I Must Not

 I am feeling it again -the attraction towards another human. But would this last? Can this attraction turn into romance then love? Or would it just be another research for my curious soul?

I am a person but I am not the person.
When someone likes me, I push him away. When a guy's starting to like me, I let him be but when it develops into something deeper, I retreat.
When I like someone and he does not like me, it is so freaking fun but when he comes reciprocatig that feeling, I retreat.
I like guys who do not like me.

Why?
Am I afraid to be in a relationship? Maybe, Ive been hurt too. I am not used to be with someone who cares and makes me feel special. I am not used to everything an opposite sex would do to me.

Why am I like this?
I long for the kiss for the touch but when they come, I cannot feel the fire. Why?
I long for the one but when someone comes, I reject him.
I long for attention but when it is given, I do not accept.
Why?

Is love love?

Is love love when it’s dry?

Is love love when it’s cold?

Is love love when it’s silent?

Is love love when it’s wrong?

Is love love when it’s stolen?

Is love love when it’s aching?

Is love love when it’s untrue?

Is love love when it’s hollow?

Is love love when it’s foolish?

Is love love when it’s wasted?

Is love love when it’s goodbye?

Is love love when it’s confusing?

Is love love when it’s an illusion?

Is love love when it’s short lived?

Is love love when it’s exhausting?

Is love love when it’s pure waiting?

Is love love when it’s not returned?

What good is love that loses your mind?

What good is love that causes despair?

What good is love that inflicts pain?

What good is love that escapes?

What good is it to be loved?

What good is it to love?

What is love?

Burn in Vain.

Melt alone in the rain.

HISTORICAL LEGACY OF INCAT CLASS NASIDIRI

While I was going over my reviewers a few months ago, there was this test question item which sparked my interest. It goes this way.

            According to William Glasser’s Choice Theory, we are motivated by a never-ending quest to satisfy our basic needs. Which of these is our basic need?

            a. to love and to belong

            c. to be free and have fun

            c. to be powerful

            d. to survive

Write the letter of the correct answer. If all options are correct, write E. If none is correct, write F.

Is it letter A? TO LOVE AND TO BELONG?

            It can be A. Why? Because the mere fact that we are all gathered right now in this building is a beautiful expression of love. We are here because our parents made us out of love and we have withstood the test of time because we have loved and been loved back.

            I am 24 years old. I graduated with the course Bachelor of Science in Economics from a top-caliber university in the province. However, after graduation, I did not have a single clue on what I wanted to do.  It was like entering a maze  - taking left and right  turns, reaching dead ends and realizing that I was never getting out.  Paranoia is an understatement. Funny thing is, I’ve figured out that my problem was not looking for the exit but finding myself.

            I guess this is the biggest problem confronting every college graduate and more to a high school graduate. We are at a crucial time of life when decisions can alter the trajectory of our future. To add to the difficulties, we are generally left to ourselves to sort through the choices we make. But, just like a rainbow after a rain, a good thing will always happen after you experience pain.

I am just one of the many persons rescued by Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades. Through the career guidance activities of the Senior High School Department, I learned the countless opportunities waiting for a technical-vocational graduate. With INCAT as the pilot school for the implementation of Senior High School in the region plus my reawakened passion to be in the tourism industry, I took this huge leap and confidently enrolled Hotel and Restaurant Services.

And I know many of us right now are really thankful for this chance. Some of us want to be automotive mechanics, some desire to be draftsmen, some dream to be renowned fashion designers and dressmakers, some aspire to be electricians, technicians, TV and radio station managers, receptionists, chefs and hotel supervisors. We all want to be somebody. Truly, at INCAT, we were welcomed with open arms, and finally, we can say, WE ARE HOME.

IS then the need to love and to belong a basic need?

Or Is it letter b? To be free and have fun?

            Just play, have fun and enjoy the game. This was our motto when we ventured into a new journey . We were Grade 11 students but we were having the moment of our lives! We were always seizing the day! We keep calm and laugh like there’s no tomorrow. Fun in meeting our teachers, doing our projects in our major and core subjects and applying our knowledge in our performance tests.

