. I lived with their irritating noise but the good thing is that when I'm lonely, their noise always brings me joy and laughter.

I came from a big family. We are nine children and I’m the ninth, the youngest. I have five brothers and three sisters. My mom had nine siblings unlike my dad who is an only child. Maybe this is the reason why my dad opted to have a big family.

Having been raised in a large family, I experienced many good things with them. When we're all together, we can’t help it but to chat and those chatting will eventually lead to the bursting of laughter. It is also a good thing to have them to whom I can share my happiness, my sorrow, my achievements and even my failures. With them, I can get my strength and pursue on my dreams. It is a pleasure for me to feel their love and support in everything I do. It is also happy to think that the joy and achievement of one becomes the victory of all.

Happiness is not forever specially when living with a big family. Adversities come. Problems within the family never die. There are some misunderstandings that occur which usually starts with a simple joke that becomes too personal. One thing more is that you cannot control their noise, which is too much that annoys me. Aside from that, having a big family requires one to have a big budget, so it is not advisable to have outings even once a year.

Inspite of all the odds, it is truly satisfying to have a big family. I believe that I am truly blessed to have them for they are the people I truly treasure deep in my heart. Too large, too costly but full of joy, full of love and full of blessings.

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PREPARED BY: Ian Barrido

EDITED BY: Jamie Bernardino

How to Solve a 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube

Have you ever played with a Rubik’s cube while getting frustrated with not being able to completely solve it yourself? Have you ever seen others twisting and turning the surfaces of the cube so briskly and gracefully wishing you could do the same? How do they do it? There is a process in solving this puzzle and with practice, putting all the correct colors back in place would be a cinch. I will discuss in general the steps needed in order for all the colors of the cube to match correspondingly. You must complete the bottom layer, then the middle layer, and finally the top layer.

First of all, you must complete one surface of the cube which would later become the bottom layer. This is done by choosing a center piece and putting the corresponding colors next to it making sure that the edges of each piece matches the colors of the center pieces adjacent to the surface of you are completing. Once this is done, the four corners should be completed also taking note of all the colors adjacent to your bottom layer of the cube.

Next, the middle layer of the cube should be completed. Holding the cube with the surface you just completed at the bottom, you should be able to see an upside-down letter “T” on all of the four sides. Each piece matching piece should be put into place to complete the second layer of the cube without messing up the previous solved surface.

Once that is completed, all that you would need to do now is complete the top layer. A cross on the top surface must first be made with its edges’ colors matching the center pieces of those in the middle layer. Once this has been done, the four corners should be moved to their respective places and finally twisted to match the remaining colors of each surface of the cube.

Solving the cube may sound like a simple thing to do, however, you must first learn the process and practice it for yourself to master the art. It may be a challenge to obtain the skill of solving this but you will find great joy in your achievement.

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PREPARED BY: Erin Alfonso

EDITED BY: Anne Dizon

Dreams and Daydreams

“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night, in the dusty recesses of their mind wake up to find that it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible.” That quote was by Thomas Edward Lawrence, which clearly tells us the difference between a dream and a daydream.

A dream is a collection of images that one sees during sleep. But, a dream could be more than that. A dream could show experiences, and even predictions of what might happen. But we cannot control our dreams. We cannot dream about something we want to when we are asleep.

A daydream, on the other hand, is close to conscious thought, and we can usually choose whether to have them or not. They can be a very creative tool and may help to calm a troubled mind or bring to awareness creative ideas and solutions to problems.

When a person says that it has been his dream to achieve something, he means that he daydreams about it, because a daydream is something that we can put into action. Many successful people have daydreamed of what they want to achieve before they actually get it. Many problems have been solved because of that. Many writers have thought of a story because they daydreamed – because they imagined.

Thus, we could all act out our dreams. If we want to achieve something, we must work hard to get them. Daydreams may be fantasies, but we all have the power to turn that fantasy into reality. We were all given the ability to imagine, and make that happen. Always remember that what you imagine is always powerful.

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* GROUP BEST *

Tags:

4essays

NARRATION: EPIPHANY

PREPARED BY: Anne Rose Dizon

EDITED BY: Erin Alfonso

I BELIEVE

“You dance like a stick,” those were the words that were told to me when I was young. It may have brought me down sometimes, as I get offended by them, but despite that, I still did my best to prove them wrong and to show them what I got.

