MY LIFE HERE IN UP...

When I was still in my elementary years, I always wish to step in UP High SCHOOL campus. I mean to be one of all those gifted and intellectual students someday.

And now, I am here. I am now a UPian. I wasn’t the one who was gazing near the gate- observing the UP students’ laughter inside the campus.

My life here in UP is very unexplainable. All of these are unexpected. I thought at first that it very, very hard to catch up all the lessons here. But it’s alright. Because all the teachers here in UP are good and nice. They are all showing their efforts and they show their best in teaching all the students. I thought at first that I can’t have a time with my friends. I thought I’ll be with my notebooks and books all the time. In fact, I can always see my friends always. We even have a time for fun. In UP, I think all the people there are very friendly. Because every time we meet each student, we say ‘hi’ and they will answer ‘hello’.

But my life in UP would not be complete with out my perfect friends. I know that they are always there for me. They concern for me. They comfort me whenever I am sad. They are always there for me. I can’t stay long in UP without them. They are Janelle, the most Kikay friend of mine; Jurrine, the cutest among the group; John Rhey, the most chatty person-not just in the group, instead the whole class; and of course, Irene, my best friend. Irene is the one who comforts me always.

And of course, the man of my dreams…

He really isn’t that special for me. It is just that he has a very cute face. He is very close to every girl in the campus. I don’t like him because he is very, very naughty. But he is actually very charming. I can always see him smile. Every time I go to the canteen, I can see him. He is there! He is always there together with his friends.

My life in UP wouldn’t also be complete without my most-hated person. But I am not angry with him. Actually, he is my classmate. And he is not just alone; they are two people whom I hated to see. They always make me feel irritated. Whenever they pass on my side, all my things will be ruined. Sometimes my notebook fell and sometimes my writings are damaged. Huh! But sometimes, they make the class rock.

Oooohhhh…. My life here in UP is really magnificent. They are times when I feel blue, my friends are there; And when times come that I am very, very happy, there comes my enemies; and when I have been doing wrong, there are teachers and educators who guide us to the right way.

Yes… my existence here the University of the Philippines goes up and down. There are many things in here, which made me realize about life.

I’m proud to be a UPian!!!

IS HONESTY REALLY THE BEST POLICY?

Is honesty really the best policy? Have you ever been tempted to lie?

Well…of course! For me, I have lied for so many times. I know I have lied for so many reasons.

It was Friday night then…and tomorrow there will be no classes! I was thinking of something. I don’t want to lie but I think I have to. I was baffled, do I really have to? I wanted to go to my classmate’s house. I don’t think that my parents would allow me to go there. My classmates told me that we are going to watch our favorite movie show there and have a bonding session with each other. Then we will also go to the internet café for something…- something not so important.

Soon, it was Saturday. Yes, Saturday- my free day. But how can I be free if I cant even do what I wanted to. Huh!!! My parents are leaving now. I have no chance to go out.

And again and again, I am alone. I am all by myself with out nothing. Stand, stretch my body on the bed, read, and writing those balderdash things and nothing more- that’s what I did…

…until they have arrived. Yeepee!!! I was thinking that I can have a chance to go with my classmates. But was reason will I am going to tell to my parents. Shall I lie and tell to them that I am going with my classmates for our group project? Or tell to them the truth that I’ll be with my friends to do something…something really not important? Oh, God! I’ll be asking fifty pesos to them to spend it for my own fun. My conscience was disturbing me.

While my parents were still there, I need to move. I know, just a minute from now, they will be leaving for work.

“Mom, I am going to…to…to my classmate’s house,” I told her. She then scolded me. She told me to stay and just rest. But resting for the whole night isn’t my habit. In fact, I was really, really bored. I have nothing more to do. “Ma, we are going to finish our project now. This project is due on Monday,” I added. Until she said, “yes”. She gave a fifty-peso bill to me. After some time I stepped out. But I wasn’t comfortable. My conscience was still there. I was blaming myself. I don’t know what to do. “Hakuna matata? No worries?” how can I be confident if I have already done wrong. After all, it was me who forced to escape the boredom.

I know I have lied. I thought going along with friends is just part of growing up. But lying isn’t a part of growing up. I lied! I should have told to my parents what is really my intention.

But for every mistake, there is a lesson. I know I have done wrong.

For me, honesty isn’t the best policy. Honesty is truthfulness. It has a lesson. Honesty is something to be followed.

QUIT OR FORGET?

How can you forget somebody, whom you have learned to love? Would you mind to do something to everything for your friendship?

My family used to transfer from one place to another. I think the house that we are living in now is the sixth. Yes! You have read it right…it’s our sixth house.

