Family or Country? AOTA

As you can see, Aeneas fought his country for his family. He conquered the battle against the Greeks. And in this battle, he was with his family; his father, his wife Creusa and his son Ascanius. Almost the same with Iliad, when Andromache pleads with her husband Hector and their son Astyanax. All of these was for one reason, they fought for their country for the safety of their family. So there is no point of comparison whether to choose your family or your own land. This only proves us how a person love his family and his country and still thinks the best for everyone. Not by thinking what would happen next. Not by thinking if they would die or they will survive. They are ready for battles as soon as this will merit or result the safety of everyone.

The sufferings of wanderers

The first half of the Aeneid tells the story of the Trojans’ wanderings as they make their way from Troy to Italy. Homelessness implies instability of both situation and identity, it is a form of suffering in and of itself. As an experience that, from the point of view of the Trojans, is uncertain in every way, the long wanderings at sea serve as a metaphor for the kind of wandering that is characteristic of life in general. These individual human beings are not always privy to the larger picture of destiny, they are still vulnerable to fears, surprises, desires, and unforeseen triumphs.

The theme showed that no matter how hard Aeneas and his company faced the trials and difficulties; they still made their way to success. And no matter how many problems they've been through, they still managed to survive and they were loyal to each other as team mates. And even though some of their co soldiers died, they still didn’t lose their hope. It was amazing.

Catastrophic Fall

What would you feel if you were the one who’s fighting in the battle? How would you show all the emotions you’ve been feeling while you were in the battle fighting for your own country?  Would you be nervous? Frightened? Excited?

Me, as an ordinary student, somehow felt the sympathy that Aeneas felt while he was in the battle fighting. Of course, I would feel sad seeing my co soldiers dying, I would also feel nervous because, I can’t tell if after all the hardships, I’d still survive. But I know that they never lose hope and faith that they can accomplish all these hardships and they’ll reach success

Beautiful In My Eyes

Mona Lisa is a beautiful work of art and a famous painting of Leonardo Da Vinci. It is a half-length portrait of a woman, which has been acclaimed as "the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world."  Aspects of the painting that have been subject to speculation are the original size of the painting, whether it is the original, why it was painted, and various explanations for how the effect of an enigmatic smile was achieved.

And yes, the smile of Mona Lisa seems to be mysterious to the viewers. Scientists believed that her smile changes depending on the viewer’s eye.  In 2000, Margaret Livingstone, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School with a side interest in art history, showed that Mona Lisa's smile is more apparent in peripheral vision Movie Camera than dead-centre vision.

Whatever the smile of Mona Lisa means, still, Leonardo’ did a great job in the art industry for making such a masterpiece.

Keep Calm and Oppa III-O Style!

So christmas party's coming and as the president of the class, I lead the meeting. We talked about the things needed for the party and the food to be prepared. "So, let's talk about the food. Who wants to bring something for the party?" I asked the whole class. "I will bring pancit malabon" Genali replied. "Me, I will bring fried chicken for the whole class." Bimbo responded. "I will bring graham for dessert." Kristine answered. "So, how about for the spoon, fork, plates and glasses?" I summoned. "I guess I can bring the plates." Noreen answered. "Me, for the glasses." Miko replied. "Okay, okay, how about for the sound system? Anybody?" I asked them again. "Me, I volunteered." Von said. And they were all suggesting things and foods to bring for the party until I ended the conference.

BLOG 3. 2

Talking with Mr. A.E.

It was freezing inside and I can feel it. I’m on my much loved pink dress and sweater when I set off inside the Hard Rock Café in Makati. I sat down the chair and read a magazine. It’s already 11:22 am and the call time was 11:00 am. It seems like I’m waiting for nothing when suddenly I saw a man in front of the door. Ah, there he was. He swiftly run to me and greeted me “Good Morning, sorry if I came late”. With a smile, I responded to him the same. “Good morning Mr. Albert Einstein”, I said.

                Well, as we know Albert Einstein was known as the “Father of the Modern physics. But here in our friendly conversation, he was the “Father of Advices” for me. Instead of talking many things about science, he taught me many lessons about life, friendship, family and love. I asked him many stuff and he told me some of these things;” A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”, “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”, and “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love”. I really learned so much from him. And now I think I understand everything more than it seems to be.

