Showing posts with label feature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feature. Show all posts

Friday, 9 October 2015

10 TYPES OF PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK by Alyssa Plaza

       Facebook started in 2004 and at that time, people used it occasionally. Eight years later, with almost a billion people on the website, I noticed that some people only used it for specific things and some of those things are practically annoying. I'm looking at you, you FarmVille fudgers.
       Anyway, I categorized these people to what I believed to be the 10 types of people on Facebook. And by the time you're done reading this I guarantee you that you'll find at least one of these types of people in your news feed.

1. The Creeper (A.K.A. The Lurker)
        We may also call these people stalkers! You know those people who never post anything, never like, never comment but they know everything you about you. You'll know who these people are because when you see them in real life and you bring up something you did recently, they'll say, "Oh yeah, I saw that you posted that on Facebook." It gets real awkward.

2.  Over-Poster (A.K.A. The Timeline Rapist)
        These are the people who would like you to know what they're doing every minute no matter ho trivial it is. 'Oh, just ate my morning oatmeal."POST. "Shower, work, gym." POST. "I just took a massive dump and I think I hurt myself." That's annoying. Nobody cares. STAHP.

3. The Status Hijacker
        Have you ever posted something on Facebook to find that the conversation's been completely taken over by somebody else? Either they take it over or they change the subject entirely. They're the same people that'll steal something funny that you posted on your timeline and put it on their own. And everybody knows they didn't come up with it because they're just not clever? I just want to see those and be like, "Hey you, that's what the share button's for!"

4. The Attention Seeker
        These are those people who post those cryptic one-line statuses. They'll post those one-liners like, "I CANT BELIEVE IT! or "EVERYTHING SUCKS RIGHT NOW D:<" And then they'll wait for people to fall for their trap and ask what happened. They never tell the rest of the story. They just let the comments and questions build up to feed their own Narcissism. I feel like those people should just be honest with us and be like, "I'm an attention whole? Like and comment on this post so I can feel better about myself!"

5. The Promoter
        We all have somebody like this in our friend list. He/she is that person who invites you to every single event under the Sun. It's usually somebody in the band who wants you to come to the 500 shows they're playing this week or maybe thy started a group and wants you to join the SAVE THE POLAR BEARS CLUB! And as if the first 20 invites weren't enough, they always send you one more just to be sure.

6. The Game Addict
        We all hate these people. These are the people who play games like FarmVille and flood your newsfeed with useless spam like, "I just planted a FUDGING TREE! Now I better mass send out requests so everyone can plant FUDGING TREES WITH ME!" I'm gonna want those people in with the same people who post their horoscopes all day like you care it's 'their year'.

7. The Preacher
        These are the people who post inspirational quotes or anything related to God, which is OK. Sometimes when we log into Facebook they can make us feel like we're in church.

8. The Drunk
        This one's a personal favorite of mine. These are those people who only post when they go out drinking with their friends and once they're hammered, they flood your newsfeed with drunken statuses and pictures. The most funny thing about these people is if you watch their status the next day, you'll see their statuses from last night before magically disappear one by one. Because you just know they're sitting there with a hangover going, "Delett...Dilittt..."

9. The Anti-Proof Reader
        This is that person who spells so badly on all their statuses that you wonder how they got through Grade School. Punctuation is either misused or non-existent with these people. What blows my mind about these guys is that they often use their cell phones to post on Facebook.... and you have spell-check on that thing so how do you still make mistakes?

10. The Whiner/Drama Queen
        Oh yes. We all know one of these. Every single post with these people is about how life sucks or how it sucks to be them. They find negativity in everything! These people need to understand that Facebook is not their personal therapist. I decided that from now on I'm going to track all the time that I spend reading these people's posts and build them for my time at the end of the week.

