A Blog Project Worth Remembering

The first time, I heard and received the news from Sir Elmer that we will have our blog project, I was so angry. I kept on murmuring about it. “Ha? Five blogs per week with a minimum of five hundred words? Are we robots to finish all these things at the end of the semester?” I said to myself. In fact, I was not the only one who was complaining about it at that time. I think maybe all of us were all shocked. Imagine spending lots of money just for that blog project.

At first, when Sir Elmer was just a newbie, he already told us in advanced that he is going to give us a blog project. I did not expect that because I thought that it would just be very easy for me. So I did not really mind that project.

At first, there were some difficulties, which I encountered because we still don’t have an internet connection at that time. Thank God, my uncle came home from abroad. He asked me what I wanted as a reward for having good grades. Without anything in my mind, I pleaded him to have our computer an internet connection. Anyway, this can also help in my studies. And that’s it. He granted my wish.

I immediately made a blogger account. There were some problems that I encountered during my first log-in. I really don’t know how to solve the first one so I made another account. There it was! My problem was solved.

You know, I really hated the project at first. However, as time passed by, I learned to love and live with my blog. I really love it especially when I want to express what I feel.

As what I have observed, many parents were complaining about it. However, my father was happy. I don’t know why? Then he told me that it is better making my blog entries rather than facing the computer checking my friendster account or just playing non-sense games.

You know, I really learned a lot from this project. I improved my skills in touch-typing. I was also able to use the different grammar skills that I learned. I did not expect that I would be able to write an essay, minimum of 500 words within just thirty minutes. What a miracle! I can’t believe this!

In my opinion, we must just take what Sir Elmer told us because this is just for our own good. I know its hard especially when it comes to financial terms. You know, I also experienced the difficulty but I really find a way on how to deal with the blog project.

Sir Elmer, more power and God Bless!!!

Colors of Life

What is or what are your favorite colors? Have you ever wondered what it means to your life? I believe that the kind of colors that you like reflects on what qualities and personality you have.

My friend and I usually talks about the different colors and their meanings. She tells me about what she thinks about that particular color while I too share my side. We sometimes have the same meanings. Let me share to you about what I think about colors and how they reveal someone’s traits and personalities.

Below are some of the colors with their respective meanings:

Red – This color suggests excitement, passion, energy, and life. Red also suggests anguish and bravery. That is why other people associate them with war and fights.

Orange – a color of warmth, thoughtfulness, wisdom and sociability. People who likes the color orange have a great sense of self-confidence. Light orange tells warmth because as what you have noticed the color is not too hot. It is just warm.

Yellow – It represents "being sunny," joy, optimism, and intuition and mental stimulation. Among all the colors, this is the brightest. Therefore, people who love yellow are known for having sharp minds and optimistic.

Green – Green is for nature. It is very refreshing and soothing to the eyes. It is also the color of development and growth. Those people who love green are very natural and open-minded. They are also known for being nature lover.

Pink – This color is associated with love and beauty.

Blue – People who are known to love the color blue are conservative ones. Blue is a cool, calming color, often used for relaxation and meditation. It is a very spiritual color, and is representative of truth, intellect, and justice.

Violet – This color denotes royalty and wealth. So people who like the color purple are often defined as wealthy and rich persons.

Black - the color of death. It sometimes denotes mystery, unconsciousness and sometimes even protection. Those who love the color black may be quiet but deep inside there is a hidden someone within them. They are also very secretive.

White – White is the color of purity and truth. People who prefer white have the attitude of being honest and justice.

Gold - Gold symbolizes wealth used wisely, but it is also the symbol of good health. People who favor the color gold are optimistic.

Brown - Brown symbolizes: earth, order, convention. People who prefer brown are often conventional and orderly. The negative meaning of brown can be a repressed personality or a lazy person. Brown is the color of the earth and is associated with the material side of life.

Gray - Gray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be the lone wolf type or narrow-minded. Males usually prefer this color.

