Happiness Amidst the Pandemic
I know that it is not the right time to be ‘happy’ while there’s a pandemic that we are facing and experiencing now. Thousands of deaths, broken families, ruin livelihoods, loss of hope, cries, pain and sadness that this pandemic brought in the past few months. There should be nothing to feel happy about.
But for us who live and still surviving, we should. We should be happy that we are still given a chance to wake up in the morning, eat at least three meals a day, and be with our loved ones. However, it’s not just about bad things that this pandemic brought us.
Among those thousands of deaths, we are taught to appreciate life and value the moments with our loved ones. We are taught that even if you’re one of the richest people in the world, money can’t buy health. We’ve learned that in this life, the only thing that is constant aside from change is death.
Death is something we cannot predict. We don’t know when we will die or when our loved ones die. So, as long we’re still living, we must start appreciating ourselves and the people around us. We must do good not just because we want to be saved, but because if we die people will remember us and talk good at our funeral.
I remember my grandmother’s comment about it, which is ‘Do good things so that many people would come and talk good at your funeral. Do good things so that you will be remembered.’
We’re attending the funeral of one of the known people here in our barangay. He’s a former Barangay Captain, and he died due to an illness. He’s known because of his projects and good advocacies. But then, I wonder why only a few people attended his funeral. I asked my grandmother if the event was private and why only a few are there. But before she could answer me, we heard a group of people talking behind our back about how corrupt the Barangay Captain was. I continued watching them with curiosity as they offered and showed their condolences to the family of the dead and even offered him a small prayer like they weren't just badmouthing him a while ago.
My grandmother then told me that our actions will be reflected on our funeral. Do good things as much as possible. When we are alive, people will remember a single bad thing we did, but remember all of the good things when we die. Do many bad things. When we are alive, people will remember and praise our few good deeds but talk about all of the bad things when we die. That’s how human’s mind works. I was confused about it before, but now I fully understand what my grandma is talking about. This pandemic helped me realize that.
Aside from deaths, livelihoods and businesses were also ruined, or at least that’s what business minded people are thinking. People are so engrossed with their businesses and in how to make money. Less sleep and less time with their family is their way of making money. I wonder if their money can buy them warmth and comfort if they get sick. Yes, it can surely buy medicine, but can it take care of you?
Because of this pandemic, quarantine was mobilized. Some businesses were forced to close to prevent the spread of the disease. Businessmen surely are problematic but if they just try to look at the bright side, they would see what were the things they are sacrificing just for business. Their family.
Some families couldn’t even afford three meals a day but they are happy because being with one another, complete and healthy is already enough for them. That’s why we should be happy and celebrate every moment with our loved ones, live our life to the fullest, thank God for the gift of time, family, food and health, and do not forget to do good things.
How are you my Present Self?
If there would be a way that I could travel time, I would choose to be my younger self and travel to where my present self now.
*‘How are you my 21 years old self?’*
*‘I hope you’re doing good’*
*‘Did you cut your hair? I love it long’*
*‘Look! I got a star because I perfected the math assignment’*
*‘What’s with the bags under your eyes? You look like a panda now’*
*‘Do you still sleep? You look tired. You should sleep. I love sleeping so much’*
*‘And you’ve got some pimples too’*
*‘I brought Barbie and Ken, would you like to play?’*
*‘Why are you crying? Did someone bully you? Or did you trip yourself again?’*
*‘I still tripped myself sometimes and cry too’*
*‘Do you still remember Glenn, Dan, and Amy? We played yesterday and it was so fun’*
*‘Look at my knee. I tripped myself when I run with them yesterday’*
*‘Mom saw it and pinch me again’*
*‘Dad buy me food so I could stop crying’*
*‘Christmas is near, I’m so excited!’*
*‘I think Santa would give me my desired gift since I was a good girl this year’*
*‘I would stay up late and play with our cousins. How about you? What’s your plan?’*
*‘By the way, Aunt Flor gave me five pesos and some candies earlier. I’m so happy! Would you like some?*
If I would be given a chance to talk to my younger self, she would surely say all those things. Sharing everything that happened to her day, asking questions out of the blue, and make me feel envious of her youth and naïveness.
I would probably ask how to be like her again. It seems like I lost her a long time ago. Puberty, problems, stress, and disappointments changed me. She looked so innocent, and small things made her very happy already. Unlike the way I am now.
Home-Based Trial No. 1: Ready-To-Eat Chicken Curry
Chicken curry was a traditional Indian dish that was believed introduced to the Philippines by Sepoy Troop with 500 soldiers who settled down in Manila during the British occupation during the 18th century. Over the years, a Filipino version was developed to cater Filipino tastes which includes coconut milk, potato, and carrots.
The Filipino version was lighter than the original Indian version. Because of the popularity of the dish the researcher has decided to develop a processed version. The purpose of this home-based trial is to see if chicken curry will work with canning technology and if the canned version will be acceptable to the consumers.
Canning technology is a method of preserving food by storing in a hermetically sealed container and sterilized by heat treatment using a specific temperature and time to properly process the product. Canning was invented by Nicolas Appert of France in 1809. Appert developed this technology as response for the call of the government to preserve food for navy use. Canning is one of the most popular preservation technologies used by Food industry today.
All raw materials were washed using running water to remove possible contaminants from the farm market to the travel of raw materials to the processing area. The potato carrots and the green bell pepper were diced into approximately 3 X 3 cm size. The chicken breast was deboned and cut into 1” X 3” strips. The jars were also cleaned with antibacterial dishwashing soap and subjected to steam sterilization for 30 minutes to lower the initial bacterial load of the jars.
Garlic and ginger was peeled and sliced into small dice for easier blending; then both spices were blended using a commercial blender and a tablespoon of vegetable oil was added and blended until it reached paste like texture.
The cooking of chicken curry starts with pre-heating the oil and sautéed onion until it caramelized; garlic ginger pastes was then sautéed until the smell infused the oil. Carrots and potato were then added and cooked for 3 minutes before adding the chicken and all the remaining spices and one cup of water was added, then let it simmer until the chicken was two-third done.
After cooking the chicken curry was canned immediately and sealed. This process is called hot packing where the product is packed while it is still hot. The researchers have also removed air bubbles in the can by inserting a plastic spoon to release the bubbles. This process also prevents microorganisms from contaminating the product while it is still hot and sealed.
After canning the product was subjected to heat treatment to kill the possible microorganisms present in the product; this method should use a pressure canner to properly monitor the pressure and temperature inside where the products are including its processing time. The pressure and high temperature can destroy microbial spores; the pressure and temperature of a product will depend on what product is used to can. But during this home based trial the researchers have used a regular pressure cooker to process their product for 30 minutes, this practice is actually not advisable; because the pressure and temperature inside the pressure cooker cannot be monitored and can possibly under process the product that may cause product failure.
After the pressure canning; the can should be cool naturally for 12-24 hours at room temperature and should not be forced to cool down.
The product should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid the product to be exposed with heat, freezing temperature and light because these factors help to decrease the quality and shelf life of canned food.
Spending time with our loved ones is never a waste of time. (Read and Reflect)
One day, a father and his 3 years old son went to the park.
*“Dad! What’s that?”* asked the son.
*“That’s a kite, son.”* the father answered.
The son was amazed for a second then continued playing. A moment later he asked again.
*“Dad! What’s that?”* he asked pointing his finger at the sky when he saw a different color of a kite.
*“It’s a kite,”* he answered with a smile and pat his son’s head.
The boy went again on playing but after a few moments he saw another kite with a different color and went to ask his father about it again.
*“Dad! Dad! What is that?”*
The father laughed and for the nth time he answered. *“That’s a kite, son”*
The son continued asking up to more than 30 times while his father gladly answered him thinking that it was the cutest thing in the world.
Many years have passed and the son grew up into a fine man. He works away from home leaving his old father behind.
*“I miss my son, I wish he stays a kid forever and doesn't have to leave me”* the father thought while looking at his son’s portrait.
One day, he decided to call his son and ask him to visit even once. He knows that his son is busy but he was just hoping that he could spare him a little of his time.
The son finally decided to visit his father because he was calling and annoying him every day. The father was very happy and they went to the park.
*“What do you need, Dad?”* the son asked looking at his watch.
*“What is that, Son?”* the father asked, pointing his finger at the sky.
*“Seriously, Dad? You told me to come here just to ask that? It’s obviously a kite!”*
The father nodded and pointed another kite again.
