The Pandemic Changed me
**Pandemic**.
A pandemic is defined as “an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people”. The classical definition includes nothing about population immunity, virology, or disease severity. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/89/7/11-088815/en/%23:~:text%3DA%2520pandemic%2520is%2520defined%2520as,are%2520not%2520considered%2520pandemics.&ved=2ahUKEwjHyfGc7o7vAhWJGqYKHejGCCoQFjACegQIBRAF&usg=AOvVaw1CR7BJP8DxtZ42WLzePniO
By this definition, pandemics can be said to occur annually in each of the temperate southern and northern hemispheres, given that seasonal epidemics cross international boundaries and affect a large number of people. However, seasonal epidemics are not considered pandemics. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/89/7/11-088815/en/%23:~:text%3DA%2520pandemic%2520is%2520defined%2520as,are%2520not%2520considered%2520pandemics.&ved=2ahUKEwjHyfGc7o7vAhWJGqYKHejGCCoQFjACegQIBRAF&usg=AOvVaw1CR7BJP8DxtZ42WLzePniO
Pandemic is the reason why we experience what is happening right now. It is the cause of many mental issues experienced by many people all over the world.
But what is the reason for this pandemic? Where it came from? Who is responsible for this? I don't want to think of it, personally. But I don't have any choice because it affects me too.
It changed my perspective.
It was also a year ago. I still do not lose all the worries inside me before this pandemic worsens. There are so many things that pandemic taught me. In the past, I was often called "Master" or "Senpai" because I often lead the art events or competitions that our school will participate in.
My mindset changed by the pandemic. If I used to be active in academic tasks and talent-coordinated activities before, now it is rare because often everything is online. I used to paint very often before. But now, I almost just do articles, answer modules and do a few commissions. I think the present is better in terms of realizing things because I found myself better now. I learned more that I should not be too emotional. Check yourself first.
The pandemic caused me to seem insignificant-breathing, a walk, a hug, a smile, a small talk.
I like to hug friends. I don't know when the last time I hug a friend. Embracing makes me feel better. When I have a problem, a hug is the answer for me and makes me feel better. It is also a huge thing for my mental health. It's okay for me to have a short conversation, but the hug is much better than a talk. Pandemic reminds me that I do not need a hug for now. Pandemic also created a way to hide my smile from many people. Pandemic also makes it difficult for me to breathe when I go out of the house and socialize with others. How do you hug, breathe, smile and have a personal conversation? I hope I still remember those things.
It caused me to rethink how I live my life.
How do we live? how do I live What was life like then?
The pandemic taught me to be a person who values time. Learn to wait for those who come and do not force them.
In this pandemic, we cannot move like our lives. It is as if we are locked up in our homes so that no matter what we do. We cannot go out often because there is a threatening danger that we can encounter.
It allowed me to rediscover the value of being grateful in "little things"
Let us be grateful for what we receive. Not everything we receive is also received by others. You may receive and have things that others ask for and achieve but do not forget to be thankful. Let us not be ambitious for the things that others have. instead, just be thankful for what we receive.
The little thing is enough. It is not a measure of being small or big, being dark or white, being fragrant or smelly, being rich or poor in achieving dreams. Dreams bring people to their desires in life. I will thank the Father a lot because I have things that I did not ask for but I had.
I believe in time. I believe the pandemic will vanish soon. I believe that all things are being healed soon. I believe that everyone can show their smiles again. I believe that everyone can show their love by hugging their loved ones again. I believe that soon I will do the things I was supposed to do before. I believe.
I created an article about how pandemic affects my education.
Read here if you haven't:
****My 'New Normal' Education**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-new-normal-education-30c296be
Thank you for reading my article!🤗✨
**Some articles that worth reading:**
****An Article for my Mom**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/an-article-for-my-mom-21224050
****My 'New Normal' Education**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-new-normal-education-30c296be
****Valuable Portrait of Intimacy**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/valuable-portrait-of-intimacy-0819abe1
****Reasons why I use Tiktok**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/reasons-why-i-use-tiktok-ffe6238d
****My First Major Competition in 18 years in the Industry of Arts**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-2917fc0e
Benefits of having friends
What is a **friend** for you? Are they the ones who help you in the **darkest times**? Or are they the ones who are stabbing your back?
