A once-in-a-lifetime experience: conversing with a foreigner
The sun is shining so bright, sweat trickling from my face down to my neck as I walk along Crisologo Street. I sat down at the bench as I take a rest, and while waiting for my friends. Out of boredom, I watched people as they passed by me and there, I saw different people with different appearances, languages, and cultures. Suddenly, I remember what our teacher discussed about globalization in which despite how diverse our races are, we can still interact and integrate using the universal language. There is always an invisible barrier between different nationalities because of different cultures and traditions but with the help of a universal language, we are united as one and we are globalized. Curiosity struck upon me and to satisfy my curiosity, I decided to approach a man standing at the souvenir shop across me.
I excused myself and uttered my greetings because I don’t want to sound rude or scare him. Luckily, he was friendly enough to give me his attention. First, I asked questions regarding his personal information like his name, age, and nationality. I learned that his name is Loki, 25 years of age and that he was from India. After that, I asked the reason why he is here in the Philippines. He said that he’s here for his studies for more than a year now and he’s currently taking up Medicine at University of Northern Philippines. I was curious of all the countries he could have been why did he choose Philippines. Maybe because they have a good perception about our country and so I blurted out that question. But then I wasn’t able to get the answer that I was expecting because according to him before he was in India, he didn’t see Filipinos there that’s why he has no idea or perception about Filipinos and the Philippines. Basing on what he had said, it’s like the Filipinos are not comfortable with their presence and I felt guilty because I know that some Filipinos are making fun of them because of their color and smell. I actually expected that because I’m aware that we belong to different groups, and we have different culture but of course, not everyone understands and respect that.
And now that he’s been here in the Philippines for more than a year now, I’m sure that he has now some ideas and observations regarding our country. I asked him to compare our countries by identifying the similarities and differences. Loki said that one similarity is being good to others. I actually felt flattered hearing him say that Filipinos are good to others even to strangers. Then he added that even if that’s the case, we shouldn’t be always expecting them to be nice to us but that’s depending on the situation. From what he said, I saw sincerity, and I just felt that he’s being honest with me. He also shared that just like here in the Philippines, it’s also hot in India and our traditions are likely the same too.
As we go through the conversation, I realized that I was having a hard time expressing myself because we have different styles in speaking. Their English is kind of different from our English and so I asked him if he is also finding it difficult to communicate with Filipinos too. Like me, he also finds it difficult to communicate with Filipinos and that he needs to learn first the Filipino language but as time passed by, he overcame this dilemma not because of himself but because of the presence of the Universal language. He added, “The thing is you can speak English so you can communicate with us.”
I did not notice my time because I was so engaged in our conversation that I forgot about my friends. I enjoyed talking to him, getting to know about their culture and his experiences here in the country but I need to bid my goodbye. I thanked him for sharing his ideas with me and for allocating some of his time. I turned around and went back to my friends who were looking for me now. As I walked back, my thoughts about them changed. All I know before is that they are inclement, but the truth was, they were actually nice and approachable. I felt glad that I was able to talk to a foreigner like him because I never imagined that I would have this opportunity to do so. By that, I unveiled their impressions to us or what they think of us, and I’ve learned things about them.
Late Bloomer
When I was still in junior high school, I was the type of student who was quite introverted. I'm the student who sits near the back corners of our classroom. I'm a quiet person who rarely speaks in our room since I'm shy. It's unusual for me to have a conversation with someone in our room. Back then, I was not the type of student who prioritized his education. I only pass my activities and projects for compliance.
And look at me now, I'm an extrovert, and it usually kicks off the conversation. I'm aware of how much I've changed academically. I've evolved into a student who prioritizes his studies.
One reality is that I blossomed when I started college. Everything was different now. I think of myself as a late bloomer. And that’s what I will write about today.
A late bloomer is a person who, throughout their childhood and frequently into adulthood, looked to be average in their abilities. During his or her early school years, the late bloomer's grades are mediocre. That's right, and that's me. Furthermore, the late bloomer is unremarkable in any other way. He possesses a little or not at all in talents or abilities in academics or in crafts.
