FEAR NO MORE

UNEDITED FEATURE ARTICLE
By Christine Joy Ombania de Asis
IV-Madame Marie Curie


Once there was a patient who was heard screaming and seen running away minutes before his operation. Scared and was completely terrified, the patient was asked by one of the nurses to calm down and tell her everything that caused his fear. The patient explained that he heard the assistant nurse inside the Operating Room saying, “Don’t worry. God will help you”. The nurse was very surprised and confused and questioned the nervous patient what was wrong with the other nurse’s statement. The patient replied, “She wasn’t talking to me, she was talking to the doctor!

All of us have fears. Sometimes, in a more scientific sense, we call them phobias. But what are fears? According to my friend, Mr Webster, fear is an unpleasant, often strong feeling or emotion caused by expectation or awareness of danger. It is something we are afraid to be, afraid to have, afraid to see, afraid to hear, afraid to touch, afraid to smell, or afraid to experience. It is also serves as a warning to a greater threat. It has different kinds, types, sometimes it is caused by various factors and such. But I am not here to talk about the facts concerning fear. I am here to reflect and dig deeper on what is there beyond the thing that makes us worried, alarmed, panicked, and apprehended.

Fears are indeed very natural. For no man has lived fearless of anything, they are undeniably part of our entire being. However, fears, when pictured to the maximum, will become a glitch in our emotion and mental health. Well, any disorder is abnormal, so in this case fear is not natural. But like I have said, I did not write this just to tell you whether or not a fear is abnormal, or what these mental illnesses are. I really don’t know them. So let us just put aside those “phobias” or should I say “really big phobias” of yours that qualify you for a very serious mental counseling or something like that. That is critical. And that is different too because what I am referring here is something that we are experiencing in our everyday lives, “natural fear” per se. Just think of it as a very usual and expected thing that is likely to happen such as boogers that we need to get rid off our nose, or challenges that we need to encounter. And just like any other boogers or challenges, fears are something we need to overcome.

But don’t get me wrong, similar to any other’s opinion on which comes first, an egg or a chicken, people have different perspective about fear. Just take this for example, during a bloodcurdling and hair-raising moment of a roller coaster ride, some people would say “Oh my gosh, I will never ever go back and try that thing again!” On the other hand, some people would exclaim “Wow, that was awesome! I want more!” There are people who do not like the experience of feeling afraid or taking the risk. While others find the rush of fear exciting, to the point that they might seek out the thrill of extreme sports or savor the scariest horror flicks. It was said that we need to overcome our fears, and we really have to. So if that’s the case, can we just reason out that the latter are perhaps courageous enough to be able to face and withstand what thrills them the most? Is courage the weapon you really need to beat your fears? Is courage the opposite of fear? The answer is no.

More often than not, we sometimes get the idea of courage being the opposite of fear. Well in fact, most of the courageous moments were done out of fear. Yes, there are some who treat fear negatively. However, there are some who see fear as their motivating fuel to break what hinders them from moving. We must also admit that we sometimes get the wrong notion of fear that is something unbearable, futile and worthless. Something that buries us underneath, well actually it is what that makes us strong and tough. Those adventurous people did not ride that roller coaster just because they were brave; it was because they were afraid that they might never ever get that experience, the experience which they could only get from riding that roller coaster. Alexander the Great did not defeat his enemies just because he was brave; it was because he was afraid that his enemies would get a hold of his extensive territory. Soldiers do not come to battle just because they are brave; it is because they are afraid that the terrorists might attack and assault our country. Dying people do not fight death just because they are brave; it is because they are afraid to die. Sometimes, most of the courageous moments were done out of fear. And for that matter, courage is not the opposite of fear. Courage is the product of fear.

So what is then the opposite of fear? It is faith. It is the weapon we really need to beat and overcome our fears. It is what we are lacking, what we are longing, and what we are searching for. It is our medicine when we are paralyzed by our fears. It is our antidote when we are poisoned by our fears. It is our food when we are starved by our fears. It is what we have in the midst of conquering trials and miseries. Because we believe that at the end of the day, we will learn new lessons, we become tougher than before, we believe that there is a good God, who is sending these fear factors to us to finally make us realize and triumph over our weaknesses. He allows us to have our fears not to bury us six feet under, but to make us think that we need Him and we must have faith in Him. And It is very true that most of the courageous moments were done out of fear, and were done through faith. Faith in their comrades, faith in themselves and most importantly faith in God. Because faith, not courage, is what these brave people used to cancel out fear, for fear is the absence of faith. You are not going take the risk of plunging into the sea because you are brave; it is because you believe that you will float and buoyancy will prevent you from sinking. So don’t get too paralyzed over your fears, don’t get too paranoid. Do you know that 40% of our fears are totally unrealistic, impossible and fictitious? While 25% are possible but will not really going to happen. 18% are happening right now. And what will only happen are the remaining 12%.Well, the only point here is that fear is only in our imagination. Maybe your lack of faith is making you believe in the things you should not believe in. Just remember that fear is not something you should be afraid of. Face them; take control of them through your faith, for faith is what keeps us moving and alive.

THE MAKATI SCIENCE VISION APPLICANT ORIENTATION

The Makati Science Vision, the official student publication of the Makati Science High School, is requesting (read: requiring) its 18 applicants, Ryan Trinidad Santiago of IV Madame Marie Curie included, to attend an orientation meeting at The Makati Science Vision Editorial Office, Room 305, Building III, Makati Science High School, Osias cor. Palma and Gabaldon Sts., Brgy. Poblacion 1210 City of Makati on Tuesday, July 1; 5:30 p.m.

Applicants who will not attend the orientation will be removed from the list. Attendance is a must.

Agenda: Completion of application requirements and sample articles on the web, among others.

PACQUIAO KOs DIAZ FOR WBC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

By Kevin Iole
Yahoo! Sports


LAS VEGAS – Round-by-round coverage of Manny Pacquiao’s WBC lightweight title-winning effort against David Diaz from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.


AP Photo by Jae C Hong


ROUND 1

Crowd is heavily pro-Pacquiao as Michael Buffer introduces them. Ex-world champion Fernando Vargas, who has gotten very heavy, walks to the ring with Diaz. The fighters meet in the center of the ring as the bell sounds. Pacquiao lands two lefts. Pacquiao is circling and Diaz is moving forward. Diaz lands a combination to the body. Combination to the head and body by Pacquiao. Hard left by Pacquiao. Diaz lands a left. Pacquaio’s jab gets through three times in a row. Combination to the head by Pacquiao. Speed edge is huge for Pacquiao. Diaz misses badly with a hook. It’s easy right now for Pacquiao. Diaz lands a right and Pacquiao is warned for holding. Four-punch combination by Pacquiao brings a roar from the crowd. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao


ROUND 2

They trade inside as the round starts. Now, they’re wrestling. Diaz fires a combination to the head, but Pacquiao lands a counter left. Left-right-left from Pacquiao lands. Good left from Diaz. Hard left by Pacquiao. Right hook and a left from Pacquiao. Jab and a hook to the body by Pacquiao. Overhand left from Pacquiao lands. Right hook snaps Diaz’s head. Left-right combination to the head by Pacquiao. He’s teeing off on Diaz. Right hook by Pacquiao. Pacquiao lands a five-punch combination. It’s ridiculously easy at this point for Pacquiao. He’s far outclassing Diaz. Diaz has reddening around the eyes. Another hard combination by Pacquiao. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao


ROUND 3

Diaz opens with a jab. Pacquiao double jabs and then a left. Right hook from Pacquiao. Diaz lands a good right. Four-punch combination to the head by Pacquiao. Hard left by Pacquiao. Pacquiao is simply far too fast. It’s a mismatch at this point. Right hook by Manny lands. Diaz digs to the body. Diaz has a cut on the bridge of his nose, but it shouldn’t be a factor. Jab-left by Pacquiao snaps Diaz’s head. They tie up for only a second and the crowd boos. It’s been a fast pace. Diaz roughs Pacquiao up inside and lands a short right. Combination to the body by Pacquiao. Left cross lands by Pacquiao. Hook to the body by Diaz. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao.