We all have the definition of a **friend**. Not everyone will be our friend. We may choose the **circle of friends** that we join with. The only ones we often make friends with are those who are kind to us, who are generous to us, who remember you even when there is no event, who will not leave you in times of need, who will never forget your birthday, the ones who will not be dropped off on your trips. That is the **common** definition of a friend. But we have our definition of a friend.
There is also a friendship that has **mixed feelings**. It is the friendship that leads to a deeper relationship. There are only two possible consequences of this friendship. The friendship formed, can be broken due to the confession of feelings, or perhaps the formation of this friendship leads to a friendship that has the **same feelings** and a friendship that can bring you to a church and say your vows together.
You also have friends just because you need them. This is the friendship that will only last when there is a need for each other. Let's all admit, there are people like this and we have been like this once. It may not be as **strong** and **accurate** as I said, but we have done it once.
**According to Google,**
The definition of a true friend is someone who has your back, no matter what. They watch out for you and ensure you are not in danger. They will never purposely lead you into making decisions that aren't good for you. A true friend will always have your best interest at heart. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/what-is-the-real-definition-of-a-true-friend/&ved=2ahUKEwjnwPWUjYrvAhXBAYgKHRQFAm8QFjACegQICBAF&usg=AOvVaw0UrromXlOkGSvn1ikAbZ1w
For me, my friends are the most **solid of all**. I don't like to make friends in person but if you start a conversation I will talk to you too.
I have very few friends. You can count them in two dozen fingers. I can tell they are true to me. I may say that I am true to them. Through them, I experience being in peace. They once helped me through extreme hardships. They have joined me in the difficult parts of my story. I can't even give them what they give me sometimes, but I can replace it with something else just like being true to them. I can say that I am very lucky with them.
I feel the friendship I want to achieve. I can say that I am in a group of friends who work together and support each other.
My closest friend
He is my **closest friend**. We are **10 years** together. since grade 1 we have known each other but he became my friend when we were in **grade 2.** He is very kind. He is very generous. I remember then when he had an extra snack, he gives it to me. And he always does that. Actually, until now. Since grade 2 we have been together in **nonsense times, joking times, crying times, laughing, rioting,** and **many other things** that I can say I enjoy when I am with him.
Maybe if he was just a **woman**, she would be my girlfriend. I have so many memories formed with him. We have also experienced fighting, which is unavoidable in a relationship; whatever the relationship is. He is my best friend.
I still remember when we were in grade 2 up to grade 9 we both wanted to be an engineer. We both want to build houses for our family. We are both artists and all my friends now are artists as well. I can say that I have been with my artist friends for **6 chapters** of my life and still counting. But my relationship with him is the strongest one. Even we both graduated with other artists and met other friends, we still don't forget the relationship we had. I may say that it is so colorful and creative.
But everything changed when we became in grade 10. My mind changed and my interest in public speaking shifted. I chose to be a teacher rather than an engineer. This did not hinder our friendship. It became stronger because we teach each other when we learn on our different forte.
Though we have made new friends, we still do not forget each other. In fact, we became even closer to each other. We share more stories with each other.
He is my sympathizer when it comes to love conversations. I am also more involved in her love conversation because she is busted more often. Lol.
I was so **happy** because I met him. We don't see each other very often now because of the pandemic, but social media is becoming the way of our conversation.
How about you? How are your friends? Do you still remember them? If you remember, you can share below and tell us how you felt when you are with them.
**Thank you so much for reading!**
**Some articles that worth reading:**
**An Article for my Mom** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/an-article-for-my-mom-21224050
**My 'New Normal' Education** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-new-normal-education-30c296be
**Valuable Portrait of Intimacy** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/valuable-portrait-of-intimacy-0819abe1
**Reasons why I use Tiktok** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/reasons-why-i-use-tiktok-ffe6238d
**My First Major Competition in 18 years in the Industry of Arts** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-2917fc0e
An Article for my Mom
First of all, this article has become a way for me to express my feelings. From this, I can say some of the grievances that I cannot say to the world. I may say that I am in a **complete** and **incomplete** family; **Complete** because I can feel the iconic ideal family that consists of father/stepfather, mother/stepmother, and siblings; **Incomplete** because I don't have a father anymore. He passed away because of a Heart Attack. He passed away when I was still in grade 9. But my grandfather will always felt to us that we're complete and nothing is missing. Because of that experience, my eyes become more open to the reality of this world. I realized the reality of life that we must be aware and ready every time because if we are not ready, we might be eaten by this world.
