A Taste of Victory

After weeks of hard training, at last, came the most awaited day; the day of the competition…

Yep, I will never forget that day. We all woke up even before the sun had risen in order to prepare for that event. We slept only for few hours for that, but then, it was great to know that everything was worth it.

Pressure. This is one word that aroused the group. We all thought that we went through so many things in order to be there so why let everything go to waste? Right then and there, we were convinced; we were there not just to perform, but to win. We were nervous, alright? But then, those prayers really worked well for us. They’re right, expect for a great show once you offer that thing to the Lord; and so we did.

Enjoy. This is the most important factor in doing something. Once you enjoy a thing, you are sure to succeed. With enjoyment comes passion, commitment, love and determination which will bring one to success. This, I believe, paved our way through triumph. Everything really felt great especially now that we had a taste of great victory.

My Winning Piece

Five thousand four hundred seventy-five days ago today, I had proven myself to be a determined doer rather than an idle dreamer.

A pleasant afternoon to all!!!

Seventy five percent of you here, I believe, complain about your high Meralco bills then NOT do anything about it. Let's be honest, who among you feels that you are paying too much? I am very sure that many of you complained when you received your last bill. You whined as if it was the government who did not turn off the TV; GMA who forgot to shut down the computer and MERALCO who chose to sleep longer inside an air conditioned room. Ladies and Gentlemen, trust me. We pay high MERALCO bills because we consume a lot of electricity.

I am standing here in front of you to coerce you and to make your bill lower. I am sure that every one of us would like to make this happen. Now, how do we do this? How do we lead the consumers towards efficient lighting for a brighter future? Let me present a few things to you. Things that I hope you'll consider doing—because I'm telling you, these days, we demand for more hard cash in our pockets.

Let us start with something very basic; when you don't need it turn it off. As simple as that. Yes, something very elementary, but is something forgotten. Maybe some of you would even go home today and realize that you forgot to turn off the lights at the garage before you went in this gathering. It could happen. Going to the bathroom to pee? You don't really need a light. Try it, it even make peeing more eventful. Peeing inside a dark room is not that bad unless you believe in ghosts. Turn it off. Don't be lazy to come back and turn off the fan. Every peso counts...TURN IT OFF!

Second rule, Share. Have you heard that you could actually install those fans and use only one air condition to keep two rooms cold? Or why not squeeze yourself on a hot night in one room. You did not only conserve electricity but you actually had the time to bond with your family and hear the snore of your dad. Trust me with this—this is something you would share with your children. Every member of the family, in one air conditioned room, watching a good film. Definitely fun!

THIRD. Go old school. I like sinigang and pinangat better when my Mom prepares it inside a clay pot using charcoals or maybe even trying to have lamp shades with those cheap white bulbs instead of fluorescent lights in your bedrooms. This does not only set the mood of your room, but then again, it lowers your MERALCO Bill.

I could go more and say more. Take more time to fill your minds with reasons and ways to conserve energy. Being educated citizens, we know the concerns of our government regarding electricity. Let us lead the advocacy in saving it. There’s nothing wrong in hoping for a brighter future, but then, hopes would only remain as faint traces of your drive to do something and would stay that way only if you don’t take the initiative to act. We may or may not see that “brighter future” but at least to die knowing that we took part in saving electricity for the next generation’s sake is something that is worth bragging. So now, I dare you to make a move towards betterment; and I dare you to start acting now.

Leading the Consumers towards Efficient Lighting for a Brighter Future

Abduct Helen!!!

Intramurals ’08 in CNSHS turned a bit upside down upon Helen’s arrival. Who would have thought that freshmen would reign supreme in Volleyball Girl’s division? “That’s impossible!” some may say, but not until today.

If there is but one person who made a big name in Cavite National Science High School today, that’s no other than Helen, the volleyball whiz. She had exerted a great game play in all her battles against their team’s competitors. She was like a rocket who could always be seen everywhere where the ball is. Every game was like one against a batch for Helen really did all the work. She was able to make everything possible inside the court.

Most of the time, you could hear everyone praising Helen. At times, you could even hear players pleading for her to stop playing even for a while. Rumors say that during her sixth grade, this amazing kid had reached Provincial competitions for volleyball. Now, I won’t wonder why she is that good.

Truly, Helen is known to be a volleyball history in CNSHS and would reign supreme forever. So for all those who would want to taste victory in the next volleyball league, I guess you guys should start and be one in saying…

ABDUCT HELEN!!!