AP Photo By Eric Jamison


ROUND 4

Pacquiao opens with a jab. Diaz lands a right. Hook to the body and hook to the head by Diaz. Pacquiao lands a left that stuns Diaz. Another hard left by Pacquiao. Diaz is cut badly on the right eye. Referee Vic Drakulich stops the fight briefly to allow the doctor to examine the cut. He’s OK to go, but it will bother him. Hard right by Pacquiao. Right hand and then a big left by Pacquiao. Diaz wobbles. Pacquiao is firing away and landing hard, crisp shots. He’s totally dominant. Left by Pacquiao and then they clinch. They trade hard blows, but Pacquiao lands several more. Hook by Pacquiao. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao


ROUND 5

Diaz’s corner has done a good job closing the cut. Diaz lands a hook to the body. Pacquiao lands a hard right. Right by Pacquiao and then a right-left combination on the chin. These punches are going to take a toll on Diaz pretty soon. Chopping left by Pacquiao. Diaz bending at the waist and bobbing and weaving, trying to find a way to avoid the punishment. Two rights by Pacquiao lands as the crowd roars its approval. Left to the body by Pacquiao. This is an extremely impressive performance. Diaz cracks Pacquiao with a good right, his best punch of the fight. Three-punch combination by Pacquiao to the head. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao


ROUND 6

Diaz’s cut is on his eyelid and is in a very bad position. Pacquiao is circling and flicks a jab. Diaz lands a right. Pacquiao lands a double hook. Cut is bleeding heavily. Pacquiao not quite as aggressive in this round, but is still landing what he throws. They wrestle in the center. Diaz warned for hitting behind the head. Good left to the head by Pacquiao. Short right inside by Pacquiao. Diaz lands a jab and then a right hand. Three-punch combination inside by Pacquiao and then a hard right to the head. Drakulich calls time to have the cut checked. He lets it continue. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao


AP Photo By Eric Jamison


ROUND 7

Diaz said in between rounds, “Those punches are just too fast.” Diaz misses badly with a hook. Pacquiao lands a jab and then a right. They’re warned for rough tactics. Right to the body by Diaz, but Pacquiao answers with a 1-2 to the head. Left to the body and then to the head by Pacquiao. Diaz lands a jab. Three-punch combination inside by Pacquiao, who just gets off so much quicker. They clinch in the middle. Diaz pops a jab. Pacquiao lands an uppercut and then a right. Iole scores it 10-9, Pacquiao


ROUND 8

Pacquiao opens with a couple of hard punches to the head. How much punishment is the corner going to let Diaz take? They need to think of stopping it now. Diaz seems to have no shot, not even the lucky punch chance to keep his title. Right-left-right by Pacquiao sends Diaz sagging to the ropes. Diaz fights his way off, only to be pummeled in the center of the ring with a blistering combination. Pacquiao raking him along the ropes. This is horrendous. Diaz is taking a frightful beating. Pacquiao continues to batter him with shots. Pacquiao lands a five-punch combination to the head, all of which were hard shots. Left by Pacquiao catches Diaz on the way in. Diaz is wincing. Iole scores it 10-8, Pacquiao


ROUND 9

Diaz’s face is a mess as the round starts and Pacquiao resumes the assault. Pacquiao lands a three-punch combination to the head. Diaz throws a left and a right, which Pacquiao blocks with his gloves. Diaz simply can’t land much. Straight left by Manny snaps Diaz’s head back. Diaz’s left eye is blackening and closing quickly. Pacquiao circles and flicks a couple of jabs. Right hand inside followed by a left sends Diaz down face first. The ref doesn’t even bother to count and waves off the fight at 2:24. Pacquiao wins by knockout.


AP Photo by Jae C Hong


Kevin Iole covers boxing and mixed martial arts for Yahoo! Sports. Send Kevin a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Thank you very much for visiting my blog for the past few days.
Merci beaucoup pour visiter mon blog pour le passé quelques jours.
Muchas gracias por visitar mi blog durante los últimos días.
Grazie mille per la visita del mio blog per il passato pochi giorni.

MY MEDIA AUTOBIOGRAPHY

UNEDITED SAMPLE FEATURE ARTICLE
By Karenina Isabel Apilado Lampa
IV-Michael Faraday


Back when I was much younger than I am now, I had already loved reading. My brother and sister would look at me weirdly, probably wondering why. The truth of the matter is, even I myself didn’t know. I just loved it. It was simply for the pleasure of it all. It was only when I aged over a few years did I realize that it was not all that I gained from it.

The 20th day of March 1993, I was able to have the opportunity to experience God’s greatest gift. During that time, things were so different. We used to live in an apartment, which was so crowded with people that all I could remember was when I was in the bedroom, together with my sister. That is probably the reason why I never liked the television that much. As a child, all I could do was watch what they had to watch in the apartment. So in other words, I never enjoyed it.

Two years after I was born, my little brother came. It was probably because of him that made our parents decide that living in that crowded apartment wasn’t going to work. We moved to a new house in Rizal, and up until now, this is where we reside. In my opinion, it was during this stage that I actually started developing myself more and more.

Because of the size of the new house, we were able to have a little library inside it. It’s not that big, but it’s a library nonetheless. I can still remember the first book I have ever read. It was that of “Cinderella”. Of course, as a kid, I didn’t understand it. I focused more on the pictures back then.

I also had the chance to finally hold a remote control for the television. The only channel that I had watched before was “Cartoon Network”. Any other channel got me throwing a fit. But due to the experience we’ve had in the apartment, my fit-throwing days didn’t last long. It all changed when I started to learn how to actually read.

From my little fairytale books, I progressed on to the Nancy Drew series. I was really amazed with how the stories start and end, and not long after that, I had a couple of notebooks lined in front of me, and I tried to write my own story.

I showed all of my works to my mother, and can you imagine what she did? She laughed at me. I was annoyed because I didn’t know why. I was about to burst into tears, but her next words struck me. “This is good, Karenina.” And from then on, reading and writing became my source of comfort.

There came a time wherein media reached its golden age in my life. Our parents bought me and my sister our own Hello Kitty radio during one Christmas. There was also the time wherein we finally got our own television in our room. I learned to love watching not only cartoons, but also some of the movies that would show up occasionally in HBO. I used to watch out for “Jawbreaker” and “My Girl” back then. And through this, we got more and more inclined towards technology. It definitely changed our life.
But the biggest change was when our parents noticed the three of us fighting over the computer. They decided that it wouldn’t work anymore. A few weeks later...or what seemed like months...or years...the three of us finally had our own computers.

The first thing that I remember doing in my own computer was to download the game “Ragnarok”. I had loved it so much back then and wasted too much for it. But despite what other people would say, I totally disagree with anyone who would say that we would gain nothing from it. “Ragnarok” was the first online game that I had ever played, and for me, it showed me the way of life in a different point of view.

But through all this, one thing remained the same. My love for reading and writing never wavered. In the midst of all these shows and games and media stuff, the books always came somewhere in between. Truth be told, it was because of the internet that my desire to write became more evident.

Through the internet, I discovered about ‘fan fiction’. I read the works of people around the world, and it inspired me to do the same. The first ‘fan fiction’ I ever wrote was a “Naruto” one. And yes, it sucked. But hey! I was young and foolish.
That, however, didn’t stop me. With a little more time, my writing improved and I received more and more reviews. I was thrilled.