My mother was always there for me. She is my Avid fan when I join Art contest. She is the one who always tells me **not to give up on every fight I had in my life**. She also always motivates me when I am stressed out by what I do. She is the most miserable person I have ever met. She is also the craziest and craziest person I have ever met in my whole life.
Last Monday (February 22, 2021) we had a misunderstanding. I was doing tons of school work at that time and I did not know what to prioritize because our teacher gave us many performance tasks and the intense pressure I was going through.
I accidentally shout at her when she asks me something because she does not understand something on what she is doing. I often get angry when I am disturbed when I do something, maybe because of the pressure I had every time.
That same day when he got his TOR at CLSU (Central Luzon State University) which was needed to get a passport, he was very happy. After that, she requested me to scan his TOR and send it to our uncle. I was also very stressed at that time, still smiling but my mood had exploded and I didn't know what to do because I had late-night-sleeps for five days and often slept at 3:00 in the morning. I answered and shouted at her because I was disgusted at that time. She just cried on the side. I entered the room and close the door. I also wanted to cry that time. I never thought I could do such a thing as I did.
After we had a discussion with my mother, she decided to go to my aunt and take a vacation because they also had a conversation before the day of our argument. Maybe, this is also a way to ease my mother's mood.
I always regret the things I can do just like this. This is one of the habits I can not avoid because I am used to this and also because of the stresses that go along with me. I don't know. Maybe just because since this lockdown started I cannot roam and always locked in the room.
But there are also times that we have fun and get along with things we both like but it is not possible to avoid such things when we are both stressed. The stress I feel is a huge thing to me. I do not often know what is happening because when I am under stress it just means I am pre-stressed on something.
Yesterday, I was crying in the bedroom and fell asleep without even knowing the reason. I am always alone in the room especially now because my mother and my two siblings had a vacation to my Aunt's house.
Yes, my mother is the scariest person I have ever met in my whole life, **but I love her.**
Yes, my mother is the noisiest person I have ever met in my entire life, **but I love her.**
Yes, my mother is the most annoying person I have ever met in my whole life, **but I love her.**
Yes, my mother is the craziest person I have ever met in my entire life, **but I love her**.
The time is near for me to reciprocate her hardships with me. In a few years, I will be able to finish school. In just a few years, I will be the one to ask him what she wants. In just a few years, I will make a noise around the world about how much I love him. In just a few years, I will be the one to be called 'irritating' because I will be the one to tease my mother and repay her hardships. In just a few years, I will be a professional artist and teacher.
I love her. I may not even tell her often. I may not even kiss her on the cheek every day. I may not even be able to kiss her every day as others do. I may not even be able to answer her questions every day. I might have yelled at her sometimes. But I love her. Let us love our mothers as we love ourselves.
To my mother, although I can't say it often in person, and even if I don't give you a token of appreciation right now, just wait. I am already saving for that.
Thank you for reading my story.
My other Articles to read for:
**-******Valuable Portrait of Intimacy**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/valuable-portrait-of-intimacy-0819abe1
**-******Reasons why I use Tiktok**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/reasons-why-i-use-tiktok-ffe6238d
**-******My First Major Competition in 18 years in the Industry of Arts**** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-2917fc0e
My 'New Normal' Education
**Pandemic.**
Yes, the **pandemic** brought us here.
Pandemic is the main reason why we experience the **"new normal"** things.
Pandemic also make us realize that we need to change; in behavior, mindset, reasons, goals etc.
Pandemic. The hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life.
Before, it was very easy for me to roam everywhere. But now, it is necessary to restrain oneself because a pandemic is still spreading.
