A Short Escaped in the Bukid
Being under pressure from various reasons may it be from home, work, relationship and studies does truly brings a lot of stress. Due to the suffocation and exhaustion that we are feeling caused by stress, we do a number of things or go to different places in order to unwind and relax. In this way even though for just a short period of time we are able to escape from the things that is causing havoc towards our mind and body.
I myself is not an exception from this nerve-wrecking stress. Recently my mind is bombarded with problems that I have little to no control to. Due to this overwhelming turn of events, I sometimes have a hard time sleeping at night. I did a number of things to at least lessen the stress that I am having. I tried reading manhwas/manhuas, stream videos on YouTube, listen to my favorite artists, binge watched anime series and even cleaning the entire house. But it only did the bare minimum. I tried opening up to a friend about the situation that I am currently into then she suggested that we visit her older brother’s farm to unwind and relax, which I swiftly agreed. Then by the following week, we went to her older brother’s farm.
The travel distance from our starting point which is our school to the farm was approximately eighteen kilometers. By traveling riding the bajaj re it took us thirty minutes, then another five minutes riding the single motorcycle from the national highway going to the farm. Overall the whole time we were traveling along the highway I felt a great sense of relief. Seeing the beautiful scenery of the sea from our left-side and the green landscapes from our right-side as well as the fresh air away from the polluted city felt really calming. It also made me notice the places, landmarks and buildings I wasn’t able to notice often when riding a bus or multicab. Since the bajaj re is running smoothly and not too fast.
By the time we arrived we were greeted by my friend’s sister in-law. Her sister in-law welcomed us warmly to their house. Their house is situated near the hillside, thus it gave us a good view of the river and coconut trees down below as well as the deep blue sea from afar. Since we arrived by noontime, hence after introducing and exchanging names we then prepared for our lunch. For our lunch we ate rice, pancit bihon with corned beef and for our drink we had pineapple juice. It may look like a simple meal but since we ate it outside with the beautiful 180 degrees view of the hillside made it extraordinary and tastier. After eating we decided to rest for a while before taking a stroll down the hill. While resting under the cotton fruit tree we talked about many things such as how excited and nervous we are for our OJT and the likes. After digesting the food that we had ate, we then change our clothes as well as our footwear and went down the hill.
The journey down the hill was quite terrifying for me. Not only because the hillside was too steep that we need to be very careful with our steps. But also because I have a fear for steep slopes and stairs. I develop this fear when I was young where I almost fell down from the hillside while walking up going to my grandparent’s farm. If it wasn’t for the tall grass that I was able to hold on swiftly while I was falling, surely I would end up down the river below. Going back, thankfully after a very thorough and careful journey going down we were able to safety reach the foot of the hill. In there we took Instagram worthy pictures of ourselves as a group and individually then we went to the nearby river afterwards. Since the current was quite strong we decided to not take a swim, instead we sat down on the rocks by the riverside. The crystal clear cold water from the river was so enticing that we decided to roll up our pants and soaked our feet into it. As we soaked our feet into the water we felt a gushing refreshing feeling, it was so good that we soaked not just our feet but also up to our knees as well. After soaking for about fifteen minutes, we then went back up the hill to my friend’s older brother’s house. Since the sky was starting to go grey which is a sign of heavy rain. As hard it is to go down the hill it was even way harder going up. It was so hard that we did multiple stops to take a break and catch our breaths. By the time we arrived the rain began to pour. As we wait for the rain to stop we stayed at the house terrace where we played card games in order to kill time. We even played truth or dare which was very fun and intriguing. For we were able to know things we never knew or knew little about each other. Such as about our crushes, relationship status and the likes. Of course as we were playing and chitchatting we were also munching boiled unripe bananas matched with sautéed shrimp paste and tomatoes as well as buko lamaw.
It was almost night time when we went home, but before that my friend’s older brother as well as her sister in law gave us unripe bananas and papaya as pasalubong. After saying our thanks and bid our good bye to them we then rode a single motorcycle going down to the national highway. Since it rain hard the road was quite slippery which made it harder for us to go down, but thankfully we were able to go down safely all thanks to manong driver. Overall the visit was fun and worth it, not only because I was able to relieve my stress but also because I was able to make new experiences and memories with my friends which I will surely keep with me.
Here are some of the pictures that we had taken along the trip. 📸
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 03022022
Pre-Service Observation Anecdotal
Last semester for our FIELD STUDY 1, we are required to render a portion of our time to do pre-service observation. As the name of the activity itself we are required to observe teachers as they do their duties and responsibility inside the classroom. This activity also gives us the opportunity to have an idea as well as prepare ourselves for our on the job training by the following semester. Since we are still in the middle of a pandemic and the government are strictly imposing rules and policies against COVID-19. Therefore our college department in partnership with the school we will be doing our observation had strictly followed and obliged with the said rules and policies. Such as wearing face mask at all times inside the school premises, practicing social distancing as well as hand sanitation.
Since there are no students present at school due to the reason that the school shifted from face-to-face to modular distant learning. As a result our pre-service observation mainly focuses on classroom management as well as the daily routines and duties of our cooperating teachers. Moreover as a way to make a detailed observation aside from taking pictures for documentation purpose, we are also required to make an anecdotal for every time we go to school and make an observation. In total I had five anecdote records, which I would be sharing with you down below.
**November 2, 2021**
Today is the day that we will be meeting our cooperating teacher. We went to the school at 9:00am in the morning. By the time we are inside the school campus we texted our cooperating teacher that we had arrived. However since she is still on her way to school, she instructed us instead that we should look for her classroom and there we would wait for her.
It took us almost thirty minutes roaming around from building to building in hopes of finding the said classroom, but still we are unable to find it. That is why I and my partner had decided that we should wait for her instead besides the gymnasium. After another thirty minutes of waiting she had finally arrived. We greeted her a good morning and followed her, to our surprise the room which we passed by many times was her classroom. But we were unable to notice it since the signage was placed behind the close door.
As we entered the classroom we saw another teacher, which was a grade 8 teacher whom our cooperating teacher was sharing the said room with. After greeting the said teacher a good morning, we seated by the chairs in the middle of the room. After a short introduction of ourselves, she then taught us what we will be doing. Then we did a little work such as segregating the answer sheets and modules. Subsequently she gave us our first task which was checking the answer sheets for the subjects ESP and AP, then she send us home after.
**November 12, 2021**
Today was the second day, we went to school at 10:00am in the morning. By the time we arrived our cooperating teacher was already in the classroom doing her daily routine. After giving her the answer sheets that we had checked, she then told us to help in cleaning the classroom, which we did. Then after cleaning we were given the task to receive and segregate the answer sheets that the students’ parents and guardians had bought in. As well as giving them in return another set of modules that the students would be answering. After we successfully completed our task, our cooperating teacher had given us another set of answer sheets that we would be checking then she send us home.
**November 18, 2021**
Today was the third day, we arrived to school at 11:00am. Our cooperating teacher went outside the school for an errand. Thus she instructed us to just leave at her table the answer sheets that we had checked. Then we shall get the new set of answer sheets to be check from the other teacher she was sharing the classroom with. After getting the answer sheets, we then went home.
**November 25, 2021**
Today was the fourth day, we went to school at 9:00am. As we arrive everyone was busy since there would be a classroom evaluation by the following day. Our cooperating teacher had given us different task. I was given the task to input answer sheets scorers in the laptop, while my partner was given the task to arrange the students’ portfolio. It was already lunch time when we finished our tasks. Even though we know that we would only be doing half day work/observation every meeting, but today was an exception. It was our own free will that we decided to stay and help. Since we had noticed that our cooperating teacher was struggling a lot with many things at hand. After we ate our lunch we went back to the classroom and help them with the decoration. Our cooperating teacher was very grateful, for the things that they would be doing became somewhat easier since there are many people working hand in hand. After decorating, she gave us the new set of answer sheets that we would be checking, then she send us home.
**December 3, 2021**
Today, was the final day of our pre-service observation. First we returned back the answer sheets that we had checked last week. Then we asked our cooperating teachers for artifacts which we shall be needing as part of the requirements for the Field Study 1 and Field Study 2 subjects. Afterwards we thank her for the time-being that we are her pre-service teachers, then we bid our good bye.
"*Though* *we are only able to meet for a short period of time, but still the things we had learned and the experiences we had made would surely become a great aid for us in the near future. Especially since our on the job training is just around the corner."*
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 02212022
30 minutes writing challenge
A 30 minute’s writing challenge is where you write down anything that comes into your mind within 30 minutes. I first noticed this challenge about a year ago here in read.cash. Since I don’t have anything specific that I wanted to write about as of the moment, therefore I decide to take on this challenge.
You see, as I am writing this article numerous thoughts are popping out in my head. Such as why am I so unlucky lately? I may be not the luckiest person in the world, but at least I am able to go by day by day without too much worries. But recently problems keeps on coming to me like how moths are attracted to fire or how bees are attracted to flowers. My head keeps aching day by day to the point where I just wanted to lay down and sleep all day. Maybe due to too much exhaustion or possibly stress. I just want to solve all my problems in an instant, like how Thanos can wipe out half of the humanity with just a snap using the infinity gauntlet. But of course that would be impossible. For the reason that first I am not Thanos, second I don’t have an infinity gauntlet, third I don’t know how to make that “clicking” sound when you snap your fingers and fourth real-life problems needs real-life solutions. There are also instances where I even wish I get isekai’d in the manhwa that I am reading, but then again that would be impossible and getting isekai’d into another world would only lead to more problems. Though it would give me the opportunity to meet my favorite fictional characters, but I doubt my crumbling sanity would be able to handle the problems and challenges that may arise in the long run.
Moving forward, our on the job training is fast approaching. Though there is still no fix date on when would be our OJT deployment, but almost all the necessary preparations and requirements are halfway done. Such as our OJT type A and C uniform, ID, nameplate, vaccine card and etc. While most of my classmates are excited and almost ready here I am being anxious and doubting whether I would be able to make it to the finish line. I am anxious and doubting myself for I don’t know what would happen once I am on the field putting the knowledge and theories I had learned into action. Whether it would reap good or bad harvest. My family isn’t the type to put too much pressure on me, like how Luisa Madrigal from Encanto experiences pressure from her family *like a drip, drip, drip that’ll never stop, whoa~* But still I don’t want to disappoint them. I don’t want their hard earned effort and scarifies to be put on hold or go to waste because of me. Yes it is I, I am the one who puts the big freaking boulder on my weak shoulder. I am the sole person who voluntarily puts herself inside the pressure cooker. Sounds pathetic right? But rest assured I am working on it, and bit by bit it is going fine (I guess?).
Speaking of the Madrigal family, I really love watching Encanto. That it made me watch it again and again for more than five times. (It also made me look back to the time where I also watched Frozen for more than five times as well. Of course because the film was great and everything, but most importantly to sing along with Elsa and Anna. Hihihhi). I guess everyone can somewhat relate one way or another towards every character in the movie. May it be to Abuela Alma, Isabela, Luisa, Pepa, Dolores, Mirabela and even Bru— (oops am I even allowed to say his name? lol just kidding) and even the seven-foot frame with rats along his back Bruno. At first I certainly had no plan on watching the movie, for the reason that I am busy binge watching Gintama. But since my Facebook timeline and Tiktok feed keeps showing post about Encanto, particularly about Bruno. I really got curious who was this Bruno that they decided not talk about him, even though they made a song solely about him lol. Thus I decided watching it, and guess what? Yep! I got addicted to it. I got addicted to the songs that the characters sang and how beautiful the story is. It is not the typical story that talks about family, but it also highlights the shortcomings and personal struggles that each family members experiences and how they are able to overcome them individually or together. Personally I relate to Luisa Madrigal for just like her I am the eldest child of the family. But what caught my attention the most throughout the movie was Isabella singing “*He told me that the life of my dreams would be promised, and someday be mine. He told me that my power would grow, like the grapes that thrive on the vine*” while swinging down slowly on the vine. It really got my attention to the point that I sang her lines again and again, may it be while washing the dishes or taking a bath. Lol
Lastly I realized something today, I am a terrible “TikToker”. For the very first time I tried dancing to a Tiktok dance challenge earlier. The song was catchy and the dance steps looks very easy. That many where doing the said dance challenge. But after recording myself while giving my everything as I dance, my face crumbled in disgust as I look to myself dancing. I look like an earthworm whom was sprinkled with salt. It was really bad that I decided and promised to myself that I would not try doing those dance challenge again, and just be contented being a Tiktok viewer.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 02172022
Lesson planning and my experiences with it
As an educator, creating a lesson plan is an integral part towards a successful teaching and learning process. A lesson plan is a guide that a teacher uses every day to establish what students will learn, how the lesson will be taught, and how learning will be assessed. Lesson planning is a great aid towards teachers for them to perform more effectively in the classroom. Thus as an aspiring future educators we are strictly taught on how to make an effective lesson plan. There are various kinds of lesson plan that a teacher uses such as a detailed lesson plan, semi-detailed lesson plan, project-based lesson plan and many more. The lesson plan is divided into several important parts which includes objectives, subject matter and its sources, teaching aids and devices, procedure, assessment method and assignment.
The objectives provides the goal, direction and the expected outcome in the teaching and learning process. Based on what we are taught a good lesson objective must include the three domains of learning, which are the cognitive, affective and psychomotor. The cognitive domain aims to develop the students' cognitive ability and knowledge acquisition. Whereas the affective domain focuses on the emotions, feelings and attitude of students. Then the psychomotor domain on the basic motor and physical skills of the students. The subject matter and its sources involves what is the lesson topic of your lesson plan and it’s cited sources may it be from a textbook, internet and other teaching resources. The teaching aids and devices could be varied or a combination of traditional and modern teaching materials. In my experience before the pandemic happened my teaching aids are often traditional materials such as charts, flash cards, printed comic strips, maps and graphs. But during the pandemic I had switch to using modern teaching materials that are favorable to online learning. Such as PowerPoint and video presentations with the aid of various devices like laptop and smartphone. The procedure may involve practice and drills, questioning, lectures, explanations, demonstrations as well as experiments. For the assessment method, we often use traditional assessment or paper and pencil test. Which includes true or false, matching type, short essays and multiple choices. Aside from the traditional assessment, one could also use authentic assessments such as performance tasks, observations, exhibitions and demonstrations. For the assignment, we often assigned students with follow-up activity in connection with the lesson that was discussed on that day. Such as making a reflection paper, answering a book activity or make an output like a collage or drawing.
I can still vividly remember the first time I made a lesson plan as a pre-requirement before we can proceed to our first teaching demonstration. Even though our professor had given us an outline and a thorough discussion of each part of a lesson plan, but still I struggled in the process especially that I would be the one making my own semi-detailed lesson plan. The first thing that I did was chose a lesson, I considered many things in choosing a lesson. First how knowledgeable/familiar I am with the lesson I will be choosing, second are there any available resources that would help me study the lesson well? And lastly how can I effectively teach it to my class. I considered many lesson topic ranging from world history, geography, economics and Philippine history. But at the end, after a thorough contemplation and consideration I decided to go with a topic which is within the scope of economics, it is entitled “Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”.
