Amazing Subject With An Amazing Teacher

Truthfully, English has never been my cup of tea. I’m not much up for literary stuffs and spontaneous public speaking. Checking the correct grammar is really mind- breaking (though I have this unconditional love for grammars!) and I always chicken out when it’s my time to present or to speak (which I deemed as really embarrassing). But amidst these, I found English 9 as a really enjoyable subject. It’s not the typical boring discussion that makes you want to sleep through it. There’s much more to it.

When I was in Grade 7, I noticed my 3^rd year service mates that they always read Shakespeare books. So I thought, “Oh, so once I become a 3^rd year student too, I’ll be able to read stories written by Shakespeare and we got to discuss it in class!” But then again, I’m part of a different curriculum (I’m not so happy about it) so the chance that I’ll experience what they had is low.

            And I wasn’t wrong.

Well, not exactly wrong. There’s still the Romeo and Juliet story. But it’s different. There’s a module that every public school follows. So, we’re exactly learning same stuffs like other general curriculum schools. I was quite disappointed that I won’t experience the same things that my seniors did. Also, I really love reading (Even though it may not look like it) and discussing the story that’s why I got really sad when I found out that we won’t discuss stories like that much.

But at least, the teachings are not bad. It’s excellent, actually. Our teacher imparts us with life lessons that we could use in the future. Every lesson has its own connection with life and living. The group activities are also fun since some of our classmates put their all in presenting (I don’t usually present since I got so nervous just by speaking in public).

I really had fun in English this school year. It’s not my favorite (I love Math and Science more) but I look forward to it (excluding the days when we need to present individually). I also feel guilty whenever our teacher asks a question and no one will answer. It feels like we’re ignoring her. So if you’re reading this blog ma’am, we’re truly sorry for this behavior of us.

Our English teacher is an admirable person. She does things at her own will. Ma’am Maye relates the lessons to life and actually made the best out of them. It feels like it’s her way of being an adviser and a mother to us. She treats us equally. And she really tries to reach out to us.

First Group Picture of 9-N
Also birthday of Yenyen

I’m not personally so close to our adviser slash English teacher (I’m so awkward when it comes to people older than me) but I know she’s a really nice person. She treats our section like a family. She also hangs out with us like we’re friends and shares insights and life lessons to us. Ma’am also gives great advice especially to those people who are experiencing hard times in life.

I just passed by here and then I noticed
they're taking a picture .

Our teacher is also a clean freak (but in a good way). I’m not really great in cleaning things but with the guidance of her, I managed to go to school and do my cleaning duties properly. She also taught us some tips in tidying things up. I really enjoyed cleaning now. Our room has never been this clean before.

Film Showing!

She is a really trustworthy person. You can open up to her and she’ll understand you and give you advice. There are times when she got mad of us because we’re irresponsible and seem to be so full of ourselves. Ma’am, we’re really sorry for that. We sometimes push you to your limits. There’s a point when you feel like giving up on us and stop caring for us. Thank you Ma’am for not continuing it. Thank you for still holding tightly and believing on us.

Christmas party! Wieeee! 

I wish for us to be a little closer but I really am an awkward kid. I’m also truly touched by what you said about wanting to be the teacher of our batch again and wishing to be the adviser of Nitrogen again. I wish it could come true (even if the possibilities are slim). I love you Ma’am. We love you Ma’am. I may not be your most expressive student but I hope that this blog I wrote would be able to reach out to you.

Prom night! 9-N

TICC! (I really think I'm so cute here so I include this one)

There are lots of pictures I want to include (especially the halloween selfie)  but unfortunately,  I can't find them hehe. Love you Ma'am!!!! 

This will be the last blog entry I'll make for this school year. I'll somewhat miss writing a blog (At first, I'm against it but it eventually grow into me). Wiee!

A Walk to Success Isn't Always A Walk in the Park

Success. What actually is that? This one word keeps on swirling on people’s minds. It’s almost everyone’s goal in life. But how do we exactly define success? Is this the state of having a luxurious life? Or having made something useful to our society? To me, it’s simply the accomplishment of your objective. It doesn’t have to be something grand or flashy. It varies on the person itself and on how they could view their own acts.