Before, I could easily demonstrate my **academic and talent skills** in face-to-face activities. But now I may say that I am **starting to lose my interest** to do the things I used to do before because of what is happening.
If before was **difficult to make money**. Now is **even more difficult** because there are very few jobs available and for specific ages and persons only.
Yes, we are having a **hard time** right now but I believe the pandemic will end **soon**. Even we are having a hard time right now, we must continue because believe that the pandemic is not forever. Sooner or later, our hard work will produce a sweet fruit that everyone wants to have.
At the present time, education around the world has continued. The pandemic did not hinder our willingness to continue what we start.
Philippines Government is inhibited DepEd to do **face-to-face** classes because of the fear to have widespread viruses at schools. So DepEd decided to do the **'Distance Learning'** or **'New normal education'**.
It is a type of learning where students can do schooling even they are at **home** only.
Acccording to DepEd, the number of students enrolled in the country for the School Year 2020-2021 is over **23.26 million.**
So think of it. There are **23.26 million dreamers** stuck in a desert without an idea where they can find the **water of knowledge**. This pandemic really tests our faith in things we have.
How do I conquer it?
The type of learning that I picked is ‘**Modular Distance Learning**’ or the learning using teacher-sent modules to students.
The teachers made the modules that they will distribute to the students. After being placed in the respective envelopes of every student, the envelope will be prepared to be taken to barangay centers to be distributed to the parents of the students. The retrieval of the modules is weekly given.
Teachers did research on how we can continue education even there was a barrier that blocked our way. I may say that teachers are heroes in disguise. At first, I do not agree to have classes right now, because of what happens at the present time but I realized that maybe this is just the continuation of my fight, I can still prove to myself that even there are barriers that blocked my way. I can still achieve my dreams by fighting my enemies even they are **invulnerable**.
The pandemic changes **billion lives** of **living dreamer**s in our world: breaking the goals of the people who are determined to **learn** and **grow.**
I may say that this is a good idea. I can understand the lessons that they are given to us. But what about students with **poor comprehension**? Students who do not quickly understand **just by reading**. Students who **do not have gadget**s to use to search for what they need answers to their questions.
They're **pitiful**. I am thankful because I was given the privilege of having the gadgets and internet I needed for my studies. I will be forever grateful for that. The only way that I can give to them is to share knowledge of what I have.
I can say that I have the ability to use the internet so that I can find online lessons that are a big help in my studies. I am grateful for this.
The Reward.
The **First Quarter** has just ended. It took 9 weeks for parents, teachers, students and other people to help make this happen.
My experience this first quarter was not easy. I may not experience being able to discuss in front of the blackboard at school. But that did not stop me from helping my fellow students. We continue to have meetings online through the **Zoom** app.
At **Zoom**, we work together when we do not understand other lessons. A student discusses when he/she knows the lesson. This is a great help for us to learn more about what was given to us.
Fortunately and I proudly say that I received the '**with honors'** award and I prove to myself that even there are many barriers that blocking my way, I can still continue the **battle**. I also make my parents proud because of that. I may not show the award to my father personally because he's gone, but I know he's still proud of me and he always does. He said that to me.
I will continue this because I still want my parents to be proud of me. I do this for my family and my future.
I will continue to pursue my dream of becoming a successful artist and being a successful art teacher someday.
For all those who dream, let us continue to dream for our future. We can also achieve what we aspire to. Maybe, this is not the time, but in the near future, we will achieve it. **CLAIM IT!!✨🖤**
Thank you for reading my story! 🤗✨
My other Articles to read for:
**-****Valuable Portrait of Intimacy** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/valuable-portrait-of-intimacy-0819abe1
**-****Reasons why I use Tiktok** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/reasons-why-i-use-tiktok-ffe6238d
**-****My First Major Competition in 18 years in the Industry of Arts** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-2917fc0e
Valuable Portrait of Intimacy
In my almost 2 years of making and accepting portraits as my personal business, the story of this portrait touched my heart.
I don't know them very well, but I can see her at school because she is a teacher at the school where I also attended Junior high school.
I can say that this is a perk of being a Visual Artist, you are committed to business like this.