*“Oh! How about that, Son? What’s that?”*
The son started to get annoyed. *“Dad! You’re not funny! I still have so many things to do! I told you it’s a kite!”*
The father heaved a sigh and smiled sadly at him.
*“You know what, Son? When you were a kid, you kept asking the same thing over 30 times. I always answered you with a smile on my face. Now, you can’t even handle it twice.”*
We should always treasure our parents because they are the best gift from the above and as we grow up and enjoy our leisure time they also get old and slowly lose their time. Let’s make their remaining time memorable by always saying our gratitude and showing them our love.
Spending time with our loved ones is never a waste of time, always remember that.
Me, as a Science teacher.
Hi! Good morning kids and kids at heart! I am Jan Kayle and I will be your science teacher for this school year. You can call me teacher Janny or Ma’am Janny as you please.
Are you all excited? Wow! That’s great cuz I am excited too.
Do you love science kids? You should love science because everything around us is science.
So before anything else, I will introduce myself properly first. My name is Jan Kayle Eroisa and I am 21 years of age. I live in Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City. My hobbies are reading, writing and doing some adventures.
Do you also like reading and writing, kids? Alright! But I guess everyone loves adventure, right? Science is also an adventure.
And you don’t need to be afraid of me. I am friendly and optimistic and I really love kids a lot, except for those hard-headed of course.
So, I used to study in Bugo Central School and graduated last school year 2012-2013. I completed my 6 years in high school at Bugo National High School. And, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree at Tagoloan Community College.
Is it interesting how long I have been studying? Like almost half of life, right? So, you too. You need to do well in class for you to finish your studies early.
So, since I know that almost every one of you don’t like science at all then I will set my goals for our class for this year. And that is to be UCC.
Teacher, what is UCC?
Okay, so, UCC stands for, Unity, Cooperation, and Communication.
For us to have a harmonious relationship, we all need to be united. Okay? It’s the first key to success. And then next is Cooperate. If you were told to do some task you need to cooperate. I believe that no man is an Island so you need to cooperate with each other, okay? You are here now as one, so will graduate as one. No one should be left behind. Lastly is Communicate. Always communicate with your teacher. Always communicate with me. If there is something you don’t understand then don’t be afraid to ask me. Are we clear? Okay very good.
So, I hope we’ll get along and know each other more for the rest of the school year.
You Are How Your Parents Raise You.
You are how your parents raise you. Do you agree?
I was born in a strict and a bit conservative family. So, as a daughter, I’ve experienced first-hand how a little or one mistake can bring whip scars to my skin. This is how my parents disciplined us. But I understand that they’re just afraid of what kind of people we might become one day.
Parents have different ways in expressing their love to their children. Some spoil their children through money and temporary things and some do it in a hard way. But they should put in mind that their every action affects their children and it is one of the factors on how their child will treat their future children.
Yes, my parents’ way of disciplining us is through beating but not in an abusive way. Though they were stricter when it comes to me. No wearing of shorts or anything that reveals too much skin. No going out after 6pm. No going home late. No bonding with male friends and so on. So many rules and it really suffocates me sometimes. Especially if they saw that I wasn’t acting proper and modest I would get a scolding. And a single mistake is equal to punishment.
As a child, it’s just natural to follow if you are scared. But as I grew up, I suddenly understood why they did those things before. And the more I grow up, the less the punishments are. My Mom told me that it is not just to discipline me, but also if time would come and I would be on their shoe, I would know how to raise a great woman, a gentleman, and a good person.
But we have a neighbour who also had his own way in disciplining his child. A little mistake and he would lose control. He’s an abusive father to his only son and he beats his wife often too, especially when they made some mistakes or when he’s drunk. He doesn't mind if people are watching or if people see what he was doing to his son or wife because he believes that he owns them and he has every right to do what he pleases to them.
I’ve heard that he was also like a punching bag to his father when he was a little, so I concluded that since it was the environment that he grew up with, then maybe he thinks that there’s nothing wrong with that. Therefore, the child’s characteristics and attitude is based on the environment he encountered when he was growing up. And how our parents raise us is what we truly are.
Teaching Mathematics in Intermediate Grade: What I have learned throughout the semester?
Distance education is somewhat different from face to face learning. Student’s tend to learn more in an actual classroom since they can freely interact and ask questions if they are confused over the lesson discussed. However, this pandemic taught us to be more independent and responsible in our own learnings especially in mathematics. Learning and teaching math, although a bit complicated, is fun. Since the program is about Teaching Mathematics in Intermediate Grades, we tackle almost every basic lesson in mathematics.
First, we discussed the nature of mathematics. I discovered that mathematics was derived from the Greek word ‘mathenein’ meaning learning, and ‘techne’ means an art of technique. So, mathematics is a science of discovery, an intellectual game, a tool subject, involves an intuitive method, has its own language, and an abstract science, so, there are many things that define mathematics. But most importantly is that mathematics isn't all about solving, we can also apply mathematics in our everyday life.
Things such as cooking or buying stuff are used with mathematics, it’s for measuring the amount of ingredients in the food or counting your change. Next is, we tackle the history of mathematics. There are six periods of mathematics, the Ancient Period, Greek Period, Hindu-Arabic Period, Period of Transmission, Early Modern Period, and Modern Period. For us to further understand this topic, our teacher showed us a video about ancient time up to the modern time in solving mathematics.
So even before, our ancestors were already using mathematics and they discovered more than one way to solve mathematics. Since they still don’t have technologies before or something called a calculator, then they search for solutions to basic problems such as counting objects, building homes, measuring spaces, keeping track of seasons, or even make a trade.
It is just interesting how mathematics has been solved before and how it changes through time. So we also discover that the early mathematics skills of the child is before starting school, they develop an understanding in addition and subtraction through everyday interaction. Basically, most children learn the most basic of addition and subtraction in their everyday home and through playing.
Throughout the lesson, we also discuss the qualities of a good math teacher. There are more than one qualities of a good mathematics teacher but what I like the most and I also think that every math teacher should have this quality, that a good math teacher should understand that every student learns in a different way and has its own way of understanding mathematics. So, I think for us to become good teachers we must know and understand first that there are different types of learners and they also learn through their own pace.
We also learn the different branches of mathematics such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, etc. Aside from that, we also tackle the three different teaching styles. Behaviourism, Cognitivism, and Constructivism. In Behaviourism, it is a learning theory that focuses on external events as the cause of changes in observational learning. So as the word itself, this is about how the child behaves or acts. In Cognitivism, it is concerned with the role of the active mind in processing learning opportunities and development of a learner. It is more cognitive like how a child understands and comprehends. In Constructivism, it is a learning based on the belief that knowledge isn't a thing that can be simply given by the teacher at the front of the room to students at their desks. It is a knowledge constructed by learners through an active, mental process of development.
Next is about the whole numbers, place values, and MDAS operations. So, whole numbers are the basic counting numbers such as 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. Place value is the value represented by a digit of a number, like for example, the place value of 5 in 532 is hundreds. Meanwhile, there’s also a place value for decimals, like for example, the place value of 7 in 103.75 is tenths. The MDAS operation is the basic calculations of multiplication, division, addition and subtraction.
We also tried to solve every activity of MDAS with 5 digits or more numbers so although it is basic it’s still not that very easy, especially in multiplication and division. You really need to be extra careful because it’s kind of confusing and just a single mistake can make your whole calculation wrong.
Then we also tackle fractions, it is a number that can represent part of a whole. Like for example, my mother bought an apple, so for me and my brother to eat both, she cut the apple into halves. Each half of the apple is called ½, it means that 1 apple is distributed for 2 people.
Then I also learned about ratios and proportions. Ratios are the comparison between two sets of numbers, like for example, our classroom is composed of 11 girls and 10 boys. So the ratio of girls to boys is 11 to 10, you can write it with a word ‘to’ in between the set of numbers, or using a colon like 11:10, and you can also write it into a fraction like 11/10. Proportions are two ratios of equal value.
Next topic is about the percentage, it is one of the simplest ways of quantifying things. Among everything, percentage is my favorite part of mathematics since it was very easy. Next is multiplying and dividing integers, in this topic signs play an important role. If you’re multiplying two positive numbers, the solution would be positive. If it is both negative, the solution would also be positive. If it is a positive and negative, the solution would always be negative.
Next is the volume and surface area, the volume is the measure of the space inside a solid object, while the surface area is the flat area on the surface of a three-dimensional object such as spheres, cubes, etc. Next is the perimeter and area, perimeter is the distance around the outside edges of any flat shape such as miles, yards, centimetres, etc. While the area is the amount of surface inside a flat shape such as ft. or whatsoever.