Sunday, 5 July 2015

High School Roller Coaster-------Jenika Gi-An C. Nero

High School. Two words, big impact. Many say that these four years are probably the best years they’ve ever had. Some say that high school was a point in their life that they never want to revisit ever again.
                 What’s your high school story?
                 Prom. The struggle of putting the alphabet in Math. Your very first relationship, maybe? Endless fun memories happen during high school. My high school trip has not ended yet, but I could definitely say that it has been very interesting for me so far.
         The pain of being class president has dawned on me throughout this trip. Having to be in charge of keeping my classmates in order is not my cup of tea. Oh, why do I have to go through this? Sigh. At least I have some clowns that I call my friends that keep me from blowing up. Their corny jokes, endless stream of puns, and sarcastic conversations never fail to amuse me.
              Bullies. Cue horror music. Everyone is not safe when it comes to them—including me. They always seem to remind me of the Mean Girls. Well, minus the wearing of pink on Wednesdays and the Burn Book. Because of my bullies, I now know why sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can’t hurt me—they don’t just hurt, they kill.
          High school is like a roller coaster ride. There are ups, there are downs, and there are some twists and turns. Fear might’ve settled in your stomach before you hop on, but you’ll never regret riding it. So sit back, relax, and fasten your seatbelts, because this ride will be the best one you’ve ever had. No kidding.




Thursday, 25 June 2015

THE ARIS SALARITAN DRIFT OF FATE------- Jenika Nero & Jeannel Lasquites

Aris(RIGHT) and her new found friends in Gr. 10 Fortitude.
 Photo by Jeanille Cogtas



                Life-changing moments, unexpected twists and turns of events, a new beginning—all because of that one certain day.
             Aris Mae Bascar Salaritan, a 16-year-old sophomore, had never even thought about taking the National Achievement Test, what gown she would be wearing during the Junior-Senior Promenade, nor her high school graduation yet. But when she took the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) last June 12, 2013, her life went in fast-forward motion, spinning and skipping particular events until finally landing in the Grade 10-Fortitude classroom. She soon found herself in a very unfamiliar environment surrounded by Grade 10 students whom she now consider classmates. Will she be able to cope with the fact that she will be wearing a dark blue toga by the end of March 2014 and a high school diploma at hand?
        PEPT is not an ordinary exam. Before deciding whether to take it, one must consider the following possibilities: you may accelerate, stay in the same grade, or even go back to a lower level. You may have been aiming to fly high into a warm blue sky, but you’ll never know until you realize you forgot to have an airplane to get there. Life is incomplete without a bit of difficult challenges and tough risks and Aris wasn’t scared of these. Knowing that an opportunity was right in front of her, she grabbed it without second thoughts and because of her determination, she got to reach the stars.
The start of something totally new also meant leaving the past behind. Even though the sudden yet overwhelming news was one of the greatest things that happened to Aris, she had to make some hard sacrifices. One of which was being unable to hang out with her Sophomore best friends as much anymore. Seemingly cutting the very strong bond that they had since their freshman years was too much for her to handle so Aris made sure that she was with the sophomores when she had the time. Due to her shy personality, she also doesn’t have that much confidence to talk with her classmates and batch mates (unless you talk to her first). “She’s happy, but not really happy, because she misses her friends.” Dave Raganas, one of her new classmates, said in an interview. “She is very quiet; she needs to boost her confidence. She jams with us actually, she’s just really shy.” she added.
Dr. Francesca T. Kilag, ACT-ISD principal, was very pleased when she heard about this huge announcement. “Just like her parents, I am also very proud of Aris for passing the exam. Imagine accelerating from Grade eight to Grade 10! That’s very amazing,” she said. “Out of all the students who took the test, she was the only one who passed! And to think she’s from ACT really makes us so proud of her.”
What took years for the Seniors to be where they are, only took her hours in an exam to be in the exact same place. Her story may not have caught your eye, but we can never deny the fact that she did an outstanding job at the Philippine Educational Placement Test.
Congratulations to you, dear Aris!




