FULL METAL ALCHEMIST

You cannot create something without sacrificing anything; this is the law of equivalent trade, the law by which alchemists abide. By rearranging the chemical composition of an object, alchemists are able to create new things. This skill is called transmutation. Our story starts off with the Elric brothers, Edward a.k.a. Ed and Alphonse a.k.a. Al. Ed and Al started learning the art and science of alchemy at a young age, honing their skills to nearly perfection, skills which they learned from their father, a great alchemist. When they were still young, their father left them for some mysterious reason. Their mother nurtured them to become good kids. When their mother died, Ed and Al become so depressed that they planned on reviving their lost mother with their expertise on alchemy. But human transmutation has been a taboo in the alchemist’s world, since failing a transmutation will cause a terrible disaster. But since Ed and Al’s love for their mother is too strong, they tried to perform human transmutation. But they failed, instead a deformed human being was formed and as the law of equivalent trade states, sacrifices will have to be made. Al lost his body and Ed his left leg. And by sacrificing Ed’s right arm, he was able to bind Al’s soul into an old armor which then brought the blood-coated Ed to their neighbour, the Rockbells who specialized at auto-mail (robotic limbs). With the help of Winry Rockbell, Ed and Al’s childhood friend, Ed got a new arm and a leg. Learning the essential lessons of equivalent trade, Ed and Al fled from their home town to find a way to get their body parts back. On their way, they met with a military man Roy Mustang, the flame alchemist and urged Ed to take the State Alchemist Examinations. Knowing that the state alchemist will have access to all the military records, Ed is up to the challenge. With his wit and expertise, Ed became the State Alchemist. Later, they discovered that a stone called the philosopher’s stone can defy the laws of equivalent trade. With this knowledge Ed and Al sought for the stone but later did they know that they’re not the only ones after for the stone but also the soulless beings called homunculus, which are results of failed human transmutation: Envy, Lust, Glutton, Greed, Sloth, Wrath and Pride.

The story was an excellent one since it teaches us one of life’s most valuable lessons, “There is no such thing as a free lunch, you have to pay the price”, which is more or less the same as the law of equivalent trade. The law of equivalent trade simply applies to all situations in life. You basically need something to create something, and you basically need to sacrifice something to gain something in return. Every reaction has an equal and opposite reaction. You may loose some things in life, but in return you gain priceless lessons. Like Ed and Al did.##

CORRUPTION IN THE GOVERNMENT

Corruption, they say, is part of the Filipino culture. Lately it has been the most discussed issue when one survey indicated the Philippines as the most corrupt government. Does this mean all Filipinos are corrupt? I guess not. What was reported in the survey were more visible corrupt practices done by few people but affected many. These few people are the ones who run the government or its agencies and this is to include the people who had the political power to influence or even induce corruption.

Overpricing is the most common form of corruption. Just recently, the preparations done for the 12th ASEAN Summit were discovered to have been marred by corruption. According to reports, this was done with the knowledge and even participation by some ranking politicians and some government agency heads. These people knew that corruption in any form is bad. So, what prompted them to do it? Were they pressured by a more corrupt mind or by a situation so hard to cope with?

But corruption can be stopped. There are more Filipinos who have a good set of values. There are more Filipinos whose consciences are not elastic. Most of all, the law must be put into action. They must be imposed on people who made violations most especially if they are holding key positions in the government. Often we heard of corrupt politicians but our laws seem to have little effect on them. Is this maybe because our justice system is also marred by corruption? We do not know for sure but it is evident that in our country it is seldom heard that one politician was imprisoned due to corruption. If men of values were placed, corruption would be eradicated but it would take a long way. A special body was formed supposedly to curb and solve corruption but was too slow to act on certain individuals and sometimes fast on others. This indicates another form corruption.

Values education is important. All persons earmarked to handle key positions should undergo a training program which enhances ones values and has to be evaluated. The law must be tougher on politicians most especially that they are the ones who have great influence on the masses. And the masses are those who vote for those who would take responsibility over and serve the people. If people get easily swayed by the sweet tongues of our candidates, the future of the Philippines is in peril.

The current state of the economy is a result of the corruption and lies the government politicians inflict. As voters, it is your responsibility to vote wisely and guard these corrupt officials and prevent them them from taking seat in the government ever again. ##

ONLINE GAMING FRENZY

Haven’t you noticed the sudden boom of internet cafes around you school campus or even a few steps away from your house? Yeah, lots of people are now going for the internet café business basically because it doesn’t require too much capital and people everywhere tend to use them either through their researches or just plain recreation. After school, you would notice that lots of students hurriedly go to internet cafes to do their stuff, and one of these is what most teens and adults alike so into, online gaming. MMORPG or Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game as it is called diverts from the basics of LAN or Local Area Network gaming. MMORPG basically caters gaming where you own your own in-game character which you shall build to survive the world of MMORPG. Why do lots of people go into online gaming, specifically MMORPG? Because they are able to interact with the cyber- society, gain cyber- friends and cyber- enemies, which makes this kind of game more exciting. Lots of games nowadays cater the sense of MMORPG. Ragnarok Online for one, has attracted so many gamers because of its anime- like sprites and visual effects, bright colors and stunning gameplay. But the bad thing is that it is not free, so gamers would have to part from their precious savings lost to top- up their Ragna account, which is not a good choice if one is still a student. If one would want an aim and shooting game, he should go for Gunbound. It is a unique game because you get to choose from an array of vehicles in which you may please. Talking about power- ups, Gunbound has a few, fire- power booster and all. This game also takes into account the laws of physics, like wind resistance and firing force. It’s a turn- based game so you will have to wait for your turn. FLYFF(Fly for fun) would be the best game to suit you if you would want or love flying high into the sky. It is a free-for-life MMORPG in which you get to ride a fly- board to get to access islands and stuff. Cool character basics and a wide selection of items, lots of details and is a great game overall!

So, whenever you are itching for some online games, consider the games which suits you best and also take into consideration the money you would be spending for your satisfaction in gaming and remember that if you are still a student, one should play these games in moderation and control.##

VOTE WISELY, DO NOT VOTE ACTORS

For the past decades and years that our government have been established, we have seen different politicians come and go. But lately a strange thing is surfacing the ground. Have not you noticed something? Yes, actors and actresses are now hogging out for a seat in the government, may it be locally or nationally.

Now, I am here to preach to you about not voting for these clowns,…I mean actors like Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano and even the ever famous boxer Manny Pacquiao who are on the way for a seat in the lower and upper house. Actors are like lamp shades, they light up and shines the eyes of the people, forcing the people to vote for them but not in a direct way but rather thru an indirect way. We can not blame them for so, for the masses in the country are just easy audience for them. The actors just shout and announce their famous line in a famous movie they starred at and then the people scream in amazement and delight. Is it not stupid? Have we forgotten yet the times when x-president Erap almost brought the whole country to the brink of total destruction? Have we not learned from the past that these actors are unreliable as senators and representatives because in the first place they cannot understand English? Let us not vote them my fellow men!

