Which is which?

BLOG #2 SECOND GRADING

Language is our way of expressing ourselves and if we are not fluent enough, how can we express our opinions and beliefs? But which is more important, fluency in English or mastery of your mother tongue?

         According to the Department of Education (DepEd), local and international studies have shown that using the language used at home (mother tongue) inside the classroom during the learners’ early years of schooling produces better and faster learners who can easily adapt to learn a second (Filipino) and third (English) language. That’s why they had a new scheme: “Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education” (MTB-MLE).

Our mother tongue is something to be proud of. It’s a part of our culture and we should never neglect it. Teaching children to speak with their mother tongue is considered beneficial. Why? It is because as they grow up, it will help them socialize with their society. Imagine a child who is a native in Cavite but does not know how to speak Tagalog. How will the child make friends with other children who only know their mother tongue? Our native language also reflects our identity as Filipinos. We show respect to elders with our language using “po” and “opo” as well as using “ate” and “kuya” whereas in other language, they are not used.

         But on the other hand, fluency in English could help us a lot. Most of the time, English is the medium used in job applications. People who are fluent in English easily get a job than the others who are not. It is also easy to socialize with other people especially foreigners if you know the language. This will make you stand out in a crowd. Not just that, you can say that most of our books are written in English. In connection with that, English language can help a lot in gathering information, making researches and learning in school. You might get wrong information if you didn’t understand what is written in the book.

           We need not to choose between the two because both of them are important. Some may prefer our mother tongue, others may like English. But what is more important is we can express ourselves. Though English is often used, one should not neglect his native language. But this does not mean that we should only focus in our native language. We all need English language. It’s just that the culture should be remembered. To end this piece of writing, I can say that DepEd did the right thing for implementing MTB-MLE wherein Filipinos will use their mother tongue as medium for teaching children in their early learning stage for it makes the children aware of Philippine Literature.

Think First

BLOG #1 SECOND GRADING

It’s 9 o’clock in the evening and I’m still here in this dark place. I vociferated a lot but no one seems to hear me. I’m too lost to be found.

 My name is Jared. I admit I’m a knave. I’m a rambunctious student. Nobody likes me. I’d been into affrays and all this time, I’m the loser. In fact, I didn’t even have a rapport with my family after a serious incident. When I was 11 years old, they found out that I have rheumatic heart disease. My mother became depressed after knowing about my illness and she died. And after that incident, I was always blamed by my father.

My father always scolds me and this time, I can’t take it anymore. Earlier, my little sister and I were playing badminton inside our house and I accidentally hit our chandelier. After 3 years, he can’t still forget what happened to my mom. The words that came out of his mouth hurt me a lot. I never felt that we were consanguineous. I can’t accept the fact that my own father by blood and by flesh tears my heart like this. He never had time for me. He was too busy working.

That’s why I ran away. And now I’m stuck in this cemetery with my grungy clothes. I’m not that brave after all. When I was still a child, I hate horror movies. I always run to my mother and hug her tight whenever I dream about hag-like women who wear their babushkas. I always go to my mother’s tomb whenever I feel bad. In fact, she had a pseudonym for me – Red. I miss my mother a lot. Her laugh was the best sound I ever heard. Though my little sister is garrulous, there was never a time that my mom asked her to be fainéant. That’s why I love my mom very much. My mother’s love for me is enow. I never felt ennui when she’s by my side.

I want to be with her. I need to be with her. In fact, I just have 2 months left. The doctor told me that my disease got worst. I read the results of my tests and clearly, it is not faitour. I will die soon. Having two more months to live is piffle. I don’t need it anymore. No one will care if I die today.

I am now holding the haft of my dagger. Before ending my life, I thought of my little sister. I hope she’ll be fine. I hope she’ll not be as coward as her brother is. I hope she’ll remember mom’s apothegms. Sorry little sister, I can’t take it anymore. I was about to kill myself when my mother’s wraith appeared. She told me not to end my life that way. “The Lord has plans for you my son. Struggles are there to make you stronger. Many people love you. You are not alone in this bumpy ride called life. Just be true to yourself and reach your dreams. Everything will be fine. Your father loves you. He just want you to learn things. Go back home my son. I love you..”

BLAG! I fell from my bed. It was a dream! I slept after crying for a long time. My mom is right, my father loves me. And after that dream, I stood up and went to my father’s office. I asked for forgiveness and gladly he forgave me. He hugged me tight and he said sorry for the things he had said. Mom is right, I shouldn’t end my life because there’s many people that need me.