When I was still around 6 or 7 years old, we used to live and stay at Camella Homes. It is located at Lapu-lapu city- a far away place from the house that we are truly staying in now. That place is a subdivision. Only a few car passed by, and we all know our neighborhoods. So everybody can walk, run, or play along the street…all the time…every time. But sometimes we should also watch out for some vehicles that will pass which are also owned by the people living there. Every 4:30 or around 5:00 in the afternoon, my friends and I used to play annoyingly. I have lots of friends there. And because our houses were just near from each other, we can play all the time. When we are all together, we always imagine that we are the Power Puff Girls. Yes, it is funny to think about it, but it is also something that we shared. It is something that we can treasure and remember every time we miss each other.

I always remember when we all went near the lagoon, and being scolded by our parents. I always remember when we used to go at the chapel on the month of May. Every time the month of flowers comes, we go to the chapel and pray there. It is called the Flores de Mayo. It is still on my mind when we have a caroling in our own homes. We sang Christmas songs and our parents gave us 20 or 50 pesos. It is great. It is still with me- the laughter, our joys, the tears that we shared the excitement, and the failures.

But now, it seems to be nothing. It is really nothing at all. I always think if they still remember me. They even don’t know where I am now.

I think I quit in the group. But I don’t know…

We are all friends. I am the one who left them first. I was the one

who stayed away from them. Do these mean that I quitted? That I have ruined the faction?

At first, I need to adjust, but now, I have adjusted.

I know that I really didn’t quit. I didn’t forget them. There are all still on my mind. I know that we are far apart from each other. But if everything goes wrong, I can see them. I know that they are still with me. And I hope they still remember me. Because I know that a true friend is someone whom you are special with.

I know I did not quit…and I know that I didn’t forget. They are still my friends.

ALLOWING A ROOM FOR AN UNKNOW MISTAKE

There are times when my sister got angry at me for the reason that I do not know. There are things that she thinks I am doing just for my own sake. But the truth is she is wrong. She is really, really wrong. There are many things that I am doing not only for me but also for her. She is very special to me. I don’t think she knows that. In the family, only we are the ones who are very close to each other. We share our secret with each other. We share our deep insights and feelings. We share everything that we can contribute for each other. I do things which I know that can help keep our friendship forever. My sister is my best friend. I know that I am also the best among all her other friends.

But of course, there are also times that we have some misunderstanding. There are instances that things go wrong to us.

My mother won a galloon of ice cream for the raffle in JY Square Supermarket. We were so happy because the day before that day was her birthday. We ate and ate. After a cup, we then ask for another. My sister consumed a lot even though she had a cold. I told her to stop in taking the ice cream. But she didn’t mind. She told me that I just don’t want her to have another cup so that I can have more part of the ice cream than hers. But I don’t have any intention to do it. I just want to help her make well her colds. Yet, she didn’t understand. She kept on telling me that I must mind my own business. She doesn’t know that I’m just doing it for her own good. She doesn’t know that I am doing it because I think that it is good for her.

But I appreciate it. I know that, that ice cream is her favorite. Especially that its flavor was chocolate. Huh…I understand. She is too young to know what is right from wrong.

After that, she then looks right through and snub at me. She then got angry at me. I tried to explain to her what I really mean. I am just thinking of her. My sister is sometimes, so ill-disciplined. But in contrast, she is sometimes a good girl. She also cares for me. But I also care for her as much as she thinks about me. That is why I scold her when she ate too much in fact that she has colds.

The same thing happened during her periodical exam. The day before it, I told her to study. But she kept on playing with her dolls. Especially that this dolls are newly bought. She didn’t mind. She didn’t bother to scan her books. So what I did was that I confiscated and took away her dolls. She then cry and told me that I just don’t want her to be happy. She said I don’t want her to enjoy her new dolls.

She didn’t know that all I want was for her to be able to pass the exam.

Oooohhhhh…yes, there are times that my sister and I really have some misunderstanding.

She doesn’t know, all I want is to let her know that I really care for her, that I love her.

LIFE'S CHALLENGES...

Life is full of challenges. When you wake up and rise you arms up, be ready for the day. You do not know when obstacles and hindrances come along your way. You don’t know that there is a misfortune intended for you that day.

It was my birthday when that moment happened.

My uncle called up on the phone. He said that he is coming. He will be there with us. We are going to celebrate my 7^th birthday. He is my most favorite uncle. He is very kind and he cares for us. I was waiting for him for the whole day. But he didn’t come. He said he will be in our house before 3 o’clock p.m. It was already around 4:30 o’clock but still he was not there up to now. I felt a little bit of sadness at that moment.

We ate supper without my uncle. My mother began slicing the roll of chocolate cake.

Then my fork was dropped on the floor. Suddenly, somebody knocked on the door. He is there! My uncle came!

