UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Driesch Lucien Rabi Cortel
IV - Albert Einstein
No matter how hard my days were, I would just close my eyes and let out a long exhausted sigh. I felt really empty and cold after I finally bid my goodbye but it made me feel really light after I made my decision to finally have a closure to all of this. My heavy and agonized days were easier to carry than the ones before. Even though they were empty; still I am trying in any possible ways to ease the pain that has been ripping me apart, the pain that caused my writhed soul and torn heart. The pain that caused my wind to hush, my sun to hide and my clouds to frown were the very pain that is causing my life to fall apart into tiny million pieces.
Right now, agony and misery still drifts along the rivers of my ached heart. They were like sharp blades that rip through my tattered soul. As my hope of being with you again shrivels down, my heart stays stubbornly attached to the moments of yesterdays with its withering limbs that intimately cling to my past. A spark of faith is where these weakened limbs still cling on to because no matter how I try to get rid of it, there to have some sort of force that hinders it to vanish. It also caused my system to be chained by my somber heart, to be helpless against my raged feelings, to be blind against the existing circumstances I am into. My mind is nothing against my strong-willed heart. If only there was a way to end this suffering, I would have done a long time ago.
At this point, I am standing between the pages of the end of the previous chapter and at the fresh beginning of the new one; I am very thrilled to start with the new one yet anguished to end the old one. Now, I am still stammering my steps to finally follow the trail that I’ve hunger to take. I am still on my course of realizing and absorbing things where I just keep on reminding myself that this long suffering I have been through will eventually be sealed away from me. I will, at long last, gather the courage to face the new characters of my new story. I am already looking forward to the day that I will just have to smile when I reminisce these days. It is when I have already learned to live without you and I am finally living to learn more a bucket-full of what the world has to offer.
Friday, August 29, 2008
DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Ma. Beatrice Camille Valencia Gaviola
IV - Enrico Fermi
A few years back, I remember my life was all I wanted it to be. Well, yeah, there were a few arguments here and there. But for me, it was next to perfect. Everything I ever needed was there. Everyone important to me was within reach.
But suddenly, it all changed. Everything came crumbling down at the blink of an eye. My parents got separated, and this made life a little harder for us. We had to scrimp a little, and transfer schools when we reached high school. We moved from a private school to a public school, which I used to think was cheap and dirty. It turns out that it is not at all what I had thought it to be. I was dead wrong. It’s one of the best things that ever happened in my life. I got to meet new friends, and I kind of kept the old ones too. I got to really discover who I was. I got to show others who I really am, without worrying of what they’d have to think. Social ladders and that entire shenanigan do not really apply in schools like this. I got to be myself. I got to be loud, crazy, weird, and just plain stupid whenever I wanted to be. I learned to laugh along when people laughed at me. I became a joker. I know I made others happy, and I am certain that I made myself happy.
It wasn’t always like this though. During my first year in this new school, I had a hard time adjusting. It was too hot, too tight, and just way too small for a school. The people were certainly different. It was like a whole new world to me. A world unknown. But thanks to my newfound friends and all their help, I got by pretty well. I, little by little, discovered this world, and found it very pleasing and enjoyable.
But of course, there must be a balance to it all. With all these good things being thrown at me, bad things were just lurking around the corner, waiting for me to pass their way. I had to transfer houses too. I had to stay with my grandmother because their house was nearer to the school. Here, I lived with my grandparents, aunts, uncle, brother, and cousins. And of course a few house helpers. Now I tell you, this was definitely not my cup of tea. The only person who really understood how I was feeling was my kuya. And we never really sat down to talk about it. Words cannot describe how much this house resembles hell, but I will try anyway.
My grandmother – from the father’s side – has an obsessive compulsive disorder. She likes touching everything and fixing and fixing and fixing them, and going around and around; moving things along with her, and then returning them afterwards. And the routine just goes on about everyday. She sees something and then she starts talking. Manok na putak ng putak. She asks you a question, and before you get to even think about the question, comes another one and another and another. “Oh, bakit late ka nanaman? Ano nanaman ginawa mo? Saan ka nanggaling? Kinain mo ba baon mo?” Also, she only realizes our faults. We strive to do everything right every single day, and then we miss one day, and kaput! All our efforts, down the drain. We start from scratch again, dirty and soiled scratch. I know her heart’s in the right place; but I also know mine isn’t. And I was never really up for this kind of thing. My grandfather is the most stoic and passive guy I know… well, at least with me he is. He barely talks. Wait, scratch that, he does not talk to me at all. He never reacts to anything. He barely even looks. I am not even sure he notices me at all, or if I even exist in his world. Maybe, maybe not. My one aunt, well, let’s just say she is a note-writer. She doesn’t tell me anything straightforward. Instead, she writes them down on little Post-Its, for everyone to see. One time, my classmates came over for practice. They saw the chair in the room with a sign, “Upuan ng tao” and the door with a “Paki sara ang pintuan. Nag-rereuinion na ang mga daga dito” signage and they started laughing. I can’t blame them, I mean, who wouldn’t laugh? What kind of person would put that sign anyway? I don’t know. She’s also a backstabber. I have ears, you know. I’m not deaf, nor am I blind, or ignorant. I hope one day they’ll come to realize that. My uncle, I hate him – the most. One time I was sitting in front of the computer, concentrating on my task. Now, when I am seriously concentrating on something, I don’t hear anything – and I mean anything at all – around me. I don’t notice anything happening around me. Anyway, at that time, everyone was sleeping except me. And then all of a sudden, he comes out and says, “Diyos ko. Magkaroon ka naman ng silbi. Hindi lang ikaw ang nakatira dito ‘no.” At that moment, I drop my books in an attempt to beat him to the door and open the gate, because I suddenly become aware of everything and find out that the car has been honking its horn. But he’s already on his way, and he ignores me. While he’s outside, I secretly cry my heart out. What stabbing words he had just told me. And to think he’s one who also never talked to me. My other aunt, his wife, is the only decent one in this family. I’m not sure if she knows, but I really, really love her. I appreciate her attitude and I feel easy around her. She shows us so much concern and sweetness, like we’re her own children. I think it is because she’s not part of this family by blood, but by matrimony. That’s why she doesn’t have any of the jerk cells they scatter here. My cousin, who is in second grade now, is the biggest spoiled brat I have ever seen. I’m not saying I’m not a spoiled brat myself. Don’t get me wrong. I know I am. But, my God, this is way out of proportion. Everyone is at her beck and call. When she shows the faintest sign of displeasure, everyone’s trying to fix everything for her. They will believe any story she tells, even if it means they have to get mad at us – for something we didn’t do or say. She can get away with absolutely anything and everything because everyone still sees her as cute and adorable. I see her as a villain. And a cunning one at that. My dad once said that he and his sister – who doesn’t live here – are the only ones in the family who grew up as “normal people”, and I agree with him wholeheartedly.
Now, my brother is in college, and my sister is in high school, which means that she also has to stay here. She feels every single thing I feel, but with just a little more tension. She started off with a bad image, and with the people in this household, grudges are held, together with first impressions. By the way, it’s not only the family that’s the matter. It’s the maids too. They drive us crazy with their menacing attitudes. They treat us like we’re the maids, or even lower. They argue with us frequently, and rarely help us out.
My daddy says we have to learn to coexist with them, that we’re just living in their house, and that they are doing us a favor. I don’t think so. I don’t think they’re doing us a favor. I think it is normal that family members sacrifice for one another, that they give and share what they have. I think they’re forgetting that we’re not just some strangers they picked off the sidewalk, who came to live with them. For Pete’s sake, we’re their blood relatives. Doesn’t that mean anything anymore?
They said we always have to give in to the younger one because we know better. We are younger than most of them. Why are they doing this to us? Because we have reached the right age to think correctly? What about my cousin? Everything she does is right, and everything we do is wrong. Does this mean she doesn’t have a mind of her own yet? What drives me crazy is that they give her the consent to do all this bratty stuff. They don’t even teach her what’s right. I try to ignore it, most of the time. Because, well, who am I to teach her? I’m just the stranger they picked off the sidewalk, right?
This family is also very biased with their decisions. By the way, every time I speak of this family, I mean everyone in this house except my sister and me. See, we’re not allowed to use the big chandelier, because it uses up too much electricity. We have to scrimp and use the little desk lamp, even when we’re reading, and it’s very, very dark. But when my cousin’s just playing, or watching television or even just standing around like an idiotic moron, she’s free to use the chandelier – or chandeliers even. This is so not a democratic home. Come to think of it, this is not a home at all.
Today, after I don’t know how long, I let it all out. In front of my dad, I let the tears flow. I didn’t want to, because I know his heart bleeds every time he thinks of how much pain I’m going through, but I couldn’t stop it. He knows it’s inevitable, and that they’re equally wrong as we are. He says life is what we make of it. I know this is true. But how am I supposed to believe that? I’m trying to make the best of my life. But I spend most of my time in this prison, this dungeon. How am I supposed to make the best of my life, with all these people around, trying to bring me down deeper and deeper?
I miss my mom, I miss my brother, and I miss my dad. I miss our family. I miss our home. Even though my mom and I had a lot of arguments in the past, she knows I love her, and I know she loves me too. Even though I’m not very verbal, I think my family is the best ever, because they keep up with my severe mood swings and cranky attacks. I don’t have to hide who I am when I’m with them, unlike when I’m here in this hell of a house. I know this essay makes everyone look bad, and me, good. I’m not trying to keep my slate clean. I’ve done a lot of wrong here too. I don’t keep a tidy place, and I give them a hard time waking me up. But still, it doesn’t give them the right to talk about me when I’m not around. They even call me and my sister the artistas. Pasosyal daw kasi. I really hope they see that we’re not. We’re trying really hard to control our temper and just keep our mouths shut. We’re trying to do everything we can to regain their trust. We’re trying everything. And still, everything does not seem to be enough for them. I know this essay seems pretty harsh, but those words are gentle and soothing caresses compared to what I really feel – the scorching thorns of the blood red rose that prick and poke every inch of my emotions, provoking. They are delicate waves that pat against your legs on a cool beach day compared to the violent tidal waves attacking every single corner of my soul.
Sometimes, the only thing that keeps me going is what my dad told me some time ago, when I told him how I felt. I told him that it feels like I don’t have anyone in the world anymore, that I don’t have anyone to back me up, anyone on my side. “I’ll always be your teammate, Bea,” was all he said. And that line, it changed everything. Up to this day, he stays true to his word. I love my dad so much. Although he is going through much tougher circumstances than I am, he talks to me like everything is going to be all right. And even though some people think he’s a bad guy because he left my mom and found another, I still think he’s the best dad anyone could ever have. I’m not angry with him. I love him so much. I must admit I am a daddy’s girl; and I am and will always be daddy’s baby girl.
By Ma. Beatrice Camille Valencia Gaviola
IV - Enrico Fermi
A few years back, I remember my life was all I wanted it to be. Well, yeah, there were a few arguments here and there. But for me, it was next to perfect. Everything I ever needed was there. Everyone important to me was within reach.
But suddenly, it all changed. Everything came crumbling down at the blink of an eye. My parents got separated, and this made life a little harder for us. We had to scrimp a little, and transfer schools when we reached high school. We moved from a private school to a public school, which I used to think was cheap and dirty. It turns out that it is not at all what I had thought it to be. I was dead wrong. It’s one of the best things that ever happened in my life. I got to meet new friends, and I kind of kept the old ones too. I got to really discover who I was. I got to show others who I really am, without worrying of what they’d have to think. Social ladders and that entire shenanigan do not really apply in schools like this. I got to be myself. I got to be loud, crazy, weird, and just plain stupid whenever I wanted to be. I learned to laugh along when people laughed at me. I became a joker. I know I made others happy, and I am certain that I made myself happy.
It wasn’t always like this though. During my first year in this new school, I had a hard time adjusting. It was too hot, too tight, and just way too small for a school. The people were certainly different. It was like a whole new world to me. A world unknown. But thanks to my newfound friends and all their help, I got by pretty well. I, little by little, discovered this world, and found it very pleasing and enjoyable.
But of course, there must be a balance to it all. With all these good things being thrown at me, bad things were just lurking around the corner, waiting for me to pass their way. I had to transfer houses too. I had to stay with my grandmother because their house was nearer to the school. Here, I lived with my grandparents, aunts, uncle, brother, and cousins. And of course a few house helpers. Now I tell you, this was definitely not my cup of tea. The only person who really understood how I was feeling was my kuya. And we never really sat down to talk about it. Words cannot describe how much this house resembles hell, but I will try anyway.
My grandmother – from the father’s side – has an obsessive compulsive disorder. She likes touching everything and fixing and fixing and fixing them, and going around and around; moving things along with her, and then returning them afterwards. And the routine just goes on about everyday. She sees something and then she starts talking. Manok na putak ng putak. She asks you a question, and before you get to even think about the question, comes another one and another and another. “Oh, bakit late ka nanaman? Ano nanaman ginawa mo? Saan ka nanggaling? Kinain mo ba baon mo?” Also, she only realizes our faults. We strive to do everything right every single day, and then we miss one day, and kaput! All our efforts, down the drain. We start from scratch again, dirty and soiled scratch. I know her heart’s in the right place; but I also know mine isn’t. And I was never really up for this kind of thing. My grandfather is the most stoic and passive guy I know… well, at least with me he is. He barely talks. Wait, scratch that, he does not talk to me at all. He never reacts to anything. He barely even looks. I am not even sure he notices me at all, or if I even exist in his world. Maybe, maybe not. My one aunt, well, let’s just say she is a note-writer. She doesn’t tell me anything straightforward. Instead, she writes them down on little Post-Its, for everyone to see. One time, my classmates came over for practice. They saw the chair in the room with a sign, “Upuan ng tao” and the door with a “Paki sara ang pintuan. Nag-rereuinion na ang mga daga dito” signage and they started laughing. I can’t blame them, I mean, who wouldn’t laugh? What kind of person would put that sign anyway? I don’t know. She’s also a backstabber. I have ears, you know. I’m not deaf, nor am I blind, or ignorant. I hope one day they’ll come to realize that. My uncle, I hate him – the most. One time I was sitting in front of the computer, concentrating on my task. Now, when I am seriously concentrating on something, I don’t hear anything – and I mean anything at all – around me. I don’t notice anything happening around me. Anyway, at that time, everyone was sleeping except me. And then all of a sudden, he comes out and says, “Diyos ko. Magkaroon ka naman ng silbi. Hindi lang ikaw ang nakatira dito ‘no.” At that moment, I drop my books in an attempt to beat him to the door and open the gate, because I suddenly become aware of everything and find out that the car has been honking its horn. But he’s already on his way, and he ignores me. While he’s outside, I secretly cry my heart out. What stabbing words he had just told me. And to think he’s one who also never talked to me. My other aunt, his wife, is the only decent one in this family. I’m not sure if she knows, but I really, really love her. I appreciate her attitude and I feel easy around her. She shows us so much concern and sweetness, like we’re her own children. I think it is because she’s not part of this family by blood, but by matrimony. That’s why she doesn’t have any of the jerk cells they scatter here. My cousin, who is in second grade now, is the biggest spoiled brat I have ever seen. I’m not saying I’m not a spoiled brat myself. Don’t get me wrong. I know I am. But, my God, this is way out of proportion. Everyone is at her beck and call. When she shows the faintest sign of displeasure, everyone’s trying to fix everything for her. They will believe any story she tells, even if it means they have to get mad at us – for something we didn’t do or say. She can get away with absolutely anything and everything because everyone still sees her as cute and adorable. I see her as a villain. And a cunning one at that. My dad once said that he and his sister – who doesn’t live here – are the only ones in the family who grew up as “normal people”, and I agree with him wholeheartedly.
Now, my brother is in college, and my sister is in high school, which means that she also has to stay here. She feels every single thing I feel, but with just a little more tension. She started off with a bad image, and with the people in this household, grudges are held, together with first impressions. By the way, it’s not only the family that’s the matter. It’s the maids too. They drive us crazy with their menacing attitudes. They treat us like we’re the maids, or even lower. They argue with us frequently, and rarely help us out.
