MY PRECIOUS PIECE OF CHINA

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Samantha Grace I. Cruz
II-Robert Hooke


Have you ever experienced holding a plate nonchalantly and, without noticing it, just so happens to fall out of your hand? The once whole and precious china that was held by your hand just moments ago crashes onto the floor and splits into a thousand little pieces. Afterwards, you pick it up, and you realize it can still be put together, but of course, there would be a few chips and cracks here and there. There would be some dents that have to be covered by other pieces of china. There would still be imperfections on the once perfect surface. But still, when the pieces are put together, no matter how badly or off it seems, it is still a plate nonetheless, and it is still good.

Growing up, I have always experienced being a part of that plate, that broken china once whole and precious. Because of that, it comes to me as no surprise when someone lets go of that plate, over and over again. And it crashes down and breaks again. But eventually, the pieces still fit together, sometimes, new pieces are added.

Family is one of the most precious things in the world. Whatever kind, whatever size, it is important in everybody. Our families are the strongholds of our being, the cornerstones in the journey of life in which we put our faith and trust. There always exists, and this is true for all families, a familiar kind of love that binds each member together. So whether a family is solid as brick or as breakable as china, it is still a major aspect of our existence.

The first blow I experienced, the first crash of my precious china was of course the most painful. The father figure I once looked up to, I once respected with all my heart, dropped that plate so carelessly and did not even bother to put it back. He left without looking back. So that plate shattered into pathetic little pieces. Eventually it was put back together with clumsy little hands, though it missed the biggest piece. I used to try and look for it, I used to try and put back that piece. But now, I know better. I did not need that piece of my life. I did not need the one who left us hanging and defeated. I did not care for his selfish reasons.

For a while the remaining pieces which formed a sort of distorted, helpless plate lived in harmony. Those are me and my mother. We lived with a peace of mind back then. Suddenly, a certain feeling arose. I could feel that there was a big change about to happen to our since-then-untouched plate. Somebody was picking the pieces up again, and he was trying to put them back.

He was a gentleman, as I first got to know him, a man of his word. He showered me with gifts, spoiled me even. I was not blind to not see what would happen next. I could see it in my mom’s face. She was happy, and it was all I needed to know to accept that man in our lives.

Eventually, even though it still hurt me to move on too quickly, I accepted him. Along with him came my older stepsister. At first excitement was the only thing dominant around us. We were all happy and ecstatic at the thought of both our families colliding with each other, forming one. We were overjoyed to know that the broken pieces of our family and theirs fit together, and shaped a new precious plate.

But that was at first. As the hands of time ticked by, we slowly realized that coexisting with each other was difficult. My step sister was always easily irritated with me as I was with her. My mother and stepfather had problems of their own too. We still loved each other though, but we realized it would be tough.

Cruelty was not yet over for us. It did not give us enough time to bond with each other. Fate did not give us the chance to live with each other much longer. This was the next blow that I received. The next shatter my precious piece of china experienced.

That piece I held on to, that loving guide I put my faith into was violently taken away from me. I wept and mourned. Her piece left our plate forever, but then, she left another piece to take her place. She left another life behind her. She left to us, my baby sister.

The plate I held on to like it was my life was imperfect as ever. We were three children being raised by a single parent. We lived in awkwardness for some time, since I was not very open to them, and they were not really that welcoming. But slowly, we began to accept each other. We began to live in peace and even though we often fight, we learned to love each other the way true family does.

Now, the pieces are intact and we form one precious plate. But who knows? Someone else’s hands might break us into pathethic little pieces again, and we might not be able to recover like we did. Someone might ruin that precious piece of china that I treasure so much. I would not let it happen when time comes, but I know that it is not far. We are experiencing problems at present, and I know that it won’t be long before we are forced apart from each other. Why we are being separated, I do not know. It is a mystery to me, I’ll find out eventually. I just hope that I would have the courage to pick the pieces up yet again and mold my precious plate once more.

At present time, the pieces of our plate try to live together in happiness, despite our knowledge of what will happen in the near future. We often fight and bicker, but I guess that is normal. Sometimes I find myself yearning for that original plate, the first plate I belonged to. But then, I realize that I should be thankful I even have a one right now. Although it is not perfect, it is still good.