I read more as I grew up. From the “Nancy Drew” series, to the “Sweet Valley High” series, to the “Harry Potter” series, to the “Lord of the Rings” series, to the “Shop-a-holic” series, and to the other books that I have come across in life, my love for these works of art didn’t change.

Right now, I am still living in this house where it all started for me. I’ve learned to watch more. This includes “Grey’s Anatomy”, “House” and “Heroes”, my top three favorite shows. But of course, the cartoons that I have been deprived of as child can never fail to satisfy my craving for enjoyment.

I now consider my computer my non-existent friend. I use it for chatting, for watching videos, and for playing online games. But the greatest use that it offers me is an online blog. Have you ever wondered why I never wrote about a diary despite my love for writing? That is because of the fact that I was never able to make a diary last for a week. Need I say more? Online blogs technically work better for me.

And lastly, I always make it a point to finish one non-school book a week. Despite the fact that reading calms me despite the stress that I experience during school, I know that through it, I start improving myself more.

Even though my life didn’t quite start the way I would have liked it, I always keep this thing in mind. What if I had never lived in that apartment? Maybe...just maybe, I wouldn’t be as devoted as I am now to reading and writing. Because experiencing deprivation of anything remotely fun in that apartment, it made me hunger more and more for the feeling of satisfaction.

I am happy of the way my life has turned out. And from this point on, I know...If I had never learned to appreciate the television...the internet...the books in this world...I would be living a very incomplete life.

MY MEDIA AUTOBIOGRAPHY

UNEDITED SAMPLE FEATURE ARTICLE
By Erine Emmanuelle Cawaling Hetrosa
IV-Sir Isaac Newton


“Write only if you cannot live without writing. Write only what you alone can write.”

-Elie Weisel

I grew up having that insatiable appetite for writing and letting my thoughts out. The queer thing was, my parents never really liked writing. No one in our family that I know loves writing. So it is always a marvel for them how I came to have my passion.

I was born on the 17th of August 1993. I was the first-born and the first grandchild from my Father’s side so anyone can say that I had been spoiled, but in a good way.

Being an only child for 5 years, I had been showered by attention and all my whims had to be attended to. My aunts and uncles piled me with gifts that I came to appreciate very well. Some of those, I play with tirelessly. Others, I don’t pay much attention to. Still others were kept behind the closet, not to be seen again.

At an early age, I had been exposed to rules and discipline. I was on strict schedule. I had to eat at this particular time or to do this or that in certain terms. I had learned to bargain with anyone because of that.

My daily routine was to have breakfast, take a bath and then have some free time until afternoon. I had to sleep early. That was how my day would go. My dad was a disciplinarian (he still is by the way) so we had to go by his rules. My mom was a stickler for rules too. So I grew up obeying them. I won’t say that I did not dare rebel, though.

Anyway, my mother exposed me to educational television shows and the likes so I grew up watching “Sesame Street”, “Batang Batibot”, “Bananas and Pajamas” and a lot more. The result was that I was so eager to go to school even if I was barely three years of age.

My mother told stories about me, to the whole family’s amusement, having tantrums whenever someone won’t give in to my request every night. And that simple request would be to read me a bedtime story. I had a collection of “Winnie the Pooh” stories, happily-ever-after fairytales and even not-so-popular children stories. The bottom-line was to read to me. And that was it.

I entered school before I turned three so by the time that I was four, I knew how to read. I didn’t have to have somebody to read to me. My experience with media became more on broader. I learned how to read the paper even if it was only the horoscope or the comic’s page.

As for the television, I remembered watching those Mexican telenovelas like “Marimar”, “Rosalinda”, and “Camilla”. I recalled how their stories all seemed to be alike. And then, there were the cartoons which were aired over and over again like “One Piece”, “Slamdunk” and “Ghost Fighter”. I soon got tired of the local channels so I switched my attention to our VHS or VCD and DVD players. We would rent movies or go to the movie house every Sunday or so.

I can’t remember a time that I skipped watching the evening news. It was a permanent show for us. We would crowd before the television to watch the news and eagerly wait for the upcoming teleserye.

As I entered my 5th grade of schooling, I started to lose my interest on television but the passion for reading and writing remained the same. I entered an inter-school competition for Journalism under the category “Copyreading and Headline Writing” during the same year. I won first place in the District Level but lost in the Division Level.

The following year, I was placed under the category “Feature Writing”. I liked it better than Editorial Writing because I get to express my emotions freely, play with the words and symbolism and delve deeper into the topic given, be it politics, holidays or just plainly letting my thoughts out. Another thing was that I have always considered Editorial Writing too serious and Feature Writing more colorful and interesting.

I love writing because I am able to express my inner thoughts, suppressed emotions and hidden views. It gives me my freedom to let other people know how I truly feel inside. Whenever I feel down and out, and there’s no one available to understand, my pen and paper is there, always ready to ‘hear’ me out.

RAINBOW

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Julia Nina Somera Moncada
IV–Madame Marie Curie


Why is it so hard to understand you? Why is it so hard to keep you happy? Once again, you are upset with me. I always ask why or what I did wrong. But you would never tell me. You would just sulk in a corner then disappear. Again, we bicker. Like always, you hide my most precious belongings. But since the place where you hide them is always the same, this time, I’ll already be there, waiting for you.

There, I waited for a long time. One hour has passed. No sign of you. Two hours passed. Still, nothing… Before I knew it, the sun was setting. The shadows closing in on me as they stretch. And it started to rain. Just my luck! I was just about to leave when I heard your footsteps. With a startled expression, you fix your eyes on me. I look back at you. Suddenly, you pout your lips and look away. You apologize, still looking at the ground. Then, you liven up and tell me to come closer.

“Hey, look,” you say. Our shadows have overlapped.

It’s always like this. We bicker, we fight but in the end, we still make up. Every time we make up, I always remember the first time our lips brushed. It was raining, just like now. Our umbrellas have collided and the rain got heavier. We sought shelter under a nearby tree. It was evident on my face that I was really pissed off. You looked at me and laughed. Just like you now, I pouted my lips. Smiling gently, you leaned closer and closed the gap between us.

I snap back to reality. This time, this place is exactly like before. Tears well up in my eyes. I sniffle and try to hold back the tears. But it’s no good. I hold you tight and let these salty tears drop on your shoulder. I realize that you are my most precious thing. You look at my eyes and purse your lips. Without waiting for me to apologize, you gently pressed your lips on mine.

From now on, these selfish things, you can tell me. No matter how selfish, it’s all right to tell me. But only tell them to me. You say it’s troublesome. But I can tell that you’re not being honest with me. What is it that you’re not telling me? Is it the fact that you love me? Maybe not, but right now, that’s what I want to hear. Now, I take out the little box in my pocket and kneel. I ask you to make this the day, one year from now, that our names shall overlap. The day our love shall sprout. The rain stops.

I look up at the sky. A rainbow has shown itself. The rainbow really is beautiful. But you are more beautiful than it ever will be.

To you whose face is starting to blush, “Thank you.”

