Tuesday, August 25, 2015

17. Feedback

We were required to give feedback on one post of a person in our class, EEPENG1. So, a total of 15 people were given my feedback to their blog.

Click the title to see their blog.

1. Jennifer Arrabis - "Awareness and Preparedness for the Big One" 
2. Joshua Escano - "So much conventions to go to so little money" 
3. Jeeno Jimenez - "Anti smoking campaign (Are you a smoker or not?)" 
4. Sherine Coronel - "Teenage Pregnancy" 
5. Hector Burgos - "Problems Gamer Will Unsterstand" 
6. Yesha Alfafara - "F.R.I.E.N.D.S" 
7. Mark Apit - "One Piece" 
8. Carreon Lean - "Hunger in Sudan." 
9. Wyatt Holgado - "My entertainment speech" 
10. Joshua Cruz - "My fear of death" 
11. Joey Dela Cruz - "How I Annoy My Brother" 
12. Maria Laureta - "Three days independent" 
13. Marc Jimenez - "アニメ" 
14. Katrina Umayao - "Shopaholic" 
15. Marc Nares - "How I Overcome My Problems In Life"

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

16.Cigars, Bruh!

Lighting one cigarette decreases your life by ten minutes.

Every single day, we will witness countless people either on the streets or outside their workplace - any place for that matter-, who kills their time by lighting a stick or two. Smoking does not only affect the smoker but also the person who inhales it. This is called, "Passive Smoking", there would be instances when we can't avoid breathing people's tobacco smoke but do you know that the non-smokers who's close to a person smoking, gets affected more than the smoker? Why is that? Because they inhale the contents of the cigarette being used. The ingredients on making a cigarette are chemicals and toxins that's poisonous.

Smoking doesn't only affect oneself but it also affects the environment. How is that possible? Well, the smoke that's released on the cigarette - as I have said before - has hundreds of chemicals which contributes to the environmental pollution; air, land and water deterioration. This is why there are numerous campaigns that prohibits this activity. One movement I would like to stress is the "Asia Pacific College's Anti-Smoking Campaign". It's a kind of movement which focuses on educating not only the students but also the employees - professors, security guards, custodians and  so on - to be aware of the effects of smoking. One is not allowed to smoke on the school premises but there's a certain place for people who would like to light one which is placed away from non-smokers.

There's been a study where it shows that the largest percentage of death is caused by smoking. Through the years of intense research, doctors have found that smoking raises the risks of numerous diseases and one of them is lung cancer. It would kill you slowly and frighteningly painful but why do people continue to smoke? Even if it has already been proved that it can cause your body to shut down? Maybe because there's a certain drug used which causes them to get addicted to it. Other says they smoke to relieve their stress on work or school (or any problems, for that matter). Then, there are some who witnessed their loved ones doing this habit and adapted it to their daily lives. 

What good would smoking bring if it's a temporary way to calm ones nerves but makes a big permanent damage to ones body and surroundings? I would like you to support our campaign to raise more awareness on how you're wasting your precious life, decreasing your life span for a temporary solution.

1 comments:

Friday, July 17, 2015

15. A Letter From Past You




Dear Future Me,

It's been TEN years, You're already 28 years old! How have we been? I hope by now we've got a Master's degree in Psychology! I still haven't shifted (Oh no!). And you're working! Then, I hope we're still planning of pursuing a Psy. D. degree because isn't it our goal to be a Psychologist? It'll be a long road but don't ever give up because giving up is for wimps and we're not a wimp!

Are you too busy with work and studying, at the same time? Don't ever forget to look after mom, she's getting old and needs to be taken care of - like now - and dad, even if we don't see him a lot, always have the time to text or call him to check him up, he's also getting pretty old. Is bro in abroad now? I hope so and you should probably persuade him in sending you a box of chocolate - hopefully, you're not diabetic now. I know that you miss watching movies with him and patty, do watch more world war two documentaries to broaden your knowledge about it. How's our little sister? Do we still have time for her? Does she still hate it when we hug her and do stupid stuff in front of her? Is she working now? She always wanted to have a business of her own, or a boss - HA!. Or do they already have a family? Do you have pamangkin's now?! I hope you're giving them your time too - and i hope you still know how to change a diaper.

When was the last time you've got together with Kae, Norge, Ellaine, Ynna, Connie and the others or our high school friends? Start planning, don't ever forget about them! The key is to go somewhere with tons of food! Have you met new people? I hope they love eating and movies too! Are they a good influence? Have you been saving money? Because I haven't saved any, I've been spending everything on food - ugh -, I hope you're more of a saver and have saved more than a million now!

Have you traveled to Batanes yet? With whom? Was it fun? I hope it is! It's always been on our bucket list! Or have you traveled all over Philippines now? (World too) Haha, Always remember that you need to rest and one way to do it is to travel! You need to travel! Remember, we always wanted to witness the different cultures and beliefs of each countries, to see the beauty especially the natural resources. Do you have a thick compilation of postcards with the experiences in each places you went to? Keep it, it'll be a great memory to go back to someday!