As you know, this is just my opinion about what these colors mean to our life. however, I am not telling you that your traits depend upon what colors you prefer to. If you have negative attitudes, then don’t trust what your color tells about it. You can still do something to change them. Remember that this is just for fun and don’t take it too seriously.

Movies I Love

Do you love watching movies? What kind of movies do you watch? As you know, there are different kinds of movies and they are classified as follows: action, comedy, adventure, horror, romance, cartoons, and fantasy. Which of these do you prefer most?

I watch many movies may it be horror or comedy; romantic or action, etc. Listed here are some of my most well loved movies of all time:

« Matilda – This is about a girl who was never been loved by her family. Matilda never felt the love she wanted until one time her father, Harry Wormwood, sent her to a school, which is very old and dusty but full of happy children. The principal, Ms. Trunchbull, treats the pupils very harshly. She even harm them by throwing the pupils outside the window, beating them and many other very abusive acts. But Matilda found her kind and loving teacher, Ms. Honey. Together, they were able to fight their rights against Ms. Trunchbull with the aid of Matilda’s telekinetic power. Later on, Ms. Honey adopted Matilda and she became her legal mother.

« Haunted Mansion – a horror-comedy film starring Eddie Murphy. The adventure started when Jimmy Evers (Eddie Murphy) and Elizabeth Evers (Marsha Thomason) were asked to deal an old mansion to be sold away. Together with their children, Megan and Michael, they were able to reach the mansion.

The owner of this mansion, Master Gracey (Nathaniel Parker) thought that Jimmy’s wife, Sara Evers, was his fiancée because they have the same physical features with her. The fun and quest begins as they journey the mansion to find the key to unlock the hidden secrets of Elizabeth’s death.

« Finding Nemo – a cartoon series full of fun and adventure in search for Nemo. Because of mischievous Nemo, a diver caught him as he was swimming in the open water forcing Marlin, his father, to look for him. Along with his adventure, he was able to meet a friend named Dory. Marlin had a hard time dealing with her because she has an illness called short-term memory loss. However, Marlin has come to realize that Dory was important to him in finding his son. Dory was like Marlin’s “lucky charm” because without her they wouldn’t find Nemo.

« Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch – the story started when Stitch had a nightmare of being bad again. The truth is, Stitch has a glitch that’s why he is acting like one. When Stitch was created, Jumba did not get a chance to fully charge Stitch's molecules before they were both arrested. At first this glitch causes Stitch to revert to his old destructive programming, but it will ultimately destroy him if Jumba cannot create a charging pod before Stitch's energy runs out. Find out how Stitch can escape this tragedy and how his best friend Lilo can help him.

I still have many more movies that I love. Some of them are Harry Potter 3, Jumanji, Sound of Music, etc. However, I picked the most common and my most favorite ones. How about you? Do we like the same kind of movies?

Beauty of Nature

The green grass and shades of tree… scented and colorful flowers… chirping birds. Ah… could you imagine how beautiful life is? All the beautiful and natural scenic that are around us make us feel that life is good. Tall mountains, clear and rushing waters, happy animals… how did they come to be?

As I read the first book of the bible, Genesis, I have come to realize how powerful and creative God was. He was able to prove that He can do everything with just a command or even one snap of His finger. Truly, He was the Supreme Being in the entire universe. I have also read that He created man out of love and to make him the steward of all His creations. God provided him another partner, which He named Eve because He thought man can’t live alone.

There was a tree at the middle of the garden that God had forbidden Adam and Eve to eat from its fruits. Although He had given them everything, they needed and wanted, they still refused to obey God. The serpent who forced them to eat from its fruit tempted them. The snake told them that if they will eat from the forbidden tree, they would be as powerful as God would. Because of greediness and selfishness, they were tempted to eat the fruit.

God was so angry with Adam and Eve that they were forced to leave the Garden of Eden. However, because God loved them so much, He did not punish them nor harm the two.

Just come to think of that! Without God’s love, we will all die and be punished by our sinful acts. The people are wasting even the natural resources that made God discouraged. Remember if we destroy His’ creations, we are like wasting the effort of God and disrespecting His’ name.

