Camp Rock!

Oh my goodness! it feels like I have the whole world behind my back because of the baggages and responsibilities I have during the camp. I can't believe that I'm a leader since I do not work that much at home. During the first night, i can't go to sleep (I think I slept at around 1aam and then I woke up 3am). So, the party started in SCA, we had lots of activities like the Mr. BSP and Miss GSP which I could never ever forget. The person I least expected to join the Ms. GSP joined and what's more terrifying? It's that she resembled a clown rather than a candidate upstage (but I love how she posed upstage). We played games and then a lot of mind cracking activities. On the last day, I can't believe that our team got the 4th place when they announced the winners!

A Day For A Dear Mother...

Woah!! I can't believe it!!! I'm going to the most special day of one of my second moms in SCA, Ma'am Grace. Almost all of us-the class of St. Francis went to her most anticipated wedding day. We all wore green... their favorite color. We look like madmen when the priest said, "You may now kiss the bride." And when we were on the reception area, we were very surprised because the whole area was crowded but inside the church, you can only count the people. I guess Filipinos are really what they call 'ponciano'. We were very sad when we were about to go because we know that we'll be missing our kind and thoughtful mom but despite the sadness, we were also glad because we already have a new dad!

Feast Day of St. Francis!
“I can’t wait to see them…” these words came out of my mouth the morning of our feast day… the Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.

This day was the best day I’ve had in my whole life! We, St. Francis class had great bonding moments and memories to remember. We played water balloon war, played under the cold pour of the rain, took pictures of happy memories that would never fade away and ate a lot! The smiles in our faces won’t fade away even though there’s a typhoon signal in our province.
This experience would be forever treasured and tattooed on my mind… I would never forget those people who made forget the problems of the whole universe and made me laugh aloud and look like a lunatic.

Signos
What was happening? Why do the rivers overflow? Why do the trees bow their heads to the ground? Is this what they call Mother Nature’s revenge? Maybe. This is because of our own doings. We don’t care about her. Maybe, one-fourth do care for her, but the how about the other three-fourths?
I would share to you a traumatic experience of mine. In the midst of the typhoon Pepeng, my family and I didn’t think that the river that’s just right in front of our house would overflow. It only took a matter of minutes for the water to rise until knee level.

What’s worse is that the bunches of ‘kangkong’ blocked the water’s pathway. However, thanks to our super neighbors, the stacked ‘kangkong’ was removed and the water flow made the water level lower in just a few days.

Maybe, these typhoons are signs that our Mother Nature is harshly damaged with man’s reckless acts. Does she tell us that she cannot bear anymore the chemicals that come from the cars, factories, burnt plastics and other technologies? That her natural green color is now becoming dull, lifeless brown because of illegal logging and mining.
I tell you, this is not the end, it’s just the beginning of a more worst scenario if everybody would nit learn to respect the Mother Nature who gives us life and can also bring us death. So, come to think of it, isn’t it simple to give her just a little respect, love and care?

STEP to Fame!
Whoa! I can hear the loud cheers of the students of different schools cheering for their contestants in the Mr. and Ms. STEP when I neared the gym of SEPNAS (Speaker Eugenio Perez National Agricultural School). We we’re so impressed with the contestants, especially the pride of our school, John Paul Tapia and Joeylenn Siscar who were both endearing and persevere. After al the breath taking performances, the top 5 for both categories were announced. Luckily, Joeylenn’s name was called but unfortunately, John Paul’s wasn’t called. Hence, we, his friends rushed in the backstage to comfort him. There, our first class group hug happened. I was very overwhelmed because we were united and we had a lot of time to bond with everyone in our class.