           

Or is it letter c? Is to be powerful our basic need?

To be powerful is to achieve, to be competent, to be skilled, to be recognized for our achievements and skill, to be listened to and have a sense of self worth.

We joined different activities in the school.

Ronald Juan was elected Vice President of the Supreme Student Council under the tutelage of Mr. Neil Leal and Mrs. Jovelyn Queja. Antonette Aguillon, Mark John Gamiao, Dandrick Vitin, Shaina Calma  and Shirley Abejar were their defense in the student organization.

It was in Grade 11 when two students from Hotel and Restaurant Services emerged champion in the Nutrition Month – Cook Fest competition . They are Angela Torres and Harjay Anderson.

Their innate talents coupled with great willpower proved them greater success. John Rey Pascua, an HRS student bagged the gold medal in a seminar in Baguio City. 

With a killer combination of beauty and style, Cherry Anne Asuncion was well positioned to clutch the Female Star of the Night title during the Socialization Ball 2015. Arwyn James Edrada who also possessed the striking good looks and a charming smile was acclaimed Male Star of the Night.

Mark Lester Pilot’s superb vocal command both in terms of technique and expression made him the first ever winner of SHS Got Talent.  

During the Tech-Voc Day, we have proven again that we are masters of our crafts. Mastery that does not require us to be perfect, but it does require us to pursue perfection.

Every year, the competition gets harder and harder especially in pageants. Mr. and Miss Tech Voc was held in search for the candidate that has the total perfect package - beautiful, charismatic, confident, skilled, and, on top of all that, a perfect image of what she/ he represents. I couldn’t contain my joy when I was awarded the 2^nd runner up of the said competition and my partner, Mark Lester Pilot as Mr. Tech Voc 2015. Truly, when you are an SHS student, you must not only be confined to psychomotor abilities but also to remain dauntless under pressure.

The school year was ended with a bang when Shirley Abejar’s new embellishments to her songs and her unique musical style made her the champion of the cultural show- singing showdown.

Or is it letter D? To survive?

We were not yet done for we were just about to start work immersion … and we had to survive. We walked on different pavements for our work immersion during summer of 2015.Through the multiple linkages of our school to industries and companies in and out of the region, we have gained valuable experiences that we will take as we move forward with our future careers.  We got to experience being in a grind, of being part of the industrial race. We inhaled a fresh breath of professionalism, on knowing what real office etiquette is.

After two months of work immersion, we arrived in our last academic year. We are now in Grade 12. June 2015, we busied ourselves reaping more laurels. Ronald Juan led the entire senior high school studentry. Shirley Abejar was elected Vice President; Yours truly, Secretary; Antonette Aguillon, treasurer, Valerie Gayla Aglanao, Auditor; Angela Torres, Business Manager; Romilyn Francisco, PIO; Ma.Daphne Garcia and Ezar Menor, Athletic Managers and Mark John Gamiao and Shaina Calma, Peace Officers.

Composed of the batch’s hottest jamming artists, SHS Sessionistas swept us off our seats as they sang the best and the latest songs in every school activity. Equipped with their guitars and soothing voices, Hazel Estabillo, Ace Dalipe and Mark Lester Pilot confidently caught our attention as they related their experiences to the songs they sang and share them straight to us.

Class Nasadiri was put into limelight because it has produced students equipped with excellent technical and vocational know-hows. They won in the different contested activities during the Regional Festival of Talents held in Pangasinan. Princess Jackielyn Julian emerged champion in Fashion Technology  and Erick Saguilla ranked third in Electrical Installation and Maintenance. Proud coaches are Mrs. Marites Uganiza and Mr. Randy Laureta.

Because of their high academic achievement HRS students Mark Edison Respicio and Ma. Daphne Garcia , and Beauty Care students Jeannelle and Apple Joy Hilario became recipients of financial assistance during the Scholarship Program.