Before, nature’s beauty is still very alive and clean. Nevertheless, because of the rapid development of industries and technology, the beauty of nature is depleted. Factories, smoke belching, wastes in bodies of water and many other things make the world turn chaotic. How we wish we could turn back the time where the environment is still free from pollution.

Some people say that God is starting to ask the payment from all the people’s wrong deeds. Landslides, drought, global warming, strong typhoons are some of the signs wherein our planet is near to its end, as what other people mention. Many lives and properties are being destroyed and devastated even small and innocent children are being harmed.

Last 2005, there were some rumors, which I heard among my classmates that by the end of the year, all of us must be prepared for the second coming of Jesus. I was alarmed that is why I always pray at night. They told me that the world will be divided into two and those who will fall down are sinners while the good will fly up to heaven. They also informed me that there will be balls of fire and great catastrophic phenomena will occur at the time of judgment. Living and dead people will rise and together God will judge them.

I really don’t have any idea on when will be the ending of the world. For me, we must all prepare for His second coming.

So, are your eyes now open to face the reality and truth that God is mad at us right now? Try to wake up and begin the total transformation of our planet. Start revising the world. Bring back the beauty of nature. Act now because the world begins in you!

Refreshing my Elementary Years

Before I entered UP, I studied at the University of San Carlos Basic Education Department South Campus. Why too long? It is because our university has many departments. We have the North Campus, South Campus, Talamban Campus, and the Main Campus located at P. Del Rosario St. But I used to study there at the South Campus because before it became Basic Education, it was a Girls-High School department.

You know, I really miss my school before. Reminiscing the joys and fun my friends and I shared together. My best friend is Armika Eborda. She is a sweet, funny girl. We often spent our time reading and borrowing books in the library. She also taught me to be closer to God. Now, we don’t have enough time to do the same things again. Armika and I are just communicating through the internet.

I seldom visit the campus because of so many works to be done here in UP. If I have the “rare” chance to go to our campus, bad luck really comes. I haven’t seen them for a long time because of their hectic schedules also. So I’m still praying that someday, I can see and share with her the funs and joys that we both shared together.

Ahh… by the way, I remembered some of the important things or celebrations that we have in our school.

The first event that I’ll never forget is having our Holy Mass. We usually do this every first and last Fridays of the month, during feast days, and many more. We started every celebration with a Holy Mass since it is a Catholic school. Even if this important celebration is not being practiced here in UP (although there is a mass at the AVR) I will still remember and put in my heart the Holy Mass because I’m a Catholic and I am part of God’s family.

The next is the Buwan ng Wika. This usually takes place every month of August. Here, we were required to wear Filipino costumes such as the Barong Tagalog and the Baro’t Saya. We also make projects related to our Filipino customs and traditions.

The most important event every school year is the Intramurals or the Carolinian Festival as what it is often called. During this celebration, we show off our hidden talents in dancing through the field demonstration. But before that, we still have a parade around the Pentagon or the field grounds. This is the most colorful and exciting event in the university.

And now we enter the month of December, which means Christmas time! We never forget to celebrate our Christmas party. We have different games, presentations, and the most awaited part, the exchanging of gifts. I often got very nice and luxurious presents because you know… people here are rich except me.

In San Carlos, we remember our different talents and skills that’s why we have the PAP Program (Pupil Activity Program). Here, the different clubs share to us the talents that they have.

In every school, Family Day is never forgotten. So we observe the event, the Family Day. Our families and relatives took part in this occasion.

Last but not the least is the most awaited part of a student’s life, Graduation Day. Even if I was not part of the Top Ten who graduated, I was still recognized as one of the pupils who have the Distinction Award. What was more important was receiving my diploma as a sign of getting back my hardships as an elementary student.

You know, I really missed my elementary life! How I wish I can bring back time again. However, this is life. We must continue the steps we started and begin a new life as a high school student. Forward, always forward!