The making process was full of frustrations and doubts. Not only because I would be writing it in cursive (yes, my cursive handwriting looks bad and almost unreadable lol), but because this is my first time and the professor expects an excellent outcome from us. Aside from studying my notes about lesson planning, I also searched online for samples as guide. At first the one I made was a so-so, the professor gave me constructive criticism and tips on how I can improve it. Which I took and followed wholeheartedly, thankfully the revised one was a big thumbs up which served as my ticket pass to proceed towards my teaching demonstration. The second one that I made was a detailed lesson plan. In contrast to a semi-detailed lesson plan, which is less extensive than detailed plans, they nevertheless focus on what you want to cover for that day's topic. Whereas a detailed plans focus on student-teacher exchanges, questions and replies. In my detailed lesson plan I still chose a topic which in the scope of economics, and it is entitled “types of consumption”. In the lesson plan I wrote down a detailed content such as the non-verbatim conversation that I and my students would be having, as well as the questions, lesson proper and many more.
After my first and second nerve-wracking lesson plan the following ones gradually became easier. Though there are time I get confuse and somewhat lost in the process, but nonetheless through sheer effort, dedication and studying I am able to get back in track. Lesson planning may seem to be hard, but if one dedicates his/her whole heart, mind and studies his/her notes and sample guides about lesson planning very well surely one would be able to make one. That would be all for today, bye.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 02142022
Looking back to my first Candelaria Festival
It was in year 2020 when I first witness the Candelaria Festival. It is a festival which annually happens on the first week of February in celebration for the feast of Señora Maria De La Candelaria. Señora Maria De La Candelaria is the patroness of the municipality of Tagoloan, which represents fertility and purity. Normally I would not attend this kind of event for I find it tiring and exhausting being in a big crowd. But since it is our project to make an individual vlog in regards with the Candelaria Festival in one of our major subjects, thus I had no other choice but to comply instead of letting my grades go down the drain. Since our class usually ends at 2:30pm, I and my classmates had decided to film after class. Thus after class we would go around the municipal public plaza in group to take pictures, videos, and wrote down important details in regards with the events and activities.
On the first day of our “vlogging activity” we decided to take videos and pictures of the Candelaria Agro Trade Fair. It is almost a month long activity, which had taken place in the municipal public plaza. This event features varied types of ornamental plants, succulents, fruit seedlings, herbal plants and etc. There are also a number of nipa hut like booths which sells snack, refreshments, handmade products as well as gardening tools and materials. In addition this event showcased local cultivators, florists and farmers to introduce their crops and plants to a wide variety of prospective shoppers. The place was like a haven for the so-called “plant titas and titos”. You can see and take pictures of plants of various sizes, colors and kinds. What caught my attention the most was the rose like succulent plants. It was placed in a small pot and it seems like the plant was just the sized of my palm. It was so pretty that I wanted to buy one, but since I was on a tight budget that time, I only took pictures of it instead.
On the second day of our “vlogging activity” we had took videos and pictures of the grand opening of the Candelaria booth display, which had also taken place in the municipal public plaza besides the agro trade fair. This event had become a place of opportunities for small time business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products to a wide number of shoppers. In here, we had seen clothes, shoes, sandals, wallets, accessories and even k-pop merchandise which is sold at a very affordable price. It was indeed a budget friendly place to go to. I and my classmates walk around the area and bought some items such as a pair of shoes and clothes. We also took a picture with an albino python. It was big and long, its skin also feels slippery but the owner assured us that the python was not poisonous and aggressive.
On the third day, was our school’s dance and singing event, which had taken place at the municipal gymnasium. Since the said event happened at night not all of the students were able to attend, but still the huge gymnasium was filled with many students from various college departments. Most of the participants of the said event was from the college of education, thus almost all of the college of education people was there to show their support to the event, especially to the participants.
On the last and final day of our “vlogging activity” we had taken videos and pictures of the Kasadyaw Street Dancing Competition. This event had taken place on a sunny afternoon at the big busy streets of Tagoloan. This event was my personal favorite, for the event itself is indeed a feast for the eyes. Festive costumes shinning in beauty, as well as people dancing and rejoicing because of the festive music had truly made my heart leapt in pure bliss. We even dance with the participants in the middle of the street, which was really fun and exciting. After watching the street dancing competition we went back to the public plaza to eat and enjoy the rest of the day.
Those fun and exciting events was exactly 2 years ago, who would had taught that a person like me who dislikes big crowds would enjoy every passing day that I had visited and partake on the said various festival events and activities. I and my classmates was planning to visit and join the following Calendaria festival of the municipality of Tagoloan. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict implementations, especially with public gatherings and activities. Thus their local government had decided to postpone public events and gathering for the greater good of everyone. However, the locals could still celebrate the festival instead in their respective homes. As long as they would abide with the protocols and policies that the local municipality had implement. Soon when the pandemic will end, I and my classmates would surely visit and make beautiful memories on the next Calendaria Festival.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 02032022
Voters Registration
*“You are twenty-one years old, yet you are still unregistered to vote?”*
Yes, I often received that a lot and I sometimes blame myself for not taking the opportunity to be registered way back then when I was seventeen years old. I was so naïve back then, I even remembered that our school had suspended the morning and afternoon class. Thus we could take all our time to go to our respective barangay halls, in order to comply with the voters registration requirements and get registered. But guess what I did? Instead of going to our barangay hall, I went straight home and watched a lot of movies the whole day. Thinking that being a registered voter was no big deal and not minding the opportunity I am putting into waste.
That is why for the next four years, on every election period instead of going to the voting precinct to fulfill my duty as a citizen in partaking towards choosing the next rightful leader of our barangay, city, province and country. I am at home watching news about the voting updates, wishing that someday—someday just like those people I will be able to officially participate and vote for the right person whom I think would do its best duty to lead, represent and help its people. You might wonder how it is that for the next four years I am still unable to get registered. Even though the voters registration is being hold yearly. Let’s just say that in every voter’s registration period, I am too busy with my duties and responsibilities as a student. That I often forget and set aside the chance to be registered every single year, for the next four years. Hence for this year— year 2021 I made it sure that I will be able to finally comply with the voters registration requirements and get registered.
As early as March of this year I had already been researching, asking questions with my friends and family relatives in regards about what are the process that needs to be taken in order to become a registered voter. I research and asked as often as possible in between my busy schedule as a student. I even visit as often as possible the Commission on Election (COMELEC) website on the internet. Just to be very sure if the preparations I am doing in order to become a registered voter is right. However every time I make an attempt to get registered unexpectedly things keep on happening. Which interferes with my plan, thus I never had the chance to get registered last month March, 2021. But thankfully on the second week of this month April, 2021 finally—after many wasted opportunities and chances I was able to get registered. But the process was not that easy, just like what my friends and family relatives had told me.
The day before we will be going to the Office of the City Election Officer where we would directly comply with the voters registration requirements and get registered. Me and my younger siblings who are also eligible to get registered since they are eighteen years old had prepared everything in advanced. We had photocopied our PSA certificates as well as our ID. We brought three ball pen, so that we no longer need to borrow from each other by the time we will be filling-in the registration form. We also brought biscuits, candies and bottled water, so that we won’t get hunger as we wait in there. We even had printed and laminated our COVID-19 QR Code just in case they will look for it.
The following day April 07, 2021 was the day— the day we will be registered. We woke up as early as 6:00am, even though we will depart by 1:00pm. That is how excited we are. We cleaned the house first, then feed our pets. After we are all done doing our household chores we then ate our breakfast and lunch all at once since we finished cleaning and feeding by 10:00am. Then we took a bath, dressed ourselves and went to the meeting place by 12:00pm. Where we would get a free ride back and forth from our barangay. It was almost 2:00pm that we were able to get a free ride, since the vehicle arrived forty-five minutes late. For the reason that the driver unexpectedly needs to run some important errands in the barangay hall. We were thirteen all in all excluding the driver, thus we were like jam-packed sardines inside a tin can. Thankfully due to my younger siblings’ fast reflexes, they were able to save us a good seat behind the driver. I sat on the right side besides the windowpane. Since I easily get nauseas inside a closed moving vehicle, thus I decided to open the windowpane of the vehicle.
As we arrived at the Office of the City Election Officer, we immediately fall in line. We waited and lined for an hour. However as we were almost a little closer to the end of the line one of the officer of the said office announced that we should go back tomorrow for we were caught by the cut-off time which is 3:00pm. We were all downhearted after hearing the announcement and asked if they could extend the officer hour a little longer to accommodate us. Since we were the only people left, nonetheless the officer told us that they must strictly oblige with the schedule and protocols. But as we are about to leave, she told us that we could left our registration forms at the office so that we will be prioritize by the next day, which we did.
The following day April 08, 2021 thankfully there where only very few people left who just like us are planning to get registered. We were accommodated immediately by the employees of the said office. The process was fast and orderly. I was first in line, after filling-in and complying with the necessary papers I was interviewed for a couple of minutes, then I got my two thumbs inked. After that I proceeded to the logbook area, then to the biometrics area, where they took a picture of me, my signature and thumb and index finger print. Then just like that I was finally registered.
After two tiring days of going back and forth, finally I and my siblings including their friend are now a registered voters. I am excited and looking forward on my very first vote in the next election period. After many wasted years, opportunities and chances. I can now partake towards choosing the next rightful leader that would lead, represent and aid the people of our country.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 041421
What I missed the most?
I am sure we are already missing the things we could all do before the pandemic happened. Things that we either do by just ourselves or with our love ones. Such as eating outside, seeing a movie at a cinema, working-out at a fitness center, traveling and etc. I myself is also missing many things, things that makes my heart happy the most. But sadly I cannot do it due to the pandemic.
I missed going to school and attending face-to-face classes. Even though I had already adjusted and started to like learning through the means of using the internet and gadgets. But still learning inside the four corners of our classroom is something that I would want to if only it is possible. I miss being able to interact with my classmates and teachers physically as we discuss our lessons and raise questions that would prolonged the discussion, but would also help us learn effectively. I miss the stress that travelling late going to school as well as the delight that going home from school feels like. I miss staying at the library as I read and read books to kill time before the next subject start. I miss hanging-out at the students open area. Where I would sit on one of the bleachers as I listen to music from my old tangled earphones as I look at the students passing by.
I also missed going to the public plaza after school. In there we would buy street foods from the long line of food carts alongside the road. We would usually buy fishballs, kwek-kwek with cucumber, chicken proben, and puso (hanging rice). Let us also not forget our all-time favorite ice cold buko juice. Which is the best quencher for me after a long tiring day in school. After buying our snacks we would then find a good spot in the wide open plaza ground, where we would sit down comfortably at the ground as we enjoy our food and have a good talk.
I also missed going to our classmate’s house every so often after class. Wherein we would make our group reporting’s, assignments and projects. As we make our group output, we would then talk from time to time. Until we realized that we had spent all of our time talking instead of making our group output. After long hours of making our group output— I mean talking. We would then cook food to feed ourselves. We would either cook pancit canton, friend egg, ginataang puso ng saging or bihon with tinapa. Then we would eat the food at the terrace of our classmate’s house and trust me the view of the river from where we are seated makes the food even more delightful. After eating we would then eat boiled unripe bananas dipped in ginisang bagoong.
I also missed hanging out with my friends, even though we only talk, eat and play the whole day when we are gathered together. I miss seeing their bright beautiful faces. I miss talking to them physically as I watch how their facial expressions changes as they talk about something that interest them the most. I miss reminiscing our experiences that made us laugh and cry. I missed head back laughing with them as we gasped for more air, because we still can’t get over of a certain joke.
But sadly, that was before the pandemic had happened. By now going to school or attending a gathering is quite difficult considering our situation. The cases of COVID-19 is still raising and the number of people staying at hospitals to get cured is also rising as well. Not to mention the number of people dying as they fight for their lives against the virus. Many families are having difficulties surviving from day to day, serving food on their tables and paying their bills. I even heard on a local radio broadcast that if people don’t die because of COVID-19, they might die due to hunger and starvation. Many people are still unable to get their jobs and source of living back, since they are still heavily affected by the economic declined caused by the pandemic.
As much as I wanted to do those things that I missed the most again, but still my desire for this pandemic to end is much stronger. As much as we wanted to do things in the midst of this pandemic. We must also consider the outcome it might bring not just to us but also to the people around us. Considering how the virus easily spread from close contact with a person with COVID-19. Thus the government had implemented numerous safety and preventive measures that we must abide. Such as properly wearing our face mask and face shield, washing and disinfecting our hands from time to time, doing one to two meters social distancing, avoiding unnecessary travels and avoiding having grand gatherings. (Though the government allow people to travel and conduct gathering, but still it must in accord to the safety and preventive measures.)
Thus as we wait for that day wherein television broadcasts, radio broadcasts as well as newspapers and social media platform would announce that the pandemic had finally ended. The day everyone would scream not because of fear but of rejoice. The day where everyone would cry not because of sadness but because of happiness. Then we must endure a little longer, for soon we will be able to do the things we used to and missed to.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 040521
Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT)
When I was in junior high school, aside from my academic obligation as a student, I was very active as well with my extracurricular activity. When I was in ninth grade I joined Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) an organization in our school. At first the reason why I joined this organization was I wanted to lose some weight and become fit. Seeing those CAT cadets and cadettes consistently doing their daily exercise in the morning and intense training in the afternoon, would surely help me with my goal in becoming fit and healthy.
Even though a great number of students hated them for being strict towards implementing the rules and regulations created by our school. Such as reprimanding students who do not wear or does not wear properly the prescribe uniform. As well as being strict on when to let the students out and confiscating things that are against the school rules and regulations. I myself was also one of those students who dislike them so much. For I find them annoying, boastful and brazen, but that was before I joined them.
As I joined their organization with the other aspiring students within my grade level. We went through various activities both physical and mental in order for them to assess and evaluate us, whether we are deserving to join their organization. Since we are “aspirants” during the time. It is a term they use to call their newcomers. Our uniform was different from them. We are wearing a kind of uniform which they called “Type C”. It is composed of white plain shirt, long pants, white or black shoes as well as belt and buckle. For the boys they should have the prescribe haircut, while for the girls their hair must be tied clean and neatly.
As we started the training period by the end of January, we would go to school as early as 6:00am. First we would help with cleaning our school. We would sweep the floor, segregate the trash and water the plants. After cleaning we will proceed to our training ground, which is a vacant ground in front of our school where we would do our morning exercise as well as our formal training. Once we are done with our training for that day, we will be dismissed and we would go straight home. For us to be able to prepare for our after class.
The first week of our aspirant training period was hard for me. I went through many adjustments, my body was always tired and I got a number of muscle aches due to the intense training. However thankfully after the preceding weeks it became easier for me. But then again I still find some of the exercise and training routines quite difficult, but at least my muscle aches had lessened.
