Michael, Michael, Michael

I am afraid,

afraid of what tomorrow may bring.

Maybe, I'll just pray,

and expect the door to ring.

I heard something,

I think it's the sound of a car.

Maybe I'm just imagining thing,

things that are way too far.

I am worried,

worried of what would happen.

Maybe, I'll  just sit and read,

or write a poem using my time, my pen.

What if tomorrow is a mess?

Would you still look for the love of your life?

O, just worry less.

Cause you don't have to use a knife to end you life.

Everything is a cycle.

You just have to accept and answer each riddle.

Don't be afraid of tomorrow, Michael

You just have to be prepared and not to be miserable.

Everyday is a gift.

That's why we call it present.

Yet, why you have lo leave?

When we can lessen your burden?

I am in grieve,

asking why you have to die in sorrow.

Am I to be judge or live?

Live a life just like a free sparrow?

Yes, I'm imagining one thing.

Maybe from the book I've read.

As a sparrow, chirping.

And the person who died that once I've met. 

AMA Shout Out 2015: A Star studded Event of the Year

Me and my boyfriend went to SM MOA Arena. AMA threw a big star-studded party there for the students of ABE and AMA. Since my boyfriend is a student in ABE, he bought two tickets, and the one is for me. And this funny thing happened. I was suffering from LBM before the event. I thought I will not be able to witness it. So that night, I took a pill to regulate my vowel movement but when the morning came, I was still sick. That's why I didn't come to my observation in a school that morning. I informed my leader for that matter and shee agreed that I must take a rest. And so I did.

Before 10:00 am, I woke up and get ready for the day. I was quite excited for the event was star-studded and this is my first time to enter MOA Arena, seriously. So I traveled from Marikina to Cubao first. There is where we will take the train to Taft Avenue. This is the easiest way to travel to Pasay. Before we take the train, we ate at KFC in Farmer's Plaza. I don't want to eat anything for my stomach is still ill. But my boyfriend insisted that I must, so I did. I was so glad that when I finished my meal, I didn't feel anything funny. It's like my tummy is normal again, but, just to make sure, I took my medicine again. To prevent something grossy, you know.

After we eat, we headed to the train station to buy tickets. We realized that something is missing, by the way, we are seven in the group. I forgot to tell you. We are missing a member. That's when we realized that one of our friend picked up her girlfriend at their school. So the school is quite far from the train station. We went back to the plaza to wait for them. We saw them, finally, and went back to the train station.

During our travel, of course the train is full of people. And it's sad to say that most of the seats were occupied by men. And they didn't offer us, women, seats. Maybe because were not pretty or their just ungentle to become a gentleman.

So we arrived at Taft Ave. and we noticed that the escalator is still not repaired. Last month, my mother and I went also to Taft. Avenue, that escalator wasn't moving at all so I'm in my hope that once I've travel again to the place, it is repaired. But no, and the funny thing is that the cost of their tickets went up. They said that it is for the betterment  of the stations. Well, sad to say, I see no progress at all. Anyways, we went down to take the ride to MOA Arena. And when we got there, I thought the place where we stopped is the entrance, but it is not. We walked a few to the main gate. And when we got into the building, you can hear the sound of loud music coming from the inside. Before we went up, because our tickets were designated in the Upper-Box section of the arena, we've gone to comfort rooms. We took a picture from the photo booth so we can have a souvenir of the event.

Before we could go inside, we've waited for our friend for their tickets were not yet paid. And right after that, we've found out that the tickets, their professor give, are VIP tickets. We got envy for we are the ones who paid the amount for VIP tickets, and yet we didn't have those tickets, instead we got the Upper-box ticket. Evan, one of my friends, tried to talk to their professor if he could switch our tickets and get VIPs to. But he resist to talk to Evan, I got angry at the professor for he can't help his students for that situation. Because I do believe that professors or college faculty members must help their students at any single time. Also, it is their duty to fulfill. But in the end, he didn't help us.