On the other hand, the late bloomer finally begins to shine. If he enrolls in college, he will go from a C average to a row of As. If the late bloomer is at work, he or she will progress from an unnoticed employee to a valuable employee.
The transition, however, did not happen overnight. It can also be triggered by a specific occurrence on a specific day or over a specific time period. A mediocre student might enroll in college and, after taking classes in a variety of subjects, discover one that piques his interest. It could be one he didn't get the opportunity to study in high school or one that delves further into a topic that was covered in high school. Because of his or her passion, the student excels. Someone's curiosity may be piqued by a new effort at work.
Late bloomers do not magically become brilliant or gifted. They're most likely intrinsically motivated, which implies they're motivated from the inside out. Their inspiration comes from within. They aren't motivated by external rewards like grades or recognition. Their reward is the pleasure they get from learning or succeeding.
When a late bloomer discovers something that piques his interest enough for him to pursue it, he is said to "bloom." And I believe that is why I quite excel in college since I enjoy studying accounting subjects, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my mother, who was the one who urged me to take the BSA course.
A student who has never been exposed to the field of accountancy may decide to pursue a career in the field after taking an accountancy course in college. I, too, came from a science class, and my first choice for a career was electrical engineering, which is in line with my background. But I have taken a BSA course.
A young adult who had never seen the ocean or an aquarium may have taken advantage of the opportunity to go on an oceanic fishing excursion and discover his passion for sea life.
Exposing your child or siblings to a variety of topics and activities is a smart idea because finding a passionate interest can motivate a student to work hard and succeed. This isn't to mean you should overburden them with activities to the point that he doesn't have time for himself. It simply means that you want to provide opportunities for children to learn about a variety of topics.
You might be able to change your undermotivated, underachieving child or sibling into a highly motivated learner. In an ideal world, all students would be challenged at school, but this isn't always the case. Take heart if your child or sibling is struggling in school. Like me, he might be a late bloomer. You may even be able to help him achieve his full potential.
Friend-zoned
Friend-zoned. For many, this is a disappointment. We've all experienced the agony of unrequited love. That person you're interested in dating, but she only wants to be friends with instead.
Let me tell you about a time when I was friend-zoned.
Let me start by describing my crush. First and foremost, she has the appearance. I couldn't help but stare at her every time I saw her. My heart continues to beat faster and quicker. It's like an angel that has fallen to earth. Second, she is well-mannered. I can tell she was properly raised and has acquired her parents' values. Fortunately, I am a friend of hers, and I have seen personally how wonderful her family is. She fears the Lord Almighty, and she is afraid of her parents. Third, she possesses wisdom. I'm astounded by her intelligence. She is the one I know that will likely become who she wants to be or be successful in life, because of her determination and passion in her studies.
In a nutshell, she has it all. She is stunning both inside and out. That's why I have a crush on her, especially because she has such a nice personality.
February 05, 2021, a year ago, I had no intention yet of confessing my feelings, but she asked whether I had feelings for her, if I had a crush on her. I couldn't think of anything to say after 10 seconds of blocking out…. And yeah, I did say yes.
I was curious as to where she got the idea to ask it, so I asked. She said that my actions are obvious and that anyone could see that I care for her. She thanked me and said she wasn't interested in those things yet. And she added that we will leave things as they are and that she is delighted to be one of my friends.
Yes, that is difficult to accept, but what can we do? We can all agree that it's uncomfortable. What should you do if something like this happens to you?
After a few days, I've come to some realizations.
Rather than focusing on getting out of the friend zone, embrace it. It's preferable to be somewhere than nowhere at all. Let go and respect the friendship for what it is if you like this person for who they are. It is not a disadvantage to be friends with someone you genuinely enjoy. The friend zone is an end goal in and of itself and a successful one. We could stop here and end the story.
It's not a character flaw on their or your part if someone isn't attracted to you, no matter how huge your crush was or all the great and romantic things you imagined of doing with her someday. There is someone out there for everyone and finding that person also involves being that person.