As the school year ended, instead of staying at home we were told to attend the summer aspirant training. Wherein we would exercise, train, execute drills and attend short class discussions for a whole month. I felt excited for I heard good stories from our seniors on how wonderful and memorable it would be to attend the summer training. Thus without any hesitation I and the rest of the remaining aspirants who were able to survive the first two months of the training joined the summer training. Fast forward, after the summer training I learned many new things, had built good ties with the other aspirants and most especially the reason why I joined CAT was that I was able to lose some weight and I became fitter. Which made me very happy.
By the time I am a tenth grade student, our seniors had graduated thus it is time to choose the new officers who would lead and continue the duties and responsibilities of our seniors. It was a tough and long process. As the selection of the new officer is fast approaching the training, interviews and evaluation became tougher and stricter as well. On the day of the evaluation we were gathered at our organization’s office, everyone was silent and quite tense since our chairman was there as well. Since he will be the one who would be choosing to whom the rank would be given. After the selection of the new officer was done, everyone was happy while some was quite disappointed. As we arrived by the gymnasium we were surprised to see our seniors. They were there since they themselves was excited to know whom the new officers were. After hearing the news they congratulate us all with a big smile and hug. Then we all went to the plaza nearby and celebrated the new ranking selection with some street foods, laughter and fun.
As I continued with the said organization with my reaming years as a junior high school student. I was able to notice some good changes within myself. Such as I became much concern with our school. I participated and helped as often as possible when there are school activities in and outside of our school. I also became a law abiding student, who puts a great importance on our school laws. My leadership skills became better also, since I hold a high rank that enables me to lead the others. I was able to use these authority to lead them well in helping our school without abusing the power that was given to me. It also had enabled me to develop my time management skills, for I need to assure that no matter how much I dedicate myself towards our organization. I must not also forget my academic responsibility as a student. I also became much responsible with handling people, my academic obligation and myself as well.
All of the values that I had gained and developed throughout my journey as a member of the CAT organization of our school had contributed towards making me a better person. It had helped me gained a great amount of discipline and dedication. As well as it help me develop my intrapersonal and interpersonal communication skills. Thus I am very thankful that I made the right decision towards joining this said organization.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 040321
How did I end up becoming an education student?
I am sure all of us had one way or another encountered the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”especially when we where younger. It is either asked to us by our parents randomly as we eat together, our relatives during family gatherings, our neighbors as we passed by their houses as well as by our teachers during exit interviews. I myself had encountered this questions more than I can ever imagined and my answers to this question was varied as I grow older and older.
When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to become a veterinarian. The reason why I badly wanted to become one was I wanted to help the animals who are in need. I remembered way back then that there was once I had rescued a sick little kitten wandering at the street, soaked in rain. As a result my six years old self had taught that we people had many doctors who could help us when we are sick or hurt, but when animals get sick or hurt there are only a few veterinarians who could help them. Thus I decided that I should be one, for in this way I could lend a help to those animals who are hurt and sick.
Fast forward, by the time I was in fifth grade my dream of becoming a veterinarian had shifted into becoming a policewoman. The reason why I decided to become one was I wanted to aid in bringing peace and order in our society. You see news about individuals committing evil deeds are rising and rising each day. Thus my eleven years old self had taught that if I were to become a policewoman I could help our society in catching these said individuals who are committing evil deeds and bring peace and order to our dear surroundings. Moreover it was also a dream of my father to have a child who would become a police, that is why as I child I had taught that I should follow what my parents told me to become.
But then again, by the time I was in tenth grade my dream of becoming a policewoman had shifted into becoming a fighter jet pilot. The reason why I wanted to become one was maybe because I was inspired through watching war related movies. My father loves watching war related movies, at first I find it boring since my sixteen years old self prefers watching cartoons and anime series. However as we watched many war related movies, I started to like them and because of this I decided that I wanted to become a fighter jet pilot someday. Aside from the fact that I could help in protecting and defending our sovereignty against foreign and local threats. I could also be able to fly above the sky and see what the land would look like below from a birds eye view.
Now at present I am a twenty-one years old third year college student. Taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in Social Studies. You might wonder how the six years old me who wanted to become a veterinarian. The eleven years old me who wanted to become a policewoman and the sixteen years old me who wanted to become a fighter jet pilot had decided to take an education program in college to become a teacher.
At first I never really had imagine that I would wanted to become a teacher, for a teacher’s job requires a great amount of time, effort, patience and understanding. Seeing my teachers throughout elementary and high school teach hundreds of students every day from classroom to classroom. Not to mention the numerous paper works they need to do and submit every day, is something I can’t imagine I would be doing for it is exhausting and tiring. However seeing those teachers doing their best to educate their students thoroughly and well with great passion and love despite of the exhaustion and tiredness they felt for working long hours had greatly touched my heart.
Furthermore aside from the great lessons they impart to us coming from the various textbooks and teaching materials. It was also how they touch, inspire and make a good impact on the students’ lives, through their teachings of good morals and values that had caught my interest the most. That is when I had realized that becoming a teacher is more than just a good paying job, but it is a profession that requires great amount of passion, dedication and love in order to succeed. Thus I decided I should be one, for I believe it is something that would make my heart happy. The process might be hard and exhausting, but knowing it is something that I love and would make me happy, then I wouldn’t mind though.
By now that I am just a little closer to my dream of becoming an educator, I am currently encountering many hardships and challenges. But instead of feeling downhearted and wanting to give up, I made it as a reason for me to strive even harder. For the hardships and challenges that I am facing, is nothing once I have tasted the sweetest fruit of my endeavors. Finishing college and wearing that black toga is just the first step, for I know I still need to accomplish many things in order to become a great teacher. But I know I can do it through hard work, perseverance, the trust and support of the people who believes in me as well as through the aid and guidance of the All Mighty Father God.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 033121
Boat Riding
When I was on 8th grade, our English teacher told us to make a 100 item bucket list that we should do before we reach our 30s. I wrote many things back then, and riding a boat is one of them. Way back then until now it is my wish to ride on a boat and explore the beauty of the sea. However for almost 7 years after I wrote that bucket list I wasn’t able to ride a boat due to many reasons. First, we rarely go to the beach. Second, if ever we had the chance to go to the beach there isn’t any available boat for us to rent and use. Third, lately I develop this fear of drowning, thus slowly I am reconsidering if I should go boating and accomplish that bucket list. Knowing that there is a great possibility that I would drown myself if ever the boat would flip around in deep sea water. However an unexpected thing happened. Last February 26, 2021. Me and Grace went to Lovely’s house (Grace and Lovely are both my classmates and friends at the same time).
We went there early in the morning to get free fish. As we are travelling going to Lovely’s house I was mesmerized to see the morning view. You see since the pandemic happened I rarely go outside and when I do it is during in the late afternoon to buy groceries and other supplies in the market. Thus seeing the view of the places I wasn’t able to see for almost a year made my heart happy. By the time we arrived at Lovely’s place, we were welcomed by the cold salty air coming from the sea. Many people are gathered by the seashore and as what Lovely told us, it is a common scene especially if it is fish catching season.
Instead of leaving instantly after receiving our buckets of free fish, we decided to stay for a little longer and appreciated the view. The morning view of the sea, is indeed a feast for the eyes. The small strikes of the waves on the beach seems like music to our ears. While the horizon from afar where the clear sky and the crystal blue ocean meet seems like a painting, so beautiful yet so unreal. As we talk I keep on glancing on the pump boats from afar. Even though the sun is slowly rising up, there are still people catching fish in the deep water despite of the blinding sunlight and its warmth. Then out of nowhere, Grace suddenly mentioned she wanted to ride a boat that day. Which caught my attention, for a part of me also wanted to ride one that time. Thus Lovely called her brother-in-law and asked permission if we could ride their boat, which he instantly said yes.
Grace and I are both smiling happily from ear to ear. My heart is pounding so loudly due to the excitement rushing through my vines. As we were about to ride, I suddenly felt a little scared for a scene of me drowning suddenly pop-out in my head. Thus I jokingly said “Just a reminder guys I don’t know how to swim, so just in case please keep an eye on Me.” then they laugh for a couple of seconds and told me not to worry for everything would be fine. As the engine of the boat started I felt the shaking and I myself started to shake in fear as well. However as we went farther in deep sea, slowly my fear is perishing and was replaced by complete amusement.
As I mentioned earlier the view of the sea from the shore was a feast for the eyes, but the view of the sea from where we are that time is far more breathtaking. The sea water is glimmering like crystals as the sunlight refracts on the water. As I take a glance below, I can’t see anything except for the deep blue water that feels like an endless void. We first went on the west side, as the boat run faster our clothes are slowly getting soaked by the salty water due to the splashes made by the boat. But instead of getting annoyed, we felt amazement instead as we passed by a huge ship, and when I say huge I bet it is far bigger than a seven story building. As we come nearer at the ship, we are also looking smaller and smaller. That I thought it would take like a hundred of me stacked upward, for me to be able to reach the deck of the ship. After passing by that gigantic ship we went to a dock which is a hundred meters away. Then we made a U-turn and went to the east side.
By the time we are travelling to the east side, a number of flying fish were leaping along with our boat. Which again made my mouth uttered “wow” in silence. For the last time I show that kind of scenery was in the move “The life of Pi”. After that short encounterment with the flying fishes. I then look around and my attention was caught by a single golden trumpet tree standing mighty along an array of green trees on the mountain side. Aside from riding a boat, it was also on my bucket list to see a golden trumpet tree up close. Thus seeing that single golden trumpet tree, even from a far had surely made my heart do a summersault.
By the time we reached the destination, Lovely’s brother-in-law turned the engine off and he started rowing the boat slowly. As what Lovely told us the reason why he did it was because, if the engine is still on even though we are in the shallow part of the sea. We might end up hitting the corals, which is something we wouldn’t want to happen. As the boat started moving slowly my eyes is already glued below. However I couldn’t see anything clearly below due to the green algae’s floating around. But as we continued moving slowly I was able to saw big clamps sleeping peacefully below and in just a short while the water being covered by green algae’s is slowly getting clearer and bluer and finally I saw huge corals and fishes of different kinds swimming calmly below.
After we went to the coral area, we then went back to the shoreline. As we arrived by the shore, /Grace and I thanked Lovely and her brother-in-law wholeheartedly for that wonderful experience. I guess it is a good thing that I was able to mustered every bit of courage in me and face my fear. For I was able to ride that boat and witness many beautiful things up close and from afar.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 032521
Wonders of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a short-stemmed plant species from the genus aloe. Throughout history this plant is known to be cultivated for medicinal and agricultural purposes. By now aloe vera is not only known for its medicinal and agricultural purposes, but it is also used for decorative purposes. Since it grows effectively as an indoor or potted plant. I am even planning to buy aloe vera plant and I’ll grow and cultivate it myself. Since I find this plant very interesting.
As I was scrolling through my YouTube app for some good contents. I came across with a “review vlog” about a certain local skincare product line. What caught my attention the most was all of the products being reviewed contains aloe vera. From the micro foam cleanser, toner, vitamin water, soap, soothing gel as well as the moisture and whitening cream. All contains aloe vera. Throughout the review vlog the content creator keeps on praising how amazing aloe vera is. Thus I became curious and ended up searching it on Google. I was deeply overwhelmed as well on how truly amazing this plant is. Hence I decided I should write an article about it.
***Benefits***
Aloe vera contains a number of vitamins such a Vitamin A which promotes normal growth and development as well as healthy skin, eyes and immune response. Vitamin C that helps boost immunity. Vitamin E which helps maintain healthy skin as well as strengthen the immune system. It also contains necessary minerals such as Calcium which helps build strong bones. Iron which is essential for healthy red blood cells as well as potassium that helps lower the risk of heart related diseases.
It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce swelling and soreness of an injury or wound. Moreover contains anti-bacterial properties which helps in treating bacterial as well as fungal infections. It has a cooling effect which is best for treating minor burns and sunburns. Furthermore it also contains anti-oxidant properties which aid in treating sun damage as well as slowing down the aging process of the skin.
***Uses***
Aloe vera can be use in various ways. It can be used to t treat your mild dandruff problem. You can apply a freshly cut aloe vera gel to your head underneath your scalp. Let it sit for thirty minutes to one hour. Then rinse the gel off your scalp with a mild shampoo and water. You can repeat this process for two to three times a week. Aloe vera contain moisturizing effect, anti-inflammatory properties, enzymes and antioxidant properties that would help you with your mild dandruff. But then if you’re mild dandruff is still there after a week or two of using aloe vera, then it is best to seek advice from your health care provider for other ways.
You can also use aloe vera to treat your minor burns. You can apply freshly cut aloe vera gel directly to the affected area. It will give you a cool and soothing effect which will help you relief with the scorching sensation caused by the minor burn. Since aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory property it will help you treat effectively your minor burn as well as promote circulation, and avoid possible infection caused by bacteria. If you have chapped lips you can use aloe vera to bring back its moisture. You can apply freshly cut aloe vera gel or you can use lip balm/moisturizer which you can buy from your favorite health and beauty store. The watery substance found in aloe vera contains soothing, healing as well as anti-inflammatory properties that would help you bring back your smooth rosy pink lips.
Aloe vera can also be used to help you moisturize your face and body. By now many cosmetics and skincare products contains aloe vera. From lip balms, face mask, cleanser, toner, night cream, whitening cream, shampoo, lotion and soap. As well as supplements and heath beverages that we intake contains aloe vera. Using and applying skin care products that contains aloe vera will help you repair and rehydrate your dry skin. It also helps lock down moisture after showering. Moreover it is also said that it could also treat various minor skin conditions such as acne, sunburns, scars as well as eczema. Just regularly use and apply products that contains aloe vera may it be lotion, soothing, foam cleanser similarly as how you do it every day.
***Risk***
Even though this wonderful plant could offer numerous benefits and uses. I would also like to highlight in this article its possible risks. If you are taking any medicine regularly it is best if you would talk to your doctor first. Since taking aloe vera supplement along with your regular medicine might hinder its efficacy. Also before applying any products that contain aloe vera or the aloe vera gel itself to your skin. It is best if you would do a patch test first. You can apply a little amount of the said product that contain aloe vera or the aloe vera gel itself to the inside of your elbow or wrist. If you noticed any red rashes forming or you felt any skin irritation or burning. Then I suggest you discontinue using it. However if you badly wanted to use and apply aloe vera, but you are quite hesitant. The best thing I could suggest to you is you do a thorough research from reliable sources online. As well as do some inquires with your health care provider. In this way you can assure that using, applying and consummating products that contains aloe vera or the aloe vera gel itself will only do well on your body and not the other way around.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 030321
Senior High School Experiences
People say high school is the most memorable phase in every teenager’s life. In this stage you will be able to meet new people and experience new things. Which I certainly agree with. My life as a high school student particularly as a senior high school student, was one of the most unforgettable phase in my life. It was at this phase I was able to build and rebuild connection with exceptional individuals.
There are some whom I had already known for a year and more. Since they were either my neighbor, elementary classmates or junior high school classmates. While there are some whom I had no single idea on their personal identity yet. Nonetheless at the end of the day no matter how diverse all our personalities may seem, we are able to find a connection. That had lead us towards creating many good and memorable experiences. Just like the followings below.
