PLAYING HARD TO GET

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By Karenina Isabel Apilado Lampa
IV - Michael Faraday


I honestly don’t get it. What have I done wrong to deserve such a monstrous experience right now? Is it because I forgot to feed my goldfish when I was eight? Was THAT worth these pains of torture and everlasting heartache? Oh, I get it. It’s about the time when I so graciously kept the candies to myself during that one time when I had been so young, right? Get real. I was a KID.

I still don’t understand why. It’s as if my whole world has gone topsy turvy ever since he entered my life. Screw him. He thinks he’s all that. So what if there was never a day wherein he looked absolutely drop-dead gorgeous as he ran a hand through his hair? That’s totally not the point. Nope. Not the point.

It’s not even his lopsided smile that sends my heart fluttering into a thousand sparks. What? He’s not as bewitching as he thinks he is. God’s gift? Certainly not. He’s got himself into thinking that every girl worships the ground he walks on. I’ve never seen so much ego contained in a person. Pathetic. Truly pathetic.

He’s not even THAT intelligent. Like hell, he barely opens a book. Which makes it more amazing that he gets top marks, but aren’t we getting off topic here? Right. Right. I just can’t understand why he has such a huge impact on the people surrounding him. I mean, if I look around at all, there are a lot more guys worth drooling over than him.

Like this one guy who sat next to me during lunch hour. He was cute, though he did smell bad. And all we did was talk about the science fair. Sure, that’s what I’m dreaming for in a guy. NOT.

So what? Why? Why the hell am I getting all worked up over a guy who’s so perfect yet so imperfect in so many ways? I just can’t understand how I can hate someone so much. He just drives me mad to a point that it’s actually senseless, but get real. What is it about him that I can’t pinpoint?

Look at him. He absolutely loves the attention he gets. He’s so full of himself. Really. I would want to see the day wherein he’s not the one being followed around. Hah. I’d want to see how he’d take that. Stupid, stupid, stupid good-looking guy. How I loathe him. I abhor him. No, that’s not enough. The right word- what’s deeper than abhor? I can’t even think right! It’s all so anno-

“Hey. Go out with me.” A voice rang through my head for the millionth time and I felt like throwing a tantrum as I turned to stare at the guy I’ve loved for years already.

“Whatever. Go jump out of the window or something.” I answered bitterly before I grabbed my books and walked away from him.

That’s right. I remember now. That’s absolutely the reason why I don’t understand. Because the one guy I hate the most is the one guy I’m madly, deeply, truly in love with.

Only he doesn’t know that.

I LOVE SOMEBODY, BUT HE DOES NOT KNOW

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By Clarisse Anne Changco Dacanay
IV-Michael Faraday


He is the one. After seeing him for the first time, I said to myself that he is the perfect guy. He is the missing piece to my puzzle, the note that ended my unfinished lullaby and the rainbow that brought color to my dull life. But as I stared at him for quite some time, I realized that he had not taken even the slightest notice of me. I then understood that I did love somebody, but he does not know.

I love somebody, but he does not know. We coexist in our tiny world and every day we walk past each other. We were like strangers not minding the other person walking by. But every time we walk past each other, I feel my heart about to explode. But as for him, I was not even noteworthy.

I love somebody, but he does not know. Every day as I look at his face, I see an angel sent from above. His angelic smile and his velvet voice make my heart melt. Just seeing him makes my day complete. But I knew that as I took in even the slightest details of his face, he didn’t even know what mine looked like.

I know that maybe someday, he would know me. He would take notice of me and remember my face. I knew that there would also come a time when we will walk past each other and he would greet me and smile at me. I know that there would come a time when he would also remember me and what I looked like. But for now, I know that I love somebody, but he does not know. I know, but he does not know.

FOUND PIECES

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By Driesch Lucien Rabi Cortel
IV - Albert Einstein


Have you ever felt like missing something yet not knowing the one you are missing?

