Never surrender.

"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going."

     At first browse to this quote will make you reread it, since it is difficult to find out what it wants to imply us. So, I read it again..and again...and again...but still couldn't get the message. And so I decided to seek help from my mother. She interpreted the phrase. Finally, I understood its connotation. She said, it means that; the more complicated situations are, the more will the sturdy ones devote their efforts to fulfill those challenges.

     This made me think. Can I consider myself sturdy? Do I surrender at challenges easily? Am I wise enough to solve the problems and trials that come to my life? Am I tough?

     Sometimes, I want to ignore these kinds of stuffs. But I can't because no one could ever dictate what and when will those situations transpire our lives. So I just continue my everyday-living and face those hardships. Whenever I fall, I stand up. If I have difficulties in those situations, I do not think twice to approach my friends, family, and of course, God, whom I know will always be there to support and reach-out their hands for me to stand up again.

Para Sa'yo.

     Before I push through with the happenings that I, I mean, "we", together with my best buddy slash partner slash ginoo, Michael Nangca, during the Math Festival, let me tell you first some of the things that happened before the event...

     I really wasn't expecting to be chosen as the representative of the third year level for the G. at Bb. Sipnayan. In fact, I neither felt nervous nor felt excited on the upcoming program because on the first place, my name wasn't even called during the time when our Math III teacher, Ma'am Juliet Arceo, announced the contestants for each category. Then the thought that ran out to my mind was like; YES! As far as I could remember, this would be the first time in my entire student career that I could do anything during a school affair. That I'd just sit back, relax, think of nothing, and enjoy the show. Haha! BUT, my scheme was a total failure. Mrs. Arceo called me and Michael, had a little conversation, and the next thing I knew, me and my bbf were partners. Wow, talk about having a good-looking partner like HIM. Ca-chaw! Haha ;)

     We were given a week to prepare for the pageant. We asked one of my classmates, Mavi Pinpin, to help us in choreographing for our talent. She did not fail us. We practiced the steps for only about three days, I think. We were going well until Ma'am Arceo told us that having one presentation for the talent portion of us two is not permitted. In that case, Michael presented himself to perform another talent but would still accompany me during the dance, our dance.

     November 26, 2011. Saturday. That day was special. It was the day when Michael finally met my family, since we decided to buy our attires together at SM Bacoor for us to have pairing vestments. Well, that added my determination to face the challenge.

     November 29, 2011. Tuesday. The Math Festival. That morning, I needed to prepare myself for the afternoon event. My adviser, Ma'am April Berganos, accompanied me to a parlor to get my hair fixed, together with Ainah Salcedo, since she needed a make-over as well for she would be going up on stage for the presentation of the Kings and Queens. We arrived at the school just in time for the presentation of the junior level. They introduced themselves to the whole campus. Good thing I got the chance to watch them cause Michael was one of the contestants. Then we went to the parlor again, and then return to school with those curlers on top of my head.

     Lunch. I was still not eating. I got bored, so I decided to check my partner what he's been up to. I caught him practicing in their room for his presentation. I hanged-out with him and his classmates for the mean time. When I was about to leave, Michael insisted to come along with me, then we left the campus. It took for about an hour till my hair was finished, then we went back. As usual, we ate lunch together. We were both nervous, yet excited.

     The time had come. This is it, the main event. The pageant. It started with the Casual Wear. We were both wearing red checkered polo. Followed by the Talent Portion. His talent was singing and playing the guitar. When he was about to start, he told in front of the crowd that he's devoting the song Para Sa'yo for me. I was stunned that time. I wasn't expecting him to sing for me. :'> Mine was the dance. Everyone was screaming! Last was the Question and Answer Portion, where we wore our semi-formal attires. Then finally, the awarding.

     Though I didn't won 1st Place like Michael, still, what's important is that we experienced having each other as partners in a pageant like this and also, we had a lot of fun. This will now be included under my " Unforgettable Moments " with him.

To love and back.