Why? The answer to that is so simple. In the first place they are not that competent. Although the only requirement for being a public servant would only be, able to read and write, we should not just settle with this mediocrity. I mean, there are more competent politicians running for the same seat, and if actors still reasoned out that they could learn it once they get to be seated, well we do not have enough time to wait for them because our country is in a great distress. Another simple reason why we should not vote them is that if when they get to be seated, and if they quit their job in order to focus on being a servant, they could end up sucking and feeding up on the taxes that the people religiously pay because the salary they received does not content them anymore unlike the acting salary.

My friends, let us not let these horrible things I have mentioned earlier to actualize before our very eyes. Our country has been going through a tragedy right now, let us not make it worse by voting for these people. This coming election we can choose to go on and stay alive and by that, it means that we will not vote for them this coming May 14th elections.

Guys, let us not let the radiance of light come up and blind our eyes. The actors should blind themselves up. ##

HAPPY ENDING

wooohh.....yeah!!!! Mana jud q!!!!!!

HOME IMPROVEMENT

There’s no place like home.

Home is where we relax and enjoy living with our loved ones. Home is where we enjoy playing with our siblings, with our pets and with other children. To make our home nice to live in, we usually find ways to make it beautiful, nice looking by applying every possible idea we could imagine.

A typical home has its living room, bedroom, kitchen and of course a comfort room. To make our home wonderful to live in, we try to make improvements that fits our own personal likes and standards. Unless major improvements are to be made, we do not need to spend so much to make some improvements. Most department stores today display a variety of items needed for home improvement. Before even purchasing some items, one has to set priority points to be improved. The type of improvement has to be determined. The cost of materials needed depend on available extra budget and savings for a certain period. Little by little a home is improved in looks and comfort.

There are no specific rules in home improvement. A considerable imagination and a good common sense often creates good results. In a living room, for example, furniture can be arranged in such a manner that it fits the likes of the occupants because it provides more space and comfort. A flower pot with this kind of flower may be replaced with another flower pot of another design and flower. Home entertainment items may also be arranged.

The kitchen may need more hooks to accommodate a number of utensils newly purchased or the cabinets need repainting. Flower pots around the home may need some repainting and has to be rearranged.

Home improvement techniques vary from one individual to another but there are books that provide tips.

Houses reflect the lifestyle of the person living in it, so, always make your house a home and make the necessary improvements that you may please.##

THE SEASON OF ELECTIONS

May 14, 2007, the date all those political candidates aspire to dominate. A significant date for those who are hungry for power, yes, the date of the elections.

Once again, we hear those ads in televisions and radios and see posters sticked on any surface visible to any passer by, such sore eyes. My eyes hurt and pain seeing those posters of smiling political candidates labelled by their names with a famous line that they bring up to be remembered by our brains. I think several surveys have been conducted to know the leading candidates for senatoriables or congressmen. It is not that I do not care for the coming elections in our country, it is just that I am not in favour of the most people who candidate for seats in the government. In our country, politicians rule, now where is that line that says “The power of the government emanates from the people”? Have they forgotten that? Politicians get elected to serve the people not for them to be served. It is true that people elect them to have someone to govern over them but others are so into their power that they abuse it.

Have our government taken into account the problem of graft and corruption? Have they undertaken the necessary steps to stop this? They say they have, but do we feel it? Yes we feel it…we feel a stronger corruption case in the country. Just to remind you, the Philippines is the country who topped the survey as the no. 1 most corrupt in the whole of Asia. It is not something we should be celebrating about but rather something we should be hiding our faces for, in shame. Now, when our president heard of this, she did not feel any shame, instead she said that the survey conducted was a fraud and that it was based on records of long ago. Sigh. I remember a line said by my father, he said that those ordinary Filipinos bring honor to the Philippines while the Filipino politicians bring shame.

I say, most of the politicians are so good at lying, it becomes their life. This time of elections, 8- point Agenda and platforms for the fixing of roads, renovation of school buildings, structuring of bridges and all the promises those candidates could think of are so out of tune. They promise and after being elected as officials, it feels like they catch an unusual case of amnesia that they readily forget all the promises they have made in front of the public. A line from an advertisement of a senatorial candidate says “Pangarap kong tuparin ang pangarap mo.(I dream to fulfil your dream)”, now, it sounds kind of funny because it tells us the fact that they promise to dream the fulfilment of the dream of their countrymen but have no intention of fulfilling it.

This coming elections, the Filipino people should choose and vote wisely and at the same time guard for the threat of cheating.##

THE RETREAT

On a Friday night, my parents kept bugging me on what I should bring to our class’ retreat the next day. I did not have the excitement of a teenager to eagerly prepare for the coming day. I was busy complying the 26 articles for the Blog project to be uploaded on a Wednesday. Catching a glimpse of the clock, it read 11:30 pm, and still I am awake. My eyes are so painful already and I want to sleep but there are so many things to worry about. I am a graduating student in high school and in a given short time I want to finish all the requirements the teachers are demanding for the clearance. I felt like screaming out all my frustrations. I am all stressed out. Should I still attend the retreat or should I utilize the time for working on my requirements? I did not know what to do. My parents still bugged me on packing this and that for the retreat. I guess that was it. I guess I should join the retreat to take the time off because lately I have been so busy doing this and that. I guess I should stop awhile and think of myself. Okay, I will join the retreat.

The next day I arrived at school at around 8 am with my mother who came along to help me carry my things. My classmates had already arrived bringing with them their things. A little while later, my mom went home and we were told to move to the classroom of IV- Tan. There we were told to answer a questionnaire on predicting outcomes of events that could possibly happen to teenagers like us. Afterwards, we were told to share our answers to our other classmates. Then, we had a briefing on what people do on a retreat.

The next thing we did was the part that I enjoyed best. It was called “Positive Stroking” I think. We were divided into two groups. The first group were told to form a circle and sit and close their eyes. The second group of students were told to whisper positive things about the person they are whispering to. While listening to people whisper all the positive things about me, I felt like crying, I was indeed very happy. It felt like my self- esteem boosted up so high. Then we loaded the jeepney and rode all the way to Banawa, Labangon where a major part of the retreat was to be conducted.

We arrived at around 2 pm. The place was marvellous! It felt like we were in Baguio. We were told to speak softly for it was a place where nuns and priests stay and pray. Then, we were showed to our rooms and relax for awhile. Afterwards, a series of lectures were made and the Adoration followed. The next part was that when we were told to form a circle and each were given candles for them to light and give to another who may have hurt him or to ask forgiveness for a sin he caused. It was a tearjerker. My classmates, most of them, cried out all the hurts and at last the wounds inflicted to the hearts were healed. It was already 11 pm when we went back to our rooms to sleep.