We went upstairs, downstairs, upstairs and downstairs again for, maybe, a couple of times for we are in hope that anyone could help us. Yet, we gave up and decided to watch and enjoy the show. The fun part of the event was many celebrities joined and performed in the stage. There performed Ej Falcon, Aiza Suegerra, Neggi, Ate Gay, Gloc 9, Donnalyn Bartolome, James Reid, Daniel Padilla, Kz Tandingan and many more. The event was entitled Battle of the Sexes (Gender). The mechanics was each group will perform according to what gender they picked at the draw lots. If a boy dance group picked to showcase a dance of a girl, that is what they are going to perform, so vice versa to girl dance group. This is a new way of dance battle for me so I guess, it would be fun. 

In the middle of the contest, many groups showcased their dances not to participate in the competition. Well, I guess they just joined to represent their branch because their performances are not worthy to competent (only for me, no offense meant). Well, it is true that joining a dance competition is a big challenge and needed a lot of practices and preparations because I also experience it when I was in PLMar Dance Troupe.

So, after the dance battle, they also gave the audiences a mini concert featuring Mocha Girls and Rocksteddy. Mocha Girls wear provocative costumes for men to get wild over them (for entertainment purposes). When it was Rocksteddy's turn on stage, the crowd went wild while they sing their famous and signature OPM songs. We, together with my friends, head-banged and enjoyed every moment of the event. This is the last time that they will be able to come at the event so we cherished every minute of the event.

This experience was fun and mew for me. For I have met new friends and made new memories with them. I hope that this will not be the last time for us to get together in one event. And I hope that once we see each other's faces again, we are indeed successful in the careers we chose to take. 

The Origin of Bukayo: A Love Story

     Once upon a time, there was a man named Bukatneg. He was raised from a poor family. He loved a woman named Yolanda. But Yolanda’s parents didn’t like Bukatneg for their daughter since they belong to a rich family in the town. They want a man whose status was the same as theirs. 

     Yolanda secretly loved Bukatneg for a long time. So when the latter proposed to her, she accepted him at once. They had a sweet relationship for months. They enjoyed each other’s company that much until they decided to tell Yolanda’s parents that they wanted to get married. 

     When her parents knew about their plan, they didn’t give them permission to get married. But because they really loved each other, Bukatneg took Yolanda one moonlit night and the lovers  eloped in the middle of the night. Yolanda’s parents burst in anger when they learned what they did. Since that time, they didn’t accept the two from their house. 

     The lovers arranged their simple wedding but Yolanda’s parents didn’t even bother to attend. 

    Years passed and the couple had three children. They tried to raised them on their own. Their only means was to cook some sweets that Yolanda sold in the neighborhood. 

     One day, Bukatneg tried to mix grated coconut with sugar. The people liked the sweets that much that they kept on asking Bukatneg to cook it everyday. When they asked how they would call it, the couple didn’t have the idea on how to call such sweets. They always say, that is the product of love between Bukatneg and Yolanda. But the people couldn’t remember such long description of that sweet food, so they keep on calling it “Bukatneg and Yolanda”. 

     Long years have passed but the sweets still the most favourite of the people in their town. And couldn’t hardly say the long name “Bukatneg and Yolanda”, until such time when they just called it “Bukayo”, the shortened name of the couple.

Mother or Father? I guess both

Since we were kids, Van and I, we are always with our mother. My father worked in Marikina when I was in 2nd grade and since then, my mother become my father. 

Jack of all traits, that is what she was called. She can cook, sew, do the laundry, fix the water pipes, fix the electric wires, build a table, etc. She became my idol back then (until now). I guess every mother really become the father of their chils sometimes.

Before, I had tampo in my father. Because every time he's home. He was not doing the chores that a normal father does. My mother, alone, do these things instead of him. One night, I have decided not to sleep and write a letter to my father. I still remember what I've wrote there. I said that maybe, he can literally stay for good with us in Famy. So that he can help my mother doing the chore instead of her, alone. I left it in the pocket of his bag so when he unpack his things, he could read it. 