                It was a well done afternoon and a moment of time that I will never forget ever in my life. Before he leave, he told me “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning”.

BLOG 3.4

The Gate of Weakness

It was dark and cold as I entered the gate. There, I saw a man standing and he seems waiting for me. He was Dante Alighieri. He said that he will guide me throughout the journey. On the arch of the gate, it was written there, “The Gate of Achilles’ Heel”.

                After the gate, I saw  pink stairs. It seems that it’s leading something to the end. And it’s a light.

As we stepped on the first stair, we found out people who were in one line. Ah, these were the rule violators. These were the students who obey the rules of the school. Specifically, those persons who don’t wear their proper uniform, who always forgot to bring their I.D and for those who don’t use white socks. This was guarded and guided by Sir Tom.

Then, Dante and I moved on through the second step. Here, I saw people whom their hands were on their chest. Then, I realized that these were the late comers.  These were the students who come at school at almost 7:00 o’clock in the morning. This was guarded by Ma’am Pareja.

On the third step, I noticed people who were whispering and murmuring. And Dante told me that these were the students who don’t speak English at all times while still inside the campus. This was guarded by Ma’am Lenny.

On the fourth step, I saw people working. All of them have their own specific task. And then I realized that these were the irresponsible students. Those were the students who don’t pass their projects on time or those who don’t make their home works. This was guarded by Ma’am Orsal.

On the fifth step were the bullies. These were the students who tease their classmates for senseless reasons or made any forms of bullying. This was strictly guided by Ma’am De Vera.

On the sixth step were the cheaters, those students who were cheating on exams, on their home works, seat works, etc. this was guarded by Sir Ces.

On the last step, Dante and I saw the lazy students. They were lying on the ground. These were the students literally don’t pass all their requirements on school.

After the long journey, Dante and I saw a light and we went through it.

BLOG 3.3

Less than three

Here I stand with an empty heart

Every time I see you it fills me up

People fall in love not knowing why or how

You just love no matter how stupid you become

I still remember the day you surrender

It was on the twenty first of September

The day when you told me you like a girl

Had I known that I was the one you admire

You once told me you love me, wish it was sincere

‘Cause we were just kids; we can’t say it’s for real

But I admire you for your courage, the way you told me that

Not before I knew, I felt the same way as you are

We were so young and invincible

Maybe it’s just “Puppy Love” as what they call

Nevertheless, your beauty overwhelms me

It’s simple yet it appeals me

Your smile effortlessly captures my spirit

But I like it more when I’m the reason behind it

Your eyes control my nerves; great passion fills my inner being

Forever frozen in time, All else fades into nothing

Your kindness simply turns me on

Your patience, truthfulness and sense of humor

Your attitude and personality

Was superbly okay with me

I like the way you move every time

The way you sing and dance is just awesome

I love the melody you play through your guitar

So many reasons why you’re the one I admire

Some have a lifetime, some just a day

Love isn’t something you measure that way

Nothing’s ever forever, forever’s a lie

All we have is between hello and goodbye

I’m just glad we met and became friends for some time

Thanks for the memories that made me frown and smile

Yes, I love you with all my heart

You've been my inspiration right from the start

God’s timing is perfect

Never too early, never too late

It takes a lot of patience

But it’s worth the wait

If Youre Not The One Nikki

My Teacher, My Hero: Teachers bring the world into view

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. From the humble beginnings of our successful lives, there has been a certain kind of person directing us through the brighter future that we have all desired. This person is and will always be a part of our life while we live. And this individual, so blessed with knowledge and wisdom, is our teacher. “The real heroes are the librarians and teachers who at no small risk to themselves refuse to lie down and play dead for censors.” ― Bruce Coville

Since preschool, elementary school and now, high school even in college, teachers have been always there for us. They have taught us everything from the way we read, write, count, and many more. Teachers are not just ordinary persons, but they are real heroes. Everyone can be a hero. Not by just having super powers then be labeled as a hero. Teachers also inspired us a lot. Not by just studying but by learning how to go on with the flow of life.

