Internet cafes are sprouting everywhere. Wherever you go, you could always see them around. In fact, it has already been considered as a large source of profit for businessmen nowadays and indeed, it has always been flocked by many customers which also keep the person in-charge very busy. We could often see them in the malls, near our houses, on the streets or even beside the school.
A lot of internet cafes are just located a few meters away from the school. Probably, it is purposely done to attract many customers especially students. Truly, these internet cafes have never lacked customers. Indeed, it is a great help especially to those who do not have computers at home and internet as well. I can say that it is absolutely beneficial but somehow, we cannot deny the fact that it also brought negative effects especially to students.
Internet cafes gave a problem to its neighboring schools. This is because some of the students, if not all, flock in internet cafes beside the school before classes in the morning, after classes in the afternoon and during lunch breaks. In fact, students use their money for p.c. rentals instead of spending it for their snacks and lunch. The money allotted for other payables in school are even being spent just for these. This is also one of the reasons for their tardiness. Instead of using their free time for studying or doing some schoolwork, they just spend their time by playing those cyber games.
I really have nothing against these people and the games that they play. I think there is nothing wrong with it. If it is their joy and their outlet as well, then I can do nothing about it as long as they would not make it a habit. My concerned is that the money spent just for this, the time that could have been used for more important things and the energy wasted just for hours of sitting down and facing the monitor. I mean, there is more to life than playing those games. They could have actually maximized their time by doing other things aside from it. I pity the parents of these children who have been working hard to provide the needs of their child. I believe that students nowadays should know how to value money especially on our country’s situation right now where we are currently undergoing financial instabilities.
I cannot really blame those people especially the students who are continually being addicted to this computer games played in the internet cafes. I know it is very hard to let go of something you are so attached to or to something you have really loved doing, but you need to put in mind that you have to be very careful before it brings great distractions especially to your studies. You will never know. Maybe you will just regret about it when you cannot do anything about it anymore. You have to make some moves before it becomes too late.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
On being taught by students...
With my four years stay in the University of the Philippines High School, a year would never be complete without the KNOW YOUR SCHOOL DAY or the KYSD. It is actually a three-day program wherein the students would substitute the teachers, faculty and staff in their own respective jobs. This is to give honor to the teachers and give them a break I guess. This is actually similar to the Teacher’s Day in other schools.
This activity has always been something the students, faculty and staff look forward to. It is probably because it gives us excitement seeing our classmates do the teaching for us. It is also fun to see them being the PED chair, principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, etc.
Every year, I have always experienced on being taught by students and I have actually never tried teaching in my four years stay. Anyway, being taught by students or my classmates has always been a fun experience for me. It is because it is here where you can see the capabilities of your classmates when it comes to the subject matter. You also get to pay attention because the person in front is someone new. It is also cute to see them teach. I really admire those who apply for difficult subjects such as Mathematics and Science. I think it is a brave action for them to do it. I also admire those who apply for other subjects since it would be an added responsibility for them. Even if our classmates were the ones who taught us on other subjects, I surely did learn something from them. I really appreciate those who explained the lessons well for us and really made sure that we understood the lessons very well. However, it hurts to know that some students apply for a certain position just for the sake of grades. I mean, even if they really are not capable for the position, they still get accepted (ang uban ra ha). Sometimes, it is obvious that they do not know what to do and what they are doing is not from the heart. They just create confusion to students who do not really understand the lesson and make them not understand all the more. I believe they should exert extra effort in making the students understand since they applied for it.
The KYSD this year was indeed a success. The students who participated enjoyed. I believe the faculty and staff enjoyed as well. There are a lot of fond memories when it comes to the KYSD and I hope that these memories will last forever and the next KYSDs to come.
This activity has always been something the students, faculty and staff look forward to. It is probably because it gives us excitement seeing our classmates do the teaching for us. It is also fun to see them being the PED chair, principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, etc.
Every year, I have always experienced on being taught by students and I have actually never tried teaching in my four years stay. Anyway, being taught by students or my classmates has always been a fun experience for me. It is because it is here where you can see the capabilities of your classmates when it comes to the subject matter. You also get to pay attention because the person in front is someone new. It is also cute to see them teach. I really admire those who apply for difficult subjects such as Mathematics and Science. I think it is a brave action for them to do it. I also admire those who apply for other subjects since it would be an added responsibility for them. Even if our classmates were the ones who taught us on other subjects, I surely did learn something from them. I really appreciate those who explained the lessons well for us and really made sure that we understood the lessons very well. However, it hurts to know that some students apply for a certain position just for the sake of grades. I mean, even if they really are not capable for the position, they still get accepted (ang uban ra ha). Sometimes, it is obvious that they do not know what to do and what they are doing is not from the heart. They just create confusion to students who do not really understand the lesson and make them not understand all the more. I believe they should exert extra effort in making the students understand since they applied for it.