My daddy says we have to learn to coexist with them, that we’re just living in their house, and that they are doing us a favor. I don’t think so. I don’t think they’re doing us a favor. I think it is normal that family members sacrifice for one another, that they give and share what they have. I think they’re forgetting that we’re not just some strangers they picked off the sidewalk, who came to live with them. For Pete’s sake, we’re their blood relatives. Doesn’t that mean anything anymore?
They said we always have to give in to the younger one because we know better. We are younger than most of them. Why are they doing this to us? Because we have reached the right age to think correctly? What about my cousin? Everything she does is right, and everything we do is wrong. Does this mean she doesn’t have a mind of her own yet? What drives me crazy is that they give her the consent to do all this bratty stuff. They don’t even teach her what’s right. I try to ignore it, most of the time. Because, well, who am I to teach her? I’m just the stranger they picked off the sidewalk, right?
This family is also very biased with their decisions. By the way, every time I speak of this family, I mean everyone in this house except my sister and me. See, we’re not allowed to use the big chandelier, because it uses up too much electricity. We have to scrimp and use the little desk lamp, even when we’re reading, and it’s very, very dark. But when my cousin’s just playing, or watching television or even just standing around like an idiotic moron, she’s free to use the chandelier – or chandeliers even. This is so not a democratic home. Come to think of it, this is not a home at all.
Today, after I don’t know how long, I let it all out. In front of my dad, I let the tears flow. I didn’t want to, because I know his heart bleeds every time he thinks of how much pain I’m going through, but I couldn’t stop it. He knows it’s inevitable, and that they’re equally wrong as we are. He says life is what we make of it. I know this is true. But how am I supposed to believe that? I’m trying to make the best of my life. But I spend most of my time in this prison, this dungeon. How am I supposed to make the best of my life, with all these people around, trying to bring me down deeper and deeper?
I miss my mom, I miss my brother, and I miss my dad. I miss our family. I miss our home. Even though my mom and I had a lot of arguments in the past, she knows I love her, and I know she loves me too. Even though I’m not very verbal, I think my family is the best ever, because they keep up with my severe mood swings and cranky attacks. I don’t have to hide who I am when I’m with them, unlike when I’m here in this hell of a house. I know this essay makes everyone look bad, and me, good. I’m not trying to keep my slate clean. I’ve done a lot of wrong here too. I don’t keep a tidy place, and I give them a hard time waking me up. But still, it doesn’t give them the right to talk about me when I’m not around. They even call me and my sister the artistas. Pasosyal daw kasi. I really hope they see that we’re not. We’re trying really hard to control our temper and just keep our mouths shut. We’re trying to do everything we can to regain their trust. We’re trying everything. And still, everything does not seem to be enough for them. I know this essay seems pretty harsh, but those words are gentle and soothing caresses compared to what I really feel – the scorching thorns of the blood red rose that prick and poke every inch of my emotions, provoking. They are delicate waves that pat against your legs on a cool beach day compared to the violent tidal waves attacking every single corner of my soul.
Sometimes, the only thing that keeps me going is what my dad told me some time ago, when I told him how I felt. I told him that it feels like I don’t have anyone in the world anymore, that I don’t have anyone to back me up, anyone on my side. “I’ll always be your teammate, Bea,” was all he said. And that line, it changed everything. Up to this day, he stays true to his word. I love my dad so much. Although he is going through much tougher circumstances than I am, he talks to me like everything is going to be all right. And even though some people think he’s a bad guy because he left my mom and found another, I still think he’s the best dad anyone could ever have. I’m not angry with him. I love him so much. I must admit I am a daddy’s girl; and I am and will always be daddy’s baby girl.
REACH FOR THE STARS
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Lavinia Lyka Lim Lopez
IV - Michael Faraday
People say that I am a stoic person and I agree with them. In fact, I am thankful that I am stoic. Being unemotional has many advantages. You wouldn’t be easily affected by the adversities around you. You will be able to finish your work without being disturbed by anything especially excruciating sentiments. You will be able to transcend your limitations for nothing will get in your way. You will be able to grasp the whole world in your hand.
In my third year in high school, I was able to experience so many sensations. I experienced glee, poignance, jealousy, and remorse. I was bothered by both frivolous and somber contemplations. In addition to my incommodious deliberations, I was also distracted which both caused my downfall.
Ever since grade 3, I am included in the overall top ten of my batch. My stoic personality has a lot to do with my achievements in life. But everything changed in my third year in Makati Science High School. I wasn’t included in the overall top ten anymore. I would just always join clubs and participate in activities for extracurricular points. I do not have a stable mind that’s why I am experiencing such misery. I wasn’t stoic not even a little bit when I was in third year high school.
Even though I experienced so much agony, I never lost hope that I would one day rise and regain my rightful throne. I promised myself that this year, my fourth and last year in high school, I will once more be included in the overall top ten of my batch. I will use my experiences in life especially the forlorn ones as stepping stones to reach my goals in life. I admit that I am still stoic today but I am experiencing so many sentiments. I will make sure that all the occurrences, whether good or bad, in my existence shall help me reach for the stars and not tear me down.
By Lavinia Lyka Lim Lopez
IV - Michael Faraday
People say that I am a stoic person and I agree with them. In fact, I am thankful that I am stoic. Being unemotional has many advantages. You wouldn’t be easily affected by the adversities around you. You will be able to finish your work without being disturbed by anything especially excruciating sentiments. You will be able to transcend your limitations for nothing will get in your way. You will be able to grasp the whole world in your hand.
In my third year in high school, I was able to experience so many sensations. I experienced glee, poignance, jealousy, and remorse. I was bothered by both frivolous and somber contemplations. In addition to my incommodious deliberations, I was also distracted which both caused my downfall.
Ever since grade 3, I am included in the overall top ten of my batch. My stoic personality has a lot to do with my achievements in life. But everything changed in my third year in Makati Science High School. I wasn’t included in the overall top ten anymore. I would just always join clubs and participate in activities for extracurricular points. I do not have a stable mind that’s why I am experiencing such misery. I wasn’t stoic not even a little bit when I was in third year high school.
Even though I experienced so much agony, I never lost hope that I would one day rise and regain my rightful throne. I promised myself that this year, my fourth and last year in high school, I will once more be included in the overall top ten of my batch. I will use my experiences in life especially the forlorn ones as stepping stones to reach my goals in life. I admit that I am still stoic today but I am experiencing so many sentiments. I will make sure that all the occurrences, whether good or bad, in my existence shall help me reach for the stars and not tear me down.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
MY JOURNEY
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Driesch Lucien Rabi Cortel
IV - Albert Einstein
Everything came into existence when God generously handed me to my very loving parents.
On the day that I came into this world, my eyes were opened to embark on a journey that God has traced upon my palm. It begun like any other and my parents were the ones who led me to the right track of my headway race with life. My life went on as usual as could be. I have the average kind of things, the average kind of school, the average kind of house but an extraordinarily loving family. My real understanding of life was widened during the times that I can already relate to the events around me. Those were the things that made me realize that life is not always filled with happy things. It also made me realize that working hard for the things that you really want makes all the sweat worthy. Maybe those were the partly reasons that during my elementary years, I somewhat excelled from my classmates which ended me up here in Makati Science High School.
My High School life ended a chapter of my life yet unlocked a new and more colorful part of my journey. It did not only opened doors for me but tons of windows for me to discover. I was unleashed to a new way of life that is miles away from my old one. Everything was a whirlwind. High School life is an unending roller coaster ride that will make you feel as free as the wind or as light as a cloud. I met different kinds of people and gathered different kinds of friends. I learned so many lessons and took so many brain wrecking tests. I experienced so many downfalls and surpassed each of them.
As I was walking farther and farther from the mark where I have started my track, it came to me that I am not alone throughout this race, that my parents were always there for me. Along with God, my parents were my shield from storms, my shade from the sun and my blanket from the cold nights. And now after all of the falling, sweating and perseverance, I am hoping that on the long run, I will finally reach my finish line and all the hardships that I have bestowed will eventually be paid off and my parents will be there to witness the success of the journey I took.
By Driesch Lucien Rabi Cortel
IV - Albert Einstein
Everything came into existence when God generously handed me to my very loving parents.
On the day that I came into this world, my eyes were opened to embark on a journey that God has traced upon my palm. It begun like any other and my parents were the ones who led me to the right track of my headway race with life. My life went on as usual as could be. I have the average kind of things, the average kind of school, the average kind of house but an extraordinarily loving family. My real understanding of life was widened during the times that I can already relate to the events around me. Those were the things that made me realize that life is not always filled with happy things. It also made me realize that working hard for the things that you really want makes all the sweat worthy. Maybe those were the partly reasons that during my elementary years, I somewhat excelled from my classmates which ended me up here in Makati Science High School.
My High School life ended a chapter of my life yet unlocked a new and more colorful part of my journey. It did not only opened doors for me but tons of windows for me to discover. I was unleashed to a new way of life that is miles away from my old one. Everything was a whirlwind. High School life is an unending roller coaster ride that will make you feel as free as the wind or as light as a cloud. I met different kinds of people and gathered different kinds of friends. I learned so many lessons and took so many brain wrecking tests. I experienced so many downfalls and surpassed each of them.
As I was walking farther and farther from the mark where I have started my track, it came to me that I am not alone throughout this race, that my parents were always there for me. Along with God, my parents were my shield from storms, my shade from the sun and my blanket from the cold nights. And now after all of the falling, sweating and perseverance, I am hoping that on the long run, I will finally reach my finish line and all the hardships that I have bestowed will eventually be paid off and my parents will be there to witness the success of the journey I took.
BITTERSWEET GOODBYE
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Driesch Lucien Rabi Cortel
IV - Albert Einstein
How can something that made you feel complete has left you so empty?
It never did occur to me that this will be the feeling after everything I’ve been through, never in my slightest imagination that I will be left standing all alone. This is not what I expected to happen that after all the happiness and contentment I had, the whole picture will fade into oblivion. The happiness vanished and the contentment withered. It has not come to me that things will turn out to be like this; heartbreaking, miserable and empty. All that is left with me is the feeble hope of seeing you again, that for the second time my sun will shine with its brightest rays, my wind will blow its freshest breeze, my stars will twinkle with its most brilliant shimmer, and my world will go round with the perfect harmony it could ever own. But now, I am nothing but an empty soul without any purpose or reason to live for. My thoughts already weighed more than it should that make everything heavy and full of misery.
My senses were numbed until it finally sank within my bones that everything is over, that everything has come to its halt. My world has shattered to a million pieces like it was the most fragile thing in the world. Even though I already knew that everything was over, I can not gather my weakened arms to close the last chapter of the story and accept the fact that it is how the story ended. It wrapped up well yet came down to be the most painful goodbye I have been through. My mind tried to fight the weakness that my heart is spreading all over my body. I had so much in my mind that I did not see this coming. I am trying very hard to keep myself complete because my strength is already struggling to keep me together and not to falter. I am very beleaguered on how will I ever survive this tragic state.
But even though this is how I feel, there is no regret in my heart. Even though I am feeling miserable for some reason, there is still a tiny bit of gladness in me. My heart is still ecstatically pumping to start a new story for me. It might take time but still things are worth waiting.
By Driesch Lucien Rabi Cortel
IV - Albert Einstein
How can something that made you feel complete has left you so empty?
It never did occur to me that this will be the feeling after everything I’ve been through, never in my slightest imagination that I will be left standing all alone. This is not what I expected to happen that after all the happiness and contentment I had, the whole picture will fade into oblivion. The happiness vanished and the contentment withered. It has not come to me that things will turn out to be like this; heartbreaking, miserable and empty. All that is left with me is the feeble hope of seeing you again, that for the second time my sun will shine with its brightest rays, my wind will blow its freshest breeze, my stars will twinkle with its most brilliant shimmer, and my world will go round with the perfect harmony it could ever own. But now, I am nothing but an empty soul without any purpose or reason to live for. My thoughts already weighed more than it should that make everything heavy and full of misery.
My senses were numbed until it finally sank within my bones that everything is over, that everything has come to its halt. My world has shattered to a million pieces like it was the most fragile thing in the world. Even though I already knew that everything was over, I can not gather my weakened arms to close the last chapter of the story and accept the fact that it is how the story ended. It wrapped up well yet came down to be the most painful goodbye I have been through. My mind tried to fight the weakness that my heart is spreading all over my body. I had so much in my mind that I did not see this coming. I am trying very hard to keep myself complete because my strength is already struggling to keep me together and not to falter. I am very beleaguered on how will I ever survive this tragic state.
But even though this is how I feel, there is no regret in my heart. Even though I am feeling miserable for some reason, there is still a tiny bit of gladness in me. My heart is still ecstatically pumping to start a new story for me. It might take time but still things are worth waiting.
MY SECOND CONDITION
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Arthur Jorem Encinas Gorospe
IV - Madame Marie Curie
It was a typical year of high school. Sarah needed to attend a Biology class to complete her missed requirement for the said school year. Although she knew that the only talent she has was about sports, she still continued for the sake of her family. She is not that smart, a shy type yet very athletic girl. She was known for being a volleyball chick and the team captain of the school’s official lineup.
After a long day of training, she passed through a raucous basketball court full of third year students. Instantly, a young guy, probably with the same age as she has, and obviously popular with the crowd, caught her attention. Sarah felt an unfamiliar sentiment she never felt before. It was unusual yet brought a small smile in her rosy cheek.
The next day, she attended her usual Biology class and found out that a new student has arrived. She looked at the guy for a moment and suddenly realized it was the guy she saw yesterday. A blush appeared on her face when the guy looked back at her and smiled.
The professor came and started the discussion. It was all about the attraction of opposite sexes to one another. As a new member of the class, the professor called the new student and asked, “how about you, what are the conditions that would probably attract you to opposite sex?” the guy answered in a cheerful manner, “first, she must know how to play the Canon and second she must show me how much she love me.” “But I won’t tell you the way I would like it to be, maybe the way she could make me feel special.” The crowd hisses a small cheer and blissfully clapped their hands. Sarah felt a sudden urge to know the said piano piece. The bell rang and she hurriedly ran to the music room and asked for a copy of the piece. She started practicing everyday but it seems that she can’t play it correctly. The tones were really not that good and it sounded unpleasant to the ear. She knew that the only thing she could do was to spike a ball and to run on a whole volleyball court. She missed some of her volleyball practices just to continue learning the Canon.
After her piano practice that day, she unexpectedly bumped to the guy in their class. “Oops, I’m sorry, are you alright?” “I’m fine, don’t worry.” They talked for a while and eventually became close to each other. The guy’s name was Nick and he transferred in this school a month ago. He really liked playing basketball and he didn’t find a hard time coping up with the new environment and people.
Sarah never gave up. She spent almost her day practicing the piano piece. She asked help if she needs one and continued what she was doing keeping in mind that the guy would sooner or later fall in love with her. Days passed and she almost had it perfect.
One afternoon, when Sarah was busily practicing, she noticed someone peeking on the door. She swiftly ran to find out who it was but when she opened the door, surprisingly no one was there.
The day came and she was ready to present the Canon to her beloved guy. With a rush of blood nearly bursting out of her veins she asked Nick to accompanied her to the music room. Nick gladly came with her to the room. “uhm..I just like to show you something.” Sarah began playing with the piano while nick sat on a chair meters away from her. The start was good but as she went to the next notes something wrong was happening. Maybe it was the nervous but it’s ruining the performance she’s dedicating for Nick. It began sounding very bad and a burst of tears fell from her eyes. Upon noticing what’s happening Nick stood and with a smile on his face approached Sarah from the back. He held her hands and suddenly a soothing melody filled the whole room. Nick’s hands were firmly yet softly guiding Sarah’s hands to each and every note of the piece. Minutes past and the beautiful music came to an end. With a confused face, Sarah asked, “but how did you know that piece? I thought that.” nick stopped her from continuing with a soft touch on her face. “I always knew that piece.” “That’s why I want to know if others know it too.” A tear fell from Sarah’s eyes, “I failed, I weren’t able to play the Canon correctly, and I thought you would love me if I tried to play it in front of you, but I failed.” Nick hugged her firmly and said, “No you didn’t, because you obtain my second condition.”