Another week has gone, my father went home and talked to me. It was about the letter. He said that he's doing work in Marikina and has to maintain our family needs. That's why he can't help my mother always. Then, I told him that I will sell my toys to help them for the expenses everyday. He said that I don't have to do that. He said that he can manage to work because it was his duty to the family. He asked me to help my mom to do the chores and look for my brother and care for him. I promised him that I will do my best.

As of today, I am really inspired by my mother. For half of my life today, she stood up for us. She really took care of us and taught us how to be a responsible, respectful and industrious children. Now, she is in Indonesia, teaching students from Kulim 21 School. 

Appreciate what your mother has done for you. Thank them everytime. And treasure every moments with them. That's is one of the things we can offer them back after what they sacrificed for us. We salute you, mothers everywhere.

The Struggle is Real

I could say that things can really smell fear. They are pressured when we are in a rush.

Have you ever notice that your printer will stop functioning when you have so much to print? How about your computer starts to lag when you have to do more task? And your internet gets bad when you need it the most. Am I right? Yes. At this very moment, Google Chrome in my laptop starts to crash (enk enk enk). Privacy Error. Is there someone who's really trying to hack my gmail account? Or it's just, your internet is pressured? Well I guess both. But why in the world, now? Now that I have to finish 17 blogs? Right? Strange but eventually irritating. 

So guys, stop the procrastination every single time. I assure you, your computer, printer, or internet will function well. Seriously guys, don't intend to be like me. 

Potterheads alert!

Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe #2

From Wizarding World of Harry Potter park version.  This one just sounds delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 pint of vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 bottle (24 oz.) vanilla cream soda (very cold)

Directions:

1. Allow ice cream to soften, about 30 minutes, and bring butter to room temperature, about 2 hours
2. Blend butter, sugar, and spices in large bowl
3. Add to ice cream and freeze
4. Heat cream soda in a pot until warm but still carbonated (at least 3 minutes).  You could also just go with the very cold cream soda (my preference) and have a more frozen/slushy drink.
5. Fill each glass with a scoop of ice cream mixture and pour warmed or chilled cream soda over ice cream
6. Serve!

Harry Potter Butterbeer Recipe #1

This was the recipe put out by AP, FoxNews, and just about every other site after the Wizarding World of Harry Potter park opened.  Seems to be the most likely ingredients, but doesn’t serve it cold or frozen, like the park.  The final result does seem to be most like the park version, just needs to be frozen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 6 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon rum extract
• Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer.
2. Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.
4. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.

These recipes are not mine. But I've read it and willing to try these. I will post another blog about this when I have the time to do these. Have fun Potterheads :)

Life: Make the best out of it

Life is too short they say

So let's face it in every way.

Life goes on, whether you choose to move on

Enjoy it even when you're alone.

We commit mistakes,
win in lottery and sweepstakes.
Fall in love with a man,
run as fast as you can.

Sometimes, we had enough.
But we must stand up and be tough.
Everything happens for a reason,
be strong and wave your red ribbon.

We stay strong for the people we love,
the best feeling with them is when they laugh.
We tend to live and be free,
like the birds and the bees living in a tree. 

Sensitively insensitive

I know that you don't want to hurt me. But why? Why in the world, you? Keep on blaming me for what I didn't do, forcing me to do stuff, and yes it hurts. It hurts every time I did something and it's wrong for you. It hurts every time you notice and ordered to change the way I look. It hurts every single time that you want me to be someone I'm not. How can you be so insensitive in every thing?

 I'm a girl. I get upset or pissed off immediately. I know that you know me, for a very long time, yet why in the world you can't still figure me out? You said that I have a very very high pride, yet you didn't understand me all along. You've changed, not for the better, but for worse. What did I do to make you like this? Because you know what I only did? It's to make you feel special all the time, to know that you are cared, you are loved, you are intensively wanted by me, of course. 

    But I guess, I've made a serious mistake. For treating you like that. For loving you with all of me. For giving what you deserve. I guess I'm a slave. Or an unwanted person, unwanted, by all means of I didn't mattered. None of what I've done for you didn't mattered to you. 

