Blog # 17: Speak Up!

Speaking in front is not an easy task.

                           Its was lazy Friday on that very day, a competition for high school of various schools. I was there, sitting for four hours, mostly waiting but astonished by the speaking talents of the young students. I told myself "When I was in that age, I'm still shy to speak in front!" How amazing it is to watch the students speaking in front as if they're already experienced!

                               I have to say, some of their speeches touched my heart. I remember some of the stories. The hotdog guy, the girl who slashed her wrist, the I-almost-died-when-I-was-born boy, the dumped-after-the-prom guy, and the at-home guy. Although some of the speeches of the others were a bit off (especially dead airs), but the content of their speech is one of a kind. It really touched me as in my heart is racing. It gave me full attention, and I praise them by applauding.

                                The activities of the program was quite fun. The debate and the transition challenge is really fun. I told myself "I want to be in front and experience!" But of course, the shy me took over. I didn't go up the stage, instead, I watch my classmates do their thing over there. Oh the excitement was there! Quite enjoyable.

                            The overall program is something memorable for a speaking club. Well, I have to admit, I really enjoyed the program even though I spent half of the time getting bored. It's hard to catch the audience attention, but you have to speak out and let your voice be heard!

P.S. The inter-class competition is up next, and I am very, very, VERY nervous about it! (Because I'm one of the chosen and I want to back out for some reason. But I can't.)

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog# 16: Keep your Eyes and Mind open

We can be the master, the captain, or the superior. But are we aware what's happening?

                              On a hazy Wednesday, my professor in Grammar and Communications is absent. I thought I can leave to sleep again, but I was wrong. I attended a seminar together with my four other classmates (which its a must.) The topic of the seminar is about social media awareness. As expected, its all about do's and don't's on what to post in the world of the internet. What caught my attention, is the dark side of the internet.

                              Oh, reality! You've been quite a pain in the rear at many times. It can be in personal, but mostly in the world of the internet. Sometimes internet is annoying. Why? Since everyone is the "star" of the show, they can post whatever they want. They don't care who doesn't give a fudge about their posts and someday be famous in a matter of a day or two. I just simply don't know why do they have to do silly stuff (like procrastinating in front of the computer, or telling the world wide web that they don't have the right to bash them) just to be famous. Are they desperate? Looking for attention? If you take off you clothes, you will be noticed by millions of people? This is not the correct way of changing your life. Stay out of the computer for sometime and have a quality time with your loved ones.

                          Since you can literally post anything in the world of social media, besides seeing nothing but trash all day, you can see different opinions about the politics, world, happening etc. What's unique about posting opinions? Brainwashing the readers. After reading the posts, false opinions may spread in reality. Confusion spreads between what's right and wrong. Having false opinions can result to a fight, a bad war. They want peace? Stick to what's right, and that is books, newspaper, and television news.

                             Being famous is natural to the human kind. It's common and something "to die for." But aren't we aware of the other important things that we should be keeping an eye to? Yes, we do admire the stars entertaining us, but we should know what's happening to our brothers and sisters around the world.  It's sad that people praise what's trending rather than share what's good and what's to be aware of. I have to admit, humans are stupid animals. They laugh at people having pain, despise and discriminate a race, and praise the illiterate of internet. Are we that stupid? Or we're just avoiding reality?

                             We may start a revolution but may end up a war. One post may change everything, including your own life. You can brainwash or help people. The internet is a strong source of a medium. If we overpower it, it can go out of control, and also might start a World War III. Let's be cautious in our own words. Most importantly, let's be cautious in our surroundings.

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 15: F. Sionil Jose

"I write to please myself - of course, that is a given. But beyond this reach for pleasure, I know that I write for my country men, that they may be lifted from apathy and ignorance. I write because of a compulsion to make something out of the nothing. That is my own life" - F. Sionil Jose

                                F. Sionil Jose ( Francisco Sionil Jose) is a fictionist who was was born in December 3, 1924 in Rosales, Pangasinan. He is a son of Antonio  Jose, an Aglipayan minister, and Sophia Sionil, and he is married to Maria Teresa Jovellanos with seven children. When he was young, he had to help in supporting his family by raising hogs and working as a farm laborer. While he is working for his family, his mother encouraged him to love books. Jose started writing in grade school. In his 5th grade, one of Jose's teacher opened up a school library, and Jose managed to read  Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere", Willa Carter's "My Antonia" and others.

                               He studied grade school in Rosales Elementary School, high school in Far Eastern University High School, and took pre-medicine in Manila College of Pharmacy and Dentistry, then to University of Santo Tomas, but shifted to Liberal Arts after World War II. During his college years, he became an editor-in-chief in the university paper "The Varsitarian." In 1947, he joined the staff of Commonwealth, a Catholic magazine. He went to work with the United States Information Service (USIS) as assistant editor. He worked there from 1948 to 1949. Later on, he became managing editor of the Sunday Times Magazine from 1957 - 1960, editor of Comment, and managing editor of Hong Kong-based Asia Magazine.He founded the Philippine Chapter of Poets, Playwrights, Essayist, Novelists (PEN) International Organization in 1958.