That night, I could not sleep. I wonder why, maybe because I was not used to sleeping on that place. There are times when I sleep but would only last for utmost ten minutes and I was back, awake again. It was like a routine that kept on going until 3 am in the morning. I then rose from the sleeping mat. I noticed that my three roommates were already awake too. I asked them if they had some sleep, their reply was that they have not sleep the whole night until now. To utilize the time, we took our bath and went outside at around 4 am to ask our teacher on what to do or prepare for breakfast. She said that we should go to the kitchen and boil water for everyone, and so we did it.

The kitchen was situated beside the rooms of the boys. I noticed they had their lights out until this 4 am. No one was up. Then, I noticed a boy step outside; it was a friend of mine. He asked us on whether we took our bath already and we replied yes and he said he’d take a bath too. We made our way to the kitchen and boiled water afterwards, many were soon up and began walking around. After a while, breakfast was served.

We had a bible sharing after and then a holy mass to officially end our retreat. It was a nice experience, I really learned a lot from it. I learned that we should not take or do anything with fast for it only makes us lose our intended point of direction which is success.

“In life’s race you run fast to finish first and get to success in a short time, but the more faster you run, the more you get lost.”##

THE LOOK

The first time I read this poem was when I went to the IV- Tan room for my elective class. It was written clearly on the board. It was a really short poem. As I read it, I began to know and feel the essence of such.

The persona of the poem was a girl who was at one time kissed on the cheek by a man and at an other time kissed on the lips by another man but the kisses didn’t burn her heart nor did it make her fall, but the look a man gave her, even though he did not kiss, was so lingering that it haunts her night and day.

That poem clearly reminds me of a song entitled “The Way You Look at Me” sung by Christian Bautista with the lyrics:

“No one ever saw me like you do
All the things that I could add up to
I never knew just what a smile was worth
But your eyes say everything without a single word

Coz there’s something in the way you look at me
It’s as if my heart knows you’re the missing piece
You make me believe that there is nothing in this world I can be
I never know what you see
But there’s something in the way you look at me”

How one person stares at another without even uttering words nor making actions really makes an impact. I do not know, but somehow when someone stares or looks at me, it speaks louder than words, as if what the eyes are saying are so deep to be explained by the mouth, so deep. The eyes are the windows of the soul and the look on someone’s eyes clearly tells what a person feels and thinks. It reveals the person’s innermost thought.

Some girls find it so hard to detect whether or not a guy in her class likes her, they ask they friends to ask the guy to reveal whether he likes her, but as most of us know, boys are secretive and telling their secrets especially the name of their crushes would be really hard to do. I have a tip to the girls out there, you will know whether or not a guy has a crush on you by the way he looks at you, the looks of somewhat so meaningful and lingering, the same goes out to the boys. I think it is a good strategy of boys to look lovingly or at the girl they like in the eye when they talk or just pass each other by.

One does not need to kiss or hug to show he loves that person, a simple look in the eyes says the words you most needed and waited for to say.##

LONELINESS

One time, when it was time for our English subject our teacher distributed to each of us a copy of three poems. The two were about love and what it does to a person. The third poem caught my attention, at first I had second thought if such really was a poem, and then our teacher said it was a poem. And I think you should see and read it for yourself, here is a copy of the poem:

l(a

le
af
fa
ll


s)
one
l

iness

I thought so, you do not understand the poem. That is okay, neither did I the first time I read it. I think that what the author means to say is that loneliness is the feeling a person experiences when he is in solitude, a state of social isolation. I think I can relate to the poem for I, myself, am a loner. The letter “l” in the poem stands for two things. First it stands for one and second, for I. These two things which that letter stands for all points out to one feeling which is loneliness. When the poem is formed like this, a phrase is formed:

l(a leaf falls)oneliness

When a person is lonely, he may feel forsaken and abandoned. Although, being lonely is not bad at all. Each one of us is unique; other people tend to enjoy the company of their own selves while others do not. It all depends on the person. The persona in the poem is feeling loneliness and not one comes to keep him company. Without others or without someone to talk to, he feels like he is a leaf gently falling to the ground. He feels the tree grew tired of holding him in too long and keeping him company with the other leaves, and with this he has grown frail and weak and so he falls like as what is happening to him now, not physically although, but is felt within his heart and it hurts thinking of which.

Being lonely is not at all easy. It is a very sad situation wherein you feel no one is there to sit beside you and listen to what your heart is telling.

There are times when I want to be left alone by myself thinking, I could go through the hurts I feel inside and eventually it will subside, but the more I am left alone, the more the cut deepens and the more difficult it is to heal.

Sometimes, you just need to tell a friend your thoughts and feelings, besides that is what friends should do, to comfort and help you in times of sorrow and hurt. This is where you feel you are valued by your friends if they never leave your side when you are in great pain and never leaves you alone to cry by yourself. A friend who never leaves you alone and never makes you feel your lonely.##

FAIRYTALES

Timeless tales of princes and princesses, fire- breathing dragons, castles, magical spells and all the things one could think and imagine, all of these come to life once I read a book on fairytales.

A long time has passed since I was like those little kids I see, reading books on fairytales and marvelling at the story of beautiful princesses and handsome prince charmings. How I wished I had been a part of those fairytales I read and be a princess and meet the prince charming of my life, but hey, it is a fictional world, how do I expect myself to be one? Like, hello, its 2007, I’m 16 and I still think of those dumb thoughts. Are these thoughts dumb? Or is it just that I tend to break away from reality due to the fact that in this real world we live in, there are no happy endings and there are no such thing as my life’s story would end in a “happy ever after”. But honestly, would the stories we have in the real life end happy?

I remember a text message a friend sent to me days ago, it said:

“The winning horse doesn’t know why it runs a race. It runs
because of the whip and pain. Life is a race; if you are in pain
then clearly, GOD wants you to win.”

It struck me. We control our lives, it lies within us unto which road we should take and once we have taken these roads, there we have hard times getting through thorny bushes and at last we reach a castle where a happy ending awaits us. Sounds familiar? If you are a fairytale reader, you should have guessed of which story I got these “thorny bushes and castle” line, yes, from The Sleeping Beauty. As far as I could remember, the prince encountered all disasters, misfortune and all and even defeated the wicked witch, just to rescue the sleeping princess and surely, he surpassed these and lived happily with the princess. Sweet, isn’t it?

If one day you cry and think that life is unfair, your always the one scolded and blamed at, but just think of yourself as Cinderella, beautiful and kind but never got the chance to show her true beauty. Be still and patient for one night when your mom tells you your grounded and cannot hang out with your friends, there is always someone you could talk to, and that is God. He is the one you could lean upon, you can say to Him what you feel and what you want to happen of the moment. But usually, you ask why God doesn’t answer back, be patient and learn to listen too and hear the soft voice from your heart.

Life is truly marvellous, like a fairytale. And I think now, I have come to realize that our lives are somewhat a story in a book, full of mystery, love, sorrow, happiness and hope. Life is what you make it as others would say, and I think so too. ##

THE PAIN OF LOVING

“Love until it hurts because true love hurts. So, love until hurts.”