A solid friendship is the foundation of any excellent and long-lasting romantic connection between two people. You'll be ready to be one half of any fantastic relationship once you discover the proper person for you if you learn to love being true friends with someone.
So, the next time a girl you like tells she simply wants to be friends, remember this. Take her up on it and be her friend — not only to see if she'll change but because she cares about you and wants to be with you.
Am I Alone?
Ring! Ring! Ring! I was startled and got up quickly as my alarm clock burst into deafening sounds. The sun is still hiding behind the dying mountains and creatures are still slumbering in their habitats, but our house is already loud and awake at this time. I went immediately to our kitchen to wash my face and there I saw my mother, cooking dried fish and eggs for our breakfast while father and brother are already, fixing our things for later. After washing, mother already called us to eat and our father gave brief instructions for our work. The sun is already beaming when we were finished with our own chores; I already packed up my things while my family are already outside and ready to go.
It was hot outside and how I wish we had a car with air-conditioning to make us comfortable under the flaming sun but sadly, we only have a cow-drawn carriage as our vehicle to go to our fields. It was even hotter because we are obliged to wear face masks and face-shield, and we were wearing jackets and pants for our protection from itchiness. We do not want to pay for not following the rules, it is better to bear the heat than pay for these useless protocols. It has been a year, yet nothing has changed. Nevertheless, I was happy because it is the harvesting day of our corns. I was ecstatic because we will have money to buy a scrumptious Lechon because it has been a while since we ate food like those. We will also have adequate money to purchase a new phone for my online classes, who wouldn’t be excited about that, right? However, before celebrating, we will still experience pain and suffering under the sun.
After a few minutes of the ride, at last, we arrived at our cornfields. However, upon arriving, there we saw bald spots on our grounds, I heard my father sigh and said that maybe it was those rogue thieves again, who stole kilos of cabbage last planting season. I went to him and patted his back, “It’s okay father, we still have plenty to sell,” he smiled at me, and then we started harvesting our crops. Hours of working in the fields, we enjoy. Serving food to humanity brings us pride and delight. I am lucky to be a farmer’s son because I got the chance to experience how food is produced and how sweat and blood are dedicated to every grain of rice and for every piece of fruit and vegetable. It was nearly 12:00 noon when my mother called us for lunch; I ran rapidly because I needed to prepare for my online class. I also agreed to be in the fields because it is only the place where the internet connection is strong. We ate Ginisang Monggo with Chicharon and it was the best lunch for this week, after eating I went to the back of the Salomague tree and fixed my things for our class.
“Good afternoon, class,” greeted our teacher enthusiastically. We also answered joyfully, but there is a bit of fear and anxiousness hidden inside me. This is my last class for this week, and I was thankful that my data is still available because we will be having an oral recitation. However, anxiety is still overshadowing the things that I reviewed, because what if I ran out of data. I had to turn off my camera to save more data and patiently waited for my name to be called. “Mr. Pablo are you ready?” said my teacher and my heart started to pound rapidly like wanting to free from its cage. I answered instantaneously, “Yes sir, I am.” Sweat started to flow, like raindrops flooding the fields, “What will you say to the government to help farmers gain more income and not to give up planting?” My eyes widen because I am a son of a farmer, and this question will give me the opportunity to share the things that we struggled with and the things that we need. So, I draw my answer with the anguishes and grievous experiences that we endured through the years, “If I will be given the chance to address the government and even the people to let them know what farmers need, I will gladly grab this chance to talk about everything that…”
“Hello? Ma’am? Hello?” everything went black; it was as if my dream has been ended in just a snap. And there I saw my signal going ‘E’ that indicates it is the end, end of my net connections for a week. I asked myself again, how hard it is to be a farmer’s son. How hard it is to be poor and not have adequate supplies for this online learning? Tears began to flow as I eye my parents working hard to give the needs for my education. As my tears are gleaming under the struck of the fiery sun, I see the sweat of my family glinting in the midst of the challenging field, irrigating and giving life to the dying grounds and the unfair society. How hard it is to be a farmer? Working hard in the fields, determined to bring food for the people but hardly earning for their families for the betterment of their living?