He kept on explaining why he came late. He was so sorry about it. But I understand.

He brought an umbrella for me. It was his gift for me. I don’t like it but it’s alright. In fact, I should be thankful for someone gave an umbrella to me.

My mother gave him a slice of the creamy and moist chocolate cake. Meanwhile, dad asked me to buy a bottle of soft drinks. My sister went with me. When I crossed the street with my sister, there were no vehicles. I was like a crazy lady that I stayed at the center. My sister ran towards the other side. She shouted at me, “Pagdali sad, uy. Father is waiting”. But I was chitchatting that time. I was still at the center of the street. I thought the street was all mine. I was confident that no vehicle will pass. I kept on walking and running the road. Suddenly, I didn’t notice that a motor vehicle was coming. My sister shouted. I know that the cruise will bump me. 3…2…1…

Huh… thank God! I wasn’t knocked by the vehicle. I cried, I sob, I screamed. My sister and I went back to the house. My father asked us where the soft drink is. We didn’t answer. My sister said to my mom, “hapit maligsan si ate.” We didn’t tell dad because I know he would be very angry. He was also drunk at that time.

After some hours, my uncle decided to go home. Of course, as what most Filipino do, my dad went with my uncle outside the house. My dad told me to stay because it was pass 10 o’clock p.m. but I can’t stay. So what I did is that I followed them outside. My uncle’s red car was parked at the other side. So they need to cross. I was behind them. My dad didn’t know that I was following them. I decided not to cross to avoid repeating what happened a while ago. But I wanted to.

I ran immediately because my uncle was leaving already. Again, I didn’t notice that a vehicle was coming. My father ran to save me. Yes, he has saved me. I was really ashamed. We went home.

My father told my mom what happened. My mom then said, “Hah? Hapit, NA SAD!!!”

Mom said ‘again’. Oh, God! Dad will make a “double-sermon” at me…

…if you know what I mean!

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH M/V DOULUS AND BOOKS

I was so excited! Our teachers told us that we are going to MV Doulos. We are going to have a trip there. MV Doulos was the biggest ship that carries many, many books. I was really very thrilled. We rode on a jeepney that time. We were grouped and asked to have our partners. I was with Irene then.

After some time, we were there. We were on the port. As we entered the gate of the mammoth seaport, we were all amazed with the huge boat. We can already take a look on the MV Doulos.

Hmmmmmmm…what’s inside? Does the ship carry millions of books for everybody? Are there canteens for us to have our nibble? I was really very tickled to go inside that vessel.

We then fell in line. The security team really checked everybody who entered there. After a while, we were already inside. We saw oodles of books. The tome were piled up on the shelf layer by layer according to there topics and headings. Irene and I opened and scanned all the books there. We saw the books entitled “The Purpose Driven Life”. There are also lots of story books and activity books for kids. I wanted to buy one for my sister but it cost very expensive. Of course, it is stacked on a ship. We should not expect them to sell books that cost like we are in an ordinary bookstore. It’s different if you buy there. The books there have a name. It is something to be proud with that you went there. It is considered as a souvenir.

I love the ship. Everybody was happy. But the most striking moment there was when we went out the book store and went to the lobby. We don’t know that if we went out, we can’t reenter there. So Irene and I just stayed on the place there which have a book sale. There, we found out that there are also books at that place. The books there are cheaper than the ones inside. We saw books and CD’s that cost 3 for 50 pesos. We decided to buy but everybody was already asked to leave and go out the liner. Irene told me that we shall have even one book from the Doulos. But we can’t do anything. We were too late. Everybody shall leave.

We went down the vessel. I thought that we were going back the school. But the truth is we won’t. We are going to the other side of that convey. Somebody will entertain and will have a homily to us. There were games and prizes for the winners.

After, we all left. We again rode on the jeepney that we have aboard last time. There, we talked and talked about the great experiences on MV Doulos.

That time was a very great experience- something to be treasured and cherished for the rest of our lives. I was tired and at the same time I am happy. I was very, very happy and contented for that day.

How I wish I can go back there for the 2^nd time. I love MV Doulos…

ON BEING TAUGHT BY STUDENTS

I woke up in the early hours of the day. I stepped on the floor and look myself at the mirror. I was really excited to go to school for the reason that it was the day wherein our school will be going to celebrate the KYSD- Know Your School Day. When I took a bath in the cold and frosty water early that morning, I was thinking of what will happen when my classmates are the ones who are going to handle us instead our bona fide teachers. Questions are coming up on my head- Are we going to have a regular class? ; Or we are going to have a messy class because they are only my classmates and we are just the same and identical from each other?