Next are the polygons, an object with different shapes or many-sided figures. Polygons such as square, rectangle or diamond were already introduced in early childhood so it was just like exploring many shapes and all. Next is the basics of geometry, I’ve learned that the point lines and planes are the foundations of geometry were also called as undefined terms. Aside from that, I also discovered that quadrilaterals are just like the polygons but focus more on the four-sided objects, as what the word ‘quad’ means ‘four’.
Lastly is the measurements, such as K for Kelvin, it is to measure the hotness or coldness of something using a thermometer. Then S for second(s) that is a measurement through clocks or watches. M for meter, it is the physical distance of an object or something. Kg for kilogram, it is to measure a weight of something using a weighing scale. So these are what I have learned throughout the module of teaching mathematics in elementary grades. It was all just the basics yet some were already a little complicated, but it was actually fun learning math.
Art is a soul living in every one of us.
We all know that art is something we always love to do. It is either an expression of our thoughts, emotions, desires, but it is deeper than that. It is also sharing our experiences to the world and communicating with others.
I always believe that everyone was born with a talent and love for arts within them. Art is not just about a beautiful painting or a colorful presentation but it varies in different forms. It can be either dancing, singing, acting, writing, or even poetry.
Everyone is born with art, others may didn’t know it but it is already written in their soul. I remember way back in my elementary years, when my friends and I were about to go home, a group of bikers passed through us. It was my first time seeing something like that so I was in awe.
Then a few weeks after, the same scenario happened. But this time, it was raining cats and dogs so we decided to leave our bags in the guardhouse and went home soaked in rain, but again, a group of bikers passed through us. I didn’t know if it was the same group as we saw weeks ago, but they stopped and offered us a ride.
I was hesitant at first but my friends already agreed so I’ve got no choice since it was already getting darker. It was a female biker who offered me a ride, along the way, I decided to ask her about their purpose in doing it. She said that it was for charity purposes, though it was already their passion from the start but they also want to help because it feels great when you’re already doing something you love and you also helped someone at the same time.
This event proves to me that art is really vital in our society. Doing something you love is an art. And making use of these arts to help others is such a beautiful thing. Art is more than just an expression, a passion, hope, or reality. It is a soul living in every one of us.
How to become a digital citizen?
Today, I’ve learned the importance of being a responsible and intelligent digital citizen and I’ve also discovered that there are ways to help young learners to become digital citizens. I’ve learned that to become a digital citizen, critical thinking is very essential. We need to develop our critical thinking skills for us to know the do’s and don’t when we interact with others online.
Also, I understood the importance of connection, not the one we are using with our mobile phones and other gadgets, but the kind of connection that we are using to communicate with our family or the people around us. We need to connect with our community for us to be guided accordingly, especially when we’re using social media and all other digital resources. Aside from that, there are also ways to improve our being a digital citizen such as to improve our etiquette in using social media, make use of crowdsourcing, and to understand life without the use and help of the internet that maybe or probably most of the millennial’s nowadays can’t relate to.
Moreover, I’ve also learned and understand the meaning of being a digital citizen. Being a digital citizen is not only about knowing how to navigate or have the knowledge and skills in using digital technologies as a means of communication or whatnots but also through using it professionally and appropriately.
Body measurement affects our choice of clothes.
Studies says that clothes represents a person’s characteristics and personality. I agree with that since people makes judgment based on a person’s appearances, it’s like a default in human’s system.
We should always be careful on what we are wearing because even if no matter how much you wanted that or those kinds of clothes but if others saw that you’re overdressed or out of style or looks like a hooligan, they will really judge you. That’s why body measurement has a great impact in wearing or choosing our daily clothes.
I believe that clothing is the only trending that allows people to present to the world how they want to be seen, rather than how they really are. In this judgmental society, I still believe that what people wear can’t always be used to judge who they are, just like the old but gold saying ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover’.
We can’t judge big bones who likes wearing tights and skinny shirts or dresses, or the slim who loves wearing baggy shirts, because what if in that way they gained confidence? It’s just really matter on the person’s predicaments towards the world, to other people, or to themselves.
Body measurements helps tailors to make clothes in any sizes as possible. And wearing clothes with your exact measurements is not just about gaining confidence and all but also it the way you show, represent, and respect yourself also.
When we wear clothes, we sometimes overlook that these have been made following the elements of design and the principles of art. Some dress styles camouflage figure defects such as contrasting colors that are used in the blouse, skirts, and other dresses to emphasize the slim and tall figures. Though, extra details on top such as lapels is also effective for flat chested figures, but the open or V-shaped neckline is also good for individuals with big and low chest yet it was also applicable for flat chested figure to emphasize their collar bone which is one on the most attracting part of a woman.
For long legged or for figures with short upper body, dropped waisted dresses or longer jackets that fall below the hipline are used to create such a beautiful illusion of length on the upper body.
However, no matter what we wear, as long as we are happy and comfortable it really reflect our characteristics and personalities as well as what kind of individual we were. Wear anything that would make you happy and don’t mind everyone’s judgment since humans are naturally a judgmental animals and they would judge you whatever you wear so it is better if we wouldn’t mind them and just wear anything that has our interest.
True or False: True Love Waits?
Do you believe in true love?
How can you tell that you are in love?
Does true love wait?
For us to believe if true love really waits, we must understand first what love really means. How is it different with admiration or infatuation?
Well, no one can really tell or explain what love is. It is beyond words and so hard to explain. Does it even have an explanation? I don’t think so. Even dictionaries are vague about its meaning. Maybe because love varies with different forms. Like it is not only about a romantic relationship between a man and a woman.
It could be a love for family and friends. Who doesn't love their family anyway? We may argue most of the time but we knew well that at the end of the day we would still be grateful that we have them.
It could also be a love for the environment. Or a love for animals and our pets. Some people naturally have love for their plants and pets like they already treat it as a friend or companion or a family. My Mom for example, she loves her plats so much that she’s always talking to them every day. I even doubt it if she would choose me over her plants.
Aside from that, there is also a love for mankind. Like those our saviour Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself just to save mankind. Or those people who are willing to risk everything, even their lives just to save others, such as those police, soldiers, or even just those simple citizens who care. I salute to all of you.
I also believe that there is more than one way to express love. For me, love is the thing that gives us both happiness and pain. It makes us selfless and it will surely teach us the most valuable lesson in life.
Does it wait?
For me, Yes. It's true. True love waits, at least that’s what I believe. True love waits no matter how far or how long it takes, it will wait. Because if it doesn’t, then it is not love. You may either call it love but it is likely that you just like the feeling but not the waiting. You just like the idea of being in love but you can’t compromise for the one you love. Maybe you probably love that person but it is not the kind of love that will wait for uncertain things. Because the kind of love that could wait is the love that will surely last.
A Creepy Sleepover
So it just happened not so long ago, just last year in the month of December. My grandparents from the paternal side decided to visit Cagayan de Oro and also to attend my cousin’s wedding. So everything started there.
My cousin, Ara, the daughter of my Uncle Ting who is the eldest son of my grandparents, lived in Valencia City and the wedding will also be held in Valencia. So my grandparents will be staying at our house for five days since the wedding will be on the sixth. So that all of us will go together.
My grandparents brought my cousin, Angela. I’m not against them living with us for too long, but the thing is I can’t properly sleep because of my cousin. She wanted to sleep in my room the very first day so I just let her but I never expected that she had this habit of ruining people’s peaceful sleep.
Well, I understand that she’s just a kid. She’s just 11 years old though she didn’t look like 11 and she’s even bigger than me. She turns every damn time, kick me, hug me with her heavy hands, and you can’t easily wake her up even if you’re already at the edge of the bed.
I just let it pass that time since she was still my cousin but then it happened on the second and third night. I was very annoyed because we still have an available bed for her but why does she still need to sleep with me?
The next day I told my mother about it, she said to just let it pass since it was her first visit to our house. Without a choice, I just let it pass again, but I just couldn’t really help it anymore when her elbow hit my head and face countless times.
I think all of my patience was blown by the wind that time. So I get up and didn’t sleep until morning came. And she even ask me why did I wake up too early. Goodness! I reminded myself that she’s my cousin and just a kid so I won’t raise hell and high water early in the morning.
So that day, I decided to sleep at my grandmother’s house, it’s the mother of my mother. Her house was just a few blocks from ours. I think I was just very excited to sleep peacefully that I did really bring almost everything in my bed. From pillows to bed sheets and stuff toys, yes I still sleep with a stuffed toy so what? So going back, I forgot that my grandmother has extra pillows and bedsheets there but it was too late since I already went there, knocking on her door like a refugee.