I heard this line when we were currently attending the Adoration in our retreat. Sister Karin mentioned these words. Now, when I heard this, I was struck. True love hurts. It sure hurts.

Loving someone is like plunging into a deep blue sea. It can drown you and is difficult to fight back the waves and currents that come. It is very difficult to fight the feeling once it hit you. Once felt, love can change a person and his perceptions in life. I have heard stories of love wherein the man changed from being an irresponsible, lazy guy to a responsible man for the love of his life.

Things happen. I once asked a friend of mine why he chose this certain girl as girlfriend, I want to ask him what he found in her that could not be found with other girls, the reason why he loved her, his reply was, ”I do not know. Is there a need of reasons? There is just something in her, something in her that attracts me.” Sigh. Loving sets asides reasons.

All these can happen to you once you start loving but also in loving you get to experience a deeper pain which is more difficult to heal than physical wounds. The pain in loving is when you love this certain person but you just can’t say it. And it hurts not telling her what you feel and keeping it all to yourself. It hurts you seeing her smile and laugh so sweetly. The feeling seems to grow and grow each day and you feel you are going to collapse if one time you can’t catch a glimpse of her. And that what pains you. If one day, you get to tell her what you feel but sadly she has found her love. It hurts. Loving her so true for several months and now that you have found the chance to tell her what you feel, she has found someone else. It is so hard to recover from the pain; you feel you would not want to love again. But it is all a part of the game of love.

Another pain in loving is that when you are friends with this certain girl you really like, but one day you realize that you want more than friendship. You realize you love that person when the memory of her keeps you awake at night and dreamy at daytime. So, you tell her you love her but what hurts is that what she wants is just friendship and nothing more than that. You cry but even though because you love this person you continue to love her and wait for her. Several days pass and you finally gave up on her and continued living your life and found someone to love, someone to call as girlfriend. You are still classmates with the girl you loved before; you think your former love for her won’t revive with you having found a girlfriend. But, why does it hurt you when she talks to other guys or when she tries to be kind to you? It seems like you do not want her to be removed from the sight of your eyes. It is love, and it hurts.

Loving can either complete or break you to pieces. There is no harm in trying to tell the girl you love that you want her more than friends, but be sure to accept failures. If the girl you really love says yes to your proposal, jump for joy and be sure not to hurt her for true love happens once in a blue moon.

Love someone with all your heart even though you are not loved back in return, because in loving comes pain but do not forget , in also comes joy.##

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANIMATED SIMULATION AND BASIC GUI IN TEACHING PROJECTILE MOTION TO THIRD YEAR STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES HIGH

That is the title of the research paper which earned the first place in the Science Congress and Science Fair last February. It was a product of dedication and sweat by the researchers which made it through their utmost efforts and the support and help from their teachers and classmates.

The reason of why this research was allowed to pursue was due to the fact that it could greatly help the students who would soon be third year students of the University of the Philippines. The idea of this research was thought of by Nico Martin Eñego and made into realization by the help and efforts of his colleagues Daphne Arnado, Ella Beverly Sarmago and Paul Andrew Gutib.

This research is all about determining on which of the two computer programs, specifically the Animated Simulation which contained animations and the Basic GUI ,without animations, is more effective in teaching the Basic physics’ concept of Projectile Motion to the Third Year students of the University of the Philippines High School in Cebu.

The researchers chose this study because as previous students of the said course, they have experienced the difficulty in understanding the projectile motion concept due to the fact that the plain discussion and writings in the blackboard proved to be ineffective in making the subject interesting and enjoyable to learn. And so, the researchers developed computer programs, the Animated Simulation and the Basic GUI, and expose the present third year students to this and know which one is more effective.

To know whether a said program is effective, the achievement in the scores of the pre-test and post-test and their attitude towards it are the bases.

The third year students were divided into two groups namely the Animated Simulation group and the Basic GUI group. The grouping was based on the grades of the students in their Chemistry and Biology subjects combined in the previous school year. Twenty- three students per group were evenly matched and paired. The researchers solved for the significance of the difference between these two groups and found out that it was insignificant; hence, the two groups were equivalent.

The research pre-test and post-test were conducted in the third year class rooms. The students were told to answer the problems before they were exposed and after they were exposed to their respected computer programs. Then, the Animated Simulation group were exposed to the Animated Simulation program and the Basic GUI group to the Basic GUI. After the exposure and the post-test, the attitude test was given to know whether they liked the programs or not.

The data were then gathered and interpreted. Results showed that there was a significant mean gain of achievement after being exposed to the programs and the students yielded positive outlook towards these computer programs.

After the conduct and the interpretation of results the researchers concluded that the two computer programs were effective, however the students’ mean gain were significantly higher after they were exposed to the Animated Simulation. So, the Animated Simulation was the more effective computer program.

The researchers recommend the use and the application of these programs in teaching projectile motion to the Basic Physics’ class for a more interactive learning environment.##

KYSD

“Sir, is it okay if the long test will be put off for tomorrow? Please. We haven’t got time to study.” Or “Madam, could you please move the deadline of the project from Monday to Wednesday?” All these, students, like me, say to teachers well, let us admit it, we say it most of the time. And if they these teachers don’t agree, some would say that they are so inconsiderate and so dependent on their status as teachers that they would just do what they wish to do to their students. Sigh. I used to think that being a teacher is an easy job, give tests so long and difficult that the students sweat to their feet and assign projects to be passed on the day after the project was given, making students cram, but now, I guess not.

Our school had a Know your School Day or what is more popularly known as KYSD several months ago. It was a two day event wherein, students get to be teachers and teach their classmates in a subject they can freely choose. Did I apply? Not a chance. I feel I don’t have the patience and the abilities a teacher possesses. Teachers are needed to be patient and learn to discipline their students without raising their voices. Well, I know of one teacher in our school, he was our Home Technology teacher, he spoke ever so softly in class even if the class was so noisy, we asked him why he always spoke so softly, and his reply was, ”I do not want to raise my voice, now, if people at the back do not hear me because they are constantly talking with each other, it is not my fault if they fail because they did not listen to me, if they persist to talk louder and ignore what I am saying in the front, I will just make my voice more soft” and surely, the whole room would be quiet once he speaks softly for you need to listen carefully. He was a great teacher because he taught us to listen. By now I know, you realize that being a teacher is not at all a holiday, once you are a teacher you have responsibilities to fulfil.

Now, my other classmates applied as student teachers for the said event, and surely, they were the ones who taught us the lessons for two whole days. It was a nice experience being taught by our classmates. We non-student teachers paid attention to them and respected them for we know in our hearts that being a teacher is not easy and it requires a lot of guts.