But don't worry, I already made my mind. It doesn't hurt anymore. I accepted my mistakes. You cannot use it against me. I'm strong enough to face the truth. The truth that has set my eyes free from blinding. I guess I'm insensitively sensitive.

     

Keep you're eyes wide open

     The Philippine presidential and vice presidential election of 2016 is the next presidential election in the Philippines. It is scheduled on Monday, May 9, 2016. This will be the 16^th presidential election since 1935, and the sixth centennial since 1986. Pursuant to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the incumbent president is barred from seeking reelection. The position of the president and vice president are elected separately, and the winning candidates may come from different political parties.

     As the time for campaigning is coming near, the administration and opposition parties are now choosing their candidates, filling their line-ups from the president to the lowest ranking government officials that need to be changed. Each of the aspiring candidate is trying to court the voters. They are even preparing their own gimmicks, advertisements and campaign paraphernalia.

     As voters, let’s keep in mind that we need to vote wisely! We must not look as how a candidate could pay for a good advertisement or what token he/she could give. We must choose those that can put forth ideas about what needs to change and how. Absolutely, people of the Philippines need those politicians that will have good governance and not those who are after the promising wealth that a politician could get from his ruling.

In God's Perfect Creation

This last summer, we went to San Juan, Batangas specifically in Laiya Beach. This is one of the unforgettable things for me, because, first this is my first time in Laiya Beach (before we went to Quezon, but it happened a long time ago, maybe I was 1 year old back then that's why I can't remember it) and second, my Kuya got mad at me for I was the one who marinated the barbecue, small thing right? Then he really got mad at me. Anyways, we celebrated Mother's Day there. We packed our snacks and we're ready to go! Around 7:00 am, we rode. We arrived there around 1:00 pm. The place is so beautiful. White sand shore, blue sky, and clear blue sea. Haven for stressed people. 

We ate our lunch there, our ulam is Adobong Baboy. We eat by the seashore. A fish vendor offer us fresh fishes from the sea itself. We bought bid squids and a two flat-looking-fish and I don't know what its name. We waited for almost an hour for our room to be cleaned and ready. When they were finished, I immediately pick my bed, eventually, we have this kind of competition within our cousins only, first come first serve! My other cousins were still on the road. So, me and my Ate sort out the things in the car. 

Nicole and I searched for some seashells by the seashore. We found an umang, its a crustacean living in a shell, once they get bigger, they will leave their shell and find another one. Not for a long time, we set him free. Every afternoon, the sea is in low tide, we reach about 50 meters away form the shore and still, the sea water was just above my knee. We played tag along the sea. We had so mush fun. 

The night came, I started to prepare our dinner. My cousins arrived around 9:00 in the evening. They helped me to grill the barbecue and the squid. We ate our dinner together and after that, we decided to stroll the sea. It was still in low tide. The children there were digging and catching talangka (crabs). Early in the morning, we ate fried chicken and barbecue, again, cooked by my Kuya. Few hours later, we packed our things to go home. 

This Laiya Beach experience will be forever in my memories. As the beauty of the place and how polite the people was. I'm really happy that I had the opportunity to witness God's beautiful creation through the place. I'm glad that I have a family that has respect for each other. I remembered the movie Lilo and Stitch when we were there. Stitch said, "Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind."

The Pabebe Generation

We all know our generation is full of surprises. You don't know what to expect. Teenagers are getting pregnant, reckless, inconsiderable, barbaric (sometimes, come on admit it) and pabebe. 

