INFORMAL THEME 8, BLOG 8

EDSA 25: A day of peace

            People Power Revolution – an event in which people put together themselves to establish power which is not easy to condign – unity. It was the time when former president Marcos was taken down from his position and was forced to leave the Malacañang palace. By this time, two of the founders of the Philippine democracy were named- Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and his wife Corazon Aquino. Despite of all these unlikable experiences, we can still see smiles from our dear fellowmen. And now it was time to celebrate its 25^th anniversary – EDSA 25.

            As a student, even though I was not present in the exact time wherein it happened, the first thing that I’ll do is to say “Thank You”. Yes, it may just be simple words that may not mean something in the past yet it had a great impact in the present. For without them who participated in the event, we students, who are living in the present won’t have our freedom. Freedom which our countrymen gave us with no return. With this very special gift, let us furnish it and maintain.

            As a person living in the present time, I don’t really know what to do. But as a Filipino, I’ll reserve the day of commemoration for prayers. Prayers wishing full peace for the country and the whole world. In due respect, let us give time for those people who spend their time in fighting for the country’s democracy. Filipinos, I adore you!

INFORMAL THEME 7, BLOG 7

Valentines’: Hearts, Roses, chocolates…

            Yearly, the whole world celebrates a day in which love dominates the world. A day in which everyone’s been waiting for; dated February 14 – Valentines’ Day. Valentines day is often symbolized by hearts, cupids, roses and chocolates. Oftentimes, lovers take this opportunity to express fully how they love each other. But then, being individuals we have our own ways to celebrate this certain day.

             As a high school student, I don’t really spend much attention with regards to this day. In turn, I just give presents to my mother yearly. Every Valentines Day as a student, I remember an embarrassing moment in my life; it is when I gave roses and chocolates to my crush when I was in grade five. I felt so embarrass because I throw the roses and slide the chocolates towards her. And because of that, I can definitely say that I was “torpe” in my elementary days. But now I assure you that I gain self confidence and will not be “torpe” anymore.

            Valentines day is just like an ordinary day for me in which you go to school and listen to your teacher. But this day is also the day in which you take the opportunity to express your love excessively to your love ones. I believe that saying “I Love You” during this day is the greatest gift you could ever receive. Take in mind that loving someone starts from being friends, and remember “Love comes and go but friends are forever”. Happy Valentines Day!

INFORMAL THEME 6, BLOG 6

Application Letter

03 February 2011

GL PHARMA PHILS INC.

1203 – 1211 Unit 104 Cecileville Bldg.

Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Quezon city

Sir/ Madame:

Good Day!

In relation with your advertisement in Manila Bulletin, I am interested for the position of the pharmacist and would like to apply for it. Indeed, I believe that I am qualified for the said position.

I’ve heard much about your company that made me interested for it.

In accordance with the position I am applying for, attached here with is my curriculum vitae.

Hoping to see you in an interview.

Thank you for your time and God bless!

Respectfully yours,

Stephen Patrick C. Abella

INFORMAL THEME 5, BLOG 5

Friendly Letter

286 3^rd St. Malainen Bago

Naic, Cavite

February 6, 2011

Dear Ma’am,

                I’ve heard of you since I was in first year, a cheerful adviser, a fighter and a truthful leader. I believed that you are among those leaders who would fight for something true.

                Now, in my third year of studying, I found out that hose things were true. At first, being new to you, I’m nervous at the first days of the school year. I tried to hide the true me for I’m afraid you’ll judge me intensively yet, I can’t. But then, I think hiding the true me is not a good thing fro judgment is a key to self improvement.

                You know what ma’am; I think we have a slight similarity when it comes to attitude. First, being frank. All of us knew that you are one of the frankest teacher in the campus. You deliver your words directly in front of somebody. As for me, I pick up the words that I can say in front of somebody. If it’s too deep and I know that it can hurt a person a lot, I rather not tell it. By this time, I still don’t have the guts.