Before I found these pieces, I did not know these are the ones I have been missing though I know something is lacking in me, it has not struck me that these were the pieces I have been searching the world for. They are like special gifts you get as you go through the long winding road of life. They are special in a sense where all of the pieces have its own uniqueness that never fails to amaze me or even make me laugh. They are not that extraordinary but I can surely say that they are all unique in their own remarkable ways. They are not perfect but I would not dare trade any treasure in the world for them.

I went through several hurdles before I finally realized that they were the ones I have been missing. Our simple laughter and giggles together were as priceless as all the riches in the whole world combined. They could give you their corniest jokes and make you laugh like there is no tomorrow that is why I could share the eternity of nothingness with them jut to have fun with ourselves and to laugh with our silly acts and childish stunts. They are always there to help me in times of my troubles and they are always there whenever I need someone to share my ridiculous mood. They are the ones that I tell most of my secrets. They are the ones that appreciate my flaws. They are the ones I love to hang around with. They are all my partners in crime whether there are problems or just to have some fun fun.

I am ecstatically thankful that the pieces I found perfectly fill the hallow spaces of my being. These enigmatic twists of fate that made me stumble upon these matchless pieces, I believe, are made by the wondrous hands of God. I am very grateful to be around these incomparable beings. I think I will never ever find anything like these ones again that is why I am praying that God will never let me loose these pieces that I have now. I am wishing that I will be having these pieces for the rest of my life because they are not that easy to find. You have to find it not with your senses but with your heart.

YOUR VERY OWN HOLIDAY

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By Sheila Rose Mauhay Darantinao
IV - Madame Marie Curie


Holidays are days when you don’t have to go to school and grown-ups don’t have to go to work. But you have a holiday that is your very own---your birthday.

The day you were born is a very special day for you and your family. You probably celebrate this holiday with a birthday cake, perhaps with a party and by getting presents.

But, are these all that we need on our birthdays?

Well! It really doesn’t matter how we celebrate our birthday. What does matter is that your birthday is a wonderful chance for you to thank God for giving you another year to live on.

Our birthday is both a holiday and a holy day. It is also a time to look back and a time to look ahead. It is a time to make a new beginning. Another year had passed and another year to look forward to in your life.

So, if it is your birthday, begin it with a smile, go to church, thank God for everything and ask forgiveness for the wrong things you’ve done, celebrate this special day with your loved ones even without presents and party, and be sure that you’ll end your day with true happiness in your mind and in your heart.

JUST AN OPTION

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By Sheila Rose Mauhay Darantinao
IV - Madame Marie Curie


Some said that when you started learning how to love, you should also learn how to give all that you have, to offer all that you can give. But that is only according to some.

Some said that when you love, you may forget everything that you treasured for a long time before just to prove how much you love that person. You may turn your back to those who were always there for you. You may throw away your pride even your own identity just for the sake of saving your relationship. But that is only according to some.

And some said that we really have to believe all those written above because true love comes only once, and so we have to take care of it and not let it vanish in just a moment. But that is another according to some.

Well. I can say that the things written above are just applicable to those who are also loved by their loved ones. But, how about those who suffered a lot in the name of love? Those who learned to gave their all and receive nothing but heartaches. Those who learned to forget everything for that special someone and in the end that special someone also learned how to forget him/her. Those who threw away his/her everything but then he/she has also been thrown away. How about those persons? How about them?

I believe that love should be a give and take relationship. And that when we love, we have to save some for ourselves.

So, whatever situation you are in right now, always remember that when you learn how to love someone you still have to love yourself. Never turn your back to those who stand beside you during your ups and downs. They are the ones who can give you the true love you are looking and longing for. And yes, true love comes only once but if a relationship really did not work out then maybe it really wasn’t meant to be. Maybe true love is still to come.

Keep on believing. Keep on holding. Keep on fighting. But always remember this: “Never let someone be your priority while you let others treat you just their option…”

PARADISE - WHAT MY HEART HAD LONGED FOR

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By Sheila Rose Mauhay Darantinao
IV - Madame Marie Curie


Paradise - What My Heart Had Longed For

There was this certain point in my life that I started thinking what if I never grew up? What if, all throughout, I will always be a child? A child who is innocent of the things around him or her. A child who really never cares as long as he or she will be able to buy this toy or what. A child who doesn’t mind all the pain and hurt as long as he or she had a lollipop or an ice cream. A child who always thought that this world is like a paradise.