Suspensions
Our country, the Philippines, is prone to calamities. Because of its location on the "Pacific Ring of Fire" and along the Pacific typhoon belt, the country is exposed to a series of natural disasters. Most of these disasters are caused by typhoons.
Typhoons deliver high winds and rain, which can cause significant damage to the point of location. The Philippines is struck by an average of 20 typhoons every year, with five of them being severe. Because typhoons are so dangerous, schools frequently announce suspensions so that children can prepare for them or stay safe in their homes. These remedies taken by the government to protect its citizens are good and beneficial, but what if they are overdone or occur too frequently?
Typhoons frequently strike the country, causing the government to become more alert of the problem and take precautions to prevent major harm to its residents. However, typhoon readings can be wrong, so classes are suspended even if the storm appears to deviate from the prior forecast. Suspensions should not be carried out, according to that statement, if the weather appears to be less dangerous than reported in the press or on social media. While this is true, it is more appropriate to cancel classes when a storm is forecast to hit a specific place.
Typhoons are quite unpredictable, forming in unexpected areas and more irregularly, therefore the government is merely being careful when it orders a suspension from class for a period of time. They prepare for any typhoon anomalies by taking countermeasures. They forecast possible storm paths and cancel classes just in case the storm changes route. Even if the wind isn't blowing or there isn't a drop of rain falling, if they believe the storm could potentially strike a specific location, it's best to cancel courses to be safe.
I recall our school suspending our classes for how many times when I was still in high school. Yes, we are delighted when our school announces a class suspension because we prefer to stay in our homes. However, there are occasions when, regardless of how heavy the rain is, the school does not cancel classes since the rain does not reach the level required to cancel our class, which is signal #2. I'm not sure why they wait for the alarm of signal #2 to be announced before suspending classes, knowing that the typhoon is incredibly strong.
Although it isn't ideal for students to miss lessons, the government's top concern will always be the security and well-being of its citizens. They would not risk the lives of the people they govern over a few missed topics in class that they can discuss at any time, but some people appear to object to it because suspensions occur when the storm does not affect their location and countermeasures are made solely on the basis of their predicted outcome with no basis.
I agree that these kinds of announcements are inconvenient and take up a lot of valuable study time, but if there's a chance that an area will be affected and damaged, it's more justified to cancel classes even if there are no signs of the typhoon, rather than risking the lives of students if the possibility becomes true, and we can all agree that life is more valuable than education. I'm not suggesting it's okay to ignore education, but if you're willing to risk your life for it, it's better to skip it.
Teenage Pregnancy
Above the blues, life is a gift from the Creator, and it must be appreciated and treasured at all times. A baby is also a gift from God; a baby is the center of a family; a baby is as valuable as diamonds to a mother; a baby is a seed that will develop and spread positivity; a baby needs love, care, and a healthy existence; nevertheless, what if the baby arrives too soon? Yes, I'm referring to a pressing issue in our country/society: teenage pregnancy.
It is the pregnancy of a woman who is 19 years old or younger that is fairly prevalent in today’s society. If a woman has vaginal sex with a guy at any age, she can become pregnant after having regular monthly periods. Those young female youths might be seen seeking assistance and battling for their lives in this environment. When the infant is born, judgments will always be their first food; instead of support and affection from family, friends, and others, this cruel world will drag them down into the lowest wells.
First, ponder this: yes, it is a gift from God, but what if the kid develops ailments as a result of his or her poor health? Yes, it is as valuable as diamonds, but what if it might be lost at any point due to your carelessness? Yes, it is a seed that will grow, but what if other variables, such as a shortage of nutrients for long-term survival, impact its development? Yes, newborns are stars, but what if the earlier he or she is born, the earlier their lights will be dimmed since the mother is unable to deliver a child because he is only a teenager?