Physique, are You?

During the opening ceremony of the Intramurals 2008 in CNSHS, the presentation of the muses and escorts was also laid on. The contest was all about their stage presentation and was judged based on their gracefulness in modeling and intelligence in answering questions.

As they were presented, their teammates could not help but cheer for joy for their candidates. Everyone seemed so amazed by how each of the contestants presented themselves well in front of the judges.

At the end, it was the sophomores who reigned supreme. Both their sport was shooting and both of their ramp was amazing, and so with their answers. No doubt, the judges had not made any mistake in choosing this year’s physique.

Upon their victory, they are expected to compete for more, including the incoming District Meet. With that, they are once again expected to reign with flying colors. In the near future, they are to summon everyone and say…

Physique, are you?

Boys Can Do, Girls Can Too

In this year’s intramurals, there came a twist in some field in sports. Those which formerly, was a game for men alone, was now opened for both sexes. It was quite unusual and, at the same time, exciting for everyone especially for those who are to compete. Who would not be? Imagine, everyone would not only be able to watch men in the basketball and sepak takraw court, but women too.

As expected, the games turned out to be so fun. Imagine, those women whom everyone thought to be so “filipina” and so finesse turned out to be somewhat masculine too. Everyone was kicking and hitting the sepak balls like a man and shooting, dribbling and stealing balls like a man. The different teams cheered for those in courts and enjoyed like there will never be tomorrow. Indeed, enjoyment was really seen much in there faces.

What was so good about this is that sportsmanship and camaraderie was very much seen arousing in everyone’s team. The boys served as the girl’s coaches and vice versa. At the end, the winners always accept victory with humbleness and the losers accept defeat the way they should be. Truly, this intramurals had taught much lesson to everyone, a lesson worth keeping.

aDoRaBlE a$ yOu arE...

I have always admired how my dad sets himself as a good example to us, his children. He never fails to push us to be someone whom he knows would be an effective leader someday. My dad has always been a sort of brother to us for he always sees to it that we enjoy much leisure time together, just like what friends and most siblings do. But, never did he forget his limitations and so did we. He said that he wanted us to learn on how to adjust with people whom we are to be with and learn on how to never make our heads to big for our hats through his simple way of teaching.

Eversince I had a mind of my own, I had always always seen much determination and hardwork within my dad. I could still perfectly remember the time when I first asked my dad on why was he so focussed in his work and why wass he so business minded. I remember him answer everything definitely and said: "That is because this is who I want you three to be." From that, I have been convinced that my dad is really doing everything that he could for the betterment of our future. But despite all those busy days for work, he always sees to it that he has enough time to pray and attend mass together with the whole family every Sundays.

Most children fail to admire the hardworks and strictness of their dads at times, but as for me, I have every reason in the world not to do so. I know that in time, I would look back and thank my dad for being that someone in my life for he is one of the reasons for my being. I love him for who he is and I idolize him for always being a true person and no matter what happens, I know that he will always be the BEST DAD IN THE WORLD!...

...Thanks dad!

iNsPirAtiONaL qUoTe 4 ThE dAy...

"Wealth won't bring success in one's life if that wealth was a product of something one doesn't enjoy...Success is all about fulfilling your real dreams and knowing within you that what brought you to wherever you are right now is what you have been dreaming of doing for, eversince..."

...inspired by Jam Vhille Sebastian

"Thank you so much for letting me realize all these Kuya Jam!!!"

wHen God'S LigHt dEsCEndeD uPoN mE...

I never thought that such a day would come to my life. I never realized that what I have been seeing in television alone, would come to reality through me. It was such a day wherein I thought that I was to consider it normal, just like my daily morning Monday routines. Sadly, it was not.

The sky was bright and the sun had risen, striking its rays on us all, making every edge of the court as hot as it could be. There I was, with all my other friends and classmates, performing the duties being done by all other solemn Filipinos. After such enlightening prayer, the flag was raised. Sweaty enough, I couldn't resist but wipe those perspiration of mine dripping from time to time. At last, we were already close to the end with only an exercise and a CALABARZON routine left. Still, the sun continued to shine on us all as bright as it could shedding much light, now, with greater intense of heat. Being blinded by the light, I tried to close my eyes for a while and bowed down my head. Uncomfortable as I was, slowly, I started to feel an intense stomach ache which was not a thing that I was worrying about a few minutes ago. I tried to ignore it but the intensity seemed to dragged me down on bended knees. I crouched to ease the pain but it just kept on getting worse each time. I'm just thankful that I made it until the end of the ceremony.