Do you still have a Journal? you should probably read the things we wrote back then, I know you'll be so frustrated on the things we wrote - maybe embarrassed! You know, it's better to write your feelings down when you're frustrated or hurt. That's always been our habit back then and it did wonders to make us feel better.

Always remember that a lot of people loves you and don't ever forget them. Thank them for all the things they did for you and pay them back if you can! I hope you're more confident in yourself and proving everyone who looked down on us that they're wrong. Don't forget to do your very best and don't ever get lazy going to work.  Don't be scared on doing something you want - don't do it if it's wrong, stop it - and always be happy, stay positive because every problems we're facing is just an obstacle to reach our goals.

I want to write a lot of things for you but always remember, even if one or all of these things haven't happened yet. Don't worry, we still have a lot of time to achieve it. Be confident and everything will come into place. By the way, I hope you're not a grumpy old woman now if so, please stop, how will you find your significant other - I'm assuming you haven't found him yet - with that? Come on, loosen up, you only live once! If you have found him and already have a family of your own, shower them with love, spend time with them and never ever leave them.

Anyway, Please take care of yourself and maybe you should write a letter back hahaha or reply through putting it in our journal. I love you

With love,
Your Eighteen-year old self

1 comments:

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

14. One Act of Kindness

It's so easy to tell something but when it comes to doing it, it's difficult. Or maybe people blabber on doing a certain thing but in reality, they aren't doing shit - sorry for the word - and actually do the opposite. Yes, I've witnessed how others boast about helping another person - would only choose the people who they'll help - but they would expect something from that person later on. 





One should not boast on the 'Good Deeds' you do. Actually, you should do something willingly than talking behind the person's back after helping them. It's absurd, These people just wants to be praised and have a red carpet on their walkway.  I'm not saying all people do such a thing, some people who tell their good deed wants to share their experience and influence others which is fine, I guess.

Growing up, I was exposed to giving small presents for those in need. When I was around six to ten years old, My family and I would drive along Paranaque City to Caloocan City. If we see a child who has ragged clothes, we’ll stop the car and one family member would come out and give the gift-wrapped toy. It’s a great feeling seeing the children have this wide smile and their parents thanking for the present.

When I was in High School, my organization would have outreach programs. We would go to a certain place and give out clothes and food. There was also a time where children from the streets was invited inside our school. Each student would be assigned to one or two children and it’s our responsibility to pack their lunch and take care of them. We would be making programs and contests, it was a very memorable day for me and my friends.

As I got to College, I learned that not every “beggar” you see should be given money. Sometimes those children you will see on the streets would give the money they have got to someone and they won’t get anything. Others would be angry and curse you if you can’t give them money – In my case, I was going to enroll for my second semester and I only had bills, no coins. – so, it’s really hard to know if it’s worth it or not.

But there was one occurrence when I was about to go home after my classes. While I was walking in front of Caltex to wait for a jeep, I saw this very old man with dirty clothes, a big sack full of clothes and the other, garbage. I had all my allowance and I was pretty sad while looking at him. He was sitting on the cement, maybe tired. I went up to him and asked if he wants some food. 

He replied, “Sure”. I wanted to be sure that when I get back, he would still be there. 

I walked to Jollibee and bought two pieces chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, chocolate sundae, coke and water. I went back and gave it to him, he was very thankful. I felt this feeling of happiness that I was able to help someone.

There was another event when I was in a Jeep, an old woman went in carrying a little girl. The old woman had this really strong smell that people who sat next to her would move at the other side. She was going to pay for their fare but the Jeepney driver said it was fine. I heard the little girl told her she’s hungry and my heartache because they really did look so dirty. I wanted to treat them food but I don’t know if she’ll approve. So, when it was my time to come down. I gave her money and then the other passengers started giving money and she was crying. I went home and when I stepped inside my house, I cried too for their life.


We’re lucky that we have a home – rent or owned -, food on the table, have the money to go to school, work, clean clothes and everything the people in the streets doesn’t have the luxury to have. We should be thankful and appreciate what we have.

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Monday, July 13, 2015

13. Moving On

"Dad, Stop hitting Mom!"

I hated how the only thing that I could do back then was cry and say those words.

Growing up, I lived in a household of fear and trauma. I can never deny the feeling of hating myself for being a young child that's useless from the loud shouts and physical wounds my parents inflict on each other.


My siblings and I got so used to it that every night when my dad gets home late, drunk, and we'd wake up from shouting outside the threshold of our bedroom. We would huddle together and have a planned strategy to stop them. My brother was always the one who looks after us - my younger sister, patty, and I- and he's also the one who comes between my father and mother while I look after patty in the distance, watching and telling them to stop.

I thought it was normal for a family to experience these problems. Normal to be relieved when my father goes to work and normal that he gets home drunk and smells strongly of alcohol. But as I was maturing, I realized it's not normal. It's not normal to run to your room when your father comes home, not normal to be silent in the house in fear of getting scolded by him.


When one day, my mom got tired of this routine, she could see that it was affecting us terribly. We decided to see psychologists, It was quite fun. I liked this one woman, she had a very beautiful smile and she could calm you down - maybe that's why I want to be one -. They did help our family, the physical hitting stopped and the wounds were healing but it would always leave scars in our hearts.