By Arthur Jorem Encinas Gorospe
IV - Madame Marie Curie
It was a typical year of high school. Sarah needed to attend a Biology class to complete her missed requirement for the said school year. Although she knew that the only talent she has was about sports, she still continued for the sake of her family. She is not that smart, a shy type yet very athletic girl. She was known for being a volleyball chick and the team captain of the school’s official lineup.
After a long day of training, she passed through a raucous basketball court full of third year students. Instantly, a young guy, probably with the same age as she has, and obviously popular with the crowd, caught her attention. Sarah felt an unfamiliar sentiment she never felt before. It was unusual yet brought a small smile in her rosy cheek.
The next day, she attended her usual Biology class and found out that a new student has arrived. She looked at the guy for a moment and suddenly realized it was the guy she saw yesterday. A blush appeared on her face when the guy looked back at her and smiled.
The professor came and started the discussion. It was all about the attraction of opposite sexes to one another. As a new member of the class, the professor called the new student and asked, “how about you, what are the conditions that would probably attract you to opposite sex?” the guy answered in a cheerful manner, “first, she must know how to play the Canon and second she must show me how much she love me.” “But I won’t tell you the way I would like it to be, maybe the way she could make me feel special.” The crowd hisses a small cheer and blissfully clapped their hands. Sarah felt a sudden urge to know the said piano piece. The bell rang and she hurriedly ran to the music room and asked for a copy of the piece. She started practicing everyday but it seems that she can’t play it correctly. The tones were really not that good and it sounded unpleasant to the ear. She knew that the only thing she could do was to spike a ball and to run on a whole volleyball court. She missed some of her volleyball practices just to continue learning the Canon.
After her piano practice that day, she unexpectedly bumped to the guy in their class. “Oops, I’m sorry, are you alright?” “I’m fine, don’t worry.” They talked for a while and eventually became close to each other. The guy’s name was Nick and he transferred in this school a month ago. He really liked playing basketball and he didn’t find a hard time coping up with the new environment and people.
Sarah never gave up. She spent almost her day practicing the piano piece. She asked help if she needs one and continued what she was doing keeping in mind that the guy would sooner or later fall in love with her. Days passed and she almost had it perfect.
One afternoon, when Sarah was busily practicing, she noticed someone peeking on the door. She swiftly ran to find out who it was but when she opened the door, surprisingly no one was there.
The day came and she was ready to present the Canon to her beloved guy. With a rush of blood nearly bursting out of her veins she asked Nick to accompanied her to the music room. Nick gladly came with her to the room. “uhm..I just like to show you something.” Sarah began playing with the piano while nick sat on a chair meters away from her. The start was good but as she went to the next notes something wrong was happening. Maybe it was the nervous but it’s ruining the performance she’s dedicating for Nick. It began sounding very bad and a burst of tears fell from her eyes. Upon noticing what’s happening Nick stood and with a smile on his face approached Sarah from the back. He held her hands and suddenly a soothing melody filled the whole room. Nick’s hands were firmly yet softly guiding Sarah’s hands to each and every note of the piece. Minutes past and the beautiful music came to an end. With a confused face, Sarah asked, “but how did you know that piece? I thought that.” nick stopped her from continuing with a soft touch on her face. “I always knew that piece.” “That’s why I want to know if others know it too.” A tear fell from Sarah’s eyes, “I failed, I weren’t able to play the Canon correctly, and I thought you would love me if I tried to play it in front of you, but I failed.” Nick hugged her firmly and said, “No you didn’t, because you obtain my second condition.”
MY ETERNAL SUNSET
UNTITLED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Francesca Gabrielle Rodriguez Trinidad
IV - Albert Einstein
I sat there, staring at the horizon and marveling the view which was set before me. It was a sky painted with purple and ocher. The sunset truly is amazing.
It has been roughly 5 months since I started to get to know you. Sure we knew each other, or at least I knew you. Who did not? Everyone admired you, or at least I did. Talented, handsome, sweet – you were definitely one of a kind. But it was your smile that made my day. You had always been a pleasing person with such an aura, I could barely describe it.
I do not recall the date, but what I do recall is that it was one of those days when I stayed at school for our play practice and we were already done. I sat beside Monique on the stairs near the lobby. You were outside. I do not know how or why I shouted these words. I said, “Ang pogi mo!” You uttered “I love you!” in return, jokingly of course. Then you asked for my number. I was a bit confused because we had already texted each other before. I also recall you asking pasalubong from me in Baguio during Semester break the year before. But then you were just another acquaintance of mine, so I disregarded the thought. I gave you my number and to my surprise, just after you had walked me home, you already sent me a text message. It was at that moment that my admiration for you started. You amused me by your every word, your philosophies and your wit.
The days passed by quickly after that. We met regularly and you accompanied me and showed me everything I had never known of before. You opened a new door in my life. You showed me everything I wanted to know. You were, and still are, my light.
You never cease to make me smile. Whenever it is you I talk to, I feel elated, blissful, complete. You make my life colorful and interesting. You words make me smile. Your actions make me happy. Your presence makes me comfortable. And you yourself make me complete. It is you I first think of in the morning, you I long for in the afternoon and you I miss in the evening. Do I.....? No. No. Not now.
I went back to my train of thought. While I was sitting there looking at the astounding scenery, I found myself wishing I were with you. I do not know why or how it is that I immediately thought of being with you at that very instant. Maybe it is because you, like the tinted sky, color my life. You, like the tinted sky, make me feel that life is wonderful and worthwhile. You, like the tinted sky, are totally mesmerizing. You, like the tinted sky, are something that continuously exists in this planet, but unlike others, I never get tired of you. Whenever I am with you, I am always dumbfounded. Just like the sky, you are a common sight to see, yet you never cease to captivate me.
You are my eternal sunset.
By Francesca Gabrielle Rodriguez Trinidad
IV - Albert Einstein
I sat there, staring at the horizon and marveling the view which was set before me. It was a sky painted with purple and ocher. The sunset truly is amazing.
It has been roughly 5 months since I started to get to know you. Sure we knew each other, or at least I knew you. Who did not? Everyone admired you, or at least I did. Talented, handsome, sweet – you were definitely one of a kind. But it was your smile that made my day. You had always been a pleasing person with such an aura, I could barely describe it.
I do not recall the date, but what I do recall is that it was one of those days when I stayed at school for our play practice and we were already done. I sat beside Monique on the stairs near the lobby. You were outside. I do not know how or why I shouted these words. I said, “Ang pogi mo!” You uttered “I love you!” in return, jokingly of course. Then you asked for my number. I was a bit confused because we had already texted each other before. I also recall you asking pasalubong from me in Baguio during Semester break the year before. But then you were just another acquaintance of mine, so I disregarded the thought. I gave you my number and to my surprise, just after you had walked me home, you already sent me a text message. It was at that moment that my admiration for you started. You amused me by your every word, your philosophies and your wit.
The days passed by quickly after that. We met regularly and you accompanied me and showed me everything I had never known of before. You opened a new door in my life. You showed me everything I wanted to know. You were, and still are, my light.
You never cease to make me smile. Whenever it is you I talk to, I feel elated, blissful, complete. You make my life colorful and interesting. You words make me smile. Your actions make me happy. Your presence makes me comfortable. And you yourself make me complete. It is you I first think of in the morning, you I long for in the afternoon and you I miss in the evening. Do I.....? No. No. Not now.
I went back to my train of thought. While I was sitting there looking at the astounding scenery, I found myself wishing I were with you. I do not know why or how it is that I immediately thought of being with you at that very instant. Maybe it is because you, like the tinted sky, color my life. You, like the tinted sky, make me feel that life is wonderful and worthwhile. You, like the tinted sky, are totally mesmerizing. You, like the tinted sky, are something that continuously exists in this planet, but unlike others, I never get tired of you. Whenever I am with you, I am always dumbfounded. Just like the sky, you are a common sight to see, yet you never cease to captivate me.
You are my eternal sunset.
HE IS STILL THE REASON WHY I AM HERE
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Carisse Anne Apelo Modesto
IV - Enrico Fermi
Few weeks after my mom gave birth to me, I was already away from my family. People say that my life is just like those of the fairy tales that children often read. It just sounded like it is, but I don’t really think that it really is, and I believe that I was never being maltreated like they were.
Well, actually, I haven’t experienced living with my family for a long period of time. I was away from them. I live with my mom’s brother and his wife; they were my aunt and uncle. I am the third of the four girls. My parents were actually separated few years after my youngest sister was born. They really went through a lot of arguments and that really is where it should lead them. Unlike my mother, I seldom see my father; I was never really close to him. The first time he actually visited me in our house was when I was around nine years old. Over all, it was not more that ten times that he visited me through his existing years.
Whenever he visits me, I don’t actually talk to him. I really had a cold shoulder on him like my siblings. I think we all were disappointed with him and what he has done. Honestly, I haven’t gotten any clue about what had happened to their relationship that lead them to a misfortune. My grandmother just tells me about the wrong things that my father has done. Before, I never really accepted the fact that I have a broken family because of him. That is the reason why I don’t talk to him at times when he visits me.
They always tell me that I am a mean girl for doing such to my father. But, I always remember the things that they told me about him and my belief that he is bad never really changed.
During the time of my elementary graduation, I felt one of the most stupid things that I have done. I was the numbest person that has existed that day. I was so annoying, I know. I did the craziest things. I had not acknowledged my parents though they were there to support me. My mom was there after the ceremony and I had almost disregarded and I know that it made her feel really bad. When I got home, my father was there, I never did talk to him that day, I never approached him. I hurt their feelings, but I never cared to ask for forgiveness or what. But now, I really am sorry for what I have done. I was arrogant and indiscipline.
After few months, we knew that my father was really ill. We visited him at a hospital in Cavite. It was really hard for him, his siblings and their mother because they did not have the money to pay enough for the hospital bills, he was already bed- ridden. I felt bad for him. But I was not that sad. I don’t know why, but maybe, it is cause of all the knowledge that I knew about him. We did not stay long in hospital because my younger sister and I were very eager to go to the mall. See? I really am mean.
After few weeks, we visited him at their house because they said that he was already suffering too much. We were all complete. Even my mom was there, my aunt and my uncle, my grandmother, his close friends, his godson and the four of us girls. We can see that he really is having a hard time. But, he was eager to see all of us. I already forgave him that time. He still is my father and no one could replace him.
At the dawn of the 9th of October, 2005, God already took my father away from me. Maybe, he decided to get him because we were bad and it was hard for him or maybe because we have forgiven him. I heard that bad news before proceeding to school. I cried a lot. I felt the pain and the rush of the pumping blood in my heart. It had sank in. my father was already sleeping and he would never wake up, never again.
At this point in time, I really am feeling stupid for what I have acted. He still is my father and that would never change. I should be thankful for him, because he is the reason why I’m here. I am thankful for him and I am sorry. I should have been good enough.
Maybe, it was on His purpose, because he never make me feel the pain of losing my father, I may not have been able to forgive him until now. God really is good.
By Carisse Anne Apelo Modesto
IV - Enrico Fermi
Few weeks after my mom gave birth to me, I was already away from my family. People say that my life is just like those of the fairy tales that children often read. It just sounded like it is, but I don’t really think that it really is, and I believe that I was never being maltreated like they were.
Well, actually, I haven’t experienced living with my family for a long period of time. I was away from them. I live with my mom’s brother and his wife; they were my aunt and uncle. I am the third of the four girls. My parents were actually separated few years after my youngest sister was born. They really went through a lot of arguments and that really is where it should lead them. Unlike my mother, I seldom see my father; I was never really close to him. The first time he actually visited me in our house was when I was around nine years old. Over all, it was not more that ten times that he visited me through his existing years.
Whenever he visits me, I don’t actually talk to him. I really had a cold shoulder on him like my siblings. I think we all were disappointed with him and what he has done. Honestly, I haven’t gotten any clue about what had happened to their relationship that lead them to a misfortune. My grandmother just tells me about the wrong things that my father has done. Before, I never really accepted the fact that I have a broken family because of him. That is the reason why I don’t talk to him at times when he visits me.
They always tell me that I am a mean girl for doing such to my father. But, I always remember the things that they told me about him and my belief that he is bad never really changed.
During the time of my elementary graduation, I felt one of the most stupid things that I have done. I was the numbest person that has existed that day. I was so annoying, I know. I did the craziest things. I had not acknowledged my parents though they were there to support me. My mom was there after the ceremony and I had almost disregarded and I know that it made her feel really bad. When I got home, my father was there, I never did talk to him that day, I never approached him. I hurt their feelings, but I never cared to ask for forgiveness or what. But now, I really am sorry for what I have done. I was arrogant and indiscipline.
After few months, we knew that my father was really ill. We visited him at a hospital in Cavite. It was really hard for him, his siblings and their mother because they did not have the money to pay enough for the hospital bills, he was already bed- ridden. I felt bad for him. But I was not that sad. I don’t know why, but maybe, it is cause of all the knowledge that I knew about him. We did not stay long in hospital because my younger sister and I were very eager to go to the mall. See? I really am mean.
After few weeks, we visited him at their house because they said that he was already suffering too much. We were all complete. Even my mom was there, my aunt and my uncle, my grandmother, his close friends, his godson and the four of us girls. We can see that he really is having a hard time. But, he was eager to see all of us. I already forgave him that time. He still is my father and no one could replace him.
At the dawn of the 9th of October, 2005, God already took my father away from me. Maybe, he decided to get him because we were bad and it was hard for him or maybe because we have forgiven him. I heard that bad news before proceeding to school. I cried a lot. I felt the pain and the rush of the pumping blood in my heart. It had sank in. my father was already sleeping and he would never wake up, never again.
At this point in time, I really am feeling stupid for what I have acted. He still is my father and that would never change. I should be thankful for him, because he is the reason why I’m here. I am thankful for him and I am sorry. I should have been good enough.
Maybe, it was on His purpose, because he never make me feel the pain of losing my father, I may not have been able to forgive him until now. God really is good.
Monday, August 25, 2008
RICKY RUBIO: IS HE THE NEXT BIG THING?
UNEDITED SAMPLE SPORTS ARTICLE
By Vicson Aypa Mabanglo
IV - Sir Isaac Newton
When you walk on the streets of a typical city, you’ll eventually find yourself in a very incomparable scenario, noisy and polluted. Further observations will lead you to numerous basketball courts. Basketball courts which showcase and feature players in tattered shirts and flip-flops, non-regulation rims with nets that are often made up of metal chains, and plenty of loud yelling.
Basketball had been very popular all over the world. It has been the most common and most-loved sport by many nations. It has dominated the minds of the youth furthermore influenced them to a more healthy lifestyle without any vices.
Basketball is one of the events in the last Beijing Olympics 2008. In this event, the stars of the NBA led by Lebron James, the United States of America national team bagged the gold medals. Came third was the national team of Argentina. And came second was the defending champions Spain.
It had been a solid Olympics for the Americans for they didn’t lose any game. They made Spain worthless and downhearted. Spain really had a hard time and an agonizing ending losing their championship.
But behind this defeat was a beginning for one of the players of Spain. He was the key point guard, often as a starter, of the Spain national team. He was Ricky Rubio, a basketball prodigy at 17 years of age. He is the youngest player to ever join the Olympics basketball event. Playing at the age of 17 against player aging from 25 and above is hard. It needs determination and lots of courage.
This great point guard ,that I guess you’ve never heard of , lives in the streets of El Masnou, a seaside village 10 miles outside of Barcelona. He stands 6’3’’, weighs 180 lbs. and is only 17 years old. He was born on October 21, 1990.
Already Ricky Rubio has had a great beginning to his story. In 2005, as a 14-year old, Ricky Rubio was the youngest player ever to appear Spain's ACB league, which is regarded by most as Europe's finest national basketball league. And in 2006's Under 16 European Championships, Rubio recorded a quadruple-double in a game against Croatia with 19 points, 13 assists, 11 steals, 10 rebounds in 33 minutes (he actually achieved the quadruple-double in only 28 minutes of play) if that wasn't enough, Rubio put up a more amazing and unbelievable performance when he recorded 51 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists, and 7 assists against Russia in the tourney's final, when Spain won 110-106.