When we were in high school, we were required to join a club. And during my third year, I wanted to join the Dance Club. But my fear of being rejected and humiliated, and my timidity had stopped me from doing so. It was not until I reached fourth year high school that I neglected all my fears and had the guts to join the dance club.

We practiced everyday, right after school, to prepare for the audition. And during those practices, I was convinced that I did my best. The audition came, and my friends and I were all nervous, praying that we would not be called first. And as our turn came, I prayed, and we hit the dance floor. While I was dancing, I was thinking that whether I get accepted or not, it would not matter because I know that I gave my best.

Fortunately, I was the given the chance to be part of the Dance Club, and out of all the students who auditioned from our class, I was given the opportunity to audition for the school’s Centennial Celebration. Everything happened so fast – briefing, practice, and audition – can you believe it, that it only took a day? And after all these preparations, I was finally chosen to perform in a once in a lifetime event.

I guess I was able to prove to myself and to the people who used to criticize my dancing that you just have to believe yourself in whatever you want to achieve, because that is what you need in life to succeed – believing.

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DESCRIPTION: MY SPECIAL PLACE

PREPARED BY: Nicole Firmacion

EDITED BY: Monica Espineda

Mystical World beyond Imagination

Sketched and made to perfection yet existed only in a child’s world. Full of pixie dusts, poppy seeds and fairies flying like a wind. What more can one expect from this fascinating masterpiece. Everything beyond imagination can be perceived, no excuses and bluffing at all. Frisky creatures, colorful herbs, exceptional sights and countless days. One can be whatever she wish to be for no knights, gnomes and wizards spying around.

A matchless place open to all. For only imagination is one’s key. I was lucky to explore and unfold the magic of this mystical place- pixie land as I later on called it. I remembered one time when I passed through this rainbow bridge; colorful, smooth and yummy as well for each color has its specific taste. I tried to lick one and loved its sweet strawberry taste. Its path is smooth and slimy that I easily got to its end and landed into a jellybean pond. Chocolate fishes and dancing seaweeds welcomed me. I swam to the end and sat under a luscious gigantic lime tree. The soil around it was pulpy and damp for it was beside this jellybean pond. I observed some whimsical creatures. The multi-colored dragonfly with transparent wings flapped all day, golden hawks lingered, squirrels nibbled walnuts and dazzling butterflies flew from flower to flower to suck sweet nectar. Lollipop flowers, dandelions, sunflowers and colored grasses has its distinct smell that caught my attention. Above me, I saw cotton candy clouds that changed its color every minute. Puffy as it may look like, it protects and shades species from sun’s glazing rays.

Dusk came and fairies soon emerged. We got along and bursted into laughter every now and then. There were a handful of fairies. Vidia wore an extravagant aqua blue dress with matching pointed flats; Tink wore a lime green tattered skirt with her golden hair all tied up and Lily stuck to her pink detailed poodle skirt. These fairies were so clever and skillful that they made me a purple dress and tiara made from fragrant dandelions. These fairies were gifted with talents such as invisibility, creativity and mind reading capability. Everyone has a little bit of magic in them.

Every second was magical. We had leaf boat races, made water sculptures, casted shadow puppets and danced all night. We also munched some sweet lemon tarts sprinkled with crunchy poppy seeds. It tasted good and even better than mom’s home baked apple pie. We drank bubble gum smoothie, which was the fairies secret potion to happiness. It was a mixture of freshly picked gumdrops and a sprinkle of pixie dust. I also got a chance to visit their well-lighted tree house embellished with rhinestones and sparkling gems. There were tiny stone steps around it, a spiral staircase and a main entrance decorated with maple leaves. Each fairy has its sanctuary that was personally designed by them.

Pixie land may be a fictitious place however, I consider it a spotless place where all things imagined, dreamt and believed will definitely exist. Mystical and magical as it will always be.

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EXPOSITION:

PREPARED BY: Ian Barrido

EDITED BY: Jamie Bernardino

How to Solve a 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube

Have you ever played with a Rubik’s cube while getting frustrated with not being able to completely solve it yourself? Have you ever seen others twisting and turning the surfaces of the cube so briskly and gracefully wishing you could do the same? How do they do it? There is a process in solving this puzzle and with practice, putting all the correct colors back in place would be a cinch. I will discuss in general the steps needed in order for all the colors of the cube to match correspondingly. You must complete the bottom layer, then the middle layer, and finally the top layer.