I know that you know who are they. They are the internet sensation today. These girls uploaded a video and Vice Ganda and Kim Chiu went crazy over them. According to Rappler, they are the pair from Bulacan are "babaeng walang kilay" (girl with no eyebrows) and the "babaeng utal," (stuttering girl) as they've named themselves on the first "pabebe video," posted on Facebook by user Senyora Santibañez. In the video, they told people to leave them alone for being "pabebe," or cute, saying "walang makakapigil sa amin." (No one can stop us. Many netizens were annoyed for their pacute video. But, even local celebrities gone crazy and imitate the Pabebe Girls. (Here's the Youtube link for the Original Pabebe Girls' video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_2XG8HaF1Q)

This video went viral and was said to be the response for the another viral video calling the "Mamon Girl." In her video, Mamon Girl acts cute while eating mamon from a popular bake shop. We all know that none of us could stop them. That's why they said, "Walang makakapigil samen." Whoa there girls. These girls' video got many parodies over the internet and as of today, there are 3 cutipatootie foreign little girls who copied them and titled as "Pababy Girls".(Here"s the link for the Pababy Girls' video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijj9Z2an7oY)

Our generation has a lot to expect. As said by Dr. Jose Rizal, "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan". Looks like he's wrong there. We visited his museum last month and this was pinned in the comment section of the place. 

We must be aware of our actions as of today people. WE are the hope of our generation. Don't make it worse, or worst will come. Wake up and be the generation Dr. Rizal expected us to be. There are things that matters more than to get thousands of likes on Facebook, followers on Twitter, Instagram, twerking on Youtube, etc. It's not what is IN in society. Be aware. 

Bubukaka Kayo (Bukayo)

As I saw the tidbits of you, my mouth started to ponder. What is it like to taste you? To grind you in my watery-mouth, to masticate your delicious parts. Bukayo, you make my mouth ponder.

This delicacy from grated buko mixed with brown sugar and carefully cooked in a pan, topped with crushed nuts. As you take one, you’ll taste the sweet, nutty extract of this delicacy. As this sweet, mouth-watering coconut tidbits slip into your mouth, you’ll feel the hard-like-stone texture of it.

Beneath its taste and texture of it, you’ll savor that freshness of the coconut and caramelized sugar. As you continue to chew, you’ll feel the pleasure in every bite. Just the right quantity of the sweetness, the coconut’s taste and nutty flavor that are gently slipping into your whole mouth down to the deepness of your throat. With a smile on your face and an opened mouth, mapapabukaka ka sa sarap.

The Ones Who Must Not Be Left Behind

December 2013, we conducted a service activity in Home for the Aged in Quezon City. We had showcased the dances we know about Igorot, Maria Clara, Muslim and even Hip-hop. We annually do this kind of activity for those who are in needs. Some elderly there are abandoned by their own families, some have their reasons and some haven’t. After we performed our show, we are given a time to talk to some of them. A grandmother pulled me and said that I’m good at dancing, I was grateful to hear that. Then we talked for a while, she shared her story. She cried at me while telling her story, I didn’t handle not to cry too. I gave her a tetra pack juice to drink and to relive her somehow. I got sad when she told me that she was still in hope that her children will come back for her.

In that moment, I realized that we are there not only to showcase our performance but also to be the reliever of what they are struggling by listening to their stories and maybe lend some attention that their families didn’t give them. Some of them really enjoyed the show and some of them were crying after it. I asked some of them why were they crying. A grandmother answered me, “Miss ko na ang anak ko. Sabe niya babalikan niya ako.” “Lola, wag na po kayong umiyak, babalik din sila. Sa ngayun kame nalang po muna ang mga anak niyo”, I said to her and gave her tight hug. I really cried after that and ask myself, “Paano nila natitiis magulang nila? Grabe. Kung ako ang gagawa sa magulang ko nito di ko mapapatawad sarili ko.” After what I heard from them, I promised myself that I will never do that kind of actions to abandon my parents.

We visited their quarter’s area, boys were separated from girls. We gave them siopao and tetra pack juices, some of the elders were not able to watch our performance for they were already bedridden. They were already wearing diapers and are in cages. One of the caregivers there said that those who were in cages are the ones who have incontrollable manners and actions towards their roommates. Maybe they hurt or bullied them when the caregivers are not around. Caregivers are not highly paid in the institution; some of them were just volunteers. I am glad that still, there are people who are willing to help without any in return.