Nowadays, when parents ask their children what they want to be when they graduate high school and if the children’s reply would be to be a teacher, they would say,”Be a teacher?! Why become a teacher?! Teachers are paid so low and what would our neighbors say when they hear about this? They would say you took up teaching because you are dumb! Be a nurse instead.” Sad to say, the Philippines are in short of public school teachers. Being a teacher is not at all dumb, when you are a teacher it means you teach lessons to children, you pass knowledge and wisdom to the younger generation. It is a tiring job, but even though they are paid low, they still continue to teach for they care for the future of the children and they do not want them to go astray.

Let us value our teachers and honor them, for they have shaped our minds and fed us with the knowledge we hunger for. To all the teachers, I say thank you.##

ESCAPE FROM FREEDOM

Freedom---a word of grandeur and such great power that lingers on each of our minds and stays there for awhile. Such an abstract idea that only the people with great minds only understand properly and said to have dated since society have been established.

As history unfolds and repeats itself over again and again, we can say in a 100% accuracy that man has striven for something other than what is physical like for survival but also to attain something that is more than that... that is, to be free.

But is freedom really that good that the Philippine guerrillas die for or the rallyists shout for? According to a renowned psychologist, Eric Fromm, the search and the continuing pursuit of attaining it constitutes the problems and troubles that humans encounter. His theory starts out with the discussion on the division of the aspects of a man into two parts, human and animal. He then added that man has break away from nature as a human causing the connection between him and nature to crumble. And because of this man has to establish a group which it can relate to, root itself upon, transcend, and become part of it, this group they have established was later known as “society”. Society is a whole with its members forming it. Thru the passage of time, they establish norms, laws and values. But, problems began when a member of the group was not satisfied with the norms, rules and values it have established and tried to seek out freedom leaving the society. The member that seeked freedom turned out to develop problems and neuroses in his self because he has no more group to belong to and for as we all know, man is a social being , which means that we need others in order to survive.

There are various attempts to escape freedom. As Fromm suggested, the healthiest way to escape is thru unity with others in the spirit of love and shared work. The unhealthy way in escaping freedom is thru authoritarianism, destructiveness and thru automaton conformity.

So as Eric Fromm wisely said, unity is what we need the most and not freedom itself. It does not really solve the need that arises in us but instead it could amplify it. So guys, if you ever thought of freedom as a base of eternal peace and refuge of everlasting prosperity then you might think twice before attempting to attain it. Escape it before you become a prisoner of freedom.

TILL WE MEET AGAIN

It has been a long time since we met each other. A long time since we told each others name and claimed us as classmates and as friends. Together we learned the lessons at school, cried through frustrations and laughed to our fulfilment. How we won the trophy and received prizes as rewards for our success. Remember the time when we would walk through Molave and talk about the day we had at school? We have always been together, always together. And now, we see the end of this perilous but joyous journey, but, we see two roads branch out. We do not know which to take, on which to choose, you chose the one at the right while I chose the one on the left. I told you not to pick that one and just come along with me, but you gently shook your head and said that this time we must go on separate ways and fulfil each of our dreams, after we take the roads we chose, we will meet again and say “Hello, here I am, how are you? Me, I’ve just fulfilled my dream. I hope you did so too.” And we would be together again and share life’s bitterness and sweetness.

This time, I bet tears would fall from your eyes. Cry it all. Cry on my shoulders and I am here to wipe your tears. I am your friend and I cherish the days we have shared together. I do not want us to part on our own ways but I guess it is the way all high school stories should always end. It is sad to know that we could not go to college together and share the same room the way it used to be, way back then. Remember the first day of classes on our first day at school? I sat so still on my armchair, not knowing what to do or how I should talk and make friends with the people surrounding me. It felt like so empty and lonely inside of me while others were so happy and gay. Slowly, someone came to approach me and it was you. Your sweet smile made me feel light and comfortable with the surroundings. You asked for my name and I smiled. That was where it all started but sadly it is not what our fate intends to end it.

You see, I would surely miss the times we had together and you, you who always brightened up my mood whenever I am sad. Hope you feel the same way too. Even though there were times we had misunderstandings sometimes, we fixed it all.

Thank you for coming into my life and as we graduate, we will remember that you had me and I had you. Never for a second forget that at one time you and I met and made friends with each other. Farewell, we will be seeing each other till we meet again.##

LOVE: AN ACT OF WILL, NOT OF THE HEART

Love. A four letter word defined by a thousand words. A word so deep. A word which burns in people’s hearts and minds. The only word and a feeling you want to feel from someone yet hurts and scars so badly when it leaves. If it hurts so badly, why do people still want to experience or go through it?

When felt, love changes a person from worst to best. Love is the most talked about thing these days, as early as 15 years old, teenagers engage in relationships like calling themselves “girlfriends” and ”boyfriends”. Is this the power of love? It is unstoppable but patient and true.

How is love felt? Or when can love be felt or how do you know that what you are feeling for that person is love and not mere infatuation? These are just some of the questions people ask and sometimes my friends ask of me. I wonder why they ask me, I even have not experienced it myself, so how would I know. I remember asking a friend when love is felt, his answer? Love comes in unexpectedly and when it hits you it is like being slapped hard awake from a deep slumber. I never expected that answer to come from his lips. So this is love.

Love is an act of will not of the heart. It is something to be decided upon on whether to pursue or not when it is felt. If you think love is an act of the heart, think again. Love is felt and made known by the heart but it is up to the person to know its trueness and loyalty and on whether he will be pursuing it or not. Love can die in a blink of an eye, so once it is felt, do not let your heart be the judge on whether to pursue it or not but decide it on your will. If deep within you, you feel that you are not sure , you could always continue to blossom it as long as you want it to, it really is an act of will. Acting by what the heart tells you may lead you to regret. One person must not listen only to her heart but also to what her mind tells her and act out of will, or act out of believing that once you love this person you are determined and fixed to never leave this person’s side and always know the purpose of your intended pursuance to loving him/ her.

Loving a certain person is not always a bed of roses, you also experience difficulties and sometimes quarrel because of certain misunderstandings, but as long as you believe that your love for that someone should not end there and instead want to keep the promise of forever pursuing the purpose of loving her, you will see that loving is a great experience.##

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED AFTER I LEAVE HIGH SCHOOL

Soon, I am going to graduate. Hopefully, I will be going to college. I will be leaving the school I have come to love so dearly for the past 4 years. It has been a long and winding journey and I am glad that I made it through with my classmates and friends. I do not know whether I should be happy or sad.

At one time at school, I remember when me and some of my classmates gathered and reminisced the years we spent together. How we smiled while thinking of the good times we had. Sometimes, I wish it never has to come to an end.

When I leave, I want to be remembered as someone who is silent but outstanding. I want to be remembered that way because that is what I was always and will always be. I remember a time when we were at the second year level, each one of us were told to write something to each and everyone and most of what was written on the sheets of paper I received was that I was a silent type of person ,but very talented and outstanding. I felt happy with that because they appreciated the me, the Daphne they know and made friends with.