One Great Busy Day…
It’s a busy day waiting ahead of me today, October 28. First task to do is prepare the stage for our public speaking in English. Here comes Sir Maurison together with his advisory class to be our audience. The little nervousness I feel became more intense because I do not know the faces whose gonna watch me speak. So, there I was, standing on the lectern, I don’t know what to do. When I started speaking, the nervousness I’m feeling started to fade away but when I looked through the eyes of the students, it came rushing back. That time, I really don’t know what I’m talking about; I guess I became very conscious of the eyes staring at me. Then after, we rushed to our room to change our clothes and went straight ahead to the church for the mass. Time passed by so quickly, we have to prepare for the dry run for the “Living Rosary.”
Afterward, we have to perform with our whole costumes and props. Thank God! The performance was successful; the teachers congratulated us for a job well done. Imagine, we were able to pretend like a mannequin for almost an hour! We were very glad to have met the expectations of the teachers who assigned us to perform. We went home late but we have smiles painted on our faces though we’re very tired. I’m glad that I’ve made my tasks properly this one great busy day!

Woozy Tests
Whew! It’s already October 29 and 30, the time to take our 2nd Periodical Test! I wasn’t that prepared to take the exam but I’m confident that I would have an average grades. So, there I was, answering the questions I know and spending minutes thinking for the questions I can’t recognize, praying that God would be there to guide and blees me. When the results of the tests was announced, my heart jump for so much joy for the high grades I got in some subjects but I was a little bit depressed for the low grades I got, and told myself that I must have concentrated on those subjects.

Link Between Friends
This month is the best month I’ve had since the start of this school year because I have a lot more time for my friends (especially those in the other sections and years) in spite of a hectic schedule.

Dream, Believe, Survive!

"I can almost see it, that dream I’m dreaming but, there’s a voice inside my head saying, you’ll never reach it…"

One night, as I was reviewing my lessons, thoughts about being a student occupied my mind. Being one is not that easy because it is hard for me to make all things possible or perfect. Sometimes, I can’t even fulfill the expectations of people surrounding me. There are also times when I put myself down and say, “I can’t do this, I am not good enough.” After how many hours of thinking, I came to my senses that I don’t need to make al things possible or perfect or even be very problematic on thinking how to meet people’s expectations. All that I have to do is to play my part, to do all things that I can and give it my best shot. After these thoughts haunted me, I fell into a deep slumber just like ‘Sleeping Beauty’.


3-in-1 Fun!

I can still remember the feeling of excitement that surged inside when the Science and Math Club revealed that there will be a Science Fair in our School entitled, “Science in Motion”. When I joined the fair, my knowledge about science widened. We first entered a room wherein we watched a short movie about the very controversial Global Warming. As I watched, there’s something stirred inside of me which made me very emotional. The movie deepened the concern I feel for our dear Mother Earth. I realized how much pain and suffering we’ll feel because of our own fault.

And then, we went to another section wherein different amazing gadgets can be found. What a great place it is! Full of mind bogging and unbelievable gadgets, I can’t decide where to look at. What gadgets I enjoyed the most were the ‘Body Conductor’ and the ‘Magic Eye’. The ‘Body Conductor’ was a great try! I finally felt how to be electrified within just a matter of seconds. While the ‘Magic Eye’ exercised or strained my eyes at first because of staring at the frames for a very long time. But after I got the technique, my eye strain was relieved and a great and precious joy came upon me. The images I saw were marvelous and undeniably terrific!

And at last, here we are at the last room where we can experience the unbelievable dubbing and chroma key. I enjoyed this section because some students were able to try to speak for the characters of Naruto and Sakura in the cartoon ‘Naruto Shippuden’ in the dubbing portion while others acted like Superman fling high above the sky some danced underwater in the music ‘Nobody’ with the help of chroma key.

As darkness extinguishes the warm rays of the sun, I sighed and then said, “What a great day it is! I hope that this fun and exciting activity would happen again!”

What?!

It was a sunny morning and the fresh breeze brushed upon my face. I was about to enter the campus with a smile on my lips because this was the moment I’ve waited for, the Intramural. The sight of bright colored athletic attires met my gaze. I greeted my friends ‘good luck’ and gave them a big hug then I went straight to the place where I should be, in the Green Vipers lane, a moment later, the parade started. It was followed by the “Search for Mr. and Ms. Intramural 2009” wherein both candidates from the Gold Tigers got the title.’ Dance Showdown’ came and all teams gave their best shots and showed their coordination and graceful moves.