Dear shepherd,

        I can see your effort in trying your best to amaze me and to get me pleased on every thing you would like to offer me. I appreciate those things, thank you. But words aren't enough to make me go with you and be your love. You see, things are just things. One can make his or her love ones love him or her in return, even without the use of those things.

        I'm sorry to say this but, I do not accept your offer. Honestly, I'm not in favor on your point of view to make someone love you the same way you love them. You could never dictate somebody who do not love you. Do not control others' feelings. It may lead to suffering. Either you, who receives love from the one you love but not getting real love, or the person you love, who becomes your "Pinocchio" because of your strings. Or worst, experience a miserable future. I can assure you, if this would happen, your life wouldn't be as happy as you thought it would be.

        Also, I would like you to know that in the first place, I'm already seeing somebody. I may be single, but my heart already belongs to him. He, who greets me "Good morning." everyday. Who texts me "Ingat!" whenever I am on the road. He, who did not offer me things that are impossible reach, rather promises to stay with me and will take care of me forever. He, whom I love and back.

        Again, I am truly sorry. I know right now, you may be crying, but if you really love me, you would let me go and be happy, otherwise I would be the one crying. Do you want that to happen? I have a great feeling that you wouldn't do that, would you? So with this, I might as well say thank you. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

PS. Don't worry. We could still be friends ;')

Sincirly yours,

A student

Powercard.

     I wasn't expecting to join our school fieldtrip this school year; it's because of our contest at General Trias, Cavite - Provincial Meet, which was, unfortunately, also during the fieldtrip. But, all thanks to Ate Mary, who was my partner in the doubles division, insisted to join the fieldtrip, will not be around at that day. So, because of that, I decided to join the trip as well.

Me and Mavi

      Our first stop was in Science Discovery located inside the SM Mall of Asia. I discovered a lot of weird, but at the same time, cool stuffs inside it. After that, we were authorized to eat our lunch at the MOA. I almost got lost of not having any companion because, at first, I was with Mavi, but she had different plans, so I was left alone. Luckily I saw my fellow III-F girls, and I decided to join them. But then, when we passed along Chowking, I saw Sheila, Alexis and Eyo inside, having their lunch. So I sat with their group instead. There, I was the only third year student because when it comes to our school, everyone inside the restaurant was first years, second years, fourth years, and teachers. Well, that's a lucky start..

     Second stop, The Myth of the Human Body. As soon as we arrived at the exhibit, a long line comes out of nowhere. I was thinking that we would be at the end of the line, (if "end" there exist), not until our tour guide got our attention and led us straight inside the media room. There, we watch a short film which talks about fertilization. After the film, we went to the main place where we could see the plasticized human bodies, either from an old man, a teenager, a child, a baby, or even a fetus. Everything was magnificently incredible! Their bones, muscles, organs, etc. Fascinating.

Mavi and Me

     Third destination, Kulturang Pinoy in Taguig. Our bus showed up just on time for the first batch of our school to enter the place. It was sizzling hot at the open ground, but when we reached the venue, the hot surroundings that was 'caused by the rays of the sun, and the dusts that covered our face was all worth it. We were very much entertained by the hosts, dancers and the musicians that awaken our drowsy body. We were even asked to join them in front and dance with them. HAHA!

Buses 5, 8 and 10

     On our way to MOA, the others requested to stroll along Luneta Park even just for a short period of time, since we won't be going to Rizal Lights and Sounds due to renovation, according to the teachers. But, we third years decided not to go outside, considering the fact that most of us already went there for many times before, rather than roaming around the park. And there, we sat still on our seats, waiting.

     Last stop, SM MALL OF ASIA!!! We went back to MOA not for any other educational purposes, but for FUN FUN and lots of FUN! So every student of Cavite National Science High School, teachers as well, were scattered all over the place. You can see boys at the computer cafes, girls and teachers at the department store, enthused sophomores strolling on the ice scatting range, crazy seniors riding in the Ferris Wheel, and of course, every school kid's all been wanting for, National Book store, and many many many more!