So if you have a plate, one and whole, treasure it. Love it with all your heart. Never let it go, and never let it fall into a thousand little pieces, for I would give anything to be in your place, to feel complete again.

WITHERING PHANTOM

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Jonah Aileen Oliva Reyes
IV-Enrico Fermi


The bell rang. It was Research class, the second subject after lunch. We headed straight to the library and saw Ms. Sabangan waiting patiently at one of the tables with a pencil in her hand. The hour was meant for consultation time of researchers and studies past due.

I am already done with that, I thought to myself. Our group’s paper made it to the defence and we are finished polishing our document. No need for extra editing’s and rephrases.

I sat with Claire, along with Charmaine who was busy reading Twilight for the second time. I joined in their conversation, talked about a book Claire was buzzing about, a book regarding murders and a witness at risk. Clutching her book while she was talking, I started to read. It was interesting, all right. I managed to read twenty pages or so.

With boredom seeping through me and drowsiness deeply penetrating, I decided to go back our room. I will just continue reading The Alchemist and have a good time doing nothing. I noticed the clouds drift as I walked by. It could not be raining, I thought. Today is a wonderful day after all.

I grasped the door’s handle and opened it up. I was surprised with what I saw inside. The boys are playing chess as usual while the other students coming from different sections stayed to get cooled by our air conditioner, one that we fortunately have.

But these people, not even the gloomy atmosphere that enveloped me captured my attention the most. But, the ghost, the ghost sitting at the corner of our dimly lit room. Everyone looked up upon my arrival but I went straight to the ghost looking warily through me. A ghost that invaded my thoughts a few months back as far as I can remember.

“Hey, what are you doing here?”

“Nothing, just taking this test I missed in Math the last time.” He answered lazily while sitting facedown now. He avoided eye contact, noticed.

“Oh, okay.” T he chairs are a mess but I grabbed one and sat beside him.

Thoughts were running inside my head. I have a lot of things to tell him since he has been gone. He never showed up, even at the times when he is most needed. I missed you, my mind shouted. But, my strength was not enough to speak out the message. I just sat there, gazing at his phantom face while he stared back blankly, blinking repeatedly out of a habit. I was there, slack jawed and smiling while he was dead serious with getting a good score in his quiz.

History was when we last talked. An exchange of hi’s and hello’s, nothing much unforgettable or remarkable. I wished I could get back the spark in his eyes like the days we used to chat all night. I wished I could get back his love for sharing and love for confiding. A passion long lost to a wrecked soul like him.

I studied his face while he was answering; he looked tired and indifferent of his surroundings. Right at the moment, I feel like he does not want my presence and I wondered why he had been so cold lately, making himself a real ghost out of my ruined imagination.

“How are you?” I tried to break the silence.

“Fine.” A single word was his only answer. I blinked; maybe he was too busy that I interrupted his quiz in Math.

Give him space, I decided. I walked away and teased and joked around with my buddies while he, stayed immobile at his chair.

After a while, I finally gave up. I am not good at keeping my emotions and I can no longer resist talking to the apparition in front of me.

“Hey you finish that now and come with me; I’m starving.” I demanded.

He did not look back and I gave him clues here and there, numbers he has no idea at all. He said thanks and nodded when I asked again if he will come.

“Something’s---

“Something’s wrong with you.” I blurted.

Shoot. I did not get hold of myself; he might get irritated and just leave as he pleases.

“I do not want to cry here.” He choked instead.

“Then come on, pad foot, come with me.” I said again. Now holding his arms tightly, making sure he will not refuse.

No one else can see him. I knew I was the only one, and I cared little about it because he was, of course, my ghost. An image my mind has made up.

“Let us walk this way.’ I pointed the longer route to the cafeteria and he nodded again.

“So what are you going to tell me? I know very well something is bothering you.”

Hell, I was deeply concerned and I wanted to know what was wrong with my phantom. My only phantom best friend.

“I went to our family doctor yesterday. I went through tests and another series of examinations. It was painful but a bit okay,” he paused for a very long time and said at last. “They say I am getting worst Jonah. That is all they said.” He was barely whispering, we were now walking along classes and he surely does not want anyone to hear his revelation.

“Yeah right.” I replied.

“So as to prevent further harm, I am isolating myself from you from now on.” He added.