And there’s this teacher whom I consider special to me. She is my third year adviser, Mrs. Louella Riego De Dios- Malimban. I call her “Maam Lucky”. Maam Lucky have taught me many things and inspired me a lot. She never gets tired of giving advices to me and the other members of the class. She does not act only as a teacher but as a great adviser also. Her encouraging words helped us to pursue more and study harder. Her motivating advices made us realize many things about life. She always tells us to be positive in every way. And for me, she is my teacher and my hero.

~~I LOVE MAAM LUCKY 5EVAH~~ 

INFORMAL THEME NO 2.7 "My Teacher, My Hero: Teachers bring the world into view "

To be or not to be

To be or not to be that is the question

Everything we do lies in our decision 

Still the choice is in our hands

Be ready to face the consequences and outcomes

Life is a mystery, be ready for changes

To be or not to be, that's how life is

We are given so much options

Its time to pick the right choice

To be or not to be, yes it's tough

Think all over if they are worth it or not

Sometimes mind over heart doesn't matter

In times, they should always be fair

INFORMAL THEME NO 2.6 To be or not to be

Mistakes are part of being a human

 Errors? Mistakes? Imperfections? Faults? That's just part of being a person. Everybody make mistakes. As what Albert Einstein said; “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.
No one has a perfect life. Everybody commits errors. 

Like in the famous masterpiece of William Shakespeare, which is the Comedy of Errors. This story had taught me three lessons. First is that, everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to not make the same mistake twice. Second is, sometimes what you're looking for is already right in front of you. That sometimes what you're searching for isn't as far away as you think it is. And lastly, When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.

"Smart people learn from their mistakes. But the real sharp ones learn from the mistakes of others." Still, we must not be afraid to commit errors. It's just part of our lives. Also is, 

INFORMAL THEME NO. 2.5 Mistakes are  part of being a human

One step ahead

       Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself. We all know how education can contribute so much to our lives. It;s the key to every career we choose. And picking the path of where I want to go seems to be the toughest.

       I am not so familiar with what they call "NCAE" o National Career Assessment Examination. They said that it can help students know in what job do they fit in. And as a third year high school student, I think NCAE is a great help for students who still don't know what career to choose. It's not a waste of time or paper. It can help students who have no idea of what course will they get in college.

       But still, let us remember that the choice is within our hands. We are given options and it's up to us to pick the course that we are really into. Somewhat of our interest and the ting we love to do the most.

INFORMAL THEME NO 2.4 One step ahead

Red Bayern: For The Win

“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” - Michael Jordan. Intramural sports or intramurals are recreational sports organized within a set geographic area. As a scholar of Cavite National Science High School, Intramurals have proved that Sayanistas are not only good at academics and theater acts but in the field of sports too. Intramurals help students like us showcase different sports of which we are the best and of our own interest. It also helped us to be fit and healthy.

Having Intramurals in our school is exciting not because of having no classes but of developing sportsmanship, building up leadership, having fun and performing teamwork at all the tasks ahead of us. Sports also enhance our thinking ability in making plans.

By the last week of August, we successfully conducted the Intramurals 2012 in our school. And it was a fun and memorable thing to remember. Even though we were not the champions this year, I can say that we did our best, it was just not enough. We owe it to ourselves to be the best we could possibly be – in sports and in life.

INFORMAL THEME 2.3 " Red Bayern: For The Win "

Lingua Franca

Language is either the specifically human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication, or a specific instance of such a system of complex communication. But what is language for me? Language is the key of communication. It is the best way to talk or converse with others who live in the same land or country. Some thinks why we need to practice the foreign language if we have our own. There is a big fight between the ‘Fluency of Foreign Language and Mastery of your Mother Tongue’. 

For me, I would choose the mastery of my own language rather than the fluency of foreign language. Because how can you be fluent with other languages if you can’t master your own language itself.  And if we, ourselves know our own language that much, and then wherever we go, we will be able to communicate with other citizens well. As the quote goes “Ang pagmamahal para sa isang karaniwang wika ay ang puso ng nagmamahal para sa kapaligiran ng bansa.” We should love our own language because it’s one of the best things to be proud of.

INFORMAL THEME 2.2 "Lingua Franca"

Infinity

“Let’s play a game. Forget me for one day, do things that will keep you busy, indulge yourself, and never think of me. If you lose then I’ll break up with you.”