                Second, is valuing friends. For me I believe in the saying that “Friends are forever”. As what you have shared us before, you have said that very seldom that you let your friends be your family and be part of your life. Being a loner, I just find friends in school and none other that I don’t. So, I treasure them and make them part of my life making me an easy person. I can also establish respect to someone easily.

                Lastly, I studying. You shared a lot of your experiences while you’re studying, lectures, tips ad accomplishments. I admire you for you are so industrious in studying until now, unlike me, I’m moody for it. Truly, I just study when it is needed, oftentimes, I prioritize talking. I don’t know but, when it comes to school, I do much of the talking maybe because I don’t have someone to talk with at home but pictures.

                Before I end this letter, I would like to express my gratitude for you. Thank you ma’am!

Loving,

Stephen

INFORMAL THEME 4, BLOG 4

             

LETTER

   A boy was about to leave his girl but before he did, he left a letter:

February 14, 2011

Dearest Stephanie,

                My dear, even if its to hard for me to leave, I know it’s the best thing to do. Remember the first time we met each other at a Chinese restaurant, when they are not minding you instead they prioritize those Chinese Businessman who are arriving? Don’t you know that, I asked the manager to prioritize you? Then I saw you are surprised that there are additional orders for you, and then I approached you saying “Do you like it?” Even if we don’t know each other, you still entertained me as if we were best friends. I missed those times. Another thing, I want you to know that I’m the one who’s always putting a rose in your locker. Remember that, you got angry at James for I told you that he’s theone putting it? Haha…Stephanie, remember that I love you very much, you know its hard to keep the truth and perhaps, when you’re reading this, I’m gone. Stephanie, I have cancer and probably when you’re done reading this I’m gone forever…

Loving,

Victor

                Stephanie cried and dried, she did not eat for days, weeks and months until she died. And in her last words “Victor, I’ll be there…”

INFORMAL THEME3, BLOG 3

A Pantomime Experience

            Being part of the cast of the pantomime we had was amazing. It was an unforgettable experience in English III. We were very fortunate of having an English teacher with passion in theatrical arts. Having one, may expose you and let you experience different things such us theater, chants and other speaking activities. Being of that, I am very fortunate to be part of the organization.

            Indeed, I was very happy when we are presenting the pantomime despite of the result. As what ma’am had said before, “ It was not a pantomime, it’s a gag show”. Even though the result was not good, we knew in ourselves that we did our best. In this presentation, I gain more self confidence that help me gain more trust in myself. As of now, I with my fellow students enjoy this kind of activity; we are willing to do more activities in relation with this – the pantomime.   

INFORMAL THEME 2, BLOG 2

RFF: Responsibility, Friend, Family

As for a teacher, the greatest gift that she could receive from a student is that when he learned from her. It is more special than any other material thing a student may give. As what they say, our teachers are our second mothers. Bringing all of these together, it just testifies that our teacher really is our mother. And one of these mothers that we have in the campus is Mrs. Mildred C. Atendido.

There are three words that I have learned from her, the first one is responsibility. As a student, we should be responsible mainly in our words, things and ourselves. Responsibility is not a word but an act. You can’t tell that you’re responsible if you are not implementing it. Under this is facing consequences. As what you’re always saying “It’s your choice…if you did something wrong, learn to face the consequences ahead”.

“You can have as much friends as you want, but you couldn’t have as much friends be a part of your family”, something which you’re always reminding us. It means that you need to pick up friends which deserve to be a part of your family. In connection with this, you keep on reminding us to value our family. As what you’re always saying, up to now you wanted to see and talk to your mother. That until now, you’ve been longing for her. With this, you made us feel lucky that we have one at our side. Being a student and a son in school, I wish you’re wish will happen in your dreams.

Being a student, we must treasure all the things our teacher will teach us despite our feelings for them for one of these days, we will benefit from those lessons.

INFORMAL THEME 1, BLOG 1

SPEECH

                As individuals, we have our own personalities that make us unique. Personalities that vary in different ways. In this collage, you will see different things that describes me; what I dreamed of, my hobbies, my personality, the persons I admire and my political views.