But of course, this talent is also rewarding because when there is an art contest, painting contest, murals the teachers immediately suggest us to compete because we are the center of attention when it comes to such things
Special program in the arts.
Special Program in the Arts (SPA) is a program which covers different Arts Fields. The program is designed to cultivate the learners' skills in Music, Visual Arts, Theater Arts, Media Arts, Creative Writing and Dance. ... The Special Program in the Arts (SPA) was launched S.Y. 2010 – 2011. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://sites.google.com/a/deped.gov.ph/sta-elena-high-school/programs-and-projects/school-curriculum/special-program-in-the-arts-spa&ved=2ahUKEwjGwdic2vfuAhU_yYsBHddqB0EQFjANegQIAhAF&usg=AOvVaw2Y84_2ya97vabuSoCGKZws
The Request.
I was surprised during that time. I was surprised that a teacher message me.
She is teacher at the school where I graduated from SPA. I also did not expect her to know me. I don't know her very well because she did not became my teacher during my Junior High School.
She asked if I could make a portrait for them. At that time, I haven't any work because there was still a lockdown in our area.
I accepted her request. She is my 4th client during the pandemic.
The Portrait.
I started their portrait. 3 days since she message me. She requested that if I could use the frame she bought could use it for the portrait she asked me to make.
I accepted it and I also deducted 100 pesos to her bill. As I start the portrait, my told me something. She asks me what I want to do when I graduate.
She also said that she always see me and she also knows that I am the one who led the murals that can be seen at school.
I was happy with what she told to me. That even though I am not very good at making ideas, someone appreciates my works and my leadership.
***After 2 weeks of doing the portrait***
I finished his face on the half side of the portrait. There are parts of his face that she wants to revise because I also told her that if she has concern she is free to say it.
This is the life of an artist. Not everything is perfect especially with the taste of the client. But in the case of this commission, I am happy that I got good compliments.
I can say that other people do not like the art that an artist has because it does not look very similar to the reference they provide. But I hope they also know that not all artists are the same and every artist has different techniques as well.
Back to the topic, I just fixed something on the lips of my client's portrait then it was also approved. What I did next was the portrait of her partner.
His partner's portrait is also next to his portrait because she wants them to be side by side in a frame.
She told me that she planned to give it to his partner because he was going home. She told me that she knew that her partner would be happy with the portrait.
*After almost 1 month.*
I finished the portrait. Ma'am Janice was very happy with my work. She even told me that she was proud of me. She also said that If I would become a successful artist may I do not forget her.
My heart wanted to jump those times. I was overwhelmed by what I heard.
We met again. I already gave her the portrait and she also gave me his payment.
I charged him 500 pesos or the equivalent of 10.31 United States Dollar at the same time she smiled at me while holding the portrait I made.
I could feel the joy in her heart. i can feel the intimacy between them. I also feel that she is excited to give the portrait to her partner.
The Lesson.
I learned that it is not just men who make the effort.
It also does not matter if you can give things or not to the people you love.
What matters the most is that you appreciate them by praising and accepting the way they are.
I did not expect that I would have the talent I have right now. I am always thankful for what I have.
I am forever grateful because I can use my talent o inspire other people.
THANK YOU FOR READING MY ARTICLE!!! 🤗💙
My other Articles to read for:
**•****Reasons why I use Tiktok** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/reasons-why-i-use-tiktok-ffe6238d
**•****My First Major Competition in 18 years in the Industry of Arts** https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-2917fc0e
Reasons why I use Tiktok
**Does TikTok really have benefits for me?** First of all, **TikTok** is one of the popular apps here in the Philippines. It is also one of the hobbies of some Filipinos when they have free time. They also make it a pastime when they feel tired and have a bad feeling.
**TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. It was originally called musical.ly (pronounced MU-zik-lee). Users can create and upload their own videos where they lip-synch, sing, dance, or just talk****.** https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://amp.commonsense.org/blog/b6355546-ace0-453b-a04a-8a9c1c5eaa15&ved=2ahUKEwjQ76jD__TuAhUXHaYKHbwzA-sQFjACegQIAhAG&usg=AOvVaw0GmFsOHJqkAtYJ8-V7h2Sz&cf=1
But why do I use **Tiktok**? What is the real reason? Does watching TikTok have benefits on me? First of all, ***YES***. There are some good benefits that TikTok brings me. TikTok helps me to get ideas on my schoolwork, filming videos, drawing techniques, finding my mood, and help me to find my sleep. Yes. I do TikTok because I think TikTok is entertaining yet also a sleepy thing. All the videos we see on TikTok go through the **"For you"** and **"Following"** page/section.