I was shocked. What kind of game was that? Is he serious? That was piffle; those superfluous words he said sank through my very own heart. I didn’t know what to do after then. I agreed to everything he said. That’s how I love him so much. But what I didn’t understand was why did it have to be like this? I didn’t even know what the price is if I would win. Adrian was my boyfriend for almost 5 years then he would think like this. He smiled at me and said “You can do it, babe” then he left.

I was alone in the depot. I acquiesce his challenge and left too. When I arrived home, I quickly moved into my room. Still, thinking of what had happen. Those words were running through my mind like tautology. I looked into my cupboard, and got my mobile phone. I have not received any texts from him. I almost cried. Was he really serious? But why? Then I think to myself, I should not bother myself about that for it was only a game.

I ran downstairs and went to the kitchen and find something to eat. As he said, do things that will keep me busy. I found a parfait and guzzle them hastily. Then I quaff 5 bottles of beer. I was so crazy then. I became garrulous and conspicuous. My mother arrived and asked me what happened. Since, I was out of my mind; I suddenly fell on the floor taciturnly.

I woke up late in the morning, seeing myself on the bed. I lay down again. Then my mother called me. I ran off the stairs and she told me that I am the assignee in going to the market to buy some foods. I fixed my hair and because I am a stubborn one, I rode on a motorcycle to go to the market. As I was strolling through the market, I saw Adrian’s babushka along the way. I stopped, and she asked me, if I knew already what happened to Adrian. She was crying. I was lost in words. I don’t know what to say for we’re not communicating for one day. All of a sudden, his mother arrived and they went already.

I left home so worried. What had happen to him? Oh, God help me.

Then I woke up in the morning, my mother was in front of my room. Her face was full of sadness and I didn’t know why. I went to her and ask her what happened. Then she told me that Adrian died because of brain cancer. It was stage four as my mother told me. I fell on the floor; I didn’t know what to do. It’s like my world stopped for a while. I cried. Loneliness filled the whole room. Now, I knew the reason why he had to be like this all the time. Life was so unfair. I should have stay with him and spend his last hours with full of memories to remember, even for the last time. But what can I do? I chose to agreed with him. Losing him was blue, like I’d never known. Remembering him comes in flashbacks and echoes. It was tough but I need to accept the fact that he's gone. 

I went to his burial and her mother gave me a letter. It was written there, “You did it babe. Now try doing it every day. I love you” – Adrian.

INFORMAL THEME 2.1 "Infinity"

If that makes me who I am, so be it

♪♫♪ And sometimes I wonder, why we care so much about the way we look, And the way we talk and the way we act and the clothes we bought, how much that cost? Does it even really matter?

Cause if life is an uphill battle We all tryna climb with the same ol' ladder In the same boat, with the same ol' paddle ♪♫♪

Perfect in my imperfections, forthright of my flaws

Sure of my insecurities, an absolute chaos

Strong in my weaknesses, happy in my pain

Unwearied with my emotions and beautiful in my own way

Been living for fourteen years, been dreaming for forever

Had felt judgment and hatred, so what? I don’t care

Melica Ina Gloria is my name

A simple, friendly and cheerful maiden

A girl full of imagination, a woman who’ll always be a kid at heart

With my families and friends, I don’t want to be apart

They are the reason why I breathe

The reason why I smile and live

And for those who love to judge and dislike

It won’t make you perfect, won’t you stop?

There’s no room meant for you for changing me

I am who I am and will never pretend to be somebody

End of the World? NO.

Modern technology. Owes ecology. An apology. ~Alan M. Eddison

♫♪ What a wonderful world ♪♫♪

I see trees of green........ red roses too

I see em bloom..... for me and for you

And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue..... clouds of white

Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights

And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky

Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by

I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do

They're really sayin......i love you.

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow

They'll learn much more.....than I'll never know

And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky

Are there on the faces.....of people ..going by

I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do

They're really sayin...*spoken*(I ....love....you).

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow

*spoken*(you know their gonna learn

A whole lot more than I'll never know)

And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world

Yes I think to myself .......what a wonderful world.

Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations. We’ve been experiencing this environmental crisis for a long time. Too much use of technology, trees have been cut, garbage everywhere, too much energy consumption and so on. God gave us a place to live but people disobeyed him. We have the knowledge and free will to rule the world but we wasted it. And now, our Mother Nature faces the consequences.