LIST OF APPLICANTS

Applicant/Position Desired
1. Zatia Denise Danao Gammad/ Editor in Chief
2. Jonathan Sitchon De Guzman/ News Editor
3. Marian Denise Glipo Basallote/ Literary Editor
4. Ma Josephine Estonilo Inocencio/ Literary Editor
5. Maylene Manzano/ Literary Editor
6. Bernadette Tadena Guiamoy/ Web Designer
7. Vladimir Paat Villegas/ Research Director
8. Jessica Leal Manalili/ Researcher
9. Christine Joy Ombania de Asis/ No Position Desired
10. Ancilla Marie Baulita Inocencio/ No Position Desired
11. Tracey dela Cruz/ No Position Desired
12. Jose Mari Hall Lanuza/ No Position Desired
13. Vicson Aypa Mabanglo/ No Position Desired
14. Julia Nina Somera Moncada/ No Position Desired
15. Ma Inna Paulina Egamino Palana/ No Position Desired
16. Therese Romaine Nalangan Rustia/ No Position Desired
17. Jezel Christine Nolasco Quevada/ No Position Desired

LOLA'S

UNEDITED SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPH
By Jezel Christine Nolasco Quevada
IV-Madame Marie Curie

SUNSET

UNEDITED SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPH
By Jezel Christine Nolasco Quevada
IV-Madame Marie Curie

BLIND REVOLT

UNEDITED SAMPLE EDITORIAL ARTICLE
By Vladimir Paat Villegas
IV-Sir Isaac Newton


If we are to remember the last election, we see so that the Genuine Opposition, a senatorial ticket which bore the famous acronym PLAN Co REVOLT, won 8 out of the 12 slots, making them dominate the Senate of the Philippines.

As they took their oaths, we see so that they really made a planned major revolt; but is that revolt for the better or worse? To list their famous exploits since the start of the 14th Congress one by one is the thing needed to see so.

As anyone can remember, the unforgettable siege in the Manila Peninsula which took place just last December was such a horrifying thing. The students in their own classes that time already heard that one of the former opposition candidates, Senator Antonio Trillanes, IV, together with prestigious personalities and co-mutineers from the Magdalo took such a careless step by taking over another place. Guns were even fired and tanks were forced to break the barriers just to let them out of their lairs until millions of pesos were lost because of the accommodations which should happen that day also and the damages which they made.

Another one was the very controversial broadband deal in which they held a man named Jun Lozada to brainwash the fools and weaklings of the nation. We see so that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee under the leadership of Senator Allan Peter Cayetano, who was also a candidate of Genuine Opposition, took the courts into our legislature. Inter-faith prayer rallies and so many other “trips for the nation’s awakening” were even funded by themselves despite the “death threat”; but thank God that some people have a great power of reason to question those testimonies. The famous constitutionalist critic, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, was so brave to say that the courageous man did nothing but to cry in front of the people though he would still not be able to convince the wise. Some others even said that he was such a big liar because a person with a death threat would not try to go out and have some good time through golfing.

And now, see their plans to make something unconstitutional ones again by letting an ousted president run for the elections in 2010.

They made such a revolt, but their revolt was so blind and selfish because they never see that what they did was still not for the common men. The thing they did was truly against the common men for it used the status quo. The ones above still go higher and the ones below are still stepped upon by the ones above. Nothing happened at all.

Because of that blind revolt, the society really has a very critical cancer right now for they joined such a blind legion and they would die in either ways. Now that it is too late to stop that blind revolt, quo vadis?

NOYPS, ARE YOU ONE OF US?

UNEDITED SAMPLE FEATURE ARTICLE
By Ma Inna Paulina Egamino Palana


Everyone is conversant that the Philippines is a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY. Corruptions, desolation, mendacity, urbanization, overpopulation, pollution… my Trinidad vegetables! With all this, who can still deem we have the opportunity to be like AMERICA? But, think again, there are still some things that that GOLDEN LAND doesn’t and can we say, cannot have. What are those? See my Negrito friend, Filipinos are KNOWN to have a face with non-fading smile (shocks. I’m flattered). Face that encourages a soldier, gives faith to hopeless, bonds a family through hardships and wealth, and, of course, makes the country one of a kind. Philippines is one of a kind. Agree or agree? I am proud that I am a Filipino and that I belong to a Filipino family.

Why am I proud to be one of them? Let me give you some examples. My Cebu mangoes, where do I start?! My intellectual aptitude is under a nauseated labor once again! Hmm…I know! Lenten season! Ooh… how we journey from Metro Manila to our prefecture in Quezon to see the Prusisyon (though they really cause an awful traffic). Then, how superbly are those Pasyons being sung in every crook of the country. Some in acoustic, some in accapella, and still some still read it really in verses. After a week, we will see that Spectacle of Different Virgin Mary sophisticatedly clad, pushing through sunup to commemorate the Salubong. Actually, here in our diminutive Prefecture of Tayabas, there are men who forfeit their body to be nailed in a cross for the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ.

Next stop, MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS. This is the main event every summer, being celebrated in a certain month that is SO VERY HARD TO GUESS. SWEAR. Ha-ha! Joke time! This occasion is when our family will be all together to see various activities around. Gay contest (hey, never underestimate the beauteous of a gay), beauty pageant (of genuine women), concerts of infamous bands like BAMBOO, Chicosci, Spongecola, etc., Flores de Mayo (the Parade of Women dressed sophisticatedly with their partners), Rigodon de Honor (wherein teenagers wore the national dress while dancing), and the BEST of all, HAGISAN!!!!!!!!!!! Well, its real name is San Isidro Labrador Fiesta of Farmers. I just named it “Hagisan” for all men in town will be in the streets with hats or bags big enough for you to shoot something. I remembered one accident I made way back. One man saw me holding a big pineapple, so he kept yelling at me to throw it to him, but my grandma says no for the statue is still nowhere to be seen. So I followed my grandma. But that man is still shouting at me to throw it to him, and it’s already annoying. I was completely infuriated that without thinking I threw it to him, head shot men! I don’t know how he reacted to that because I hide as quickly as I can beneath the windows. Ha-ha! Since the patron saint of the town is San Isidro, the Patron Saint of Farmers, crops from the farm are being thrown to them POLITELY, like Suman, pineapple, buko, grapes, all sorts of fruits and money (But on what I experienced, HE DESERVES THAT!). They say the more you receive from that event, the more blessing San Isidro will give you. Now I know why that man’s like that. So hyperactive he is.

Now, let’s go a little bit forward to the Christmas season! Well, well,well, here in the Philippines, people celebrates it late. They only start counting how many days till Christmas when the first month with “BER”, which is September, arrives. So late, agree? Well, we can’t change that. But, when December comes, Holly Molly, frowning is a crime. Joke. You see, there is NO reason for you to be sad the whole month! Certain activities will be held in every nook of the country! Example will be the Christmas carols. Abundant little kiddies will sing gracefully in front of your house, sometimes they would even dance for you! What amazes me is that they recycle their instruments. They use tansans, the cover of beers, punch some hole on each then insert it on a wire. They will tie both the ends of the wire and tadah!! A recycled tambourine! Useful and environmental friendly! Another instrument would be the drums. They will use any tin cans, or the milk cans then cover the open side will plastic and place it tightly with rubbers. TADAH! A recycled drum!! Of course, after they sing, you should give them something. Most of the Filipinos give those children a PISO, or two. Another event would be the Misa de Gallo or commonly known as the SIMBANG GABI. Filipinos would attend masses in the evening. I think it starts on the seventh day before Christmas. They said once you attended all the masses, some of your wishes would come true, because Jesus sees your true faith and thankfulness for Him. In the 24th of December, 99% of Filipino families would celebrate the Noche Buena, wherein the whole family will gather in one place and have fun with plenty of foods to eat, and games to play. Christmas day would be the day of exchanging gifts, having fun, love and food [of course!!!

Seven days after Christmas would be the noisiest event of the year, the NEW YEAR! Here, Filipinos would be out on their streets, being crazy as long as they can! Shouting at the top of their lungs! Eating as much as they can! Singing as long as they can! You will be able to see various colorful fireworks up in the sky! In our family, New Year is the time when we will have exchange gifts, family reunions and games. My favorite game would be the Hanapan ng Pera, because the rule is very simple: Find all the money you will see anywhere in the house and it’s yours already. See? So simple! But last year, my celebration for this event was somewhat different. My grandmother died. Well, that’s life.