Being successful isn’t a walk in the park. One must work hard on it. I myself couldn’t say that my achievements now are what I could say ‘successful’. I am still walking on the path that I view as the right and successful one for me. But well, that track isn’t full of flowers, chocolates and candies. The way is bumpy and thorny. I am holding onto a few principles that I firmly believe that’s why I’m still striding onto this. Let me share you guys some of them.

First, success isn’t serve on a silver platter. Like what I said earlier, one must work and strive hard on it. Do your best in anything you do. Invest more than 100% of your effort on them. And the results will surely pay off. It’s better to exert effort even on smallest things than to regret not doing any at all.

Have some optimism in life. Negative thoughts will surely eat your energy away making you tired and worn out. A positive outlook can boost one’s energy and vitality. Your journey to success will be colorful when you look at it with positivity and buoyancy. A failure will be nothing to you. You’ll end up bouncing back to place once you’re down.

Failures are lessons. You shouldn’t be disappointed by them. Everybody experiences failures in their lives. It’s inhuman if you haven’t flop once in your existence. Treat these things you call “failure” a stepping stone on your tracks. Once you become successful, I’m very sure that you’re going to thank these failures for teaching you a lesson.

Be confident with yourself. People aren’t perfect. We have our own pros and cons within ourselves. It’s just up to us on how to maximize and utilize our strongest points. So we don’t need to be insecure on others just because they possess something we don’t have. We all have our own blades under our sleeves. Just be yourself and learn to sharpen your own blade.

Lastly, have faith and gratitude. Faith in yourself, to people you trust, and to God. Believe in them. Remember that a man isn’t an island. We can be independent but from time to time, we’re going to have to rely on others. We should also thank the people around us who support and be with us through thick and thin. They are the pillars of our strength. God is also with us on our journey. He guides us, and he plans what’s good for us.

               Accomplishing your goal is one of the best feeling you can ever get. It’s a mix of happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction. It’s like finally finding a lighted exit inside a murky cave. And once you’re out, all the hardships, difficulties, and failures you experienced will be converted into some sort of contentment and joy.

               Like most of you, I am still walking on my chosen path, not knowing when it’ll end. But I believe that this walk will be a colorful one, with me painting the monochrome route. And that this journey will be a flavorful one, with me adding up spices to avoid the blandness of the adventure. 

The Love's Tragic Tale

After Balthasar reported to Romeo that Juliet was dead already, Romeo went to the Apothecary to buy poison.

Apothecary

Who calleth out hither?

Romeo

Sir, cometh hither.

Alloweth me has't a dram of poison.

A drug that wilt beest fatal to me.

T should beest violent enough to end mine life in mere seconds.

Apothecary

I forsooth has't that poison

But Mantua’s law forbid this type of mortal drug

Any utterance wilt leadeth to death

Romeo

Please, life is full of unhappiness

I doth not fear to kicketh the bucket anymore, I can’t stayeth living anymore

Taketh this duncan, and thee wilt not liveth in poverty

Beest not poor, thither is no law to maketh thee not rich

Apothecary

Mine poverty allows, but mine wilt doest not

Romeo

I payeth thy poverty and not thy wilt     

             

Apothecary

This poison, thee shalt putteth t in any liquid thee may wanteth

And then drinketh t off, in mere seconds,

T'will end thy life

Romeo

Oh gold, the poison to men’s souls

Committing more murders than this compound

Which may not even selleth

Now, farewell. buyeth food. Groom yourself.

To Juliet’s grave, I wilt useth this

Romeo leaves 

Romeo 

Oh Juliet!

I shalt followeth thee to whither thee art now.

I can’t liveth without mine love!

Attend me O Juliet!

Romeo and Balthasar started to ride back to Verona

Romeo

Balthasar, take this letter,

And deliver it to my family.

This will be the last time that we will talk again. 

Also, do not interrupt me while I visit my love.

Balthasar

Yes sir. I will be gone.

I will not trouble you

Romeo

Live! And be prosperous!

Be successful! And with this,

I shall say my farewell to you, good fellow

Balthasar

Yes sir. I must now take my leave.

Romeo went to the tomb and met Paris there

Romeo

Paris! What bringeth thee hither!

Thee shalt leaveth now!

Paris

Thee naughty Montague!

Thee dare showeth thy visage in front of the tomb of mine love!