I was stuck right away at where I was standing.

Pardon? What did he just say?

“Huh? You are being so nonsensical! And selfish!” I panicked. He knows I do not want to lose a friend and that is so unfair of him.

“I know you will get mad, that is a normal reaction, of course, but surely it is the best way to lessen this mess. And I am not selfish. Soon it will be over and I can not risk your heart from hurting.”

“Hey, a few months to live and you are going to rot like hell huh? I do not agree. Well how about this; let us just make the most of it. ‘Coz phantom, you are not going to go anywhere. Nowhere.”

It was hard trying to fight my tears back and my limbs are getting wobbly. But I know I needed to be strong. I wish I will not add as a problem to him.

We argued again and again, our usual bonding moment. I am not good at this because he was so smart and he was way ahead of me. He knows things people do not usually know. He is a ghost, after all.

I bought a pack of biscuits and juice when we were at the cafeteria. My appetite has subsided and I am in no mood for eating.

I tried to ask him how he feels. He said he felt weaker and more delicate. I hooked my arms on his and I sensed he is very warm. Warmer than any other ghost I have met in my past.

We argued again when he opened the isolation set-up. That is not how a phantom must do if ever he is going to die right?

I finally cried.

“Let us be realistic you brute. If ever it is going to come, then you must live everyday as if it was your last.”

“Nonsense..”

“No, please, we have lots of things to do in the future. And I can not do them without you or with anybody else. Remember I am a cry-baby? No one’s going to comfort me again if ever another break-up comes in the future.”

“You need to get used on living without me, this is absurd Jonah. I can not last forever!”

He was right. He can not last forever. And nothing….. nothing lasts forever...

I joked, though sobbing and weeping, that St. Peter will not accept him in heaven because his mission is not yet complete.

“Who told you I will end up in heaven? For all the bad things I have done, He will be glad I can not make it up there.” He joked in reply.

“I am your angel and I know enough you are a good person.”

“Well, thank you very much for believing. And stop crying please. I told you so.”

He handed out a hanky and offered it to me.

“No thanks,” I refused. Later I know he will use it as soon as his sickness attacks his fragile body.

“Live long..” was all the words I said last.

He smiled. I realized it was a very different smile. There is gladness and bitterness at the same time. Mixed emotions were written on his face and he started to walk away and vanish in an instant.

Wind crept to my spine and I started to shiver. I imagined losing him and I cried even harder. I was left at the corridor crying all by myself. He is a very good friend and I could not afford to lose him.

my prediction has failed me, as usual. I went home with heavy rain pouring on my shivering body along with thunders that totally awaken my spirit. It is very cold now. i am freakishly shaking. I feel very cold not with the weather but with the melancholy eating me up brought about by the bad news. I feel totally hopeless but strong at the same time. I need to do something. There is no other way to help him.

He will live long, I promised. Not just to myself but to the million raindrops falling along with my tears…

IT LASTED FOR A DAY

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Karenina Iabel Apilado Lampa
IV-Michael Faraday


It lasted for a day. But for me, it is more than enough for the whole eternity.

I never thought of the day where he would once think of me the same way again. I had tried with all that I could to make him return. To no avail, he never did. I admitted to myself that somehow, things would never be the same again. That was the hardest part, of course. To admit to myself that I would never get him back.

It felt so wrong to give up what had been, when it could still be. Well, for me...it could still have been.

So I spent hours and days and weeks trying to let the pain subside. As time passed, I never did get any better. I felt worse and worse still, and I had no ways of ever mending it. Through it, I did learn to fake a smile for everyone. Why should they share my pain? I was the one who inflicted it upon myself. I deserved it alone, and with no one else.

So I smiled for them, making them think how great I was. They told me that I looked happier. I told them I felt happier. It would have been a nice change in my dark life, if it had not all been lies. I smiled for them, I laughed for them, but never once did I mean it. It was a lie and I knew it. But why did it matter? As long as everyone though I was good, then all things were fine.

And when I turn my back on them, I would cry myself to sleep. Even with time, my wounds never healed. They got even deeper, and I did not have a clue on how to stop the bleeding. I felt like there was poison inside me that kept on circulating in a neverending path. With the time I spent away from him, my heart yearned for him even more. And the tug it had towards him...it hurt more than I could bear.