Art of Letting Go

If I ask you, why does a person have to leave? Is it hard for you? Some would answer yes and some no or maybe. Nevertheless, majority would say it is very hard, isn’t it? It is the fact because of some various reasons. Others would depart to work, study, migrate, or even because of death. Sounds horrible! I really have to admit that if someone leaves, it is very hard to accept the reality right away. It takes time to heal the pain especially when you are not that prepared to allow it to stay this way. I have two stories to share depending on the different causes of the situation and how they have overcome those difficulties.

When I was still in Grade 3, I used to have a best friend named Trisha (not her real name). She was her father’s pet. All the time she was thinking of her father and Trisha’s inspiration was also him. Because of him, she learned many things such as developing her talents, being responsible, becoming an honor student and many, many more.

The time came when she received a call from her home (because classes was still going on) saying that her father had a heart attack. She immediately rushed to the hospital with the permission from our teacher to leave. I really pitied her that’s why I wanted to go with Trisha but I can’t leave from school. When she reached the hospital, Trisha was hoping to see her father still alive. But it was too late. The doctor declared him deceased. She really was weeping so hard. Imagine, her father who loved her so much is now gone! Trisha told me that she can’t live without his father. I told her not to give up. Maybe the time has come that her father must return to God. She took the advised and together with some of the people around her, she strived herself to forget the terrible happening. You know, it really took Trisha a long, long time to recover. She have come to realize that his father is in good hands with God and even if he is gone he will still watch over her and will always be in her heart.

Another story I’m going to tell is about a mother, father and their two children. They have a very good life in terms of financial. However, the parents quarrel almost everyday. The mother had another man and the father was an alcoholic drinker. The children, Keith and Jane really don’t know what to do.

One day, their mother decided to leave them and live with the guy. Therefore, their father was the only one left to take care of them. Months passed, the father died due to heavy drinking. Keith and Jane cannot accept it. How will they live life if there is no one supporting them? So what he did was to accept the truth and they helped each other until they graduated from college. The two have realized that letting go someone is the beginning of another life.

The art of letting go is like setting a bird free so that it will have its own freedom. It is hard but take time to recover from the wound it brought to you. And you will realize that letting go is starting a new life.

Subjects in School

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Every school teaches students different subjects particularly about academics. This is there number one aim to help students know the reality of life as time goes by. A student had to undergo different subjects. The subjects become harder and they go with the students’ development or maturity.

Here are some subjects which I’m going through in my first year high school:

English – Handled by Sir Elmer Montejo. This is one of my favorite subjects here in UP. I like this because as what I have observed, the topics are just so easy. I think this subject is just the same with what we have during our elementary years. I’m having fun with it because I don’t have to spend enough time with it. When examinations come, I just analyze the situation being given. English is easy but very useful especially when we communicate with other people predominantly with the foreigners.

Math - This subject involves numbers. Frankly, I am very dull when it comes to this matter. I really envy those who are math wizards. But you know, I am trying my very best to understand more about math. That is why I listen very carefully to Mme. Nuñez’s discussion. I hope that when I reach second year, my grades in math will be higher.

Science – Our science here in UP is divided into three parts: Sci-A (Integrated Science), Sci-B (Earth Science), and Sci-C (Astronomy, Oceanography, and Meteorology). Sci-A is for the whole school year. Sci-B is for the first semester while Sci-C is for the second semester. Prof. Erlinda B. Gallo is handling these three subjects. She is very fun to be with. The subject becomes more exciting especially when we have different activities such as the board work and laboratory activities. Surely, I will miss the joys and fun we shared together in this subject.

Filipino – Professor Rosario Montaño handles this subject. During Filipino time, we usually have our film showing. Some movies that we viewed were Do-Re-Mi, Kaputol ng Isang Awit, and Ang Hiwaga ng Ibong Adarna. I like the lessons here because Filipino is just the cousin of English. The difference is that Filipino tackles about the Philippine Literature. In fact, we have a textbook entitled Ibong Adarna, a Philippine literary piece. In second year, we begin another .story, which is the Florante at Laura

Social Science – One of the hatest subject of my classmates and schoolmates because of the teacher handling it, Mme. Sofia Logarta. For me, I don’t mind whether who the teacher may be but I rather focus my attention on the subject itself. I don’t have any hatred with this subject. Anyway, this is one of my favorite subjects since I was a kid. I love History.