The KYSD this year was indeed a success. The students who participated enjoyed. I believe the faculty and staff enjoyed as well. There are a lot of fond memories when it comes to the KYSD and I hope that these memories will last forever and the next KYSDs to come.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Something fulfilling..
Last Friday, the CWTS Officers and Cadets went to Gasa sa Gugma together with our three teachers. Gasa sa Gugma is actually a home for dying destitutes, meaning they provide for the needs of those who needed help. The charity was focused mainly on caring for old people though.
I have never been the type of person who is actively involved with this charity thing so the experience was pretty much exciting. I have been to an orphanage once but this was going to be different because it was going to be the old people that we are going to visit.
We left the school a few minutes after 2 o’clock in the afternoon. A kaoshiong bus transported us to the place. Riding on the bus with the batch has always been fun for me. It is because it is the extension of our bonding. Just a few minutes after, we arrived at the place. It was so silent. I was thinking that I could not survive in that place because it seemed like you are locked up and there is no way out. We still had to wait for instructions from the in-charge who was still talking to some other girls. After waiting, the in-charge told us that they will be having a mass at 3 o’clock. So we decided to meet our “lolos” and “lolas” and accompany them to the chapel.
Meeting them made me feel emotional and others as well. I did not know what to do at first because I was surprised with their situations. Others could not walk already, several even did not care to smile and still some were still filled with hope and joy. I did not want to be emotionally attached to them that is why I just moved from one person to another. Listening to their stories made me teary-eyed. I pity them hearing their stories and their experiences in life. There was this old man who kept on sharing about his wives, children and grandchildren. He also kept on sharing to us about family values. A lot of his stories were confusing though but it made me realized the mistakes I have done in the past. It made me realized the shortcomings I have committed to my grandmother. It reminded me to love her even more because she is still my grandmother whatever happens. There was also this old lady who was so jolly and optimistic despite of the things that are happening around her. I really admire her because of her positive outlook in life. I was really surprised seeing to girls in a crib with problems on their brain. I smiled at them to tell them I was glad to see them, it was so fulfilling to see the other girl smile back. I continued on listening to other stories of the people there.
It was already time to leave because they will be having their dinner already. Dinner will actually be served at 4 o’clock. We were not able to present the presentations we prepared for them because of lack of time. We did not want to destroy their schedule. Even if we were not able to do all the things that we have planned for, it is already enough for me that at least we were able to put smiles on their faces.
I have never been the type of person who is actively involved with this charity thing so the experience was pretty much exciting. I have been to an orphanage once but this was going to be different because it was going to be the old people that we are going to visit.
We left the school a few minutes after 2 o’clock in the afternoon. A kaoshiong bus transported us to the place. Riding on the bus with the batch has always been fun for me. It is because it is the extension of our bonding. Just a few minutes after, we arrived at the place. It was so silent. I was thinking that I could not survive in that place because it seemed like you are locked up and there is no way out. We still had to wait for instructions from the in-charge who was still talking to some other girls. After waiting, the in-charge told us that they will be having a mass at 3 o’clock. So we decided to meet our “lolos” and “lolas” and accompany them to the chapel.
Meeting them made me feel emotional and others as well. I did not know what to do at first because I was surprised with their situations. Others could not walk already, several even did not care to smile and still some were still filled with hope and joy. I did not want to be emotionally attached to them that is why I just moved from one person to another. Listening to their stories made me teary-eyed. I pity them hearing their stories and their experiences in life. There was this old man who kept on sharing about his wives, children and grandchildren. He also kept on sharing to us about family values. A lot of his stories were confusing though but it made me realized the mistakes I have done in the past. It made me realized the shortcomings I have committed to my grandmother. It reminded me to love her even more because she is still my grandmother whatever happens. There was also this old lady who was so jolly and optimistic despite of the things that are happening around her. I really admire her because of her positive outlook in life. I was really surprised seeing to girls in a crib with problems on their brain. I smiled at them to tell them I was glad to see them, it was so fulfilling to see the other girl smile back. I continued on listening to other stories of the people there.
It was already time to leave because they will be having their dinner already. Dinner will actually be served at 4 o’clock. We were not able to present the presentations we prepared for them because of lack of time. We did not want to destroy their schedule. Even if we were not able to do all the things that we have planned for, it is already enough for me that at least we were able to put smiles on their faces.
a once in a blue moon experience..