I did not have anyone to cry to or to talk to. I did not want anyone to feel my pain. No one needed it, and only I deserved it. So who cared if I was suffering to the point of falling in the pits of hell forever?

I had locked myself up in my own misery. Unexpectedly, in the middle of my internal struggle, he came one day. I was expecting another row of thorns to pierce my barely-beating heart. I had braced myself for more pain. But when I heard his voice, the exact opposite was what happened.

“I remember the days when we were at our best...”

Then and there, all poison inside me was sucked out and all thorns pricking me disappeared. The gushing blood stopped in an instant and the deep wound closed miraculously.

Before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my eyes. I did not know why nor did I ever want to contemplate on it. But I knew one thing was for sure...That was the first time he remembered something good about me...about us. Since the dawn of whenever, it had been the first time since he remembered...The first time.

Despite all the months I’ve spent fooling myself, with that one small memory of the past, my will came crumbling down. My mind succumbed to my heart, and I did not try to deny what it wanted. It wanted him...It wanted his heart.

For me, the fact that he remembered something beyond all the wrongs that I have done him meant everything. I thought he had forgotten all, but I had thought wrong. He remembered...for the first time. He did.

It was a short moment of bliss. But I was contented.

It lasted for a day. But for me, it is more than enough for the whole eternity.

THE BEST MOTHER

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Lavinia Lyka Lim Lopez
IV - Michael Faraday


My mother is the most important person to me. She is a brilliant and beautiful diamond that outshines other treasures. She is the biggest part of my being. Without her, I would not even be alive now. I am grateful to her for so many things. She has done so much for me. All of her characteristics are so perfect that I cannot find a blemish in her. There are so many reasons why I love her so much.

She is my first teacher. She unreluctantly shared with me the fountain of her knowledge. She taught me the comprehensible difference between right and wrong. She taught me how to make the right decisions in life. And most of all, she taught me how to be a good person that loves God above all.

My mother is always there for me. In my success, she would always be by my side, praising me and being proud of my achievements, while in my misery and downfall, she would be closer to me than ever, comforting me and doing her best to make me smile.

She is my provider. She is the one who gives me my necessities in life. She is my tree of life that gives me oxygen, shelter, and food.

And most of all, she gave me life. She was in agony when I was still in her belly. She even suffered more when she gave birth to me.

She made so many sacrifices for me. She makes sure that what she gives me is the best and nothing less. She works so hard to give me my prerequisites. And because of her undying and great love for me, she is able to move mountains for my sake. I can proudly say that she is the best mom ever, next to Mama Mary of course. I truly love her so much.

GRADE CONSCIOUS

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Lavinia Lyka Lim Lopez
IV - Michael Faraday


As we all know, “Education is the key to success.” Educatioan will give us the necessary skills and information we need to be triumphant in our journey to the unknown world that is why we, students, need to strive and study hard to be ready for our incessant journey in life. We need to be grade conscious or as people especially the seniors, such as myself, in Makati Science High School refer to as “GC”.

Being a grade conscious is being responsible and conscientious enough to matters with relevance to studies. Being a grade conscious means to do our utmosts to achieve high grades that we so desire. Being a grade conscious has many advantages. If you are “GC”, you always listen to the lecture of the teacher, participate in class discussions and copy notes whenever necessary. You do any thing possible to have a high grade. In fact, others even study in advance just to have an edge over the others and to be prepared for the class discussions. Because you are always prepared, you avoid the common bungling of students, cramming. Students tend to cram always due to laziness and other stumbling blocks in their concentration to their studies like computer games, video games, t.v. shows, hanging out, bad influence of friends, family, community and media, physical, emotional, spiritual or monetary problems. Because you are always reviewing your notes and reading other references pertaining to your subjects in school, you always get a high score in tests. You avoid stress incorporated with cramming, low grades, disappointments, scolding of parents and demeaning of ones self with reference to achievements. Because of your high grades and achievements brought by being grade conscious, you get to experience the feeling of self-satisfaction and bliss. You get to experience the fruits of your toils and the joys of your labor. You even get to have a bonus wherein your family and friends will be proud of you.