My father is an alcoholic, he did stop for some years but it came back. They say that you can never fully heal someone's addiction when they don't even want to be helped. He would go to bar's and repeatedly committed acts of infidelity. There were so much events that resulted to my parents getting separated. 


You would have thought that we would cry for this decision but it was as if, we breathed a big sigh of relief.  My siblings and I live with my mom and we got more closer, our family got stronger for all the hardships we're facing. This decision was for the better because in some way, my father realized the importance of his children - even if it depends on his mood.


They say that the things or experiences that you are exposed to when you were young will influence your life as you grow up and make a family of your own. 


That has been proven, you see, it happened to my father's family and it struct me, I don't want to be like him - harsh but it's true -, I'm scared that someday I would make bad decisions and make my family suffer while I have a good time. I fear of being addicted on something and can never turn back from it. I don't want to have a big debt that I wouldn't give my family the right amount of money or to loan more money only to be able to have my children go to school late. I don't want to scar anyone around me or have my family go through this experience, i don't want them to feel what I felt, it hurts and it's not easy. I'm just scared that someday I would be just like him.


But you know what, I can't always mope about this that is why I'm striving hard to finish and get a job. I realize that I want to help other people, especially children, with traumatic experiences. I want to prove that my past won't affect my future.  I want to be a psychologist, it will take a while but it'll be worth it.

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Friday, July 10, 2015

12. Past Blues

Have you ever felt attached to someone you haven't really seen? You read books and watched movie's about that person's life and felt saddened by the experiences and struggles the individual felt?



The Second World War occurred when Adolf Hitler blamed the Jews and showed his hatred to them, doing everything he could on his power to get rid of them through various technique's such as the Train of Death - wherein thousands of Jews died by the fall of the train -, Concentration Camps - the Jews were not given any food and water to survive, built by barbed wires around them having no way to escape and more that millions of Jews died in the hands of the Nazi's.


My obsession with reading or watching the World war two documentaries started when I read an autobiography entitled, "The Diary of a Young Girl: Anne Frank". It's the journal of Anne Frank that was published by Otto Frank, the father who lost his whole family during the war. In that book, It showed how they did everything on their power to hide from the German's in a place called "Secret Annex" for two years. During that two years, Anne Frank and her family lived quietly and terrified of being captured, day by day they listen to the radio to know what's happening outside of their haven. And amid this, she wrote everything about the events she witness and you can see how she's growing up to be a fine woman. Before the end of the war, the Frank family got captured and was taken to different concentration camps, and there they died either on starvation or sickness.

I have read the book numerous times, It doesn't cease to make me cry every time I was done reading. My siblings and I are suckers when it comes to movies and the past events of the world. So, it's not surprising that we every weekend or on our free time, We would watch movie's together. After reading the Diary of Anne Frank.



We watched "Anne Frank: The Whole Story (2001)", It got us right in the feels and at the end of it we were either teary-eyed or were burst into tears.

In the book, It only shows Anne Frank's Point-Of-View and her family's stay in the Secret Annex but in this Film it also shows Otto Frank's Point-Of-View and the other people that they interacted and helped them during the times of terror. It shows how they were captured in the Annex - through a worker that found out their were Jews living in the little business building- and their lives in the Concentration Camps, how they lived working and was separated. Witnessing how the other Jews are being treated and killed. Lastly, It shows how their family tries to survive together and their affection to one another.


And the most heart-wrenching part is when Otto Frank waited for his family to come out in the train station until the station was empty. Finding out that no one on his family survives, he went back to the place where the Secret Annex was located, one of his trusted friend gave him the Journal of Anne Frank, read it and cried with anguish for the loved ones he lost.


The Next Film we watched is, "The Pianist (2002)". This is another film that left us moved and sad by the outcome of it. It was a great movie that would also make you cry.

It focuses on a Jewish Pianist - Classical Musician - that was famous during his time but when the Gestapo, Germans, conquered. He became a prisoner during the war, he tries to survive with the help of strangers; who helped him find an apartment inside the German Territory - situated in front of a hospital and a gestapo police station. The helper told him that the best place to hide is inside the territory of your enemies for they won't think twice of bombing their area. But later on, the German finds out because of the uprising of the jews.


Later on, He was walking through destroyed houses and was in starvation. A German Officer finds him in one of the houses and finds out that he was a musician. Then, he was helped by the German by receiving food until the War ended.


In the end, the officer was killed because he's one of the Gestapo's - or a part of Adolf Hitler's party - but before he died, he mentions the musician to a Jew, asking him to look for the man.


Lastly is the "Uprising (2001)".

In this movie, It shows how the Jews stepped up, to fight for their rights. Different people who united together for one goal, to have their freedom.


It starts with the tortures that the German's did to the Jews and how each Jews endured the pain they were witnessing; separated with the people they love, the death of their loved ones and the people around them.


They prepared on how to obtain weapons and planned their sweet revenge. At the end of the movie, only a handful of them survived the war but they showed the Germans that they won't back down to them.