First of all, you must complete one surface of the cube which would later become the bottom layer. This is done by choosing a center piece and putting the corresponding colors next to it making sure that the edges of each piece matches the colors of the center pieces adjacent to the surface of you are completing. Once this is done, the four corners should be completed also taking note of all the colors adjacent to your bottom layer of the cube.

Next, the middle layer of the cube should be completed. Holding the cube with the surface you just completed at the bottom, you should be able to see an upside-down letter “T” on all of the four sides. Each piece matching piece should be put into place to complete the second layer of the cube without messing up the previous solved surface.

Once that is completed, all that you would need to do now is complete the top layer. A cross on the top surface must first be made with its edges’ colors matching the center pieces of those in the middle layer. Once this has been done, the four corners should be moved to their respective places and finally twisted to match the remaining colors of each surface of the cube.

Solving the cube may sound like a simple thing to do, however, you must first learn the process and practice it for yourself to master the art. It may be a challenge to obtain the skill of solving this but you will find great joy in your achievement.

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Epiphany

Tags:

essay

narration

PREPARED BY: Jazreel Dela Paz

EDITED BY: Michelle Mendoza

Epiphany: I Never Knew

It was a warm sunny day in April. I could hear the sounds of the waves accompanied by the leaves of the trees touching each other. It was on this beautiful day that my subsistence was almost concluded. A beach outing with my family almost ended my life.

After a year of hard work in school, my parents decided to go on beach outing with the whole family to unwind and to bond at the same time. We traveled on land from Manila to Ilocos for almost 10 hours. It was a long journey before we arrived at the venue, a resort in Ilocos province.

We reached the destination all worn out, so we decided to rest first and to swim the next day. Sunrise came; I and my siblings were so excited to swim even though the wave was so big that we might get in trouble with the water. As the eldest child, I was responsible to watch over my younger siblings. I told my youngest brother to stay at the shoreline because he might be carried by the big and strong wave. However, I wouldn’t like to kill the happiness that they sought during that outing. So, what I did is to hold my 2 sibling on both sides to secure them from the big wave coming against us. As the strong wave strikes our back, my two siblings run into the seashore. I never thought of going to the seashore while my siblings are with me because I was thinking that they might be carried by the wave.

They were not carried by the wave because they hurriedly ran towards the seashore. However, I was left and carried by the strong wave. I tried to get some help from the sand by walking on them but it also goes with the wave. They already saw me needing for help but no one was brave to do so. Perhaps they knew that they are younger and they couldn’t help me. I had no choice but to help myself. I swam down the water so that the wave will not strike on me again and went to the seashore. As I swim under the water, I was asking for God’s help. Fortunately, I reached the seashore alive but so exhausted and realizing that I saved myself made me so proud.

This unexpected event made an enormous realization on my life. I didn’t know that I am strong enough to get through such events of my life. There could be times that you can’t lean on anybody. When no one is there to help you, think of God and don’t hesitate to ask for his help because he will surely do. In the end, it will just be you and God who will deal with all those experiences. Don’t be dependent on the help of other people, learn to help yourself. As this instance may come into your life, do everything that you can and God will help you. As they say,”Do your best and God will do the rest”.

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PREPARED BY: Ian Barrido

EDITED BY: Jamie Bernardino

An Epiphany on Love

Several times, we are unable realize what things we have until they are gone. We are unsure of what is to happen in the future and for the reason, anything may occur at any point of our life. Recently, I’ve lost someone who has grown so close to my heart. It made me realize that the end of a life could come any second. Each day may pass by without us expressing our appreciation to those people who present us with love and heartfelt care. We must give thanks to our friends and special someone, our parents, and most of all, our Lord.

The friends we have grown very close to and that special person who holds a large share of our heart are people who we meet with very frequently in our lives. They are the ones we turn to when we are of need of companionship and when we simply desire to have a good time. Since these people play a big part of each regular day, it is easy to fail to notice all the thoughtfulness, kindness, and care they offer us.

Our parents, on the other hand, had not only given us their friendship, but also their nurturing and unselfish love. They are the ones who have brought us where we are today. They work hard to earn, and earn to pay for our necessities like food, shelter, and education. Ever since we were conceived, our parents took care of us and watched over us as we grew and became who we are now, young adults. Sadly, there comes a stage in our lives when we yearn for independence from our parents. We don’t think and understand that they have given up so much for us. Parents, especially during adolescence, are easily taken for granted. We should remember that all they always want for us is simply the best and that they do everything they can to let us experience and get a hold of the best things life has to offer.