I am a silent and shy type of a person. I do not always hang out and socialize with other people but with the people who really know me and am closely tied up with, I usually hang out to the cinema and to malls. My classmates say that I am a very studious and serious person, but the truth is I am not. Maybe they said I was serious because of my great concentration in studying in class. I am not studious, I only study when there is a need to which I think is a bad habit but I hope I could somehow change it. I fall silent when there is no need for me to talk but after a while I find someone to talk with because staying silent won’t get you anywhere.

I am not boosting with self- confidence but when I am asked to sing, act or dance, that I would gladly do so because I am confident with myself, that I could do anything as long as I believe that I can do it.

I also want to be remembered as an optimist. Thinking positively through my years of stay here in UP greatly helped me and that I will continue to do so.
Next month, I will be leaving. I hope I made a difference and a contribution to the school I have shared my high school life with. Thank you UP High for being a part of my life and I hope that you would and forever remember me because for once I was a UP High School student.##

BLOG PROJECT: A HASSLE AND A MACHINE FOR EXPRESSION OF ONE’S THOUGHTS

Twenty- six articles with five hundred words each. A great and suitable definition for our blog project. Almost every day we ask each other in class things like “Have you posted any entries this week? How many have you posted? What is the required topic for this week?” and nothing more. It is such a hassle. I just want to cry it out loud. I experienced a lot of frustrations in the process of making this blog project. How I wish this was all just a nightmare that I could just easily wake myself up to, but, sad thing is, this is reality.

For eight hours, I am at school, studying hard, imbibing new lessons and answering nerve- wrecking pop-up quizzes, seat works and long tests. Having a hard time understanding lessons in Physics and Calculus, I need to practice at night. And also there are deadlines for projects of other subjects, how can I comply with 5 entries a week? I am a graduating student and there are other things I need to worry about, not only the Blog project. I know that one reason why we students are made to make 26 entries is to discipline us, to teach us not to be lazy, but for me, it teaches me to be lazy because once I arrive from school, my brain all stressed out and my body drained, I want to sleep as early as possible for me to be able to regain my energy and for my brain to recover from stress, but, how could I possibly do so when I have to write a blog entry every night. Writing a blog entry requires a lot of brain work (Like what I am doing now). You need to think of a topic and its contents and its organization. It is so tiring.

Another thing I would like to point out is the fact that our computer has no internet access and that it is such a hassle to have to cross the street and walk several metres to an internet café. And not only that, the fee per hour is 20 pesos and it usually takes me 1-2 hours to post all my entries. Sometimes it would take me a longer time to post my entries for sometimes problems occur within the blog site. At times, the blogspot site takes so long to load and upon posting, takes so much time to publish the entries. Another factor is also the computer in the internet café which is sometimes slow in processing data. It costs a lot of money. One fact that I enrolled in a state university is because my family do not have the capacity to enrol me in a private institution.

Even though, a lot of disadvantages occur upon the making of the blog project, a thing I gained was my expression of my thoughts through writing and my writing skills. All of these improved once I started writing the entries to my blog even though others do not comment my blog entries. The blog project helped me improve my grammar, sentence construction and vocabulary. And also my skills in typing improved.

I feel this is just how every student in high school feel towards successive deadlines of projects. It frustrates and benefits them.##

Shooting Star

Many nights have passed, and still, I have not seen any. I have not seen any of those shooting stars who make wishes and dreams come true. There are times when I sit alone on a bench outside our house to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, but not one passes by my way. Do shooting stars choose on to whose wishes it may grant? Maybe not.

My friends tell me that the moment I see a shooting star, I should then utter my wishes and deepest aspirations in life. A shooting star can make dreams come true. I do not know why up until now I am unlucky to not have seen any. I envy those who have claimed they have. On a night where billions of stars light up the sky, I wish I could tell them to fall and become shooting stars, for me to see and grant my wishes, but I guess it is impossible , shooting stars are not genies nor are they humans, they can not make my wishes come true, can they?

Shooting stars are not only those that dart up in the dark skies and make wishes come true, but they may also be humans. The people who pushed me to the top and helped me pursue my dreams are my shooting stars. My loved ones, my friends, my parents and my teachers are my shooting stars. They are those who lit up my darkest skies, brought me my sunny days and stood with me in my cold winter nights.

My friends have a special place in my heart. They are the ones who make me laugh when I am sad, comfort me when I cry and support me in everything I do. Every time we students have to take our periodical tests, a simple message of “Good luck!” or “God bless you!” really strikes me, for it encourages me to do well in answering the test.

My parents and teachers who encourage me to do well in class and teach me the lessons I need to learn to get through life and to be successful are also one of my shooting stars. Without them who help me get to the top, I would not be what I am now.

And now that I have known and realize such, would I still wish to see a shooting star in the sky? Maybe I would still want to see, but what I was searching for was always in front of me.##

The Problem With Men And Women

Nobody is perfect, let us accept it. Each one of us possesses flaws and that each one of us must live by them and hope to correct these as time passes by.

The problem with men is that they are too secretive. They keep so many secrets and problems. Keeping such big problems to themselves is not good because they should tell it to others in order for them to release the burden they are carrying. Men usually think that to tell their problems to other persons makes them feel they are weak and unable to carry the load by themselves, but the truth is it does not make them less of a man.

Men are seen tough on the outside but they do not show that they are really soft on the inside. They pretend to be as hard and as invulnerable as a diamond but the truth is they are as soft as a feather. Pretending to pass and encounter problems by themselves is what I think being selfish of them, they do not understand that someone in the crowd suffers the same way as them when they do not tell them what bothers them. Others do not know too that men suffer and feel the same way their friends do, and to prevent their friends from worrying about them is that they pretend they do not suffer and instead strike up a smile and say they are okay. But, after a while when they are finally alone, they cry.

The problem with men is that they are sometimes lazy and unreliable. They sit on the couch doing nothing. Even though lots of work need to be accomplished in a jiffy, they sit and wait, undaunted, for the deadline. They become unreliable when they are too lazy, when you tell them to do work, they would promise you they would finish it in time but, they do not.

Not only men, do we have problems with, but also the women. The problem with women is that they are so talkative and so fond of gossips. They can not keep a secret all to themselves. A secret told to them after a minute would spread like wildfire and soon you will know that majority of your classmates knew about your secrets, and that what is worse is your close friend told it to them. Women are gossip queens. They backstab others and when the one they backstabbed is facing them; they pretend they did not talk behind his or her back.

Another problem is that, women go gaga over love. Majority of the women would go weak when they are in love or when their crushes sit close to them or just talk to them face to face. A woman is weak at heart, and a simple action of a man showing that he loves her would make her sapless. As such, some men know of this weakness in girls and usually take opportunities in making girls fall in love with them and hurt them in the end.

Such are the problems I found in men and women. Although not all of the men and women possess such traits and characteristics, those who do would find a way to make themselves better persons. ##

Teachers

Teachers are not the only ones who enter the classroom once the bell rings. The ones who guides us in everything we do, teaches us the things they know and the lessons they have learned in life and devotes their time to us.