After all we did there; we were gathered by our head and congratulate every one of us. We were asked to give our experiences through the activity, I raised my hand. I told them that I got sad to see all those elders being abandoned by their loved ones. I also shared what I promised to myself, “Sir, kahit anong mangyare, hinding hindi ko gagawin sa magulang ko kung ano yung ginawa ng mga anak ng mga matatanda dito. Hinding hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko na abandunahin ko yung mga taong nagpalaki sakin.” Everyone in the van agreed of what I’ve said. Some shared their insights about the institution and the way the elders were given proper care.

On our way home, deep within my thoughts, I am really sad to leave the people there. They were sweet elders although they can’t hear me when I talked to them. Some of them have already complications. I learned in this kind of service that whatever circumstances or problems you face; never ever leave someone to be able solves it. Leaving is not the solution, facing them is. 

Café Kapitan: Historical Restaurant

 Kapitan Moy was owned by Don Jose Guevara and Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevara. It is the ancestral house of Guevera Family. This ancestral house symbolizes feudalism that time an example for that was the thick and heavy walls on the first floor of the house.  Beside Kapitan Moy you can see the church of Our Lady of Abandoned Church. Kapitan Moy has a beautiful staircase, capiz windows, high and big doors, and a baluster. A baluster is a short post that helps support a rail. 

In addition to that learning in year 1887, Kapitan Moy developed the first pair of shoes. In 1993, former Mayor Bayani Fernando planned and approved that Kapitan Moy, an ancestral house, will be the central culture of Marikina City. From that year on, Kapitan Moy became the central for culture. The upper part of Kapitan Moy is now used as an event center. The lower part of Kapitan Moy has cafe and bar named, Café Kapitan.

Café Kapitan Restaurant can be found at Kapitan Moy Building, JP Rizal Street, Sta. Elena, Marikina City. This restaurant has a comfy feature, they has this old well that serves now as a wishing well inside the place. According to Mr. John Lim, a third-generation Chinese restaurateur, the local government of Marikina gave him the opportunity to develop the Spanish structure into a melting pot of culture and cuisine. Since Cafe Kapitan’s opening in 1995, Mr. Lim has been hands-on, even incorporating family recipes in the menu.

Food bloggers and food enthusiasts are amazed not only by the food but also the interior design of the place.  In addition to the restaurant, Cafe Kapitan caters parties and banquets in their three rooms: the Dining Room (photos above) is the main restaurant and holds 50 people for parties; the Gallery holds up to 100 people; and the Piano Room holds 25, where a pianist will entertain dining guests on request. They have extensive party menus to choose from at very reasonable prices, with the dishes a nice mix of Filipino and Spanish choices.

Ciari for short :)

Today, I am living in Marikina City together with my mother and my brother. I am now a 4^th year college student at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina taking up Secondary Education, major in English. My life so far is compromised of a wonderful family and great friends.

My life

My name is Franciarina Sarmiento Baron. When I was still in my mom’s womb, they thought that I was a boy so they prepared a name for a boy. But when I was born on December 8, 1995 in Famy, Laguna, they have found out that they had a baby girl. My parents had the hard time in choosing a perfect name for me. My name came from my grandparents. “Fran” came from my Tata, Francisco Baron. “Cia” from my Anda, Leoncia Baron. “Ri” came from my Lolo, Quirico Sarmiento and “Na” from my Lola, Montana Sarmiento. 

My mother is a school teacher in Indonesia and my father is a janitor in a school in Marikina. I was raised in my Lolo Ric’s farm. Life is really simple there. We used to pick the ingredients for our meals by the side of our house. My Lola died back when I was young. We had two dogs; their names were Batsing and Browny. Batsing died while delivering her babies; she didn’t make it as well as the puppies. Browny got lost and we didn’t find her until one of our neighbors said that Browny was found, dead on the highway. We were very sad when we heard the news about Browny.