He (just like implied in the first set of pargraphs) was selected to join the Spanish national team. They participated in the basketball event in Beijing Olympics 2008. They only placed silver but this might be the start of a new basketball star.
Ricky Rubio is actually scouted now by different NBA teams. By next year, at the age of 18, who knows, he might me on NBA showcasing his talents with the Americans and showing the whole world his talents. Who knows?
By Vicson Aypa Mabanglo
IV - Sir Isaac Newton
When you walk on the streets of a typical city, you’ll eventually find yourself in a very incomparable scenario, noisy and polluted. Further observations will lead you to numerous basketball courts. Basketball courts which showcase and feature players in tattered shirts and flip-flops, non-regulation rims with nets that are often made up of metal chains, and plenty of loud yelling.
Basketball had been very popular all over the world. It has been the most common and most-loved sport by many nations. It has dominated the minds of the youth furthermore influenced them to a more healthy lifestyle without any vices.
Basketball is one of the events in the last Beijing Olympics 2008. In this event, the stars of the NBA led by Lebron James, the United States of America national team bagged the gold medals. Came third was the national team of Argentina. And came second was the defending champions Spain.
It had been a solid Olympics for the Americans for they didn’t lose any game. They made Spain worthless and downhearted. Spain really had a hard time and an agonizing ending losing their championship.
But behind this defeat was a beginning for one of the players of Spain. He was the key point guard, often as a starter, of the Spain national team. He was Ricky Rubio, a basketball prodigy at 17 years of age. He is the youngest player to ever join the Olympics basketball event. Playing at the age of 17 against player aging from 25 and above is hard. It needs determination and lots of courage.
This great point guard ,that I guess you’ve never heard of , lives in the streets of El Masnou, a seaside village 10 miles outside of Barcelona. He stands 6’3’’, weighs 180 lbs. and is only 17 years old. He was born on October 21, 1990.
Already Ricky Rubio has had a great beginning to his story. In 2005, as a 14-year old, Ricky Rubio was the youngest player ever to appear Spain's ACB league, which is regarded by most as Europe's finest national basketball league. And in 2006's Under 16 European Championships, Rubio recorded a quadruple-double in a game against Croatia with 19 points, 13 assists, 11 steals, 10 rebounds in 33 minutes (he actually achieved the quadruple-double in only 28 minutes of play) if that wasn't enough, Rubio put up a more amazing and unbelievable performance when he recorded 51 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists, and 7 assists against Russia in the tourney's final, when Spain won 110-106.
He (just like implied in the first set of pargraphs) was selected to join the Spanish national team. They participated in the basketball event in Beijing Olympics 2008. They only placed silver but this might be the start of a new basketball star.
Ricky Rubio is actually scouted now by different NBA teams. By next year, at the age of 18, who knows, he might me on NBA showcasing his talents with the Americans and showing the whole world his talents. Who knows?
EVOLUTION OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
UNEDITED SAMPLE FEATURE ARTICLE
By Jezel Christine Nolasco Quevada
IV – Madame Marie Curie
The Philippines had been colonized by different nations. Nations, that often had different agenda’s, fighting over the beautiful island of the Orient Sea, the Philippines. They, separately, had different styles when it comes to colonizing. The Spaniards use their well-known krus at espada. The Americans use their treaties, showing their state of dominion over the Spaniard with regards to wealth. The Japanese use their different techniques in war, such as the kamikaze, to colonize us. Yet they, through the never-ending bloodsheds and courageous attempts of the Filipinos to regain freedom, have never been totally triumphant for we, ourselves, now have freedom. And today, our flag serves as the symbol of our freedom.
Our flag, just like our history, came into different periods or changes. Our official Philippine flag made its first appearance from Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1898. But prior to this, there were several Katipunan flags and war banners, even some of the revolutionary generals had their own flags too, some of which stand some similarity to the present national flag. During the times of the Americans and Japanese, these flags were banned maybe because of the fact that they, the colonizers, want to symbolize their domination against us, Filipinos. In 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon issued the Executive Order 23 stating the official specifications of the Philippine flag.
The First KKK ( Kataastaasan at Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayan ) Flag was made in 1892. Andres Bonifacio requested his wife, Gregoria de Jesus with the help of Benita Rodriguez, to create a flag for the society. De Jesus created a simple red flag bearing the society's acronym, KKK, in white and arranged horizontally at the center of a rectangular piece of red cloth. The color red represents the blood and courage of the Katipuneros who stood ready to fight for freedom and shed their blood if need be. This was the first official flag of the society. It was the flag use in the Cry of Pugadlawin.
The flag had been developed through time and was used totally by the whole society. It had been also depicted differently from other areas of the country. One representation is the flag with only one white letter K positioned on a rectangular piece of red cloth. Another is a red flag with the three white letter Ks arranged in an equilateral triangle at the center of the rectangular cloth. Some members of the Katipuneros used other variations different from these commonly know layouts.
As the Revolutions contaminated the whole country, flags continue to develop too. In 1896, Pio del Pilar's Rising Sun Flag, a red flag with a white triangle on the left side, became famous through General Pio del Pilar of San Pedro de Makati (the hero of Makati and one of the most trusted generals of Emilio Aguinaldo), who used it up to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. The triangular strip at the left side led the national flag design. At each of the angles of the triangle was a letter K. The rising sun in the middle had eight rays representing the first eight united provinces that were placed under martial law by the Spanish colonial government for rising up in rebellion namely, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. The flag was called Bandila ng Matagumpay (The Flag of the Victorious) and was first used on July 11, 1895. The flag was also one of the first to illustrate an eight-rayed sun. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
General Mariano Llanera who fought in the provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija used a dull-looking black flag, with the single white letter K and the skull and crossbones symbol. It is the most different among other flags due to the fact that it is black in color. The flag was for the camp of General Mariano Llanera of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, who earned for himself a reputation as a brave and reckless fighter. "Let us fight to the finish," was one of his favorite remarks. This flag looked like the pirates' banner in the Caribbean. It is said that Andres Bonifacio made fun of this flag, calling it Bungo ni Llanera or Llanera's skull. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
When the revolution heated up, the Magdiwang group of the Katipunan, which operated in Cavite under Gen. Santiago Alvarez, adopted a flag consisting of a red flag, with a letter K in Alibata at the centre of the flag, in white placed at the center of a sun with eight pointed rays, again representing the Katipunan and the eight revolutionary provinces in Luzon that pledged its support to fight under Aguinaldo’s banner and to start the Philippine revolution.
The first Filipino tricolor was not actually the flag raised by Aguinaldo during his declaratyion of independencce. General Gregorio del Pilar – The Young General of the Katipunan, used a flag almost alike to the present National Flag. The upper red stripe stood for the Katipunan color; the lower black was motivated by General Llanera's flag; and the blue triangle at the left indicates comradeship with the revolutionary flag of Cuba, another colony of Spain which was also in revolt and like the Philippines, it was in a state of revolution for independence from Spain. The flag took its last stand against the Americans in Tirad Pass, Ilocos Sur, defending the retreating armies of Aguinaldo. ( http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html )
The first Filipino national flag was a red flag with a white sun of eight rays, symbolizing the search for liberty. It was also the first official flag of the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo. This was adopted by the revolutionary leaders at their assembly in Naic, Cavite on March 17, 1897. It was a transformed version of the Aguinaldo-Magdalo flag, with a mythological sun at the center.
Emilio Aguinaldo designed the second Filipino national flag during his exile in Hong Kong. The flag was sewn at 535 Morrison Hill, Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela Mariño Agoncillo - wife of the first Filipino diplomat, Felipe Agoncillo, because of her sewing skills with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and wife of General Salvador Natividad, they skillfully sewed what was later to be known as "The Sun and the Stars." The flag was completed within five days and handed over to Emilio Aguinaldo before he returned to the Philippines. The flag was unfurled for the first time on the balcony of Emilio Aguinaldo's home in Cavite on June 12, 1898 in proclamation of independence from Spain. This is almost the same as the flag we us today except from the detailed sun drawn in this older flag.
(http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
On March 25, 1936, President Manuel Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which restricted the official description and specifications of the Philippine flag. This flag was used when the Philippines was granted independence in 1946 and until 1981, when President Marcos changed it back to the original flag made by Aguinaldo, and then again in 1986 until 1998. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
On February 12, 1998 , the flag was officially changed, due to the too much debate amongst historians at to which type of blue was correct. It was supported by the Republic Act No. 8491.
Our Flag symbolizes our freedom and sovereignty. We, as Filipinos, should learn to respect it and love it. Just like our heroes who fought for freedom, our flag served as the foundation of our country towards independence. May we learn to love and give our flag the importance and respect it deserves. Just like what courageous Filipino yelled with their flags, “Mabuhay ang Lahing Filipino! Mabuhay!”
By Jezel Christine Nolasco Quevada
IV – Madame Marie Curie
The Philippines had been colonized by different nations. Nations, that often had different agenda’s, fighting over the beautiful island of the Orient Sea, the Philippines. They, separately, had different styles when it comes to colonizing. The Spaniards use their well-known krus at espada. The Americans use their treaties, showing their state of dominion over the Spaniard with regards to wealth. The Japanese use their different techniques in war, such as the kamikaze, to colonize us. Yet they, through the never-ending bloodsheds and courageous attempts of the Filipinos to regain freedom, have never been totally triumphant for we, ourselves, now have freedom. And today, our flag serves as the symbol of our freedom.
Our flag, just like our history, came into different periods or changes. Our official Philippine flag made its first appearance from Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1898. But prior to this, there were several Katipunan flags and war banners, even some of the revolutionary generals had their own flags too, some of which stand some similarity to the present national flag. During the times of the Americans and Japanese, these flags were banned maybe because of the fact that they, the colonizers, want to symbolize their domination against us, Filipinos. In 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon issued the Executive Order 23 stating the official specifications of the Philippine flag.
The First KKK ( Kataastaasan at Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng Mga Anak ng Bayan ) Flag was made in 1892. Andres Bonifacio requested his wife, Gregoria de Jesus with the help of Benita Rodriguez, to create a flag for the society. De Jesus created a simple red flag bearing the society's acronym, KKK, in white and arranged horizontally at the center of a rectangular piece of red cloth. The color red represents the blood and courage of the Katipuneros who stood ready to fight for freedom and shed their blood if need be. This was the first official flag of the society. It was the flag use in the Cry of Pugadlawin.
The flag had been developed through time and was used totally by the whole society. It had been also depicted differently from other areas of the country. One representation is the flag with only one white letter K positioned on a rectangular piece of red cloth. Another is a red flag with the three white letter Ks arranged in an equilateral triangle at the center of the rectangular cloth. Some members of the Katipuneros used other variations different from these commonly know layouts.
As the Revolutions contaminated the whole country, flags continue to develop too. In 1896, Pio del Pilar's Rising Sun Flag, a red flag with a white triangle on the left side, became famous through General Pio del Pilar of San Pedro de Makati (the hero of Makati and one of the most trusted generals of Emilio Aguinaldo), who used it up to the Pact of Biak-na-Bato. The triangular strip at the left side led the national flag design. At each of the angles of the triangle was a letter K. The rising sun in the middle had eight rays representing the first eight united provinces that were placed under martial law by the Spanish colonial government for rising up in rebellion namely, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Manila, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. The flag was called Bandila ng Matagumpay (The Flag of the Victorious) and was first used on July 11, 1895. The flag was also one of the first to illustrate an eight-rayed sun. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
General Mariano Llanera who fought in the provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija used a dull-looking black flag, with the single white letter K and the skull and crossbones symbol. It is the most different among other flags due to the fact that it is black in color. The flag was for the camp of General Mariano Llanera of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, who earned for himself a reputation as a brave and reckless fighter. "Let us fight to the finish," was one of his favorite remarks. This flag looked like the pirates' banner in the Caribbean. It is said that Andres Bonifacio made fun of this flag, calling it Bungo ni Llanera or Llanera's skull. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
When the revolution heated up, the Magdiwang group of the Katipunan, which operated in Cavite under Gen. Santiago Alvarez, adopted a flag consisting of a red flag, with a letter K in Alibata at the centre of the flag, in white placed at the center of a sun with eight pointed rays, again representing the Katipunan and the eight revolutionary provinces in Luzon that pledged its support to fight under Aguinaldo’s banner and to start the Philippine revolution.
The first Filipino tricolor was not actually the flag raised by Aguinaldo during his declaratyion of independencce. General Gregorio del Pilar – The Young General of the Katipunan, used a flag almost alike to the present National Flag. The upper red stripe stood for the Katipunan color; the lower black was motivated by General Llanera's flag; and the blue triangle at the left indicates comradeship with the revolutionary flag of Cuba, another colony of Spain which was also in revolt and like the Philippines, it was in a state of revolution for independence from Spain. The flag took its last stand against the Americans in Tirad Pass, Ilocos Sur, defending the retreating armies of Aguinaldo. ( http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html )
The first Filipino national flag was a red flag with a white sun of eight rays, symbolizing the search for liberty. It was also the first official flag of the revolutionary government of General Emilio Aguinaldo. This was adopted by the revolutionary leaders at their assembly in Naic, Cavite on March 17, 1897. It was a transformed version of the Aguinaldo-Magdalo flag, with a mythological sun at the center.
Emilio Aguinaldo designed the second Filipino national flag during his exile in Hong Kong. The flag was sewn at 535 Morrison Hill, Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela Mariño Agoncillo - wife of the first Filipino diplomat, Felipe Agoncillo, because of her sewing skills with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and wife of General Salvador Natividad, they skillfully sewed what was later to be known as "The Sun and the Stars." The flag was completed within five days and handed over to Emilio Aguinaldo before he returned to the Philippines. The flag was unfurled for the first time on the balcony of Emilio Aguinaldo's home in Cavite on June 12, 1898 in proclamation of independence from Spain. This is almost the same as the flag we us today except from the detailed sun drawn in this older flag.
(http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
On March 25, 1936, President Manuel Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which restricted the official description and specifications of the Philippine flag. This flag was used when the Philippines was granted independence in 1946 and until 1981, when President Marcos changed it back to the original flag made by Aguinaldo, and then again in 1986 until 1998. (http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippineflag.html)
On February 12, 1998 , the flag was officially changed, due to the too much debate amongst historians at to which type of blue was correct. It was supported by the Republic Act No. 8491.
Our Flag symbolizes our freedom and sovereignty. We, as Filipinos, should learn to respect it and love it. Just like our heroes who fought for freedom, our flag served as the foundation of our country towards independence. May we learn to love and give our flag the importance and respect it deserves. Just like what courageous Filipino yelled with their flags, “Mabuhay ang Lahing Filipino! Mabuhay!”
GOLD RUSH
UNEDITED SAMPLE SPORTS ARTICLE
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV - Enrico Fermi
14 Olympic gold medals. 32 world records. His name etched in history books.
Michael Phelps.
He is arguably the greatest Olympian the world has ever seen. Winning 8 gold medals in the Olympic Games is something rarely seen by mankind, and Michael Phelps did so just a few days ago. He won the gold medal in every event he competed in, beating the record of Mark Spitz in the 1972 Munich Games with 8 gold medals whereas Spitz only had 7. From the individual medley relay to the butterfly, Phelps seemed unstoppable once he dove into the pool. This Baltimore lad who wears his cap backwards is now hailed as the greatest Olympian in history. But behind the gold medals, the world records and the swimming cap, who is Michael Phelps really?
From Humble Beginnings
Michael Fred Phelps was born in Maryland, just outside of Baltimore, on June 23, 1985 to Fred and Debbie Phelps. He has two sisters, Hilary and Whitney Phelps. His father was a state trooper for the Maryland State Police and his mother was a former teacher and now a middle school principal. His parents got divorced in 1994.