     I was with Mavi the whole day, but this time, Michael accompanied me. He was with Ave Joe and Frann. And because I was with boys at that time, we all decided to go to Timezone. As far as I can remember, I think I already spent P100.00 just for playing. At first, I was the one holding our Timezone Powercard where our points are stored. I kept it in my bag, put it outside when needed, hand it over to Michael when he wants to use it, give it back to me, put it again inside my bag, and so on. Michael got hungry, but the other two was still busy playing, so we decided to sneak outside and leave them. HAHA xD

     We went along the Food Court, headed for McDonalds, but we cannot locate it, so we just went back to the Food Court. We grab ourselves something to eat. We bought shawarma and got each of us a glass of fruit shake. Not so full, we left the place. Walking. We passed by Odyssey, entered, looked around, saw nothing important, went back outside. Walking, again. We spotted another noticeable store. Bear Cuddler. There he picked a simple but cute dressed bear. ;)

     Time after time, my parents where asking me for an update, whether if we already went home or something like that. But our adviser instructed us that we would be departing the place at 8:30 pm. So, I told that to them. But then, I was confused 'cause when I asked Michael about their adviser's instruction, he said they would be meeting at 7:30 pm or so. And since we really don't know what's right, we settled our argument by going back to the meeting place before 7:00 pm.

     We spotted only a few numbers of Sayanistas sitting by the stairs at the meeting place, so we still have time to stroll around near places since we arrived there very early. We got bored passing along stores, until we saw a dark area, which I want to call "tunnel" lol, headed towards the movie theater. We crossed the "tunnel" together, making sure that no one will notice us, or so we know. The truth is, we entered that place because of one thing... We got no place to go. HAHAHA. We went back and forth. Jumping around. Having fun at that quiet place. But for me, it feels like we were in a different room. Only the two of us. Where we're like kids going astray.

      We stayed there just for a while, and then head back near Racks. Our journey made us exhausted, so this calls for a bottle of water. We bought one by the near store then sat by the post near the others. I also enjoyed this part, where we just sat together, view the stars in the night sky, and shared stories..

     Time passed. Students and teachers arrived respectively. When there were many students waiting at the place, we were planning to separate. But before we truly break our togetherness, he handed me the paper bag where the bear we bought was. I thanked him for that gift. :> Then, his bus came. Ours also. And so we went home.

Me and Michael

     On our way home, I was thinking about the things that happened during the day. THEN! I remembered something. Something very upsetting. Due to my negligence and clumsiness, can't remember where I placed the only thing that I thought would serve as a token for that unforgettable trip. The Powercard! Oh my.. I think I lost it. It was lost! As in, L-O-S-T, LOST! Ugh...

Andres Bonifacio

Brave as he could be,

Won battles for our country,

Andres, our hero.

Second parents.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
William Arthur Ward

     It's World Teacher's Day! People all over around the world celebrate this special day. This is the right time for us students, to thank them for everything that they have done for us, their advices, stories shared, knowledge, patience, understanding, support and most of all, those precious times that they have spent for teaching us and those tireless moments being with us for 10 months. No other person could ever do such outstanding work just to let their students learn. They deserve this special celebration for everyone to realize that all their teachers' exhaustion and weariness is offered for us to be successful in our future.

     I know, time will come that we have to say goodbye to our beloved teachers. But even though we only spent about a quarter of our life with them still, I'll miss them cause they have been a part of my life. Thank you, Teachers! We salute you.

~o~

"You must be sick of seeing me
All this time--five days a week.

I'll just cut to the chase and say
thanks for everything, Teach!"

mtys.com

 

Our Career.

     Third year level students all over around the Philippines were required to take the National Career Assessment Examination. This test was given to the students to help them pick for their course in college. I do agree that this was a very good idea, since I am one of the juniors during this school year who still doesn't thought of what course to take in college, yet. And I also believe that this would really help a lot of high school students.