My elementary days were very exciting. From grade 1 to grade 5, I studied in Sulib Elementary School in Pangil, Laguna. I have met many friends there. My mom was a teacher there but I still found time to cut classes and play outside the school. Things were better back then. We usually spend summer vacation here in Marikina at Kaka’s house. “Kaka” is the term we give for the eldest aunt in the family.One summer vacation, we went to Baguio together with Kaka. I was the only one who went with her and the rest of my family went back to Laguna. I had so much fun there. I rode on a horse called “buriko”, tried to wear the indigenous people’s clothes, picked strawberries and tasted ‘taho’ with strawberry flavor. But when we got back in Marikina, my father called Kaka over the phone and said that my Andang Lucing, mom of my father, died due to heart attack. She was not able to recover from the stroke. On my father’s side, they believed in anting-anting and I remembered my father said that before Anda died, there was a mysterious stone in her throat. They believed that the anting-anting stopped the suffering of my Anda that’s why she died. But I didn’t believe in such stories back then for I was still young.

We moved into our Tata’s house after my Anda died. I finished my elementary in Casa Real Elementary School in Pakil, Laguna. In that school, I have met my cousins, even one of my uncles was my classmate. On the day of our graduation, Tata gave me a necklace with a big gem stone pendant. He said that it is Anda’s necklace. Graduation day is memorable for me because I broke the necklace my Tata gave me. I was in a rush during that time and the necklace was stuck in my hair. I literally pulled the necklace out when I lost my temper. I was punished by Tata when he found out that I broke Anda’s precious necklace. He said that he will give me the necklace once again if I learned to appreciate and value things. Yet, it didn’t bother me because I was so excited to lead the graduation song.

When I was about to enter the high school level, I thought I was going to enroll in a private school. In our place when you’re in a private school, everyone thinks you’re a rich kid. Well, I thought we were. I was quiet disappointed when I found out that I have to enroll in a public school. Through the days in my high school life, I have met new friends, crushes and my first love. I was not that attractive back then, fat and dark. I also had pimples too, the reason why I was not loved back by that boy. I found out that my crush, loves my cousin, who was younger than me. I was used by that boy to know more about my cousin. I was in pain back then but it didn’t last for long. We moved to Marikina and continued my last two years of secondary level in Concepcion Integrated School. I’ve met new friends there. We’re not the only one who moved in Marikina but also my cousins from Bulacan that’s why I was so glad and got the courage to study in the city.

In my tertiary level, we took the college entrance exams first. I was so glad that I passed in PLMar. During my high school days, we used to attend UPCAT Review in UP. I also took the examination in UP unfortunately, I didn’t pass. During the enrollment, I was a bit of confused what course will I take. My mom said that I must take Education, but I’m into cooking. Then I realized it would be fun to be a teacher someday so I’ve decided to take Education as my career. I was one of the members of the dance troupe in PLMar. Sometimes, we were featured in Umagang Kay Ganda. But the time came that I got tired of what we were doing. So I decided to quit and focus in academics.

As of today, I am still studying and hoping to graduate next year. I have many plans for my future students. I am now preparing and practicing to be a teacher. I hope someday, all of my sacrifices will be paid not only by money. I’m in hoped to inspire them and help them make a difference in this world. 

How to change yourself and to accept changes

"Everything that you've ever dreamed of, disappearing when you wake up. But there's nothing to be afraid of. Even when the night changes. " - Night Changes, One Direction 

Have you ever been so excited to live a happy life with the people you love? Have you ever been so excited that you can't sleep the night before a big day? What if you wake up and everything has change? How would you accept the fact that everything you planned has been ruined? 

"Change", one word that can literally ruin your day, but can also lightens up. For other people, to be able to cope up with the changes happening in their lives, the only way, is to change themselves. Of course, we don't like major changes for we are frightened of what is unknown.  

We enjoy thinking or seeing things in the future. We may see ourselves to be successful ones, wearing things we don't have before, having our dream houses, or even live with our future partners. To be able to reach our goals, we must consider CHANGE in our expectations. Here are some steps on how to handle changes either major or minor ones.

According to what I've searched:

First, we must UNDERSTAND THE CHANGES THAT WILL ALWAYS HAPPEN.

Most of the time, we are unaware of it, as they do not affect us in a major way. An organization may shut down due to lack of profit for events or a house may be demolished because the owner can't present legal papers stating that the land is his. These circumstances may not affect you but other people may, these are major shifts in their lives.