Thee who slain mine love’s cousin!

And now, mine love’s gone!

Thee villainous creature! I shalt annihilate thee!

Romeo

I didn’t cometh hither to square!

The sinner Montague, who is in front of thee, eke ponder the fair creature his love!

I just wanteth to see that lady for the last time!

Thee shalt leaveth now Paris!  

Paris

No! I could not leaveth mine love to thee!

I shalt seek vengeance for the both of those folk!

Thee villainous Montague shalt beest punished!

I wilt not alloweth a sinner cometh near to mine love!

Romeo

Thee dare provoke me?

I already warn thee Paris!

I won’t beest a merciful one!

Romeo and Paris fight

Inside the tomb, Juliet wakes up

Juliet

Oh whither am I?

Oh, I’m inside this tomb!

I doth recall whither I should beest!

Now, whither is mine lord now?

Juliet sees her cousin, Tybalt lying beside her

Oh mine lief cousin!

Mine poor blood relative!

I am my most humble apology for what mine lord didst to thee!

I am very much torn between mine family and mine love!

Wherefore must our families square with each other?!

Wherefore can’t we just liveth happily and with harmony in this halcyon lodging of Verona?! 

Juliet hears a noise outside

What must beest the hurtling thither?

A square? Brawl?

Is mine lord out thither?!

I must findeth out!

I shalt see mine lord!

I desire that gent is fine and all right!

Juliet goes outside the tomb

Romeo

Leaveth now Paris! leaveth!

Thee shalt not stayeth hither anymore!

Paris

Thee Montague is the one who shalt leaveth the lodging!

A killer like thee isn’t suited to visit the tomb of mine one and only love!

Leaveth! Or else, I’ll end thy life!

Romeo

If 't be true thee can Paris!

If 't be true only thee can!

Romeo and Paris continues to fight

Juliet

(to herself) Oh Gods! What is this that I am seeing?! mine lord?

Wherefore art thee fighting with that gent? Oh lief!

Romeo corners Paris and points the rapier to him

Romeo

This is thy end, noble county Paris!

Sendeth thy goodbyes now! 

Paris

Thee can’t beest so sure!

Killeth me! And thee wilt beest punished more!

If 't be true thee end mine life,

Thee wilt nev'r beest allowed to step a foot in Verona!

Much less in Mantua!

Juliet

(to herself) I should cease this ere the blood start to flow!

What am I seeing?!

Mine love is going to killeth a noble person?!

I don’t wanteth anymore blood!

I don’t wanteth any more square!

I can’t alloweth mine lord beest sinned again for ending another person’s life!

How wilt I cease this?!

Romeo

Don’t provoke me Paris!

Romeo attacks Paris and just when the blade is about to hit Paris, Juliet runs off and blocks it

Juliet

Cease this Romeo!

Please cease, mine lief lord!

I can’t afford thee killing other people again! (splurts blood)

T'will only… add to the feud… of our families!

It’s better if 't be true thee killeth me… 

Juliet collapses and Romeo hurriedly goes to her

Romeo

Oh Juliet! Juliet!

Mine wife! mine true love!

Oh lief Gods! What has't I done?!

Wherefore must thee alloweth me killeth mine other half?! 

Juliet

Romeo… thee cameth, atleast!

I am relieved… to … see thee safe…

With this… Friar Laurence’s plan could beest a success…

But I… must leaveth thee now… 

Romeo

What plan could thee beest saying?

Mine lief Juliet, I don’t knoweth any plan that we should has't followeth!

Oh Gods! Please liveth! Please liveth mine love!

Juliet

I can’t stayeth hither … anymore…

Please, Romeo, spare the noble’s life.

(holds Romeo’s face) Thy soft skin mine love, I wilt beest missing t.

(holds Romeo’s lips) Thy voice… Oh, how much I wanteth to heareth more of it…

I wanteth more of thy lips… of you…

But I knoweth I can’t anymore.

 I… love…yo-

Juliet dies and Romeo cries

Romeo

Juliet! Juliet! Oh please!

I love you too! I love you!

So please, cometh back!

Mine love! Oh! mine love!

I cannot liveth anymore!

I don’t dare imagine a life without thee!

Just at which hour I finally could has't thee!