It's an amazing movie which will leave your mouth gaping because of the fast-paced action and the events they had to endure to get back their freedom.


I had watched more movies which is related to the Second World War but these three left a big mark on me. It gave me a glimpse of the past and I yearn to know more, I do plan to read another book which is entitled, "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas". From what I've heard, it's about a boy inside a concentration camp and at the other side is a son of a German officer and then the story goes on which I can't wait to find out. I hear that it also has a movie.

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Monday, July 06, 2015

10. Christmassy Feeling

 Year 2004
Year 2004 (Incomplete)

Christmas is the time for us to get together with the people we love,not only that it's also the time where Jesus was born. It's when school's out and you can stay at home, getting ready for any trips your family plan to do or a gathering with family and friends. I love spending time with the people I care about and Christmas gives me that opportunity to devote my time with them.

Don't you love the smell of Christmas? It has this unique smell; sweet and pine cone-y. You would also see families and friends hanging out at the mall before Christmas Eve, buying presents and last minute shopping for food to be eaten later.

I remember when I was just a kid, my relatives would come home from different countries just to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines. We would be in the Christmas spirit; the adults would buy presents, arrange games for us - kids-, prepare delicious food, decorate my grandma's house and have a lot more activities for the coming days.


Year 2013
Before Christmas, we would go to Tagaytay, spend the day riding horses and eating in our favorite restaurant, Leslie's. Then we would go home, tired and fall asleep immediately. My cousins and I would be so excited to open our presents that we would sit near the Christmas tree and witness the box of presents  increasing day by day.

The night before Christmas Eve, there would be games and pictures taken with the whole clan, we would all eat dinner and sing the night away in the Theatre room until the day we all have been waiting for, at the strike of 12 am. Everybody will be gathering around in the living room praying and thanking God for another blissful year with the family. We would then open the presents and just have a great time. We would all be laughing and talking until our throats get sore.


Every year or two that would be our routine and we were so used to it that we miss it dearly. Now, everyone is so busy with their own lives in different parts of the world which is why its been a while that we have all gathered.

Year 2014

Yes, until now we still have the Christmas spirit we still eat and have a good time, send presents through mail or money. Either we Skype with the others until morning came, talk and reminisce the past and hope in the coming years that we can all be complete again. Christmas is one of my families way to get closer together, even if we're far apart we would still give time to talk to each other through a phone call or email.


Spending time with my family is always the best time for me, no one can ever replace the connections of my family! My whole Chua Clan doesn't have a complete picture together but in the future we will once again be complete!


For me, Christmas gives off great vibes to everyone. Resulting to a glorious atmosphere and the pleasing feeling the holiday brings. It's my favorite time of the year!

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Friday, July 03, 2015

9. All-Time Favorite




Do you know that feeling when you would read a certain novel - hundreds of times - but the pleasure you get after reading it will always be there? I love reading novels, it can be: mystery, dystopian, romance, inspirational, historical and other genres. It took me a while to know my all-time favorite novel and I'll confidently boast it!

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Jeyn Roberts' Dark Inside

It all started by an Earthquake from all around the world. Humans ,has been turned into murderers by a certain force, started killing people, even if that person was a stranger or family.


These Humans, or known as Baggers, are consumed by their hatred and anger that made them monsters. Their goal is to take what the humans took and bring it back to nature.


The story revolves on four teenagers trying to survive this catastrophe.


Saskatoon, Canada

 Mason, who's mother died in a car accident and his friends died from a school bombing. Being alone made him hear the voices calling him, He tries to fight the darkness inside him, calling out to join their side.

Vancouver, Canada

 Aries, who was on the way to Clayton Heights High School for her theater rehearsal as Alice in Alice in wonderland, was caught in an earthquake and witnessed the death of her best friend but was saved by a mysterious and handsome guy.

Glenmore, Canada

 Clementine, a country girl and a cheerleader, who was forced to leave her mother and father behind to be killed by Baggers. The only thing that gives her strength and motivation to live is to find her brother in Seattle.

Whitefish, United States

 Michael, with his friend, Evans, traveled and met people along the way just to survive, was getting larger. During their hide out, they were ambushed by Baggers and the one thing Michael regretted the most is escaping to avoid death by leaving and betraying his group and be killed.




Rage Within by Jeyn Roberts

Jeyn Roberts' Rage Within

"WARNING. WARNING. THE CITY IS CLOSED. NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN OR OUT. THERE ARE GUARDS POSTED. TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT. DO NOT TRY TO LEAVE THE CITY. DO NOT STAY IN YOUR HOMES. IT IS NO LONGER SAFE. SURVIVORS ARE INSTRUCTED TO GO TO THE PLAZA OF NATIONS IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU."

The same recording repeated in an endless loop as the white vans drive around the city, slowly, looking for survivors. 


3 Months After the Earthquakes, The Baggers seem to be more organized; cleaning up the whole place and making a new world order, assuring survivors that they will be safe in the Plaza of Nations.