I went there without the knowledge of everyone in the house, well I told my Mom about it though. I’m afraid that if Angela would know she would follow me and sleep there too. I don’t want to burden my grandma, she’s old and weak already.
So honestly it was my first night sleep over in her house. The last time was when I’m still a kid, when our parents would go to work then they would drop us at my Grandma’s house and fetch before dinner. So I’m kinda excited since it was my first time, have I told you that I love my grandma so much? Yeah, I love her so much. She just really loves spoiling us with our whims.
My grandma’s house is a bit old. Older than me, older than my mother, and even older than grandma. It was built during the last war and just renovated to keep it up until now. I didn’t notice that it was kinda creepy since I used to visit during the day.
I just set aside those thoughts and help grandma in preparing our bed. Since she was old, she couldn't freely go upstairs where the rooms are so we just settled at the huge and empty living room. She was just alone sleeping in that big house since all of my uncles were at work, that’s why she was very glad when I told her I would sleep over for just a night.
It was just 8pm when she decided to sleep, not my usual sleeping hours, but since she’s a bit strict so we sleep. Our position was facing the windows upstairs. When grandma turned off the lights I got a little chills and I don’t know why.
It was very dark and even if the windows were big, there are still no lights that go through from the outside lamp posts. And I don’t know if it was me but everything seems so quiet and it seems so cold. It was so quiet, cold, and dark and it really feels very creepy.
I decided to just ignore that feeling since it was my first time sleeping there. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep but I just couldn’t. And I feel like someone is watching me from the windows upstairs. I think it was around midnight that time when I heard some faint noise upstairs. I don’t know if it was the cats or what but I nearly had a heart attack.
My eyes were shut tightly yet I’m wide awake. I’m sweating cold bullets and I think my heart is about to explode. I am really a scaredy cat. In the family, I was the one who can’t stand watching horror.
Then I was reminded of how old that house is and how many funerals were served there already. I fight the urge to cry and just think of how annoying Angela is.
I thought I could finally have a peaceful sleep.
When morning came, grandma invited me to sleep there again but I refused immediately. I love her but her house was just too scary for me.
Before Vs. Now
I was born in 1999. I experienced the strict yet quality education. I played almost everything of the known Filipino games. I ate vegetables every day. We don’t have many gadgets before but life is very fun.
When I was in elementary, I experienced standing facing the wall, squatting with a book on hand, being hit with a wooden ruler in the palm, being pinch, and instructed to stand outside the classroom because one of our classmates pooped his/her underwear. That was the kind of discipline I experienced in school. And when the class ends we would volunteer or all of us would help to make the classroom clean. Girls like it when their white socks tainted with pink because of the floor wax. And boys would play with mops and coconut husks. We just simply like to make our classroom clean even without the contest of the cleanest classroom.
Now, educators aren’t allowed to discipline the students like before. Little mistake and they will be in prison. Students now don’t fear their teachers, it was the other way around. Students won’t clean their classrooms if there’s no reward for the cleanest classroom. Some would even make a comment like ‘My parents sent me to school to learn and not to clean.’ It may be correct but who would you expect to clean the classroom, the teacher? Can you focus on learning if the environment is dirty? And you’re using the classroom so therefore, you must clean it.
Before, we didn't have mobile games. If we want to play we go outside and interact with our neighbour’s kids. We are surely much healthier than the kids nowadays. We play almost everything, slipper-x, luksong baka, patintero, taguan, habol-habulan, langit-lupa, chinese garter, tsinelas-lata, bahay-bahayan, etc. There are so many Filipino games that are probably forgotten now. It was so fun before and it serves as our exercise too so we don’t easily get sick that time. We also love playing under the rain. We’re like a free soul. And if ever we enjoy it too much and we forget the time, our mothers would search for us holding a branch of guava.
Now, kids games are way too different. They spent most of the day playing on their mobile phones or watching TV. Very unhealthy and may even cost their eyesight. No wonder why even at a young age, some are already wearing glasses. They don’t even let the sun see them.
Before, we always ate leafy foods. At least once a day. We get it that most kids don’t like vegetables, even me before. But our parents would really force us to eat it then we will receive a reward after so we don’t have a choice but to eat.
Now, you can’t even force a child to eat vegetables. I can see that from my cousin. She’s 15 now and very sickly. Even before she doesn't really eat vegetables, her parents let her and just spoil her with meat and whatsoever, now she’s a ‘suki’ in the hospital.
There were still so many things that are way too different from before. I know that everything changed and it was all in the past but as I can see, this change is unhealthy. I am glad that I was still able to experience those things before they totally change and disappear.
Deja vu
Do you believe in déjà vu? In strange dreams or something like that?
It may sound weird but believe me it did really happen to me sometimes, and it just happened to me today. So I will tell you the whole thing.
Yesterday’s night, December 1, 2020, I had a dream. Most of my dreams are vague every time I wake up and the more I push myself to remember it the more I totally won’t remember it at all but today was different.
Some parts of my dreams we’re still intact in my memory and I was still able to recall it until now. So what happened is, in my dream last night, I was at a birthday party. It was my cousin’s birthday, which is today, and I was there eating and chatting with my aunt, my cousin’s mother. Suddenly, I accidentally poured my drink so I need to go home and change my clothes. We’re just neighbours’ so their house is not that far from ours. Before I can totally arrive home, I will pass the short bridge first. It was raining a little that time so I’m taking small walks because it was so slippery. Then a blinding light hit my eyes, it was from a motorcycle who ran past me. And like just a flash I was wet all over with mud and dirt. I was about to cuss the driver of that motorcycle but my mother already woke me up. I don’t know if I would be glad that it was just a dream or what.
I woke up near 10am since I slept late last night. So I did my everyday ritual before facing my laptop to do some modules, though I felt lazy so I stopped and watched some K-Drama instead. I promised myself that I would work my modules after the 5th episode but I was already in the 12th episode that time when my cousin invited me to come to their house since it was his birthday.
So I change into some shirt and jersey short, which is quite similar to what I wear in my dreams. Though I didn’t plan it since it was the first pair to appear in my eyes. I made my way to their house with an umbrella since it was starting to rain. Some of his friends were already there and I haven’t visited his house for a while so I had a little chit chat with his mother while eating.
So instead of some soft drinks, I choose water for the drinks. Aunt Kelly told me some corny jokes but I did really laugh hard because of it that’s why I spilled some water on my shirt. I had this feeling like it already happened before but I’m not quite sure. I finish my food first before asking their permission to go home so I can change my clothes. And exactly at the bridge I was bathed with mud and dirt because of a motorbike who passed through me.
I haven’t got a chance to scold the driver because I was very stunned. I remember my dream and it happened to me just hours ago.
How weird that could be! I told my Mom about it and she said it was déjà vu. I should have paid attention to it then maybe I could avoid it, right? Could it be avoided? It is like I saw some fragments from the future. I have the gut feeling already, I should have avoided it as soon as possible. But is it possible anyway? I'm a little confused yet fascinated…but it also felt weird. And right now I can't sleep thinking about it so I shared it here.
"Knowing yourself is the beginning of Wisdom"
1. What do you love? When are you most proud of?
*Actually, there are many things that I love. I love reading and writing fiction stories. I love eating. I love sleeping. I love art. I love chocolates, ice creams and any kinds of sweets. I love sunsets. I love calla lilies. I love blue and any pastel colors. I love animals. I love my family and friends. I also love myself. And above all, I love God.*
*I am already proud when I accomplish something I really wanted, either it is big or small. But I am most proud when I fail, because I know to myself that I did try my everything. And failing is just another open door for me to try again and try even harder.*
2. When are you at your best as a person?
*I feel like I am at my best as a person when I would be able to help or rescue a mistreated animal. Because if I feel pity for those animals and hatred towards those abusive people then it means that I have a great conscience and I was way too different from those people and will never be like them.*
3. How do you respond emotionally, practically when you're challenged?
*The way I respond is depending on the challenge but, truth is, I never turn down a challenge. Either it is a girls fight, debate, competition or what. But I will also admit that I may look calm outside but deep down I know I have mixed emotions like nervous, excitement, furious, etc. But I am not really good at handling my emotions so sometimes it overlaps on my face.*