Finally, but truly the most important person we must show our gratitude to is our loving God. He has provided us with all that we have and everyone else around us. Our shelter from rain, the food we eat, and air we breathe are only a few out of the countless blessings he has bestowed down to us. Working through others and indirectly showing his love for us, we are also, at times, unable to see the things he has done and continues doing for us. We should give some time to say to the Lord a simple prayer of thanksgiving and this would make him happy.

Time flies by very quickly and several things may happen unexpectedly. It is a strange irony that we start to miss someone when he or she is no longer within our reach. Don’t wait for the day you lose these special people in your life. Don’t hesitate to thank them and tell them you care. We only have one life to live, only one chance to live life to the fullest. Don’t allow time overwhelm you and hinder you from expressing your true feelings. Open your heart and try to see that we are all interconnected in this world. Being created as social beings, we all are in need of others to survive. Have you thanked the people who have made your life what it is today?

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PREPARED BY: Monica Espineda

EDITED BY: Nicole Firmacion

Epiphany: High School Days

High school life was hard and always loaded with school work. One day, all our teachers said that our projects, reports and assignments are due the next day. It was such a stressful situation that I didn’t know which task to do first. My mind was really messed up so I was a little bit snobbish at that time for I shouted on whoever commanded me. Although I fought with my older brothers and sisters, they still helped me in my tasks. This only proved that I could always count on them even if I did bad and offended them. Love and concern is always present when needed.

One day at school, all the subjects we had, left us with so many things that had to be done simultaneously and submitted the next day.

When I got home, I really didn’t know what to do, what task to prioritize first so that I can finish all the requirements. I was so stressed that time and yet migraine attacked my head. Afterwards, my brother passed by and saw me sitting at my room and thinking that I am just hiding to escape from doing any household chores. He nagged and commanded me to do some things. Because of all these, I wasn’t able to control my temper so I eventually shouted and fought him.

Evening came and I started to do my assignments. I was too busy and my sister saw me and offered to help. I told her to draw something for me and my brother also came and helped with my report. Minutes later, my brother with whom I fought with a while ago came and asked me the same thing, “how can I help?” I was struck because I didn’t thought he would do that after what I have done to him. As I looked straight at him, he smiled at me and in return, I smiled back. He insisted to help me in my project. Midnight came and together, we finished all my school work. It is because of them that I was able to finish all my requirements.

My family has always been there to help me. They easily forgive and help me inspite all that I have done to them. They are true people who are always ready to show love and concern. With all these experiences, I learned how to control my temper in any given situation and also realized how blessed I am.

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PREPARED BY: Anne Rose Dizon

EDITED BY: Erin Alfonso

I BELIEVE

“You dance like a stick,” those were the words that were told to me when I was young. It may have brought me down sometimes, as I get offended by them, but despite that, I still did my best to prove them wrong and to show them what I got.

When we were in high school, we were required to join a club. And during my third year, I wanted to join the Dance Club. But my fear of being rejected and humiliated, and my timidity had stopped me from doing so. It was not until I reached fourth year high school that I neglected all my fears and had the guts to join the dance club.

We practiced everyday, right after school, to prepare for the audition. And during those practices, I was convinced that I did my best. The audition came, and my friends and I were all nervous, praying that we would not be called first. And as our turn came, I prayed, and we hit the dance floor. While I was dancing, I was thinking that whether I get accepted or not, it would not matter because I know that I gave my best.

Fortunately, I was the given the chance to be part of the Dance Club, and out of all the students who auditioned from our class, I was given the opportunity to audition for the school’s Centennial Celebration. Everything happened so fast – briefing, practice, and audition – can you believe it, that it only took a day? And after all these preparations, I was finally chosen to perform in a once in a lifetime event.

I guess I was able to prove to myself and to the people who used to criticize my dancing that you just have to believe yourself in whatever you want to achieve, because that is what you need in life to succeed – believing.

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special pLace :)

Tags:

essay

description

PREPARED BY: Jamie Bernardino

EDITED BY: Ian Barrido

My Room

It is the essence of monotony. Welcome to nirvana. I effortlessly enter my pastel palace, but the voyage to my chamber is an uphill battle; it is quite a hopeless quest. The trek to my rein embodies a frozen vestibule. It is not smooth and slippery though, but dull and perilous. The portal lies beyond the vestibule…

I force my way through the abrasive court of constraint. The shrieks of my tearing flesh are subdued by the overpowering silence of the room. Words are mouthed, but not spoken. They do not exist. This cubicle of sadness does not allow language, the embodiment of opposition.