When I was a child, I used to cry out loud when my mother would not allow me to go outside. But now, how I wish I never learned to face this kind of world.

When I was a child, all I wanted were chocolates and toys. But now, I cannot even determine what I really want.

When I was a child, all I needed was story telling to make me sleep at night. But now, even if I read hundreds of fairy tales, I find it hard to sleep well.

How I wish I could turn back the time, the time when I was still a little girl. The time when all my wounds could be healed by my mom. The time when all the pain and hurt could be replaced by happiness simply by having a chocolate or a candy. The time when all I knew was that this world is a perfect place to live on.

But, in our world today, I do not know if I could still sleep well every night hearing all those cries from the children in Mindanao. If I could go outside without burden and doubt that someone would shot me from out of nowhere. If I could still wish something for myself thinking of all those people suffering from different places.

Every time I think of those scenarios, I cannot stop my heart from breaking into pieces. But what can I do? All I can do is dream and wish that sometime, somewhere in the future, we will still have a world that we can call a “safe” place to live on. That its people will no longer suffer but will just feel the happiness within them. That my eyes would be happy seeing those children playing and laughing instead of crying and suffering all the pain and hurt from their environment.

How I wish those dreams of mine would all come true. And, I hope that my heart will be given the chance to see the paradise that had been seen by my eyes when I was still a child.

A EULOGY TO LOLA DOLI

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By Lavinia Lyka Lim Lopez
IV - Michael Faraday


Why do people have to go? Why do people need to leave especially the ones that are close to our hearts? Death…Death is an inevitable painful part of life. Our love ones are going to a better place but why are we still sad? For the fact that we will never be able to hug them, feel their warm body and show our affection to them. All of us have regrets whenever someone that we love passes away. We did something wrong or did not do anything that is of significance to them.

Lola Doli…can you hear me? I wish to speak to you…

Today, I wish to speak to you… Awkward – this feeling, this urge of speaking to you…now that you are gone.

I was just a child when you passed away. I knew nothing back then that’s why the pain of you leaving me and our family hadn’t given me unbearable agony. I was so imprudent to believe that you were just trapped inside a cooking pan because you were not eating. I believed that you were coming back. Those beliefs were strengthened by the television show “Wansapanataym” in ABS – CBN. I believed those things until I was old and sensible enough to know the truth.

Nowadays, when the elders talk about you, they would always say that you were industrious, kind, patient, loving and hard – working. Even though I can hardly recall you, I have to agree to all that. You are my super lola anyway.

Even though I was a mere child when you were still alive, I can still remember your calm and angelic face. I can still remember that you are kind and that you loved me so much even though I can vaguely remember anything from our time together. I just wish that you were still here with me. I want to hug you and feel your warm touch.

I want to thank you for everything that you have done to me especially for the care and unconditional love that you have given me wholeheartedly. You are one of the greatest lolas indeed!

And now you are…in the good care of our maker. The place that I and our family want to be in living happily with God and with you. And before I end this short speech of mine, I would like to say that I love you very much. I love you lola and God rest you…

A TRUE FRIEND

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By Lavinia Lyka Lim Lopez
IV - Michael Faraday


A true friend is a person whom you can lean on. Whenever you have problems, he will always be there to help you. He will do anything possible to lessen your burdens and to see your smile. He will always be at your side to support you in all your endeavours as long as they are morally righteous.

A true friend shall be by your side through thick and thin. He will regularly be celebrating with you in parties and in feasts. He will always be next to you in your success. And in times of your failure and misery, he will stay close to you more than ever to give you support. He will be with you until hell freezes over.

A true friend will never stab you in the back. He will never reveal your deepest, darkest secret even though he is mad at you. He will never give false accusations about you whenever you have a misunderstanding.

A true friend will rectify your mistakes. He will not allow you to continue your wrongdoings for if he does that, he is not a true friend. He will point out and correct your immoral attitudes for he wants you to become a better person. He would not care a bit if you get irritated or even get mad at him for putting you back in the right track.