Reading – Ma’am Rabago is our moderator in Reading. She really has a passion for Reading since it tackles more about Philippine Literature. If you look at her, she’s one of a kind. Ma’am Rabago is a dedicated Filipino and nationalistic to her country. Well, who would argue? With the way she dress and moves, you can really tell that she’s a true and loyal Filipina.

Home Technology – Handled by none other than Prof. Daniel Nellas. In this course, our main job here is to clean the Hometech room. He also gave us different projects to be done. Some of it are wood lamination, paper weight, marbling, cooking, bottle decor, and many more. I can say that this subject is very important to our lives.

Computer – Nowadays, people have been using computers because of the rapid growth of technology. And here in UP, this is being introduced to us by Mme. Chona Kerr. We were taught how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point. We also learned touch typing lesson. This subject is very useful in the advanced development of technologies and lives of people.

P.E., Music, Health – P.E. and Health are being handled by Ms. Jo Ann Maquilan while our moderator in Music is Ms. Catherine Rodel. Both are singles, right? They really have specialty in their particular field of learning so they were able to deliver the matter well.

You know, the subjects here in UP are very advanced. So the administration really chose the best among the best mentors. With these fields of learning, we were able to know the different aspects in life.

UP Celebrates Sci-Tech Week

In our Sci-A, we were taught by Professor Erlinda Gallo that science and technology made our lives even faster and easier. We were also taught that science is a systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Technologies are specific methods, materials, and devices used to solve practical problems. It means that when science is applied technology is created. Therefore, without science there would be no technology.

The Science and Technology week started last February 19, 2007 and lasted until February 23, 2007 with the slogan “Improving Filipino Lives Through Technological and Scientific Development”. This event broadened our minds about the big impact of Science and Technology on the lives of the Filipino people.

The opening ceremony started the Sci-Tech Week. After that, we were asked to proceed to the different laboratories for the viewing of Investigatory Projects prepared specially by the fourth year students. I was with my friends taking down notes and listening to the students’ explanation about their different projects. I really listened well because I know that time will come that I, too will also have the chance to do the same thing. And with their projects I can get something which I can apply in my day-to-day life. Among the projects, I liked the one entitled: The Effectiveness of Peanut Pod Ashes in Making Hollow Blocks: a Comparative Study. It was about the usefulness of peanut pods (shell of the peanuts) in substituting sand for making hollow blocks. Based on their report, peanut pods contain silica, a substance used for hardening hollow blocks.

Below is a comparison between the sand and the peanut pod ashes in the compressive strength of hollow blocks

% of PPA	% of sand	Compressive S.
0%	100%	250
25%	75%	785
50%	50%	270
75%	25%	no concrete hollow b.
0%	100%	no concrete hollow b.

On the figure above, it shows that if 75% sand and 25% peanut pod ashes are mixed together, it produces a compressive strength of 785. Therefore, the hardness of the hollow blocks depends on the amount of combination of the peanut pod ashes and sand.

There were still other activities, which happened during the week such as Essay Writing Contest, Science Olympics, Poster Making Contest, Slogan Making Contest, etc.

During the last day of the Sci-Tech Week, we had the Radio Quiz. I was so disappointed because Yvon and I were not able to join the quiz. We were asked by Sir Nellas to return home and get the assignment, which he assigned to us. Anyway, we will just forget about that.

The time has come for the closing and awarding ceremonies. Each one were given special prizes. I was happy because our slogan was chosen as one of the winner. We received P60.00 and then we divided it among the group. Indeed, it was such a memorable and unforgettable event.

Science and technology really changed the lives of the Filipinos. Imagine, just one click of the mouse and there... you are now like traveling around the globe. Because of the communication improvements, you and your loved ones are like talking beside each other. So we must strive to improve our knowledge about science so that we can help the Philippines become a developed country.