Students spend eight hours of their everyday lives in the four walled room we call classroom, and because of this, classrooms are labelled the students’ second homes, and the teachers, their second parents.

We hate and love our school teachers. We just hate them when they give check up quizzes, long tests and assignments. We love them when they do the opposite or when classes for the day are over. We hate some of the subjects they teach us but we can not and would not hate the teachers who teach us the subject, for they are there to pass on the knowledge they have learned to us. So, we should hate the subject, but love the teacher. We just do not know that what they are doing is for the betterment of ourselves.

School teachers are not the only ones who teach us the lessons in life, but also our parents. Our parents are our first teachers. When we came unto this world, we were just a lump of clay and our parents taught us the correct values and manners in which moulded us into persons. At times when we were lost and could not find our way back home, our parents led us and walked with us all the way, they carried with them a lamp which shined and glowed all through out our lifetime.

Teachers are not only those which are human in form. The experiences we pass through are our teachers too, as the saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher”, but I think not the best, rather one of the best. Our past experiences make us stronger and determined persons. The errors and mistakes we have committed in the past teaches us to do well and to prevent from committing the same mistakes in the present and future.

Such are the teachers we have known in life. Our school teachers and parents are only here temporarily, and in the future no one would be there to guide us and scold us when we do bad, but until then we should cherish our teachers and show them that we love and are grateful to have them, for without them, our life is not worth living.##

I Cry When I Want To

I cry when I want to and no one can stop that. Others think that to cry shows how weak the person is, but for me the person who cries shows will and bravery.

I cry and what is wrong with crying? It is a way for me to release my anger, sadness and frustrations. When I cry, I feel relieved afterwards and am able to think clearly. It hurts much more when you stop or hinder yourself from breaking down and crying. And how it hurts, it hurts like knife cutting through you. Keeping yourself from crying worsens your situation and may even back you down.

Other people used to say to me that I am such a crybaby. I cry for situations and things which are of little importance. To them it maybe a simple and small thing but to me it may mean big. I cry over simple television shows, animals, and many more, but that is how and what I am and that what makes me a unique person.

My brothers say and tell me that too, but they don’t understand me. I am the only girl, besides my mother, in the household. It is hard living with three older brothers, especially when they usually interfere with my business in the house and in school. Of course they don’t understand me and will only understand me once they have each of them a girlfriend, then they will know what I feel. A text mate once said to me that girls are so complicated, but that is what we are, and to understand us is the obligation of the men and women around us.

Crying is my simplest way of releasing what I feel. I am a teenager after all. It does good to me when I cry. When I cry, all my problems and worries are well thought of and are released out of my heart and mind, seems like I get a now lighter load. I know that crying to myself is good, but having someone’s shoulder to cry on and a friend to talk with is much better, because with this I am able to say my problems, release my anger, seek comfort and receive advices. Based on my experience, when there is someone there listening to my problems while I cry makes me feel loved and cared.

You are brave when you cry; you are doing the thing that what men usually think is unmanly and unruly. Men are fond of keeping a problem all to themselves and stop themselves from crying. I don’t know, maybe secretly they cry. No man has ever lived his lifetime without having to shed a tear even for once.

Crying isn’t a thing what one should be ashamed of doing, but a thing that God gave us to release the emotions we feel inside. So, do not keep yourself from crying and tell a friend of your problems, and do offer your shoulder to anyone who wants to cry on it.##

Why I Write

Writing is the act of creating written works. It is not what most teenagers are into. Rarely do I hear of people who want to write something. Others think this is a waste of time and dull to begin with. I used to think that too, way back then. Back when I didn’t know the importance and the benefits gained in writing. But now I think I know why.

I write because I need to. As a student, it is expected that one should write, either as a must for projects or seat works. The need to write comes when a teacher requires you as basis for grading and as a way for the teacher to check your grammar and English. Coherence, continuity of thought and correct use of grammar are some that should be taken in account when writing. Through writing, I train myself. I train my mind to concentrate on its thoughts as writing requires concentration.

I write because I love to. It requires a matter of time before I get to think of the correct topic to write about. When I feel that I want to write something, I write, it is as simple as that. I’ll write something about the weather, the people I see , the friends I’ve met, the life of a student, anything, one can write anything as long as he has the passion.

I write to communicate. Writing is like talking to someone who is not physically present, though. In writing, I can talk about what I want and what I feel. I can express my innermost thoughts and feelings about a specified topic, an example is when one writes a love letter, it’s a way of communicating to the person you like, you express your feelings towards that special person through writing because speaking to the person face to face about one’s feelings might feel awkward.

Such are the reasons why I write. To me, it does not require a lot of talent and skill for a person to write. A person only needs the interest in writing and the ability to write, and with that one is ready to grab a pen and a paper and write. Having a diary would help you do well in writing more. If you want, you can ask your teachers about the secrets in good writing if you are very fond of it. Once your writing skills are enhanced, the job of a journalist would suit you best and you could even earn a lot of money. So, as you can see, many things are gained in writing, not just for the reason that you can be good at English grammar but also as an instrument for you to express your ideas.

I recommend other people to engage in writing because who knows what difference, writing would bring to their life. Writing should not be hated but loved. There is nothing lost when you write, perhaps you gain. You gain satisfaction once you finish writing and you are able to express your thoughts more.

So, spread the word.##

How Soon Is Forever?

“I’ll be here for you forever…..”

Forever…Sigh. I wonder just how soon forever is. Just how long does forever take? Does it last more than a day, a week, a decade, a millennium or even a lifetime? Some say forever never ends….

In a relationship, promises made of staying together forever are mostly made but why after a matter of years someone gives up and says goodbye? I thought forever was forever but why did it end? Promises are meant to be broken some would say, but I don’t believe such. Yes, I know for the fact that promises are easily broken but as much as possible if you won’t allow it to happen, and keep true to your word the day you promised forever.

When two people promise to each other they would stay forever, this promise should be taken into heart. Forever is not a simple word one should just use recklessly, forever is forever. Could someone love another someone forever? Forever would last until after the day someone dies, could they still love each other though they are dead? I believe the answer is yes. Physically, you can’t and won’t see each other anymore but the feeling stays and lasts. So even though a special someone dies, you don’t bury your love with the dead, you keep it alive just as you keep yourself alive everyday.

The day you meet the person you want to share your life with and get married and vow to love each other ceaselessly for better or worse, you would not do something that would cause your separation. The moment you get married there is no turning back and one day say you have had enough. It is not as simple as that, its not that easy……

Even though I am still and just a high school student, I know the essence of love and promises of forever. Yes, I have not experienced love and being promised of forever for I am still young and do not intend to engage in a serious relationship. I know one commits mistakes and one day finds out that the one on is currently committed to is not who one really loves, for there are times one needs a time off from the relationship. If the two of you are really intended for each other, in the end you are always meant to be.