Even though being a “GC” has many advantages, it also has its drawbacks. Being “GC” is time and effort consuming. You will not be able to have time for yourself because you are too busy studying. You will always be exhausted and not have time for fun anymore. Your schedule for the day will be filled up with schoolwork such as doing your homework, trainings for contests, and reviews for minor and major tests. It will devour all your energy. You will not be able to hang out with your friends and family. Your social life will also be affected. Because of too much enervation, you might even get sick. The saddest part is you will feel alone and empty inside.

People think that being a grade conscious is a bad thing. If they see a person studying for a test or doing their project or assignment, they will immediately tease him “GC”. To be honest, to be called a “GC” is a great honour because it just proves that you are dependable and hard working. It just proves that you really are something and not just a nobody moping in a corner. Being a “GC” has more advantages than disadvantages. Of course, we always have to sacrifice to get the things we want in life. Our family and friends will always be there to support us in all our attempts in life. They will never leave us. My advice to you is to be a grade conscious and not mind the judgmental people who have nothing else to do but mock you. Just remember that you have a lead on them because you are grade conscious. You are preparing for the bright future ahead of you.

REMEMBERING CHILDHOOD

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


As I gazed out the window one rainy day, I saw a dozen of zealous children playing carefree under the rain with their blissful smiles and their joyous giggles. They laughed and enjoyed the shower of water from heaven like there is no tomorrow. Together, they sang melodious songs resembling the angels from above. A turbulent light that glows can be seen from their radiant eyes that they seemed not to worry about anything at all. Oh, how I longed to be a child once again and do things I used to!

I had appreciated watching these little angels have fun under the cold rain outside. They reminded me of my childhood days. Suddenly, I failed to notice that tears were already rolling down my cheeks. I felt an excruciating pain as these tears fell from my eyes. An image of an envious girl then unfolded before my eyes. I did not seem to understand what it meant until things that happened in the past started to flash back into reality.

I was jealous of those children I have been watching. They were enjoying the beauty of life which I now cannot do. I am like a flightless bird incarcerated. My freedom to do what I enjoy most was seized because of all the works that have to be done. My leisure time had been replaced by loads of tasks here and there. My 8-10 hours of sleep turned into forty winks a day. And unfortunately, even my healthy body was weakened by the stress I received.

Memories of my childhood are the fondest of all. It was the time I consider myself to be free, free from the worries of the world. When all I care about is to play, eat, rest and sleep and play again, rest and sleep. It is only then that I was free as the birds in the sky. Everything I ever wished to do, I accomplished them with ease. My whims and caprices were also fended. I had nothing to worry about and there were no barriers set for me to overcome.

If I just have the power to put back time, I would definitely want to be a child forever. But that is never possible. The freedom I had before is surely different from that of what I have now. Those experiences I had would have versions of their own as I grow. The loads of tasks will keep growing and soon, many more barriers would add to my life.

As I continue to grow, I realize that my childish ways slowly vanishes because of maturity. I now realize and accept the harsh realities of life. Those childhood memories will surely linger in my life forever but this time, they will stay to inspire and make me a stronger and a better person ready to face all the challenges this world will offer. I also know that I am who I am today because of those fond and enriching memories!

LISTEN TO MY SERENADE

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Francesca Gabrielle Rodriguez Trinidad
IV-Albert Einstein


Grrrr. My stomach's doing it again - that thing that it does whenever I am nervous. This should be pretty easy, right? I mean, all I am gonna tell you is the truth. The truth I have been hiding for the past 8 months. But, how will you react to it? Is it going to be good news or bad news for you? All this thinking is making me crazy. It should not be hard. It should not be this nerve-racking, just stop making a big deal out of it.

Here you are to ruin my day again. You are coming toward me, as usual. Well, there are always two things you talk about – her, or the way you feel about her. It did not use to bug me this much. I mean, hey, it does get a little bit boring, and hurtful. What? Scratch that, I'll just leave it at boring. Yeah, it is monotonous just hearing you blab about her. It is a bit hurtful that she is all you ever think about. Sometimes I would like to talk about something else, like you, like us, our friendship, that is, or what I think about our friendship.

My foot is tapping the floor again. My hands are shaking. My mind just cannot think straight. I am stuttering. What was I going to say again? I am sure I had it memorized about two minutes ago, but then you came. Why is it that you make me feel so tense? It did not use to be this way. Has something changed? Maybe you did not. But I did. Can this be real? Do I really...........?