Dreams in Life

Everybody in this world has a dream, right? Who could that person be who has no ambition in life? There is a saying that a person with no destination does not know how to travel the journey of life. It means that if someone doesn’t have a goal, he/she will have difficulty on what or where to be in life.

Since I was a child, dreaming has been part of my life. And every time I dream I see to it that it will really happen. Unless if that dream is impossible to be done such as to fly up in the sky without riding a plane or without the use of wings. Or going back to the past with the aid of a “time machine”. It really is impossible! Anyway, let us talk about the reality of life. What really is dream and what are some dreams people want to achieve?

When I am not yet studying here in UP (that was in Gr. 6) I really dreamt of passing some scholarship examinations such as those in National Science High School, Cebu Normal University, and University of the Philippines. I took the test in Science High but unfortunately, I failed to pass. Frankly, I was so disappointed about the result that is why I thought that maybe I will not pass the UP High School Admission Test. However, my family and friends continued to support me and encouraged me to do my best and never to forget to call for God’s Name. With that, I felt comfortable enough and inspired by the messages of the people around me. And with all those supports and encouragements, I was able to pass the examinations.

Now that I am studying here in UP, my dreams would not stop until there. As we all know, UP is the school where the battle of the brains happens. Each student strive to overcome the difficulties in UP. As what other people say, we are very privileged to study here in a prestigious university and to be called “Iskolar ng Bayan”. My classmates would say that to be part of the Upian family is enough. However, as what I have observed, why should a person stop up to there if that person knows that he/she can still have a greater opportunity, to be one of the honor’s lists? Therefore, I said to myself, “I can do this…” With hard work, trust in one’s self, and faith in God, I was able to meet the requirements of being an honor student. These three really affects my studies most especially manners. If you do not have good manners and right conduct, you will not be able to be a good student.

I also have a plan for my future. To graduate in UP is one. In addition, I also want to graduate in college and can land a reputable job. I want to become a doctor someday so that I can be able to help the ailing who don’t have enough money to go to the hospital. I want to help them because I want to prove to them that poverty is not a hindrance to become well. One thing also is that I want to tour around the world for the reason that I like to explore the beauty of our planet. You know what; Mme. Gallo inspired me to do my best so that I can travel the world. She often told us, “Study hard so that you can travel any where in the world.” I am more motivated to do my very best. Thanks to her! I also want to help those who have no jobs.

Dreams are always part of every individual’s life. Remember that the obstacles in life are not an excuse that each of us will stop dreaming. Instead, we will be more encouraged to fix them so that our dreams will be all right. Bear in mind that every mistake gives us lessons in order to become productive citizens of this country and better individuals of this world.

Trials in Life

Trials are never absent in life. As you know, they bring color to our living. However, others still recognize them as a burden. They easily give up on problems forcing them to commit suicide, robbery, adultery, and many other crimes. But for me, I take it as a challenge to become a better and responsible individual. I do have challenges even if I was still a small girl.

When I was still in my elementary years, we used to have financial problems. Instead of using the money for our food or buying house and lot, we spent it for our education. When I was not yet studying, my father used to have a stable job enough to support our family. Therefore, they decided to send me to San Carlos. However, my little sisters also have to go to school. My sister next to me studied in the same school while the other was sent to USJ-R. But every time periodical examination comes, we cry and ask God to help us pay our tuition. Thanks to Him because whenever we call His name, he never let us down. He always gives us solutions to our problems. I still do have other problems at home, which will be kept secret.

You know? I have more problems in school than at home. Not just about academics but it also involves about my social life or simply about my classmates. Since I study here in UP, I can’t understand my life now. My life was alright and comfortable during my elementary years. You want to know why?

When I was still an elementary student, I used to be very unserious with my studies. In fact, I was very lazy and I don’t even study my lessons. Now, I am busier than a bumblebee. I even stay late at night just to accomplish tasks. I spent lots of money only to submit a requirement or project. All of these make me stress. Sometimes, I even don’t have enough time to sleep. But I know this is a great challenge for me as a Upian so I have to sacrifice. Someday, I can be able to harvest the fruits of my labor.