     I am happy taking exams like this because we only took it for about half the day, and also because we don't need to use our brains too deeply cause most of the test asks only what we would like to do for our future, except for the other subjects included of course. Some of the questions there were, "Are you fond of dancing, singing, acting, etc?", "Do you enjoy cooking?", "Do you like painting, drawing, etc.?", then we just only have to pick Not at all, Little, Much, or Very Much.

     Even if others find the examination very boring, honestly, I had fun taking it. Now, I can't wait to go to college, hahaha.

Evergreen.

     Most of us mistaken bamboos as trees. Well, it's actually a kind of grass but it is famous because of its characteristics of being tall and thin, and it has many uses that contribute a lot of help to our community. Its leaves serve as food to some animals. Its trunk may be made into huts, small cages, furnitures, or even simple handicrafts, and a whole lot more. Also, the whole plant itself may serve as habitat for the wild life.

     Through these observations, I can consider myself as a bamboo. I share my friends the blessings I have, just like the leaves of the plant. I also offer myself to help others to make their work easier.

     One unique characteristic of the bamboo is its ability not to easily fall down in times of calamities, instead, they just sway with the wind. Just like me, I'm not the kind of girl who easily surrenders. As much as possible, I finish the tasks given to me. Successful or not, what's important is I did my BEST.

Let's take the road.

     Finally, the Sayanistas' most awaited moment had come to an action, Intramurals 2011. Thanks to Ate Chastine, the school sports club's president, with the help of the YSC members and officers, this occasion would not be pursued.

     Last Friday, first day of Intrams - The agenda started with a short program that morning. During this program, the representatives of each level for the Mr. and Ms. Physique ramped around the whole court. The cheer-dance competition was put through afterward. After that, the games began. I wasn't able to watch the morning games straight, especially the basketball boys because I was assigned to assist in the throwing events. Good thing that event was held in front of the Maliksi Building so I was able to take a peek on the game. In the afternoon, Table Tennis girls division started. I was included at that game. They let me play the singles, while our other two players, Eunice and Rachelle, played in the doubles. Michael, and some of my other batch-mates was there not just to support me, but also to support our team, Red Ferrari. Luckily, I won against the player of Blue Porsche, fourth years, and Yellow Lamborghini, second years. So to sum up, I was declared champion in that division. Whew..

     Saturday, second day of Intrams - Honestly, I went to school a little bit late that day. Hehe. That is because I was expecting that day would be slightly boring since the game where I was included was already through. Yet, I tried to make the day memorable. I watched other events with Michael and Nica. We also supported Nica when they played the Patintero and won the first rank. I was able to watch the championship of the Basketball boys as well. The three of us were together but then, Nica left so it was only me and Michael who spent the rest of the day. Then, that afternoon, there was Basketball girls! I suddenly realized that one of our players doesn't actually like to play, so I volunteered instead. Thus, I was team up with the players. We won over the Green Chevrolet, first years, but unfortunately, the Blue Porsche defeated us. And I also got not one, but two wounds in my both knees. Good thing Marcson was there, lol, the medic who assisted Ma'am May to apply first aid in the injured parts. That moment, I felt I was like a kid again because I was very unsteady before. Yet, even though I dove-without-water in the court, I still enjoyed the game. Congrats Siñors!

     I hope to have another awesome Intrams next year. Well, good luck to the next YSC president. ;)

Sonnet 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark 
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks 
Within his bending sickle's compass come: 
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, 
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

---

A. Recalling 

1. Things that love is not according to Sonnet 116.

• Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds or bends with the remover to remove.
• Love's not Time's fool.
• Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks.

   2.  Things that love is according to Sonnet 116.

• O no! it is an ever-fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken.
• It is the star to every wandering bark, whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. 

B. Interpreting

        Love is like the guiding North Star that leads every lost ship towards the right path. Whenever we are confused on which way to go or what to do, love is there to escort us to the straight course and will never let us feel solitary.

C. Extending

        I agree with the speaker's interpretation of love because Sonnet 166's explications what love is are factual and existent.