            The shape that I chose is a palette. A palette is a thin oval or rectangular board or tablet that a painter holds and mixes pigments on. I chose a palette because it signifies me, not only in the artistic side but as a whole. The paint that is on the palette signifies my friends that as I mix the right colors together, they produce another color which signifies another friendship between them. But if it’s not the right color, it will not produce friendship but enmity.

            The first thing that you will notice about the collage is that it is full of techies. It is because I love gadgets. The gadget that I really dreamt of having is the Macbook Pro which you can see in the center of the collage. I really like the Macbook because it is an Apple product. There are also phones and cameras included.

            Another thing that you will notice is that it is full of SNSD stuff. It is because I admire them especially Yoona the most beautiful of them all. You can also notice a girl at the middle beside Pres. Noynoy Aquino. She is a model, a cyber – friends of Jobe and I. She’s Amanda Larsson.

            In one side of the collage, you’ll notice a sofa and a cake slice. It is because it is my hobby. Sitting in the sofa while eating.

            You can definitely see the picture of Noynoy Aquino at the center. I really idolize him not only him but his whole family. In addition, there is also a picture of our former Pres. Gloria Arroyo which is much comparable with our present president. Because as we can see MR. Aquino stays for whom he is from a senator till now as a president.

            Lastly, as everyone of you knows I love swirls arrows and circle. It is because it makes my works livelier. Another was the flower on the left side of the collage. The flower was an Amaryllis, my favorite one. I like it because it is a great subject for photo shoots and drawings.

            As everyone can see we differ in many ways, maybe some of you don’t like flowers and some including me likes. We have our own opinions and point of views. This thing builds up our personality; our personality that shows the uniqueness in me.

INFORMAL THEME 10, BLOG 10

Vacation ’10: School at home

            For a student, Christmas vacation must be the most awaited time of the school year. It encloses the Noche Buena, Christmas Day, Media Noche and the New Year’s eve. It is 2 weeks of non – stop fun and excitement. In which we have the time to play, talk and celebrate with our family. In these 2 – 3 weeks of vacation, many things might happen, things which might be of good for you for the following year.

            In my vacation’10, it was just an ordinary day but with lots of projects to comply with. This was my only time to rest and replenish myself from school works.

            Christmas ’10 might be my happiest yet saddest Christmas ever. Happiest in which it is the Christmas wherein I am together with my favorite cousin which I consider as my sister again and with my younger sister. Saddest because it was also our last Christmas together for she will go to Canada soon. But then, we still forget all the hindrance on that moment and instead we faced it with happiness.

            Another thing that happened was when I fully induce myself to the SNSD fever hence I became a s♥ne. A s♥ne is someone who admires the k – pop group So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD) or Girls Generation.

            One more thing to look out for in the Christmas vacation is the New Year’s eve. A night in which we wait until it strikes 12’o clock and welcome the following year – in this case year 2011. As usual, our family prepared13 kinds of round fruits, wear dotted shirts and light up incense all over the house. Together with this tradition was another thing we Filipinos usually do – light up fireworks and make noise. With colorful trumpets and some fireworks; we make noise and warmly welcome 2011!

            Our vacation is a time to be free enough to do anything. We might go to parties, stroll in the malls or just stay at home. In my case, staying at home is the best for you are in your sanctuary, with your family. Looking forward to the next Christmas vacation! Happy Holidays!

INFORMAL THEME 9, BLOG 9

Christmas get away

            Christmas part is an event in a school year in which we students together with the teachers celebrates the Christmas season with happiness. It is also the time in which our favorite activity happens – the exchange gift.

            Christmas Parties for me since elementary are always the same. In which you’ll prepare a short presentation then present it, play games and exchange gifts with your friends. But Christmas Part ’10 entrusts a very big difference compared with the last Christmas parties I attended to. I together with the teachers celebrated the season not only with the class but with the whole Junior’s society. A very huge bash to celebrate Christmas with your friends.