So, my dear Filipino friends, let’s not loose hope! Be an OPTIMIST! Never give up! Our country can still be what America is right now. All we need to do is to make a dwarf vanish. Joke time! But seriously, Philippines is a world of wonder. Even its people, for without the puppeteer, their will be no puppet show! Am I right or am I right? If only we have a responsible government, the one who will be really true and responsible to its people. But, if they can’t do it, why not we make the first move? If we work hand in hand, imagine what a great wonder Philippines would be. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!

MY FAVORITE BOOK

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Vladimir Paat Villegas
IV-Sir Isaac Newton


A Wrinkle in Time, Spirits Rebellious, The Prophet, The Satanic Verses, Hitler’s Niece, Tales of Horror, Tales of Poe, The Vampire Chronicles, etc.

At this age, a lot of books passed by my life and every title could just fill this page. Classics like those of Dumas, Dickens, Stevenson, Wallace, Hawthorne, Verne, Wells, among others came my way when I was just eight; then those by L’Engle, Gibran, Rushdie, Hansen, Hernandez, Bulosan, among others, and thrillers by Poe, Stoker, Shelley, King, Rice, among others were the ones which were contained by my shelf since the beginning of my teenage years. Despite my hectic schedule today, there was still time for me to read a lot before taps though most of those books are just stuck on the shelf, but they gave their timeless thoughts to me and there would be a time when they return to my hands because of a sudden need. These books resemble just someone who had sits around the corner and waits for others to be the ones to approach, so that she may give the advice in times of need.

Back those times, it was just after a period of devastating rains and blinding and deafening darkness. Under those circumstances, I learned to express myself through writing then everything became clear and bright just for me to see my way. Every time spent in the desk was a time for a literal flash back of my life right before my eyes which enabled me to see someone else who had been there just around the corner. She just waited for someone to take the first step and the rest continued with her, just like a simple wave and hello and an approach because of a sudden need of a companion and an advice. With that, I saw that the simplicity was with her though silent waters run deep; so, there was no more time to waste because the reason of everything and the one who deserved my midnight oil came my way.

It took not that long and fate gave signs by changing almost everything in my life and letting the best out of me; and so, that was such a major turn in my life. There was no more reason for doubt for fate was the one to say that the path taken was right, so everything kept moving along.

There was no other thing to do but to make her feel that I was there by her side even through a simple drop. The fullest of my life seemed to happen wherein heaven and hell were even traveled and the seven seas were even swam. I would even climb a mountain, search every corner of the world, follow the one who beckoned me, yield to an unknown angel, believe everything, let my stars, and risk everything including my life just to have her once and for all. If there was a need for my grinding and assignment to the sacred fire, nothing mattered as long as it was for the one. I would let everything be lost as long as it would be hers.

But just like a story that has ended, a rain that has stopped, and a fire that has gone out, the unexpected happened for I died, fainted, and failed.

Tortured, crucified, and thoroughly shook, I could feel and move nothing at all. Nothing happened and everything turned dark for there seemed to be no more way to prevent me standing naked in the wind and melting in the sun. Everything changed once again, but it was for the worse during the second time.

I just got myself so hypnotized by forgetting everything that was in the past already. Freedom became mine and the want was achieved – to have myself at the heights. Because of it, I said to myself that there was no more need for a reason for it was me already; so, I tried to absolutely forget her by overloading myself and clinging to someone else, but I just made myself a slave with heavy invisible chains. I never knew if I would be sent once again to the torture chamber or the staff would be laid upon my shoulders once again because the king called me every night.

What happened thereafter was just a quick move on. There was no more time to think why everything went so wrong. I tried to be back to her though I was so confused by the things around me. Now, everything just changes and develops still with her though there was no certainty if she would be my end. My wings might just be broken once again, but there was nothing like her even if I would try to search eternity.

She is truly my favorite book for she is the one who is able to touch me so much through her simplicity. Of all the times, she is able to make me laugh and cry. I may just try to return her to the shelf of my life once again, but she is already in the pages of my history which can never be torn anymore. Everything might change, but she will always remain as my favorite book.

UNTITLED V

UNEDITED SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPH
By Ancilla Marie Baulita Inocensio
IV-Sir Isaac Newton

UNTITLED IV

UNEDITED SAMPLE PHOTOGRAPH
By Ancilla Marie Baulita Inocensio
IV-Sir Isaac Newton

THE WHITE ROSE

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Marian Denise Glipo Basallote
IV-Madame Marie Curie


I watched him from afar. His image was distant yet lucid. He was radiating a special kind of brightness that constantly pierced through my eyes. He nearly got me blinded, but I still continued to fix my gaze upon him. I just could not resist. A surge of serenity and peace was flooding my heart. An outburst of happiness was filling up my entire being.

I walked gracefully as I brushed the thin strands of hair that tried to cover up my face. I was extremely cautious with my actions. I was also fastidious about my appearance. I wore a pink dress that was adorned with garish sequins. I looked elegant and poised. Anyone would notice me. But, as I passed by him, he turned his back on me. His hazel eyes were directed to somewhere else. He was too enthralled by the effulgence coming out from it. He didn’t dare catch a glimpse of me. I was not noteworthy in his eyes. I emitted a faint light that was never enough to grab his attention.

I watched him again, still from afar. He looked stunning even in his simple outfit. His hair, as always, was well groomed. He was holding three stems of red roses on his hands. I had envisaged the happenings that were about to occur. This predictable kind of scene has always been familiar to me. I tried to play it on my mind and imagined myself accepting the lovely roses. I knew I was being ambitious, but I saw nothing wrong with it. It was just my fantasy after all. Reality had begun to take over everything when she came. He handed out the roses to her. She said thank you in a very sweet manner. She was wearing the most attractive smile I have ever seen. She was illuminating a kind of radiance that any other girl would desire to have.

I watched them from afar. I found them holding each other’s hand. They were shining so bright. The light was too overwhelming that I could not look at them any longer. I walked away as I experienced the crack of doom. The tenuous fibers of hope were gradually wearing down inside my heart. I was caught in sorrow and pain. I tried to vanquish these emotions for they had certainly done me no good. I wanted to drown all my thoughts of him in a sea of oblivion.

I walked aimlessly as the distance between us grew farther away. Although my heart was fraught with gloom, I still could not resist looking back. I knew it was a futile thing to do, but I took furtive glances of them. I watched them as they continued to hold hands. She was still holding tight to those red roses I wished were mine. In a very short span of time, the soft petals of her roses were already shriveling. They were gradually losing the pulchritude they once boasted about.

I never stopped watching them. I witnessed how the beaming light coming from them had faded into an unknown void. Their hands were slowly slipping away from each other’s touch. She was suddenly losing grip of the red roses on her hands. Not long after, they were already walking on separate and opposite paths. I had to stop walking for I could not believe what I was seeing. I was in a complete and utter shock.

I watched him all alone. He was walking towards my direction. However, he was no longer in brightness; instead, he was concealed behind a mournful shadow. I knew that his heart was moaning in anguish and despair. I simply could not stand the sight of him being in a grave state of solitude. I needed to do something that could draw him away from such living hell. I knew I was helpless, but I still tried all means to allay even just an ounce of his pain and sufferings.

I started walking to get near him. I did not dress up elegantly anymore. Unlike before, I just looked plain and naïve, though I still kept my poise. I was no longer concerned about the superficial matters of life. I only cared about the people who mattered most to me. After some time, I finally reached his shadow. I watched him closely for the first time ever. His hazel eyes looked bleak and dull. His face appeared haggard and unhappy. So, it naturally surprised me when I heard his words without any trace of loneliness or pain. I guessed that he was just being strong for himself.

We walked together and talked about our personal lives. He did not need to explain much for I have always known and watched over him. I tried to paint a smile on his face as often as I possibly could. We were getting along so well that we both failed to notice the different kind of light glowing from us. It started out dim, but it then slowly shimmered, as a star would always do. We found ourselves caught in such intense brightness.