I went to school excitedly and waited for my other classmates to come.
In a little while, the school bell rang and our classes started. The first area under discussion is the Computer subject. Our teacher at that point in time was Rheena, one of my close friends. The class was very noisy and Teacher Rheena kept on shouting and tried to be the one in charge of us. But some of my classmates don’t want listen at her. Madam Kerr, our teacher-in-charge for that subject was there and she told us to shut our mouth off. We all then became silent. So, student teacher, Rheena continued her discussions.

When we were being taught by Rheena, I wasn’t so nervous because I know that she is not so strict. I know she don’t know how to scold us. But, somehow, I was also afraid when she would lose her temper and then she will be unable to find her control to us. She might tell the teacher that we were so messy and disorganized- and this another deduction to our points.

For other subject that was managed by a student-teacher, it was also alright. But do you know what; I thought at first that some of my classmates that were asked to manage and handle the class will be having favoritism or a bias and preferential treatment. But I believe I was in the wrong thought.
After all, I already make out that my classmates are all very competitive. And I appreciate and understand that.

There was also an instance in which I thought that this student teacher of ours will be having an awfully long and difficult question paper. I was afraid because this stand-in teacher teaches not so clearly. I was afraid if he will give us an examination with some items that he has not talk about and point out a while ago.

But still, at first, I can call myself as an ‘ignorant’ one about the KYSD. At first, I was excited and keyed up about the said circumstance. In fact, it was my first time to have been taught formally by a student ever in my life.
Huuuuhhhh… I was so happy to have an opportunity to know my school more; to know how a teacher teaches the students. Actually, it was a very, very memorable day.

MY FRIEND IS A GENIE...

`Do you believe on genies? How about, magic? Are there really magic nowadays? I don’t think so. They are not true.
What if one day, a genie will approach you and ask for your three majestic wishes? What will you tell to them?

I don’t know. For me, there are no genies. But, what if these creatures really exist? Of course, I will tell them all my wishes- everything that I wanted. It is an opportunity.

First of all, I will ask a good and wealthy future for me and my family. I will tell the gnome to give us the best family tie- no troubles, no pain, and no mistake to happen. Of course, I love my family. That is how good I am.
That’s all for my 1st wish.

My second wish is a material ones- lot of money. I want to have money so that I can buy whatever I want. I want to buy everything that my mom and dad want. My mother wants to have our own computer set. She wants to have our own PC for the reason that she knows that it can help us in our studies and also for her work.
For my dad, he wants to have our own car. Not just one, but two cars- one for our service car and another as our delivery truck. You know, we live because of cargo forwarding, so he wants to have our own truck.
I also want to buy lots of things for my sis- colorful dresses, dolls, chocolates, and many more. I desire to buy a new TV set and DVD player. I want to have all these things. I am longing to shop for lots of grocery items and food. I am hoping for everything. I want to have money in order to fix and finish our house. Nowadays, everything is expensive.
My mom wants to have our house be finished before the end of 2006, but do not have budget for it. As of now, we just live in an undone house. I wish this house will be settled and we shall live very comfortably. I wish for all the best things. I would like to have my private bedroom, my own divan, my personal study table, or even my secretive closet which is jam-packed with my much loved pants, and shirts, and also shoes.

Finally, my third wish. Now, it is all for me. I wish that I’ll be a successful fellow, and will be able to finish my studies well. I covet to be what I want to or I will be capable to have my own profession, so that I can work and provide everything for me. I have a desire to be able to graduate and get ahead of all those obstacles.

I know… even though these genies are not really accessible in life, it is still believable to have all these things- just a minute of sacrifice, snap of patience, and an instant hard work…
…and tomorrow you will subsist what you want to be. Execute it and you’ll see the outcome.

MY FOREST ADVENTURE...

It was around 3:00 a.m. when I woke up at that moment. I found myself having forty winks on the native cot next to the colossal giant tree. The surroundings were dark. I opened my eyes to the four corners of the earth and try to see everything that surrounded me. “Where am I?” I asked myself like a ghost. Then, I finally recognize that I was left with no-one else but me. I was left unaccompanied on the cold, dark, and silent forest. “Left alone in a dark wooded area?” I am surely afraid on the dark. “Why am I left here? Where is mom? Where is dad? Where is everybody...?”

Suddenly, I scampered swiftly through the dark-skied area. I ran with no explicit direction. I don’t know where to go. I was looking for my friends, my relatives, or even for the people who I didn’t know. I was looking for someone who can help me go back home.