Another thing also is that some people out there say something negative towards me. I can’t understand them. They backbite me. I really hate people who are backbiters. Why don’t they face me and tell me what they don’t’ like? I am willing to accept comments because I know these are stepping-stones in becoming a better person. Are they just happy with what they are doing or are they just afraid? For me people like that are coward. You know, there are these girls who really love to insult even if they were not being hurt by others. That is why many people hate them. You want to know whom I’m referring to? It’s so obvious. Never mind asking me.

However, I won’t get affected and I won’t mind them. They are just pests in my studies and life. In addition, this is another struggle in which I’m going to endure.

Hay… trials, challenges, obstacles; whatever name you want to call it, they still mean as one. Just remember that every problem has a solution. Just never give up and you will find the true meaning of life.

Farewell To You, TEACHERS!

This is the last school year for the retiring and resigning teachers. I feel sad to hear the news. I first knew it from Sir Nellas. He told me that he would be retiring next school year together with some other teachers. I was so shocked especially when he mentioned the name of Mme. Erlinda Gallo. I was so disappointed because even if this is my first year here in UP, my relationship with my teachers are very close. Some would even call me “sip-sip” but as you know, when I was still in elementary I already have the attitude of being close to the teachers. I would not stay close to my mentors when it comes to grades. I would only go to my teachers to give the payments I collect being the treasurer or just to greet them. But there are still some who would backbite me because of it. However, I do not mind them because what’s important is that I enjoy what I’m doing and what is righteous. Anyway, let me define to you some characteristics of my teachers.

Prof. Erlinda B. Gallo is my most favorite teacher in UP. Aside from her unique style of teaching, Madame teaches us to be young professionals with strict discipline, and anger with gentleness. She is also very approachable but with professionalism. Mme. Gallo is humble enough even if she is already rich. Imagine, traveling around the world is just so easy for her as if she is just riding a jeepney. Aside from that I like the way she dress because she looks very formal. I think she is one of the remarkable teachers in UP High.

The next retiree is none other than UP High’s “Daddy Cool” Sir Daniel Nellas. Whenever break time comes, we usually stop by the Hometech Room where his room is. Yvon and I usually have a conversation with Sir Nellas particularly with our life inside the classroom. He gives us advices on how to deal with our UP life. We also see him walking very slowly. I never saw Sir Nellas in a hurry not until the time when Yvon accidentally poured a cup of juice into his Record Book. We were all shocked because he was able to grab his things quickly. I helped him clean his table while Yvon was just busy laughing and staring at him. We will surely miss him so much.

Here comes Mr. Montaño, Mme. Montaño’s brother-in-law. At first, I thought that he was the husband of Prof. Rosario. My schoolmates told me that he was a good teacher. It was so obvious because the first time I greeted him, he answered me with a sweet reply. You can sense it even if you are not under him. I always see him smiling. He also acts as the emcee during Radio Quizzes and other activities. Surely, Mr. Montaño will never be forgotten by the students.

The three of them are retiring next year. There are also teachers who are resigning like Ms. Maquilan, Mr. and Mrs. Nuñez, and Mme. Kerr.

Ms. Jo Ann Maquilan is our PE teacher and at the same time our Health teacher. She is so nice and pretty. From all the PE teachers that I have, Ms. Maquilan is one of a kind. She is the most energetic teacher that I have. Unfortunately, she will be leaving due to homesickness. Her sweet and charming smile is her big asset and will be remembered forever.

Next are the couples Mr. and Mrs. Nuñez. I am not familiar with Mr. Nuñez so let’s talk more about Mme. Nuñez. She is our Math teacher. When classes started, we still saw her with the baby in her womb. She left because she gave birth. During the second quarter, Mme. Nuñez returned to work. This is the time when my grades in Math became higher because of her diligent and clear explanations. I can really see her effort in letting us understand the subject clearly. I hope that both of them can start a new life with their first-born baby.