***1. Studying together***
Studying alone is fine, however studying with a group is much better. In Senior High School I was able to experience studying in a group. We often do it when a quiz, periodical exam or an oral recitation is fast approaching. Sometimes we exchange notes and we study it together. From time to time we ask each other questions regarding on the lesson being studied. In order to determine if we are able to familiarize and understand the content of the lesson. Afterwards when it is almost time and we will be having the said quiz, periodical exam or oral recitation. We would do a very swift recap of all the notes that we had studied together.
***2. Eating together***
You see I personally believe that it was the food that had bring us all together. Since all of us live far away from school. Therefore it is a wise decision to bring packed lunch and ate it at school to save money. Some of us only brings rice, then we would buy viand and water down stairs. But then again since our building is far from the canteen, and we are personally lazy to go down. We would often ask a friend to buy us food and water instead.
By the time we would be eating, we would share our food to each other. In this way we have a variety of viand to choose from. However by the time our schedule became tighter, our subject teacher often dismiss class past lunch time. Therefore there are no available food in the canteen by that time. Thus we either buy streamed siomai downstairs. However there was even a moment when even the steamed siomai run out of stock, thus we ended up eating rice with chocolate powder and bananas. But still it was a good meal, I must say.
***3. Chatting***
Chatting with them is always the highlight of my day. We always have a wide variation of topics we could discuss always. Which I believe the reason why we never run out of things to talk about. We talked about our childhood memories, our past mistakes, love stories, terrifying experiences, our downfalls and success. We even talked about the events that recently happened to us. There are also times we would just joke around, talking utterly nonsense stuffs. Which would always make us run out of breath and made us head back laughing.
***4. Walking together going home***
By the time our last class would end. We would go out together. We then would walk from our school to an open basketball court in Villa Trinitas Phase 2. Which is I believe approximately 900 meters away from our school. As we arrived at that place. We would stay there and watch our male classmates as they play basketball. While we eat street food such as mango with bagoong, barbeque, fries and shake. Then we would leave by the time we are done eating and go home.
***5. Sleeping***
By noon time, when we have a vacant time after lunch our classroom would turn into a sleeping area. Each one of us would look for a good spot to doze for a couple of minutes. We often sleep while laying our head at the top of an arm chair while we are sitting. While some of us would joined two arm chairs together, then they would lay down to sleep. I even find it amusing sometimes, how we are able to sleep in those awkward positions.
***6. Performancing***
It is one of the activities within the classroom that I am most excited of. For when we are doing this task even though it is for academic purpose, I always feel entertained and I would laugh like there is no tomorrow. Especially when we would throw funny punchlines and would make fun of ourselves for the sake of this task.
***7. Learning a new skill***
It was in Senior High School I was able to learn how to make a PowerPoint presentation. To be honest I have no single idea how to make a PowerPoint presentation. However through a help a classmate, I was able to do so. By now if I would try to rate my skills in making a PowerPoint presentation I can say that I am somewhat proficient.
In addition it was also in Senior High School, I was able to learn how to play the guitar. You see I had two classmates who always bring a guitar at school. Thus we often sing along as they play the guitar. That is how I got inspired to learn how to play the said instrument. Thankfully, those two classmates of mine taught me well and now I am proud that I could play at least three songs from a guitar.
***8. Hanging out at a classmate’s house***
We often hangout at a classmates house after class. We would stay at a classmate’s house to connect to their WIFI, watch a movie, play games or just stay there to kill time. Whenever we stay at a classmate’s house each and every one of us would contribute a specific amount of money. In order for us to buy a sachet of orange juice powder, raw eggs and pancit canton. Which we will be cooking and eating at our classmate’s house.
***9. Going on outings***
When I was in Senior High School me and my classmates would plan to go on an outing once or twice every school year. We would always go to a swimming resort for our outings. Since we enjoy swimming the most, even though most of us are bad at it. We would eat, drink, swim and have fun in the resort all day. Then we will go home by dusk.
***10. Graduating together***
Graduation day was one of my most memorable memory with my friends. It was at this very special day that all our hardships and endeavors had finally been paid off by the fruit of our sweet success. Seeing the happy faces of my friends and classmates as they share their success with their family. Makes my heart leapt big time. It was also at this day that I had made my parents very proud as well. For I had given them a wonderful gift coming from my academic endeavors throughout my years as a senior high school student.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 022521
Heavy Rainfall
It was a gloomy afternoon back then. I was in school chatting with my seatmates as we wait for the afternoon class to start. We waited and waited then our teacher arrived telling us that we won’t be having our afternoon class. Due to a reason I can no longer remember. Since there is no class we rejoiced and continued chatting. Some of our classmates had left our room. For the reason that they need to attend their next class in the main campus. Which is approximately 5 kilometers away from our annex school, quite far isn’t it? After we ran out of interesting topic that we could discuss to kill time. We then decided to play a number of entertaining games with our remaining classmates in the room. As we are playing, laughing and having fun. A strong wind blew then heavy rainfall started pouring. Considering that the rain keeps on pouring we decided to stay a little longer in school until the rain would stop. Since we weren’t able to bring our umbrellas.
Seconds, minutes and an hour had passed by. But still instead of weakening the rain became stronger. Thus we decided to go down to the covered court. As we arrived we witness some students sweeping rainwater out of their classroom. The drainages are overflowing and slowly the covered court ground is being covered by rainwater coming from the gutters and drainages. Despite of the heavy rainfall and strong wind blowing, we then decided to vacate the school for if we stay a little longer we might get stranded. A classmate of mine volunteered to go by the highway to fetch a motorized trisikad that we will be riding going home. It took her a couple of minutes before she was able to fetch one. As the motorized trisikad arrived by the front gate of our school, we immediately hopped in. As we were driving along the highway. The driver had a hard time maneuvering the steering wheel of the motorized trisikad. It is because of the knee-deep flood and the zero-visibility caused by the heavy rainfall.
As we arrived on the nearby barangay the motorized trisikad suddenly stopped. The engine of the motorized trisikad could no longer withstand the knee-deep flood. Thus we decided to get out of the said vehicle and went to a high place. Which at that time was the overpass. Many people had taken shelter at the overpass and just like us they were drenched in rain. As we look down at the highway it is slowly turning into a muddy river. The knee-deep flood is slowly raising. Many vehicles stopped running that had caused a heavy traffic jammed, probably because their engine could no longer withstand the flood. The elementary school which is besides the highway is slowly turning into a swimming pool. As the flood occupied the school’s open space.
We even met a grandmother who is very worried and so eager to go to the said elementary school. Since she told us that her grandson is attending the said school. However instead of letting her do what she wanted, we stopped her midway and calmed her. We told her that her grandson might no longer in there. Since we heard from a conversation by two bystanders that the students attending the school were sent home early because of the storm warning. We even added that maybe her grandson is already at their home, therefore she no longer need to go down and go against the strong gush of flood down below. Her worried expression started to calm down. She then thanked us for the said information then she went to the two bystanders and asked them some inquires.
As two of my classmates went down to grab something to drink and eat. I can’t help it but to look at the faces of my classmate, fear and uneasiness are written all over their faces. Some of them are reaching out their family through phone calls and text messages updating them about their situation and even one of my classmate is silently praying at the corner. I can’t blame them though why they acted that way. I mean who wouldn’t feel fear, worry and uneasiness as down below the flood is slowly rising while the overpass we are taking shelter is shaking from time to time. By the moment my classmates where back they had a plastic bag containing a bottled water and some biscuits. We shared the drink and food and waited till the water to go down.
As we were waiting for the water to go down. We are all shaking due to the cold breeze caressing our skin. We tried to lighten up the mood by telling jokes to lessen the worry that each one of us is feeling at that moment. Thankfully it worked, we were able to laugh and smile wholeheartedly despite of our situation. By twilight the heavy rainfall became weaker and the flood is slowly lowering down. We then went down and assess if it is safe now to go home. After we are sure that everything is quite safe and fine. We then decided to leave the place. Since many vehicles had stopped working, we are left with no choice but to walk going home.
As I arrived at our home everything is dark and the only thing that gives illumination at our house was the candle placed in the dining table. I took a shower first and cleaned myself. Afterwards I wore a thick sweater and a jogging pants. Then went to the dining table and ate a warm meal with my whole family. After eating and washing the dishes. I chatted my classmates at our group chat on messenger and thankfully all of them are able to go home safe and sound. By the following day the school administration decided to postpone classes in all year level since there are students as well as teachers who were greatly affected by the heavy rainfall.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 022021
A fragment of my childhood memory
I woke up to the noise coming from the kitchen. But instead of leaving the cozy bed, I buried my face on the pillow and closed my eyes again. I heard footsteps approaching my direction. Then suddenly a callused hand started shaking my shoulder telling me to wake up. As I open my eyes I saw my mother. She has a slightly tanned complexion, her slightly round eyes resembles the color of nut brown. She prefers her ebony curly hair above her nape. For she finds it tiresome to have long hair. But I don’t mind, for I find her the most beautiful. Especially when she smiles at us. As well as when she utters word of comfort and love whenever she embraces us tightly or plant small kisses around our faces. When she noticed that I woke up from her light shake. She told me to stand up and go to the table for the breakfast is ready. But then again my six year’s old self is quite hardheaded, so instead of obeying I told her “mother can I just sleep for another 5 minutes. Today is Saturday there is no class.” Then I tried covering myself with blanket. However she pulled the blanket and replied “I know it is Saturday, but I cannot afford seeing my children laying wide awake on bed. With nothing in their stomach.” Then she glared at me.
I felt a slight terror in my spine and quickly leapt out of bed. I ran out of our room and went to the kitchen area. There I saw my two younger siblings eating heartily. They were born on year 2002. Therefore I am three years older than them, since I was born on 1999. They are twins, yet I find it funny why I can’t see any resemblance between them. I mean it is not like they are not related or the hospital tried exchanging them with the other babies. But I can easily distinguish who is who by just taking a quick glance on them. They have gaps between their tiny milk teeth. Maybe because I often feed them with candies and chocolates whenever no one is looking around. Their round chubby cheeks makes me want to pinch them so hard. But I prefer not to for their cry sounds like an engine of a tractor and trust me you will find it annoying and hilarious at the same time.
I pulled the empty chair besides my father and greeted him a bright good morning. He is sipping his morning coffee as he watched news broadcast on our second-hand television. Which we brought for a cheap price from a Taiwanese Store in the City. My father is a tall man, his complexion is also slightly tanned. He has an oval body frame. But instead of body fats, it is mostly composed of muscles. Generally because he works at a wood production. Where he delivers, lifts and cuts big chunks of wood every day for a living. Others find him scary, maybe because of the way he looks and how loud he talks. But when you get to know him well. He is a very caring, hardworking and loving father who loves to talk too much. Which is very contradicting to what people perceived about him.
When afternoon came my father already left for work. While the four of us where gathered at the living room. My mother laid down a mat and put down some pillows. You see our parents told us that since we are still young we need to sleep as often as possible. For us to grow tall and well. That is why every afternoon we need to sleep, but unfortunately I have a hard time sleeping in the afternoon. Especially when there are kids around my age playing happily outside our house. Thus I waited for my mother and two younger siblings to fell asleep. When they started snoring lightly. I carefully stand up and tiptoed going outside. I was very happy for I was able to escape quietly. I called one of the kids and joined on their game. I was happy playing, even though the scorching heat of the sun brings sting to my skin and my shirt is soaked with sweat. I was about to get caught while we are playing chasing game. When a familiar angry voice called my name on repeat. As I turned around it was mother and I can see anger written on her face. She was holding one of my younger siblings on her left hand, while the other hand is carrying a broom. I felt a little nervous for I know what will happen next.
Fast forward, I am now back again inside our house crying while wiping my tears with the hem of my shirt. My mother scolded me for like fifteen minutes. Telling me I shouldn’t sneak outside when it is siesta time. I just keep on nodding my head as a reply. After she scolded me, she asked me to come towards her. She then grab a clean handkerchief and wiped away my tears and runny nose. The she changed my sweat-soaked shirt and combed my chaotic waist-length hair neatly. Then we went to the kitchen and she cooked banana cue. A deep fired banana snack coated with caramelized brown sugar. Which we ate with a cold orange juice.
When night falls, we took a quick shower to clean ourselves. Afterwards I stayed at the living room as I look after my two younger siblings as they play. While watching my favorite cartoon series at the same time. My mother is at the kitchen preparing for our dinner. When suddenly I heard a knock on our front door and it opened. It was my father who just came back from work, carrying a plastic bag with food. Which we shall be eating for dinner. I ran towards him and asked for his right hand. Then I slightly bowed down my forehead to touch the back of his hand. This act is called “pagmamano”. It is a Filipino practice, which we do to respectfully great our elders. Which in my case is my father. Then my two younger siblings ran towards him and mimicked my act.
As we are eating our dinner I can see how both of my parents seems tired. Working all day. But instead of frowning they are smiling and laughing happily in front of us. Which I find amazing, thus I decided that by the time I will be finishing my studies and land on a good paying job. I would treat my parents with a good meal at a nice restaurant as often as possible. I would also buy them things they weren’t able to have. For either they can’t afford it or they need to keep the money for more important things. I would also seek to it that we can travel from different places maybe once, twice or thrice a year. I would also take over the responsibility of sending and supporting my younger siblings in their studies. Thus my parents won’t no longer have to worry financially about my younger sisters by the time they will be attending college. Lastly I would buy them a beautiful house and a wide lot. I know I am quite ambitious for a six year old. Who barely can’t count more than 100 and read a word more than three syllables. But then again dreaming isn’t really that bad, especially to a six years old child who dreams not just for herself but also for the betterment of her family as well.
By the time we are done eating our dinner, I assisted my mother in cleaning the table and washing the dishes. Afterwards we brushed our teeth together with my two younger siblings, then went to our room. Before we rest on the bed our mother brushed our hair more than 100 times. Then she kissed our forehead and uttered a sweet good night before covering us with a comfy blanket to sleep.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 021821
Is lying bad?
I was about to take my siesta earlier, when a random thought suddenly pop out in my head. Thus instead of lying down in my bed to enjoy an afternoon sleep. I ended up opening my laptop and started tapping my keyboard to write this article. I hope you like it.
As early as possible children are taught within their homes about the various good morals and right conduct that they must possess as an upright person. Such as being kind to the in need, being polite and respectful to the elders as well as being truthful all the time. By the time that they start attending school, their teachers who also functions as their second parent puts great emphasis on teaching these children about the importance of good moral and right conduct. However as these children grow and develop their own understanding as well as thinking. These so called good morals and right conduct somewhat varies.
When we were little we are taught about “honesty is the best policy” But guess what? Flash news people lie from time to time. We utter lies not just to the people around us, but including towards ourselves. We lie on how tasty the food we just ate, when in reality we had a hard time chewing and swallowing the food. For we don’t want to hurt the person who exert great effort towards cooking and preparing for a supposed great meal. We lie about how we are doing greatly recently. When in reality we are too exhausted from all the misfortunes that had happened to us lately. For we don’t want to add the worries and burden that our parents are carrying on their shoulders. We even lie towards ourselves that we are okay and everything will be okay, when in reality we are just barely holding on and everything are slowly crumbling. For we want to remain strong and optimistic. These are just few of the times that we had lied to the people around us and towards ourselves.