Tuesday, 23 June 2015

There’s Tragedy Then There’s Miracle ---- Cherrie Escraman

STAR chief photographer Val Rodriguez captures scenes of the devastation in the aftermath of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu and Bohol
                 It was a calm and peaceful day, filled with fun and excitement. You know why? Well it was the Fiesta of Talisay City. This is the only time when you can see the grandest of parties and the abundant supply of LECHON.
                 Alright this is where it all happened. As I was sleeping in bed, (as usual) a sudden shake awoke me. Lucky for me, I immediately jumped out of bed despite that I was sick that time. It was a very strong shake that lasted for quite a while. Adrenalin was rising, terror was visible, screaming and shouting was in the air. Then, it all stopped and it was dead silence. We were still in the state of shock.  So, we got back in and moments’ later shaking was felt again. But this time there was nothing to worry about because they were just multiple aftershocks, but don’t let your guard down still be cautious.
               Apparently, to be honest, that strong quake made me paranoid. Actually it was my first time to feel a quake like that. It was stronger  than last year. Afterwards flash reports everywhere, on the radio, on the television and a lot more. But sad to say, the most affected was BOHOL. The fault system was discovered in Buenavista, a 5 km stretch throughout a mountain. A lot of lives were lost, a lot of infrastructures damaged and a lot of people injured and missing.  It’s just sad to see families not together during Christmas and events to come. How heart breaking to see what they’re going through.
            After the quake that shook Bohol and Cebu, electricity and water was down. For the following days to come, a lot of people starved and famished and were in desperate need of food and water. No houses  to live in, no hospitals to be brought to, and of course all that’s left are crumbled debris of historical churches. My mother even shared a story about people going after the delivery truck full of canned goods, begging to give them some for them to eat. Fortunately, the driver explained not to take them all but he could spare them eight boxes of canned goods. Just imagine the heavy burden they have to carry each and every single day.
          But on the bright side, a lot of people and private sectors  donated and helped out - cash donations, trucks loaded with water and food and miscellaneous to lessen the burden they are facing now. As much as possible they are doing everything just to provide the basic needs of the residents of the places which were isolated due to heavy damage. But inspite the calamity, Boholanos still has the strength to smile and be happy. Always believe that there is always a rainbow after every rain. Now that is what we call a true miracle.




What’s Going on Pilipinas? -- -Jenika Gi-An C. Nero

2013 EARTHQUAKE VIDEO BOHOL CEBU 7.2 Magnitude compilation footage Philippines --- photo from Google Images
                 
                   Innocent lives are lost, houses which were once built for protection are destroyed, and tears of sorrow are shed. Nobody wanted the devastation; nobody hoped for destruction. As Filipinos slept throughout the peaceful night surrounded by people close to their hearts, they never knew what was in store for them the moment they opened their eyes the next day.
                  Strong rain pounded on the rooftops of residences at dawn as the fierce wind blew trees and electrical posts down mercilessly. Flood quickly rose all over the land and landslides washed out a great number of houses. Heavy grey and black clouds covered the bright sun and wide blue sky for days and kept threatening to spill out droplets of water anytime with loud booming thunder and frightening strikes of lightning.
Typhoon Santi had left a widespread damage in northern Luzon leaving hundreds of families homeless, cold, and hungry. Diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue, and other rain-related viruses immediately infected the young and old, making the hospitals jam-packed with patients. Seeing the victims of the typhoon crammed in an evacuation area with nothing to eat or drink and some even taking care of their sick family members gave me an odd sensation within, like a sinking feeling that went deeper and deeper by the minute. The pity I felt for them was slowly building up inside of me but I knew that the dark gloomy clouds will go away someday and the sun will shine brightly over them once again.
                    It was just another beautiful Tuesday morning in the Visayas—specifically in the islands of Bohol and Cebu—that turned completely upside down only because of that very unexpected incident. Due to the observance of Eid’l Adha, October 15 was a national holiday. Most people were still engulfed in  deep sleep while others were already up and doing their own business whether it were buying groceries at public markets to get the most fresh vegetables, fruits, meat or fish; exercising with their family; watching early television shows at home; or in the case of the Muslims, praying in their Mosques.
                 Nobody was prepared for what was going to happen next—heck, no one knew it was going to be ugly. But what was bound to happen happened, even if it was going to be an unfortunate turn of events. Twelve minutes after eight, the ground beneath our  feet  shook uncontrollably with great force that gradually became stronger and stronger by the second. Walls cracked, fragile plates, glasses, jars, and other breakable materials fell and shattered to the ground.  Foundations which were old and weak including some time-worn churches in Bohol and Cebu gave away, and electrical posts fell and caused the brownouts in most  affected barangays in Bohol. With eyes wide with surprise and hearts beating frantically with fear, Visayans ran out of their houses and buildings they occupied earlier while some were unluckily trapped under piles of heavy rocks and boulders from infrastructures that collapsed.  After about thirty seconds or so, the shaking of the ground finally stopped but was quickly followed by a series of strong and faint aftershocks.
                  News about the 7.2 magnitude earthquake swiftly spread throughout the Philippines, showing the aftermath of the said incident. Homelessness, traumat, and the continuous aftershocks forced some families to have no choice but to camp outside their houses when nighttime finally came. The following days were completed with more aftershocks. But the day never went on without prayer. Sugbohol shall rise again.
                      Loud gunshots and ear-deafening booms of bombs were the only sounds frequently heard in the city of Zamboanga. The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attacked the city to gain two things: independence and power. With heavy and very powerful guns, bombs and tanks, they confronted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a bloody battle, destroyed more than a thousand houses, and even captured some innocent citizens as their hostages to use as a human shield against the soldiers. Zamboangueños were forced to stay and hide in evacuation areas since all businesses in the city were closed and most houses were demolished, making Zamboanga seemingly a    ghost town if it wasn’t for the frequent sounds of gunshots and explosions. Days passed and the situation got worse—the number of dead people, whether a soldier, a rebel or a civilian increased, the supply of food and water decreased and more hostages were captured. On the other hand though, some MNLFs started surrendering to the police. Hostages also started escaping from the wrath of the rebels and shared their traumatizing experience of being tortured, crying heart-wrenchingly when they relived the frightening incidents in the MNLF’s hideout. Two weeks after the attack, the Philippine Government assured everyone the war was finally over, yet Zamboangueños admitted that they still heard gunshots in the city occasionally.
Life isn’t always how we want them to be. Problems will always arise when we least expect them. Many will suffer, some will give up, and others will think it’s the end. But as long as we have faith that someday we will be back on our feet and stand strong, nothing is impossible. Filipinos may not agree with the same idea all the time. Filipinos may argue sometimes, Filipinos may misunderstand each other, but when a province needs help, they’re sure to be there by their side. No matter how many times we will be hit with problems, Philippines will never break because we are forever united. Stay strong, Pilipinas!