The Grade 12 students comprised the highest number of beneficiaries of Iskolar ni Manang Imee. This scholarship started in the first semester of Academic Year 2015-2016 which supports students enrolled in technical-vocational programs of schools. Receiving the scholarship means we have succeeded. A lot of people say there isn't help available, but this shows that there is help out there.

For the second semester, we devoted our 700 hours for another work immersion. Friends, I am very much proud to announce that many of our batchmates have been absorbed in the workforce. To name some companies and industries  are Hotel Supreme in Baguio City, Harbor View Resto in Manila, Hotel Salcedo in Vigan, CORE System, Bravo Tech in Dagupan, Manial Broadcasting Company, DWRS, DZRh, Plaza del Norte, Fort Ilocandia, INEC,  Expansion of Cluster Asia cable TV project, 88 Suite Hotel, Nail Lounge, and ABS-CBN Baguio.

            Which of those 4 choices is correct? Which do we need most? A B, C or D?

            The answer is E. All of the options are right. The need to love and to belong , the need to be free and have fun, the need to be powerful , the need to survive are all our basic needs and we need to meet one or more of these because these are the general motivation for everything that we do.

The choice theory teaches us that we always have a choice. We have a control of our lives. We are responsible for the choices we make. We have chosen before and now is the time to make some new constructive choices. Choose what is important. Choose what is satisfying. Choose what makes you happy. But we must make the wisest choice for the consequences are irreversible. William Glasser did not create that theory for you to just see the world unfold.

           

MTB-MLE: EDUCATIONAL UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE

Pursuant to Deped Order No. 74 series of 2009 dated July 14, 2009 stated and mandated the use of MTB-MLE (Mother Tongue-Based-Multilingual Education) as medium of instructions starting all kindergarten in year 2011 spreading wide the country.

We should commend DepEd for such an initiative. While the issue on the use of mother tongue for instruction in schools is not new and some oppose it particularly on the ground of its so-called negative effect on the English language proficiency of our students. The DepEd needs all the help it can get. Higher education institutions must do their share by offering quality MTB-MLE pre-service and in-service training to current and future teachers.

The implementation of the program is clearly better than continuing with the status quo which proved to result in a quality of education that is far from what we desire. Like what Ornolfor Thorsson, adviser to the President of Iceland, stressed "Without our language, we have no culture, we have no identity, we are nothing."

The MTB-MLE is designed to address the disconnection between the languages used at home and at school by adopting the mother tongue for instruction as studies show that such language is most effective for students’ comprehension and learning. The program is intended for students of preschool up to Grade 3.

MTB-MLE is more than just language. It is not only changing the medium of instruction or translating the second language into the first language or reprinting textbooks for the implementation. It is also on cultural upliftment and historical awareness. 

What and how will the MTB-MLE implementation contribute to the present Philippine education situation? Varied approaches and strategies are directly proportional to varied languages, schools and learning communities in the country. These strategies are guided by common and sound foundational principles of teaching and learning. Teachers will be motivated and have chances to show pure creativity and resourcefulness in delivering their lessons. They can see clearly its would-be flaws for they are knowledgeable about the developmental stages of learning and their consequent applications to teaching.

In other words, MTB-MLE does not promise a pre-packaged, one-size-fits-all quick fix to the present crisis in Philippine basic education. The concerted push for MTB-MLE is clearly gaining momentum. However, at this two-week training, participants were also warned about moving too fast. To be sure, mother tongue based multilingual education is the way to go to ensure the long-term success of basic education reform. But as an important step in education reform, it must be approached with caution.

Parodies and a Sonnet

The River

Oh, she flows, spreads, the River! And she floats our dreams

Who cuddles us within her cool tideless appeal

She catches leaves and hides the fish in her bed so deep

A liquid theme where our history and culture swim.

Down, down, you will not hear her like the sea but drifts still

Don’t panic on her current for it heals – mind, body, grief

Today we rise like her, pouring with hope and concern

Where He, the open sea awaits for our sweet return.