After that, I heard a creepy sound. It seems that somebody was scratching. Suddenly, I have the sense that somebody was after me. I heard a howling. It wasn’t from a dog. And so, it was a fox’s voice. It hurriedly came within reach of me. It was trying to draw closer me. It was moving towards somebody, and I know it is really me whom the fox was looking for. It looked like that it was hungry-very very hungry.
So, I ran with the maximum speed as I am able to. Then, a big, bloodcurdling and creepy snake went near me. I screamed ear-splittingly but nobody took notice of me. The snake sinks its teeth into my arms. I howled thunderously. I cried, I sobbed, and I then shed my tears. But nobody can really help me be out of that moment. I can’t do anything. Blood was oozing. I saw the red droplets jump down to the ground. Then, I can hear people’s laughter. I thought at first they were only my imagination. But their voice, it looks like they are surrounding me. They are going to get in touch with me. As their voices got louder, I know, they are getting closer and closer and closer at me. I know they are going to do something on me. They are going to kill me!!! Thus, I ran as fast as I could. I can’t do anything. I looked back, and there they are. They are all bringing a sharp stiletto.
Mom and dad weren’t there to help me. Nobody took notice of me when I was there. I thought it was the end of my life. I know that any moment from that point in time, I can die. But still, I continued to ran, ran, and ran. But I fell down on the ground. My feet were very tired. I was very feeble and weak.
And there they are. They are going to take my life now. I can really see the sharp item going down to hit me. Haaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! I cried so loud.

But before they sink their knife on me, I heard my sister’s voice calling my name. She asked me to wake up because we are going to my aunt’s house. they were going to left me if I wasn’t able to fix myself within 15 minutes.
Whhhhhhhhoooo… I thought it was really the end of me…

…but it was only a spine-chilling dream.

DREAMS INTENDED FOR TOMORROW...

Past is past. For those years, there were joys, there were happy moments. All the tears that came should brush away. All the sadness, the pain, the laughter, and the sad and happy moments, should be forgotten. All of these are today’s memories. But, how about for tomorrow. Just try to be still one day. Try to pause and think, “What shall I do in the future?” What do you want to have soon? Do you ever think about the future? Ask me this question and I will say ‘yes’. It’ true, I always think about the things that I want to have in the future.
I want to have my very own dream house. I want to have my own car. I want to have all these things. I don’t wish for the biggest house, but instead, just the ones that is enough for me and my family. I want to have the most shiny and latest model of the car. And so, I can travel around the world. I want to drive on my own car.
These things are on my dreams and wishes. I enjoy thinking about the future. Try it. Just what Filipino people say, “Libre lang mangarap”. But this is possible. If I try hard and do my best, who knows, I can have all this things or even more.
Before I go to bed, I think of what I should be for tomorrow. I want to be a teacher but I don’t have that long patient. I want to be a nurse, but nurses cost too much before they become a very successful nurse. I want to be an office employee or a secretary, but I think I cannot carry those heavy overtimes. Most of all, I want to have my very own business. The business where in I am the only head. I want to have my own shop. But in the other side of me, is myself thinking, “what if this shop will go down and people won’t buy my products?”
Ooooooooohhh… it is all up to the future. We can’t predict what will happen next. It is all on God’s will. I know that time will come and He will give me everything that is really for me. Everything has as a purpose. But we should not just trust everything on Him. God gives and we should work on it. It is also in our own hands.
All the things that I wish will all be granted if He really allow me to obtain all of these.
The red, shiny car, the dream house, the latest things, and to have my own business that will grow and bloom- this are the things that I desire to have.
We don’t know. Time is unpredictable.
Who knows? One day, when I woke up, I will be on a glamorous room; gazing on the window, is my red car; and on the telephone line, is an employee, calling me ‘ma’am’, and bringing up to date information about my shop.