Two months had passed, I’m still alive. My condition is getting better. I thank God for giving me another chance to live. I promised him that I will never try to commit suicide again. Life is the most precious gift he had given to me.

Remembering Friends

I had a dream last night,

There was a mighty knight.

He was with a group of people,

Smiling at me, showing their dimples.

The surroundings was dark and there was no light,

But when they came, it became bright.

Now I know why He is here,

He is here to give me precious gifts.

One by one, He called them by their surnames,

We shaked hands and played a game.

JM, Miguel and Gab are their nicknames,

I promised the knight that I will treasure them.

They are my second family,

Together we share moments happily.

They make me feel better when I'm sad,

They never made me feel bad.

Our story will continue to grow

With each passing day,

Because I trust that with them by my side

Everything will always be okay.

Thank you Lord for giving me best friends,

I'm hoping we'll be together 'till the end.

Thanks for the memories and the bonding,

I hope this story of us will never have an ending.

EJMIGAB ♥ You can count on me like one, two, three. I'll be there. We started our group as circle of friends and just like that circle, there's no beginning or end. 

Not just about surviving..

BLOG # 6 EMMAN JOY ANGELIC BENDO

"Ours is a finite earth. Let's accept the fact that one day, our world will come to an end."

♫♪♪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...
I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself .......what a wonderful world.♪♪♫ 

Indeed, the world is under serious threat. The many disasters the world has seen in years serve to prove that we have been living dangerously, and only a few have realized it, including us.

We have a wonderful world. That's the truth. This is the  place of our birth. Place where we learned everything, where we are continuously surviving. We're so lucky to have those vast blue seas, green meadows and cloudy skies. The problem is, we can't prevent them from changing. Today, only few of those exist. Let's accept the fact, our world is really in its dangerous state.

But it's never too late. Accept it, we're the ones to be blamed why we are experiencing these catastrophes - earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and etc. And we're the only one who can solve this problem. We can't totally save Mother Earth but at least we can say that we've done something to lessen the problem.

3Rs - Reuse. Reduce. Recycle. We've all heard this catchy phrase. The last R, recycling, tends to get all the credit. However, reducing and reusing are even more important. But for me, DISCIPLINING OURSELVES is the top tip to be followed. If we are discipline enough, we'll live harmoniously.

Let's be grateful that we have a wonderful world. Lord gave us this precious present for us to take care of it. Hand in hand, let's make this place a better one. We are running out of time, act now before it's too late. Remember, we're not saving earth to survive, it's for us to live.

Laugh or Not?

Juliet: Tomorrow is Thursday. My wedding day. I can't accept the fact that Paris thought of having me as her wife. What should I do? Aha! I need to go to Friar Lawrence.
(Juliet goes to Friar Lawrence)
Friar Lawrence: Oh Juliet, what can I do for you? I've heard the news. Oh my dearest, don't worry. Time will come and Romeo will come back. There's a right time for your love story. But at this moment, I think the solution for your problem is this vial. (Friar Lawrence gives a vial to Juliet) It is your decision if you will drink this vial or not. Remember, this is only effective for 42 hours. It will make you unconscious as if you are dead already.
Juliet: Friar Lawrence, I'll do everything for Romeo. I will sacrifice even my own life. I don't wanna be Paris' wife. I hate him. I need to go now. I think they are already looking for me.
Friar Lawrence: Godbless Juliet Capulet. May the odds be ever in your favor.
(Juliet runs and goes back to the house of the Capulets)
Juliet: Oh, I don't know if I will wake up after 42 hours but I'm willing to take the risk (Juliet drinks half of the vial and accidentally throws it to the Nurse)
Nurse: Oh my dear! What are you doing --( The vial hit directly to the nurse's mouth) Oh Juliet! What have you done? Juliet, take a rest now or else I will tell your mother about this. You need to rest. Tomorrow is your wedding day. I will clean this mess. Goodnight sweetie!
Juliet: (to herself) Ughh. How will I escape that wedding. Maybe this vial will work after one hour. I will now take a rest.
(The next day... Juliet looks at her mirror)
Juliet: *shocked* What happened to me? Why do I look like the Nurse? But this is a good thing. I will be able to escape.
Nurse: Juliet your mother is-- Whaaaaaaat? Why am I like this? Oh my God! No this can't be. That vial! Juliet, where did you get that vial? Oh my God! Juliet!
Capulet: What's the noise all about? Juliet, dress yourself. Paris is waiting outside.
Nurse: But, I am not Juliet. She is Juliet. (points to the real Juliet)
Juliet: Oh Juliet. Are you insane? Get dress. Faster.
Nurse: But I am really not Juliet. Capulet, I am the Nurse. I will not marry Paris.
Capulet: Stop that ridiculous thing! Stop lying! You will marry Paris whether you like it or not. Juliet, don't make me angry.
(in the church)
Nurse: *crying* Why won't you believe me, I am not Juliet. I am the Nurse.
Lady Capulet: *crying* Oh my daughter. She's insane. Hush Juliet.
Juliet: (to herself) It is now my time to escape. (to Lady Capulet) Madam, I will just go to the comfort room. Please excuse me.
Lady Capulet: Okay nurse. Be back before the wedding starts.
Paris: You're very beautiful Juliet. I can't wait to be your husband.
Juliet: But I don't like to be your wife. Believe me, I am not Juliet.
Paris: Oh Juliet, how could you lie? Do you think I will believe you? Ofcourse not! Whether you like it or not, I will be your husband. Friar Lawrence, start the ceremony at once.
Friar Lawrence: (to himself) The vial didn't work! I'm sorry my dearest Juliet! (to Paris) Okay Count Paris.
(after the ceremony)
Friar Lawrence: I now pronounce you husband and wife. (to Paris) You may now kiss the bride.
(Paris kisses Juliet. Then the real appearance of the Nurse was revealed)
Nurse: I told you, I am not Juliet!
Paris: But where's Juliet? *shouts* Juliet!!!
Friar Lawrence: Paris, you can't leave your wife. The Nurse is already your wife. You can't break the law.
Paris: No!! *cries* I rather die than live my life with her (points to the Nurse) Garrulous Nurse!
(Paris kills himself with his dagger)