            One of my favorite happening is when Trisha and I joined the apple eating contest in which we won. It was a hard path through but then, we succeeded. Another was the Trip to Jerusalem with a twist in which our section lasted till the last round with Celine and Sancho as our representatives. Unluckily, we did not win because Celine can’t balance herself at Sancho’s back. In this game, III – Hydrogen won with Niña and Melvin as their contestants. Niña was fascinatingly good in wearing her dress coz she had survived all the lifting’s that had been done. But among these games, the happiest is the Bring me in which everyone can participate. Among those that were asked to be brought that is the funniest is the girl with the longest underarm hair in which HELEN won!

            After the year level celebration was the school level one. In this celebration, students were obliged to wear a costume which might be of a fairy tale character, a movie personnel or an anime character. In my case, I portrayed a movie personnel.

            I together with some of my friends – Mikee, Judith, Sancho and Morris portrayed a well know family in the movie industry – the Cullen’s. Others wore fantastic costume such as a mariposa, Cruella Devil, Cinderella, Ichigoand other well known characters.

            After the parade, it was the party! Party! Time! It was fantastic. It was like a street party. It was my first time to attend such party. After the dancing, it was the picture! Picture! Time! Picture taking with those in cosplay! Whew!

            Another year was about to end and another year to face. Taking this in mind, let us celebrate our Christmas with hope and happiness and not with sorrow and sadness.

           

INFORMAL THEME 8, BLOG 8

CNSHSians dominates UP

CNSHSians regain theatrical spirit!

            Junior students and some senior students of Cavite National Science High School (CNSHS) together with the SALIW Dance Troupe, Mrs. Estrellita de Vera, Principal III, and other teachers committed a standing ovation at Wilfido Ma. Guerrero Theater, University of the Philippines – Diliman Campus (UPD), Dec. 12.

            The standing ovation was for the whole cast of Isang Panaginip na Fili a play which lasts from Nov. 24 – Dec. 12. Some of the characters who gained trademark for the play was Pepe Rizal, Crisostomo Ibarra, Basilio, Juli and Doña Victoriana and which was portrayed by Franco Laurel, Nazer Salcedo, Floyd Tena, Janine Santos and Ces Quesada respectively.

            “Dulaang Up is very good!” Marielle Timpoc, CNSHS student, stated while going out of the theater.

            Isang panaginip na Fili is part of Dulaang UP’s 35^th Theater Season 2010 -2011 together with its fellow plays – Orosman at Zafira ( Aug. 11 – 29); Shock Value…Take 2(Sept. 15 – Oct.3); Amphitryon(Feb. 16 – Mar.16) and Fake(May 2011); in which Amphitryon and Fake will be on show soon.(Stephen Abella)

INFORMAL THEME 7, BLOG 7

Ibong Adarna: A Play to Watch for

            Ibong Adarna was a well known legend of a beautiful bird and the rescue of Don Juan. The beautiful bird was said to have a set of beautiful feathers and have a melodic voice that can make anyone sleep, its wastes can also turn someone into stone. While Don Juan, the youngest among the princes of Berbanya. He lives in the kingdom of Berbanya in which there is full of happiness and love. And most of all, he’s the one who summons the Ibong Adarna to the king.

            Having all of these in our minds, I together with the CNSHS students visited the Ayong Maliksi Stadium to watch the play “Ibong Adarna” by Gantimpala Productions. The play was nice but the venue does not fit the event making a degrade in the quality of the play. The lights and music are also good. The musicians are excellent in playing the gongs and other native instruments. I also like the way the play shifted from scene to scene; there are dance movements or other lively presentations. I f there is one thing that no one would like is their accommodation. It took us a long time of waiting before we are accommodated inside the stadium.In that long time of waiting, we are under the sun plus a swampy and smelly leakage from the building. The students/ participants of the play were also stuck in a crowd which might cause a stampede.

            Despite of all the casualties that happened, good thing that the play itself was not affected; because the play is the one which replenishes us after that terrible experience. But then, as students, we still appreciate the effort that they had exerted, at least we were quite amazed that the play was good and thankful that we are lucky enough to be included in those schools which is accommodated inside♥

INFORMAL THEM 6, BLOG 6

Poinsettia

            In every year, it signifies the start and end of the Christmas season. It blushes as red as a red rose can be. A flower which might also signifies the true personality of a person – the poinsettia.