Monday, 22 June 2015

MORISSETTE AMON ON TOP: An Interview by Nel Anthony Geraldino, Patricia Logarta and Jenika Gi-an Nero

2013

From school princess
to singing diva

                  Morissette Amon is a charming 17 year-old girl who is finally living her dream of becoming a singer. After joining Star Factor in TV5 during her sophomore years  (in ACT of course) and remarkably winning second place, her career in the music industry immediately knocked right in front her door.
                  Morissette’s angelic voice and self-confidence were her ladders toward numerous awards, trophies and even fans whom she earned  in three years time. With these achievements at hand and her head held high, she entered the world of showbusiness—TV5. While working for TV5, she appeared in some teleseryes, performed  in  shows with other singers, and even got to perform a lead role in the musical play, The Camp Rock Musical.
                 Everything was going well and perfect and she couldn’t be any happier until she saw an even bigger door of opportunity widely opened for her. She did not stop and think any further—knowing that the chance was in front of her, she grabbed it without hesitation. The Voice of the Philippines was, without a doubt, the best thing that happened to her. I mean, who wouldn’t be very grateful if they were chosen by their idol, Sarah Geronimo, and  became part of her team and reached semi-finals?
                She may not have won, but her experience in the competition—not to mention the exposure to a bigger audience—definitely made her feel like a winner. With the tours, mall shows, and gigs she’s currently having and the increasing number of fans, one thing’s for sure—our Asianista Princess has tread into the path of “divahood”.

The Interview


At what age did you start joining singing competitions? What contests can you not forget?
Morissette: I started joining singing contests ever since I was nine years old like in fiestas—around Cebu and in malls. Maybe those national singing competitions are the ones I couldn’t forget because it was when I represented Cebu—just like when I joined World of Fun. I also can’t forget the first one I joined which was in Sunshine Radio.