In his youth, Michael, whose nickname is “MP”, was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a mental disorder that makes those diagnosed show various degrees of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness which caused many to assume that this was the reason behind Phelps’ swimming prowess. Michael and his siblings, however, got their athletic ability from their father. All three of them got into swimming at an early age. Michael tried swimming at the early age of seven. His sister Whitney had tried out for the Olympic team in 1996 but unfortunately was not qualified. This does not imply, however, that his sisters had not been of any help to Michael Phelps. Michael’s Olympic career never would have happened without his sisters. It was they who taught Michael how to swim, as well as the value and importance of hard work in his life.
During his teens, he was also diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. This is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with this syndrome are often very tall with long limbs and fingers; oftentimes their arm span is longer than their height. Phelps has a height of around 193 cm, but his arm span is around 208 cm. Some people speculate that this might be the reason why Phelps is such a phenom in the pools. Eventually, medical tests have cleared him of Marfan syndrome but he is still advised to take annual check ups for the disease.
Between 2004 and 2008, Michael Phelps studied college in the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is taking up sports marketing and management.
Love At First Swim
Michael’s first swimming coach was Bob Bowman. He is a former University of Michigan head coach. He first saw Michael in the North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center and saw his potential instantaneously. Phelps had to train there since his school had no pool. Bowman thought that Phelps was perfect for swimming, with his long limbs, big hands and big feet. It was here where his career started, competing at the age of 11. Since his school did not have a swim team, he continued to compete for the NBAC. His progress came very quickly, and the reward for all his hard work came when he qualified for the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Just before reaching the age of 15, Michael had already broken many records and won many competitions. And he became an Olympic swimmer at the age of 15, making him the youngest swimmer ever to represent the U.S. He finished the year 2000 with high ranks, ranking 7th in the world in the 200-meter butterfly and 44th in the 400-meter individual medley.
Along with his many credentials, he has also been hailed as the World Swimmer of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007, as well as the American Swimmer of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003, 3004, 2006, and 2007. In his career, he has won 48 medals; 40 of which are gold, six are silver and two are bronze. He is only second to gymnast Larissa Latynina when it comes to the number of Olympic medals won, with Latynina having 18 medals, and Phelps having 16.
Olympic Era
When the year 2004 came, Michael Phelps had already built a name for himself. What was next for him was the Olympic games in Athens. This was the next obstacle in his pursuit of success. He opened his Olympic career in true Phelps fashion, winning the gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley in record time. He won four more gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, 4 x 200 freestyle race and 200-meter individual medley. His sixth gold medal came from his teammate Ian Crocker. Phelps gave his spot in the 4 x 100-meter medley race to Crocker because it was Crocker’s last opportunity to win a gold medal for himself. Crocker won, and gave Phelps and the rest of the U.S. team a gold medal, making Phelps finish the Olympic Games with 6 gold medals and two bronzes.
Following his Olympic victory, Phelps’ fame and good image was undercut when he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol when he was 19. He plead guilty, and was sentenced to 18 months probation, a $250 fine, a meeting against drunk driving sponsored by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and public service in the form of speaking in schools against alcohol. His status dropped. His chance to be under the spotlight again came March 2007 in the Melbourne World Championships. He won all the seven events he competed in, breaking more records and setting personal bests.
Legendary
His next test, probably the hardest but most rewarding of all, was to compete in the Beijing Games in 2008. He won in all eight of the events he participated in; setting world records every time he jumped into the pool. In most races, Phelps finished more or less 2 seconds ahead of the other swimmers, and in one race, by a hundredth of a second. But arguably the greatest feat he did in the 2008 Summer Games was breaking Mark Spitz’s record of 7 gold medals. Phelps won 8 gold medals, and participated in more events than Mark Spitz, making him the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time.
When asked about how he still manages to find the motivation and the strength to dive into the pool everyday in spite of his awards, Phelps said ”In the end, I am going to be the one who has to get up and stand up on the blocks and do what I want to do. Bob [Bowman] is not going to do that. He is helping me. I'm like, yes, I don't want to do this set but it's going to do something that will help me in the end and help me accomplish my goal so I'm going to suck it up and do it - sometimes it's like that“.
Before winning his 8 medals in the Olympics, he was asked as to whether he thinks of himself as the greatest American athlete of his time. His response? “It doesn't even go through my mind. I look up to who in my opinion is one of the greatest athletes of all time, Michael Jordan. I think that guy, what he did both on and off the court - it's something I've never seen or heard of. When I was really big into basketball and watching it all the time, he was the only reason why. Now if I watch it I'm watching LeBron [James]. LeBron's sick, too. That's who I think is one of the greatest. He so dominant in everything. Same with Tiger [Woods]. He's so dominant, too”. His newly-set records will probably stand for a long time, unless he breaks them again in London after four years.
Man or Machine?
A six-foot-four, 200 pound swimming demolition derby. Michael Phelps seems to have been born to swim, or at least that is what his physique indicates. Many of his physical attributes are at fault for making him the swimming superstar that he is today. These five attributes are: his long torso, his long arm span which is disproportionate to his height, his short legs, and his big feet.
Another secret to the success of Phelps is his diet. Do you think he is strict about what he eats? On the contrary, it seems as if he has no discipline when it comes to eating. Phelps consumes around 12,000 kilocalories a day, or at least six times the normal intake of a full-grown male. According to NBCOlympics.com, Phelps’ secret to victory is in his diet, which consists of: “a five-egg omelet, two cups of coffee, three fried egg sandwiches, three chocolate chip pancakes, French toast with powdered sugar, and, to top it all off, a bowl of grits” for his breakfast, and “two pounds of pasta, two ham and cheese sandwiches smothered in mayo, an entire pizza, and then he washes it down with 2,000 thousand calories worth of energy drinks” for the rest of the day. Talk about eating your heart out! And yet, he does not have any fat on his body, for his training regimen consists of a 5-hour-a-day, 6-days-a-week session. This answers why Michael Phelps can stuff himself with all the food he wants, and yet still be fit enough to win 8 gold medals in one Summer Olympics.
Michael Phelps has confirmed that his last Olympic participation will be after 4 years, in London. He said he did not want to compete beyond the age of thirty. When asked why, all he said was “I've never wanted to go beyond 30. I may go a few years beyond the Olympics. I said to my coach, 'Don't get any ideas because I don't want to compete beyond 30,' and he said, 'That's good because I don't want to coach you past the age of 30." With 14 Olympic gold medals already in hand, his next challenge will be the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London, England, where it is reported that he will try to participate in new events.. His last Olympics. The next performance of his life, after his success in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Will it be a different ending for Michael Phelps? Or will it be his best Olympic performance ever? Another gold rush perhaps, Mr. Phelps?
REFERENCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Bowman_(coach)
www.jockbio.com/Bios/Phelps/Phelps_bio.html
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1144316/index.htm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/08/24/phelps.2012.ap/index.html
http://www.nbcolympics.com/wtvj/news/newsid=219672.html
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV - Enrico Fermi
14 Olympic gold medals. 32 world records. His name etched in history books.
Michael Phelps.
He is arguably the greatest Olympian the world has ever seen. Winning 8 gold medals in the Olympic Games is something rarely seen by mankind, and Michael Phelps did so just a few days ago. He won the gold medal in every event he competed in, beating the record of Mark Spitz in the 1972 Munich Games with 8 gold medals whereas Spitz only had 7. From the individual medley relay to the butterfly, Phelps seemed unstoppable once he dove into the pool. This Baltimore lad who wears his cap backwards is now hailed as the greatest Olympian in history. But behind the gold medals, the world records and the swimming cap, who is Michael Phelps really?
From Humble Beginnings
Michael Fred Phelps was born in Maryland, just outside of Baltimore, on June 23, 1985 to Fred and Debbie Phelps. He has two sisters, Hilary and Whitney Phelps. His father was a state trooper for the Maryland State Police and his mother was a former teacher and now a middle school principal. His parents got divorced in 1994.
In his youth, Michael, whose nickname is “MP”, was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a mental disorder that makes those diagnosed show various degrees of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness which caused many to assume that this was the reason behind Phelps’ swimming prowess. Michael and his siblings, however, got their athletic ability from their father. All three of them got into swimming at an early age. Michael tried swimming at the early age of seven. His sister Whitney had tried out for the Olympic team in 1996 but unfortunately was not qualified. This does not imply, however, that his sisters had not been of any help to Michael Phelps. Michael’s Olympic career never would have happened without his sisters. It was they who taught Michael how to swim, as well as the value and importance of hard work in his life.
During his teens, he was also diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. This is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with this syndrome are often very tall with long limbs and fingers; oftentimes their arm span is longer than their height. Phelps has a height of around 193 cm, but his arm span is around 208 cm. Some people speculate that this might be the reason why Phelps is such a phenom in the pools. Eventually, medical tests have cleared him of Marfan syndrome but he is still advised to take annual check ups for the disease.
Between 2004 and 2008, Michael Phelps studied college in the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is taking up sports marketing and management.
Love At First Swim
Michael’s first swimming coach was Bob Bowman. He is a former University of Michigan head coach. He first saw Michael in the North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center and saw his potential instantaneously. Phelps had to train there since his school had no pool. Bowman thought that Phelps was perfect for swimming, with his long limbs, big hands and big feet. It was here where his career started, competing at the age of 11. Since his school did not have a swim team, he continued to compete for the NBAC. His progress came very quickly, and the reward for all his hard work came when he qualified for the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Just before reaching the age of 15, Michael had already broken many records and won many competitions. And he became an Olympic swimmer at the age of 15, making him the youngest swimmer ever to represent the U.S. He finished the year 2000 with high ranks, ranking 7th in the world in the 200-meter butterfly and 44th in the 400-meter individual medley.
Along with his many credentials, he has also been hailed as the World Swimmer of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007, as well as the American Swimmer of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003, 3004, 2006, and 2007. In his career, he has won 48 medals; 40 of which are gold, six are silver and two are bronze. He is only second to gymnast Larissa Latynina when it comes to the number of Olympic medals won, with Latynina having 18 medals, and Phelps having 16.
Olympic Era
When the year 2004 came, Michael Phelps had already built a name for himself. What was next for him was the Olympic games in Athens. This was the next obstacle in his pursuit of success. He opened his Olympic career in true Phelps fashion, winning the gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley in record time. He won four more gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, 4 x 200 freestyle race and 200-meter individual medley. His sixth gold medal came from his teammate Ian Crocker. Phelps gave his spot in the 4 x 100-meter medley race to Crocker because it was Crocker’s last opportunity to win a gold medal for himself. Crocker won, and gave Phelps and the rest of the U.S. team a gold medal, making Phelps finish the Olympic Games with 6 gold medals and two bronzes.
Following his Olympic victory, Phelps’ fame and good image was undercut when he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol when he was 19. He plead guilty, and was sentenced to 18 months probation, a $250 fine, a meeting against drunk driving sponsored by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and public service in the form of speaking in schools against alcohol. His status dropped. His chance to be under the spotlight again came March 2007 in the Melbourne World Championships. He won all the seven events he competed in, breaking more records and setting personal bests.
Legendary
His next test, probably the hardest but most rewarding of all, was to compete in the Beijing Games in 2008. He won in all eight of the events he participated in; setting world records every time he jumped into the pool. In most races, Phelps finished more or less 2 seconds ahead of the other swimmers, and in one race, by a hundredth of a second. But arguably the greatest feat he did in the 2008 Summer Games was breaking Mark Spitz’s record of 7 gold medals. Phelps won 8 gold medals, and participated in more events than Mark Spitz, making him the most decorated Olympic swimmer of all time.
When asked about how he still manages to find the motivation and the strength to dive into the pool everyday in spite of his awards, Phelps said ”In the end, I am going to be the one who has to get up and stand up on the blocks and do what I want to do. Bob [Bowman] is not going to do that. He is helping me. I'm like, yes, I don't want to do this set but it's going to do something that will help me in the end and help me accomplish my goal so I'm going to suck it up and do it - sometimes it's like that“.
Before winning his 8 medals in the Olympics, he was asked as to whether he thinks of himself as the greatest American athlete of his time. His response? “It doesn't even go through my mind. I look up to who in my opinion is one of the greatest athletes of all time, Michael Jordan. I think that guy, what he did both on and off the court - it's something I've never seen or heard of. When I was really big into basketball and watching it all the time, he was the only reason why. Now if I watch it I'm watching LeBron [James]. LeBron's sick, too. That's who I think is one of the greatest. He so dominant in everything. Same with Tiger [Woods]. He's so dominant, too”. His newly-set records will probably stand for a long time, unless he breaks them again in London after four years.
Man or Machine?
A six-foot-four, 200 pound swimming demolition derby. Michael Phelps seems to have been born to swim, or at least that is what his physique indicates. Many of his physical attributes are at fault for making him the swimming superstar that he is today. These five attributes are: his long torso, his long arm span which is disproportionate to his height, his short legs, and his big feet.
Another secret to the success of Phelps is his diet. Do you think he is strict about what he eats? On the contrary, it seems as if he has no discipline when it comes to eating. Phelps consumes around 12,000 kilocalories a day, or at least six times the normal intake of a full-grown male. According to NBCOlympics.com, Phelps’ secret to victory is in his diet, which consists of: “a five-egg omelet, two cups of coffee, three fried egg sandwiches, three chocolate chip pancakes, French toast with powdered sugar, and, to top it all off, a bowl of grits” for his breakfast, and “two pounds of pasta, two ham and cheese sandwiches smothered in mayo, an entire pizza, and then he washes it down with 2,000 thousand calories worth of energy drinks” for the rest of the day. Talk about eating your heart out! And yet, he does not have any fat on his body, for his training regimen consists of a 5-hour-a-day, 6-days-a-week session. This answers why Michael Phelps can stuff himself with all the food he wants, and yet still be fit enough to win 8 gold medals in one Summer Olympics.
Michael Phelps has confirmed that his last Olympic participation will be after 4 years, in London. He said he did not want to compete beyond the age of thirty. When asked why, all he said was “I've never wanted to go beyond 30. I may go a few years beyond the Olympics. I said to my coach, 'Don't get any ideas because I don't want to compete beyond 30,' and he said, 'That's good because I don't want to coach you past the age of 30." With 14 Olympic gold medals already in hand, his next challenge will be the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London, England, where it is reported that he will try to participate in new events.. His last Olympics. The next performance of his life, after his success in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Will it be a different ending for Michael Phelps? Or will it be his best Olympic performance ever? Another gold rush perhaps, Mr. Phelps?
REFERENCES:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Bowman_(coach)
www.jockbio.com/Bios/Phelps/Phelps_bio.html
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1144316/index.htm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/olympics/2008/08/24/phelps.2012.ap/index.html
http://www.nbcolympics.com/wtvj/news/newsid=219672.html
UNBREAKABLE
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Vladimir Paat Villegas
IV – Sir Isaac Newton
“God I want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I wanna go there
This time, I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable
It’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me”
- Fireflight, Unbreakable
Life is a long road which everyone shall travel in this world. Because of its length, we all get tired and there is a point of rest somewhere, but others would not survive then because the life they have is not the life that they used to live.
That was my life. Many challenges had already come along my way. Some of them are just pieces of cake which you would consume for a minute. How happy I was to have those problems just to make sure that the right path was trailed. I took them as challenges to make sure that I was still strong and still the way I was before. As long as my self was sustained, there would be no problem because the principle to solve every problem was inside me as I thought before.
That idea continued even if steeper slopes were climbed. I knew that someone is above me to pull me up and some people are behind me to catch me if ever I fall. There was nothing to be done for me but my best because all I knew was that I was doing well so far. There was nothing to worry of because I knew that they were there with me so I trusted them as I trusted myself. Every day was a day of smiles and every night was a night of comfortable sleeps for me that time.
But time went on and wear and tear took their effect. I fell down to my knees and realized the bitter truth. All I saw was that every thing was lost and they could never be brought back no matter what kind of quest would be done. I was like a person whose efforts were senseless in moving away from the impact for there would be no other victim than me still. I had given my all already and I had no strength to continue anymore.