Am I still going to do this? It is 99.9% obvious that I will not be able to pull this off. This is only one of the numerous attempts that I have tried and none of those attempts ended up as successful. But I am tired of waiting, of always staying in the sidelines, waiting for you to fall back into me. It also hurts. I have been by your side for so long and still you fail to notice this – what I am offering you. I can love you like she does, or even better.

On the other hand, I do not want to jeopardize our friendship and everything we have gone through. That would just be so disappointing. What if you do not feel the same way? What if we are not on the same page? What will happen? All my waiting would go to waste. But if you do not feel anything for me, then why prolong the waiting? It is gonna end all the same, right? Maybe I should just get this over with. And if rejection should be the answer to my request, then I would just have to love you in secret. Oh no, I said it. LOVE. There it is. I do not know anymore. I would just say that it was just a joke then go back to hiding everything, then all this madness would start all over again.

I would look you in the eyes first, then tell you that I cherish our friendship more than anything. Then I would say, Do you know that I love you? Then most likely you would say, Yeah. Sure, tropa tayo e. But I would look at you seriously, then I would confess. I would tell you that it is not just as a friend anymore. It has evolved into such a way that my whole world revolves around you, that I think of you everyday and think of your well-being more than anyone else's, that I love you beyond all reason and understandability. Then... Ugh. This part I just cannot figure out. This part would be for you to decide whether you feel the same, or not. Well, here I go.

“Jason, may sasabihin ako sa'yo.”

“Ano yun Ches?”

And just as I was about to make the most touching, heartfelt, sincere confession of my feelings for you. There she was, on her way to see you.

“Jason! Wala kayong klase? Samahan mo naman ako.”

“Sige, sandali lang. Ches, ano yung sasabihin mo?”

My speech was now officially cut short. My momentum was gone. All that was left was my irritation, anger and hatred.

“No, it's okay. Sige, samahan mo na si Katrina. Kita-kits na lang tayo mamaya, ha?”

Then you smiled that irresistible smile. But, I am mad. No, I am furious. See? This is always what happens. Stop being her beloved puppy for Pete's sake. Mahal kita, hindi ka lang kasi nakikinig. Kahit 5 minutes lang, 5 minutes na hindi siya yung nasa isip mo, I thought to myself. These words are so familiar you know? It is the Nth time I have planned to tell you how I feel. It is also the Nth time you did not listen. If you would only listen to what I have to say, listen to my confession, listen to my feelings, listen to my serenade, then you would know that I love you beyond imagination and possibility.

NOW OR NEVER

UNEDITED SAMPLE LITERARY ARTICLE
By Jose Mari Hall Lanuza
IV - Enrico Fermi


“If you love someone, you say it, you say it right then, out loud. aOtherwise, the moment just passes you by.”

Dermont Mulroney sure had it right.

Almost all of us, if not all, had at least once experienced fear of saying what we feel inside. And why would we not? We are only humans, capable of being afraid, capable of being hurt. There is always something that holds us back from the great joy of having nothing to hide. Rejection, judgment, failure and the like, make us cower in defeat. And yes, I know that telling the truth is easier said than done. But just like what we all know, the first step is always the hardest. Mustering up the courage to do what we must do is always the hardest. But we should not let our fears incapacitate us forever. We will go nowhere if we let fear rule over us.

When it comes to telling the truth about love, another moment of delay just means another moment of potential happiness wasted. We may or may not get the happy ending we all so religiously dream about, but that is a risk that we have to take. It is like an unspoken contract that we signed in the name of love. It always is the case. You cannot expect love to be like a world full of rainbows and butterflies. There is a hard road that should be traversed before we reach paradise. Because love and hurt coexist; one cannot be without the other. One who fails to realize this can never get out of his shell and say those magical words.

Are you too stupid to not realize that pain is inevitable? That no matter how far you run or how hard you try to hide, you will still get hurt? That love is merciful; it rewards those who take the difficult step to reach it. It may not be in the form you wish it to be, but a reward is surely there for you. You just have to be brave enough to claim it, to own it. You just have to get all the strength you need. It might not be that easy, but it surely is not impossible either. It just takes a little more determination and courage to take that great leap of faith, uncertain if someone will be there to break your fall. Sometimes, that is the only thing we can do: jump, without assurances.