A friend even told me way back then during an intimate gathering “lying isn’t really that bad. It only depends to what extent that we lie that makes it bad” he even added “lying is part of being human, no matter how we wanted to live a righteous life. There would be a point in our lives were all the words that would be coming out from our mouth are all made of lies”. I respected his opinion and though on this matter, for at some point I believe that he got a great point. Just as what I had mentioned on the second paragraph of this article “people lie from time to time” and for sure majority of the world’s population had lied. Maybe just once or twice or a hundred of times in their entire life by now.
People had even come to a point where they categories lying by different colors. Such as white lies, which are altruistic. Since we do it to avoiding hurting as well as to help and please another person. There is also what we call a grey lie. Which we express to help ourselves as well as to help other people as well. Next is a red lie. Which is a lie that we tell out of rage, betrayal, injustice and revenge. We often tell this kind of lie to cause harm to another person, even at the expense that it might cause us harm as well. Another kind of lie, is a black lie. Which is the worst kind of lie, since it is driven by pure selfishness. A person tell this kind of lie for their personal sake. Either for them to avoid getting harm or for them to gain what they desire. Without minding the impact it might cause to the people around them. It seems like lying is truly part of human nature. No matter how we try to disagree and convince ourselves that it is not for it causes values conflict. But then again if we try to list down the times we had to lie for no apparent reasons and for the times that we badly needed to utter a lie for a reason. Then therefore, lying is truly indeed part of being human.
But then again as I write this article, I had taught to myself if we lie too often to avoid causing pain and worries as well as to make ourselves feel better. Then I guess that is the point that we should pause, assess and evaluate if what we are doing is still okay or not. If we keep on lying on how tasty the food we just ate, when in reality we had a hard time chewing and swallowing the food. For we don’t want to hurt the person who exert great effort towards cooking and preparing the said meal. Then do you think you can handle eating that same kind of food for the rest of your life? Do you think that person’s cooking skills will progress if you keep giving him/her fake complements? I guess not. Another thing if we often lie just to make other people worry less on us, do you think they would stay calm once they know how we had truly been and worst when it is too late to help us. I guess not. Last but not the least if we will keep on lying on ourselves just to uplift our state of mind, then to tell you frankly you are not. Sometimes it is best to be true with our self, rather than covering it with lie. For it is when we truly address our situation that makes it easier to accept it, and maybe find a better way to address it.
As the saying goes “all excess is harmful”, especially lying. Yes, we all lie but we must remember that there must be a limitation that we must established. A limitation that we must established as a reminder to what extent we should utter lies. Not just for ourselves, but also to the people around us as well.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 020921
Free Personality Test
As I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I saw a post regarding about a “free personality test”. Since I got curious, I clicked the comment section and viewed some of the comments. As I read them, I was intrigued by their comments about how mostly accurate the results of their personality test was. Thus I had decided to take the personality test as well. Since I am curious and my boredom that time had pushed me to do so.
As I clicked the link that was mentioned in the comment section, it brought me automatically to the said site. At first I scrolled up and down and scanned the site, afterwards I decided to take the test. The test is made up of sixty items. Wherein the scenarios or statement per item seem like a personal assessment and evaluation about yourself. As you answer these said items, you will be ticking a specific circle that looks like a seven point Likert Scale. Just like the one below. Whether you strongly agree, agree, slightly agree, neutral, slightly disagree, disagree and strongly disagree.
When I had finished taking the personality test, I somewhat felt a little nervous as I waited for a couple of minutes. Maybe because I am excited to know the outcome of my personality test. As I myself is somewhat unconscious of who I really am. By the time the result of my personality test came out. It stated that I am an “Advocate (INFJ)”. Which I don’t know what the meaning is. Thus I decided to read all the eight articles on the said site that is dedicated to explain and elaborate what and who an “Advocate (INFJ)” is.
To be honest, I am utterly astonished as I read an article to an article about Advocate (INFJ). I even unconsciously nod my head a couple of times as a sign of agreeing. For the articles itself somewhat is a mirror that truly reflects towards who I am as an individual. By now I will be sharing with you a glimpses of some of the qualities and characteristics of an Advocate (INFJ) that I had seen and felt within myself.
**Friendships**
1. *“Advocates have a deep desire for authenticity and sincerity in everything they do. As a result they rarely settle for friendships of convenience. Rather they generally prefer to have a close circle of confidants.”*
In my own personal experience, I am very selective with my friends and that is a fact. Though it is fun to have a great number of friends, but if I can’t find any sense of authenticity and sincerity in them. Then I would rather not have them at all. By now I only have a small number of friends and I don’t feel any hint of pity for myself for having such. Instead I am very happy and contented to have them in my life, and that is also a fact.
2. *“Advocate personalities generally want to surround themselves with people who will inspire them to grow and improve.”*
As a personal choice, I had pledge to myself to only surround myself with people who will truly inspire me to grow and improve. Which I truly did. The experiences that I had went through with my friends, as well as the values and important life lessons that I had learned from them. Had truly helped me and inspired me to grow and improve into the better person that I am by now.
**Romantic Relationships**
1. *“Advocates tend to take the process of finding a romantic partner seriously. In addition it takes time for Advocates to find a compatible partner.”*
For the 21 years that I had existed in this world, I have never gotten into any kind of romantic relationship. Which I can confidently consider myself as a member of NO BOYFRIEND SINCE BIRTH CLUB. Personally by now I am not rushing to have a romantic relationship with anyone. For I believe that my goal to finish my studies is my top most priority as of the moment. Moreover considering my qualities and characteristics surely it will take time for me to have one. But it is okay with me, I have no worries at all. For again having a romantic relationship with anyone is not my top most priority as of the moment.
2. *“Advocates tend to recognize that love isn’t a passive emotion but rather an opportunity to grow and learn and they expect their partner to share this mindset. Thus relationships with Advocates are not for the uncommitted or the shallow.”*
I personally agree with it, I believe that love should not be taken lightly. That is why I can’t comprehend why other people can easily replace their partner in just a blink of an eye. You see if you can’t foresee your future with that person you are attracted by now. Nor you don’t see growing into the best version of yourself with that person. Then it is best not to pursue him/her at all. For it will only cause pain to the both of you.
**Career Paths**
1. *“Advocates tend to seek a career path that aligns with their values rather than one that offers status and material gains.”*
I have two life saying. The first one is to make a little change that would at least benefit the world. While the other one is to do what makes my heart happy. Thus I decided to become a teacher. Even though the salary isn't big and the work will be surely hard. But the idea that I can partake towards creating a bright and good future not just for the children, but to the world they would be living through educating them. Makes my heart leapt and very happy at the same time.
2. *“Advocates crave for opportunities to learn and grow alongside other people they are helping.”*
Aside from being able to help my future students to learn, I wouldn’t also mind learning from my further students as well. For I believe that I still have a long way to go to and learning a thing or two from the diverse people I will be meeting in the near future would be a very great opportunity.
If you want to take the Free Personality Test yourself just click this link: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
P.S this article is not a paid advertisement.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 020721
The Ease and Difficulty of Learning in the Midst of a Pandemic
Last January 11, 2021 was the formal beginning of our second semester for the school year 2020-2021. My classmates are still the same, however there are some quite changes that had occurred. First we have new course subjects and most of them are related towards concepts, disciplines, approaches and strategies towards teaching Social Studies to high school students. Which is different from the previous semester, wherein the course subjects focuses on the various branches of Social studies. Second, one of our favorite subject teacher, is no longer our teacher for this semester. Since she was needed by the other department to teach a research related subject. Even so despite of that unexpected occurrence, we are somewhat still happy. For we have a new subject teacher for the subject LIT 102. I can say that she is a highly proficient teacher and I am looking forward on learning new teachings and gaining new understanding on her subject.
I was hoping that by this semester we would be having our face-to-face classes. Since all of us have been longing to study together as well as to learn together inside the four corners of our classrooms. But because there is still a pandemic by now that could bring risk for the students as well as the teachers’ health. That is why our school has decided to continue conducting synchronous and asynchronous classes. Through synchronous classes, students learn at the same time. By conducting online classes through video conferences via Zoom or Google Meet. While on asynchronous classes, students learn at their own pace independently through studying and answering their modules.
As a student who is learning in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic I have encountered numerous ease and difficulties. Which made me both grateful and somewhat utter curses at the same time. First, it made me strive harder. Since there is no teacher who will physically guide us. We necessary need to stand on our own and learn on our own. Which made me study even more. Reading PDF, research works and modules as well as studying PowerPoints and my learning notes became my daily routine. As I read and study every single day my knowledge and understanding widens. However there are often instances, especially on those hard subjects where we have confusions and problems. Since some of our subject teachers only do asynchronous classes. Therefore we honestly find it difficult learning even though we tried our best studying it on our modules. I hope that the subject teachers would put more effort on discussing and expounding concepts and lesson.
Second, finances. Way back then when we are still conducting face-to-face classes. In a day I spend Ᵽ50 for my transportation fee and Ᵽ10 pesos for my school and lunch allowance. Which is equivalent to Ᵽ60 per day, and if we try to multiply it by the number of days I go to school. Probably it would go around Ᵽ300 per week. Which is already quite a huge amount of expenses especially that my father’s salary is less that Ᵽ5,000 a month not to mention my two younger siblings school expenses, our food, house rent and other bills. However since by now we are learning in the comfort of our homes. Therefore the expenses allocated for our transportation fee, school and lunch allowance has been cut-off. By now we only spend for the load, which is needed for us to be able to connect to the internet and we only spend around Ᵽ200 pesos weekly which is equivalent to 18GB of data. Which is less costly compared to our expense during face-to-face classes.
Third, the use of gadget and availability of data/signal. In our house we only have one smart phone, and the three of us uses it alternately for us to attend our synchronous classes and for studying. However there are instances where our schedule overlaps, thus we find it hard deciding who should most likely use the phone in times when our schedule overlaps. That is why I decided to do my modules and study my lessons ahead of time. Hence in this way I will be able to avoid disturbing my younger siblings during their classes and they won’t be able to disturb me during my classes as well. Another concern that we frequently encounter is the signal/data. I don’t know if it is just in our neighborhood, but the signal/data had test our patience many times. From time to time it changes from 4G to H+ and vice versa. Which I personally find annoying, particularly when I am submitting activities and assignments online. There was once I finished the exam 30 minutes earlier, and as I was about to send a picture of my exam paper through Gmail then unexpectedly the signal/data started acting crazy. I started to get agitated, for I am afraid that I might not be able to pass my exam on time. Thankfully after countless attempt and some prayer I was able to submit it, but my heart was beating frantically for it was just a minute away before the deadline.
To be honest at first I only see the difficult side of learning in the midst of this pandemic. That is why I somewhat felt disheartened at the very beginning and almost at the verge of stopping temporally. However as days go by my discouragement slowly perish and my willingness to continue my studies rises dramatically. That is why I am very thankful towards the people who had help me and inspired me one way or another to continue despite of the many reasons to not. I know people who just like me continued to study despite of a roller coaster ride that learning in the midst of pandemic had brought and I commend us all for continuing. For we chose to sail on the ocean, despite of knowing that a perfect storm would come. For those people that I knew who chooses to temporarily stop their studies in the midst of this pandemic for reasons they chose not to say. I would like to praise you as well. For it also takes a lot of courage and endurance to temporally stop on something that you wanted the most, and not all of us has the guts to do so. That is why I want to tell you, you might had chosen to temporarily stop by now. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have your own success in life. Always remember that we all have our own pace in reaching our goals and dreams in life. That is why don’t be discourage and continue dreaming.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 012921
Our crowning glory
Aside from our clothing, shoes, bag, jewelry, make-up and personality. Our hair is one of the things that people often notice in us and the thing that they often remember in us. They even say our hair is our crowning glory. Maybe because it is place on top of our head, which seems like a crown that we carry with us wherever we go. Just like a crown, it also makes us more eye-catching. As a child growing up my mother always reminds me to take extra care of my hair, for she said that a girl becomes more beautiful by the way she takes care of her hair. Which I faithfully do every single day. I wash my hair with mild shampoo and conditioner. I combed my hair as often as possible and put pretty hairclips, hairband and hair bows. Most importantly I seldom tie my hair tightly to avoid getting frizz. As a result the people within our neighborhood at all times gives me admiring comments about how my hair looks beautiful. But that was a long time ago, by now my long silky straight hair is gone. What I have right now is a shoulder length frizzy hair with a massive amount of split ends and a number of white strand hair.
Going back to the title of this article “our crowning glory”. Aside from our hair being our crowning glory, I also believe that our hair is a reflection of ourselves. The length, shape, style and color of our hair symbolizes who we are and makes us exceptional from each other. The way we take care of our hair somewhat gives people hint of how we have been or what we are going through. Cutting our hair, gives people an impression that we are going through something or we just wanted to make ourselves look and feel better. Just like how someone cuts her hair too short as a way to deal with despair and heartache or how someone gives herself a new hairstyle as a way to make herself more confident, beautiful and happier. Giving our hair a new color and style, gives people an impression that we are either unrestrained, open-minded, free, or bold. Moreover as our hair turns grey or white, it could represent wisdom and be a sign of how old we are. A friend of mine also told me, our hair shows how we truly feel. Such as a messy hair might indicate that we are having a rough day or we might be burden by a number of difficulties. A well taken care hair might indicate that we are either happy, in love or nonchalant. Furthermore I had also read from an article way back then, that we can tell if we are feeling under the weather or in poor health by our hair. If we often have too many hair falls it could either point out that we are too stress and our present lifestyle is unhealthy for us. Which could greatly affect our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. I had also seen on a television show, that our hair cuttings could bring hope, encouragement and joy to others. For our hair cuttings can be used to make hair wigs, which can be used by other people who had lost their hair due to an illness, therapy, treatment and consumption of medicine.
People also attach varied symbolisms on our crowning glory. Such as on the history books, people of the past attach important symbolism on the women’s hair. Taken for example the women’s hair symbolizes femininity, Identity, liberation, freedom and beauty. On the other hand people also attach varied stereotypes on our hair. Taken for example here in our country, a long straight hair signifies beauty and gracefulness. Just like what the local media portrays on shampoo and hair-treatment advertisements. While a short curly hair signifies ugliness and misfortunes, which had lead towards other curly-haired people being a laughingstock and subject of mistreatment in some occurrences. Which I find upsetting. Though our beliefs and upbringing had affected our view on certain matters such as our hair. But still I would like to emphasize that every hair is beautiful. It does not mean that your hair’s length, shape, style and color differs from the rest does not imply that you are ugly or should be a subject of mistreatment. Way back then I only praise and appreciate people with long straight hair. However as I grow and encounter a diverse number of individuals, my idea of how beauty should be had changed. I started to praise and appreciate everyone’s crowning glory. That every length, shape, style and color of hair are beautiful. I had also started to respect everyone’s preference on how they take care of their hair. Though it is nice to let your hair grow the way it is, but if it makes you more happy and confident to try something new on your hair then be it.