We don’t know…

WHAT THE STARS AND THE SKY TELL ME ABOUT LIFE

Every time there is an overnight activity for all Stargazers’s Society members, I always feel excited. Of course, I will be with my classmates and friends for the whole night. We can talk for each other, play simple games, and have all the moments to be treasured for the rest of our lives.
Before I go to school for the overnight, I went home and pack up my things. I make it a habit to bring my blue rosary every time I go out the house. So I put it on my pocket. I was hurrying at that time because my friends already called me up on the phone. I said goodbye and goodnight at everybody who is left at home. After, I stepped out the house.
While I was on the jeepney, taking a ride going to the UPHS campus, I was thinking- what if my friends don’t care for me? What if when I arrive there, I will be out of the group?
Finally! I was there! I entered the gate and the guard welcomed me. He asked for my permit slip. After, I looked for my friends. Then I saw them taking some pictures as a remembrance. My friend, Janelle, took me a shot as she saw me. They were all shouting and welcomed me with their smiles and jokes. Irene said that I will be sleeping beside her. Then, another classmate came and shared to me her big pack of chips. I was silent and still at that time, and Janelle thought that I got angry at her. But I wasn’t really angry at her. The truth is I was just thinking of my father at that time because he wasn’t feeling well when I went out the house. But later, I thought, this night is now for me. I have to enjoy. I know father will be alright. So I have fun. I played with my classmates even though it was very dark.
From just a distance, I can see my most admired guy in UP high. He is not kind and good. It’s just that he is very handsome- his face, his eyes, and his smile. It all makes him cute. Others don’t like him because he is naughty. But I don’t care. He is not that special to me.
Back to my friends, they made that night not just an ordinary night, instead, a special ones.
After Mr. Go’s lecture, we went back to the leader. Everybody was arguing and had a disagreement of what movie is to be watched first. My classmate was preparing the discs. She then said that we were going to watch the movie “Princess Hours”. We were so excited that we went near the TV screen. And so, it started. At that time, the second year students came and asked us to change the disc. They said that we were going to watch the movie entitled ‘Shutter’. We were all screaming when the show began. My friend, Janelle, comforted me for I was very scared. Then, a teacher came and told us to cut the show. We all went out. My friends told me that we will just stay in our site and talk with each other there. We bought something to eat in the middle of the night.
After, we all slept. It was already around 3:00 P.M when we had a nap.
At morning, they said “good morning” to me. We took some picture for the last 3 shots. Then, we went home.
And there I know, my friends all care for me. They are concern for me.
At night, I watch the stars. They all twinkle. I know they don’t just twinkle for me, instead, also for my friends. Every time I am starring at those stars, they are also gazing at them.

PRETENDING TO BE HAPPY!

It is hard to keep smiling if troubles are at hand. It is hard to feel alright, even though everything went wrong. Why is my life like this? Everything is cruel at me. Every time I go home from school, I think it is better not to go home. My parents always welcome me with their arguments. When I hear those words they say, I think it is hard for them to feed and provide our needs. “Why?” Is it because, they don’t have enough money to sustain our needs or it’s just because, they don’t have it at all? I just don’t mind their quarrellings. I just go to a corner and show to them that I am okay. At night time, I can’t sleep, thinking those words on my head. Everything is bothering me.
When I woke up in the morning, I right away rush going to the bathroom, eat breakfast, comb my hair, and fix myself for school. As I go out the house and close the door, I feel like a little bit better. Especially as I enter the school, and then I saw my friends- Janrey, Janelle, Jurrine, and Irene, I feel comfortable. I feel like I have no problem anymore. But it’s only what I think. When we are all together, we always share our insights.
When I face my friends, I show to them that I am happy, that I am alright. I act like I have no problem in the family. But deep inside me is a crying soul, a soul which needs the pure and instant laughter, a natural smile. ‘Yes’. It is true. It’s hard to act as a happy person if you aren’t really happy at all.
I think I have the entire problem in the world. Do you know? I really feel pity at my parents sometimes. I know they are doing everything for us and for my other siblings. There are times when they don’t have money for my baon. If I am not in the mood, I mock and blame them. But if I am, again and again, I say ‘it’s alright’.
Don’t you ever feel like this? The feeling wherein your heart is being crumpled? The feeling where devils are teasing you?
For my links and other acquaintances, I am happy at all times. Because they just see my outside face, the second me, the fake ones. I know they always see a natural smile from me, but it’s just on their own eyes. I feel shame when they see me crying because I have thousands of problems. I am afraid they can see the real me- the one who had the expression of grief.
Problems are surrounding me, and they all do not know that. My family is financially going down right now
Yes, my life is like this. There is too much to pretend. At times, I am happy, and occasionally I feel heartbreaking. But, I know, I am still very lucky, I have my family and my friends.

DAD or MOM?

Did somebody ever asked you, “who do you like more, your mom, or dad?”
For other people, they will say ‘both’. I think they don’t mean that question. Of course, it asking if who is better of the two choice or who of the two do you prefer more.
Actually, I am a daddy’s girl, but for me, I think I think I like my mom more. This doesn’t mean that I don’t want my dad. It’s just that there is something in my mom which is greater than my dad. For sure, there are many advantages and disadvantages for both of them.
My father loves to drink. He is now 42 years of age, but still he loves to be with those alcoholic liquors. He sometimes feel sick and I think it is because he drinks too much and too hard. At times, I got angry at him for the reason that he comes home very drunk.
My mom and dad are both working as a cargo forwarder. But for me, my mom works more. When we have the pay for the month, my father makes it a habit to ask 50% of it. This career is only our financial source. The part which given to my father goes to nothing. He has that bad habit, in Filipino term he has the ‘bisyo’. He doesn’t have any other women. It is just that he always give everything for his cock. Every time he has the money, he always goes to the cock fighting arenas an drop his money there. He is not the type of father that comes home very tired from work, and gives his pay to his wife. My father is not like that. He is different.
But I understand. He is really like that. I just wish that he would change that bad habit. I still love him very much. Nothing can replace him.
“Mother knows best” as what they say. Yes, I know. My mom knows everything best for our family. Even the house that we’re living in now- it’s all because of her. Because of all her effort just to stand our very own house, she makes me believed that she is the breadwinner in the family. She even does everything- washing our clothes, cleaning the plates, and all the household errands. There are times when I got angry at her. But then I realize she is very right. Everything is alright if my mom is there. She knows what her kids want and what they don’t.
That is why I choose my mom more than my dad. But you know what, I am very proud to have a father like him. Life without him is impossible for me. Even my mom, she is truly my life. My parents are both very special for me. I love them. Nothing can replace them in my heart. They are everything need to live in this world. I love my mom and dad very much.
How about you? Which do you prefer- your mom or dad?