(Juliet and Romeo was like...


Then both of them went to Mantua. They live their lives there and never returned to Verona. Ten years had passed and they had their twins, Julianne and Rommel. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets was gone after the two fathers learned about their grandchildren.

- The End -

I tried making a comic relief of the tragic Romeo and Juliet. So I hope you like it! I find it corny though. The two people in the picture above are Miguel and Gab. XD

The Other Way Around

When I was still in my second year, I've learned that junior year in CavSci would be about American Literature. I've heard of famous writers like Dante Alighieri and Christopher Marlowe. And now that I'm already in my third year in CNSHS, the piece of William Shakespeare entitled Romeo and Juliet caught my attention. 

While reading this piece, I felt that I'm also involve in the story. Though it's only a piece of writing, it shows the reality nowadays. The reality that pride can ruin a relationship. If there's no room for forgiveness, we would be all miserable at best.

What a twist! I was always expecting a happy ending when a story is about love but this one was different. I've heard from other students that Romeo and Juliet died at the end. But there was still thrill when I was reading the third act of this story. 

I really appreciate Shakespeare's work. There is uniqueness in his writing. He wouldn't be famous at all if he just thought of giving a happy ending to the two. But if I would be given a chance to modify the ending, I will not let Romeo die. Instead, just like what all of us want, I would let them have a happily ever after. Romeo and Juliet would be escaping their families and they will rule a place of their own. This will make their parents realize that their children learned to live on their own because of them. They learned to strive because of the problems they faced. And with that, they will stop the fight between their families - Capulet and Montague. And the birth of their grandson will let them forget about pride. 

GOD GAVE ME THEM.

Life without them is like no life at all.

Family - a simple word yet with deep meaning. A group of people who face their problems hand in hand and love each other till the end. Complications may come, misunderstandings are there, but still, a family manages to have a happy life.

Just like everyone, I have this typical family. We eat, pray, and watch television together in a place that we call home. With them, I experience happiness that can’t be felt when I’m with my friends. To be honest, I know all of us are happier to be with our friends. But come to think of it, our friends will leave us but our family won’t. Our friends would not be there at all times, our family would be. Our friends can tell lies to us, our family can’t. Most of all, our friends will and can find another friend, but our family will stick to us.

Imagine how important a family is. For me, life without them is like no life at all. I can’t imagine myself living solitude in this world with no family to lean on. When I was still a child, family for me is simply, mother, father and children. But as I grow up, I now define my family, my happiness. They are my defenders, my best friends, my mentors, and my lovers.

I don’t usually tell secrets to them. I find it awkward to do so. Despite that, I can say that my family and I have a great relationship. I know that they will be there to help me stand when I fall down. Problems may come and we can’t avoid that. But I know my family can solve it because there is what we call love. Love is the thing that makes us stronger.