I watched him still near me. He was offering me a single stem of white rose. At first, I was dubious to accept the beautiful rose on his hands. I had fears of getting hurt by its thorns, but I eventually realized the purity and loyalty of his intentions. I took a great risk and laid out all my trust and faith in him. He took a gentle grasp on my hand as I held the white rose on my other hand.

Now, we are still walking along the same path together. We are locked in a tender embrace while a brilliant light is constantly surrounding us. If you are wondering about the white rose, I am still nurturing it with unconditional love and care. Some of its petals may have already fallen apart, but you could still see and appreciate the refined beauty it once possessed. It is a white rose that is bound to transcend time, age and even life.

WHO TO BLAME? FRANK OR THE CAPTAIN?

UNEDITED SAMPLE NEWS ARTICLE
By Ancilla Marie Baulita Inocencio
IV-Madame Marie Curie


MV Princess of the stars, owned by Sulpicio Lines Inc., disregarded the earlier report that the vessel sank due to engine failure; instead, they blamed nature and the captain of the ship for this tragedy.

The owner of the ship secured that the Princess of the Stars was in good condition when it left. He also said that the vessel never had engine problems prior to this.

Nelson P. Morales, SLI manager for safety and quality assurance said the ship has just undergone regular “dry-dock” inspection last year at the Subic shipyard, which is conducted every two and a half years as required by the Maritime Industry Authority.

The vessel, which carried over 800 passengers and crew, which left from Manila to Cebu on Friday, June 20, 2008, sank at the height of the storm, Saturday. The coast guard had allowed the ship to leave for Cebu since the storm was only reported to be at signal number 1, not expecting that the ship will meet the storm at signal number three. The SLI reported that the Captain of the Ship, Master Captain Florencio Marimon, had given a call before it launched last Saturday that they had lost control of the ship but nothing about engine troubles.

The route taken by Marimon was usually safe but typhoon Frank unexpectedly changed its direction, leading towards the path taken by the vessel, tipping the ship over at a deep area of the sea.

SLI promises the families of the dead passengers P200, 000 each and sufficient compensation for the survivors.

ANYONE BUT YOU

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Maylene L Manzano
III-Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen


Once you step on that field, you can’t take a step back anymore. No hands would reach out to you and help you out. No other person can save you in your time of despair. You stand alone.

We all live in this harsh reality. We live in a world full of strangers. Different faces surround you. Who knows what they’re up to? You’re emotions wouldn’t be such a big deal. Such thoughts wouldn’t be heard. Nobody cares. Nobody listens.

For years, I’ve spent my time wandering around the halls in such despair. With a pen on my right and a piece of parchment on my left, I just let each hour pass as I reminisce all my memoirs when I was still a child. I’ve remained silent for so long. Right before I became a part of this elite group of students of this fine institution, I was a somebody with a voice. I was the voice of the unheard. I was the voice that used to search for equality. The voice that used to be the pillar of my courage and dedication. But now it’s gone.

Since then, I can’t face the world I live in. Every time I would step up to the crowd, I would not let anyone see my face nor my emotions. I let every single face in that crowd throw such hurtful words right into my face. I let them walk over me. I let them take over the life I’ve always grasped into my hands. From such actions, I can’t even defend myself. I was cloaked with fear. I want to scream and prove them wrong. Yes, I want to break free from the chains that had been holding me down for years. But I just can’t.

My lips were sealed. Sealed with all the fears I’ve kept inside for a very long time. Sealed with all the fears I’ve kept inside for a very long time. With all the judgmental people around me, I lost even the confidence I once had. I used to be a young maiden full of vigor and passion. A young lady who dreams to reach for the stars and stand strong in the midst of any storm. But suddenly, I find myself sitting in a dark corner, alone. Under the sheets, I hid myself from the frightening stares and the terrifying screams of every single person that I see. In the midst of the battle I faced, I was trembling in fear, thinking this would be the end of me. Not even a single person came to my aid. Then I realized, I was alone.

To live in a world where you’re a neophyte, I experienced a lot of hardships and met a lot of obstacles. As I went through each, I see nothing but a lonesome girl trying to find a way to make it thorough it alone. It was very hard to stand with your own two feet. To live in such a place without a pillar to hold on to was so difficult for such a young maiden to handle. But I had no choice. I had to endure all the problems that come my way. I didn’t have any right to complain. This was what I longed for a long time. And this was the price to pay.

I’ve tried to reach for the light in the midst of the darkness that embodied me for so long. I had nowhere to go. I was lost like an innocent child, crying and waiting for someone to carry me up again. I waited and waited and waited. But no one, not even a single person, came. No one.

Years passed and I lost hope. I’m still trapped in this abyss alone. I would never be able to go back to the way I was before. I don’t care anymore what might happen if I stay here a little bit longer. No one cares for me anyway. Then I thought, why don’t I just disappear? After all, I have no one. Why bother live without anyone to share your life with? It seems so useless. Everything’s just a waste.

But then, I can’t help but think if someone would be miserable if I leave. I know all these years, I withstood alone all the storms that came my way. But at this very moment, if I suddenly leave this place for good, would anyone cry because of me?

CAN'T WE

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Maylene L Manzano
III-Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen


Time is ticking. It’s only a matter of months before we go our separate ways. Why does it have to end like this? We can still be friends, can’t we?

From the moment I stepped into the gates of the new world I’m about to live in, I stood alone. Every face I saw was a stranger to me. Every little thing that surrounded me was nothing but ordinary. I had never felt so left out before. I had never felt this strange before. I was so scared.

For months, I struggled to survive in this harsh world. No one, not even a single face in the crowd, ever care for me. Not even one of those people became my friend. It was so hard to stand alone with my own to feet in the midst of all the people I hardly know. I almost gave up. I was on the verge of letting go of everything I have longed for years. But then, in a blink of an eye, everything changed.

I thought I wouldn’t meet someone that would accept me as me. Someone who doesn’t care whether you’re Ms. Congeniality or the smartest girl in school. He was the only person that befriended me not because I’m smart or I look so helpless. He chose me to be him friend because he wants to. And that’s when I realized maybe it’s not too late to change.

Since then, I learned to accept who I really am. At first, from the very moment I walked inside this fine institution, I didn’t know who I am. I was quite confused. I thought maybe my personality was just flexible that’s why I can be anyone I want to be. But I was wrong. I didn’t notice I was already pretending someone I am not. I became the mirror of each and everyone’s personality-everyone’s except mine. But when I met him, he brought out the real me up to the reality I was in. He didn’t make me into a whole new person. But instead, he lifted up my spirits and let everyone see that I was not the person they thought I am.

He became my inspiration in everything I did. He served as my role model. Although he was not like any other student in the world I am now in, he was the kind of person with an attitude incomparable to anyone I had ever known. If I may say so myself, he was better than anyone else. True, he was not the intelligent Mr. Know-It-All but he’s the kind of guy who has the heart of a true person.

But then, like anything else in this world, everything has its limit. You may say we’re quite inseparable. But the time came when we all had to let go of everything we had for years.

Everything was ruined. The friendship we had was put into waste. It seemed like everything we had before was just a part of an act. Those memories we’re just lies. It didn’t even cross my mind that such thing would be the reason for our friendship to come to an end. I didn’t even saw it coming. But I guess, everything happened for a reason.

Now, we’re in good terms but it isn’t the same as before. We now have different paths to take. It’s only a matter of months before you finally leave me for good. In just a few months, you’ll be miles away from me.

Until now, I still hope it’s not too late to put things back to the way it used to be. No matter what happens, as long as the sun still smiles back, the moon shows its luminous light, the stars still sparkle on the night sky, and the clouds make the sky as beautiful as ever, we can still be friends, can’t we?