"For you" Page.
From this section, you can find random videos that also come from random users and have different contents. There may be **sad, happy, creative, emotional, techniques, memes, etc.** that unexpectedly come up to this section.
"Following" Page.
From this section, you can find videos of the users you have already followed. This means that you still want to see their other posts and you also want to keep track of what will happen to them in the near future. It is kinda similar here in **read.cash**, when you follow an author, you will be notified via email or via notifications when they have a new article. The environment here is way better because we can express our thoughts on different things here unlike on TikTok that has videos with "bad words" and the audience are too reflective on every wrong they saw on every video. But not everyone should worry about it because TikTok is not allowed for 12 years old and below.
**Main Reason.**
I like Tiktok because it helps me to find what I want in life; through the presets I needed for filming videos because if you don't ask I am a frustrated director (I will also write an article about this, soon!); by introducing me to new songs that I would love to. Actually, I am not a fan of the new songs because I am an old soul or I may say that I love more the older song than the new ones, maybe because of the influence of my grandfather that always play songs of their time when I was a child. I also know how to sing and once became a singer at school(They just pussed me to sing, LOL). But of course, I can't do everything at the same time because I only have one body and I am the only one who will have a hard time by chance. I can say that I am becoming more creative than before because of Tiktok. I get a lot of ideas and fun whenever I use it. I also have a habit that when I like the video, I will save it to my "Favorite" chamber, especially when I think it will help me in the near future. I hope if you also use TikTok you will also find what you like and dislike in this app. Just like when you are shopping for things at the mall, you might always consider when the thing you want will last long, can help you or either.
This is the post that hooks up my attention earlier. It shows some motivation and encouragement to continue. I may say that I like this kind of content. This is also the reason why I use Tiktok. It is just like here at read.cash, I can also find my happiness at Tiktok. Tiktok makes me smile just like noise.cash and read.cash did for me. ***I may say that as long as Tiktok does not become too toxic, I would still use it.***
We have our differences. Sometimes we can't please other to get on our side but it is a normal thing. Nothing is wrong with that. Remember, something can go wrong until it hurts you; physical, mental, psychological etc. Avoid the bad things and do the things that will make you happy. https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-6e24f064
-Maestro02✨
This is my recent published article. Read it here if you haven't!🤗
https://read.cash/@Maestro02/my-first-major-competition-in-18-years-in-the-industry-of-arts-6e24f064
Thank you so much for reading my article. See you next time!🤗💙✨
My First Major Competition in 18 years in the Industry of Arts
I believe that everyone has the talent since they started out and show up in the world we live in today. We may not have seen and known it when we were little because we were young and we knew nothing but to play and express our feelings, but I believe we are starting to look for the talent and abilities we have.
As I was rummaging through my belongings in my box earlier, I saw this certificate; I suddenly remembered everything I experienced in the competition I participated in last August 2020. I became the representative of our village and I won the third place against twenty-two other participants. I suddenly remembered how proud I was of myself and my parents back then.
**About the Contest**.
It was vacation during those times and I did not expect the oportunity to be given to me. I was taking a bath that day. A few moments later SK Officials came to our house (SK COUNCILOR, AND SK SK SECRETARY AND SK TREASURER). They came to our house to find my brother and me to offer to join the "LINGGO NG KABATAAN 2020"(WEEK OF YOUTH 2020), a SK program in my city.