As I step into the room, I notice all colors of the spectrum for a fraction of a second, and then they appeared frosted. Countless mirrors adorn the walls; reflections, they are all of one person. I know him, but who is he? His eyes are dark and enigmatic. I can see suffering in his eyes. His eyes, they lack the luminescence of the youthful character they portray. His glances pierce through my being like light through glass. The glossy floor is a sea of scorn. It stabs my feet with its blades of contempt. The walls of mockery laugh at me as I foolishly try to grip them to rid myself of its presence. Yet there is no escape. I have inflicted more pain upon myself. Nothing is soft in here, everything is jagged.

My un-sanded marble sink rests on the right side of the doorway. Figures of dancers with invisible partners lie atop the uneven surface. They seem to move slowly across the sink, like seaweed drifting aimlessly across the sea. My unpleasant and discomforting throne of stone rests in the corner of the room. It is not the usual shape of a throne. Rather, it seems as if it were molded to fit my body alone. Is there no solace? The concavity stands only two feet away from the front of the throne. Inside is a world of disappointment and destruction. My coverings are victims of either neglect or overuse. My shoe, a shade of black, sits near the foot of the throne. They too are innocent victims of negligence or abuse. They are casualties of a reckless spirit. The stench of decay creeps from my nose into my mouth. I distracted myself to escape this unwanted aroma. As I look about the room, I notice the mirror. It is warped and misleading. Gazing into the mirror, I see more than just my body. I see a being crying out because of the agony of confinement. He needs deliverance.

A deluge of darkness overtakes the room. My eyes are suddenly fixed on a beam of light. The radio that rests to the left of my throne has a light that indicates power. It beckons me. They always appear when I long for anything. Finally, liberation.

pnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopn

Prepared by: Michelle Mendoza

Edited by: Jazreel Dela Paz

My Walk

It was night time. The moon vividly glows at the spot where I’m standing. I decided to walk on that particular sidewalk upon which I always wanted to go. I oftentimes see this walkway but I never did ever have an opportunity to go. It’s blissful to be in here, to be in this vibrant, stunning boulevard.

Feeling a bit cold, I handed in my jacket and wore it. I continue my walk with both hands wrapped around my chest. I saw a few couples sweetly cuddling each other facing the bay. The bay was calmer than I thought it will be. I positioned myself in a way I can appreciate the bay more. There were brightly lit ships moving slowly with the water. Suddenly, I got bored and turned the other side; I saw a group of teens giggling and taking pictures. I gazed at their fancy faces and poses, perfectly pictured with their fitted blouses, skimpy shorts and bling-blings. Perhaps, it’s their night out.

I stood up and walked with my head bowed at the surface of the pastel tile. I passed by a café almost jam-packed by people. I headed for the counter and ordered a hot coffee and blueberry cheesecake. I sat in an available chair near me. The aroma of the coffee was satisfying my body’s cravings for it. I sipped my really hot coffee gradually as if advertising it in a TV commercial. I felt that comfort of getting warm. I had a mouthful of luscious cheesecake, the soft crème combined with sweet crunchy crust definitely tasted awesome. A few minutes, I finished eating. I saw a couple looking for a seat so I decided to carry on my walk.

I heard a deafening bark from behind that almost led my coffee to spill on my favorite top. Feeling somehow annoyed, I stared on the direction of the dog to see that it was St. Bernard. Yes, St. Bernard, the dog that I always wanted to have! It was so adorable. It’s big, fat and huggable body seems like a huge stuff toy for me and certainly gives me so much love for it. As I fixed my eyes admiring the dog, the owner dragged the dog and moved away. A child rushing bumped into me. He said a quick “sorry!” and proceeded for his mother, grab his mother’s multicolored skirt and whispered. Next, I observed him kissing his mother in the cheeks, followed by a big hug murmuring “thanks mommy!” It was heart-warming. A couple passed by me, rather, passed by as if I wasn’t existing at all. Their eyes were so much fixed with each other, with man’s arm around his girl’s waist whispering “I love you!” Very typical but it brought delighted faces to the both of them.