                                 After working briefly in Sri Lanka as information officer for the Colombo Plan Bureau, he returned to Philippines in 1965 and set up t Solidaridad Publishing House  as became a publisher, and Solidaridad Bookshop Ermita, Manila, together with his wife. In 1962, Jose has been a professional lecturer in Arellano University, De La Salle University, and University of the East. He was also a  writer-in-residence at the National University of Singapore, a visiting researcher at Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies, in Japan, and a consultant for the Department of Agrarian Reform.

                               F. Sionil Jose created different novels, essays, short stories, and verses.His works was translated into several languages like Russian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Dutch, Indonesian, and Ilocano. He wrote the best of all his works, The Pretenders (1962). With his works he has various awards and he is known now as the National Artist for Literature in 2001.

Sources:

http://kulturang-noypi.blogspot.com/2011/07/biography-of-francisco-sionil-jose.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._Sionil_Jos%C3%A9

http://geemiz.blogspot.com/2009/09/biography-francisco-sionil-jose.html

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/F._Sionil_Jose

Blog # 14 ; Research # 1 : Climate Change

             Notice such scorching heat, unconditional weather change, heavy storms, and untimely El Niño and La Niña? We people didn’t mind one of these but we should be aware on what is happening to our environment and possible consequences without further care. Having these devastating events can have a major catastrophe to our lifestyle and needs. Ultimately, this may cause an early destruction to mankind. Earth may no longer be habitable to any living creatures, and it’s all because of climate change. Why do we have Climate change?

                First is thinning of the ozone layer. Ozone layer is an “invisible wall” to reduce the heat waves of the Sun. Each year, the ozone layer is slowly depleting due to air pollution, specifically puffing engine smoke and cigarette smoke, using products with CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon), and burning of rubbers and plastics. Most industrialized countries, Like America and China, produces a lot of air pollution because of factories and heavy traffics, and uses a lot of CFC products. If our ozone layer continues to reduce its thin wall, heat will slowly raise, icebergs melt and water rises in a great amount, possible to have either a super typhoon or a tsunami that can engulf a small country, and people may die due to too much absorption of Ultraviolet rays.

                Last is the changing of greenhouse effect. The “Greenhouse effect” is a mixture of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), and Water vapor (H₂O). Certain gas in the atmosphere blocks the heat from escaping. Human activities such as burning of fossil fuels like coal or oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, thus changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse can result warmer temperature, resulting to a global warming, and unpredictable climate patterns.

                We can lessen our carbon emissions in many ways like use an organic product, avoid using plastics, walk or ride a bike instead of driving a car, and the alike. We are living in a fragile planet with living creatures. Our world is in danger, and so are we and the future generation.


Sources: 
http://climate.nasa.gov/causes/
http://education.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/ozone-layer/

Blog # 13 : Alfredo Salazar (From the Short Story "Dead Stars")

I am Alfredo Salazar.

I am a professional lawyer, and a confused lover.

                    There are times that I am indecisive with my actions and feelings. I want things to happen in my way, leading to happy endings. I can be honest or dishonest at times but I am straight through when I know what is right and wrong for me. You can call me selfish, but I know what I am doing in my life because I believe in my thoughts and feelings for what are right to me and I can take consequences if I made the wrong choice.

        I am engaged with Esperanza. My sister, Carmen, chose her for me.  At first it was hard to love someone who thinks the person is perfect for you. As time goes by, I fell in love to Esperanza. We’ve been together for a year now. My sister plans to take it to the next level, and that is marriage. 

             My father and I go to the judge’s house for some “business.” As I approach the door, I thought this is the judge’s wife. As this fine lady corrected me, it was the judge’s sister-in-law, named Julia Sales. Believe me I am struck with her fine words and graceful attitude.

                How could I explain this…? When I became friends with Julia and our souls slowly come close, it’s like a bloom inside my chest. A light glow shines upon my heart, feeling that you finally found the lost piece of your heart. Every time I see her, my heart skipped a beat. I always find a way to go to her and try my best not be nervous whenever I am close to hear. Seeing her smile and hearing her laughter makes up my day. She simply completes me.

                When I came home after the Holy Sunday, I saw Esperanza sitting down of a sofa. It seems that I am in trouble. She thinks that I am having an affair with someone else. I have to defend myself, so I told her what I truly feel, and I don’t love her anymore. Yes it does hurt emotionally, spiritually, and mentally to me, especially to Esperanza, but I have to be true to myself. I don’t want to lie to her anymore. After having an argument she decided to let me go, giving me my “freedom.”

                I sailed on a boat to attend an important business. I’m supposed to be in Sta. Cruz for the hearing between the rebels and the government. When a guard told me that it will take a little longer, I decided to stroll around the streets after landing on a small village. To be honest, I can’t stop thinking of Julia. I want to see her once more. As I go further, I saw her, looking outside the window.