At the death of the night, I saw myself crying on my desk for I could not take what happened to me. I failed to do my part and no one would receive the punishment other than me. Because of the pain inside, I could not write, read, or do anything which I used to do. Nothing was on my papers except for tears. Because of what happened, then came my weary sleep.
As the next day came, I just woke up as if as good as new though there was no more smile in my lips. As I traveled on, I saw the better me compared to the one which I saw in the past. Everything changed in a single glimpse because I was just harder, darker, and faster as made by all the hurt inside of me.
One by one, I challenged those who put me down. As they returned, I took them down and proved to them that I am not the usual one which they kept on beating down before. There was no more fear in me for I said to myself that it was just a crutch that tries to hold me back and turns my dreams to dust. All I needed to do was to trust in him.
It might be hard to go on in this life, but faith moves without knowing as said by a song. Because of it, I am unbreakable.
By Vladimir Paat Villegas
IV – Sir Isaac Newton
“God I want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I wanna go there
This time, I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable
It’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me”
- Fireflight, Unbreakable
Life is a long road which everyone shall travel in this world. Because of its length, we all get tired and there is a point of rest somewhere, but others would not survive then because the life they have is not the life that they used to live.
That was my life. Many challenges had already come along my way. Some of them are just pieces of cake which you would consume for a minute. How happy I was to have those problems just to make sure that the right path was trailed. I took them as challenges to make sure that I was still strong and still the way I was before. As long as my self was sustained, there would be no problem because the principle to solve every problem was inside me as I thought before.
That idea continued even if steeper slopes were climbed. I knew that someone is above me to pull me up and some people are behind me to catch me if ever I fall. There was nothing to be done for me but my best because all I knew was that I was doing well so far. There was nothing to worry of because I knew that they were there with me so I trusted them as I trusted myself. Every day was a day of smiles and every night was a night of comfortable sleeps for me that time.
But time went on and wear and tear took their effect. I fell down to my knees and realized the bitter truth. All I saw was that every thing was lost and they could never be brought back no matter what kind of quest would be done. I was like a person whose efforts were senseless in moving away from the impact for there would be no other victim than me still. I had given my all already and I had no strength to continue anymore.
At the death of the night, I saw myself crying on my desk for I could not take what happened to me. I failed to do my part and no one would receive the punishment other than me. Because of the pain inside, I could not write, read, or do anything which I used to do. Nothing was on my papers except for tears. Because of what happened, then came my weary sleep.
As the next day came, I just woke up as if as good as new though there was no more smile in my lips. As I traveled on, I saw the better me compared to the one which I saw in the past. Everything changed in a single glimpse because I was just harder, darker, and faster as made by all the hurt inside of me.
One by one, I challenged those who put me down. As they returned, I took them down and proved to them that I am not the usual one which they kept on beating down before. There was no more fear in me for I said to myself that it was just a crutch that tries to hold me back and turns my dreams to dust. All I needed to do was to trust in him.
It might be hard to go on in this life, but faith moves without knowing as said by a song. Because of it, I am unbreakable.
ENDLESS FAREWELLS
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Marian Denise Glipo Basallote
IV - Madame Marie Curie
I stared innocently at nothingness. Tears suddenly rushed its way out of my eyes as the bitter truth struck my consciousness. I had to leave. I had to leave in spite of my strong desire to stay. I had to lose grip of your hand in spite of my continual longing for your touch. I had to break free from the bond that has linked us together for several years. I had to bid goodbye. I really had to. Everything simply went against my hopes and wishes.
With the parting of our ways, I was left with no choice but to accept and adopt the new kind of life I had been given. With it, I saw unfamiliar yet friendly faces and witnessed unfamiliar yet worthwhile events. At first, I felt uneasy and unsafe, as anybody else would, for you, the one I have known for so long, were no longer by my side. There was no one to protect me from harm and guide me through the journey of life. I walked away from you and so, I lived in misery and solitude. But, with a quirk of fate, my once dark gray skies gradually turned into lovely sunset scenery with the bright yellow, orange and red colors perfectly blending into the skies. I finally found the hope and courage I needed to step out of the blinding darkness that had enslaved me for so long. I eventually learned to move on from my past.
My life made a great progression when I met him. He was well-known for his excellence in almost every field that I could not help but look down upon myself. But, there was never a time when he had made me feel inferior to him. Instead, he humbled himself and even hoisted my lowly character by showering me with encouragement and support. Thus, I constantly drew my inspiration from no one but him. Not long after, I was already triumphantly wearing medals in gold, silver and bronze that I had received from prestigious competitions in various fields. Through my hard work and sacrifices, I was able to follow his footsteps, as what I had exactly dreamed of.
He was not merely a friend whom I can entrust the story of my life with. He was not simply a teacher whom I can learn the priceless lessons of life from. He was not plainly an admirer who applauds for all the victorious moments I had experienced through thick and thin. He was not just a brother whom I can hold hands with whenever I am swallowed up by fear. Most importantly, he was not only a father who feels so proud whenever I am able to bring great honor to the family. He was more than all of them combined.
I stared innocently at nothingness. Tears suddenly rushed its way out of my eyes as the bitter truth struck my consciousness once again. I had to leave. For the second time, I had to leave in spite of my strong desire to stay. I had to lose grip of his hand in spite of my continual longing for his touch. I had to break free from the bond that has linked us together for four years. I had to bid goodbye to him, Makati Science High School. I really had to. Everything simply went against my hopes and wishes…
By Marian Denise Glipo Basallote
IV - Madame Marie Curie
I stared innocently at nothingness. Tears suddenly rushed its way out of my eyes as the bitter truth struck my consciousness. I had to leave. I had to leave in spite of my strong desire to stay. I had to lose grip of your hand in spite of my continual longing for your touch. I had to break free from the bond that has linked us together for several years. I had to bid goodbye. I really had to. Everything simply went against my hopes and wishes.
With the parting of our ways, I was left with no choice but to accept and adopt the new kind of life I had been given. With it, I saw unfamiliar yet friendly faces and witnessed unfamiliar yet worthwhile events. At first, I felt uneasy and unsafe, as anybody else would, for you, the one I have known for so long, were no longer by my side. There was no one to protect me from harm and guide me through the journey of life. I walked away from you and so, I lived in misery and solitude. But, with a quirk of fate, my once dark gray skies gradually turned into lovely sunset scenery with the bright yellow, orange and red colors perfectly blending into the skies. I finally found the hope and courage I needed to step out of the blinding darkness that had enslaved me for so long. I eventually learned to move on from my past.
My life made a great progression when I met him. He was well-known for his excellence in almost every field that I could not help but look down upon myself. But, there was never a time when he had made me feel inferior to him. Instead, he humbled himself and even hoisted my lowly character by showering me with encouragement and support. Thus, I constantly drew my inspiration from no one but him. Not long after, I was already triumphantly wearing medals in gold, silver and bronze that I had received from prestigious competitions in various fields. Through my hard work and sacrifices, I was able to follow his footsteps, as what I had exactly dreamed of.
He was not merely a friend whom I can entrust the story of my life with. He was not simply a teacher whom I can learn the priceless lessons of life from. He was not plainly an admirer who applauds for all the victorious moments I had experienced through thick and thin. He was not just a brother whom I can hold hands with whenever I am swallowed up by fear. Most importantly, he was not only a father who feels so proud whenever I am able to bring great honor to the family. He was more than all of them combined.
I stared innocently at nothingness. Tears suddenly rushed its way out of my eyes as the bitter truth struck my consciousness once again. I had to leave. For the second time, I had to leave in spite of my strong desire to stay. I had to lose grip of his hand in spite of my continual longing for his touch. I had to break free from the bond that has linked us together for four years. I had to bid goodbye to him, Makati Science High School. I really had to. Everything simply went against my hopes and wishes…
UNTITLED
UNTITLED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV - Enrico Fermi
He always woke up to a bland day. He never had something to be joyful about. Life has always been like that, and he thought it always will be. He just watched the time pass him by, bringing about change in everything that could be seen, except for him. The cars on the road, the trees, the twilight, everything seemed to be lifeless. But suddenly, everything changed.He was sitting quietly on the school bus, watching by the window as always, when she entered. Nobody knew her. Nobody cared. She was just like any other ordinary girl, and yet he seemed to be drawn to her. He saw her as if she had a heiligenschein naturally. She sat down beside him, smiling. He tried not to, but it seemed impossible not to smile too. Suddenly, he no longer knew the gray mornings he woke up to.Everyday they sat together. They talked to each other, laughed with each other and spent the whole day with each other. They found out that they lived near each other, and gradually they became the best of friends. He was so fond of her, as she was of him. They basically completed each other’s day. One day, while walking in the thick forest near their home, they decided to create a place of their own. A place where no one but the two of them could enter. Somewhere only they knew. This place became their playground. Everyday after school, they would sit in the school bus together, and he would always get off first, and then wait for her. Then they would run to their secret place, forgetting about yesterday, today and tomorrow. They would simply stay there, free, happy. He thought things would never go wrong again. Things were too perfect to ever go wrong again. Those gray mornings would never come back again. And then suddenly, she was gone.She left without word. She left him forever. She was gone. She passed away without warning. She left him as quietly as she came. He did not know how to face the truth, that no other tomorrow would be spent with her. She is gone.He was devastated. The sad life he thought was forever gone was once here again. He felt cheated. Why did she have to go? He thought they would always be by each other’s side. Apparently forever ended too soon. Here he was, staring at her serene ivory face, giving her his bittersweet goodbye. He can never be with her again. Never.Everyday he looked for her. He looked even for just a simple glimpse. He searched for her sweet voice everywhere. He shouted her name, thinking it would bring her back to him, only to find himself crying, his efforts in vain. He knew deep inside that she was lost forever, but he simply could not accept it. He stopped every time he went off the bus, waiting for her footsteps. Sadly, he hears nothing but the bus going away. He would never be with her again.Time passed, and eventually he accepted the cold reality. His nimbus sky left him cold, but it taught him to be strong. It taught him to treasure every single memory of her. It taught him that she would never leave him completely, because he knows that in his heart, a memory resided. A bittersweet memory of her face, her name, her existence. A memory of the two of them, to remind him that once he lived a happy dream. A memory telling him that he would always have her, for she has long left a piece of her heart deep inside of him..
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV - Enrico Fermi
He always woke up to a bland day. He never had something to be joyful about. Life has always been like that, and he thought it always will be. He just watched the time pass him by, bringing about change in everything that could be seen, except for him. The cars on the road, the trees, the twilight, everything seemed to be lifeless. But suddenly, everything changed.He was sitting quietly on the school bus, watching by the window as always, when she entered. Nobody knew her. Nobody cared. She was just like any other ordinary girl, and yet he seemed to be drawn to her. He saw her as if she had a heiligenschein naturally. She sat down beside him, smiling. He tried not to, but it seemed impossible not to smile too. Suddenly, he no longer knew the gray mornings he woke up to.Everyday they sat together. They talked to each other, laughed with each other and spent the whole day with each other. They found out that they lived near each other, and gradually they became the best of friends. He was so fond of her, as she was of him. They basically completed each other’s day. One day, while walking in the thick forest near their home, they decided to create a place of their own. A place where no one but the two of them could enter. Somewhere only they knew. This place became their playground. Everyday after school, they would sit in the school bus together, and he would always get off first, and then wait for her. Then they would run to their secret place, forgetting about yesterday, today and tomorrow. They would simply stay there, free, happy. He thought things would never go wrong again. Things were too perfect to ever go wrong again. Those gray mornings would never come back again. And then suddenly, she was gone.She left without word. She left him forever. She was gone. She passed away without warning. She left him as quietly as she came. He did not know how to face the truth, that no other tomorrow would be spent with her. She is gone.He was devastated. The sad life he thought was forever gone was once here again. He felt cheated. Why did she have to go? He thought they would always be by each other’s side. Apparently forever ended too soon. Here he was, staring at her serene ivory face, giving her his bittersweet goodbye. He can never be with her again. Never.Everyday he looked for her. He looked even for just a simple glimpse. He searched for her sweet voice everywhere. He shouted her name, thinking it would bring her back to him, only to find himself crying, his efforts in vain. He knew deep inside that she was lost forever, but he simply could not accept it. He stopped every time he went off the bus, waiting for her footsteps. Sadly, he hears nothing but the bus going away. He would never be with her again.Time passed, and eventually he accepted the cold reality. His nimbus sky left him cold, but it taught him to be strong. It taught him to treasure every single memory of her. It taught him that she would never leave him completely, because he knows that in his heart, a memory resided. A bittersweet memory of her face, her name, her existence. A memory of the two of them, to remind him that once he lived a happy dream. A memory telling him that he would always have her, for she has long left a piece of her heart deep inside of him..
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Karenina Isabel Apilado Lampa
IV - Michael Faraday
“Can you at least listen to me?!”
He stared at me for the last time, before leaving me all alone. As I stared at his retreating figure, I slowly felt realization hit me. No matter how hard I’d try to hide from the truth, I knew it.
From now on, things would be different.
He’s always been expressive of his emotions. I never had a hard time trying to decipher what he wanted, or what he did not like. No matter how much trouble his being expressive had caused, I always thought of it to be a good thing. Being used to expressing what you felt meant you could never hide anything. And I knew it, if he wanted to tell me of something wrong he had done, or if he wanted to tell me how much he cared, or if he wanted to make me feel so bad of myself because of something I did that offended him.
It simply meant that there were no secrets between us. He trusted me, and I fully trusted him. So it took me by complete surprise when he started to avoid me at times, deflecting questions which would have usually been very easy to answer.
“I love you.”
His eyes flickered away from mine almost unnoticeably, before he returned his gaze at me. He reached for my hand and squeezed it in his.
“I love you too.”
He was possessive. Well, fine. That’s the understatement of the year. He was utterly, absurdly, infinitely possessive. There were times when it annoyed me to death, because even the slightest word exchange with a random guy would send him into bursts of fits. We would have arguments over it, but I never told him the one thing that I never let anyone know. Surprisingly, I loved his being possessive. It made me feel that he never wanted to lose me, and he didn’t want to risk any chances. No matter how much it would irritate me, deep inside, I knew that his possessiveness made me feel secure.
It simply meant that he wanted to hold on tight and to never let go. It made me feel how much he needed me, and I loved that feeling. So it left me in a cold, dark place, when he stopped fighting for me, and instead, learned how to make me feel so wrong of myself. He knew ways of making me feel so unfaithful, and I hated it. I was confused to no end, because all I did was try to hold on, but instead, it made me look like I’ve committed infidelity. I didn’t understand why, and it killed me.
“I love you.”
He looked down at his feet. He reached for my hand and held it.
“I love you too...”
We were probably the only ones who would keep on fighting endlessly, and never got tired of it. We fought over the most trivial of things. It was stupid, and it was foolish. Both of us were swallowed up in our own pride that one never felt the need to step down for the other. It was a competitive relationship, but it didn’t bother me. It was us, and that was all that mattered.
The good thing about our arguments was that it never lasted that long. It was for the sake of keeping the relationship alive and breathing, and we knew it. By the end of the day, one of us would end up apologizing, only to be followed immediately by the other. The weird thing is, no matter how much I’d say that I’m tired of it, subconsciously, I craved for our arguments. After every storm, the rainbow would come. I loved the rainbow so much, that I didn’t mind going though storms day after day.
The day that I went through the storm and never got my rainbow, was the day I knew that something changed. We still kept on bickering with each other, but soon, he learned how to let the day end without resolving our arguments. And as I tossed and turned in bed, waiting for a text message that would never come...unable to sleep knowing that we were sporting a grudge towards each other, I soon realized that I was left to be the only one troubled.
“I love you.”
He reached for my hand and held it for a second, and he let it go before turning his back on me.
“...I love you too...”
And it took me so long to realize that things were not what they used to be. It hurt like hell to know that I never wanted to leave the past behind. But I soon realized that the memory of the past was what kept killing me.
Soon, all things that reminded me of his love stopped. No more goodnight text message with exaggerated expressions of his undying love. No more prolonged goodbyes over the phone, never wanting to be the one to hang up first. No more hardships over looking away from the other. No more talking or bonding during the free hours that we’d get in school, spending it away unproductively but happily, knowing that we were with each other.