(Parody of The Little Rain by Tu Fu)

Song, to a Stalker

Don’t look at me with your bulgy eyes,

Horrible! It’s not meant with mine;

Wipe that kiss within the cup,

Or take a bath using your wine.

The thirst that from your soul rise

Should never ask a drink so divine;

Honestly! I of Aphrodite’s nectar sup,

Would not even care for thine.

You sent thee late a rosy wreath

Well, gave me blisters and allergies

Rejection is all you can get there

It could not withered be!

The wreath you gave didst only breathe

Of dead rats, why senst to me?

Since when I’m a lady, marry I swear

Not of yourself, but thee.

(Parody of Song to Celia by Ben Jonson )

Obloquy

Rights! Furnish them all their —

Vinegar-soaked epidermis

                Bilabial thread- squeezed, hair

                Where their perfections uncease!:

                Jack , they grant - affable be

                Jill is as delightful as he!

                                 I am: yet, barely one knows

                                 Forsake me like cerebrum lost – say

                                 Aye, labeled cannibal of my woes…

                                 Still to be floured, eau de toilette

                                 Lend me a look, tape me a face

                                 To change my color – a grace?

                But, He comes down, decides the   Race War
                Rights! Furnish us with all our —

(Sonnet about Racial Discrimination)

These poems were written by a 3rd year college student. That is me. These are from her book A DESTINATION MICROCHIP, a travelogue which was the major requirement in the subject World Literature. 

The Destination Microchip

Prologue

April 4, 2011

                The world is going to be mine!

               These are the exact words I was and will be uttering for the most-awaited product launch of my first yet most innovative technological invention for the Lasaten Techno World Fair, the biggest and the longest one man business empire that supports young scientists of today. Lasaten Techno World is owned and managed by Ronald Candy Lasaten, a renowned computer engineer and at the same time big boss of the Lasaten Shipping Lines International. At 30, he remains the most influential person in Asia and ranks 10^th in Forbe’s Richest Magazine. He will be granting an all-expense paid 2-month trip around the world to the grand winner of the fair. The question is, do I need such?

                The prize is ridiculous! Why would I use it when in all fairness, I’ve finally discovered a hassle-free (fyi, hassles include slimy sweat, grime, dust, time and effort in going to passport-processing agencies), teleport- like (in just a blink of an eye) and safety-assured TRAVEL MACHINE?! My mistake, it’s not actually a machine. It’s more of a machine encased in a supersensitive and ultrathin microchip that has a memory of 48,000 GB and speed of 299,000 kms/ second (almost the speed of light), imagine!).

                Ladies and gentlemen, I proudly present the future of tourism – THE DESTINATION MICROCHIP.

The destination microchip has the faculty to transfer a person from one place to another. It has the size of your index fingernail. Remember, a MICROCHIP CHOOSES ITS USER. How?

You have to undergo online intelligence test and personality-compatibility test to suit the microchip. For the final judgment, the microchip will be hardwired in a human robot to challenge your endurance, emotional, language and traveling skills. Obviously, these are prerequisites of a good world traveler. If you happen to succeed, the robot bows before you, gives the microchip and says, “You deserve it master.” You can now proceed to my lab for the microchip installation.

More importantly, A MICROCHIP WILL ONLY SERVE ONE MASTER IN ITS LIFETIME. So robbers, thieves and gangs please step aside. If the non-owner still insists to use it, it will send electrical impulses that damage the brain and heart within 24 seconds. Take note, 24 seconds only!

Here’s the good news. THE MICROCHIP INSTALLATION ONLY REQUIRES MICRO-OPERATION. It will be embedded beneath your index fingernail. It won’t hurt, I promise! Upon installation, you’ll record the mother password. This will be saved to the long term memory of the microchip. A visual icon of a red button appears afterwards at the center of your nail and you just simply press it to enable the whole mechanism.