MY OWN FRIEND EVALUATION!

Friends? I have lots of them - from the old ones to the new ones. I am not the only person in the world, and there are many people to be my acquaintance. Among all the people in the world, several of them are very special to me, except my family. This people made me realize that life is important and special for me. I always make sure that I am with them. They are always there for me, and I also let them feel that I am here to support them and to be there strength whenever they are weak. They are my entire classmate since elementary except for Bia. But this is not an excuse for her to be out of the group.
Bia is the prettiest girl in the class. She has all the character that everybody should love and appreciate- the brightest eyes, the beauty, the intelligence, and the greatest smile. She is always there for us and she makes sure that we can feel her presence even though she is absent. She tells us when should we stop and how to control ourselves. Because of her beauty and kind heart, many boys admire her. She tells us her insights and she knows we are her shoulders to lean on. In fact, when we mat her on the first day of school, she easily gets us. We often call her “frutos” because she smells like a fruit mixture.
Jurrine was our first honor student in class during our elementary level. She is a silent and a still girl. She is beautiful and she has the talent. She loves to watch the TV show ‘the prince of tennis’. She is very cute- her eyes, her dimples, and her retainer in the teeth. In spite of all the talents that she had, she is still unassuming.
Another friend, Janelle, is a ‘kikay’ friend of mine. For me, she has all the latest and the newest things. She has everything unique- the newest and the latest issues of the WITCH magazine, colorful hankies, and lots of accessories. She is slightly talkative and she loves collecting colorful things.
The chattiest person in the class is John Rhey. He is a strong fighter. He even gets enemies because he is very sensitive and strict. Whenever you make a wrong move at him, watch out, coz he will surely kick you out. Actually, he is the founder of the VIP’s in the class. (hehehehe)
Lastly, Irene. She is my friend since grade I. I always trust her for everything. She is very popular in class and often called ‘Betsy’. She loves boys. Not just ordinary boys, but cute, Korean boys. If you will just meet her, she will surely rock your day. Those people stated above are very special to me. They are always there to make me happy and help me every time my day becomes worst. I got them and so I am more than okay. They always make me feel that I am not alone.

AN UNEXPECTED DAY!

Time has passed, and another day welcomed me.
I woke up early and moved –out from my bed. Then, I stepped on the floor and paused for a while, thinking of what to be done.
It was the day before the celebration for the Sinulog festival, which is one of the yearly traditions of the Cebuanos. My friends and I planned to meet and go to our alma mater to watch their general practice for the sinulog because they are one of the contingents. But mom scolded me because she thought I was going to somewhere not so important. I forced her to allow me to go with my classmates, until she said ‘yes’.
At 1:00 p.m., I went out the house and go with my friends, Irene, JohnRhey, Jurrine, Janelle and Dan. When I saw two of my friends at the sidewalk, they were screaming and shouting calling my name. I immediately ran towards them. We waited for the others to come and after a minute of few, we all met each other.
We went to our past school, and without more ado we rushed to the court and there we saw the dancers, and heard the deafening sound of the drums. We found their ritual dance good. We were staring and enjoying the show.
Suddenly, a girl was calling us. I thought it is the mother of a classmate but she isn’t. She is our teacher when we were still in grade six. She asked us to help them in sewing and preparing for their props and costumes. Of course she is a teacher, if we say ‘no’, it looks like disobeying her. We said ‘yes’. We went to the place and helped them. We were six and after some time, another ally came.
After that we went to our next destination- to the internet café. As we went out the school, we saw many policemen riding on their giant motor bikes with balloons. The people were speeding and they are making noise. For our curiosity to be answered, we also rushed towards the group of people.
Oh! It was Angel Locsin. We saw her in personal. She was very beautiful and so charming with a pink blush on her cheeks. She had a motorcade for her new show.
We shouted loud calling her name. She was smiling and waving her hands at us.
After that incident, we were talking about it and we were planning to share what we discovered for this day. We went to the internet café and have one hour online there.
And finally, we went home. The sun was going to set and I need to go home before my mother and father went home first. There was nobody home when I went there except for my big brother. I was waiting for my mom and dad to come. I was very forlorn and so I slept. I woke up at around 6:30 p.m., and at that time my parents came. They said they went from my aunt’s house. I ate the pasalubong that they brought for me. We were all talking with each other. I told them my experiences for the day especially when I saw a gorgeous girl, Angel Locsin.