Last Saturday, February 3, 2007, my family was invited to have lunch at Mariott hotel’s buffet restaurant. A good friend of my parents who greatly helped in the soliciting money for my dad’s kidney transplant was the one who invited us. He is from Manila and he is just flying just for the invitation. His wife was also there as well as the boss of my parents. The purpose of that occasion was to celebrate the one year anniversary of my dad’s kidney transplant.
It was kind of embarrassing because the one who invited us arrived earlier. We arrived a little bit late since we still have to accommodate some guests at home. But anyway, stepping unto the halls of Marriott hotel was pretty exciting. It was not my first time to be there but it was only my second time to have a meal there and I cannot even recall when that time was. Before proceeding to the restaurant, my mom, my sister and I went to the comfort room first. When we went out, we then saw the friend of my parents, tito Sonny. He led us to the buffet restaurant and introduced us to his wife, tita Wendy, who was already sitting at the table. I was happy because they were so kind. I was surprised because Tita Wendy said “Andyan si Edu”. I wasn’t that excited at all with what she said because I am really not an Edu Manzano fan but you know, but it is our instinct I guess to become curious whenever a celebrity is around. So I looked at the buffet table and was amazed, shocked, surprised, awed and whatever you call it because it was not Edu that I saw, it was Luis Manzano! OMG, Luis Manzano, one of my crushes in the world of showbiz! I didn’t know what to do. I could not concentrate. My eyes were focused on him. I did not even pay attention to what the people around me were talking about. All I cared for that moment was just to be able to stare at Luis.
So it was already our time to eat. We stood up to get our food since it was a buffet. At first I did not know what to get because there were really a lot of choices when it comes to food. I was so confused, from viands, breads, ice cream, cakes, vegetables, cheese, Japanese food and others. I have to admit I was a bit ignorant on how to get my food but I did not show it so that I would not get embarrassed. So I was standing near the table where the viands were. Amazingly, Luis was also getting something there. Surprisingly, my dad approached him and said “Hi Luis, my children are big fans of you.” He politely said, “Thank you!” That was our closest distance. He was just like a meter away. I did not waste any time, I really stared at him. He was so handsome! He was so tall, taller than my dad I guess and his skin is very fair. He looks big on television but he doesn’t seem to be that big in person, his body shape is good though. My mom, a fan of Luis also greeted him and said, “Hi Luis!” He answered, “Good afternoon. I’m sorry I just woke up.” He was a bit shy, that was what’s in my mind or maybe he was just tired. It was obvious that he just woke up because of his eyes and it seemed that he didn’t take a bath yet but nevertheless he still looked very hot. When he went back to his table, I continued on choosing what food to get. I went back to my table and started eating. The food was palatable. It was one of a kind. Before we finished eating, I then saw Luis heading to his hotel room. It was a bit disappointing to see him leave so fast. But it was okay, it was fun seeing him though.
We stayed at Marriott for about two hours. We just ate the whole time and I really ate a lot that time. We also had some chit-chats.
That afternoon was really special. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my entire life, having lunch at Marriott and meeting a famous celebrity, a once in a blue moon experience I believe.
It was kind of embarrassing because the one who invited us arrived earlier. We arrived a little bit late since we still have to accommodate some guests at home. But anyway, stepping unto the halls of Marriott hotel was pretty exciting. It was not my first time to be there but it was only my second time to have a meal there and I cannot even recall when that time was. Before proceeding to the restaurant, my mom, my sister and I went to the comfort room first. When we went out, we then saw the friend of my parents, tito Sonny. He led us to the buffet restaurant and introduced us to his wife, tita Wendy, who was already sitting at the table. I was happy because they were so kind. I was surprised because Tita Wendy said “Andyan si Edu”. I wasn’t that excited at all with what she said because I am really not an Edu Manzano fan but you know, but it is our instinct I guess to become curious whenever a celebrity is around. So I looked at the buffet table and was amazed, shocked, surprised, awed and whatever you call it because it was not Edu that I saw, it was Luis Manzano! OMG, Luis Manzano, one of my crushes in the world of showbiz! I didn’t know what to do. I could not concentrate. My eyes were focused on him. I did not even pay attention to what the people around me were talking about. All I cared for that moment was just to be able to stare at Luis.