And lastly, no more of his sincere I love you’s, that never failed to make me fall in love with him over and over again.
He learned to turn his back on me and walk away from me. He learned how to never look back. He learned how to never return.
The sad part is that I just can’t walk away. He knows that if he does look back, I’d still be there.
And never once, did the intention of leaving cross my mind. Up until now, though foolishly, I still hold on to the hope that someday, he’d return. It had been my fault why he learned to leave me, and I know it. I was wrong to ever take the things important to me for granted, and I’ve never learned to fully let someone know how big a part they play in making me have a reason to breathe each day.
That is, until he left me. And the moment I realized all of the mistakes I’ve done, it was also the moment when he decided to move on.
As of today, things are still quite the same. I still love him with all of my being.
The only difference now is that, he doesn’t love me back anymore.
“I love you.”
He turned his back and walked away from me, leaving me to weep for the loss of the one thing that keeps me alive.
“...”
By Karenina Isabel Apilado Lampa
IV - Michael Faraday
“Can you at least listen to me?!”
He stared at me for the last time, before leaving me all alone. As I stared at his retreating figure, I slowly felt realization hit me. No matter how hard I’d try to hide from the truth, I knew it.
From now on, things would be different.
He’s always been expressive of his emotions. I never had a hard time trying to decipher what he wanted, or what he did not like. No matter how much trouble his being expressive had caused, I always thought of it to be a good thing. Being used to expressing what you felt meant you could never hide anything. And I knew it, if he wanted to tell me of something wrong he had done, or if he wanted to tell me how much he cared, or if he wanted to make me feel so bad of myself because of something I did that offended him.
It simply meant that there were no secrets between us. He trusted me, and I fully trusted him. So it took me by complete surprise when he started to avoid me at times, deflecting questions which would have usually been very easy to answer.
“I love you.”
His eyes flickered away from mine almost unnoticeably, before he returned his gaze at me. He reached for my hand and squeezed it in his.
“I love you too.”
He was possessive. Well, fine. That’s the understatement of the year. He was utterly, absurdly, infinitely possessive. There were times when it annoyed me to death, because even the slightest word exchange with a random guy would send him into bursts of fits. We would have arguments over it, but I never told him the one thing that I never let anyone know. Surprisingly, I loved his being possessive. It made me feel that he never wanted to lose me, and he didn’t want to risk any chances. No matter how much it would irritate me, deep inside, I knew that his possessiveness made me feel secure.
It simply meant that he wanted to hold on tight and to never let go. It made me feel how much he needed me, and I loved that feeling. So it left me in a cold, dark place, when he stopped fighting for me, and instead, learned how to make me feel so wrong of myself. He knew ways of making me feel so unfaithful, and I hated it. I was confused to no end, because all I did was try to hold on, but instead, it made me look like I’ve committed infidelity. I didn’t understand why, and it killed me.
“I love you.”
He looked down at his feet. He reached for my hand and held it.
“I love you too...”
We were probably the only ones who would keep on fighting endlessly, and never got tired of it. We fought over the most trivial of things. It was stupid, and it was foolish. Both of us were swallowed up in our own pride that one never felt the need to step down for the other. It was a competitive relationship, but it didn’t bother me. It was us, and that was all that mattered.
The good thing about our arguments was that it never lasted that long. It was for the sake of keeping the relationship alive and breathing, and we knew it. By the end of the day, one of us would end up apologizing, only to be followed immediately by the other. The weird thing is, no matter how much I’d say that I’m tired of it, subconsciously, I craved for our arguments. After every storm, the rainbow would come. I loved the rainbow so much, that I didn’t mind going though storms day after day.
The day that I went through the storm and never got my rainbow, was the day I knew that something changed. We still kept on bickering with each other, but soon, he learned how to let the day end without resolving our arguments. And as I tossed and turned in bed, waiting for a text message that would never come...unable to sleep knowing that we were sporting a grudge towards each other, I soon realized that I was left to be the only one troubled.
“I love you.”
He reached for my hand and held it for a second, and he let it go before turning his back on me.
“...I love you too...”
And it took me so long to realize that things were not what they used to be. It hurt like hell to know that I never wanted to leave the past behind. But I soon realized that the memory of the past was what kept killing me.
Soon, all things that reminded me of his love stopped. No more goodnight text message with exaggerated expressions of his undying love. No more prolonged goodbyes over the phone, never wanting to be the one to hang up first. No more hardships over looking away from the other. No more talking or bonding during the free hours that we’d get in school, spending it away unproductively but happily, knowing that we were with each other.
And lastly, no more of his sincere I love you’s, that never failed to make me fall in love with him over and over again.
He learned to turn his back on me and walk away from me. He learned how to never look back. He learned how to never return.
The sad part is that I just can’t walk away. He knows that if he does look back, I’d still be there.
And never once, did the intention of leaving cross my mind. Up until now, though foolishly, I still hold on to the hope that someday, he’d return. It had been my fault why he learned to leave me, and I know it. I was wrong to ever take the things important to me for granted, and I’ve never learned to fully let someone know how big a part they play in making me have a reason to breathe each day.
That is, until he left me. And the moment I realized all of the mistakes I’ve done, it was also the moment when he decided to move on.
As of today, things are still quite the same. I still love him with all of my being.
The only difference now is that, he doesn’t love me back anymore.
“I love you.”
He turned his back and walked away from me, leaving me to weep for the loss of the one thing that keeps me alive.
“...”
LIFE AND A CORRECTION PEN
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Bernadette Bunao Orgen
IV - Michael Faraday
Who among you have not used a correction pen yet, or at least, have not seen one at all? I bet that almost every student knows its function and appreciates its importance. It helps us cover up misspelled words, grammatically-erroneous sentences, inexact computations, and other wrong answers and enables us to transform them into a correct one.
In life, we also commit errors. A single mistake is enough to destroy a person. A speck of it can deter somebody from realizing his brightest star. Knowing this general rule must lead us from refraining from it. But, doing wrong is truly unavoidable. It is like we are meant for it. It was handed to us when Adam and Eve disobeyed God through eating the forbidden fruit.
In reality, is there really a correction pen which can cover up our errors and transform them into a correct thing?
Our life correction pen is our own will to make up. Making up may not necessarily function just like a real one, since all the wrong that we have done were all locked inside the room of history wherein nobody could enter - nobody can change them. It is like when we make an erasure, that mark will not vanish anymore. It will just be there for good. Though, it could still be corrected after the liquid inside the correction pen had covered it.
Our mistakes have already been imprinted here. They will bring a lot of consequences that will surely affect our lives in the present and in th days to come. We can never escape them. Only we can lessen their burden by moving on. Our faults yesterday may be irrevocable, but the outcomes that they might bring today and tomorrow will be less burdensome through learning from our failure to do right and refraining from doing them again.
By Bernadette Bunao Orgen
IV - Michael Faraday
Who among you have not used a correction pen yet, or at least, have not seen one at all? I bet that almost every student knows its function and appreciates its importance. It helps us cover up misspelled words, grammatically-erroneous sentences, inexact computations, and other wrong answers and enables us to transform them into a correct one.
In life, we also commit errors. A single mistake is enough to destroy a person. A speck of it can deter somebody from realizing his brightest star. Knowing this general rule must lead us from refraining from it. But, doing wrong is truly unavoidable. It is like we are meant for it. It was handed to us when Adam and Eve disobeyed God through eating the forbidden fruit.
In reality, is there really a correction pen which can cover up our errors and transform them into a correct thing?
Our life correction pen is our own will to make up. Making up may not necessarily function just like a real one, since all the wrong that we have done were all locked inside the room of history wherein nobody could enter - nobody can change them. It is like when we make an erasure, that mark will not vanish anymore. It will just be there for good. Though, it could still be corrected after the liquid inside the correction pen had covered it.
Our mistakes have already been imprinted here. They will bring a lot of consequences that will surely affect our lives in the present and in th days to come. We can never escape them. Only we can lessen their burden by moving on. Our faults yesterday may be irrevocable, but the outcomes that they might bring today and tomorrow will be less burdensome through learning from our failure to do right and refraining from doing them again.
ABSENTEES
Ryan Trinidad Santiago/Associate Editor/Aug 21
Thursday, August 21, 2008
LIFE'S SECOND TRY ON EVERY FIRST CHANCE
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
Anna Diana Arcega Valerio
IV - Michael Faraday
“Every mistake can be forgiven; as long as you learned the moral from it.”
This happened when I was in third year. This is the time of my life when I became so free in whatever I do. I have noticed that my parents became a little loosened when it comes to decision-making concerning me. It is not that I get all the things that I want, but I usually have the unnecessary things like having two mobile phones with different service providers. My parents are the one providing it financially. So at first, I was enjoying what my parents provided me. I was just keying on my phone’s keypad all day. I would only put it down when I am charging it. But I realized that you do not need to do all the modern trends just to be hip. Every advantage has its corresponding disadvantage.
When almost all of my friends were switching to Sun Cellular, I also bought a new SIM card pack. I used it immediately and I was amazed with its promos and load denominations. From the very start, from the moment that my mom handed me the newest phone, an arrangement was done between my parents and I. They will continue to finance me on my both phone lines but I shall do not use or even try to use Sun Cellular. But as hard-headed as I am, I did not obey what they have told me. I continued to use it and hid my actions to my parents. I thought I was having a pretty good job. Weeks have passed and I had had so many friends that I have met over SMS. I thought this was cool. I thought it was great.
Then one night, while as I was talking to one of my newfound friends, my bedroom door blew wide open. My mom’s face was shouting with anger. I can smell danger. I was doomed. She knew beforehand that I am using this service provider. She grabbed my phone, opened its back part, flipped the battery, and removed the SIM card from the SIM card slot. She grabbed a pair of scissors and cut it into half. There were no words spoken, but I did know what does that mean. My parents were angry for what I have done.
I knew I was wrong for doing such act. I should have obeyed every thing that they are saying because it is only for my own good. Because of this, I was grounded on using mobile phones, home phone, and even internet access. I was mad at them for coming up with some decisions. They cannot take it away from me easily! This is so unfair!
However, as I came back and traced the path that led me to this way, one thing was significant. I did not notice that there was a manhole along the way. With too much carelessness, I accidentally slipped into it. I came to realize that the root of these glitches is yours truly. They have given me their full trust and understanding but what I gave back was an attitude that hurt them badly. I destroyed the wall of trust they hardly built around us. In addition, the worst part is, I have stained their pride for having a daughter like me.
After some time, we talked about it thoroughly. I explained to them that I am not going against for they want me to pursue. It is just that I am curious with all the things around me. I want to explore them all and have a better understanding in everything that exists. I laid to them my every single reason to use Sun Cellular as my service provider.
Moreover, do you know what the best part of this conversation is? It is the part I apologized for what I have done, they ssshh-ed me and wipe the tears that were strolling down my face. They embraced me and it felt so good that I am with my both parents. I am so thankful for having my parents: my love, my savior, my guide.
Even though there are complications, problems, and glitches that are bothering you, just always remember that God will never make you do the things that He knows you cannot perform.
In our life’s journey, a second chance is worth trying for. Even God will not ever hesitate to give you another chance to try. Life itself is not perfect. That is what we are designed for: to give a better comprehension on what life truly means.
Anna Diana Arcega Valerio
IV - Michael Faraday
“Every mistake can be forgiven; as long as you learned the moral from it.”
This happened when I was in third year. This is the time of my life when I became so free in whatever I do. I have noticed that my parents became a little loosened when it comes to decision-making concerning me. It is not that I get all the things that I want, but I usually have the unnecessary things like having two mobile phones with different service providers. My parents are the one providing it financially. So at first, I was enjoying what my parents provided me. I was just keying on my phone’s keypad all day. I would only put it down when I am charging it. But I realized that you do not need to do all the modern trends just to be hip. Every advantage has its corresponding disadvantage.
When almost all of my friends were switching to Sun Cellular, I also bought a new SIM card pack. I used it immediately and I was amazed with its promos and load denominations. From the very start, from the moment that my mom handed me the newest phone, an arrangement was done between my parents and I. They will continue to finance me on my both phone lines but I shall do not use or even try to use Sun Cellular. But as hard-headed as I am, I did not obey what they have told me. I continued to use it and hid my actions to my parents. I thought I was having a pretty good job. Weeks have passed and I had had so many friends that I have met over SMS. I thought this was cool. I thought it was great.
Then one night, while as I was talking to one of my newfound friends, my bedroom door blew wide open. My mom’s face was shouting with anger. I can smell danger. I was doomed. She knew beforehand that I am using this service provider. She grabbed my phone, opened its back part, flipped the battery, and removed the SIM card from the SIM card slot. She grabbed a pair of scissors and cut it into half. There were no words spoken, but I did know what does that mean. My parents were angry for what I have done.
I knew I was wrong for doing such act. I should have obeyed every thing that they are saying because it is only for my own good. Because of this, I was grounded on using mobile phones, home phone, and even internet access. I was mad at them for coming up with some decisions. They cannot take it away from me easily! This is so unfair!
However, as I came back and traced the path that led me to this way, one thing was significant. I did not notice that there was a manhole along the way. With too much carelessness, I accidentally slipped into it. I came to realize that the root of these glitches is yours truly. They have given me their full trust and understanding but what I gave back was an attitude that hurt them badly. I destroyed the wall of trust they hardly built around us. In addition, the worst part is, I have stained their pride for having a daughter like me.
After some time, we talked about it thoroughly. I explained to them that I am not going against for they want me to pursue. It is just that I am curious with all the things around me. I want to explore them all and have a better understanding in everything that exists. I laid to them my every single reason to use Sun Cellular as my service provider.
Moreover, do you know what the best part of this conversation is? It is the part I apologized for what I have done, they ssshh-ed me and wipe the tears that were strolling down my face. They embraced me and it felt so good that I am with my both parents. I am so thankful for having my parents: my love, my savior, my guide.
Even though there are complications, problems, and glitches that are bothering you, just always remember that God will never make you do the things that He knows you cannot perform.
In our life’s journey, a second chance is worth trying for. Even God will not ever hesitate to give you another chance to try. Life itself is not perfect. That is what we are designed for: to give a better comprehension on what life truly means.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
THE UPCAT EXAM
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Francesca Gabrielle Rodriguez Trinidad
IV - Albert Einstein
I woke up at around 5:00am. I was a bit nervous and tense, and the cold weather didn’t make me less anxious. I asked God for his supernatural knowledge to help me through the test. I prayed that he would help me recall everything I had reviewed the previous days. I took a bath with hot water, and to my surprise, my anxiety turned into excitement. I dressed up and prepared the things I needed, woke up my dad and left the house at around 5:45am.
The trip to UP Diliman was relatively short. It wasn’t as long as I thought it would be. Soon we were in the Katipunan Area already. I looked around and saw prestigious universities such as Ateneo, which is my dream school. We drove down a narrow street leading down to the Institute of Physics (Pavilion 3). My dad asked me if I had money or not. He gave me 200 pesos, since I had not eaten that morning. I ran across the street and hurried for the place where I assumed was the entrance, presented my exam permit and moved straight down the corridor as I followed the instructions of the marshals who were designated to lead us to the exam room.
Room 3201 was filled with teenagers. I sat down next to a guy in red and waited for the instructions of the UPCAT Examiner. It wasn’t as cold as I expected it to be. A few minutes after my arrival, the orientation for the exam was started. We were told to use Mongol No. 2 pencils, which, unfortunately, I did not have. I brought a lot of pencils, though, but none of them was a Mongol No. 2 pencil. And so I raised my hand as the Examiner asked who did not have a Mongol pencil. The instructions were heard clearly since the proctor used a mic.
When she finally asked us to open our test booklets, I was shocked with the types of questions I saw. They were not the difficult ones I was expecting. They were not-so-hard but yet not-so-easy questions. I found myself intimidated by my two seatmates, though. The one on my right side finished the Science subtest 20 minutes before the allotted time, while the one on my left side finished the Math subtest 30 minutes before the allotted time so I was a bit pressured myself. But now, I think of this as being foolish and I laughed at it after taking the test.