In the afternoon, while the sun shone brightly above us all, the ball games started. I can hear the scream and cheer of all students for their perspective teammates. I see the eagerness to grab the gold in all athletes’ faces. Each one plays his part and does it in a fair and just way. Everybody are enjoying the first day of the Intramural while I, I don’t know where should I go. Should I go into the auditorium and supervise the film viewing or should I go and cheer my teammates? Of course, I went to the auditorium and then sometimes, I go down. I do this all over again. The first day ended and my feet really ached because of going up and down, going here and there. When I came home, I did nothing but to lie on my bed, hug my pillow and went to a deep sleep.

The next day, I woke up early to my excitement of what will happen on the 2nd day of Intramural. I went to school early and to my surprise, I’m not the only one who’s excited but almost all Charlesian. I have to do the same routine just like yesterday and I’m glad that I’m doing it, haha! Whoops! I think I’ve heard that we’ll have our first game! Oh my God! I’m about to play basketball! This is it; I ran here and there, dribble then pass, again and again. Huh, my heart beats as if it’ll explode, I can’t chase my breath and I sweat a lot! The game ended and aww, sad to say, but we lose. Its okay, atleast we enjoyed, right? And there’s another game, we’re still tired but we have to play. Same thing with our first game, we lost in our second game. The word loser kept on ringing in my head but I said to myself that it’s not about whether we won or lose as long as we played it fair and just. Oh, I almost forgot, I got some memorabilia- scratches on my knees, haha, not just because of playing basketball but also in ‘luksong baka’. At the end of the day, I went home with a scratch and the identity of being a looser.

Third day is the championship day. I didn’t go to the auditorium but I screamed my throat out, cheering for the Green Vipers competing for the championship. The screams and cheers are louder than the past two days. Then after all the championship games were finished, the battle for the best junior and senior Latin dancer was held. The dancers entertained everybody as they grooved and swayed gracefully on the dance floor.

The final day of our Intramural 2009 was suspended because of the “Typhoon Ondoy”, that’s why we celebrated it on Monday. All teams still competed in the ‘Singing Duets’. Every contestant showed how lovely and enchanted their voices are. Also, students displayed their God-given talents in the ‘SCA Idol’ wherein the group of my classmates Shernie, Dempel, Jonniene, Sophia and Krizzle won because of their unique and amazing performance. At last, rockers of SCA rocked the campus with their headbanging songs and beats. The over-all champion was announced the next morning… none other than the silent killers… the Green Vipers! Really? Are they sure? Oh my goodness gracious! ‘Go Green Vipers, go! Vipers grab the gold!’

The Intramural 2009 was truly a big, big fun and experience!

Oh My Life!

Life is truly full of adventures, hardships and laughter. There are moments that you pass through life with flying colors while sometimes, you feel like you wanna quit. There are instances that you think that you can’t go on anymore and tears are like blood streaming down your cheeks. You sometimes blame the Lord or other people for your sufferings and think that life is unfair or that you don’t even deserve to live. But no matter how hard the battle of life is, you must still go on because there are people loving and waiting for you. You must always be careful in every step you take because you might stumble and fall.

Never Gonna Be Forgotten

August 21, 2009 was a wonderful and knowledgeable day for me because we, the SSG Officers had a Leadership Training held at the vicinity of my dear school, Saint Charles Academy. While I was on my way to the school, I can’t explain the feeling that’s raging within. I don’t know if I’m excited, happy or nervous. When I came, I was surprised to see my co-officers practicing a cheer. I took a deep breath, smiled and said, “Good morning! What a great day ahead!” I sat together with my teammates and think of our team’s name, flag and cheer. We have decided to name our team as the “Mighty Jaguar.” We practiced our cheer and made or flag. My favorite part in our cheer is the BRABALIBINTAWAN Part and it goes like this, “Bra-Ba-Li-Bin-Ta-Wan! Bra-Ba-Li-Bin-Ta-Wan! Brabalibintawan! Walang talab ang Alaxan! Jaguar!” I love this part because Dempel and I made this cheer. Haha!