            The poinsettia’s leaves changes its color into red during the start of the Christmas season as a person’s mood and attitude change as well. It is the time of the year in which people became busier, more problematic and spendthrifts. Despite of these, some still wears their smiles no matter what happens. Smiles that encourages others to wear theirs as well. In due turn, everybody will leave their mischief’s behind and replace it with fortune as the poinsettia leaves its green pigment and replace it with a cheerful red.

            People usually became problematic during the Christmas season mainly because of the intense budget they need. For the Noche Buena, godsons, gifts and other expenses they need to comply with. But for the others, the season is an opportunity to help people and thank the Lord. Thanking our dear Lord in such a way by just complying with the night mass and praying daily. Others would spend their vacation as a time to share their fortune for the year to others especially to the charities and foundations.

            Some says that during the season, it is better to give than to receive just like the poinsettia, it gives us happiness as it turns red without any in return. But then, why do some people hide during the Christmas day? It is not proper to turn our backs from our godsons during Christmas. We may face them with our smiles and give even a little amount to them just to make them happy.

            In the season, it is better to share to others; because sharing is essential to our life. If someone shares, someone receives. Sharing purifies our hearts, it makes us feel good and blessed. Let us remember that Christmas is the time of the year to be happy, to appreciate and to love others. We should not be expecting something from others yet we should share things to them. 

INFORMAL THEME 5, BLOG 5

WONDERS OF NATURE: A MISSION TO FULFILL

                One of the remarkable wonders of the world are the big cats that roars through Asia. The big cats which outshines the stunning peaks of the Mt. Everest, and the brightest stars from above. Their eyes sparkle like diamonds, their coats was detailed with a distinct pattern as if it was made by a traditional Japanese painter while their roars seem like the hum of a songbird. These wonders are none other than the Bengal tigers and the snow leopards. Wonders which might vanish as fast as we blink.

                Legend says, snow leopards once roam the mountains of Asia. These leopards are grayish white in color, with black spots as their fellow leopards and eyes with a blue crystalline color. These cats are the most beautiful of their kind. They were one of a kind – they’re like the face of heaven which descended to land. But then, sad to say their number descended from abundance to near extinction. It was due to excessive hunting for their wonderful fur.

               

                Despite of their other extinct relatives – Caspian, Java and Bali Tigers – Bengal tigers still roams the mountains of Asia. These tigers come in two variations – Typically colored and the white colored. These variations that in no time without proper caring might as well vanish from the wild. Like the snow leopards, these tigers are also endangered. With the same reasons as the leopards plus the deterioration of the forest, Bengal tigers population fell from 10 000 to 3 000 in captivity.

                We have our own mission in the world. Like us these cats have their own mission – to balance the ecosystem and to make us happy. But without them in the wild, who will fulfill their mission? We humans? We don’t have the ability to do so, each of us have a chance that was given to us by God; Is it right to be selfish enough and take that opportunity from these cats? So, as early as we can let us save these wonders for their safety, our benefit and the futures wonder.

INFORMAL THEME 4, BLOG 4

IMPACT OF THE DIVINE COMEDY

                

               The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri was stunningly wonderful. Despite of the scary circles of hell, the confessional terraces of purgatory and the heavenly spheres of paradise, the Divine Comedy was indeed a masterpiece. As a student, indulging to this kind of literature is a pleasure. It is because this kind of piece makes you realize who you really are, what you are and what you’ll be.

                The first part of the Divine Comedy is the Inferno. Inferno is the journey of Dante himself and Virgil through hell. Here I fore saw the different sins and its corresponding punishments.  And I also found out that I almost belong to the Circle 4 – The Hoarders and Spendthrifts. From then on, I realized that buying excessive things especially those which aren’t needed might put you in a place wqhich you wouldn’t dreamt of.