I walked slowly towards our room. I told myself that the first thing that I am to do is sit and let the pain wash out. I was halfway there but I already felt like I could not make it. But then, I told myself that I must and I did. Upon reaching the door, I had this sort of "black out". I could not see anything, then I realized, the sun might have caused migraine in me. Weak as I was, I tried to hold on to the chairs to reach my own, but before I could make it, I felt like a great voltage of electricity ran through my body, from my stomach passing through my heart into my head. From there, it sort of went back and forth from my left to my right part of the brain. I could not ease the pain and the next thing I knew, I had already dropped myself out of control, leaving my body lying on the floor. I was half conscious the whole time, and that was the hard part. All the time, I felt pain within me, I wanted to make it stop but I can't. I wanted to shout, but I don't have energy to do so. All I know was, during that time, I wanted to here someone say "cut" or pinch me and say "wake up", but no one did, for everything was a reality.

The next thing I knew, I was already in the hospital. Upon opening my eyes, I saw a nurse in front of me. He asked me if I was to use a stretcher. I told him I could walk, but in the end, I was down on a wheelchair. They rest me on a stretcher. I heard several different voices talking to me at different intervals of time, but with only same questions to ask. I don't know if I had answered them right. Few hours after, I was already fully conscious. The nurses gave me a medicine to ease the pain, it was quite effective. The doctor had me checked up. Thank God everything seemed normal. They had my blood checked, same thing.

I was released out of the hospital at about lunch time. We headed home to take more rest. Upon doing so, I thank God that everything turned out to be fine. But one thing is for sure, I really had a disastrous and traumatizing first day of the week that I surely won't forget.

tHe PuRpOsE oF mY eXisTenCe...

Happiness is what I had brought forth my family when I came into being, and so did everybody. Stress is what I have been giving them from time to time as I grew up, and so did everybody, I guess. Disappointment is partly what I see in them as to who and what I have grown to be; definitely, not everybody. Other than these, what other else could have been my reason for being?

In one word, I could tell of..."Service". I have always believed that God made me into life for a certain purpose.I am here because I have a mission given by God; to help and serve my brothers and sisters who are in need. I am here to represent the glory of the Lord. I am here because I am His instrument. Ever since I had developed a mind of my own, I already had a thinking that, maybe, the reason why I have more blessings from God is because I have a mission to share most of it to everyone. It seems like He wants me to make them gross in a way where many are benefitting; and that is through sharing.

Because of this, I have thought of helping people from different orphanages each year; and I believe that this is a good start. During my birthdays, I go to different orphanages where I visit, feed and give some necessities to my brothers and sisters. Moreover, I give them this feeling of love so as to make them feel that they are not abandoned. The same way, they give me this feeling of great happiness and much fulfillment in my heart, knowing that with my simple way of sharing, I am able to make a hundred people smile.

Another purpose of my existence, I believe, is because I have a message to impart. That is: helping is not limited to other people alone, definitely not by artists and those rich people alone. Everyone could give a hand to anyone. Helping need not actually be feeding a thousand people or giving a home to those who has none. It can be done in even simpler ways like assisting aged people in crossing the street, throwing proper wastes in the proper can and even saving a centavo each day for donation in the mere future. There are actually a million ways to help, and actually, another million of those are still for all of us to discover where nothing of which is impossible. The great push must come from within us in order to fulfill this mission sent to us by the Lord. But one must always remember, that in helping, it is not the feeling of being obliged that must arouse. It must be the willingness and the passion coming from the inner you telling you to do better and make sense of your life.

DrEaM a dReAm...

I have been celebrating my birthdays in orphanages for a couple of years now and seeing the conditions of the people in each, I have always been praying and hoping, that someday, I could give them more than what I have been giving. Besides food and a feeling of love, I know that they also dream of having new clothes, new school supplies and some other things for entertainment like what we, ordinary children, want. At first I thought that at my very young age of 15, it is still impossible for me to conquer that dream of mine since I, myself, still depends on my parents for my own necessities. Being given the freedom to save some money for other necessities, I know that those still won't be enough to give every single person, in the orphanages, their simple wishes.But then, I guess, I have to be thinking twice now since I already have my colleagues with me who are all ready to support this big dream of mine. For my third week of classes for this school year, I already have made enough plans not only to dream my biggest dream, but also, to make it a reality. A million thanks to the very best friend of mine who gave me much courage and will to face this big challenge...Ria.