There are two sides to the coin: the head and the tail. There are two sides to this story. If a baby is about to bring light to a family, he or she will provide happiness to the parents, who will describe it as a gift from God to be treasured. However, there is another side to the coin; if you are extremely young and have just become a mother, your life will change dramatically.
You'll be in charge of cooking, changing his/her clothes, bathing, and washing his/her clothes, among other things, but what more if you're a teenager? How will you manage your academic life while juggling the demands of motherhood? See how difficult it is? Your time will be divided into various obligations, such as charging diapers here, writing assignments there, cooking food here, and making projects there. There will be many challenges to overcome so think intelligently and examine all factors in life. Are you ready to have a child? Tornadoes and hurricanes will test you, and you will fall, just as there will be storms to overcome when having a child. Are you all set?
My point is that if you're not prepared to face the consequences, why put yourself in that situation? You are only teenagers, so you can't guarantee that you will be able to bear a child. You are not physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially prepared to be a teenage mother, so always think before you act.
Teenage pregnancy cases are on the rise, and it's concerning that our school is experiencing them as well. This issue must be addressed in order to reduce the number of teenage pregnancy cases. Fortunately, our local government is holding seminars to address this issue, and student leaders are also assisting, but is this enough?
To reach a goal, we must work together. We do not want additional teenagers to get involved in this type of situation; it is quite important these days, and teenagers are extremely vulnerable. Prevent this from happening before the future's hope is shattered in this chaotic world; plan now before things worsen.
Young people are already struggling; would you like to witness how they cope with life's uncertainties? How many more teenagers are going to get involved? Will you be a victim or will you provide a helping hand to the helpless teenagers?
I LOVE YOU: Three precious words that I am unable to say to my parents
Saying "I love you" is a natural way for the majority of individuals to convey their genuine feelings. It often feels like a reflex, especially when it comes to people to whom they are used to saying it, such as their parents or friends. However, for some people, such as myself, expressing those three words, especially in a familial bond, is difficult, so I never do. It simply made me unable of expressing my emotions in the appropriate manner. I became shy and introverted, which made it difficult for me to express myself. My emotions are really strong, and I have no trouble feeling them. When it comes to expressing them, however, things get a little more challenging. It's far easier for me to write about my feelings than it is for me to sit with my family and discuss them. I can talk about my feelings with strangers and friends, but I can't say anything to my family about how I feel.
It's always been a matter of awkwardness for me. I never heard anyone in our house say "I love you" to each other when I was a kid. Even thinking about saying that made me uncomfortable. It's as if you're supposed to assume you're loved in the house, even if no one says it to you. According to my observations, we put our love into action rather than saying it.
I've never been able to say "I love you" to my parents since I was a child. I heard them a lot from other people's families and on TV shows, but I couldn't speak them in my own home. I can't say that to my family without feeling uncomfortable or as if something is wrong; it bothers me and makes me feel uneasy.
Yes, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially chatting about life and our future plans, but not about our feelings. I was just thinking about how awkward it is for me to say "I love you" to my parents because words are not my love language. God knows how much I love my family, and it's because of them that I do well in school. I do my best in school so that I can finish my studies and be of assistance to them in the future. I express my love for them by doing nice things for them and spending time with them.
With all of this in mind, I just hope that one day I will be able to say "I love you" to my parents without feeling awkward.
It's a good idea to accept the various methods by which we express our love because we all have different ways of doing it.
False Alarm
The issue of 'fake news,' which is spreading throughout the media, is one of the never-ending problems and always on-trend in social media. Many netizens are already outraged and annoyed by this issue. When is this situation going to end?
The way we interact with one another has changed as a result of the impact of social media. Social media platforms have brought us closer together in new and significant ways. Stories and opinions can spread at an unprecedented rate, allowing people all over the world to debate both serious and trivial issues in near-real-time. Unfortunately, social media has a negative side effect: fake news. Misinformation has the ability to influence users, which can be exploited to manipulate them for political or commercial benefit.