Before joining  “The Voice”, you joined “Star Factor” in TV5 and won second place. How did it feel being new in the music industry and being in front of the cameras?
Morissette: Actually, it was a bit awkward at first since I wasn’t used to being in front of the camera but I slowly got  used to it with training. It’s all about getting comfortable with it, really.

You left ACT in your sophomore years, are you still studying amid work and all?
Morissette:Ever since I joined Star Factor, I wasn’t able to go back to school. Hopefully, when I get back to Manila, I could take a placement test to accelerate me to the level I am supposed to be in.

When Sarah Geronimo turned her chair, how did you feel?
Morissette: I can’t really explain it in words. I guess I could say I was overwhelmed. Sarah was the only one who turned and it was a very big blessing for me because she has been my idol since I was little. And if other judges turned their chairs, it would have been hard for me to choose. I was also happy to know that Ms.  Lea recognized me from the Camp Rock Musical in Manila. Overall, I was glad to be part of the show and to be in Team Sarah.

Tell us about your experience while working with the Popstar Princess.
Morissette: Dream come true! I have always wanted to have a duet with Sarah ever since I was little and even though it didn’t happen, I was still blessed for having her as my mentor. I really learned a lot from her.  She even taps the things I can do that she hasn’t even done herself yet. These experiences will help me build my image in the music industry.

Now that “The Voice” is over, are you planning on recording an album or maybe going back to TV5?
Morissette: After “The Voice”, what we’re (top 8 contestants) doing right now is promoting the album that The Voice produced through mall tours, gigs, and shows. I would probably stay with ABS-CBN as well since we still have a contract with them and they can nourish my talent more because they have variety shows where I could join in. and to record an album, I actually wish I could. It’s up to their choice actually but I think as of now, they’re still busy with the Top 4. I really hope  I could record one, though. I’ll try my best to make songs, considering that I’m not very good at it yet but it all starts with one song and a bit of hard work.
  


Sunday, 21 June 2015

Health is Unarguably Wealth --- Gabriel Seth Ente

             “To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” Words of wisdom from, guess who? Buddha.
             Ah, yes the ever popular saying, “Health is Wealth.” And a very iconic one at that. But many people still seem to struggle on its true definition. It just means that your health is more valuable than wealth. As long as you are strong and healthy, you can always make money. But what good is health if you’re too sick to enjoy it?
Everybody always tries to find a way to beautify themselves. Well here’s one suggestion: eat healthy. Why do people think that cutting their own food supply will be enough to sustain themselves? Exercise often and eat a balanced meal; what so hard about that? But then, it’s ultimately up to an individual on how they run their lives. But if people want to stay pretty, then they should do it the right way – the healthy way.




Saturday, 20 June 2015

STUDYING 101: HITTING THE BOOKS---Jenika Nero

                  Many students are not very fond of studying especially during Quarterly Tests. They say that scanning through the highlighted words on their thick books and reading the long notes they have taken down during discussions is quite boring and tiresome. Let’s admit it, though—studying 11 subjects (or possibly even more) that have different loads of lessons and answering one lengthy quiz for each in a short span of one hour is stressful. How can we possibly conquer the huge wall of temptation around us and focus on our main goal—to study and get good grades?
                  To be honest, I’m not a big fan of studying either, even though I know it is what’s best for me. I have to keep on reminding myself that surfing the internet can’t make me answer all  the items in the Quarterly Test correctly nor could it make my grades rise up to the sky like a rocket.
               Encouraging myself as hard as I can to read my notes and to stop taking glances at the Facebook app on my phone (it wasn’t easy), I decided to study what I considered as the hardest subject to understand—Math. Numbers confuse me—and maybe other students out there too—, which is why I made sure I am familiar with its terms and formulas by challenging myself to answer some to the activities in the book. I was actually able to do so, and I even got a technique in solving a certain formula. That’s two points for me!
             I then moved on to the other subjects, as long as it was part of the exam the next day. After about three hours of familiarizing definitions, analyzing situations, and memorizing terms, my eyelids began to feel heavy. I set my books and notes aside for a while and took a nap since my brain needed to, putting up a mental note that I should review the lessons again when I woke up.
I settled to follow this study pattern, always starting with the hard subjects that had to be taken the next day, resting for a couple of hours, and reviewing by night.
              Studying isn’t always dull and uninteresting after all; it’s up to how we make it entertaining and "learnable" at the same time. We just have to push all the temptations away as hard as we can and make sure that our full attention is only on studying the subjects, thoroughly understanding the lessons, and, as much as possible, on getting good grades.