Since the destination microchip is intended for traveling, I have included a camera and pop-up computer screen (yup, it’s like what you see in Hollywood action or sci-fi films!) in it. You can check you facebook account as long as you’re in a wi-fi zone pal! But before traveling, you have to answer these four main questions:

         Target destination: ____   Person/s to meet: ____

         Target date: _________ Password: __________    

                The password is the most crucial part because only authorized personnel can give it. The password depends on the target destination and person/s to meet.

                “The 2011  Grand Winner of the Lasaten Techno World Fair goes to…” (drumbeats)

(This was our major requirement in the subject World Literature during college. There might be grammatical flaws as expected from a student. This was the first book I have ever written, and probably not the last. )

Hugot sa Abang Falls (When in Bangui)

Sabi nila, ang pag-ibig daw ay dapat inaabangan kahit gaano man katagal, kasi ang pag-ibig ay matiyaga, mapagkumbaba, hindi humihingi ng kapalit at marunong maghintay. 

Sabi ko naman, ang pag-ibig ay isang malaking pagsasayang ng oras kung wala ka nang ibang ginawa kundi maghintay. 

Yaman din lamang at nadako na tayo sa mundo ng pag-ibig, ating sariwain mga ala-ala sa Abang Falls ng Bangui kasama ang mga hugot lines ng ating mga pusong sawi.

Para akong bato kasi lagi na lang akong nasa baba mo. Hindi makaakyat, hindi kakayanin ang bigat.

Ganito na lang ba lagi? Hanggan sulyap na lang sa iyong ganda? Hanggang talsik na lang iyong pag-asang may tayong dalawa?

 Pagbalibaliktarin mo man ang mundo, sa iyo pa din mahuhulog ang puso ko. Ang gravity of the earth at inertia of the planets ay walang sinabi sa paghila mo sa katawang tao ko.  (pick-up line!)

Oo na, oo na , ikaw na ang maraming manliligaw! Pero sana hindi mo ako pinaasa kasi ang sakit sakit na. Oo, maganda ka nga sa labas pero iyong kalooban mo, bulok, lanta, inuuod. 

 Pangako mo sa akin noon, ako lang. Maliwanag na sa akin ang lahat. Ako lang ang nasasaktan. Ako lang ang binbalewala. Ako lang ang iniiwan. 

 Ang relationship ay parang ABANG falls -may mga levels. 

Level 1: Infatuation; Level 2: Intimacy; Level 3: Breakup

At sa lahat ng levels, bakit ba favorite mo ang level 3?

Ikaw ay parang tubig sa Abang - nanlalamig. 

Foggy with a Chance of Rainballs (When in Dumalneg)

It was March 26 when we drove all the way to Dumalneg. It took us 2 hours from DWCL to reach the town amidst the rain and under construction roads. We actually rode on motorbikes. (*insert butt-numbing emoji)

slippery when wet

 foggy with a chance of rainballs 

foggy with a chance of farmballs

Mr. Sun has risen

We initially thought that the rain won't stop but after an hour of eating kakanin and watching our student and his family doing that 'karas', it finally stopped. At around 11, we drove to Brgy. Ar-aro-o and couldn't shut our mouth because of its stunning beauty. (On your way, it's normal to see kids diving into the cali/irrigation or whatever it's called. The water is so clear, I must tell!)

 almost there

sneak peek

Here you go!

 rest in the rapids

 virginal

The trip won't be complete without the penetrating cold swim! Let's go!

To tell you honestly, it is the best river I've ever visited. Place is peaceful, has few tourists, windy, you can even jump from the cliff, do photoshoot, current is not strong, behold the mountains around and pick some mysterious stones as a souvenir. Anyway, they charge an entrance fee of Php 10.00. and there are comfort rooms so you can change into your swimsuits and swimGOWNS anytime. I did not ask for the fee because I feel comfortable undressing in public. Charot.

After swimming, we also relaxed under the shady pine trees and if you didn't yet realize, the brgy is called ar-aro-o- because of the pines. Ar-aro-o is the Iluko term for pine trees.

 How are you? I am pine.

 White dress would be better.

INNHS-SSC Batch 2008

To conclude, the weather is not an obstacle rather a chance to be fearsome.