This is not the time to sleep on the news; instead, rise up and take action against the dissemination of false information on social media. We must be cautious about what we post. "Think before you click" is both a perfect statement and a perfect reminder in this issue.
Using social media is not a bad thing. Many data and news may be found online in a matter of seconds, owing to the internet and the modern age in which we now live. Today's generation is unable to function without access to the internet. Simply open the Google app instead of the transistor radio. You can now view a lot of news and ideas, but you perceive them as reliable. Always check what you share and take responsibility for it. Don't utilize it carelessly; rather, use it wisely.
When it comes to social networking, it's a double-edged sword. It has the ability to bring people together or destroy whatever comes into contact within fractions of seconds by creating divides. The question, in my opinion, is not whether social media is beneficial or bad for society, but rather how society is using it in a positive or negative way. Humans are the driving force behind social media. It's a human-centric application. It can't exist without people using it. The prominent voices on social media are those with the most internet presence. The issue is that the loudest voice isn't always the most reliable.
If anyone is to blame for the dissemination of "false news," it is the writer. Making an article is difficult, especially if you lack sufficient evidence or proof. However, being responsible on social media is the only complete solution to the crisis we are currently facing. Don't put your trust in rumors. Before you click and disseminate it, be sure you have adequate evidence. If you don't want to be left out of the news, be mindful of modern technology.
In many aspects, I believe social media can be and is beneficial to society. We hear about good deeds that go viral and result in a reward for a good Samaritan. People are reuniting with long-lost loved ones, and people like me are finding love. It may be beneficial to society if we can find ways to prevent the spread of misleading information by having social media platforms validate news and sources and social media users verify what they are posting. We can build a better reality by being cautious and taking responsibility.
Sunset: A Getaway, not just a Fiery Display
**Have you ever noticed that you have that one thing that makes you feel warm on the inside and makes you feel that life is good for the time being?** That thing for me is the sunset. The sunset has always been there for me, regardless of what has happened; it brings me serenity and comfort. We all value different things in life, but the sunset makes you appreciate the small things.
Over 2 kilometers away from our house to Sta. Catalina beach, I bike it every day before the sunsets. To be honest, you will not feel tired as you get to your destination seeing the water and the sky with gorgeous pink and orange colors, and hearing the sound of waves. It is worth pedaling the bike. The two kilometers that I bike will be worth it because of the unending beauty of the beach destination.
I recall having a major problem with academics one day and deciding to go to the beach to watch the sunset. At that moment, time slowed to a halt, and everything in life seemed to be in place. It was as if all of my problems had vanished into pure nothingness. I recall sitting there wondering why I had ever complained and whined. There are just too many bigger and better things in life to waste time on terrible days. As I stood there watching the sunset, I realized how important it is to embrace the minor pleasures in life and not become overly worried when things go wrong.
Sunsets give individuals a sense of comfort and peace, which I suppose is why I am in love with them. That day on the deck taught me that the little things in life are the most significant. So many people go through their days without pausing to appreciate the minor pleasures that life has to offer, such as sunsets. The sunset is a metaphor for how good things happen on a daily basis. It is dependable, and people can count on it to be there every evening to provide them with the needed getaway. The sunset provided me with my getaway, and it continues to do so on a daily basis. I know that the sunset will always be there, no matter how awful the day is. Every time you see it, you're aware that someone else somewhere else in the world is doing the same thing; they're witnessing the same magnificent thing unfold right in front of their eyes. They, too, are savoring it and allowing time to slow down. Nothing can annoy you during those few minutes. You can't help but capture it and feel happy within as it sets over the water and throws off those rays of beauty. It supports you in regaining perspective on your life. ***The sunset is more than just a fiery display; it is a getaway.***
The sunset provides a gentle reminder that things will get better as we look out into the sun. As it disappears, so do our problems of the day; when it reappears, it's a new chance to improve yourself. At the end of the day, you always have the option of starting over. To be able to witness a new sunset.
@opacarophile