Then something like this wilt befall! wherefore!

I hath killed mine one and only love!

I hath killed that lady with this rapier!

I can’t believeth the fact that I hath killed that lady!

I doth not deserve to liveth!

I can't liveth without mine love! 

I, too, should followeth that lady!

Romeo grabs the poison

Oh, this poison wilt end t all!

One sip and I’m together with thee now mine lief!

One sip and all of this is ov'r! 

Noble county! Paris, I has't a request!

If 't be true thee must beest oblige to do't,

Then please! lodging mine body next to this quite quaint  one.

Please, if 't be true it’s just this request!

Paris agrees

Paris

I… suppose… I could at least do't.

Mine love, Juliet, died… in front of me.

After witnessing such scene,

I could sayeth that I admit defeated by thee for winning that lady heart.

I’ll do't.

Romeo

Thank you, for once.

Now! I shalt end mine life! attend me mine Love!

Attend me and I shalt followeth thee to whither thee wilt wend!

Here’s to mine love!

Romeo drinks the poison

The drugs are quick! With this, I die!

Romeo dies

Paris

I saw how much those gents love each other.

Even though t hurts for me,

I wilt doth as Romeo requested.

Paris did what Romeo wishes for before he die. When Friar Laurence arrived at the tomb, he was shocked to see the dead bodies of the two. He did not know what really happened. After the incident, Paris announced what the truth is to the crowds in Verona. Both the families felt guilty about what happened and decided to end the feud between them. There’s no fight anymore and the families live in Verona peacefully. 

A Day of Spookiness

Even though October 31 ended, our school still held a Halloween party managed by the CommArts club. We were highly encouraged to wear a costume on the day of the party. And surely, there will be lots of events that students could participate in and have fun.

Me as a witch!

For me, I was really excited for this Halloween party. It was my first time attending to this type of party that’s why I was anticipating it. Because of excitement, I somewhat go all-out with the costume I wore that time. I dressed up as a witch together with my friends. It was quite enjoyable. Taking picture together with your classmates and friends surely is fun. Not to mention, the fashion show-like event where students get to show their Halloween costumes. I was really stunned by how great others’ costumes were.

The different events held within the program are full of fun. The art auction was like a battle for the products each participants made. I didn’t get any which is really heartbreaking. Those with money dominated the auction. I even saw someone who easily bid a large quantity of money for the sketch of his favorite entertainer. Also, the finished products for the pumpkin carving contest were displayed. All are great and I could see that they really put their all on the pumpkins. The afternoon event that took place in the gym is also amusing. Some parts of it was really hilarious. The eerie race also looked enjoying. I was really sad that I didn’t get to participate in any but somehow, I enjoyed the program. Luckily, I wasn’t caught and locked in the jail booth. The haunted house is what I think everyone considers to be the best part of the program. Too bad I didn’t have time to enter on it but I could say that it was a great experience judging from the reactions of my classmates. The program ended successfully. Overall, it was great! And I’m really looking forward for more events that are like this!

     

(The pictures excluding the first one came from Jamil's album! Thanks Jamil xD)

K to 12: The Pros and Cons

                    

            As technology grows and upgrades in our country and people are enhancing themselves in various ways, our educational system should not be left out. Thus, the implementation of K to 12 program has been passed by the government. K to 12 program covers 13 years of basic education. Its stages are from Kinder to Grade 3, Grade 4 to Grade 6, Grade 7 to Grade 10, and Grade 11 to Grade 12. Philippines is the only Asian country that has a 10-year pre- university cycle. That’s why the government decided this program to be applied. K to 12 program has many advantages and disadvantages to the people living in the country.

Magdagdag ng caption

K-12 has lots of pros and cons. Let’s start with the pros. With the K-12, after graduating high school, you could immediately start working since this program makes high school graduates eligible for many jobs that required a 2-year college degree. With this, the unemployment job rate will decrease. The additional 2 years could also help the students on what they really want to be and the risk of shifting courses might lessen because they have enough time to think and decide. K to 12 program also enhances the basic education in the Philippines. It also builds proficiency through language since in this program, teachers use the mother tongue- based multilingual education. It would be easier for students to understand if their mother tongue is used for communication and teaching. And the additional two years of high school is a great preparation for the future because students could choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests and school capacity. The student’s choice of career track will define the subjects he will take in grade 11 and 12. Since a 12-year program is the recognized standard for students and professionals globally, students will not be considered undergraduate by other countries and they can have more opportunities overseas.