Performing has always been our passion and we would both die to be given an opportunity to have some formal trainings about theater, dancing, and anything that goes hand in hand with music and, of course, more of public speaking especially in the world of hosting. From this, the idea of a benefit concert had begun. Since the school's SALIW Dance Troupe,the dance group where we both belong, had accepted my plan for an outreach program, in order to generate a fund for such, I have decided to plan for a dance benefit. But then, considering my III-Nitrogen family, where many live through singing, I have decided to make it a combination of a sing and dance benefit concert. The objective is to air a benefit concert on the months of November, December and, if possible, even on January. I plan to ask the help of the church regarding this since the parish priest of San Roque, Fr. Omer, who has been very close with our family would definitely support such for he, himself, loves to share his blessings. With these comes special guests, of course, who would be gladly to perform without anything in return other than to help our brothers and sisters who are in need (I believe we have enough connections to find some kind hearted stars in this country.). All the proceeds, from the sold tickets and other donations, are to be given to different orphanages during the month of February. If there would still be some money left, it is, then, to be given to the Kapuso Foundation.

Impossible, as what you might say. But then, I believe that nothing is to be termed "impossible" once that it is for the betterment of this country. I know that with the help of God, and of course all of you who are expected to support this program, this dream that I am presently dreaming of would soon be a reality that would give inspiration to each and everyone of you readers...

...Dream big, aim high, believe and you will be able to achieve it no matter how hard it is to imagine.

a DaUGhter'S reTuRn...

At last, after two months of rest, here I am now back in my loving alma mater's arms; but now, as one of the so called "juniors". Wow! It seems like it was only yesterday when I first stepped into the door of Cavite National Science High School as a freshman student, but then, look at me now all grown up and now one of the many "ate" in this school. But despite the situation, still, I could barely imagine how time flies real fast.

My first week as a junior was indeed very different from my past two years of experience here in CNSHS. It's hard to explain how I really feel towards it; so hard that i couldn't even assure myself if I was excited, scared or lazy about it; so hard that I don't even know what to say. Okay, so I had fun alright. I was able to meet my friends again and spend the whole day with them doing everything that we could, both silly and serious. But then, it was really not that happy since most of our former classmates, Nobie and Romella in particular who had been our friends and who had always been with us for the past two years, are no longer a part of our section. We all admit that junior life, without them inside the four corners of the room we are in, would be a bit duller than before. Though we could still be together during breaks and dismissal, still, it's very hard to adjust to a whole new environment wherein two of our known class clowns are gone.

Meeting our new teachers was part of the new week. Well,I could not tell of anything against them since they all treated us perfectly in the first week. They all sure deserve our trust. Some were funny, some were serious while others were new; but surely, they all seemed friendly. Not only was I able to meet and greet our new second parents, but also, I was able to know partly our new classmates, Elaidia and Karren. They both seem nice though I haven't really got a formal talk with them since I was still quite shy with them, and so are they to me I guess.

First week of lessons, of course. We had some reviews of our former lessons in most of our subjects during the first day. The rest of the week was allotted for our Diagnostic Test which, of course, was a "nose bleed". Well, nothing changed I guess. Quizzes? Is that even a question? Of course we had a few and they all turned out great for me. I thank God for that, He was the one who really helped me out and not my seatmate...But of course! What do you expect?!?Duh?

Problems on the first week?...unfortunately, we had one and not to mention that it was a huge one. But then, I suppose that it's quite unethical to mention the real deal here in my blog since it is actually our whole section involved. Let's just close it to being private. Anyways, whatever it is, it will always be resolved. Besides, it was not meant to happen. All I could assure you readers, and probably you all belong to the same alma mater that I am in, is that it was all because of a big misunderstanding. We are all expecting to close everything on the next big week of classes.

Of course, with the first week of classes comes the election. Thanks to all those who trusted me and elected me as the room vice-president, same thing to the SALIW members who elected me as their vice-president for internal. Also, I would like to thank all those English Club members who gave their full trust on me in electing me as the their vice-president too which means, by next year, I am to be sitting as the new president. Thank you to all of you. I really feel flattered knowing that a lot of people do trust me.

As for next week, I do hope for the same luck to continue. I am actually looking forward for tons of homeworks and lack of sleep especially now that I am in the hardest year of my highschool life. I just hope that this first week of mine would lead me straight to great success for this whole school year. But as for now, I'm just thankful that my first week was a real blast.