Our crowning glory is more than just an attachment or decoration. It serves more than that. It makes us happy, confident, unique and beautiful. As well as it is a reflection of ourselves. Thus we should take care of our hair very well as we take care of ourselves.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 011221
Being money wise is the key
As you noticed almost everything that we do involves money. When we travel to our respective workplaces and schools, we need money to pay for the bus or train ticket. When we go to marketplaces and shopping malls, we need money to buy the things that we need and wanted. Even the electricity, water and Wi-Fi that we use every single day in our houses involves money. However no matter how we wanted it, we don’t have the enough money. As we spend our money to pay for the bills, food and other expenses it gets little and little every time. Up until we no longer have even a single penny left in our pockets. When this worst case scenario happens we then start to worry and feel agitated.
As a college student, I myself is not an exception. I myself struggle with handling money. You see I myself uses money in my everyday activities, especially that we are having online classes. I need money to buy cellphone load, so that I could attend my virtual classes online. I need money to buy supplies and materials to do my activities, assignments and projects. Not to mention that I also need money to buy a new charger for my laptop. For without my laptop dealing with my school works would be hard. Nonetheless despite of all these difficulties and hardships that I had encountered throughout my journey. Instead of ranting why I don’t have the enough money to meet all ends I started to become money wiser.
Becoming wiser towards using and spending money had helped me big time. Since I started being thrifty with the money I have earned from tutoring children and publishing articles online I am able to help my parents on our house expenses. Such as by no longer asking money for buying supplies, materials and cellphone load for my schooling. I know it may seem small, but at least I am able to lessen the financial burden of our family and it makes me happy. By now I am sharing with you some of the things that I have learned as I started becoming wiser towards spending money and I hope just like me it will help you ease your financial worries as well.
***1. make a budget plan***
Creating a budget plan will help you organize, track and improved your expenses. Taken for example in my experience. Before spending my money, I seek to it that I had made a budget plan beforehand. By doing this, it had helped me towards determining in advance how much money I would be needing in a certain period of time. Moreover it also helped me identify what are my necessary and unnecessary expenditures. Which in returned helped me lower down my expenses as well.
***2. avoid buying unnecessary things***
Scrolling through a shopping app or strolling inside the mall will truly test how strong you are towards controlling yourself against temptation. Especially when there are many discounts and sales present. However if you let your temptation consume you, surely you will end up buying unnecessary things. As a way to avoid this and to protect your budget. Learn how to weight things by asking questions to yourself such as “do I really need this one?” or “is it really worth it?” After doing a self-assessment, it is best to buy the said product after a week. For if your urge to buy that product had perished after a week, then don’t buy it.
***3. learn how to buy and cook your own food***
Eating outside or ordering food is good. But don’t you know buying and cooking your own food is way better plus it will help you save more money. When you buy your own ingredients at the groceries you will know how much they will cost, and if you are lucky enough you might find an alternative which cost lesser. Furthermore cooking your own food, will help you learn a life skill you can bring with you until you get old. However if you aren’t an expert in the kitchen, you can still learn by watching cooking tutorial online as well as asking a friend or a family member who knows how to cook. It may take a while, but you will surely learn it. All it takes is the right amount of perseverance and persistence.
***4. be thrifty***
Being thrifty not just only mean that you are smart with money, but also with your resources. Taken for example in my experience. When writing an assignment or activity I first write it on a back of a used paper. When I am finish and satisfied with my output that is when I transfer it to a clean sheet of paper. By doing this I am saving my yellow paper and avoiding errors, which is the reason why my yellow pad easily runs out.
***5. earn your own money***
If you can and if you are willing as well, you can earn your own money. You can do it by any means for as long as it is right and just. Such as selling your preloved clothes online, making desserts and selling it to your neighborhood or doing part time jobs such as tutoring and babysitting.
***6. save money***
Saving money is the highlight of being a “money wise”. Saving is an important practice we should impose to ourselves. For by saving money it will help us lessen our financial worries, avoid debt and provide us money in times of financial needs. Moreover if you want to buy something but you don’t have the enough money yet, you can have it by saving a portion of your money. When the time comes that you have collected the needed amount, then you can buy that thing that you have been wishing for.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 010621
When you thought life will get better when you reach your 20s
When I was in high school I am a huge fan of fictional novels. I even borrow pocket books from my classmates and read stories offline from a mobile app. I spend most of my free time reading stories, which I believe the reason how I improve my writing skills. Since I was an aspiring writer back then, so I seek to it that my writing skills are well develop. That is why aside from reading, I really payed attention on practicing my writing skills through studying and paying attention to my English and writing related subjects throughout high school. Now going back to my passion with reading fictional stories, as I read and read stories from an author to an author I had come up with a silly idea. That maybe when I reach my twenties just like the main characters in the stories that I had read, I will be able to figure out what I wanted the most and maybe my life will get better. Funny isn’t it?
That is why I was too eager to be on my twenties. As other teenagers of my age worry as every year they get older, I myself is too excited to be on my twenties. As year and year passed by I can already picture out how my life would be just like the main characters from the books that I had read. Every night before sleeping I even imagine the life that I would be living by the time that I would be reaching my twenties. Taken for example by the time I am on my twenties, I will be studying at a prestigious college university taking up the course that I wanted the most. I will be enjoying all my years as a college student while growing well as a fine young lady.
But guess what happened? I am now on my twenties and the scenarios that I had imagined before going to sleep way back then when I was in high school never really came true. I am now in college, but I am not studying in a university. I am struggling throughout all my years as a college student, while I rarely have the time and opportunity to take care of myself. Nonetheless do you know what the most surprising part is? I am not disappointed. I may not be studying at a prestigious college university, but I am satisfied with the community college I am currently enrolled in. Moreover I was able to take the course I really wanted the most. I may be struggling throughout my years as a college student, but still throughout my struggling I became much stronger, persistent and wiser. In addition I was able to meet new people who had help me throughout my hardships whom I now call friends. I may rarely take care of myself by now, but at least I have learned how to love my flaws and value myself even more.
You see I have learned a few things from the silly idea that I had thought about when I was in high school. First, it does not mean when we reach our twenties our life will get better. Just like those fictional characters from the books that I had read and movies as well as series that I had watched. Life is full of surprises we never imagined. We often think ahead of the things that will be happening to us, and when things don’t go the way we wanted we either get disappointed or blame ourselves and the people around us. But instead of giving up, we should strive even harder. For maybe our success is just around the corner, waiting for the right time to occur in our lives. That is why as we wait for that success, let us work hard for they say that success taste better when we work hard for it.
Second, let us be happy for the success of other people. Though other people might be fortunate enough to be having the best of their lives on their twenties, but still instead of envying their success, talking bad things behind their back and wishing that their success would end quickly. We should cheer and praise them for the great milestone they are able to achieve at their age. Lastly, we should not pressure ourselves to be successful in our twenties. Though it is nice to see ourselves grow and prosper, but everyone has their own timeline and let us be patient. Let us slow down and learn how to appreciate all the progress that we are able to attain at our age.
As the saying goes “a glass of water cannot exist without a single drop.” All those progress that we had and we will be attaining as we grow older. No matter how small or big they may look, but all of them will have an impact in our lives. Which will help us develop ourselves to be the better version of us. Soon as we grow and grow little by little each day, one day we will be surprise for the success that we had dream and aspired might be knocking at our doorsteps. When that time comes we might be on our late twenties or we are no longer be on our twenties, but even so I want you and me to be happy. For the fruit of our endeavors had finally ripen and now we can finally taste our sweet success.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime ||010521
Year-end reflection
Every year I always make sure that I am able to make a year-end reflection. I started this practice in year 2017, so therefore it would be my fourth year by now. The reason why I am making this, is for me to have an archives of how I have been for the past years. As well as to make a self-evaluation of myself throughout the year. This, year I have a plentiful things to write both the good ones and the bad ones, but I have chosen to write down on this article the things I am thankful for, how I have been on this year and the goals I seek to accomplish on year 2021.
***The things I am thankful for...***
For this year I am thankful for many things. First I am thankful for the people around me. I am thankful for my parents whom have never failed to love us, take care of us and provide for us. Even though this year is quite hard for us since the pandemic had affected our source of living. But still my parents did their best to put food on our table, pay our bills and support our education. Second I am thankful for my younger siblings. Though they often gives me headaches, but still I am thankful for they were there for me when I needed them the most. Third I am thankful for my friends, even though we rarely have seen each other. But still instead of fading our friendship have stayed the same. We still communicate from time to time and talked about things. We even sometimes do group video conference just to see how each of us have been. Fourth I am also thankful that we had finally move out from our previous house. For by now we are free from the stress and exhaustion that we had experienced from the people of our previous house. Lastly I am thankful that despite of the problems that we are still facing by now I can still find a reason to smile and laugh, like there is no huge boulder on my shoulder and the thought of that makes me happy.
***How I have been on this year...***
On this year I have been amazed on how I have become. First I have learned how to say no. Way back then even though I feel uncomfortable on some of the favors or request made by the people around me I still say yes. Even if it is against my will. For I am afraid that I might upset them. But now, I have realize that we are not oblige to say yes all the time. Especially if it makes us unwell. They might throw dagger like stares or talk unlikely about us for not saying yes, but still it is our right to choose not to do their biddings. Since I have started saying no to the things I don’t want to do I have given myself more time to do the things I wanted the most. Second I have started to take care of myself. I have started to pamper myself more, which I wasn’t able to do way back. Though I don’t usually do it often as always, but still I am happy for I am able to provide the small things that makes my heart leaps. Such as buying a pair of sneakers, eating at a fast-food chain and buying myself make-up. Third I am happy that I have permanently cut-off the toxic people in my life. Since they are no longer welcome in my life, I have become less exhausted and less stress compared to those times that they are near me. Forth I have decided to stop pleasing everybody. I no longer just do things to satisfy others, but instead I do things to make myself happy. Lastly I decided to love myself even more. Though it is nice to receive love from others, but I still believe that before you love or receive love from other you must first learn to love yourself.
***The goals I seek to accomplish on year 2021...***
On year 2021, I seek to accomplish many goals and aspiration. First I wanted to learn a new hobby. Though I already have numerous hobbies by now such as writing, reading and planting but I still wanted to learn a new hobbies this year 2021. It could be cooking, taking photographs or sewing. Second I wanted to learn how to swim. I might be 21 years old by now, but still I don’t know how to paddle and float in deep water. That is why on this year I will try to learn how to swim. Not just for fun but for safety precautions as well. Third I wanted to do well in my studies. Fourth if given the chance and when this pandemic will be put to an end I wanted to travel from different places. Since I have stayed at home for quite long due to the pandemic, it have given me the urge to travel and explore. I am hoping that by this year I will be able to travel to Claveria as well as to visit some of the beautiful destinations in the province of Bukidnon. Lastly I wanted to save more. I want to save money for the reason that I have money on hand in times of need.
In just a few hours from now, we will be facing a new year. A year full of worries, for others believe that year 2021 might be much worse than year 2020. However others still holds on the idea that year 2021 is a year of hope and inspiration. For they believe that good things are about to happen on the said year. But no matter what you foresee on the upcoming year, I hope that all of us will remain healthy, safe, secure, prosperous and happy in the year 2021.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 123120
The struggle is real
Research is about solving and finding solutions towards problems. It is done through studying and gathering factual information as well as data to gain new knowledge and comprehension regarding on certain matters. In the research process I had learned that any research should be systematic from the smallest detail up to the big ones. We should have a scheme set out in advance before the actual work begins, so that it will serve as our guide in gathering the essential data for the accomplishment of our study. It should also be organize, so that we won’t find any difficulties and slipups in the process making. Moreover it should also be objective, the outcome and conclusion from our research study must be based on observed and measured facts, not on subjective impression. In other words we should be transparent and unbiased.
In my own personal experience being a researcher is not an easy task just like what I had experienced in the previous years. We need to be physically, mentally, emotionally and financially prepared for all the various struggles that we will be facing before, during and after the research process. Some of the activities that I was able to experience during my journey as a senior high school student as a researcher are studying other people’s works such as journals, articles and research studies. In order to collect beneficial information that we could use to strengthen the foundation of our study. As well as to gain insights on how they’ve done their work. Furthermore I was able to participate towards conducting interviews to get the necessary data from our chosen respondents. Which we had analyze and interpreted as bases for our findings, conclusion and recommendations.
I can even still remember the day of our research defense for the accomplishment of our Practical Research 1 subject during the first semester of our final year as a senior high school student. Beads of sweat drips onto my face as my knees wobble drastically the whole moment of our defense. The panelists scrutinized our work and asked various questions regarding on our study and gratefully we didn’t failed to give them the answers that will content their curiosity. Moreover they had also shared their thoughts, opinions and recommendations as well that had helped us a lot in the process of improving our study. At the end of the said research defense everyone rejoiced. Loud applause could be heard and wide smiles can be seen for we know in our hearts that we had done our part, all of our endeavors where paid off and everything went well.
Despite of the difficulties and challenges that we had experience on those times, still I am able to learn few things that I had carried with me throughout the years. Such as learning how to balance my time properly so that I can do all my task and responsibilities thoroughly and well. Procrastinating works isn’t a good habit, we should eradicate it in ourselves because it will not cause us any good in the long run. I had also learned that we should have enough understanding about our surrounding particularly on social issues that are rampant in our society. For by doing this we are raising awareness not only for ourselves but also to other people as well. Lastly I had learned that no matter how hard it may seem to accomplish a task just like in our case doing a research study. But if we believe in ourselves that we can surely we will.
For those students that are taking practical research as their subject in their secondary or tertiary education. I will be sharing with you some tips that had helped me every time that I am doing a research study.
***1. Selecting a research topic***
A well define research topic is the preparatory point of every research study. In choosing a research topic, you can chose from something that interest you. It could be an issue within your school or community that concerns you. The reason for this is since you will be spending a lot of time learning and understanding the said issue therefore choose something that you are enthusiastic to learn and understand. In addition you should also consider if the topic has enough information from various platforms. For if it has little or outdated references then for sure you will find it difficult to construct your review of related literature. Lastly narrow it down. In choosing a research topic it is preferable to choose something specific in order for you to have enough time and avoid any conflicts when gathering the necessary information, literature and data for the success of your research study.
***2. Constructing the introduction***
In every research study the introduction gives the reader an overview about your research study. When constructing the introduction it must contain the problem that you want to address. It must also mention the importance why you are doing the said study, who are the people or institutions that would benefit from your study. In addition it must contain numerous review of related literature, which will help you towards expounding your research study to your readers. It must have an objective. For the readers to understand the causes why you are pursuing the said study. Lastly it must mention the timeframe of your study. On what school year, semester and subject you are doing the said study.
***3. Make an outline***
In my own personal experience, I always write down the things or the steps we need to accomplish for our research study. By doing this you won’t miss any important details that might rise conflict in the research process. In addition it also helps you to construct a time table, which will help you to keep in track.