The whole test was not as difficult as other people mentioned it to be. It was average, not easy but not hard as well. It was just right. By the end of the test, I was really hungry because I had not eaten breakfast yet. And the test made me even more hungry, it was literally what they call a brain drain type of test but it wasn’t because of the level of difficulty but because of the length of time we were to stay in the room.
I saw Lavinia Lopez as I walked outside. She asked about the test and told her that it was not that difficult. She was going to take the test at 12:30pm. I wished her the best of luck and we headed our separate ways. It took about 30 minutes before my family got to the building. I told them I was really hungry and I ate McDo as my brunch and I thought – What a treat! It may seem shallow but there is nothing like a good meal after 5 hours of sitting in place while taking a long exam.
By Francesca Gabrielle Rodriguez Trinidad
IV - Albert Einstein
I woke up at around 5:00am. I was a bit nervous and tense, and the cold weather didn’t make me less anxious. I asked God for his supernatural knowledge to help me through the test. I prayed that he would help me recall everything I had reviewed the previous days. I took a bath with hot water, and to my surprise, my anxiety turned into excitement. I dressed up and prepared the things I needed, woke up my dad and left the house at around 5:45am.
The trip to UP Diliman was relatively short. It wasn’t as long as I thought it would be. Soon we were in the Katipunan Area already. I looked around and saw prestigious universities such as Ateneo, which is my dream school. We drove down a narrow street leading down to the Institute of Physics (Pavilion 3). My dad asked me if I had money or not. He gave me 200 pesos, since I had not eaten that morning. I ran across the street and hurried for the place where I assumed was the entrance, presented my exam permit and moved straight down the corridor as I followed the instructions of the marshals who were designated to lead us to the exam room.
Room 3201 was filled with teenagers. I sat down next to a guy in red and waited for the instructions of the UPCAT Examiner. It wasn’t as cold as I expected it to be. A few minutes after my arrival, the orientation for the exam was started. We were told to use Mongol No. 2 pencils, which, unfortunately, I did not have. I brought a lot of pencils, though, but none of them was a Mongol No. 2 pencil. And so I raised my hand as the Examiner asked who did not have a Mongol pencil. The instructions were heard clearly since the proctor used a mic.
When she finally asked us to open our test booklets, I was shocked with the types of questions I saw. They were not the difficult ones I was expecting. They were not-so-hard but yet not-so-easy questions. I found myself intimidated by my two seatmates, though. The one on my right side finished the Science subtest 20 minutes before the allotted time, while the one on my left side finished the Math subtest 30 minutes before the allotted time so I was a bit pressured myself. But now, I think of this as being foolish and I laughed at it after taking the test.
The whole test was not as difficult as other people mentioned it to be. It was average, not easy but not hard as well. It was just right. By the end of the test, I was really hungry because I had not eaten breakfast yet. And the test made me even more hungry, it was literally what they call a brain drain type of test but it wasn’t because of the level of difficulty but because of the length of time we were to stay in the room.
I saw Lavinia Lopez as I walked outside. She asked about the test and told her that it was not that difficult. She was going to take the test at 12:30pm. I wished her the best of luck and we headed our separate ways. It took about 30 minutes before my family got to the building. I told them I was really hungry and I ate McDo as my brunch and I thought – What a treat! It may seem shallow but there is nothing like a good meal after 5 hours of sitting in place while taking a long exam.
Monday, August 18, 2008
UNTIL THEY CAME ALONG
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Vicson Aypa Mabanglo
IV - Sir Isaac Newton
I do not know anything about myself. I do not know my purpose here on Earth. I do not know what is right from what is wrong. I am unknowledgeable and worthless. I am unsociable and unsuccessful. I, myself, am not talented. I, myself, do not know my strengths and weaknesses. I, myself, am weak and defenseless. I know nothing about myself except the fact that I am insignificant in this small world.
He molded me to who am I today and he was my foundation and framework. From him, I learned to love my family. From him, I learned to love God above all. From him, I learned the value of discipline. His undying patience had been my way to discover my talents. He is Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, and from him came a part of who am I today.
I remember the times when I stayed at his corridors, his corridors that have been always quiet and peaceful, in spite of his boisterous students. I remember his classrooms, with the teacher’s table in front, which had been my fortress through thick and thin for six consecutive years. I remember the tranquility I feel every time I enter his solemn chapels. He, together with my family, taught me to love God above all. It makes me feel happy reminiscing the academic and technical lessons I learned from him too. Every single lesson I learned from him will always stay in my heart and mind no matter what. Hence, these academic and technical lessons are worthless if compared to the most valuable piece of knowledge I learned. The priceless piece of leadership, specifically servant-leadership, that guided me in choosing the right path I should take. I really learned a lot of things from him. From him, I learned to love my Family. From him, I began to know my purpose, my strengths, my weaknesses, and myself. I started to love my whole being. I have instilled in myself that he will be my Alma Mater, always and forever.
I am proud to say that I am a product of my Alma Mater. My Alma Mater that molded me to who am I today. My Alma Mater who taught me priceless knowledge about the uncertainties of life. My Alma Mater who loved me so dearly, that I can say that he is the best Alma Mater in the whole world.
The time came when I need to leave him for a while for a new foundation accidentally chosen by fate, intertwined to the road I am in. I, though, had left my Alma Mater, have found a new companion willing to mold me and contribute to the remaining parts of my being. She was simple yet very loving. She was the Makati Science High School. Just like my old friend and mentor, she started out with answering the remaining questions in my mind. She filled out my minds with things unfamiliar yet fascinating. I learned lots of things through her. I became knowledgeable about things around me. My perception of me being worthless was gone with just her whisper. She introduced me to the public and to the real world. From her, since she is not gender sensitive compared to my old mentor, I learned to socialize. I learned the way of the real world. I became exposed to reality and the facts needed to be known as a mortal living in this ephemeral world. She introduced me to my other talents. She introduced me to Music, Sports and Writing. She allowed me to join her Basketball Varsity team, which taught me the value of discipline. She, in her corridors, introduced the notes and the scales of my new friend and talent, the guitar. When I became familiar to her, she even introduced me to one of her most valued field, the field of Writing, the field of Journalism. She trusted me to be a leader. She trusted me to be the Editor in Chief of her sophisticated field. I would never disappoint her. Through her, I also learned my other weaknesses and strengths. Through her I learned to value my friends. Through her, my life had been colorful and blessed. She taught me memories that will be eternal in my mind. She taught me the true meaning of life, that life is truly not a bed of roses, that life is not always comfortable, that life has his obstacles that we should surpass to come out strong and cogent. She taught me all that. She completed my other remaining half. I love her, and she, together with my old friend will be my Alma Mater, forever.
I am proud to say that I am a product of my Alma Mater. My Alma Mater that molded me to who am I today. My Alma Mater who taught me priceless knowledge about the uncertainties of life. My Alma Mater who loved me so dearly, that I can say that she is the best Alma Mater in the whole world.
Both of them had been my refuge and strength. With them, my limited stay in this world had been worthwhile. With them, I became who am I today. With them, I learned to see the world in a different perception. A perception that can only be obtained through the combination of two unique foundations.
I do not know anything about myself. I do not know my purpose here on Earth. I do not know what is right from what is wrong. I am unknowledgeable and worthless. I am unsociable and unsuccessful. I, myself, am not talented. I, myself, do not know my strengths and weaknesses. I, myself, am weak and defenseless. I know nothing about myself except the fact that I am insignificant in this world. – until they came along, my foundations.
By Vicson Aypa Mabanglo
IV - Sir Isaac Newton
I do not know anything about myself. I do not know my purpose here on Earth. I do not know what is right from what is wrong. I am unknowledgeable and worthless. I am unsociable and unsuccessful. I, myself, am not talented. I, myself, do not know my strengths and weaknesses. I, myself, am weak and defenseless. I know nothing about myself except the fact that I am insignificant in this small world.
He molded me to who am I today and he was my foundation and framework. From him, I learned to love my family. From him, I learned to love God above all. From him, I learned the value of discipline. His undying patience had been my way to discover my talents. He is Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, and from him came a part of who am I today.
I remember the times when I stayed at his corridors, his corridors that have been always quiet and peaceful, in spite of his boisterous students. I remember his classrooms, with the teacher’s table in front, which had been my fortress through thick and thin for six consecutive years. I remember the tranquility I feel every time I enter his solemn chapels. He, together with my family, taught me to love God above all. It makes me feel happy reminiscing the academic and technical lessons I learned from him too. Every single lesson I learned from him will always stay in my heart and mind no matter what. Hence, these academic and technical lessons are worthless if compared to the most valuable piece of knowledge I learned. The priceless piece of leadership, specifically servant-leadership, that guided me in choosing the right path I should take. I really learned a lot of things from him. From him, I learned to love my Family. From him, I began to know my purpose, my strengths, my weaknesses, and myself. I started to love my whole being. I have instilled in myself that he will be my Alma Mater, always and forever.
I am proud to say that I am a product of my Alma Mater. My Alma Mater that molded me to who am I today. My Alma Mater who taught me priceless knowledge about the uncertainties of life. My Alma Mater who loved me so dearly, that I can say that he is the best Alma Mater in the whole world.
The time came when I need to leave him for a while for a new foundation accidentally chosen by fate, intertwined to the road I am in. I, though, had left my Alma Mater, have found a new companion willing to mold me and contribute to the remaining parts of my being. She was simple yet very loving. She was the Makati Science High School. Just like my old friend and mentor, she started out with answering the remaining questions in my mind. She filled out my minds with things unfamiliar yet fascinating. I learned lots of things through her. I became knowledgeable about things around me. My perception of me being worthless was gone with just her whisper. She introduced me to the public and to the real world. From her, since she is not gender sensitive compared to my old mentor, I learned to socialize. I learned the way of the real world. I became exposed to reality and the facts needed to be known as a mortal living in this ephemeral world. She introduced me to my other talents. She introduced me to Music, Sports and Writing. She allowed me to join her Basketball Varsity team, which taught me the value of discipline. She, in her corridors, introduced the notes and the scales of my new friend and talent, the guitar. When I became familiar to her, she even introduced me to one of her most valued field, the field of Writing, the field of Journalism. She trusted me to be a leader. She trusted me to be the Editor in Chief of her sophisticated field. I would never disappoint her. Through her, I also learned my other weaknesses and strengths. Through her I learned to value my friends. Through her, my life had been colorful and blessed. She taught me memories that will be eternal in my mind. She taught me the true meaning of life, that life is truly not a bed of roses, that life is not always comfortable, that life has his obstacles that we should surpass to come out strong and cogent. She taught me all that. She completed my other remaining half. I love her, and she, together with my old friend will be my Alma Mater, forever.
I am proud to say that I am a product of my Alma Mater. My Alma Mater that molded me to who am I today. My Alma Mater who taught me priceless knowledge about the uncertainties of life. My Alma Mater who loved me so dearly, that I can say that she is the best Alma Mater in the whole world.
Both of them had been my refuge and strength. With them, my limited stay in this world had been worthwhile. With them, I became who am I today. With them, I learned to see the world in a different perception. A perception that can only be obtained through the combination of two unique foundations.
I do not know anything about myself. I do not know my purpose here on Earth. I do not know what is right from what is wrong. I am unknowledgeable and worthless. I am unsociable and unsuccessful. I, myself, am not talented. I, myself, do not know my strengths and weaknesses. I, myself, am weak and defenseless. I know nothing about myself except the fact that I am insignificant in this world. – until they came along, my foundations.
MY VENUS DE MILO
UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV – Enrico Fermi
She is blind. She is foolish. She is ridiculous, to the point of insanity. She is simply unbelievable. She has endured so much, and she still continues to ask for more suffering. Are you asking why she continues to ask for more pain? It is because she is not actually suffering. She does not see her sacrifices as pain, but rather as an act of unconditional love. A love that is unsurpassable, a love that is absolute. Funnily enough, it is.
When I was young and I did not care about the world and the lives of the people living in it, I used to always cry at the wrong time, usually waking her up from her deep and well-deserved slumber. I would do this just because of my midnight hunger pangs, not caring if others woke up because of my horrendous cries. She would then come rushing to my side, looking as if her whole world was full of sadness and melancholy. She would pick me up, relieved, because she would realize that I was only hungry, and I needed food that, unfortunately for her, only she could provide. She would then selflessly surrender her sleep for my selfish needs.
When I was a child who did not know anything except for chocolates and TV, I would usually make her tired just by chasing me around because I did not want to take a bath. I would drive her to the end of her wits because I preferred to play with my toys than have a peaceful dinner with her. I would make her put up with my silly antics because I did not have anything better to do, while she overworked herself with house chores, her own job, and sadly, with me. How pathetic of me.
And yet, after all of those cold, sleepless nights, those tiring shenanigans that I made her go through, she still calls my name by the same melodic voice that never fails to enchant me. She still cares for me the same way she did when I was a very annoying brat. Of course, I would be forever sorry for al of the hardships I caused. But I marvel at the thought of her patience and unconditional love for me. For all I know, she could have just been harsh to me the moment I gave her a headache. But she did not. Instead, she gave me a world that was full of smiles and joys, despite my bad treatment. She shielded me from the pain, when I know that I deserved to be hurt just because of what I did to her. She never let me experience any pain that was unnecessary. She was a saint.
Why did it have to be her? Why did a benevolent soul have to be tormented by childish acts of selfishness? She was so kind. She possessed a beautiful soul that was capable of giving an endlessly-flowing river of affection. I gratefully basked in her fountain of love. I never again did anything that I know would hurt her. I always tried to be good for her. I always did things that would make her proud of me, that would make me think that all her hardships were worth it.
She is the perfect woman for me. She always will be. She is my foundation. She is my Venus de Milo. She is my protector. She is my mother.
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV – Enrico Fermi
She is blind. She is foolish. She is ridiculous, to the point of insanity. She is simply unbelievable. She has endured so much, and she still continues to ask for more suffering. Are you asking why she continues to ask for more pain? It is because she is not actually suffering. She does not see her sacrifices as pain, but rather as an act of unconditional love. A love that is unsurpassable, a love that is absolute. Funnily enough, it is.
When I was young and I did not care about the world and the lives of the people living in it, I used to always cry at the wrong time, usually waking her up from her deep and well-deserved slumber. I would do this just because of my midnight hunger pangs, not caring if others woke up because of my horrendous cries. She would then come rushing to my side, looking as if her whole world was full of sadness and melancholy. She would pick me up, relieved, because she would realize that I was only hungry, and I needed food that, unfortunately for her, only she could provide. She would then selflessly surrender her sleep for my selfish needs.
When I was a child who did not know anything except for chocolates and TV, I would usually make her tired just by chasing me around because I did not want to take a bath. I would drive her to the end of her wits because I preferred to play with my toys than have a peaceful dinner with her. I would make her put up with my silly antics because I did not have anything better to do, while she overworked herself with house chores, her own job, and sadly, with me. How pathetic of me.
And yet, after all of those cold, sleepless nights, those tiring shenanigans that I made her go through, she still calls my name by the same melodic voice that never fails to enchant me. She still cares for me the same way she did when I was a very annoying brat. Of course, I would be forever sorry for al of the hardships I caused. But I marvel at the thought of her patience and unconditional love for me. For all I know, she could have just been harsh to me the moment I gave her a headache. But she did not. Instead, she gave me a world that was full of smiles and joys, despite my bad treatment. She shielded me from the pain, when I know that I deserved to be hurt just because of what I did to her. She never let me experience any pain that was unnecessary. She was a saint.
Why did it have to be her? Why did a benevolent soul have to be tormented by childish acts of selfishness? She was so kind. She possessed a beautiful soul that was capable of giving an endlessly-flowing river of affection. I gratefully basked in her fountain of love. I never again did anything that I know would hurt her. I always tried to be good for her. I always did things that would make her proud of me, that would make me think that all her hardships were worth it.
She is the perfect woman for me. She always will be. She is my foundation. She is my Venus de Milo. She is my protector. She is my mother.
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