For a high school student to engage in a teenage relationship should not be done for one’s mind and heart is still in the process of maturing and besides, is still young to do so. But, there are exceptions, if what one feels can’t be kiboshed, one may engage in a relationship as long as one’s parents know of it, as much as possible one’s relationship should not be kept secret.

As I continue to write on, now then have I known the true length and duration of forever. And now I conclude, forever is eternal if you intend it to be.##

College

Going to college is what most of graduating high school students dream of. Well, I too dream the same. At the age of sixteen I think I am not yet prepared to go and leave my school and the friends I have made. For three years or more, I have stayed and hanged out with my friends at high school and after graduation seeing each other again would take a long time, for each of us would be busy doing school work.

Thinking of college, I wonder what life is in there. My two brothers are college students while my other brother is a college graduate and currently works in a private company. I dare not ask them because they are too busy attending to their studies and work. But then, I respect and understand them. I think I’ll really get busy too as they are when I go to college.

My plans of what course to take is still in chaos. I can’t make and decide on my own. I get confused on what course to take for I don’t really know what I want. I have a lot of interests, but I do not know what to pick. It’s really hard when you are a graduating high school student, you get to encounter a lot of decision making. And now, I can’t understand why I can’t decide on my own, I really need the advice of my parents on what course would suit me best. My parents said I should take BS Accountancy in the University of San Carlos because it would suit me very well but there is something in me that hesitates to take the course because of the fact that, I really do not like math and courses which involve math scares me. You may laugh, but I think it is natural for every student to dislike math. I’m lucky I’m still sane up until now even though I’ve gone through a lot of math courses in high school such as Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics and lastly Calculus. Phew! Those were many. I salute those who summoned up their courage and took up BS Math in college and other math related courses. I think it is really their interest and besides no matter how you try to escape math it is always there.

Times like this, I should have already made my decision. Two months more and I’ll leave high school. Two months more to decide on which course to take in college.

I believe graduating high school students should seek advice from their parents on which course to take in college. But, students should decide for themselves and not allow themselves to be forced by their parents to take such course and take courses in which they are most interested and great at.

Being a college student won’t be that easy as you were in your high school years. It would be more challenging. I think college is where one’s mind matures and one learns independence. By the time I learn independence, I won’t forget to seek advice from my parents and family members.

A new life, new environment and new friends to make, I wonder what more is in store for me when I reach college. Being a college student won’t change me and what I have always been when I still was a high school student, I’d say I simply grew for the better.##

Jeepney

Sweat trickles down your forehead to your cheeks. Impatient……You are growing impatient. Once again you’re out in the hot summer sun, waiting for a jeepney to pass by you to ride towards school. But then, where is that jeepney you waited for? Time is running out, if you don’t get a ride at a time like this, you would be late. Such a hassle? Wished you had a car of your own?

Oh, how nice it would be to have a car of one’s own. No worries at all. You would be having a holiday off those jeepneys cramped with passengers. You would have a leisure of time in your own car, listening to music and feeling the air flow past you. Such benefits you would enjoy having your own car but, too bad you don’t.

Why not think of the benefits and advantages of riding the jeepney rather than of riding and driving your own car? It isn’t too bad to ride a jeepney. It’s just that waking up late lessens your opportunity in riding spacious jeepneys, experience tells me so.

As a student, it is my obligation to wake up early before the sun rises to catch a jeepney and get to school before the bell rings for the first subject. As I have experienced, it is really hard to catch a ride on jeepneys specially nowadays, because of the rising prices of commodities, people choose to ride jeepneys as it is affordable and they can save money. A trip of five kilometres would only cost you six pesos while driving your own car to a trip of five kilometres would cost you more now that oil prices are high.

In the jeepney, you sit close to people you do not know and experience things that won’t occur once you ride and drive your own car. Even if people who sit next to you are unfamiliar, you feel you know them. And these faces then look familiar to you as rides on the jeepneys progress.

There is a sense of bayanihan in a ride in a jeepney. This happens when someone tells you please to pass the money as payment of the fare to the driver. It gives me pride when a passenger next to me hands her fare so that I could give it to the driver and says “Thank you!”. It really warms my heart, because not all people get to say such words to you especially hearing it from people you do not know, it is just great how they get to say it even when they are busy thinking of work. The spirit of bayanihan is there when a jeepney breaks down and some of the passengers participate in pushing the car while the driver turns on the engine until it finally is able to run again.

Not so many events that happen in jeepneys, happen in private cars. It sure does take sometime to adjust riding a jeepney if you are used to riding your own car. You’ll surely experience slight differences.

Cramped as the jeepneys maybe, but what matters and what you should always look forward to is the ride. Who knows what will happen on the trip today?##

Classroom

The place where roads of different people meet and intersect. The special room that binds people living lives poles apart and tying them to one. Such room and the only room that can make such is the classroom.

Going back to memory lane, we remember how that classroom changed our lives. It started way back in HSAT. Back then, neither one of us knew each other, of how one feels at the moment and the significant change we are about to make in each one’s hearts. Was it fate that we found each other and shared the same school? Maybe. We are destined to meet. Just like how each of one of us are destined to find our special someone.

The classroom we shared served as our shelter. The shelter of each student. Its one place wherein we could gather freely and talk about our ideas. Moreover, I should say it’s just not a simple shelter but a home. A home for our now maturing minds and hearts. A place one learns proper values and manners. It’s a big happy family under one roof. Though, two sections lived in different shelters. We were neighbours. And as neighbours, we shared and loved.

The classroom as a learning environment. Of course, the reason we go to school is to learn. Learn lessons and increase knowledge. But is that the only thing to learn? In the classroom, one learns to share and help. A simple ball pen lent to a classmate means so much. At times when we do not understand new lessons, our classmates were there helping us, teaching us and sharing their time with us. Such an act may not be important to others, but to us who have shared for more than three years, we thank them with all gratitude.

The classroom as a meeting place. And a meeting place it is. It’s the place we met our teachers who served as second mothers and fathers to us. The teachers who devoted their time in educating us and teaching us things we thought we do not need to know. They, who lighted candles amidst darkness and led us the way. How the teachers would scold us when we do not do things right, but they do not know how glad we are to receive such, because of this we don’t miss our parents much when we are in school for they really remind us of them and also such would make us better persons and we then keep those in mind so as to not commit the same mistakes all over again.

Not only second parents are met but also classmates we then called friends. Our friends who sympathized to our failures and exalted our winnings. Those who stood by our side until the end and never left it. Such friends we met were the ones we thought we won’t meet, but how glad we are to have met such.

Towards the passing of time, someone leaves the classroom. And an empty seat remains of him. Does this mean the tie that bound us together broke? No. The seat he once sits in will remain empty but the memories shared with him is kept in our hearts, and forever we shall remember him as a classmate and as one of the friends we met and shared with in the classroom.##