4. What does it mean to understand something?
*To understand something is like having a new beginning, new experiences, and having wisdom. They say that experience is the best teacher. When we learn from our experiences, we understand the reason why we need to experience that. Understanding something is not just something you instantly get by listening or by watching, you need to comprehend and dig deeper or even put yourself in such a situation or even look back from your own experiences to say that you did truly understand something.*
5. What should school do for you?
*The school must provide and help the students who are struggling and in most needs. Especially now, in our situation. We students are very eager to continue learning but not all of us have the means to do so. Some have poor signals and don’t even have connectivity especially those in hinterlands. Also, not all students living in urban areas have enough connectivity since some of the parents’ workplaces were shut downed. Some don’t even have mobile phones and some are struggling to pay for data connection just so they can attend class. The school must do everything possible in their power so no student must be left behind.*
6. Are you a picky reader? What are your strengths as a reader?
*I love reading and writing fiction stories the most, that’s why I am a very picky reader. My strengths as a reader are I mentally take notes of the vocabularies that are new to me, I can read fast and still comprehend, and I can fully imagine what the writer was trying to disclose since I am a very imaginative person.*
7. Who are your heroes and why?
*For me, my parents are the one I considered as heroes. They don’t have a cape or a flashing outfit but they fight all the obstacles that serve as a villain for my success. They work hard to raise and support me and I was already thankful enough for that.*
8. What do you want to learn about this year? What are you curious about? What can a person do with curiosity?
*I want to learn this year about how to handle a situation like this when I will become an educator someday. We can’t tell what future brings, but if ever that something like this happens then, I want to act based on what I have learned from my past experiences.*
*To be honest, I am very curious about what is happening to the world. I am curious about what is behind this pandemic, where it actually came from, or if it is spread by purpose or what.*
9. When are you most creative? Why do you think that might be?
*I am most creative when I am in a bad mood. Because every time I was in a bad mood, I always wanted to be alone. Silence gives me solace. And my mind always wanders when the surrounding is silent.*
Why is regret always at the end? (Into the Woods)
Why do we only realize everything when it was already done? What is the regret for?
The story (Into the Woods) is like an eye opener for me, and I do hope the same thing for those who read it and for those who are about to read it.
The story revolves around life, health, abuse, repentance, and death. As you see, at the beginning of the story, it was the butterfly who catches the boy’s attention first. He followed it and led him to a girl, younger than him that is being surrounded by animals. When he saw it he wooed them away to save the girl. The girl gave him a strange flower in exchange for his kindness though she wasn’t really in danger.
When the boy and his father return to their tribe he finds out that the flower that the girl gave him was the miracle plant that they were looking for that can heal any kind of illness.
Years passed, the boy grew up into a young man who is about to lead their tribe in no time. But his father catches some serious illness that even their tribe healer doesn't know the cause and cure of the illness.
Aries, the boy, decided to go back to the dark woods again to find a miracle plant. He’s not expecting to see the girl from his childhood but he saw her again who is now turned into a beautiful lady.
Her name is Diana. It is as if Diana knew why he was there. Every time Aries went to the woods he always had some miracle plant with him when he returned to their tribe. He makes use of the plant to earn money and buy some properties.
One day, when he didn’t see Diana at their meeting place he wondered where she was but then her mother appeared, she was very mad and she told him to leave her away and to stop killing her. He’d got some ideas but chose to ignore it. But when he saw Diana fill with bruises that she tries to hide from him he got some realization.
She is very different from before. She looked in pain and tired yet she was still kind and asked if someone from their tribe was sick again. His heart aches for regrets and hatred for himself. His mother then is seriously sick, he doesn't have a choice but to get a miracle plant. Diana gives him the plant with a smile on her beautiful face telling him to go and save his mother. He does save his mother but not the woman he loves.
This story shows us that humans only realize the value of a thing if it was already gone. It also tells us that being too nice and kind won’t do us any good because even the people we love the most can hurt us the most.
As for parents, this story also tells us that loving your child too much isn’t enough to make them great people someday. We need to discipline and interfere in their life sometimes, if we notice that they’re into something that is not right for them and we know that it may harm them one day, words aren’t enough and must take actions before it’s too late.
This story also has a say for couples, if you said that you both love each other but only one of you is doing everything to make your relationship work, trust me it will still be a failure.
It also implies that humans are naturally greedy, we didn’t know that we already abused something if we felt happiness from temporary things or even if we know but don’t mind the consequences of it because we are too happy to care. We must and should always know that in every action there’s always a corresponding reaction. It may affect us, our family, the people we love, or the people around us.
We should always do a countermeasure before we regret it in the end. Because yes, you regret, you learned your lesson, but it’s over. You can’t turn anything back. You’ll just need to live with it and it will always linger in your mind and soul until you die.
Into the Woods (An important lesson to everyone)
I was only 6 when I met her. My father and I were in the entrance of the dark forest to find the miracle plant, which has the capability to heal any kind of illness. I remembered my father said.
*“Son, stay close to me”*
*“Don’t believe in what you’re eyes see”*
*“Don’t talk to anyone”*
*“Don’t enter the woods”*
As a kid afraid of his father, I listen to him and just help in finding that miracle plant. Suddenly, my attention diverted when I saw a beautiful flying object. It has captivating blue wings and long antennae. Yes, a butterfly. I instantly remember my mom. Will she be happy if I bring her butterfly? Absolutely.
I look for my father who’s meters away from me. He’s too occupied in finding the plant to notice me. I look back to the inner forest where I last saw the butterfly. *I will be quick.* I started making my way to the dark woods so I could get back early without my father noticing that I was suddenly gone.
It was a lie. All of the gossip about this forest is definitely a lie. They say it was a scary cursed forest, but what I was seeing now is far from what they are talking about. Huge trees with big and long leaves, sea of grasses, different flowering plants, fruit plants, and not so wild animals. Is this a new definition of cursed and scary now? I continue walking, still mesmerized by nature's beauty without realizing that I already reach the lake. ‘*The bloody lake’ they said.*
I started to feel the water in my bare foot. The cold clear water didn’t hide the fish and swam freely, some are even coming near to me like they know that I will not hunt them for food. This place is beautiful—no but a paradise instead. A hiding paradise and just waiting to be discovered. But I’m still confused about the stories they made about this forest. It’s truly far from reality, so unreal. And I realize that maybe, it’s just their way to protect this forest. Because there are people who're willing to destroy everything for their own satisfaction.
I saw again the reason why I’m in here. It was going to the bushes across this lake, so I instantly followed it before it escaped again. I slowly walk to the bushes and was about to catch the butterfly when I hear a soft laugh and giggled. I curiously peek over the bushes and looked for what or where that laugh and giggled came from. I stiff on what I see.
In front of me is a girl, maybe a year younger than me. Dressed in black and white and has a flower crown on her head. She was sitting on a log with a rabbit on her lap, the other rabbits, deer, chimpanzee, baby panda, birds and butterflies surrounded her. It’s like they are ready to attack and eat the poor girl’s little body, without a second thought I jump in and shout and roar to shoo the animals away, guess what?
It’s effective. They leave the girl away as fast as they can, some of them even shout in horror. I smiled victoriously to myself and looked at the girl who’s already at the verge of crying now. *Maybe she’s really that scared, poor girl.* I came near to her and tapped her shoulder.
*“Don’t cry, no one’s gonna hurt you now...”* I spoke in my most calm voice, but instead to settle she started to cry aloud.
I don’t know what to do, so I did what my mom always does when I won’t stop crying. I hug her. I whisper her words that I think can calm her down and keep on repeating it. Later on, she already stopped crying and spoke.
*“They are my friends and you scared them”* her cute voice filled my ears. I can’t believe someone could be this adorable. I stare at her, she has pale white skin, her curly brunette hair reaches her buttocks, and she has a round dark and mysterious eyes. She has an alluring beauty and I was really fascinated. She snapped her fingers in my face and I got back to the senses, she told me that those animals will not gonna hurt her because they are her friends and she proved it to me when she called them again, and yes they are really harmless.
I apologize for my stupid stunt earlier and glad she accepted it. We talked and played, and were enjoying each other’s company when we heard a shout. Then, everything sinks in to me when I remember my father. Surely he knows that I’m gone for too long. I started to panic and faced the girl to say goodbye when a plant appeared in my view. It has small five petal lavender flowers, I look at her confused.
*“What is this for?”* I asked, but instead of answering my question she just smiled and waved goodbye to me. When I reached the entrance of the forest, my father’s mad face welcomed me. He looked at me and to the plant I was holding. The plant that…that girl gives. *I forgot to ask her name!* My father uttered something and started to walk away. I sigh and take a last glance to the paradise hiding in the dark woods. *I think this will be my first and last time to see this place.* I sadly breathe a goodbye to the girl in the woods.