The Leadership training started at around 7:00 am. The first part was a lecture about leadership. During the talk, I was amazed on how the speakers discussed their topics, at the same time, I gained so much knowledge on how to be a good leader. My heart was filled with so much joy to learn such things that I can apply in leading my co-Charlesians to be the best that they can be.

Lunch time came and we were given a 1-hour lunch break. During the break, our group didn’t waste any second, we chatted and laughed at each others jokes to tighten our bond. After the lunch break, we went back to the venue, the SCA’s Science Lecture Room. We had a short talk and then we went to the Gymnasium to start the Environmental Challenge.

We were divided into two groups, the Blue and the Yellow team. The Boas were the Blue team and we, the Mighty Jaguars were the Yellow team. First, we had the cheering competition and I can’t believe that I made the tasks assigned to me! In my very own eyes and sight, I did see that I made a mess during the cheering competition but others say that I’m a great performer! Haha! After that horrible or maybe wonderful cheer, we played a game called, “Rescue 101.” Two of our teammates should pass behind our back while the other one would guide them so that they would not fall and could make their way to the other end although their eyes were covered with a handkerchief. Luckily, we made it to the finish line faster than the other team.

Next, we have to put the pieces of a puzzle together so that we can proceed to the next challenge. And because of our cooperation and unity, we completed the puzzle in just a matter of seconds. We have to have a good coordination because we have to carry each other one by one with both arms raised while seated at the floor. Oh my God! I almost lost my mind during this challenge! I thought that I’m gonna smash my bones! But because the wanted to finish the challenge, we did our best even though our arms were already giving up and we finally did it, but, it took so long.

The next challenge we have to face is the “Message Relay.” A message to be passed on us was given to Sushmita by Ms. Armalene. Sushmita acted the message and I imitated it right away. After a few seconds, I memorized the message and passed it to Dempel. She got it easily and passed to Richter. After the message was understood by Richter, he passed it immediately to Ronald and we waited for eternity until he recognized and imitated it correctly. He turned to Shiela to pass the message and she got it in just a strike of lightning. Passing it to Krizzle, then Krizle passing to Chelsea. Chelsea had a hard time imitating the actions but when she finally got it, she turned to Angelica to pass the message at once and Angelica instantly understood it and ran to Ms. Armalene to show her the message. And the moment that the message was revealed to Ms. Armalene, the timer stopped and we went to the next challenge.

We have to fill the pail at the other side with water using a pail with lots of holes. We planned for techniques and we agreed that Richter will have to carry the pail and fill the other fail. When he started to carry it, he became all wet. We filled the other pail, or should I say he! Haha! I pitied him because he whispered to me that he doesn’t have any extra pants that time and he’s very wet! We ran as fast as we can to reach the next challenge, the “Connect the Lines Challenge.” We have to connect all the things we have right there and we have to follow the rule- no talk. We started to connect all things that we have when suddenly, Angelica forgot the rule and she uttered a few words, so we have to start all over again. We were irritated because the finish line is still far. When our things weren’t enough to reach the endpoint, we lie down the ground and stretched our bodies just to reach the end. Another challenge was accomplished!

We went to the “Commando Crawl” and started the challenge. We crawled and crawled and crawled until we reached the end and we laughed at ourselves when we noticed that our clothes were a mess! We were wearing white collared shirts that time, did the Commando Crawl and got our shirts so dirty! The challenge was already over; one last challenge we have to make is the “Pyramid.” We, the Jaguars thought of plan to make the pyramid last for a hundred seconds. When we were about tot start, the instructor thought of a wacky style to begin it. We were told to stay still on the wall and when the signal is said, we’re gonna run to the area and build the pyramid. So, we did it and we built our pyramid and started counting 100. I was beneath and I was running after my breath, it feels like I’m having asthma!