FILIPINA GLAMOUR - - Cherrie Escraman & Blanche Oyao

                  What is the essence of a true Filipina?
                  It all started during the Spanish era, where the Maria Clara persona is of eminent attribute for a woman to be considered a true Filipina. Symbolized by a refined behavior and of a dress that is graceful and glides with every move. But as time changes, so does the viewpoint of each individual. Moving forward to the present does not imply that we have to put behind the affluence of our very own heritage.
                  This is the rationale why in school, we observe the “BUWAN NG WIKA.” We commemorate and inhabit the uniqueness of living in times of yore. With the influence of Western civilization and hot trends, Filipinos seem to forget about what our original forefathers have brought. But the good thing is that there are some traditions that are still being practiced up to the present such as our etiquette and the conservative way of dressing.
Filipinos believe that it is one’s duty to keep things operating smoothly. It is very important not to lose faith. We pride ourselves on hospitality.  We readily go out of our way to help visitors or take them to their destination. It is of the highest importance to recognize the positions of others and use full titles and full names when introducing or referring to people. Women are also expected not to cross their legs or drink alcohol in public.
When do we see women still wearing the traditional “baro’t saya” costume? Probably, only during special occasions like “Buwan ng Wika,” when politicians gather for important activities or when we’re just being asked to do so.
What do we mostly wear nowadays? For the top, most women wear tank tops, sleeveless, blouses or loose shirts. For the bottom; skinny jeans, mini skirts or shorts.
How about you, what do you wear?







THE LAST LULLABY: Memoirs of a Sea Tragedy - ----- - Cherrie Mae Escraman

                  I’ve taken journeys here and abroad.  But having to see the sights and marvel at the adventures of my homeland was such a moving encounter.  It is with this bearing and outlook that I take pleasure in sailing.  When you’re at sea, nothing beats the morning mist kissing your cheeks.  The fragile body caressed by the cool wintry breeze.   To be in the middle of such incalculable territory creates awareness of your very own existence.
                  Sunset is my most desired scenery.  But somehow, this day isn’t so charmed.  The horizon seemed to whisper certain sadness.  A seclusion I feel, that somehow even my undemanding spirit could not fathom.  The fiery sky turned to gray, a gesture that I am about to close yet another day.  Start a new chapter tomorrow, and I see the twinkling lights from afar.  In a few minutes, I’m going to conquer another territory.
                As I was packing my bags, there was a wobble.  I felt lightheaded that I hold on to a pole to steady my ground.  Then a thundering sound had blown apart my ear drum.  The place turned pitch black.  It seemed that everything had come to a stand still.  My heart was pounding fast.  I tried to find my way but end up in distress.  A gush of pain had encircled my entire body.  The entire ship is now throbbing of anguish, torment, pain, distress and confusion.
                I am numb.  Everything and everyone is hushed.  The mayhem subsided.  I feel so tired.  My eyes are getting heavier for each passing tick of time.  I no longer dread the smashing of the waves around me.  Somehow, I am at peace.  It’s persuading that I take pride in its comfort.  It’s very soothing.  I took a last glance of the flickering lights.  They’re so magnificent… like the stars. 
Taking a deep breath, I now must take my sleep… until then.
Sulpicio Express Siete after mishap with MV St. Thomas Aquinas.... Ferry accident 2013... photo from Google Images



A NEW BEGINNING: A Retreatant’s Revelation ---Jeannel Lasquites

                  It was no ordinary day. It was different than the rest. I was filled with excitement and longing. It was a day of hopes aspirations.
                  I awoke in the mid-morning with the sun brightly shining. Thank heavens it was a beautiful day. I spent the morning packing up and ready to go.
                  The sun set and I was in a different scene. Everything around me was new. I was standing in front of a retreat house overlooking the city’s majestic view. It was breathtaking to see the city so calm, filled with glimmering lights from afar and the sea so infinite.
                  I woke up in a seemingly foreign place. It was cozy yet it did not feel like home. It was daybreak and I was sitting in a corner listening to the facilitator and then all of a sudden, tears were falling down my cheeks. I felt the need to let go of all the burden inside and just burst out. Minutes turned but the day was long. I made reconciliation, confessed, spent minutes alone with God and united with my batch.
The end of the retreat has come. No one has even noticed how fast time has gone. It ended so soon and we wanted more.
Our retreat was life-changing. It was one of the events that I did not regret joining. It made me realize the true importance of myself and life per se. it made me see the better side of living other than merely existing. And the most important thing is that it made me closer to my Creator.