A true friend is a real treasure. He is the kind of treasure that never loses its shine unlike other superficial things. Without him, you would be incomplete. You would just be a car without fuel. So if you found a true friend, be sure to respect and love him for he shall surely be irreplaceable in your heart.

DO COMPUTERS SAVE ENERGY

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By Geraldine Arosa Refareal
I – Blasé Pascal


Since the birth of Makati Science High School, computer literacy has been promoted to produce ICT-oriented (Information Communication Technology) students and teachers. But, in contrast to this vision, a recent memo was signed to support energy conservation in schools and other main facilities.

It is very confusing and ludicrous that now, when we are in the midst of learning computer literacy, they promote to save the earth by conserving energy. We start to think that this is another plot to conserve the city’s fund for the Schools energy supply because of their internal plans. How can we follow said orders when it is in contrast of what we are working for?

You may say that it is not at all a bad thing because we really need to preserve excess energy. We may agree with you, if that’sthe case. But there is a different problem. Our nation is in the course of progress through technology. How can you conserve energy at a time like that? A time wherein The Robotics Olympiad is in session, you will cut off electricity just to conserve and save that supply for another time? How about when students are having classes in ICT? Will you sacrifice their time for another day?

Do computers save energy? Do the lights we use or the fans, laboratory tools, audiovisual aids (television) save energy? Well, no. because we actually use them for important purposes, like learning. Will you surrender the education of young students just because of money conservation?

Here in MakSci, there are many needs to be fulfilled with only the use of modern technology. Only tasks that are done with complicated machinery. These are the times where energy conservations aren’t necessary. We might as well stand up for the times where it is really needed to be promoted.

All in all, as we sum up, energy conservation for the schools is partially not a bad thing if done right, but we might as well sacrifice a hundred kilowatts if it also done right.

A MASK OF CONTENTMENT

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By Samantha Grace Ignacio Cruz
II-Robert Hooke


To mask out one's fears is a great feat. To wear the mask proudly, and to conceal all things real inside, is a horrific thing to do. Once a person takes the mask that was vigilantly carved for himself, who knows when it will ever fall and show his true face again?

My mask has always been that of happiness. When people see me, they see me in high spirits. They think I go through life with not a care in the world and untroubled. Yeah right, like things are ever like that for me. What does it take for true happiness? How do other people seem to have it so naturally? Because when people see me satisfied, that is not my true face. It is only the mask I wear to liberate the pain inside the chambers of my heart.

I envy the people who are truly and genuinely happy. It is true that I have worn this mask for such a ling time now, that one might think I have learned to make it become a part of me. But no, it is still another being apart from mine. It is still unknown and strange to me. It is hard. It is hard not to show the torment I feel inside. I know that if I do so things will only grow so much worse. Not only for me but for the people I love.

I learn to be strong in everyday. It is what keeps me holding on, the force that helps me pick up that mask and cover me completely, letting others believe that it is me. It hurts to keep this wretched feeling inside. It is like locking myself inside a cell full of hungry beasts, and throwing out the key. But I would prefer it this way. I prefer this than to see just a hint of sorrow on the eyes of those I love.

I am fully aware that they get hurt when they see me hurt. That is why I keep picking up that mask, even though it scars me more every time I put it on. That is why I keep motivating myself to do this, to be the person that would make those I truly treasure genuinely happy.

Will I ever learn to make that mask become a part of me, and not just my second skin? Will I ever learn to be truly happy and not just make it my escape? Will I ever learn to achieve the state of being I want to be in?

Maybe it will take long, maybe it won't even happen. Maybe as I try, I’ll lose myself even more. Maybe it will be the greatest mistake I make. But then, while I find the answers to these questions, I would force myself to wake everyday and learn to pick up that mask and wear it, with as little hesitation as possible.

WHEN TO LET GO

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By Samantha Grace I. Cruz
II-Robert Hooke


I try to forget you but I can't. I wipe my invisible tears. I get up and pretend to move on. Loving you was splendid as it happened, now it's just a mere memory

As I look back, I cannot believe we actually lasted so long. And then over the most irrational reasons, we called quits. Ok fine, I was the one who backed out, but it doesn't mean I'm not hurt as much as he is.