IS THIS A HAPPY BIRTHDAY?

When I was still around 1-4 years old, I always celebrate my birthday with cakes, balloons, all the designs, and everything that a child wishes in a birthday party. We always invite our neighbors, and my friends. They sang a happy birthday song at me and we much games, and they all greet me a happy birthday. I have all the gifts and I always blow a candle on my birthday. My Titos and titas visit me and the party lasts until the night time. I open my gifts before going to bed. My mom and aunt clean up the table and keep the extra food in the refrigerator. After the whole day, my parents rest and tell me a ‘goodnight’ at me.When I was in grade-I my mom cook the food and we just invite few people- my uncle and aunt. I have no balloons and I don’t have the greatest party anymore. I have gifts but not like the gifts that I have received for the past years that I celebrated my birthday. At night time, my father and my uncle drink beer and they talk with each other for some matters, just like what our dads usually do if there are any occasions. He greets me goodnight and I went to nap. It’s alright or me. I have no party but I have the celebration. I think it is because I am a big girl now and I am not the kid that wishes for everything anymore.I still remember when I was already 9-11 years old. I celebrate my birthday by going to church and upon going home my mother cook spaghetti and chicken. Then, my father buys a chiffon cake and sliced bread in the bakery. No more blowing of candles on a birthday cake, no more singing of a happy birthday song, and no more friends that are invited. It is not like my past birthdays, with a colorful cakes and delicious icing on the top of the delicious cake. Again it is just alright. I’m already a big girl. I don’t need those balloons and games on my birthdays. I think my parents just can’t afford to furnish me the greatest party anymore. I know it is hard to find money nowadays.I am not that small anymore. I am now a big girl and nobody can stop and treat me like I am the smallest kid in the world. I am not the girl who goes with their parents every time they shop or go to anywhere. I am not the one who needs to be guided always every time I go out the house or the ones who need to be told of what to do.Now, I am already 13 years old. Do I need to have those giant balloons, party hats, or even those colorful cakes and so much food? Hmmmmmm…. I don’t think so.I just need my family. If my birthday comes, I would not wish for many gifts, instead many blessings. I understand. My parents just can’t give me those expensive things. Besides, I don’t need those things. As what I have said a while a go, I am big, and that is what I think.

A HECTIC DAY!

No classes! The roads were all closed and there were many guard and policemen on the street. From the first day of the ASEAN summit until this day, January 15. I found this day very boring. Of course, I can’t go out the house the whole day. I just have to stay in the house all-day long. I wanted to call one of my friends, Irene, so that I can have someone to talk with. But, shucks!!! Looks like I have a bad hair day for this day, that I forgot her telephone number.I can’t even do what I wanted to. I was just lying on the sofa, watching for those stupid shows. My sister pleased me to teach her about her assignment but I refused. I felt lazy at that time, and I don’t want to stand up and move. I wanted to sleep for the whole day. I shouted at her., and so she walked away and seems that she have all the sadness in the world. So she just did her assignment by herself. But I don’t care she’s none of my business. Everything is bitter and worst to me and I have to experience it.
I thought of something to be busy with. But I can’t think for anything. After some time, I approached my sister and ask her if she is already done answering her assignment, but she didn’t answer. I ask her for the second time, “Are you done with your assignment? Please answer me.” But just like the last time, she still didn’t answer. It seems like nobody is there to answer me. I think it was too late for me to help her answering those dim assignments. I just go away from her and again, think of what to be done. Suddenly I have remembered, I forgot to fix my things for school. I rushed to the sala and grabbed my bag. But father was asking me to wash the dishes because mom was still doing for something. I did not mind him, and act like nobody was calling my name. I think I am already busy at that time. Later, my father scolded me.
After setting up my things, I felt bored again. I watched those TV shows lining up on the noontime. Somehow I enjoyed watching the show until I went to nap.
When I woke up, it was already 3 in the afternoon.
Suddenly I remembered, I have to work on my project in social studies which was to be submitted on the next day.
Meanwhile, mom asked me to check my sister's answers in her assignment, because she was complaining for the past few hours.
Hmmmm… I conclude the world indeed is very big and there is so much to do. So I have to move. How exhausting that day was!