                The following part is the land of forgiveness – The Purgatorio.  In the Purgatorio souls may attain forgiveness. In here you may gain hope of going to heaven. Despite of the forgiveness, souls which are trapped in here still have their punishments but less than that of hell. Souls which are forgiven go straight to heaven.

                The last part of the Divine Comedy is the Paradiso. The place wherein God is present. Everyone would like to go here including me. To be in the presence of God is my greatest wish. When you think of the place, you’ll feel the like you’re sins were all cleared; that your heart was touched by God with his grace.

                In an over all view, I was really touched by the Divine Comedy. For me the Divine Comedy serves as a guide for me. A guide for me to be a better person. It also serves as a warning for I was now curious with what I’m doing. After reading and taking in mind the story and message of the Divine Comedy, I myself changed my routine and attitude; I then followed the guide – The Divine Comedy – to be a better person, because there is nothing bad in trying for something.

               

INFORMAL THEME 2, BLOG 2

SEMESTRAL BREAK: A BREAK FOR RELIEF NOT FOR WORK

As all of us know, semestral break is the time within October and November in which we are free to bond together with our family – living or not. It is also the time wherein we commemorate with the dead by visiting their graves and offering prayers. Students usually likes this time for it is a week in which they can maximize their time to relax from the long work they have done after months. Each of us has our own ways to maximize a week or two of semestral break. Ways to be in glee not only for ourselves and everybody.

                Being a student, I myself induced in a week of semestral break. It was quite short for there are lots of assignments to be accomplished. But then it is a job well done! I started the week by doing my assignments which lasted for about four days. Included with the tasks that I need to accomplish was reading the first part of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, the Inferno. The book was excellent in which it narrates the travel of Dante and Virgil through hell.

                Since the semestral break was in between October and November, All Souls day and All Saints day is in the scope. Yearly, our family prepares food on the day of November first. It was like a small feast which was also considered as a family reunion. We also took time in buying candles and flowers which will be offered to the graves of our dead loved ones. We usually don’t stay up very long in the cemetery for our grandmother doesn’t like to. After the day of the Souls, All Saints Day was an important day for me, for it was my mother Birthday! Sadly, we haven’t enjoyed the day for there are classes. But then I greeted my mother just before I went to school.

                I need to maximize my time not only for myself but also for my family. If I have enough time, I can do more things for my family than I usually do. Having a break is not bad hence it can relief your stress and be relaxed. But, too much break will not be good for anybody. It is because anything which is excess is bad, everything should only be in the right time and the right amount.

INFORMAL THEME 3, BLOG 3

Scouting: a bridge to self development

Do a good turn daily, the indulging motto of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). Meaning, we should do things at its fullest at this time not later or tomorrow. Having this in my mind, I together with my friends joined the Rover’s Vigil at Cavite National Science High School (CNSHS). Together with the theme “Rover Scouts: Creating Peace and Development” we became more delightful to join the said activity. Lots of things spread throughout our minds before the program started; that it will be a night full of thrill and excitement.

            There had been lots of activities. But at first, we had the lecture. The lecture was headed by lots of scout masters one was Scouter Ronaldo Mendoza, a former teacher in CNSHS. Some of the topics were about the characteristics of a scout, scout oath, scout law and the symbols that signify the patches. The lecture lasts for about 7 hours. 7 hours without sleep, just listening and understanding.

            After the very long lecture, at last! Activities! In our first activity we need to blind fold ourselves using a scarf. We are then guided by group and were brought to different parts of the schools one by one. After I removed my blindfold with the signal I was surprised because I was in front of the speech lab! One of the spookiest areas of the school. But then I saw a company nearby then I went there. We then filled up the paper given to us in which we need to write our good and bad traits.

            After it, we burned the paper with our bad traits and kept the paper with our good traits. It was then followed by a spiritual message that helps us realize the importance of our parents. After it we are honored as Rover Scouts. It was very happy because at last we were honored to wear our rover uniforms.

            Once a scout, always a scout a quote in which we carry after the event. In which we seeded in our minds forever.