SK Stands for "Sangguniang Kabataan"
(abbreviated as SK; lit. ***'youth council'***) is a council meant to represent the youth in each barangay in the Philippines. It was put "on hold", but not quite abolished, prior to the 2013 barangay elections. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangguniang_Kabataan&ved=2ahUKEwiZ8emygvHuAhUZVpQKHXoEDi8QFjACegQIAhAE&usg=AOvVaw1sBNIyVGa6AnyOuAnTdU5d
Courtesy: Sangguniang Kabataan - Wikipedia
At first, I could not accept their offer because I do not often participate in the "poster making contest". I only often teach and coach my juniors but I do not really participate because it is not my forte. My forte is acrylic painting because I studied about 4 years in arts wayback my junior high school and painting is the one I mastered. I was currently studying portrait painting that time when that time SK officials offer me something. At first I said I did not have coloring materials to use in the poster making they want me to join, so I asked if I could just use pure charcoal pencils because that was all I had at that time and I also felt that my piece would be unique because I will only use such a technique. They told me that I was able to use any medium even the medium I said earlier. They really want me to join because they said that I am really good artist. Especially my mother, she wants to join me to the contest because they had already seen my other works that I posted on my fb account.
I accepted their offer, especially when I found out that the 1st- 3rd placer had a prize. I would not expect to win the first place because I think the competition might be tough. The whole city of Talavera (City-based competition) may join the competition and the age of those who can participate poster making contest is under 15-30 years old. I was nervous that time because I knew that there were many good artist especially in our city because we were told that many people took an architecture course that was also scholar in our city. But that "**nervous**" became just a bread for me that I ate and made an inspiration for myself. From the beginning I did not know the consequences of my participation in the contest because there are also many good artist in our city but with the help of my mother and my experience to coach at teach my juniors and also my experience to Coach and watch in the "**REGIONAL FESTIVAL OF TALENTS**" held in Bulacan, Philippines, this might be an easy one for me. But just like a said poster making is not my forte.
The Fight.
I was given two weeks to prepare, think ideas, and video the process of my output for the contest because it cannot be held face-to-face. At that time, it is still strict due to the increasing number of cases of NCoV in our area.
**NCoV- Novel Corona Virus**
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. 'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as '2019 novel coronavirus' or '2019-nCoV.' https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/key-messages-and-actions-for-covid-19-prevention-and-control-in-schools-march-2020.pdf%3Fsfvrsn%3Dbaf81d52_4&ved=2ahUKEwj2r8buivHuAhUFfXAKHbrDD8QQFjABegQIAhAE&usg=AOvVaw0Zb7qVkxndnq0thF0bIhbW
I finished the idea. I thought of putting the face of president of the Philippines, the flag and what is currently happening in the country that also fits to the theme that is given to us. I also finished the video of the making of my masterpiece. It took almost 4 hours and I also stood for four hours because my face had to see in the video while working (*because it is on their rule*). I also finally finished everything that needed for the contest.
**August 20, 2020**. All the masterpiece of all participants has been posted. I was surprised because almost 22 people fought and almost everyone who participated was good and kinda experienced to join the poster-making contest. I was so depressed at that time and was also under pressure as I stared at their works. But my mother approached me and talked about my fight, she told me not to give up and just go ahead.
**August 25, 2021**. The polls have ended and the winners will win by the choice of the people and likes we got during the 5-days of the open-liking category. Fortunately, I got 3.1k likes and was ranked third among twenty-two great artists.
I was so happy in tears that time and even when I always remember that experience because it was just a big memory of my life that I always treasure.
Back to the story, the next day was the awarding of the winners. My mother, my little brother, and the SK officials came with me to get my prize and certificate I won.
I have already won the prize containing **2000 Philippine Peso or the equivalent of 41.27 United States Dollar.** There is so much joy in my heart and I want to shout as I holding my certificate and my cash prize during the awarding. **This is a huge thing that has happened to me because I have learned that you do not have to be weak in all your battles because we must always remember that we are not alone and there is at least one person who will support you.** Being second place in the fight is a huge success for me because even though I am not good at this art style, I have proven to myself that I can do it.
**Above all, I express my deepest gratitude to all of the people who believed and will still trust and of course to my mother who tirelessly supported me until the end of my fight; for every fight of mine. Again, this is your 2nd runner-up (Third placer) in LINGGO NG KABATAAN 2020 Poster Making Contest, Jerome Ian Cabeso and your Maestro02.**
Thanks for Reading my Story!🥺💙
@Maestro02