***4. Communicate***
Communication is vital when making a research study, especially when you are doing it with a group. I recommend that you will conduct a daily or weekly meeting with all your group members regarding on the progress and the things that needs to be done for your research study. Also conducting a meeting will help you to open up and resolve conflicts or misunderstanding within the group regarding on task assignment and many more. Moreover communication is also necessary between the students and their research adviser. If you have concerns and confusion regarding on your study, don’t hesitate to ask your research adviser. For it is their responsibility to help you and guide you to succeed in your research study.
***5. Don’t abuse yourself***
Even though it is necessary to complete your research study for you to pass on a subject, but still don’t abuse yourself. Do not deprive yourself of sleep when your body can no longer take the exhaustion. Do not skip meals and most importantly do not forget to give yourself a break. For no matter how important it seems to complete your research study, but then again you will not be able function well if you yourself is sick, tired or stress. Which might affect your research study badly, therefore take care of yourself as you take care of your research study.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 123020
Water: importance and its usage
Water plays an important role in our everyday living. Without water surviving would be impossible. Imagine a world without water. The planet is a barren dessert, without the crystal blue ocean nor the wide green array of forests. Living would be tough right? The presence of water is essential, for without its existence life on the planet would be impossible. Water comes in all three forms of matter. Solid, from the thick sheets of ice glaziers in the South and North Pole. Liquid, from the groundwater below to the lakes, rivers and to the salty vast oceans. Gas, from the water vapors in the atmosphere. You see almost a huge portion of the earth is made up of water, which makes our planet the “water planet.”
In our everyday life, we use and come across with water. Therefore on this article I will be sharing with you some of the usage and significance of water not just to us humans but to every living organisms. Let us begin.
***1. Households***
If you will try to list down all the ways you had consumed water today probably you had washed your face, took a bath, brushed your teeth, and flushed the toilet. As well as washed the dished in the sink, sort out your laundry, cleaned the fruits and vegetable you had brought from the groceries and drank a glass or two of water to quench your thirst. These are just the common uses of water in our houses. If we try to think of it, if the supply of water in our houses had been cut-off surely cleaning, cooking taking care of our personal hygiene would be hard.
***2. Agriculture***
As you had noticed growing plants on our family garden requires many things especially water. In the agricultural sector water is important. A constant supply of fresh water is essential towards growing crops like fruits and vegetables. Without it harvesting and sending yields to the market to our dining table would be impossible. That is why in farmlands where the land is dry. The solutions they do to solve this problem is either by cloud seeding which involves modifying clouds structure to increase the chance of rainfall or through irrigation, which is the process of supplying water to areas of land. For it to be suitable for growing crops.
***3. Industries***
The things that you often use like your pair of sneakers, you favorite, sweater, cellphone and blanket had used water in their manufacturing process. I know it may sound absurd, but don’t you know even though water is not part of the final output. Even so water is needed in the industrial processes that produced them. Taken for example a pad of paper will not exist without water. Woodchips are washed and soaked into gallons of water and chemicals to make pulps. Afterwards it is squeezed dry, washed again and pressed to be made into paper.
***4. Transportation***
During the ancient times voyagers and merchants travel from other places through water to explore, gather or trade goods with other neighboring islands. Taken for example here in the Philippines during the pre-Spanish colonial era our ancestors had been trading their golds and species to the Chines merchants silk, porcelains and other interesting goods. By now in the modern era, water is still vital for transporting. Ships travel by ocean to reach different continents to transport people and goods
***5. Recreation***
Every summer beaches and swimming pools are populated by people who wanted to escape the scorching heat of the sun. Others also goes to lakes to unwind, ride a boat, catch a fish or just dangle their feet on the edge of the docks. When winter came, people goes to ski rinks to play ice hockey or glide on the ice. While others go to the mountainside covered in white snow to do skiing and little did we knew we are enjoying water in its frozen form.
***6. Living things***
Our body is made up of nearly 60% of water. Which is essential for our body to function, especially our organs. Other living things like plants needs water to grow and reproduce. When I was in third grade our science teacher explained to how plants makes food for themselves. Plants needs carbon dioxide, sunlight and water to make food in a process called photosynthesis.
***7. Habitat***
Whether it is salt or fresh water it still provides habitat to many living organisms. Taken for example, a fish takes shelter on a coral reef that grows in the water. Moreover the water where the fish lives provides the said fish with the things it needed for it to be able to survive, grow and reproduce.
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These are just few of the usages and significance of water. We are lucky enough if we have a running water in the comfort of our homes. However for some people they need to go many hardships to acquire drinkable water. As what our science teacher told during our discussion regarding water conservation, the consumable water present in our planet is roughly 3% and who knows when it will last. Therefore as early as now *let us conserve and preserve water. Not just for ourselves but for the future generations as well.*
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 122820
My first vacation
I was just five years old back then, when I first went on a vacation. A vacation for a week. My companions on the said vacation were my mother, my two older cousins and my two younger siblings who were just three months old at that time. Before we went on the said vacation, my mother had prepared everything beforehand. Which took her more than a week, since we will be travelling with my two younger siblings. The foremost reasons why we are going on the said vacation aside from leisure and recreation. Is for us to see our grandparents, whom we haven’t seen for a long time and for us to be able to celebrate my grandfather’s birthday together with our other family relatives.
On the day that we traveled going to Butuan City, we rode an express bus and that was my first time riding the said vehicle. I seated near the window since my older cousin told me that the view near the window is beautiful. As the bus started to move, I felt a little nervous. Since it is the first time that I would be leaving far away from home. An hour had passed by the houses, buildings and establishments that I look at from the windowpane of my seat had turned into trees, coastlines and the crystal blue sea. What my older cousin told me was right, the seat next to the window is the best. For I am able to witness the beauty of the places that we passed by. However the next 180 minutes of our traveling was hell for me. I am starting to feel motion sickness. My head is aching, and I can already feel that I am about to throw up. My cousins, my mother and even the bus conductor is panicking. Thankfully a person seating in front of us handed me a plastic bag, and you can already picture out what happens next.
As we arrived at the Nisipit bus terminal, we went to the marketplace to eat lunch. The eatery that we went in was clean and it has a good ventilation. Perfect for that very sunny day. Moreover the food that they sell was budget friendly and delicious. I can even remember that my mother brought me two cups of rice, adobong manok, boiled egg and a cold beverage. After we had eaten our lunch, we went to a bakery nearby to buy a birthday cake. Since my Lolo’s birthday would be on the following day. Afterwards we rode a trisikad going to Buenavista, the place where my grandparents and other family relatives lives.
On the first day of our vacation we stayed at our grandparents’ house to take a rest after a long travel. While I was sitting at the porch, I can hear my mother and my grandparents as well as our other family relatives talked and laugh. As they chatted about how they have been from the past years I can feel that they really missed each other so much. From the way they spoke, and pay attention towards each other’s stories. When night came, Lola prepared escabeche. It is a sweet and sour fish dish, made from fried fish sauté with vinegar, tomatoes and other species. After eating a delicious dinner my uncle which was my mother’s younger brother came with a basket of ripped sweet mangoes. Which what we ate for dessert.
The following day was my Lolo’s birthday. Everyone was busy preparing and cooking savory dishes. While the adults are busy, I and my cousins went to my auntie’s land to get coconut for the buko salad that my mother would be making. When the afternoon came, the party started. We sang a happy birthday song towards our Lolo and he cried because of happiness. For it is his wish to see us all complete. After we ate we went to the open field just beside our grandparents’ house and we played with my other cousins. When night came, we went to the array of mangroves on the stream. We waited for quite long and I am starting to get annoyed for mosquitos keep biting me. However after I was about to leave my older cousin held my hand and pointed his other hand to the mangroves. My eyes widened and my heart beat erratically as I watched fireflies flying and dancing on the air. They were beautiful, truly beautiful.
On the remaining five days, we did various activities. Such on the third day we went to the corn field and harvested corn, we even dig the ground to gather sweet potatoes. Which what we ate for our snack on that day. On the fourth day we visited our great-grandfather’s house which is just a walked away from our grandparents’ house. In my great-grandfather’s house we played and ate boiled bananas. Afterwards our great-grandfather told us to gather and he told us stories. Which made me have a hard time sleeping at night, since most of them are horror stories. On the fifth day, we went back to my auntie’s place to harvest marang. A round tropical fruit that resembles to jackfruit, but it is smaller in shape and it has a sweet pulpy taste. Since we harvested many marang we rode a carabao to transport it back to my grandparent’s house and I must say riding a carabao is fun.
On the sixth day of our vacation, we just stayed on our grandparent’s and played outside. While everyone is busy. I went to the small shed where the ducks live. As I was about to pick up a little duckling the mother duck “quack” so loudly that made me froze. Then the next thing I knew I was running back to the house while carrying the duckling, since the mother duck furiously chased me. Unfortunately, as I thought my mother and grandparents would comfort me for what happened they scold me instead. For I shouldn’t play with animals for I might harm them or they might harm me. After I realized that what I acted was wrong, I went back to the small shed and told the mother duck how sorry I am for what I acted. When night came after we had eaten our dinner, we gathered at the porch and together we sang songs as my older cousin played the guitar. After we get tired of singing, we all went silent and let the crickets sing for us. While we are staring at the pitch dark sky adorned with the twinkling stars and the crescent moon. On the last day of our vacation I helped my mother and grandmother pack our things for by the following day we will be travelling back to Cagayan de Oro City. As I was awkwardly folding my clothes I listened to my mother and grandmother talked about how they are both thankful that they are able to see each other again personally. My grandmother even told me that since I am no longer the baby of the family I should be more responsible and be a good daughter to my parents and a good sister to my two younger siblings. I just smiled and nodded as a reply.
The following day, the day of our departure. Lola packed many fruits, vegetables and even chicken eggs for us to bring at home. We thanked her and hug her very highly. As we are riding a trisikad going back to Nisipit bus terminal I saw my mother shed a tear. I know that she already miss them even though we just left a minutes ago. As a way to comfort her, I held her hand and told her that she shouldn’t feel sad for we will be coming back next year. Moreover we can contact them from time to time since we have mobile phones. My mother smiled and pinched my cheeks. When we arrived at the bus terminal, Lolo helped us carry our luggage and stayed with us at the terminal until we are able to ride on a bus going back to Cagayan de Oro City. As the bus started to go I opened the windowpane of my seat and wave back to him and shouted “balik mi sunod, pag-amping mo permi. I love you” which is translated into “We will be back again, take care always. I love you”.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 122720
the box that lays at the bottom of the golden trumpet tree.
Once upon a time there was a mighty mountain deity named Uryu. She possess the power to control the northern wind, which made her one of the most powerful deities during the Bang tang dynasty. Aside from being one of the most powerful deities, she also holds the crown of the most beautiful deity in the realm of gods. Everyone look up towards her beauty. For they say that her beauty could calm a strong storm and tame a fatal beast. There is even a story that a king fell in love towards her beauty that he summoned all his men and used all his fortune to find her on every corner of the kingdom. But none of them has ever found her, which made the king lost his sane.
One day her niece named Monggay visited him in the mountain. He is also a deity but mortal blood runs through his veins. For his deity father named Adlaw that guards the streams, had fallen in love with his mortal mother. According to the stories narrated by the spirit of the streams who had witnessed how they had fallen in loved with each other. Bulan the mortal mother of Monggay was peasant who fetches water on the stream every day to sell it to the houses in their neighborhood. One night as she was fetching water she stepped on a slippery rock and fell to the water. As she taught that she would die a hand reach her and she was saved and there she meet Adlaw. Uryu loves her niece so much, even though the other deities doesn’t like him for the reason that he isn’t a complete deity. However despite of this Uryu never failed to make Monggay feel loved.
The following day Uryu and Monggay happily wander, eat and had fun in the mountain. However an enormous tiger ridding a cloud came telling Uryu that she is needed in the realm of gods, to deal with an important matter. Due to this unexpected happening Uryu left the mountain towards her niece, but she strictly told him “My niece before I left I would like to tell you do not open the box that lays at the bottom of the golden trumpet tree. For that box holds evil things.” and he nodded in response.
As Uryu left with the enormous tiger, Monggay lay on the grass and looked up at the clear blue sky. However no matter how hard he tries, he cannot hold his curiosity which lead him towards going to the said tree. As he arrived he saw the golden trumpet tree. If his assumption is right the tree might be a thousand years old. Based on how big and tall it looks. As he walked closer he saw a shining golden box embedded with precious stones. He grab the box and tried to shake it, but he heard nothing. He even tried to open the box, but he could not since it is locked.
Therefore he looked for the key on the surrounding where the tree stands. He looked at the bottom of the rocks, on the grass, he even lifted a nest to look for the key. But he wasn’t able to find it. As he was about to give up he saw a stream nearby, then he taught maybe the spirits of the stream could help. He went to the stream and called them, lucky there where spirits playing and went to him. He asked them if they know about a key that could open the box that lays at the golden trumpet tree. The spirits was hesitant to speak about it and was about to turn their back when Monggay plead to them. Since his father was the deity of the stream they gave up and told him where it was. In just a short period of time after the spirits told him where it was he was able to find it.
As he was about to open the box, a fragment of a memory of what her aunt told him about the box snaps in his head. “My niece before I left I would like to tell you do not open the box that lays at the bottom of the golden trumpet tree. For that box holds evil things.” However he still attach the key to the keyhole and turned it. As he slowly opened the box the surrounding began to shake that made the ground torn apart into two. The sky rolled a very lou thunder that he went deaf for a moment and the wind blow strongly that the trees in the surrounding was almost bowing down like a king had passed by. Then a mysterious pitch dark smoke came out of the box, and disappeared in thin air.
Because of fear his knees wobble like crazy. Which made him sat on the ground and the next thing happened tears started falling from his emerald green eyes like waterfalls. Suddenly a cold wind blow and he saw his aunt the mighty mountain deity in front of him. Monggay told him everything and apologized. Even though Uryu was a bit upset because of her niece unlikely act, but still she manage to hug him tightly assuring him that everything will be all right. Then she picked a leaf from the golden trumpet tree and sing a magic spell. The leaf floated in the air and it started to glow. Then it became a golden firefly, which Uryu called hope. She then looked at Monggay and held his hand, she pressed it lightly and uttered “even though darkness and evil had been released in the mortal world, for as long as this golden firefly that symbolizes hope is present. I can assure you and all the mortals that everything would be alright”.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 122620
Plant tita in the making. 🌱
This pandemic had made everyone stay as often as possible in their respective houses. Due to this happening everyone’s daily life activities had been interrupted one way or another. Taken for example those people who has a very active lifestyle. Aside from doing their daily routines like going to school or work. They also either from time to time attend parties and gatherings. As well as go on outings, do some shopping and do their exercise routines at the gym.
As a way to deal with the major changes that had occurred in our lives due to the pandemic. Everyone is finding a way to at least divert themselves from the stress that the virus had caused them. However since we often stay at home to avoid getting COVID-19, therefore the things and activities that we could do is only limited. But even so we are still able to find activities that are able to at least somewhat perish our worries and brings happiness in our hearts.