I kept on walking. And I realized I’m about to reach the end. I become aware that the night is getting deeper. The breeze is getting colder and colder. I observed the boulevard and it was almost empty. I felt frightened by the surroundings. It’s dark. It’s freezing. It’s bare. All of a sudden, the events that happened just went away. The love and happiness I have seen will never be mine. My world of epiphany is gone.

pnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnop

PREPARED BY: Nicole Firmacion

EDITED BY: Monica Espineda

Mystical World beyond Imagination

Sketched and made to perfection yet existed only in a child’s world. Full of pixie dusts, poppy seeds and fairies flying like a wind. What more can one expect from this fascinating masterpiece. Everything beyond imagination can be perceived, no excuses and bluffing at all. Frisky creatures, colorful herbs, exceptional sights and countless days. One can be whatever she wish to be for no knights, gnomes and wizards spying around.

A matchless place open to all. For only imagination is one’s key. I was lucky to explore and unfold the magic of this mystical place- pixie land as I later on called it. I remembered one time when I passed through this rainbow bridge; colorful, smooth and yummy as well for each color has its specific taste. I tried to lick one and loved its sweet strawberry taste. Its path is smooth and slimy that I easily got to its end and landed into a jellybean pond. Chocolate fishes and dancing seaweeds welcomed me. I swam to the end and sat under a luscious gigantic lime tree. The soil around it was pulpy and damp for it was beside this jellybean pond. I observed some whimsical creatures. The multi-colored dragonfly with transparent wings flapped all day, golden hawks lingered, squirrels nibbled walnuts and dazzling butterflies flew from flower to flower to suck sweet nectar. Lollipop flowers, dandelions, sunflowers and colored grasses has its distinct smell that caught my attention. Above me, I saw cotton candy clouds that changed its color every minute. Puffy as it may look like, it protects and shades species from sun’s glazing rays.

Dusk came and fairies soon emerged. We got along and bursted into laughter every now and then. There were a handful of fairies. Vidia wore an extravagant aqua blue dress with matching pointed flats; Tink wore a lime green tattered skirt with her golden hair all tied up and Lily stuck to her pink detailed poodle skirt. These fairies were so clever and skillful that they made me a purple dress and tiara made from fragrant dandelions. These fairies were gifted with talents such as invisibility, creativity and mind reading capability. Everyone has a little bit of magic in them.

Every second was magical. We had leaf boat races, made water sculptures, casted shadow puppets and danced all night. We also munched some sweet lemon tarts sprinkled with crunchy poppy seeds. It tasted good and even better than mom’s home baked apple pie. We drank bubble gum smoothie, which was the fairies secret potion to happiness. It was a mixture of freshly picked gumdrops and a sprinkle of pixie dust. I also got a chance to visit their well-lighted tree house embellished with rhinestones and sparkling gems. There were tiny stone steps around it, a spiral staircase and a main entrance decorated with maple leaves. Each fairy has its sanctuary that was personally designed by them.

Pixie land may be a fictitious place however, I consider it a spotless place where all things imagined, dreamt and believed will definitely exist. Mystical and magical as it will always be.

pnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnopnop

PREPARED BY: Erin Alfonso

EDITED BY: Anne Dizon

Sanctuary

Sanctuary – I guess that is one word you could have to describe my “perfect place.” According to Encarta Dictionary, sanctuary means a safe place to be in, which is why I consider it perfect, because in this world, nothing is safe.

Flowers, trees, grass, butterflies, and animals– these are words that describe a typical garden, and beneath the tree, a beautiful swing is placed, a swing wherein you can lie down to relax and forget about your burdens. But, what makes this garden different from the others is that the people you love are here. Yes, you are with the people who make you feel safe, people who make you feel that you are not alone in this world, and together, you sit on the ground, talking, mending the gap that the busy world has made between you.

It is garden wherein everyone would feel safe and secured. There are no lies. No doubts. No insecurities. No fears. No hatred. No sorrow. Serenity, peace, hope, love, and whatever virtue you may ever think about are the things that only exist there. It may be heaven, utopia, oasis, and paradise – whatever you call it.

Within that sanctuary, an amazing music can be heard, a song that you have never heard before, a melody that has never been played. That is right, you can hear music that would serenade your heart – music that would lift you up and bring your broken souls to life, a sound that would awake your sleeping hearts beautifully.

Lastly, there is a breeze that would be felt, a brand new breeze that would make you feel reborn because of the guidance of the Lord. And though this sanctuary may just be a dream or a person’s interpretation of heaven, as long as you close your eyes and at least imagine yourself in that place, wherever it may be, I hope that you feel secure as I do.

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