Meanwhile, Our Protagonists: Mason, Aries, Clementine, Michael, with the other survivors tries to survive in an abandoned house in Vancouver.


Clementine, with the company of Michael, continues to look for her brother in The University of British Columbia and stumbles with a group of students hiding from the Baggers.


Mason, Along with Daniel, are curious of the situation in the Plaza of Nations. They travel in the night and got caught in a dangerous situation.


As the leader of the group, Aries is having a hard time making decisions on certain situations. Should she choose to save another ally from Baggers and risk getting her group killed or choose to protect her group and get ready to move out to their safe house? Should she go look for Mason, Michael and Daniel, after days of their disappearance?


Problems, quarrels, deaths arise, Will they be able to solve it as a group? To trust one another? Or will the group fall apart?


Review:


Dark Inside is another post apocalyptic book that has made me ask for more. In this book - first -, Jeyn Roberts focused on each teenagers lives and own journeys.


I found myself on the edge of my chair while reading the book, page by page. This thrilling sensation I felt which made me kept reading was crazy. I honestly, couldn't stop for a minute because you would feel this urge of wanting to know what will happen.


Dark Inside is strongly exciting and quite creepy. It has a lot of action and heart wrenching moments that you'll want the pace to slow down a bit for so much thrill. The book is very detailed and makes your mind working and you'll be amazed by the twists in the book. 


The only thing i noticed is how the author repeated some words but other than that, It's an awesome book.


Next is, Rage Within, It continues the adventures of our four protagonist to be able to survive. 
This time, It focuses on the opinions of the teenagers on certain decisions and be able to trust each other as a group.

Normally, The first book of a series would be the best of all but as I finished reading Rage Within, I decided that this is (for me) better than Dark Inside, It gets more exciting. 


I can say that, Jeyn Roberts did a good job getting us, readers, allure on her books. Who wouldn't? When you'll be pleased how well informed, more action and creepy exciting parts and addicting that you'd want to reread it.


 The only thing that kind-of bugged me is that I felt no chemistry on (I won't spoil) the protagonists, something was missing. Also, when people they knew died, it was unemotional.



But all in all, it was pretty awesome!
I can't wait for the 3rd book!

I would highly highly recommend this to those who love post apocalyptic books with a little romance on the side.

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Monday, June 29, 2015

7. Bavarianator

We always have that one food, or thing, that through the years, we’d get tired of it. We would either stop eating the fish’s eyes; we would get over their Lion King collection; or we’d get bored on watching Tellie Tubbies. As for me, well, mine was a different story as I was forced to stop eating my favorite food. But mind you, no one was involved to my sudden prevention of eating this dessert.



During my childhood days, I have this sweet addiction towards donuts – Bavarian, specifically. I remember that I would always tell my mother to buy a box of it for me once she get home. True to her words, she did.  I ate it right away and store the other donuts for later.

Because that happened on a Friday, we frequently go to our grandmother’s house during the weekend and it’ll take us one hour and thirty minutes (without traffic) to reach her house. From Paranaque city to Quezon City. Let’s spare the details. We stayed there for another day because of the inclement weather and we arrived home on Monday night.

As a kid, I was surely exhausted because of play time and the ride home so I went straight back to bed. The next day, I woke up unusually early and I was hungry. I went out of the room and saw that no one was still awake so I scavenged for something to eat.

I saw the box of donuts sitting in the corner of the oven so without a thought, I grabbed it and took a munch out of it. It started of as something hard then the weird tastes kicked in. It was thick on my tongue and couldn’t take it off fast enough because it felt like I swallowed a bottle of glue. At the time when I took the bread out, my whole tongue was covered with spoiled Bavarian.

After that day, that event, I was haunted by it that I could still feel the spoiled donut lingering against my taste buds.  Whenever my mother would bring home donuts, I would always cringe at the sight of it, sometimes gag. If I see my siblings eating it, I just can’t stand the sight of it, and they think it’s a laughing matter.

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Friday, June 26, 2015

6. Beware The Night!

Have you ever believed someone when they say, “don’t go alone during the night. Something out there is lurking for humans?” Yes, that’s it. We’re talking about ghosts here. Do you believe in ghosts? I know I don’t. But let’s just say, something… changed. Carry on to find out.

Since I was young, like ‘grade school’ young, my little sister, Patrice, claimed that she saw something supernatural inside our house  (or oftentimes, outdoors). She’d always wake up earlier than most of us would. Our room leads to the living room and from there, you could see two doors – one leading outside, and the other to our parent’s room. She sat there on our bed then when she lifted her eyes towards the living room, she saw a white lady, smiling at her, and a black lady, who’s frowning at the while lady. Several nights, she was haunted by that memory. We thought that she was just making that up, or perhaps, she’s a lunatic.