When we got back to the tribe, I found out that our tribesmen were waiting for our comeback. My father announced that he already found the miracle plant, the tribesmen sing for joy and thank us while they’re accompanying us back to our house. My father ordered me to hand him the plant I was holding, I absentmindedly gave it to him then he made his way out to have a meeting with the tribesmen.
When dinner came, my father, mother and I had a talk. I found out that the plant given to me by the girl is the miracle plant. My parents warned me not to make the same mistake again. *Entering the woods.* I apologized and promised to not to, that night I sleep in full of confusion and unanswered questions in mind. I love my parents and also as a son of the tribe master, I should be the one who takes commands first. Days, months, years passed. I still keep my promise.
One night my father was attacked by a serious illness. Apo Habagat, the healer in our tribe, can’t identify what kind of illness it is and how to cure it. I look at my father with pity, he can’t breathe well and he keeps on vomiting. *There’s no other choice*, I said to myself. I asked for my mother’s permission to let me go to the dark forest to get a miracle plant, she didn’t agree at first but I kept on insisting until she gave up.
As I made my way to the dark forest, I can’t help but to remember the last time I’ve been there. Even if it’s already two decades ago, I still clearly remember that beautiful place, that beautiful face. *How is she? Does she still remember me? Can we meet again? Can she even recognize me when we met?*
The pale light of my lamp spreads as I enter the dark woods. I continued walking and searching for the plant, until familiar sounds of flowing water filled my ears. I immediately followed it until it brought me to the same old lake. My heart filled with joy as the memories kept rushing back to my mind, but I was taken aback when I heard the splashing of the water.
I bend to look closer to the water to find out what it is. I almost shout in horror when something goes out from the water, I even throw my lamp and break it. Now, there’s only me, the creature in the water, and the pale moonlight. When I am already adjusted in the dark, I look directly at the creature. It was standing in the middle of the lake, but facing in my direction. It slowly walked to me and I started to panic, but it stopped a meter away from me.
I stare at it, it is like a woman’s body even though I can’t see it clearly but I’m pretty sure it’s a woman. My eyes widen when I realize something. I rapidly get the matchsticks and another lamp in the bag. When the light of my lamp spreads, I immediately look back to the woman. Dressed in black and white, brunette curly hair that reaches her buttocks, pale while skin, petite body, and round dark mysterious eyes. *Pulchritudinous!* Our eyes met, but no one was still starting a conversation. I’m scared that maybe she didn’t recognize me.
*“I haven't seen you in so long”* she smiled and said. All of my worries are gone when I hear her soft voice. I stood properly. The atmosphere became normal and comfortable. We talked and greeted each other, we talked and joked around. She’s still the unwary and naïve girl I met almost 20 years ago.
*“We talked a lot but we don’t know each other’s name. I’m Aries, son of the late tribe master Arieseo and his wife Pandora, I lived in the nearby village.”* I formally introduced myself to her.
*“Diana, daughter of Arzula and Brucie… and I lived here”* I didn’t think that someone is living in this forest. We talked and talked and talked, I even told her what makes me come back to this forest. She held my wrist and brought me to the place where only in my dreams exist. It was a garden, with different kinds of flowering plants and in the center is the big tree of miracle plants. The fireflies lit up the whole place. It was so beautiful and magical. I asked Diana how she found this place.
*“I am this place and this place is me, we are one”* she proudly said and smiled at me. I don’t get what she said and just shrug it off. She told me to pick as many miracle plants as I want. As we were about to go back to the lake, someone blocked our way. She’s dressed all in black, she’s beautiful and looks a lot like Diana. I confirmed that it’s Diana’s mother, Arzula, when she recognized her. Arzula warned me to stay away from her daughter because she believes that I will bring no good to her. When I return home, Apo Habagat immediately heals my father using the miracle plant I bought. I slept worry-free that night, my father is already safe, and I met again my childhood friend.
When morning came before the rooster crows, I made my way to the dark forest bringing a basket of fruits. It was my thank you offering for Diana, and before I went home she gave me a miracle plant again. When I got home, one of our tribesmen saw me holding a miracle plant and beg me to give it to him to heal his son, so I gave it but he gave me gold instead of saying thank you, I was about to return it but he was already gone.
Weeks pass, the cycle repeats itself. I always get a miracle plant when I get home and again there is someone who’s willing to pay to get it. I started to like the attention and fortune I was getting every time I brought the plant. I bought more land and food for my family. I can get anything I wanted in just a snap of my finger, that’s how fortunate I am.
One day, I was in the dark woods again to get another miracle plant for my mother. I’m waiting for Diana in the lake because it’s our meeting place, but she didn’t come. Minutes later, I feel someone’s presence in my back. I instantly smiled and turned to face her, but my smile vanished when some unexpected person appeared. I roamed my eyes around to find her but she’s nowhere. I look back to Arzula’s serious face. She’s mad I know. She’s very mad and I can see it. It’s like she’s ready to kill me but something’s stopping her.
*“Leave her alone, stop killing her”* she coldly said as she stormed her way out. I was just left there stoned with a deep thought, until a soft voice gets my attention. I slowly faced her.
I held my breath when I saw her beauty again. I didn’t see her for 3 days, because I can’t find her. I’m glad she’s already here. I stare at her, she looks thinner than before, her pale skin becomes paler and there’s visible bruises on her skin, still round eyes but the shine is gone and is replaced with tiredness. The only thing that didn’t change is her alluring smile. *I really miss her.*
*“Is someone again…is ill?”* she asked unwarily. And what she said gives me realizations.
*How could I!? What have I done!?*
I embraced her to a tight hug and cried to her shoulder. I keep on whispering *I’m sorry* to her. She broke the hug and took my hand, she placed something on my palm. I cried even harder when I saw what it was.
*“Go now. Your mother really needs it now, stop crying”* she laughed. I hug her again and shake my head. I don’t want to leave her now, she broke the hug again and held my face.
*“Save her please. I’ll be here and wait for your comeback”* she sincerely said. I hugged her again for the last time, this time more tighter and with love.
I turned my back and ran as fast as I could. *I’ll be back my love, I’ll make it up to you.*
As I heard the news that my mom is already safe I immediately ran back to the woods. My heart is filled with worries when I can’t see her in the lake, so I run again to the garden. My worries rose up when I saw the garden. It’s very far from the first time I saw it, it’s very lifeless. When my eyes landed on the center of this garden, my heart instantly died. There she is my beloved Diana, lying on the big roots of the dead tree. Some roots coiled her small body.
*I’m already late. Really late.*
The Other Side of Me.
The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.
All of us had what we called “The Other Side”, so as I. I’m a hardworking person in any matter, but there are times I get tired and lazy. Sometimes bold, sometimes timid. Sometimes bland, and sometimes rude.
There are times I wanted to be on my own but not totally alone. I also speak profanities most of the time, but that doesn’t define me as a bad person. I am also invincible but sometimes weak.
Keen but also blunt.
I am a good daughter but that doesn’t mean that I can’t be a brat.
The other side of me can be both positive and negative. It is like my mood, which can change in just a snap. It can be seen by some, but not by everyone. It depends on the person or situation I am facing.
Yes, I admit. There’s this other side of me that people still didn’t see, and maybe don’t want to ever see.
The darker side of me.
I know you also have something under your sleeves. Everyone does. I do. I’m actually a nice person, but I still have limits too. You can’t stay good to the person who’s bad to you because time will come that you’ll get full and just blown up. Like what Andres Bonifacio said “Enough is enough”. But there are times that your other side is trying to fit in with others, trying to change for others, trying to be a part of something they don’t usually do.
“Honesty is the best policy”, this quote can also be applied to yourself. Be honest to yourself. You can’t achieve real happiness if you’re lying to yourself about what you truly wanted to do and feel. “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”.
Summer in Kanawa
It was a hot summer during the month of May. I was just 7 years old that time yet I can still undoubtedly remember my stay there.
I’ve woken from my deep slumber the first day when the summer break starts. Annoyed with my brother who shouted at my ear, his way of waking me up and pissing me off, I threw him a pillow that resulted in a morning fight. That’s nothing new. We fought almost every day, the sun would cry if we would not fight. I guess it was just like that, siblings who love each other always fought.
My mother told us to take shower and change after a good beating. That’s when I realized that their long time plan is about to happen right at that very moment. It was decided last month that we would visit my grandparents and my father’s hometown.