WHEN SEPIA TURNED INTO SCARLET

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Zatia Denise Danao Gammad
IV-Madame Marie Curie


She finally said yes, the most-awaited response. The response that nearly tore me apart as it made him reach the heavens. It has been months that he confronted me for what Barbie dolls desire to accentuate their hypocritical beauty. Of course, I have to give him honest replies. He is my best friend, after all.

Gone are the days that he gave hugs as farewells. Also those midnight chats about futuristic nonsense. Maybe I could share my muffin with someone else but nobody does the wolfing down better than him. He loved my banana walnut muffins. And I would definitely miss the times when he used to make fun of me, though I really get irritated by his snorting laughs. When I was with him, everyday felt like sparks. There were fireworks everywhere. And he never cared if anyone saw us. Just as long as I was the leading lady and he was the leading man, we were good. There were no antagonists during those moments. The movie that I have always fantasized kept getting better and better. And the scene that I was always eager to rewind was the time when his eyes glittered promisingly as he breathed out the words, “You will always have me.” And I knew I did.

The movie that I was starring in was in sepia. I loved how the warmth of grayish brown represented romance perfectly. I loved how it started with two people on a bench with a pile of autumn leaves parallel to their view of serenity. As the crisp, sun-dried leaves sailed along with the calm breeze, the diffused gestures we had broke the silence. His melodious playing of the guitar at dusk complemented the inclining fervency that mingled with my fidgeting. The music amplified smoothly and so did my affection. It kind of reminded me of those old films shown in black and white. Bold colors happen to make movies strident and blinding. And I didn’t want to take my eyes off the movie. At the back of my head, I murmured those enticing words that I heard from the radio:

“I wish that I was in your arms, like a Spanish guitar. You would play me through the night ‘til the dawn.”

It was the exact translation of the involuntary heart-pounding that I was experiencing. Nevertheless, regret never entered my mind. I made him finish playing his instrument. It was truly serenading. I was in a movie where the film was fading because people maximized their time replaying it. From the moment he strummed with passion to the part where I sway with enchantment, I knew our audience gazed upon the fusion we had.

Warm rays shone as I saw magnificence in a silhouette gradually vanishing from the perfection of romance in the movie. It was the perfect ending. My leading man was the last person I wanted to see in each day that I am blessed to have. And more blessed to have him.

The movie had its last brilliance when the antagonist came along. It started to make my walls crumble as he unexpectedly found infatuation lingering with his mind. He said she was his dream girl. More like some Bratz girl out of the box.

He turned romance into rejection. This enamored leading lady started to tarnish. And this time, he himself was the one repeating the film, carelessly revising every passionate scene I’ve directed. From that moment, with his willingness, he started to blend me into the woods as a new leading lady star in my movie.

Time flew and all that he could utter was her name. As he went along describing his dream girl, I gave nothing but exasperated sighs. He loved how her hair swishes on her sheering shoulders and how she smiles gaily. How her giggles make him drawn to her nearer and nearer each day. He adored her sheepish eyes and how her eyelashes dusted away extra metallic eye shadow that fell. Her pearlescent skin stayed radiant under the sun and the rain. Her red, glossy lips made her porcelain teeth whiter. Her hour-glass body dressed with the simplicity of fashion made her irresistible to him. Most of all, her optimism that made her name engraved in his heart. The new leading lady shimmered effortlessly. And indeed she was in his limelight.

As much as I would want to change the script of my tainted movie, I know I couldn’t do so anymore. They were at the climax of the movie, the part which I have been longing to be in. The warmth of my movie has gone overboard. It was scarlet. It was piercing through my eyes as I yearn for it to stop. The problem was: I was the only one blinded by the movie, denying the impending truth. I knew it wasn’t a bad movie. In fact, it was much better than what I had directed. He strummed more passionately than before. She swayed with more enchantment. If there was more than perfection, it was the union of their silhouettes vanishing away from the orange-painted scenario. The sailing of crisp, sun-dried leaves went circles along their path, one caught between her strands of shiny hair. The ending was him gently pulling the leaf off of her hair as she gleamed beautifully at his angel-carved face. He broke the silence with words I misunderstood, “You will always have me in your heart.” He knew that everyone in the audience surely felt the vibe. Everyone except me.

It was unbearable to hear that I directed his movie. He gave me so much gratitude for making their scenes more intense, more favorable to the audience. I grew meeker each day of rolling the clips of his intimate movie. I was caressed by misery and pain as I saw the same film over and over again. The audience still felt the same intensity that glowed upon my shattered hope. The fragments reflected the intensity in distant corners, where even the most ignorant people would notice. It was impossible turned to possible. And it was all because of me.

I am his best friend. And now I am his director. I no longer am the leading lady in my movies. I am meant to make my leading man be in seventh heaven while I hit rock bottom, writing new scripts out of torment and despair. Though tears made the ink run and the paper crumpled, the story is permanent. It will never wear off. They will forever be my lead characters. And the horrid truth that I must embrace is that I will be forever part of the audience, whose purpose is to applaud and make comments about the outstanding performance they made, and to just imagine what it’ll be like in a lead role. I had no choice but to watch and not be a part of it.

LIKE NO OTHER GOODBYE

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Ma Josephine Estonilo Inocencio


I was there. I was hiding, keeping my mouth shut. I tried to run. I tried to break away but my body froze. I tried to scream but no words dare to come out. That was until I heard a boisterous crash.

I love you. You gave me everything I want. You love to take me anywhere. We both love to wander in the park and gobble up food. We share common hobbies and we are really fond of each other. I am very jovial whenever I am with you. I feel satisfied by the time you would clasp my hand and we would walk concurrently. I really love you but I am missing you. Your existence, your entirety is what I am seeking now and I guess, always.

I did not have the chance to express my gratitude to you for all the things you had done to me. I did not have the opportunity to hold you close to me and kiss you for the very last time. I did not have the chance to tell you how much you mean to me, how you made a big influence to me. You made me a better person, a much, much better grown-up lady. I did not have the chance to tell you how much I love you.

I cried all the tears inside me when you left. I condemn myself on not telling or even making you feel that you are priceless to me. I kept it all inside. I cannot hold back the tears now. I feel strayed and bare. I can feel that my heart is nowhere to be found. I can feel that rapid despair of sentiment that reminded me of how this great person once entered my life.

I lost my very, very dear grandfather.

You guided me as I grow up. You taught me everything I must be knowledgeable about. You trained me how to comply with others if I want them to respect me. You taught me how to give and share to others what I have. You educated me how to read and write my name. I still can remember how serene you are when you did not even rebuke me when I have tantrums and I do not want to write. You told me that everything in this world is not permanent, so I should not waste time.

Because of you, I became a strong person. I learned how to defend myself in a way that there is no one physically hurt. I learned how to be responsible of all the things that are given to me. I learned how to be a hardworking and devoted individual. I learned how to lead. I learned how to be a self-regulating person.

Because of you, I learned how to suppress my guts to cry with a smile. I learned how to weigh up things, even a harsh situation. Though, at first, all of these are arduous for me. At times, I end up crying but as you have said, I have to get rid of all the tears once and stand up again for a new struggle.

When you left, there are countless questions in my mind. Why did you have to go without even telling me? How about me? How will I be confident with the things I will do if you are not here to encourage me? How about the promise we made that we would not leave each other no matter what happen? Why did you have to leave me? When will you come back? These are the questions that keep on rolling in my mind. But no matter how hard I try to find the answers, I guess fate would not tolerate me.

It has been six years since you left me. Six years of waiting until you come back. But the memories we had together are still unmarked. It is like you are still here. I hope that you are happy wherever you are.