Then came high school. Later on, my parents believed what my little sister had been saying. But I, never. During her second year in high school, strange things have been happening to her. There was one time when my sister started laughing when we were supposed to sleep. She hurriedly jumped out of the bed and stared right at me.
“Can you hear that?” She asked me.
“Hear what?” I replied, groggily.
“Someone’s crying at the other side of the wall.” She looked terrified at this point, and so was I.
Why, you ask? Because behind our bedroom’s wall was a vacant lot. Nothing was built there. Just overgrown grass.
Then I saw the change in her expression. Her face crumpled and in her eyes were something greater than fear. She started to cry. It seems like the whole household was alerted and they came barging in our room. My mom hugged my sister and my brother asked Patrice what happened.
She howled, “Her cries are getting louder!” She covered her ears and whispered, “I can still hear her.”
At that point, I was already frightened to the point that my eyes were damp.
“Where at?” My brother looked at me.
“She said that it came from the wall at her side.” My brother moved near the wall and placed his ear there. “I can’t hear anything.”
“I can hear her! I can hear her from here.” Then, she went out of the room as she tried to control her cries.

The next weird thing that occurred involved me in it. Mind you, I still doubt that my sister could see or hear ghosts. But what happened to me proved it all. I went to the room where she was and she looked normal. But look a little bit closer and she looks stiff. I sat beside her and then there it goes. It sounds faint but I really could hear a woman crying. I looked at Patrice .
“Can you hear that?” My voice trembled.
“You can hear it too?” She said, hopeful. After that, I cried. I went out of the room and called my mom, who then assisted me back to the room. She said that we should pray for their souls in that very room they’re in. Later after doing just that, my sister said that the ghosts were saying something while we prayed. They said, “What’s that?” and “what are they doing?”

            So now that I’ve told you an event wherein I thought my sister was seriously lying, and one that proved these entities to me, let me tell you one last story which was unforgettable or nerve-wracking, or spine-tingling
.
 Due to work, my parents were arriving late at night, at around 9 O’clock. My brother was working part time, as well. So, my sister and I always tend the house when they’re not around. And since we’re alone, our parents always tell us to lock the doors which we openly obliged. My sister and I were in the living room when suddenly my sister called out.

            “Ate!” She said as she ran inside the room. She started crying hysterically and I was dumbfounded. What should I do if I don’t even know what was happening to her? I was scared because when something like this happens to her, it is only cause by one thing: ghosts.

It seems like I was part of a movie as I watched my sister jump on a bed and covered her ears as she cried.
            “What happening? What’s going on?” Panic rises inside of me.
            “Someone’s crying loudly! It’s near, ate. It’s near!” She cried harder.
            But then, “Ate!” She howled!
            “Someone’s banging on the gate!” Now, her cries were an understatement.
 But why can’t I hear a single thing?! How close was it? I could feel the adrenaline inside of me. I don’t know if it was because of the fear, the excitement, or the panic.

We were already clustered in the far end of the bed when we heard the honking of a car. Papa!

I stepped back to the living room and found the lock open. It felt like my blood that was rushing a while ago, was drained. I got goosebumps all over and I was holding back tears.

 Afterwards, we told what happened to them and my parents decided to let us stay to Patrice’s friend’s house until they return home.

From then on, I have believed in spirits walking on our world called "Earth". My experiences doesn't stop there, there would be occurrences when I'm with my friends in outings or with my family but it's too long to share everything to you. I just believe in ghosts and I wouldn't want to anger or disrespect them.           

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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

5. Burn The Midnight Oil

When it comes to exams in school, you'll witness a majority of students in class, helping each other through cheating. There are a lot of ways on how to cheat but we're not going to talk about that, even if it's interesting.


 One technique in cheating

There was a time in my 6th grade where my classmate - that's getting tutored by one of the well-known school teacher - had all the answers for the exam. That day, she gave us the answers but I declined. It was the first time I saw an act of dishonesty on tests and I never thought I would do such a thing in High school.


I moved to a new school after I graduated on primary school. At the very first day of class, I immediately saw such actions and from then on, I would witness this kind of routine every single day; in homework's, seatwork's, quizzes and even the major exams.


My seatmates would have these little notes under their folder or inside their ID case, some would even give their test papers on his/her friend while the teacher's gone. It was all new to me - In fact, It was much worse than grade school - and I guess, peer pressure got to me.


It was my health class and I didn't study. I decided to copy all the notes in a little piece of paper.


Before the exam begun.

My teacher said, "If I ever caught anyone cheating, I won't think twice of sending you off to the Guidance counselor and the Principal's Office. Not only that, your parents will be called and you'll get a failing grade on this class. So please think twice before proceeding with your actions."

I didn't study but I was contemplating if I should use the paper for this and the people near me told "Don't worry, she won't notice. We've done it plenty of times and we didn't got caught!" And I replied with a nod.


The exam started when we were each given the questionnaire and an answering sheet. I placed the note inside the folder,the test paper and then the answering sheet on top of it.


Do you know that feeling where you're very nervous, your hands are cold and shaking? That was how I felt while I was doing such a thing. I was trying to answer the exam, I would look at the note a couple of times and at my teacher - to be sure that she's not looking - but it wasn't even five minutes in when I felt her presence beside me.


She looked at me with suspicion and said, "Give me that".


She closed my folder, grabbed it and began shaking it. I started praying, my heart was beating rapidly and my hands was sweating. One by one, my test paper fell then my answering sheet and pen but my little note, didn't.