Thursday, 18 June 2015

Frequent Family Dinners vs. Teen Problems - -Zhayriel Mae D. Tabinas

www.businessmirror.com.ph
DID you know that sharing meal times as a family is good for kids? Family meal time is the glue that holds busy families together----- photo from Google
             Studies show that family dinners are important for a healthy lifestyle. Not just in physical aspects, but also in intellectual, spiritual and emotional aspects.

             Based on research, most those teenagers who indulge in prohibited drugs, crimes, smoking and pre-marital sex are those which were not given enough attention by their parents. Those mentioned above are the problems encountered by teenagers today.

        Researchers say that when families dine together, they eat  more vegetables and fruits and less junk foods. It also gives them more time to bond. Family dinners make the family members more open to one another. According to CASA chairman and president; Joseph Califano Jr., “One of the simplest and most effective ways for parents to be engaged in their teens’ lives is by having frequent family dinners.”
         When the parents are engaged to their teens lives, they will know what are the hurdles encountered by their children and if this happens, they could give advice to their children that will help them when hard times come.

Family dinners have lots of benefits. It gives the family proper nutrition. It keeps the family away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. It also improves family ties that could relieve stress and tension at home.




ISUOT ANG PAGKA-PILIPINO! - -Nhydya Nazareno

     Pinagdiriwang ng mga Asianista ang Buwan Ng Wika na suot ang mga Filipiniana at Barong Tagalog. Isang buong araw na tila pagbabalik kasaysayan sa ating pagiging totoong Pilipino.
     Sa ika-31 ng Agosto, ang mga mag-aaral, guro, mga kawani sa opisina at pati ang  punungguro ng eskwelahan ay nagsuot ng iba’t ibang kasuotan noong panahon .
     Mula sa baro’t saya hanggang sa mga magagarang Maria Clara at mala-Imeldang damit ang makikita na suot ng mga babae.   
     Mula naman sa kamisa de tsino hanggang sa mg magagarbong barong tagalong ay makikita na suot ng mga lalaki. Ngunit hindi naman ito isang paligsahan ng kasuotan.
     Ang layunin nito ay para makilala ng bagong henerasyon at para mabuhay muli ang mga puso sa lahat kung ano talaga tayo— kung ano talaga ang kahulugan ng isang totoong Pilipino.
Hindi lang kulay o ganda ang ipinakita sa pagsuot ng ating pambansang kasuotan. Nagsasabi lang naman ito na tayo ay Pilipino, ay tayo ay iisa.
     Ipinakita nito ang kulay ng ating pamumuhay, mga tradisyon at ang ganda ng ating bansa at katauhan.
     Malaking suporta naman ang nakuha ng paaralan mula sa mga magulang ukol nito. “It’s good because at a young age, they give an importance to the Filipino cutlture...” sabi ng isang ina.
     Dahil kahit maliit lang ang bagay ang pagsuot ng pambansang kasuotan, malaki na ang magagawa nito para maibalik at pasiklabin ang ating kultura, ang ating kasaysayan at ang ating pagka-Pilipino.
     Ang pagsuot ng mga nabanggit na kasuotan ay isa lang naman sa maraming simbolo ng ating pagkakaisa bilang Pilipino at mahalaga ito.
      Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!