Tatay, your presence is still in my heart. I will keep in my mind your lessons and everything that you taught me for eternity. I know you want all the best in me. I will give my very best in everything that I do because I want you to be proud of me. As you always say to your associates, “Oh, yes! She is my apo.”

I look forward to the day you will be here for the second time. I miss you and I adore you, Tatay.

FOR THE LAST TIME

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Ma Josephine Estonilo Inocencio


The rain is falling very hard, like pieces of broken ice. And now, I can feel it on my skin. I am not shivering because I cannot feel the cold anymore. I became deaf because of the loud thunder. Because of the stunning light brought by shattered mirrors in the sky, I became blind. As the big drops of rain fall, I start to remember him again. The memories I thought were forgotten are now reminisced. Then on, I realized that he is still a part of me his silhouette captures my heart again.

Is he back? Where? In my heart or in my mind? Was I once trapped to the idea that I do not love him anymore and he should be forgotten? Why is my mind now torturing my heart? Is it true that he will not be mine…whatever happens? Is it immoral to settle my life in dreams? Is it a big gaffe to surrender the bliss I’m feeling? Is it right to leave the person I love for a person who cannot even love for just a while?

I thought everything was done. At first, I thought that I should I wail, that I should unleash my tears and feelings. I allowed the memoirs and happenings between the two of us flow. I let my heart rule over my mind until I thought that nothing would happen because I was searching for nothing. I let myself suffer the pain. My heart cried but all the tears went back to my system. I’m worn-out but it seems like his memories do not want to leave me, his scent and his wittiness would always stay beside me.

We used to share amusement discussing what we want to talk about. We never run out of topics that we would share to each other. We shared the tears we once cast because of vast disappointments in our lives. We used to dine together, while he was lying on my shoulder. He would embrace my hands like he does not want me to leave him. We used to occupy the same locker and computer. We even have the same case of our mobile phones; even the screen saver, time and backlight were the same. We were like that before. That “before”, unfortunately, would never come back.

I know there is something wrong. I love someone and he is in love with someone else. Yes, he is crying now but I do not have to use his situation for him to be mine. One thing is noteworthy; I do not want to forget him. I do not know why. I also ask my heart why. I cannot put him out of my mind and drain him from my senses.

Is the damage he inflicted on my heart that big? Is it because, even now, he is still that guy who can make me grin and make me feel that I own the world? Is it because he is still the one who can make my heart skip every time he is around? Is it because I’m falling for him once more? Is it because I am in love with him…again?

I have been with him for almost three years. Three long years, laughing with him, loving him. I have waited and longed for the moment for him to love me. I know what I am feeling right now is wrong, but I do not want to seize the chance because I am anxious to fail. Even if they label me as a coward, I am incapable to do anything.

I will let him go. I will leave the picturesque memories. I will let go of someone who is not even mine. But I would not ever forget him. I will always bring with me his scent, his smile and his aura that are all kept here in my heart.

My heart and my essence are now healed. But he left a big scar in my existence…a scar that can never be erased.

For the last time, I loved you.

CAN YOU FEEL THE HEAT

UNEDITED SAMPLE EDITORIAL CARTOON
By Bernadette Tadena Guiamoy

LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH

UNEDITED SAMPLE EDITORIAL CARTOON
By Bernadette Tadena Guiamoy

A DREAM COME TRUE

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Jezel Christine Nolasco Quevada
IV–Madame Marie Curie


As a child, it has always been my desire to see God’s awesome creation and marvel at his works around the world. This dream started to manifest since I was five, when all I ever hoped for was to enter Atlantica and be with Ariel, to see the huge Palace where Cinderella danced with her Prince, to get a glimpse of the spinning wheel that pricked Aurora’s finger and to be with Alice in Wonderland.

I thought my dream came true when my parents told us that our family was going to Disneyland, in the United States of America. We all jumped with much excitement and joy when we learned about the news. The trip will surely be memorable for the three of us since it will be our chance to see our favorite cartoon characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Tigger, Pooh and Donald Duck and also to experience the best rides of our lives. Everyday, we always talked about that much awaited trip. Our excitement didn’t last long. Two weeks before our scheduled flight, my youngest brother got mumps. My parents told our travel agency about it and they said that we cannot join anymore because it is contagious and since Jeus and I were exposed to the sickness and chances are, we may just be put on hold at the quarantine when we arrive at their airport after they find it later. We were all very, very disappointed and I blamed Jairus for having the disease. I then realized it was not his fault. After all, he was also expecting to be in that vacation.

After a year, dad and mom qualified for another trip. This time it was in Australia. As a reward for being the top in our class, they told me that I was going to join them. It was summer of year 2003, months after my second grade. I can’t explain what I felt back then. I was so excited that I barely slept nights before the flight. Many questions came popping out in my head like: “How is it going to be like when you are in a foreign land?”, “Is there a difference between our country and Australia?"

Soon enough, my long wait was over. The day I’ve long been waiting for finally came. Dad, mom and I went to the Airport that Sunday morning, April 2003, together with their Company’s Top Awardees. My curiosity aroused the moment my feet step on to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. I asked everything I found strange to my sight.

After hours of waiting, I finally, YES! finally, had set my foot to Brisbane, Australia (our first stop). After we fixed our things at the Mariott Hotel, we walked a few minutes and played volleyball at the beautiful and clean beach of “Surfer’s Paradise” where we saw a lot of people who were enjoying at the beach. Many great surfers were there too. It was pretty much like our famous Boracay but much cleaner. I also noticed a lot of unusual things like: their vehicles have their stirring wheel placed at the right side; their huge buses have clean and comfortable rest rooms inside. Of course, my parents also brought me to my favorite Mcdonald’s and KFC where I pampered myself with their much bigger French fries and burgers.

During the trip, I met an interesting gal named Hannah. She was the daughter of mom’s friend, Tita Tess. At first, I was afraid to talk to her because she might be snobbish since she was a famous child-actress back then. My impression was wrong because she’s such a nice girl and we became good friends making our trip more enjoyable.

Then we went to Gold Coast Movie World, home of the Warner Bros. where I saw my all-time favorite cartoon characters. Tweety and Bugz, Marvin the Martian, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnney Bravo were the like. Superman, Batman and Robin were also there and oh, I even saw Manilyn Monroe’s impersonator posing. I was fascinated by how they make their movies with special effects. Their theme park was also fantastic and the rides, they were thrilling! We also experienced how to be in the cave of Batman which seemed to be so real because it has simulators. One unforgettable moment was our ride in Batman’s car which was equipped with his personal gears! It was surely the ride of my life!

Australia’s beauty defies description. It is a well-developed country with concerned and responsible citizens who work hand-in-hand to protect and develop God’s gift to them. You see, their zoos are very clean and you can actually interact with the animals. We were able to milk the cows, to shave the sheep’s fur, to watch baby kangaroos come out of its mother and played with them! We fed those colorful birds in our palms and shook hands with the koalas!

They said, you’re never into Australia if you had not seen the famous Opera House in Sydney so, we did not miss that. We had a sumptuous dinner while cruising around and marveling at the beauty of the place that made it known around the world.

That journey was long over. In fact, I could not remember all the details anymore, but as I grow older, I know that it was more than just a trip. I could not grasp back then what my parents meant when they told me that there was so much to learn about that trip and it was not just an ordinary vacation. Back home, as I compared what I saw in Australia with what we have in the Philippines, I realized that we have so much to improve in our country. But basically, we have to learn first to love our country and take care of this beautiful place which is God’s wonderful gift to the Filipinos. We have to work hand in hand to protect the animals and the plants and to propagate and not to destroy them. I believe there is much to be done, but if we will just do our share, in a little way we can make our country a better place to live.

My trip to Australia serves as the inspiration that burns my passion for my beloved country and our people. And as I youth, I will do my best to serve as a catalyst in turning the Philippines another “Australia” in the making!