Though they make me feel bad sometimes, I still love them. I’m not the best daughter and sister after all and I deserve what they tell me sometimes. Though I feel discouraged, I know they just want the best for me. My achievements are for them. They are my inspiration and I’m grateful of having them as my family. They are with me as I experience the lumpy ride called life. Life didn't promised to be beautiful but with them, I saw the real beauty of life. I’m very blessed that God gave me them.

By Blood and By Love

Pause the song in my sidebar first before playing this song. Thank you! :)

I know I can live without you

But without you, I’d be miserable at best..

What I mentioned above is what I want to say to my father.  I know I can live without him, simply because, I can still breathe. But without him, my life would not be happy. I'm half alive but I feel mostly dead. It’s like I lose my first love, my bestfriend and my defender.

I can really say I’m blessed. I have these two extraordinary men in my life. My “Daddy” and my “Papa”. Maybe you’re wondering why I have two fathers. The reason is my Daddy works abroad with my mother and my Papa stays with me. For me, a father is not only the man who is related to you by blood. For me, a man can be a father by love.

Honestly, I’m more close to my papa rather than my daddy maybe because I spend more days with my papa. I love them equally. I’m so lucky to have them. Though sometimes, they over react to the things I’ve done and scold me, I know it’s for me. I grew better because of them.

“Mon”—that’s what others call my daddy. He’s been in abroad for many years. He goes home every six months. I’ve got my name from his name, Emmanuel P. Bendo. He is very kind but expect him to be like a dragon when he’s angry. Whenever I look at my neck and see my mole, I remember him. We both have a mole on our neck. I remember our similarities. Just like my father, I don’t easily fall asleep. Just like him, I keep quiet when I’m angry. And I can say, I got my talkativeness from him. But I don’t look like him. I’ve got my appearance from my mother.

My papa, on the other hand, acts like my father and mother when my parents are not around. He is the one waking up early to prepare all the things I need before I go to school. He’s very industrious. Though not related by blood, he loves me the way I am. I know I’m stubborn. I always give him problems. But still, he understands me. Though sometimes, he says things that hurt my feelings, I don’t have a choice but to accept it. Maybe he’s just tired. Tired of taking care of me, tired of understanding me. But I’m happy to have him.

But sometimes, a thought bothers me. I kept on asking myself if they were happy to have me. I’m not the best daughter after all. Sometimes, I even answer back to them. I know they were quite disappointed with my studies especially my daddy. He’s been expecting that I would be on top 1 last year. I can’t blame them from expecting a lot from me. But I just want them to remember that even the best falls.

Words can't express how thankful I am for having them. At the same time, I’m sorry for all the heartaches I’ve caused them. I don’t know how to pay all their sacrifices that’s why I study a lot. All my achievements are for them. They are my wings—the reason why I soar up high. With them, I feel secured. With them, I’m blessed. And I’m happy that they are the one who raised me up. They are my heroes. I can’t stop them from getting older. But when they’re already old, I promised to stay by their sides. Finishing my studies is not enough to pay all their sacrifices. I guess, loving them is the best thing I can do.

I dedicate this song to my fathers. I may not always say I love you to both of you, but always remember, you're part of my heart, forever and always. ♥ Thank you very much for raising me up. Thank you for giving me a chance to become "Ejay".

Hoping for the Best

School year ends, vacation starts, we enjoy, vacation ends, another school year starts. Cliché as it may be, that's the cycle every student undergoes.

Starting my studies every school year had been a great challenge for me. Honestly, I don't easily adjust to things. Since my first year in High School, I have been experiencing difficulty to adapt with new teachers, new lessons, and of course new life as a student. Maybe because I'm still attached to vacation days and I tend to be sluggish.

And now, I’m dealing with another great challenge. I’m taking up my third year in my Alma Mater, Cavite National Science High School. As many students say, junior year is the toughest year in your four years of stay in CavSci. Some say that there are always bunch of homeworks, teachers are strict and lessons are too difficult to understand. Those feedbacks made me nervous. I’m thinking whether I’m going to survive or not.

But since June 4, that feeling gradually changes. I’m not saying that the tension isn’t there anymore, there’s still a little bit of it. But as I see my classmates and teachers and feel the new environment in the Maliksi Building, I can say that I’m going to enjoy my junior year. And I believe that every day I spent in my school is worth it.

Nine months and two weeks to go. More new things to come, new responsibilities to fulfill and new lessons to learn. Probably, some days will taste like lemonades, some days can feel like razor blades but still, I’m hoping for the best.