So, are you still not convinced? Well, you better be convinced soon. Realize that the world will not stop moving just for you, Know that people will keep on moving forward, whether you want them to or not. Wake up to the cold reality that time passes, and it is not that hard for a person to get left behind. You will only be left behind because of your fears. And when you realize that the world has moved on , and yet you are still here, it may already be too late for you to catch up. Do what you have to do right away, before it is too late. Say what you have to. Realize what you need to. Do what you have to do, before the chance slips out of your hands.

“I love you” is so hard to say, is it not? But no matter how hard, you should say it now, while there is still a chance. It is now or never, my friend. Now or never.

“If you love someone, you say it, you say it right then, out loud. Otherwise, the moment just passes you by.”

THE NOTEBOOK

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


“The Notebook” is one of my all-time favorite movies because it has the capability of deeply touching my heart. It depicted a great love story that had surpassed the ordeals of time. The movie involved the characters namely Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, who fell in love with each other. However, Allie’s parents disapproved of their relationship and eventually, the two young lovers were separated from each other. Several years passed by and Allie had never heard a single thing about Noah. But, the truth is, Noah wrote 365 letters, one letter a day for a year. He stopped writing after a year since he had never gotten a response from Allie. Allie became engaged to a handsome young soldier named Lon.

In a local newspaper years later, a picture of Noah, who was standing in front of a fully-restored, 200 year-old house, caught Allie's eye. Noah spoke of his plans of buying and renovating that house back then. Allie got too overwhelmed after seeing and knowing that his plans did happen. With the quirk of fate, Allie and Noah met each other again. They had a lot of catching up to do. But, their love for each other has always stayed alive. Their love for each other grew even deeper and stronger. Allie eventually discovered that she never received Noah’s letters before because her mother was keeping all of them.

Since Allie’s business with Lon has not yet been fixed, she had to make a decision between her fiancé, Lon, and her true love, Noah. In the end, she realized that she needed Noah in her life. She returned to him and they spent the rest of their days with each other. Allie, however, acquired an Alzheimer's disease that made her forget about everything that had happened. Noah constantly read a notebook, which contained every detail of their love story, to Allie. The notebook was actually written by Allie herself. At one night, Noah sneaked into Allie's room and they died together peacefully in their sleep.

In this story, the disapproval of Allie’s parents of their relationship was the evident reason why Allie and Noah had to part ways. They shared a forbidden love and thus, both characters suffered greatly. Since they were so young then, they did not have enough courage to fight for their feelings. They were helpless, indeed. With the passing of time, both of them were not able to keep in touch with each other. As a result, they got used to living in separate and different worlds. However, the flame in their hearts never died. Even with the test of time, their love for each other remained firm and steadfast. Even if nobody wanted them for each other, they still spent a lifetime together.

The power of love could do great miracles. Love undeniably triumphs over everything.

GRADE CONSCIOUSNESS?

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By Jon Bon Jovi Endaya Timones
IV-Albert Einstein


Grade Consciousness or “G.C.” is a term used to describe people who were good in almost every subject. It may also be used to refer to people whose attitudes are very sensitive when it comes to their grades. For example, if a teacher mistakenly checked a G.C’s paper, the student will immediately report this to the principal without first consulting the concerned teacher or the adviser.

How does being a G.C. benefit a student? This question can be commonly heard to people who are not aware that such a term exists. Being a G.C. contributes to a big change in a student’s life. It helps an individual prepare himself for the future, college for example. It helps them to be independent. By being a G.C., you motivate yourself to achieve a higher grade; therefore you are setting a high standard for yourself. And by setting a high standard for yourself, your outlook in life becomes more positive and you become optimistic. Your parents will also be proud of you because you are trying your best to achieve high grades as they wanted it.

But not at all times being a G.C. is good. Sometimes it also has its side effects. For example, if your studying very hard and you have a classmate that you know is also doing well in your class asks you to teach him some lesson that he doesn’t understand. In your part, this will be your chance to have an edge over him so you will not teach him. You will pretend that you also don’t get it but in fact, you already mastered it. In this situation, you became selfish. Your health may also be affected by being G.C. Sometimes you can not eat three times a day due to overwhelming loads. Some of them take only a few minutes but because you want high grades, you put a lot of decorations to it that it takes you one hour to finish one. Since those materials don’t come free, you also need to buy them, which is another bad thing.