So it was already our time to eat. We stood up to get our food since it was a buffet. At first I did not know what to get because there were really a lot of choices when it comes to food. I was so confused, from viands, breads, ice cream, cakes, vegetables, cheese, Japanese food and others. I have to admit I was a bit ignorant on how to get my food but I did not show it so that I would not get embarrassed. So I was standing near the table where the viands were. Amazingly, Luis was also getting something there. Surprisingly, my dad approached him and said “Hi Luis, my children are big fans of you.” He politely said, “Thank you!” That was our closest distance. He was just like a meter away. I did not waste any time, I really stared at him. He was so handsome! He was so tall, taller than my dad I guess and his skin is very fair. He looks big on television but he doesn’t seem to be that big in person, his body shape is good though. My mom, a fan of Luis also greeted him and said, “Hi Luis!” He answered, “Good afternoon. I’m sorry I just woke up.” He was a bit shy, that was what’s in my mind or maybe he was just tired. It was obvious that he just woke up because of his eyes and it seemed that he didn’t take a bath yet but nevertheless he still looked very hot. When he went back to his table, I continued on choosing what food to get. I went back to my table and started eating. The food was palatable. It was one of a kind. Before we finished eating, I then saw Luis heading to his hotel room. It was a bit disappointing to see him leave so fast. But it was okay, it was fun seeing him though.
We stayed at Marriott for about two hours. We just ate the whole time and I really ate a lot that time. We also had some chit-chats.
That afternoon was really special. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my entire life, having lunch at Marriott and meeting a famous celebrity, a once in a blue moon experience I believe.
I stand 5'7"..who cares?
Being blessed with a height of 5’7” at only sixteen years old makes me feel an alien in my own country. Filipino people are known for being short, not for being tall so living in an environment wherein height seems to be a big deal is quite a struggle for me. I am pretty sure several could relate with me.
My dad is 5’10” tall and my mom stands 5’8”. This is probably the reason why I am this tall. I believe I am insanely tall for my age and it is in our genes I guess, especially on the side of my mom. From the first day I was born up to this day, I have always been the tallest person, if not, the tallest girl in any groups I have been to. That is why I feel awkward sometimes whenever I’m with my friends because people would stare at me and start commenting about my height. When I go out of the house, take a jeepney, go to school, go shopping at malls, attend church or even at family gatherings, people had always something to say regarding my height. People would even often think that I am already eighteen above because of my height. I believe this is one of the reasons for my insecurities and for my being conscious all the time. My friends had the same height, and being with them would just make me feel different from them (simang bah!). This I think is also the reason why I would walk alone or would just prefer not to be accompanied by anybody because it would make me feel conscious all the more.
Honestly, I really get pissed off when people ask me, “Gayle, why are you so tall?” (“ngano taas man ka?”) Like duh, is it something to be asked about? Well, God made me this way, that is the answer I guess. I also get annoyed when people tell me “You are so tall!” (“taasa jud nimu ui!”) It is maybe because I hear it all the time so hearing it over and over again would lead irritation to my eardrum. But I have been used to it already and have already accepted that I would not be able to escape from it until I day.
But you know what, I did not let those comments from other people made me insecure all the more. I did not allow it to stick in my mind. I did not let it destroy my self-esteem. I just kept on telling myself that I am unique because not everyone could have this height. Others would even tell me that they are jealous of my height. Hearing these words from other people actually helps me. Even if I feel awkward with my height, I never slouched just to look shorter. I never let my insecurities intervene me. I still walk with confidence and grace showing people that I do not care with what they say. So what if stand 5’7” at sixteen right?
My dad is 5’10” tall and my mom stands 5’8”. This is probably the reason why I am this tall. I believe I am insanely tall for my age and it is in our genes I guess, especially on the side of my mom. From the first day I was born up to this day, I have always been the tallest person, if not, the tallest girl in any groups I have been to. That is why I feel awkward sometimes whenever I’m with my friends because people would stare at me and start commenting about my height. When I go out of the house, take a jeepney, go to school, go shopping at malls, attend church or even at family gatherings, people had always something to say regarding my height. People would even often think that I am already eighteen above because of my height. I believe this is one of the reasons for my insecurities and for my being conscious all the time. My friends had the same height, and being with them would just make me feel different from them (simang bah!). This I think is also the reason why I would walk alone or would just prefer not to be accompanied by anybody because it would make me feel conscious all the more.
Honestly, I really get pissed off when people ask me, “Gayle, why are you so tall?” (“ngano taas man ka?”) Like duh, is it something to be asked about? Well, God made me this way, that is the answer I guess. I also get annoyed when people tell me “You are so tall!” (“taasa jud nimu ui!”) It is maybe because I hear it all the time so hearing it over and over again would lead irritation to my eardrum. But I have been used to it already and have already accepted that I would not be able to escape from it until I day.
But you know what, I did not let those comments from other people made me insecure all the more. I did not allow it to stick in my mind. I did not let it destroy my self-esteem. I just kept on telling myself that I am unique because not everyone could have this height. Others would even tell me that they are jealous of my height. Hearing these words from other people actually helps me. Even if I feel awkward with my height, I never slouched just to look shorter. I never let my insecurities intervene me. I still walk with confidence and grace showing people that I do not care with what they say. So what if stand 5’7” at sixteen right?
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