We finished the challenge and we rested for a while. After resting, the whole group took pictures together with the coordinators namely: Mr. Adoz, Mr. Vincent Larry Cayabyab, Mr. Maurison Aquino, Mr. Elmer Mustar, Ms. Armalene Agbuya and Mrs. Vernalisa Magalong. After that tiring yet fun challenge, we went back upstairs and did another activity including the Project Planning and of course, the announcement of winners. And we, the Jaguars can’t believe that we won in all of the games!

We finished at around 7:00 pm and I can say that its worthy for all the efforts and time. My time wasn’t wasted but instead, it was used in a meaningful and wonderful way! This is one of the most unforgettable and knowledgeable days of my life! I would always bring the lessons I’ve learned in this training anywhere I go. Thanks to all the coordinators who did their bests to accomplish an activity like that!

Busy as a Bee!

This is it! I am already a senior! But, being an active senior student, I have to face lots of trials and hardships to be one of the best in each field I am affiliated to. During the first two months, there are lots of activities in the campus. I have to choose from the three different clubs, namely: Communication Arts Club, MAKABAYAN Club and Science and Math Club. After a couple of minutes, I have decided to join the MAKABAYAN club.

Then, here comes the search for the new writers of the official publication of Saint Charles Academy, the ‘Charlesian’. I tried to pass an application form and then attended an interview and wrote a feature and a news article. Luckily, I passed and became a writer.

Again, the school needed a new set of Supreme Student Government Officials (SSGO) to be the head of all the Charlesian Students. And because I wanted to help and transform not only the school but also the students to become a better one, I ran for a position. The Miting de Avance was a great experience but unfortunately, many of the performances we prepared were wasted because we ran out of time. During the election, I have lots of questions on my mind. And when the results finally came, I am very thankful that most of the Charlesians believed in my abilities and in what I can do to my dear school.

And because of the activities, I haven’t noticed that it is already the 1st Mid-Periodical exam. So, I have to rush in reviewing and take so many quizzes I’ve missed. I don’t have enough time to inject all the lessons in my mind but thank God because my Grades are still okay.

I heard the Lord calling my name saying that He needs me to continue His mission of spreading the good news. And being a true Catholic Christian, I submitted an application form and took an exam. After a few days, the list of the passers was posted and I was glad to my name on it.

Having passed the examination, I have to go through a 3-day seminar for me to know the responsibilities that I must fulfill. I also gained knowledge in making a lesson plan and in singing Christian songs.

The celebration of the Nutrition Month was celebrated in so many ways. The poster-slogan making contest, facial make-up, dish gardening, cake icing, fruit carving, table skirting and of course, the dance showdown were some of the contests. Our whole class joined the dish gardening but we were divided into 4 groups. I also give my best shot during the dance showdown.

It was a great and one-of-a-kind experience to have a seminar about Campus Journalism. One fun thing about the seminar is that we slept in the rooms in the 1st year building! It was a hectic schedule because all the activities have an allotted time. We only have a little time to rest but although the schedule is like that, it’s still fun and I learned many ideas in writing a specific article.

It was my first time to audition in a group that would be performing on stage! I don’t know what to do. I admit that I don’t have the voice but I guess I can dance and act. One reason that I have auditioned is that I wanted to conquer my fear of performing in front of a crowd. Until now, the chosen ones are not yet announced and the nervousness is still in me.

And the last organization wherein I am a member is the CAT I. being a Cadet Officer is not that easy. I have to be a good role model to all, especially to my batch mates. It was dreadfully upsetting because I haven’t attended the General Inspection thrice. I missed my platoon so much during the times that I haven’t attended the G.I. for some valid reasons.

The sports enthusiasts started to have training in different kinds of sports. I am one of the enthusiasts and I wanted to join the training in basketball but I have to give it up because I am already loaded with so much responsibilities. If I have persisted to join the training, my body might collapse.

I can’t believe that these things happened in just two months! And I can’t also believe that I am part of these activities! Because of these activities, I haven’t spent so much time with my friends. I can’t remember when was the last time that I am eating and laughing together with my friends. I guess that this will be an exciting and adventurous school year for me and I know that I can’t escape the stress as a student. But, these are just the start of the journey! These happenings in my life are nothing compared to the lives of the successful and well known personalities.