Last but not the least; we have Mme. Kerr. She handled the Computer subject with us. Her husband and her children are in Australia so she decided to stay with them. She broadened my knowledge about computers especially about Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

I am sad because the time has come to say goodbye. However, I am somehow happy, because with this, they can begin a new life and can harvest all the things that they have done to us. Nevertheless, the lessons and contributions they have given will remain in our hearts and minds even if we will be apart from each other.

To all the retirees and resigning teachers, remember that we are here for you and thank you not only for the academic lessons but the most essential message that you brought to us is that life is good and beautiful; face every obstacle in life and learn not to give up. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND ADIOS!

A Love Affair with M/V Doulos and Books

February 13, 2007 – This was a very memorable day for me. It was the day wherein we went to an enormous ship, the M/V Doulos. The crew in this ship were mixed-nationalities. Some were Americans, Koreans, Africans, and there were even Filipinos.

The first and second years were to go to M/V Doulos while the third years and the fourth years will have their trip the next day. We were required to wear our intrams shirt.

Mme. Gallo told us that we were supposed to ride in a Kaoshiung bus. Unfortunately, it was occupied by another school and that there were no vacant buses to ride on. So what Mme. Gallo did was to call for jeepneys to bring and fetch us to M/V Doulos. We were then asked to pay P15 to our class treasurer (that’s me…) including the teachers.

I was with Windel because Yvon, my friend, was in the other jeepney. I really hate riding in our jeepney for the reason that it was so, so hot. We were like burned in an oven. In addition, my classmates were very noisy as if they own the jeepney. I can see that the driver were somehow irritated and disturbed by their clatters. I have no choice but to wait until we arrive at the ship.

At last, we finally reached our destination. Windel and I immediately went to Yvon. The three of us were together in going inside the ship. We were even scolded by an officer because we broke the rules. Instead of lining up, we took a shortcut so that we will be the first one to reach the vessel. I remember what he said to us, “Sasampalin ko kayo…” I was shocked to hear those words from his mouth because I was not expecting a very strict person would be welcoming us.

When we reached the ship, I was not that excited because it was my second visit there. When we reached our very destination, we were just flipping the pages of the books with colorful pictures. Moreover, I don’t have enough money to buy a book because I forgot to ask an extra allowance from my parents.

It was so boring inside so we went to the ice-cream station. I brought a piece and while we were exploring the ship, we found another book location. There, the books were cheaper compared to the first one we went. Yvon had P50 so she bought books. She even bought me one.

We then went to the other part of the ship, which I think was the conference hall. The UP were not the only students who were present there. There was also another school ( I forgot the name… sorry!).

The proctor was a very handsome guy. Duhhh, who would argue with me since I’m just telling the truth. Those who would disagree are blind. Anyway, the discussion started with a brief introduction and later on with some games. Unfortunately, UP did not won in the first round. But in the second competition, Reiner, UP’s representative, got the place. He was able to captivate the girls in the other school because of his looks and promptness. There were still so many activities that happened during the conference.

After the forum, we rode on our jeepney back to school. The chit-chats became even more louder than ever. It was like that my eardrums would be damaged. We reached UP and the day ended full of happiness and annoyance. You know na why…?!

This is one of my favorite songs in the world. If you want to listen to this song, just click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E65DpjfhIA4

The Journey
by: Lea Salonga

Half the world is sleeping

Half the world's awake

Half can hear their hearts beat

Half just hear them break

I am but a traveler

In most every way

Ask me what you want to know



*Chorus*

What a journey it has been

And the end is not in sight

But the stars are out tonight

And they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life

I can see a better day

I won't let the darkness in

What a journey it has been



I have been to sorrow

I have been to bliss

Where I'll be tomorrow I can only guess

Through the darkest desert

Through the deepest snow

Forward, always forward I go



*Chorus*

What a journey it has been

And the end is not in sight

But the stars are out tonight

And they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life

I can see a better day

I won't let the darkness in

What a journey it has been



Forward always forward

Onward always up

Catching every drop of hope

In my empty cup



*Chorus*

What a journey it has been

And the end is not in sight

But the stars are out tonight

And they're bound to guide my way

When they're shining on my life

I can see a better day

I won't let the darkness in

What a journey it has been


What a journey it has been