Recently I had started a new hobby, a hobby I never taught that I would be really doing for real. It all started with a few stems of portulaca grandiflora that our neighbor had given us. At first I was hesitant to plant it. For I myself knew that when I try to grow plants, sadly it always end up dying. Taken for example, when I was in sixth grade. It was almost near the end of the school year when I brought pechay seeds, tomato seeds, eggplant seeds as well as fertilizers from a vendor at school. At first it was good, I was able to germinate the seeds and all of them grow well. However by the time that I was putting fertilizers on them I had noticed that they are slowly becoming weak and the next thing I knew they all died. It really break my heart, for all my effort was put into waste. Which caused my sixth grade self to cry so hard.
Another unfortunate happening where I failed at growing plants was when I was a first year college student. Our NSTP instructor had given us the task to grow a duranta plant. Which shall be one of our requirements to pass the semi-finals for the first semester. I can even still vividly remember what exactly our instructor had told us “if the plant lives and grow roots you will pass, but if it dies you will fail”. To make the long story short despite of all my efforts on taking care of my plant it still had died, which made me promise to myself that I would never plant again. Thankfully I was still able to pass the semi-finals. Since one of my friends, which was also my classmate had given me her extra duranta plant. She is indeed a lifesaver.
Going back to the present, after I had successfully planted and cultivated the portulaca grandiflora. The next thing I knew I am buying garden tools, flower pots and watching tutorial videos on YouTube on how to grow and take care of ornamental plants as well as vegetables. To be honest I never really had imagine that I would become a plant tita in the making. For those who has not heard this word before. “Plant Tita or Plant Tito” are terms used by the people today to address those who had become an enthusiast on growing and collecting plants.
Becoming a plant enthusiast is indeed one of the good choices I had made since the pandemic happened. Planting is indeed has many good benefits. Which I myself was able to experience. Such as it improved my learning abilities. Since I am a newbie on this matter, I really gave my time, attention and effort towards educating myself about plants. I searched online on how to properly grow and take care of plants. Moreover I also studied what are the different kinds of plants, its characteristics and etc. Which have drastically improve my focus on learning and retaining information. It also made our house more beautiful. I had noticed since I started planting in our backyard our house became more pleasing. The different colors of the leaves and flowers, as well as the different sizes of the plants added beauty on our surrounding.
It also reduced my stress. By growing, cultivating and taking care of my plants I am able to divert myself towards the things that causes me worries. Taken for example, last week I was really exhausted and stressed. For there are numerous requirements that I need to submit. As well as several exams that I need to take for the finals and I need to accomplish it all in one week. Thankfully after a very rough week I was able to relief all the stress that I had acquired by taking care of my plants. Lastly it makes me happy, planting makes me happy. At first I never imagine that you could find happiness by digging holes in the soil, making compost, germinating seeds, watering the plants and seeing them grow. But I guess I was wrong, for these small things that I do while planting are the reasons why I am happy every time.
By now the number of the population of the plant enthusiast are growing bigger and bigger from time to time. It could be because of the massive trend it had established on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Another possible reason is the urge of the people to do something that could effectively divert their attention in the midst of this pandemic. Nonetheless no matter what the reason is, one thing is for sure planting is good and it could bring many good things in us.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 122220
A Trip to Divine Mercy Shrine
Year after year we always seek to it that we go on a trip with my cousins and aunties. We often go to beaches and resorts. Just like last year we went to Arje Resort situated at barangay Luz Banzon, Jasaan. Even though I am not a good swimmer, but still I enjoyed the said trip. Since there are food, cold drinks and good talk. However this year’s family trip was different. For we did not go on a trip to a beach or resort, but to an unfamiliar place.
Yesterday, I and my younger siblings woke up as early as 5:00am to prepare ourselves for the said trip. By 6:30am we were picked up by my cousins and aunties and we rode a mini bus going to Bulua Terminal to ride another vehicle going to the said place. It was quite a long time ago since I last travelled going to the city, even so my 30 minutes trip inside the mini bus yesterday was fun. I enjoyed the cold morning breeze and the view of the places we passed by. As we arrived at the Bulua Terminal we rent a Jeepney and rode it going to Zone 4 Amparo Rd, Elsalvador City. Where the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy is located. The place we are going.
Based on the stories that my friends had shared to me, this place was said to be miraculous. For it had healed many people and granted many wishes. A friend of mine even said that the illnesses that her mother was bearing for quite long had been healed, and it is all because they had visited and prayed at the Divine Mercy Shrine. Moreover I even read some testimonies written or pasted on a specific wall at Divine Mercy Shrine, expressing how grateful they are for their wishes was granted.
As we arrived at the place, we are required to wear long wrap-up skirts, which was provided for free by the management. According to the management it was a strict rule that we need to follow. Since Divine Mercy Shrine is a pilgrimage and sacred site, therefore as visitors we should wear proper clothing to preserve our modesty throughout the visit. However if the visitors are unaware or had failed to wear the said dress code just like what happened to us. Still the management will let you in as long as you wear wrap up skirts or malongs given by them.
Afterwards, we were told about the safety precautions that we should strictly follow. Such as wearing of our face mask and face shields all the time. We also washed our hands and get our body temperature checked. We even wrote down our names, contact details and home addresses just in case if it is needed to do a contact tracing and we did it all without any hint of complainant. For we know that we are doing it for the safety of not just of ourselves but to everyone.
By the time that we had finally entered the said place I was astonished for seeing its magnificence. The scenery of the place was indeed stunning. The overlooking view of the Macajalar Bay being slightly concealed by the clouds is undeniably one of the most beautiful things I had seen. Before the mass started we lighted small red candles at one of the open shed and uttered our personal prayers. Afterwards we roamed around a little longer and enjoyed the view. We took some pictures, then we attended the mass inside the Divine Mercy Church. After the mass had ended we went straight ahead to the orientation hall, so that we can be properly oriented about what are the things that we should do and not do by the time that we will be climbing up the Shrine. In addition to the rules and regulation that was shared to us at the orientation, the facilitator also shared to us the story behind the Divine Mercy. Which I really payed attention to.
The highlight of our trip was when we climbed up to the heart of the shrine. Despite of the sun shining brightly and the scorching heat caressing our skin that makes it harder to climb up. But as we had reached the top it seems like all the hardships that we had experienced while climbing had perished. For we are able to see more clearly the overall view of the place and most importantly prayed at the heart of the shrine
After we climbed to the heart of shrine and prayed, we went down and roam around the wide ground downstairs. We payed visits to some of the religious icons and took some pictures. Then lighted candles and expressed our personal prayers once more. Next we went back upstairs and went to the souvenir shop, where we bought bracelets, necklaces, key chains, rings and t-shirts. Then we went to the miraculous fountain to drink and fetch water to bring at home. Lastly we went to the exit, returned the skirts we had borrowed and bid our good byes to the said place.
Truly indeed the things that I had read and I had heard about the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy is true. For I myself was able to witness its beauty and felt its sacredness. I hope soon if given the chance, I would go back there and pray with my whole family.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 122120
The positive and negative effects that Social Media brings.
There are 7.8 billion people around the world, and I bet majority of the said population has one or more than two social media accounts. Social media refers to any digital platforms or tools that allows its users to create and share contents to the public. Social media consist of numerous websites as well as apps. To name some of them are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and YouTube.
Whether we agree or not, social media became a vital part of every person's daily lives. I even thought that social media had became a physiological need from Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Since almost all of the people I knew cannot live a day without using their social media accounts. That they even think of it as important as water, food, clothing and shelter. I even knew someone who literally cannot stand a day without posting her pictures, stories and videos daily on her social media account.
Truth be told, no matter how amazing social media might seem. We cannot deny the fact that just like a coin it has two sides. The positive side and the negative side. By now I will be sharing to you some of its positive and negative effects towards the people who uses it.
*The Positive effects of Social Media*
**1. It connects people**
Through social media the world became smaller. Despite of the distance being a huge hindrance towards families and friends being together. For as long as they have a social media account it seems like the people they are reaching and talking to is just an inch away from them.
***2. It brings entertainment***
Since social media let's its users to create and share pictures, textual contents and videos. Therefore you can look up to for any contents and concepts that would suit your taste. May it be funny cat and dog videos, make-up tutorials, song covers and anything under the sun.
***3. It brings profits.***
By now social media is used as a buy and sell platform. I even knew some people who uses their social media accounts as a virtual store where their costumers can look up to for products that would suit their preference and their budget as well. I myself does both selling and buying goods. Since I find it convenient for I no longer need to go and stroll around the market to buy. Which is a perk, since we are still facing a pandemic and we need to be cautious and abide strictly with the safety health protocols.
***4. It unleashes the talented and artistic side of us.***
Through social media people are inspired to do things. Such as doing a dance and song cover even if they aren't good at it. For they are encouraged by the people who do those stuffs and gains attention and fondness towards the netizens. Moreover you can look up to for DIY tutorials that can teach you how to make things you never have imagined that you can do.
***5. It became a platform for the teaching and learnings process.***
As a student, I uses my social media accounts to reach my classmates and teacher to discuss lessons as well as submit activities, projects and
assignments. Moreover I even look up to for articles and videos online that would aid me towards an efficient learning in the so called new normal.
***6. It updates us.***
Just like what I had mentioned, since almost all the people has social media accounts and they often use it on a regular daily basis. Therefore news articles and live news broadcast are being posted online. Thus eve if you are not fond of watching television or reading newspaper, at least through your social media you can still be updated towards the current happenings in your surrounding.
*The Negative effects of Social Media*
***1. We are prone to deception***
Since manipulating, falsifying information and editing contents on social media is easy. therefore users are prone towards deception that is being spread by trolls, dummy accounts, fake news and etc.
***2. Our health is at risk***
Frequent use of social media can have a bad effect especially to our physical health and well-being. For it could possibly cause individuals to disrupt their sleep pattern and skip their meals. Moreover studies shows that social media has a strong link towards depression, anxiety, loneliness and self-harm.
***3. It can start fights***
Misunderstanding caused by the improper usage of social media could led to quarrels that might harm the people involved either physically, mentally or emotionally.
***4. Our personal identity is at risk.***
Sharing too much personal information about yourself on your social media accounts might put you at risk. Such as others might use your personal information to do crime related activities such as identity theft, catfishing and fraud.
***5. It can be distracting.***
For example, when you are suppose to be studying but you often open and check your social media account from time to time. It will lead to a decrease on your Instructional overall function.
***6. It can cause insecurities and discouragment***.
People who often compares themselves towards other people on social media has a great chance of developing insecurities. Thus will lead to discouragments.
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These are just some of the positive and negative effects that social media can bring to us. Therefore we should always be mindful of our activities and behaviour in the virtual world that social media had created. For the reason that we can utilise well the advantages while avoiding the disadvantages it can bring to us.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 121320
"Self Introduction"
I am thegirlwholeaptthroughtime. As you have noticed my username/nickname is a title of an anime film, which is one of my personal favourites. I was born on the 25th day of the 4th month year 1999. I live in Cagayan de Oro City also known as the city of golden friendship.
I was raised in a family who values love, faith, patience and hardwork. We may not be rich, but my parents have never failed to raise us right and well. In addition I am the eldest daughter, which makes me the "ate". It is a filipino term used to politely address a girl sibling older than you. Being the eldest daughter and an ate to my younger siblings is quite a challenging role. However despite of this I can say that I am trying my best to be a good one. To be honest, I am not the best person you can have as a friend. I have my insecurities and flaws, however despite of these quite unlikely characteristics of mine I am still thankful. For there are a few who chose to be my friends, and just the thought of it makes me happy.
I consider myself as an optimistic and goal-driven individual. I prefer doing things on my own since I find myself very meticulous on doing tasks and activities. I am a big fan of Kdrama and Kpop music. Which is evident if you will look into my play list and gallery. I am a home buddy person, I prefer being at home rather than being outside. Which is a perk that there is a pandemic by now, and we need to abide with the preventive measures and health protocols against COVID-19.
I feel at ease when rain is falling. Maybe because the droplets of rain on the roof brings music to my ears. While the cold breeze calms me and brings me tranquility. My favourite color is green, orange and yellow for it is also the color of my favourite fruits avocado, orange and banana. My favourite flower, is sunflower. For the reason that sunflower brings happiness and positively, and just like the sunfower I want to bring happiness and positivity to the peopel I love and value the most.
By now I am a 21 years old, 3rd college student. Taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies at a community college outside our city. Which is approximately an hour ride from my house to school. Unfortunately I always arive at school 15 to 20 minutes late no matter how early I wake up. Maybe because I move at a slower pace preparing myself before going to school.
My life as a college student is quite exhausting and hard. Maybe because at this phase I am not just living a life, but I am fighting for the life I want to live. Nonetheless despite of the hardships and worries that are chasing me lately, I am still grateful for I can still manage to smile and laugh. Like there is no huge boulder on my shoulder. Possibly because I am a survivor of my past and I am a warrior of my present.
As I final point I would like to share with you a qoute from my favourite novel entitled The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.... ***"when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."*** Therefore let us chase our dreams, reach our goals and achieve our aspirations for the universe will help and lead us towards them.
*P.S I am looking forward on making great contents on this platform. Most importantly I am hoping that my writings would bring you happiness, learning, entertainment, inspirations and lessons in life.*
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 121220
“What did I learned about Culture?”
On our video conference for the subject SSE 9, on the 4th week of September year 2020. The first group reported about *“Culture”*. According to their discussion, *culture pertains to the knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, law, customs, norms and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of the society.*
Culture has two types. *"Material Culture”,* which refers to the things that we create and use. Such as equipment, clothing, weapons, buildings and other significant objects. The other type is *“Non Material Culture”*, which refers to intangible ones. Such as the word we speak. It could also refer to the law that we follow. The practices and traditions we do. Even our beliefs and behaviors could belong to “Non Material Culture”. Moreover I had learned that *culture can be shared, learned and acquired.* Based on my own understanding about the reporting. Even though we are born with a culture acquired from our parents and the surrounding we had grown-up. When we move from another place with a different culture, their culture can be transmitted to us. That is when culture becomes cumulative, due to the new culture that we learned as we grow and interact with others. Culture is also a factor that makes us unique from other people. For example our Higaonon brothers and sisters from the highlands of Bukidnon has a distinct culture. Which makes them different from the other ethnic groups in the Philippines. Last of all, culture brings people together. For example we Filipinos are known to be family oriented. When special occasions takes place, such as Christmas and New Year. We seek to it that we are together with our other family members to celebrate these very special holidays.
From a perspective of a social studies student, we should study this matter well. For it contains many interesting things and lessons that might aid us towards understand our selves and other people as well. Culture is a matter that we should not take lightly, for it is the absence of awareness towards culture that fosters discrimination. Soon as we start teaching, let us teach our students well about culture. In these way we are helping our society raise individuals that embraces diversity and holds the outmost awareness towards culture.
✒️ thegirlwholeaptthroughtime || 121120
@thegirlwholeaptthroughtime