                We had our small talk. But that small talk may be our last. I have to sail away. I have to say good-by. I have to let go and continue my journey as a lawyer and a confused lover. But I prayed to the stars that we shall collide once again when the right time comes. Who knows what is truly fated to me.

Blog# 12: Some Jeepney Stories

I don't usually think a lot in the jeepney. But when I do, it's going to be deep. Really deep.

                                 Besides what to eat at home, have you ever think deep in the jeepney? Ever asked yourself what did you do before going home, or what kind of good deed you'll do before going home? If you have, you're not alone. Who wouldn't think really deep in such an annoying traffic? The heat from the sun and engine, the smoke of other jeepneys, cars, or trucks, the dust from the construction, and the noisy horns of "rushing" citizens. It's really inevitable, but let me share some experiences I'll never forget while I was heading home.

                             I rode a jeep (obviously) then I saw a jolly young girl with her grandmother beside her. I can't stop smiling every time I see her. Holding her coca-cola bottle candy, while talking to a stranger beside her. I loved her enthusiasm, her innocence, and her shyness. I've decided to draw her in anime style. She was happy. She showed it to her grandmother then kept it in her plastic bag with her favorite treat in it. I kept smiling, and I wasn't satisfied. I made an origami lotus flower for her. She showed it to her grandmother. I went down the jeepney as my destination reached. I winked at the girl before I came down, and I walked home, smiling.

                                    I was walking going to the jeepney terminal on a rainy afternoon. A guy was running under the rain. I can't bear to see this guy running under the crying heavens. I raised my umbrella and brisk walked beside him. I spoke up to him"Kuya heto oh. Maki-sulong ka magkasakit ka pa niyan." He smiled with a hint of embarrassment and said "Nako ate, huwag nalang po. Nakakahiya."  I refused his request. He had no choice but to be with me under the umbrella. When we reached the jeepney terminal, we sat together, and the conversation started. We're both freshmen in the same school but different institution. I'm an accountancy student and he's an IT student (if I can remember) He's from Laguna which is quite far. I asked him why did he ride in this jeepney if he's from Laguna. He smiled with a laughter "Kasi ang dad ko nagtatrabaho sa Star Cruise. Kaya hihintay ako doon." After he went down the jeepney. He waved good-by. Call it a serendipity, it's just good things come together. Don't even try thinking of it as my future couple


Basically that's what I remembered.. Hope I can think some more..

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 11: Christianity as One

I went to Malabon to meet a special someone. It was a challenge for me.

                               Yes, he invited me to his church when I told him I don't have a Saturday Class. I was excited at first then I got nervous when I stepped on the land of Malabon. When I went in to the church, I feel like I'm an apple in an orange crate! I'm wore the typical casual blouse and jeans get up, while the majority, for the girls, wear dress! Nervousness engulfed me!

                                He's a Seventh-Day Adventist, I'm a Catholic. He goes to church every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, while I go to church every Sunday. He studies bible, while I listen to the priest's preach. But we only have one similarity. We praise the One and Only Jesus Christ. During the Sabbath day, he invited me to join in the bible study. And here's what caught my attention.

                                There are two preachers inside the room. An elder, and a guy in his mid 40's. The rest are Adventists, except for me and another old woman. I was quite shocked to the guy, who's in his mid 40's, was originally a Catholic, then converted to Inglesia ni Cristo, then to Adventist. I told myself that the guy really looks for true devotion to Jesus Christ. While the two preachers, told some chapter and verses from different persons, I was a bit struck with their words regarding to different branches of Christianity (e.g. Mormons, INC, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Protestants, Seventh-Day Adventist, etc.) has different ways, and the reason why the Seventh-Day Adventist is very different to them, is that they read the bible, as for the bible is where the Lord's story and teachings are scripted. There's the sad part. Hearing that some religion used their religion as part of gaining power since its in majority in the country. Some people pray for the sake of it. Catholics doesn't read the bible because they kept on relying the preaching of the priests. How ironic that the preacher mentioned that the Catholic doesn't read bible? I didn't agree on that because there are some who really read the bible even though they're Catholic. INC doesn't believe on Jesus Christ, which made me ponder, where the preacher said that Jesus is the human form of God. Some of the time, during the bible study, I sighed silently to the horrid nature to the different branches of Christianity, but enjoyed the whole bible study up to the end.

                               At the end of the day, I thanked my beloved one for letting me in the church and giving me his time. It made me reflect on many things to be honest. It really made me ponder and asked myself with this big question: "If we all believed in one God, why do we have to branch out ourselves? Why do we have to differ ourselves with the others?"

                                 There is a purpose in having a religion, as it is for the people to unite and believe in one God. To come in peace with the people. No discrimination, no hate, just love for our kind and love for God.

#TeamLauxenflair

Author with the mentioned special someone