-Nhydya Nazareno
(DSPC 2011 Editorial Writing, 2nd Place)





Wednesday, 17 June 2015

COURTSHIP: FILIPINO STYLE - - Maria Gladys Jitomo

 
   Philippines is not only rich in different kinds of animals, bodies of water, and beautiful spots, but also rich in different traits and culture.
     These traits and culture have been admired by foreigners around the world. One of the best trait of Filipinos is being hardworking. Not only in work but also in asking a girl out.
     Courting a girl in the Philippines is very unique. You should find many ways and strategies in capturing her heart because it’s never gonna be easy.
     In our generation now, courting can be easily done either through text or chat. But in the past it was very difficult to capture a woman’s heart.
     In the cultural show last September 18, 2012, I have seen different ways or how couples in the past show their love through “Harana”, “Pantomina”, “Kuradang”, and the funny presentation of the selected second year student “Pasayawa Ko Day”.
     Filipinos in the past really gave their their best to show their sincerity in courting a girl. Unlike today, Filipino’s treat courting for fun.
    When you woo your love, you don’t have to give expensive gifts just to ask her out.
     It’s not on how expensive, delicious, or branded a chocolate is. But it is in the effort and the truthfulness of your feelings for her.
     Courting again, is not for fun. Engaging  into relationship is something serious.
     So it is high time to be serious and be creative.




JINGLE COMPETITIONS AND HEALTH - Jared Cagas

     Advocates of healthy nutritional lifestyles deliver their opinions and present their perspectives in various creative forms to attract as much attention as possible.
     They could be in the form of dance numbers, while other groups perform in theatres in plays, some attempt to evoke human emotions through music, art, and film.
     It goes on without saying that health is a complicated matter. It’s fairly obvious that health is of paramount importance yet people rarely observe proper diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle, possibly thinking that they are immune to such hazards.
     The objective of most health advocates is to heighten public awareness of the dangers of ignorance. That is also the intended purpose of Asian College of Technology’s annual Nutrition Month Jingle Competition.
     It was the 27th of July 2012 and the afternoon was hot and dry. That day’s afternoon was a culminating event for a month dedicated to well-being and nutrition, formally known was the Nutrition Month.
     ACT’s Lobby was occupied by a number of students, give or take a hundred and fifty. All awaiting the main event of the program: the Jingle Competition.
     Practice began weeks ago when the competition was announced, provoking students to replace or alter their schedules to ones that involve intensive trainings and practices for the intersection-level competition which in turn, would determine that particular level’s representative in the inter-levels.
     Practices were hard and rigorous. And it was not without difficulties. The most common obstacles were lack of cooperation and more importantly, conflict of schedules.
     “During practices, we would regularly face problems such as lack of cooperation from members of the group and conflicting schedules,” Robin Cabonita, a second year student would later say during an interview.
     But no matter what ordeals they might’ve faced, the basic principle of the competition still applies: the winners win through killer results. Not killer efforts. 
     Today, the winners of the intersections will now compete against each other.
     Skipping to the main event, the competitors drew lots to determine the order of presentations.
     The seniors drew first place. Their performance was marked by its regality. The royal announcer introduces the royal couple.
     Then a royal carriage in the form of a Mitsubishi Adventure arrived at the scene. The doors opened and out came the king and queen.
     There was much after that, the main body of performers emerged from the back of the hall and delivered their act.
     They were followed by the freshmen whose presentation could be described as melodic and simple yet elegant. Their opening scene involved a janitor who was intrigued by mannequins.
     “It was a good rendition,” John Nero, a fourth-year student said in an interview. They were followed closely by the Sophies, who themselves performed an impressive dance about nutrition and all.
     The last competitors to take the stage were the Juniors.
     Four competitors have presented and four have been judged, yet in the eyes of the typical optimist, they are all equal in creativity.
     The whole event isn’t about winning but about the message that is delivered and the effectiveness of their efforts to be certain that their delivery had not been in vain. Nevertheless, creativity has to be accounted for and recognized.
     It is surprising how the order of presentations is also the ranking of the winners. First place goes to the seniors, second to the freshmen, third to the sophies, and fourth to the juniors.
     The competitions were only a festive celebration dedicated to a more serious matter which we disregard and hold in low importance in our day-to-day activities: health.
     These performances are not just meant to be enjoyed but rather understood. Beliefs have become tradition.
      Have we really absorbed the contents of those events? Were they in vain?
                   - Jared Cagas
(DSPC 2011,2012 Feature Writing, 1st Place)