The best way to escape a problem is to solve it. And for me the solution starts with us, because we, people have the greatest ability to unravel this problem. Let us start from changing our old and bad ways. Refrain from burning garbage, avoid the use of plastics, and stop illegal logging. Instead, let us plant more trees, reuse, reduce and recycle materials. We must also change our ghastly attitudes towards nature. We must be responsible and intelligent enough to care for our environment. Let’s always think of the possible effects whenever we do something. 

The earth we abuse and the living things we kill will, in the end, take their revenge; for in exploiting their presence we are diminishing our future. God gave us a paradise. Let us take care of it. Let us not disobey him. "Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find."  ~Quoted in Time

Comedy?

We are all used to happily ever after stories. We didn’t know that tragic stories can happen too. But with this, Let us try to make a happily ever after story with a comic relief ending. From the most trending tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, My Comic Relief starts here:

Romeo bought a vile from an old merchant. After he bought the vile, he went through the tomb of Juliet. He saw Paris crying for Juliet. And when Paris saw him coming, Paris take off his sword while Romeo, using his dagger killed Paris. After their battle, Romeo drank the vile. But, the vile he bought from the old merchant was wrong. Romeo turned into a frog. After that incident, Juliet woke up. She saw the frog and the frog went to her shoulder. Saying “Juliet, this is Romeo. I was turned onto a frog because of that vile”. Juliet replied “What? What am I supposed to do now?” Juliet, staring at the vile, thought of drinking it. So did, Juliet drank the vile and was turned into a frog also. And both of them live in the pond forever. And they live happily ever after.

If happy ever afters did exist

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite. (Romeo and Juliet, 2.2.139-41).” We all know how the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet has touched our hearts. It was among Shakespeare's most popular plays during his lifetime. Today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers. It was about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families.

For me, it was an outstanding masterpiece of Shakespeare. But I think it requires something. Me, I always love fairytales, happy endings or happily ever after. So, I was sad that Romeo and Juliet just did die in the end.  And if I was the author, my chosen finale for the story will go like this:

Paris came to the tomb of Juliet with his Page. Then suddenly, Romeo, together with Balthasar arrived. Paris and Romeo were arguing when Juliet abruptly just woke up. Paris and Romeo were shocked that they thought Juliet was dead already. And suddenly, Friar Lawrence came alone. He explained to Romeo that he gave the vial to Juliet because Juliet will be getting married to Paris. And Paris knew how Juliet love Romeo so much. So, Paris refused to marry Juliet from then. Montague, Capulet with their wives and the Prince arrived. They were all shocked at what happened. On the other hand, Capulet was very annoyed when he saw Romeo. But then, Juliet explained it to his father that he wanted Romeo to be with her for the rest of her life. And because Paris already turn down the arrangement, Capulet agreed to what her daughter wants. So, Romeo and Juliet got married and the peace in Verona was back again. 

Isn't it wonderful to read novels or stories with happy endings. It's a greater relief on the part of readers or viewers to see a happy love story. Specially when it comes to love, people are very fond of happily ever afters. 

Family: A Patchwork of Love

 

Blood makes you related, Love makes you family.

Nothing is more beautiful than a smile on loved ones’ faces. Family is the best thing you could ever wish for. It is the most important thing in the world. Family, like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain the same. Family knows everything about you. Friends/boy friends/girl friends, only know the part of you that you’re willing to show.

Having a family like mine, a simple but contented one is extraordinary. My family was the first person who’ll catch me when I fall and the one who’ll accept me for who I am. They were my heroes and greatest buddy. My friends might resolve some of my problems but it’s my family who can really find the greatest solution in all my troubles. Life is short, family is forever. Our families were the one who gives a lot of courage to fight for life. They were always there beside me whenever I rise or fall. And whenever I made mistakes, they were always ready to correct my fault. They are the one who shines with pride when I succeed, and has belief in me even when I fail. The only people who I never asked them to love me were my family because they always do.

The greatest memories in your life are your family’s memories. The time that you’re with them and proud to be happy because of their love. Never take anything for granted. Live life with the people who will never leave you. You can pick your friends but not family, so make the best of it. In the end all you’ll ever have in life is your family, so keep them close, while you still have them around.