She gave it back to me without another word, I didn't know that I was holding my breath after that intense moment. I was so stunned that I had to regain my composure for a few seconds before grabbing the stuff on the floor. And then, when I looked at my classmates beside me, they were staring at me with huge shocked expressions.


They mouthed, "Oh my god..."


Then, when the teacher wasn't looking, I crumpled the note and placed it in my bag. I answered the test, only with my answer sheet, pen and my brain.


In the end, I did pass that exam. From that day onwards, I promised myself never to cheat in any way. I realized that it's better to achieve something with hard work than achieving it by dishonest actions.

But how do you stop? By studying in advance, so that you won't rely on cheating, and your determination to pass with integrity.

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Monday, June 22, 2015

4. Wanderlust

On the days I don't have anything to do, I research about places that can potentially be on my bucket list. I yearn to travel. It's one of the reasons why I picked Tourism as my course but I realized, I don't have to be a Tourism student to travel. So, I don't think it fits me but that's a different story.

Let's face it, Everyone wants to travel and majority of us wants to travel out of the country but let me ask you, why not start in the Philippines? One thing I learned from my course is that before you travel around the world, you should start small, start on your own country. I got to get a glimpse of the beautiful places, Philippines offers. Truthfully, I didn't know that Philippines offers such appeal. Let me persuade you.


The first place I want to witness is Batanes. It's in the upper part of the Philippines and a little island, which is why, there are few flights that go to this destination. Few flights means expensive ticket prices and they say it gets hit by storms. So, you really need to look at the forecast from time to time.


But why would I risk the weather and money just to go there? Because, It showcases stunning sceneries, you would want to sit down in one of the hills and absorb what you see. It's an isolated place which is why there are few people. There is a place called the "Honesty shop", It's a little store that sells food and other material goods but what's unique is that no one's looking after the store. The person who owns it trusts the people - tourists -to pay the right amount.



The second place is Palawan. As I know, Palawan is the most cleanest place in the Philippines, they preserve the natural resources of its surroundings. The most popular attraction is located in Puerto Princesa,They offer tons of water activities and you would be flabbergasted by the beautiful natural wonders you'll witness.





Third goes to, Cebu. I have heard a lot of great things on this place. Since, I love food. Cebu proclaims that they cook very well and I look forward on witnessing their festivals especially the Lechon Festival. Every article that I've read stresses how amazing their lechon tastes and it would be a dream come true to eat as many as I can!



 Lechon festival, Cebu

Fourth place is Bohol. Two years ago, I went to Bohol with my relatives. We were only there for a few days and it wasn't enough because I wanted to see more of the beauty of the place. If I could visit one tourist spot, It would be the Man-Made forest. You would be speechless of the artistry. Imagine, Years ago, there were hundreds of boy scouts and other people who participated in this event where they planted a tree on that very place and now, they would be very proud of the outcome of what they did. I do hope that they already found a solution after the earthquake that struck the place.



 Me in Man-Made Forest, Bohol

Lastly is Tagaytay. I had so many memories in this place, I've been coming here with my family and relatives when I was young - presumably, almost every weekend - that I know it by heart on the places we go. We would go to the Pink Sisters church, a horse-back riding in a field - god, how i missed the horses - and finally, eat dinner at Leslie's. We would have this long table and their would always be Bulalo and other specialties. I always remember this little candy store, my cousins and I would look at it and if we're lucky, our aunts would buy us one. There would be a bridge outside the restaurant and as a child, We would climb and play on it, taking pictures and just having a good time. Then, when night falls, we would go home and might even stop by and buy hot chocolate. How I wish I could go back in time and experience that again.




Someday, I will eventually visit this places. I'll travel around the Philippines before travelling, Internationally!

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Friday, June 19, 2015

3. Dumbfounded

Have you ever done something so embarrassing that every person you know, never forgets it? And they would bring it up as much as possible which is why you want to hide in a corner and never come out? I have done numerous stuff that left me blushing and ashamed but the most recent one that i'll never hear the end of, occurred at school.



Let me tell you what happened.

Last year, June 23 2014.
My friend needed to change one of her class since it's clashing on her other schedules. So, we went to the fourth floor to talk to the head. There were greetings and I sat down next to her and listened to their conversation. And then the professor asked where we were from.

My friend said. "I'm from Makati and she's from Paranaque".

The professor replied. "Oh! I'm from Antipolo. You guys are so lucky, you're very far and I'm so near here." Then they started laughing.

So, here's the deal, I wanted to tell what I was thinking since, I haven't talked for a while.


I said, "But Sir, Isn't it better if you're close from here?"

Then, there was silence and they laughed. My friend looked at me and said, "Don't you get it? " with a chuckle. I decided to laugh too - even if I don't know why we were laughing.

Then, we said our goodbye's and as we went out, my friend was laughing at me and I asked why. She said, "Sir was being sarcastic. He lives far from here than we are". It sinked in to me and I was blushing and defended myself, "I don't go out very much, that's why I didn't know" and then I laughed at myself for being an idiot.