I was very excited and a little anxious since it was also my first time riding a ferry. People flock at the port, scrambling their way into the ferry. My mother carried me in her arms as she held my brother’s hand tight, while my father was in charge of the luggage's.
It was funny that we discovered my sea-sickness and it made me sick for a week since I caught a fever after riding a ferry. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop me to be amazed and wander the new place that I have been. It’s like I was sent to the other universe that time. I was so ignorant of everything, and everything means the life away from technologies and pollution.
The houses were in different structures from our house and the one that I was used to. My grandparents’ house was huge and old. It was made of bamboo and strong woods. The house neither had an aircon nor electric fan but it was surprisingly chilly. Fresh air was going through every space of the wall.
We fetch water, wash clothes and dishes, and even take a bath in the irrigation across the wide cornfield of my grandfather. He is a farmer and he had many pets aside from cats and dogs. Every morning, his roosters wake us up. My grandmother would prepare the meal. She would cook vegetables that are freshly picked from her garden, fresh eggs from the hens, and fresh milk from the cows. Everything is fresh and green.
After breakfast, my grandfather would give us a tour using Juno, his black huge horse. I really love my grandfather’s horse that I didn’t want to get off its back. We would stroll along under the pile of coconut trees and if we get thirsty we can drink fresh *buko* juice. In the afternoon, I would spend the time playing with my cousins in the irrigation to catch a fish.
On the third day, it was the town’s fiesta. Everyone was excited and all of the neighbors were helping each other to prepare. I remember how scared and sad I was when I witnessed how they killed a cow. Its four legs and mouth were tied. Two men were holding its body, one for the head, and the other one was the one who would hit the hard metal to its head.
It’s my first time seeing that one so I was scared of how brutal they were to the poor animal or maybe it was just the way of killing it? Though I also forget about it the moment I taste its delicious meat and feel guilty after getting full.
The next day we decided to go swimming. We travelled a mile and a half just to reach it and all I can say is it was worth it! The pool in Kanawa was located at the center of a deep forest. The dark blue water indicates how deep the water is and it was stone cold since the place was surrounded by huge and tall trees. It was so magnificent.
That place was spectacular, at least for me. I didn’t know how to swim yet so my cousin was trying to teach me but I guess swimming requires a lot of talent and I lack it so I settled myself in the shallow while trembling in coldness.
The last day of our stay there we visited the famous thousands of mountains where if it's a rainy day it was all green and if it is a sunny day it looks like thousands of chocolates. It was just a week vacation but I couldn’t forget about my memories in that place. It was indeed the place that I wanted to visit again. The place of Kanawa, Bohol.
The Price of being a Mother
Allow me to share this in honour to my mother and to all mothers out there. This is only my little way of showing my gratitude to all of their hard work and sacrifices.
She carried me for nine months. She took care of me and gave in to my cravings. In the first few months I gave her sickness, and then the next month’s we’re aches and back pains. I wanted to go out and bring her unbearable pain, she oblige and embrace me in her arms.
I was hungry all the time and she woke up everytime she heard me cry. I wanted attention and she gave me everything she could offer. I wanted a warm embrace and she cuddled with me until I fell asleep.
Months passed and I developed more tantrums. My first talk is like an achievement for her. She cried when I first learned to walk, and filed with thoughts ‘Ah! My baby won’t be a baby anymore someday’. She accompanied me to my first day in school and didn’t even want to let go of my hand. It was just a day-care yet she acts like it was my wedding.
I develop weight and height. She couldn’t carry me in her arms anymore and I started to get shy everytime she treated me like a baby in front of everyone. I have developed many friends and I don’t want to play with her anymore. I spent most of my time with friends than her, she’s just in afar, watching me with a smile on her face.
I started to think on my own and don’t want to be dictated anymore. We argue and I sometimes talk back. She wanted me disciplined and I wanted freedom. Her virtues were different from mine. She would be mad but couldn’t afford to get mad for a long time. If I get mad I ignore her, and it would even last for days if I still couldn’t get what I want. She would finally give in and let me do things on my own.
Now that I have become an adult but still a little girl in her eyes. She wanted to treat me like a baby but I only allowed her everytime I get sick. She heard about my plans and prepared herself for the decisions that I will make. And every night, although with a proud and happy smile, her memories would wander in the past. It was like just yesterday when she gave birth to me, yet here I am, about to leave her for my dreams. And like what she always does to our pet birds before, she will release my leash and let me fly as far as I want because she knows that it is the only way I can grow.
Even if she wants to stay besides me, she will let me fly alone. Even if she would be filled with worries, all she can do is just pray for me. And everytime, longingness would attack her but all she could do is reminiscence. ‘I miss my baby’ that would be her last thought before driving off to sleep.
Being a mother is the most admirable thing in this world. Because being a mother is like preparing themselves for a numerous pain that they could ever get, but still would try to embrace every bit of it. I know that not all mothers are perfect, there is no perfect parent afterall.
They made mistakes and they will still continue to make mistakes. But one thing is for sure, no one can beat a mother’s love. They made mistakes and we do as well but their love would just grow stronger and stronger. So for everyone who still has a mother there, let us give them a tight hug and whisper ‘Thank you’ or ‘I love you’. Either it is your biological mom, foster mom, or mom by heart. No need to say anything. Just a simple thank you and I love you can surely warm their heart and bring them to tears.
A girl who loves to write...
My name is Jan Kayle Eroisa. My friends used to call me Jan, Janny, Kay, Kayle, Kakay, or Kaloy, which I don’t have any idea where the last nickname came from. I’m fine with it anyway.
So, I am 21 years of age, and was born on November 16, 1999. Yeah, I just turned 21 last week. Huraay! I can finally go to the mall without lying about my real age and being nervous at the same time. I’m currently in my third year in college now in Bachelor of Elementary Education. I didn’t really know what got into me for taking this program. I thought it was just all about singing lullaby’s and all! However, I really love kids so I’m just trying to hang on.
My hobbies were reading and writing stories online. I am the girl who really loves to write stories. I really, really love to write. Either a romance, general fictions, teen fictions, sci-fic, romcom, tragic, or whatsoever, except for horrors of course! I wouldn’t dare to write any horror stories since I do have a very active and wide imagination.
So, literally, I am a friendly and optimistic person. I am also hard working and I like doing things on my own but I am also willing to work with others if needed. I am reliable that if someone asks for my help, I would help without a second thought. I am also a very imaginative person, as what I have mentioned earlier, so I really love arts. I draw and paint sometimes too. We’re only 4 in the family and I am the youngest. My brother is just a year older than me.
If you would ask me why I choose Elementary Education? Well, I choose Elementary Education since I am very fond of kids and I also believe that this is my calling. I know that being an educator is not an easy profession. It is more than a vocation.
You need to commit in order for your students to learn and succeed. Just as they say, a teacher’s primary role is to make their students fall in love with the subject. This may sound easy but it was actually the opposite, but, since I choose this path I need to try my very best. I don’t even know if I became one someday because I actually had a stage fright but I believe that if it is God’s will, then it will happen.
Good Communication Skills (Speaking, Listening, and Writing skills)
A good communication skill doesn’t only rely on good speaking skills but on listening and writing as well. These are the significant skills that a child or a learner must master in her/his elementary years or even before they reach the adolescent period. Even adults don't really master it and are still learning even now but at least they have the ample idea or just master the basics of these skills.
Acquiring these skills can benefit us in the long run. I was once a child. I’ve been an elementary student too. And now that I’m an adult, I can now fully understand the significance of having good speaking, listening and as well as writing skills even when I was still in my prime years.
As we grow, we also learn every day. Our experience is the best teacher as what they say and I highly agree with that. Why? Because when I was a little, I’m not really fond of reading. And I know even the children nowadays are not really into reading, especially if the book really looks boring and thick. I think everyone gets that feeling of dizziness in every turn of the pages. So my teacher, who was very strict that time, decided to read the selection and told us to listen carefully and take down notes. I, on the other hand is an obedient kid and was afraid of her, did really listen and take down notes.
Now, after she reads the selection she immediately called me to answer if what the selection is all about. I was very shocked and afraid yet I was able to answer her questions correctly. She complimented me for that and stamped my arm with a star. I was so happy and advised myself to always listen well from that very moment. Now after that, she called another student to answer her question, unfortunately, my talkative classmate was called and he couldn’t even answer a single word. It angered my teacher and punished that classmate of mine by standing in the back facing the wall. It did really scare us but it also taught us great lessons as well.