Letting go seemed, for me, the better choice, the better path to take. I was not happy, he wasn't too. But we were so afraid to let go, and we kept clinging on to that train wreck of a relationship we had. It was not fair for both of us. We said we still loved each other, I guess, but who really knows anything about love?

I guess the thing we then called love was just mere infatuation. You know how people get carried away because of what they feel sometimes. What we thought was great was not so. It was not the many a splendid thing we thought we were treasuring.

During our last few moments being together, we always fought and bickered. But eventually, we would patch things up; one of us would eventually give in. Then, suddenly, I ended things. During that time we did not even have a problem; things were going smoothly. But at that time I realized that if I do not let go now, when will I ever have the courage to do so again? So I took a deep breathe and said the words you now know so well. We were both hurt, but then again, it was for the better, and that was what I had to do. It was not only for me, but for the both of us.

I do not however, regret that experience. It still taught me so much, now I know what I want, I know the limitations I allow myself. I learned control. I learned to give with nothing to expect in return. I learned to be myself and I learned acceptance. I know that he will treasure it too.

Even though things did not turn out great, and even though what I actually gained a lot from was not the real kind of love, it was still good. I still treasure it, regardless of what I say out loud at times.

Of course when I am asked, I always pretend not to care. I pretend I do not miss him. I pretend I do not know anything. I pretend I do not think about him. Because hey, it is easier to say that I do not care, rather than saying I do, followed by a series of questions and answers.

So did I make the right choice of cutting the bridge between us? Did I make the right choice to let go? I don't know. I don't know because it's made us both unhappy and hurt. But it's the only thing I can do. How can I let our relationship go on when it's not even real? How can I let it go on when it will just ruin us even more? Love just tears us apart, so it may be best for us to go our own ways.

Maybe we are just not ready, and when the time comes that we are, who knows? It might work out, and it might be what we craved for- a many splendid thing.

I AM ALL RIGHT

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By Francesca Gabrielle Rodriguez Trinidad
IV-Albert Einstein


Smile. Smile, I tell myself. Breeaathe. Breeaathe. Smile. And pretend everything is great. Pretend...

I have this skill, you know. Perhaps one of my most precious defense mechanisms: To make people believe that things are fine and dandy and oh-so-swell. Well, yeah, I am the optimistic and perky type but even in my most down days I find myself still capable of being extra bubbly, putting up this facade that even I tend to be fooled and convinced. I smile a genuine smile, and laugh the way I always do - unguarded and loud. Like, ok, I have no troubles. I am good at it. It is not that I am fake. It is just that I do not want to be a vacuum. The type that sort of sucks people into a black hole without a moment's notice. I do not want to be the person to bring rain clouds on a leash and "share" it with others. I am not built that way. I was taught to be strong, to hold my head up high, to shed a tear, and say "tomorrow will be better". Yes, tomorrow WILL be better but how about today?

My closest friends know I am no tough cookie or an emotionless freak. I break down. I cry. I lose hope. I fall. But maybe it is not my part to play - the drama queen or superhero or all-around-"it"-girl-who-the-world-cries-for - maybe I have bagged the role of sidekick. You know, the one who will slap your tear-stained face and give you a wake-up call with a complimentary reality check. I am like that. I would rather be like that. I chose to be like that. I want to be the one who will make people feel better or even reconsider their situation. Often forgetting me. Because it is better. I tend to forget my failures, my disappointments, my frustrations, which is better - way better.

Call me escapist. Call me coward. That is the way I am. I think I am brave that way. I think I am stronger that way. But you know what? It feels good to know that there is one less "sad" person for now.

Smile to self. Smile to self. My constant reminder. Maybe if I smiled enough, it will all just simply slide. I wish.

I am good. I am all right. I am. I really am. Because if I believed enough then maybe it will happen.

I know. I live in a world where everyone has a role with their great elaborate scripts. But maybe this time, even for a while, I am throwing in my manuscripts and demanding a break from the director, whoever he may be.

I wipe the smile off my face and heave a sigh. Silence can be most comforting.