At the end of the day, all my friends knew what happened. They reasoned out that I'm a Tourism student but don't know where a place is situated and we cracked up for days. I should probably read the geography of the Philippines now.


After a year, It's still one of the jokes in our group. I have a feeling it would take years for them to forget it but I learned my lesson. Shut up, Janine.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

2. Hold It Dearly

Treasure the people around you; your family, friends and everyone you interact with. Don't take people for granted, be thankful for even having one because there would be others who would want to be in your position.

I don't always trust someone so easily but I did. I did what you would normally do with a friend; do silly stuff, sleep in a room together, eat tons of sweets and share anything. We knew each other for quite a while but she went away - in another country. So, I wanted to see her and give her this book full of our memories. Anyway, we planned on meeting each other for three different days, eating and just hanging out.



First day.
I arrived at our meeting place with my other friends and waited but she texted saying "Hey, Can we just meet on Friday? Since everyone won't be able to attend." And I replied back "Sure".

 I didn't mind it at first, since it meant I have extra time to do the book.

Second day. 
I was getting ready and then she called me saying "Let's move it to next week, I have to finish something". 

Third, last day. 
We were all there, waiting for her. The book finished and was impressively wrapped, There were about fifteen+ letters inside that were written from different people who she knew. We waited for two hours and she still wasn't there. I decided to text her and she replied minutes after saying, "I can't come today., I have a dentist appointment." 
I was very hurt and said, "We're all here, we waited for a long time."  Then, she didn't reply.

I was very sad. I guess she wasn't really a true friend, and I learned it the hard way. 

After weeks, I gave her the book by taking pictures of it and sent it to her. I felt bad for the people who wrote their feelings and greetings on paper. I told her 
"You're lucky that a lot of people will remember you but in turn, please remember them too." 
And the rest is history.

I always cherish my friends, and the people I hold dearly because I experienced not having any. I knew the feeling of utter loneliness and isolation which is why, it hurts so much that someone would ditch you or disappear without any goodbyes.

For me, NOTHING - even materialistic things - can ever replace the feeling of love and comfort with other people. Yes, I have few people that I label as a "true friend" since they proved it to me on many occasions. I'm also picky when it comes to labeling a person as a "Best Friend", I only had one - which was on grade school- considering, I really want to get to know someone really well and to be able to tell that person all my fears, secrets and experiences.

In my opinion, the main qualities of a true friend are the following: when you could bully each other and not be mad with all the teasing; when you have a problem or needed someone to talk to, you would call him/her or meet up in each other's place or at the mall; when you have some similarities and differences. I guess the most important thing is that you're comfortable with that person.

I noticed in my circle of friends that we have the love for eating, we would try anything and drool on food that we see in social media. then we would start planning on going to a certain restaurant to try their delicacies. We would also talk for hours in the library, mall, or any place that's cold - the longest one so far was four or five hours straight!.

Yes, It's not easy to find a true friend but always be yourself and time will lead you to those who will make a big bang on your life.

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Monday, June 15, 2015

1. That's Life

Communication + People = Socialization

As the formula above, communication plays an important role to society, without this there's no socialization and without socialization, there will be no learning. It also applies to People, you can't communicate without the main piece of the puzzle.

Why am I emphasizing this? There are various ways people can express themselves but I'm assuming you know it by heart. The most commonly used is verbal communication. Everyone uses this type in their day to day life - except for the people with disabilities, they use another means of communication - but some people has a hard time expressing themselves through this, I was definitely one of those people.

"Janine Lavandero , What do you think?" The teacher asked me, out of the blue. 
"I....uh...um" I stuttered and just stared.

That was how my conversations with people in school go. In my defense, I moved in a new school for my first year high. It was all quite new to me for I have known my schoolmates on grade school since I was three. I was very shy that people thought I'm an anti-social and aloof person - basically, an introvert. I would get nervous when someone calls my name; I would stammer and shrug my shoulders. That was the person who I used to be until the end of my second year.

Through this, I resorted to writing, I started writing on journals until it has been a habit that I love the most. I would get high marks on my essays and other writing activities. It has been a part of me and I was so used to improving here that I'm not improving on myself, verbally. I wanted to change. 

On the start of my third year, I did things the shy me wouldn't do. What, you say? Well, It took a lot of guts to do these things. I had to argue with myself numerous times to come out of my comfort zone. I was the one who would come up to a person and talk to them. Most of the time, be the leader of group presentations or projects and I would try to answer the questions of my teachers. For me, It was a huge NO to not be able to utter a word.


As time passed, I was improving but not a lot. There would still be times where I would rather be alone but that's normal, It makes me more comfortable and relaxed. So, I really didn't mind if I'm accompanied by someone or not but through this experience, I learned tons of life lessons. I gained more confidence, enhanced my communication skills and knew how to interact with different people. I'm still grasping and improving but the most important thing that I learned is to always find a solution in a problem, think and look at every possibility, do not walk away from it because you won't attain anything by being lethargic.


And this, my friend, is what I want you to realize. There's still time for you to improve on other matters, It applies on everything. Improve, improve and never give up but always remember, always be you.

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