K to 12 program has indeed lots of benefits to offer to students. But as much as its pros, the program’s cons tend to be numerous too. Many parents are complaining because of additional expenses due to the program. It will be another burden to families with financial problems or aren’t financially stable. Once they graduate and want to pursue college, they will be already in the independent age and the taxes from their parents’ job will increase and another financial problem arises. Next is that the government is not so prepared with the implementation of the program. The country is naturally suffering from classroom shortage. With this program, the classroom shortage rate will increase and more students won’t be able to study. Even if the government stated that they will build additional classrooms, will it all be ready before the start of a new school year? There’s also a deprivation of textbooks for students to use. It isn’t a 1:1 ratio of textbooks in our school. And it might be a worse situation for other alma maters. Looking for schools that offer the career track of choice is also going to be a problem. Not all schools offer all career tracks at once. If the student’s career track isn’t offered by schools nearby, it is a struggle for him and it might lead him to just settle with an unwanted career track. With this, the student’s capability will not be enhanced properly. Teachers are also highly in-demand these days. So others might take many classes or extend their working time. It is going to be hard for teachers to adapt and adjust on the new curriculum.

For me, making a more advanced educational program is certainly a good idea. But they should review and make a better plan and strategy before suddenly implementing this program. Their plan is great but their approach is still lacking. Well, let’s wait for the results of the Senior High before we fully judge if this K to 12 program a good or a bad thing!

Thank you..

A little girl, who knows nothing at all,

Sitting in the corner of the room,

Wondering the reason for her to go

To such place where she must learn.

Then there you are, showing yourself to the nervous one.

With a radiating smile, you said,

 “Let’s have fun learning!”

That suddenly comforted the lass.

You were the one who guided her.

You shared knowledge, experience and memories.

You molded her to be a great one.

The girl idolized you so much.

The girl started to move forward.

Each step she take, she remembers your teachings.

Walking towards her path,

She carries your wisdom as her weapon.

And now, the little girl comes back.

Now a fine, great lady,

Holding a card while wearing a smile.

She headed to you and said the words she truly meant,

“Thank you.”

To the Great Friend of Mine

(So I dedicate this to one of my best friends, who managed to somehow put up with my attitude. ‘Yo Vane, you should appreciate this. Just kidding though xD )

In my fifteen years of living in this world,

I met lots of people with different personalities and attitude.

Many just passed by, never leaving a trace of their existence.

Some stopped for a while, then eventually walk away of my life,

And only few had the guts to stay with me and join my journey.

Those few people permanently became part of my life.

They changed my boring and lonely routine into an entertaining one.

I even became the self-proclaimed leader of our circle.

But someone played a big role in my transformation.

Well, that someone is you, Vanessa, the great friend of mine.

You are such a big influence to my character.

You change my methods and ways of living.

You reformed my mind set about this dreary world we’re currently living.

You set restrictions on me when you know I’m about to side with the wrong.

You discovered my arrogant and horrid side yet you still stayed.

Thank you for everything you’ve done up till now.

For listening to my nonsense complaints and rants,

For putting up with my clingy and touchy side,

For entrusting me with your secrets and stories,

For trusting me like how I trust you wholeheartedly.

I may not say it out vocally and loudly

Nor express it properly through actions.

Maybe because I’m too embarrassed to admit it,

But I am very thankful of your existence,

For staying and becoming a great best friend of mine.

Even if the life of our friendship is not as long as the others,

The strength of it is just about the same as them if not more.

If there are times when we fought and argue over nonsensical things,

If there are moments when we misunderstood each other’s actions,

Just always remember, a simple argument won’t break our friendship.

Vanessa, you are a great friend that everyone would want.

You are the best friend I trusted the most.

A person who is really understanding and generous,

You may not be much of a servant of God,

But for me, your service to people dear to you is what makes you truly great.

(Hey, I love the members of Hannah Jill Circle equally, but it's really hard to choose! I love and trust you Mikka, Juliene, Kyle, and Caitlin too! )

Oh well. .. .