If I were to describe myself, I am not G.C. but I am not also lazy. I just fulfill the requirements that my teacher asks from me and I do not do things beyond that. I do not want to compete with them because I know my capacities. I know up to how much I can do well in class and I know where I need to study. As long as we did our best, no matter what the result is, we should all be satisfied with it and don’t go any further.

AT THE NEST OF AN EAGLE

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By Jon Bon Jovi Endaya Timones
IV-Albert Einstein


Almost a month and a half after the strenuous University of the Philippines College Admission Test, another trial is to be faced by the students wishing to have a good future in college. Students must muster up all their knowledge for they will be facing the Ateneo College Entrance Test. A test which, if passed, entitles a student a privilege in studying in one of the country’s most respected school, and one of the best in Asia.

I arrived two hours before the required time, and to my surprise, there was no traffic. As we drive going to the Grade School Building, we passed by the Ateneo Blue Eagles Gymnasium. Just by seeing the logo, I can sense an intense feeling running through my veins. I can’t believe that I was staring at one of Philippines’ best team in basketball. Being a basketball enthusiast, it is a great honor for me to see such a gymnasium. As we arrived at the venue, I can feel no pressure for the atmosphere was so quiet. An hour later, several students went passing by. At first I thought they were Atenistas, but I guess I’m wrong. They are my co-examinees talking to their schoolmates, probably. I was just out of luck because I have no schoolmate who’s going to take the test at the same time.

After the stressful test, I was again alone. But instead of being sad for my isolation, I felt alive because of the surroundings that I can see. Fresh, green leaves, no sign of pollution, and a small eagle statue scattered almost everywhere. Just seeing these statues makes you feel that you are an Atenista.

When I reached our car, I again saw the gymnasium, but this time, I felt a different feeling. The sense of excitement was gone and was replaced by a sense of goodbye. Goodbye for now, at least, because sooner or later, I might be an Atenista and join the hundreds of students fighting for the blue and white banner. Or if not, still, I’m going to meet that Eagle logo, but not on the same side.

2046

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By Christine Joy Ombania de Asis
IV - Madame Marie Curie


I never knew that comic books and bubble gum pink looked good together. That was my first thought when I saw my hastily thrown underwear covering your much coveted Marvel collection. Spiderman was lost behind a pink printed geisha.

I will not dare be an innocent girl and ask where I am. Because I know perfectly well whose room this is. I will not cry bellow over your bloody sheet. I have seen more blood when I slashed my wrist not a week ago.

Your room used to be a Mecca of adolescence. Girlie magazines. Game consoles. Matchbox cars. I never knew that it could be room 2046. Remember Tony Leung and Ziyi Zhang? Although I must admit, ours is sweaty and painful.

But this was bound to happen. I saw it between the miniscule spaces between us every time we walk together. I felt it during the stolen glances and nonchalant brush in the cheek. But why must we do it this Sunday morning?

I could try to be the usual bitch that everybody thinks of me and say that it all meant nothing to me. I will brew my patented smirk whenever we have to think about it again. I could even light a cigarette as I say to you, “I just lied on the bed.”

Lied. That is what I did when you asked me if we were still the same star lovers. An hour on bed did not make you God. Sure, I was a forgotten pagan and saw that there was something most divine in feeling your hipbones and seeing you naked.

Lied. I lied on your bed and I was pretty sure that the pent-up girl in me was left crucified on your bed, suffering from our sins. No, I do not believe in hell and Jesus and divinity. I just felt that we should have done it for love. At least, you should have.

Maybe the blood in your bed was my tears. Who would know? You were busy reading long lost scrolls in my skin. Did you find what you were looking for? I was sure that I died that night and left with you my whole being. You will be my keeper.

You think that you know everything about me now, down to the black mark in my inner thigh that you laughed loudly about. But have you seen my eyes lately? They are the only ones who truly know everything.

I did it with you and you alone. We got lost in the games we used to play back then. But this time, I did not cry when you took my favorite toy. This time, I let you hold it. Maybe, you can have it forever. Just put it in the glass cabinet. It gets dust easily.