Second is EXPECT TO ENJOY SOME CHANGES.

Changes are fun too. For example, for your patience for teaching students you may be given promotion or serve as an inspiration to other teachers or a person may give their love for you. These are the changes that directly affect you or some of the aspects in your life, yet they can be enjoyable. 

Third, we must REALIZE THAT SOME CHANGES ARE GOING TO BE VERY UNEXPECTED.

Always, always and ALWAYS expect the unexpected. How? We must always remember that there are accidents. Things or actions that we didn't expect to happen. Pretty hard isn't it? 

Fourth, we must understand that SOME CHANGES WILL BE A CHALLENGE.

Seems challenging right? Challenge in a way that it may test your faith, yourself, your family, friendships, relationships etc. These are the challenges that you can either rise or fall. Your attitude towards this new situation is very important. IF your approach to it is with fear, you may seem to have nervous actions. However, if you look at it in a positive way, such as an adventure, you are certain or probably to win at the end, even if you did some mistakes in the beginning. As long as you're willing to learn, you cannot go very far wrong. 

Fifth, we must GROW WITH CHANGES. 

Technology is advancing so quickly in fields those are unheard of, or unimaginable before. Those of us who were born more than half a century ago have had to contend with the advent of computers. Some people have chosen to ignore them, so that they do not, as they put it, even know where to switch it on, whereas others grasped them with both hands and reveled in the opportunities this new machine gave them to learn new skills and to surf the Internet in search of information, which was before only to be gained by going to libraries and searching, often in vain, through seemingly endless catalog lists.

Sixth, we must ACCEPT IT AS A NEW CHAPTER IN OUR LIFE. 

A CHANGE, then, should be seen as a new chapter in your life, a fresh opportunity to gain knowledge or experience in a new area. And even be accepted as a chance to discover new, new places and new skills. 

Seventh, THE KEY TO ACCEPTING CHANGE IS TO HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND TO ACCEPT EVERYTHING AS IT PRESENTS ITSELF. 

There are things about which you may have strongly biased opinions. This is not a bad thing, depending upon your approach. Certain people can accept constructive criticism, whereas others will reject any criticism at all. If you are of the latter bent, you will have a very hard time adjusting to change, whereas people who accept constructive criticism can advance. Ensure that your criticism is constructive and presented in a non-judgmental manner, so that it is more acceptable to others. If you do not understand something, ask - and pay attention to the answers you receive: you just may be enlightened.

Eighth, IF YOU BELONG TO SUBCULTURE, TRY TO PUT NOTICE TO YOUR ARGUMENTS IN A COHERENT MANNER.

You may want to sit down, correlate and write down your feelings, explanations and so forth, so that you can present them in such a way that they do not sound as if you are reciting a rote-learned poem. Hearing about your particular proclivity, explained in a rational way, just might change the way in which your listeners think about it. It is a change from their way of thinking, remember, and they need to have it explained in way that they can understand.

Ninth, BE TOLERANT TO OF OTHERS. 

Many people become members of, or adherents to, institutions which appear to have ideas and ideals that you may not understand, or about which you have received bad reports, or which might go against your creed or traditions, but that does not necessarily make them undesirable. We must understand what are their beliefs, arguments and practices.  

Tenth, Change requires that you accept certain things with which you might not be familiar at present, but with which you can become comfortable once you are exposed to it, learn about it and perhaps even participate in it.

We must accept the facts about CHANGE, even if we don't like to. Of course, it's hard, but I'll assure you, all of these are going to be worth it. 

And lastly, A GOOD MAXIM TO KEEP IN MIND IS THE OLD HIPPIE SAYING: "DON'T KNOCK IT UNTIL YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT."

Changes are everywhere, if we learn to be friends with it, cope up with it, enjoy it, we can really learn from it. Changes may seem to be always negative, but it's up to those who accept it. YOLO, you only live once, but if you do it right, it is not just enough, but also worth it.