A good communication skill is relevant to any of our chosen degree because like for me, I will be facing children in the future and we all know that every student has their own way or capacity to catch up with the lessons so if I wish to become a successful teacher to my students tomorrow then I should help them acquire and build their communication skills first. They need to understand what I was going to say first before they can fully understand our lessons well.
These are important because these are the skills they need to acquire for them to become successful someday. I’ve chosen this degree because I wanted to help students to be successful in their chosen fields someday. I don’t want them to suffer or fail one day just because of miscommunication, or a stage fright, or lacking in identifying the idea of a certain topic or whatnots.
These are the acquired skills that an individual must have or develop as he/she grows older and older. It is as necessary as the basic needs since you can use these skills in school, in your job, and in your daily living as well. A good teacher starts with being excellent in his/her profession. And being excellent in professions starts with having good communications skills.
Everyone has their own journey.
I think most people compared their journey to others. Are you one of those? Asking some questions in the head like ‘Why did it only happen to me?’ ‘Why is it like that to her but it is like this to me’ something like that and so on.
For me, well, yes. I am one of those people who compared their life journey into others. I sometimes distract myself by comparing my journey to other people when in the first place I shouldn’t have to. Though it only happened seldom, I did compare myself to others and I really feel bad about it. Especially when I was disappointed over something I badly want to achieve but failed to. And yet, someone I knew achieved it in just a bat of an eye. Like, really? Why I haven’t got it yet she did?
In life, there are things that might not happen the way we want it to be. Every circumstance and situation in our lives has a reason. We should take it positively and Godly. God knows what is best for us even though it hurts us. The things that we could not handle in our life are the reasons why we do not trust God, we think that God is punishing us because of our sins, but there’s a reason why these things are happening to our lives. We should only do one thing, and that is to always trust God.
Your journey will be never like her/him and that same goes as her/his journey will be never the same as yours. We all have our fair share of paths in all of our journey so the best thing to do is just to trust God.
When to choose your faith?
When to choose your faith? Is it when we’re in danger? When we need something? Between life and death? When we’re about to die? When is really the right time to choose our faith?
Choosing your faith is not like choosing something that catches your attention at this very moment or what. Choosing a faith is also not like choosing a religion, after all, religion cannot save us. It is our faith.
If you believe that since you are very religious so you will be safe then I tell you again, it is our faith that will save us. We cannot just predict that if that person is religious then he will be saved and if that person is sinful then he will not be saved. Remember that demons are once angels.
Not all religious are good people just like not all criminals are bad. I believe that there are no early nor late moments for choosing one’s faith. It’s a matter of individuality. We cannot force someone to believe the same beliefs as you do. In my opinion, I choose my faith the moment I understand that the world isn’t all about unicorns and rainbows.
We can tell that we already choose our faith if we have some realizations and if we understand something in ourselves as well as the world around us. Why there are religions, why there is life and death, why there are redemptions, and why there is a need to pray for salvations. Choosing your faith is a freedom of choice. Everyone has that freedom to choose. It is a choice we must personally choose with our own free will and without someone pushing us to. It is our choice to have faith and to not.
Just giving my credits to the owner of the photos from Pixabay. Thank you.
Old but Gold (Love in a corn field)
It was a fragment of my grandparents’ treasured memories…My grandparents’ love story started on their first meeting.
My grandmother, Rosita, was born in a poor family and the eldest among the nine siblings. So at an early age, she was taught to make money instead to finish her studies. Though she’s not illiterate since she finished at least six years in elementary. On the other hand, my grandfather, Porgentino, is the only son of a wealthy old Spanish family and sole heir of his parent’s properties.
One peaceful day, Porgentino decided to visit one of their lands. They have a huge plantation of sugar canes and a wide field of rice. Right there he met Rosita who is also a daughter of one of their farmers.
To make the story short, they fell in love and like the other cliché story, my grandfather’s parents didn’t support their relationship at first. In their times, the one who has a land considered as rich. Not to mention that my grandfather’s mother is naturally rich since she came from an old Spaniard family and has a one fourth Spanish blood in her.
They didn’t really like Rosita at first since she was just a daughter of a farmer who works at their land. But my grandparents didn’t falter. Porgentino started to learn farming to show his sincerity and love for Rosita, and in return she also showed his parents that even though she was born poor she has virtues and morals that can compare to other fine ladies in their town.
My grandfather can really give up everything for my grandmother. Even if he’s not used to a poor’s life but he never gives up. Not so long, my grandfather’s parents accepted their relationship at last. They got wed, have seven kids, 8 grandchildren that includes me, and still counting.
When I was 3…
There’s really an experience we couldn’t forget.
We tend to remember an experience when it was the very happy, very sad, or very embarrassing moment for us.
In my case, I always remember this faint memory of my embarrassing moment during my childhood days. I was just three years old that time, yes I still remember it up until now. It happened in a German Nursery somewhere here in Cagayan de Oro.
The kids were taught the most basic things we should learn—shapes, colors, identifying numbers and letters. I can’t remember the lessons clearly but all we did is play and play in that four cornered room while our parents were in the other room taking their own lessons.
Even then, I always had a world on my own. I’m not that friendly to other kids though I am playing with them, I guess I was just shy. Moments later, I got bored so I sneaked out without the teacher noticing it. Hugging a green soft ball with my tiny hands, I carefully take every step on the only stair that leads me to where my mother is.
But then, at the very end of the stair, the last step to be exact, I tripped myself and fell down. I hurt my knees but I didn’t cry though and just got up immediately before my mother saw it but to my surprise, all of the kid’s parents’ eyes were on me. The American mister went to me with a smiling face and asked if I was alright. He’s very tall and the smile on his face makes me think that he’s laughing at me so I started to cry.
I cried not because I hurt my knees but because I was very, very embarrassed. And that is the most unforgettable experience for me.
How reading literature affects your educational experiences?
They say that reading can heal your soul. Is it true?
I guess yes. I vouch for it. I myself am fond of reading any kinds of literary works not just because it feeds my imaginations but also because I was enjoying some specific text or new found vocabularies.
Before, I was never a reader-like person. Every time I see books I get sleepy, especially if there is no image indicated in some of the selection that I was reading. But, during my literature class when I was in grade 7, I started to appreciate the beauty of the texts alone. My imagination started working too. And I started to love reading as well, until there were times that I was so obsessed with this famous app because it offers tons of great stories. They call this app ‘Wattpad’. It was literally my escape from reality.
There were even times that I went to school with only 3 hours of sleep because I stayed up late all night trying to finish a whole story. And when I say a whole story, it means from the ‘Prologue’ of the story up until the ‘Epilogue’. I both love English and Filipino novels.
But there’s this novel which I can say that really helps me in improving my vocabularies and English as well. At least for me. It was the work of George Macdonald’s ‘The Princess and the Goblin’. It was the first English novel that I read and also the first novel that I love. It is such a nice story, though it may contain a lot of texts that are new to me but in every chapter and in every word that I encounter is a new learning and discovery for me.
"A man, to become a man, must have a child to come after him."
Are you a man? How can you prove to everyone that you are a man? A wife? A child?
If a man needs a child to prove to everyone that he's a man or to avoid embarrassment then how about a woman who can't bear a child? Is she useless? Unlovable? Does it make her less of a woman?
No. I beg to disagree. A man can only become a man if he has the will to love, cherish and protect his family. If he becomes a faithful husband to his wife. I would forget all the embarrassment just to be with the woman he loves even without a child. Then that is a real man everyone. The child is the fruit of love of the two people and not a measurement to become a man.
Unlike before, couples now can still be together even if they don’t have a child, their love for each other is just enough for them to not find in other people the things that their partner couldn’t give.
Before, there was a law that for men to become men must have a child. To be their pride and to be their successor. If a man loves a woman and would do everything just to marry her but God or Allah didn't bless them with a child, and because of the law and embarrassment the man needs to find another woman to have a child with. What a pitiful life that could be?
I have an uncle who’s been married for 21 years now. For the first 19 years they haven’t got a child. Imagine, 19 long years! Of course there would be times that they would longed and dream for a child. Nevertheless, they both stayed and clung to each other. My uncle stays faithful and a loving husband to his wife. They've been praying for a long time and they didn't lose hope. And just right after 19 years, they are blessed with an adorable daughter, who is about 2 years old now. It's just funny that other people thought that it was their granddaughter when in fact it was actually their daughter. But that's not the case because the highlight is throughout the years, they’ve been together waiting for a child, my uncle is still a man even without a child. He’s a man with principles because he chooses to stay loyal and faithful to his wife. Even without a child.
@EnkeDemoiselle