EYE-OPENER

Good afternoon.

This time I would like to tell you what happened last Tuesday in our Access class.  It was a very exciting one.  It's an eye-opener for us.  And we realized how lucky we are because we don't have to work in the fields all day, not studying.  We feel pity for those kids that have no right to prove their abilities and choose the kind of job they want to do in the future.

And, I learned about the Labor day in the Philippines and in the United States.  It's a very interesting one because it's like we're studying the American history.  I think that America has a large part in my life because of this opportunity.  And like everybody else, I'l do my very best to enhance my English language skills.  I love America and I'm proud to be a Filipino!

IMPACT OF IDIOMS IN MY LIFE

Good afternoon.  I had my works cut out these past few days.  I really had many assignments to do; I read a whole chapter of a book to pass my test, and I was glad that it went well.  But then I was glad that it was like that.  For me it's a preparation for college, even though it will take three more years to graduate in high school; I'm in ninth grade already.

This time I want to share with you how idioms affect my life.  

Every day, I always read the Bible and I really want to make it through my life.  Also, it reminds me of the idiom, "Actions speak louder than words."  Come to think of it.  Yes, right, I can give good pieces of advice to my younger cousins and to others that's written in what I called my precious Book, but I'm still worried if the words I say are true.  So, instead of always talking, I just wanted to keep quiet and if somebody will ask me, then so be it.  It is written in the Bible that the things you do reflect what kind of God you have.  No, don't misunderstand me.  I am being true to myself, and I know what's the difference between right and wrong.  I am just worried that what if I hurt others with my words.  

And to tell you honestly, before, I really didn't like doing projects or assignments by group because some of the members will not participate.  They just all went along for the ride.  And when we're having practice for the presentation for the next day, I wanted all kidding aside.  No time for jokes.  But I realized that jokes have a great role in a group.  There's no sense if there's no joke.

There's also time that I really understand the lesson but when it's time for a test or quiz, I'm all thumbs.

And, like any other persons, I have my apple of the eye.  No, it's not what you think- though I really have- they're books.  Especially, medical books.  There are things that I clearly understand but in the end, I'm at wits' end.  But I am really dedicated to have a bird's-eye view for it.  

I'm truly happy that God gives me so much blessings.  But sometimes, I have worries too.  It's because I don't want to be one of the persons that blow their own horns.  And I always wanted to be sure of things, by hook or by crook.

And this is the worst thing for me.  I know the answer to my teacher's questions but I can't raise my hands because I'm nervous and shy.  I want to come out of my shell.  

And this thing...  I already remember what I have to do but I would always draw a blank.

That's for today.  I hope you like my story.  It's a short description about me.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE.    

THE BICENTENNIAL MAN

Hello.  Good afternoon.

Christine's here.

Yesterday, we watched the movie of Robin Williams entitled "The Bicentennial Man".  
It was my first time to watch that movie and I was so inspired by it.  It was different from other films.
I really loved its whole story, from beginning to end.  

A robot... a robot who felt the same way as the humans, the happiness, loneliness, guilt, hope, and love.

I thought of my things... if only they have life, maybe they reacted in every thing I do.  

All I could say was, "WOW."

I wish that all partners will be like Andrew and Portia.  They loved each other until death.

I never expected that this movie would have a strong impact to me but it did.

CHALLENGES: TO BE THE BETTER YOU

            It was August when Mrs. Febria told me that I would be joining a contest.  First, I thought that it would be storytelling or reciting a poem but I was surprised when she said that it includes the whole city of Navotas.  “This contest is different from the others,” I murmured to myself as she filed my personal data in a folder.  Then, she taught me many different writing techniques so I wrote many essays that symbolize what kind of person I was, or if I was updated with the issues in the society.  I loved writing so I put my heart and mind in my literary works. 

December came and it was time to take a step to survive the challenge.  Tension successfully ran through my veins and my heart suddenly stopped and then continued to pump blood.  We started with a prayer and the instructor told us, “You have to make an essay with a theme “it pays to work hard.”  I knew that it was not literal so words came in a rush in my mind and my heart was overwhelmed because I could easily write what my mind was telling me to.  “I can do this!” my mind kept on telling me not to lose hope but pray to be one of the lucky winners. 

            It was then followed by an interview.  I could already feel the pressure inside my chest; I knew that I should think of a way that would calm me easily.  There were five persons in a row and they looked serious with the papers they were holding.  I slowly walked in and greeted them with a huge smile on my face.  I started introducing myself and they gave me specific questions which were simple but seemed to have a deeper meaning; it could be seen in their faces.  I answered them honestly and I was thankful that I gave my best shot in that case where my hands were shaking. 

            March came and still there was no news that I was one of the students who survived the contest.  I forgot about it and moved on.  Standing in front of my batch mates, I walked slowly in the stage with my mother and the teachers gave me the gifts that were intended for me.  I smiled at them and the City Mayor congratulated me and asked me, “Where would you study?”  I said with a heart pounding so fast, “I’d like to study in Navotas National High School.” 

I would walk down but the teacher told me to stay in front.  I was nervous but I kept my smile plastered on my face.  I was so surprised when I garnered an award that was from City Vice Mayor entitled “Student Leadership Award of Merit”.  It was unfamiliar to me but I knew that it’s for being the Supreme Pupil’s Government Mayor.  I happily received the award and took a picture with him. 

I thought it was over but it was not.  When I heard the emcee announced that award, tears slowly built up in my eyes and I tried not to let them flow, and I succeeded.  The award that I gave up in before was now here in front of me: One of the Ten Most Outstanding Student Leaders in the City of Navotas.  The City Mayor gave me the plaque and the medal was given to me by my mother.  I was grateful for that award; it gave me confidence to face different challenges and survive them with the knowledge I knew, that made me a better student, and last but not the least, the prayer that was granted by God.

DON’T GO BACK AGAIN!

            When I woke up, I saw the beautiful blue sky covered with sparkling fluffy clouds that was made by a star which rises on the East and sets on the West.  “It will really be a good day,” I murmured to myself.  I stood up and went down stairs.  I went to the kitchen and got a cup which overflows with hot water.  I made coffee myself.  I ate my breakfast which would provide the energy I need for the rest of the day.  “I need to do my homework,” I recalled. 

            It was already lunch when I finished my homework.  I grabbed my food and I ate with a big smile splashed on my face.  Then I was full.  I saw something delicious: a cupcake-like with icing on top.  It was frozen, and I’d like to eat it.  But then a memory flashed back on my mind!  I have already gotten a cold, and I was cured after three days.  If I would buy and eat it, there would be a great possibility that I would get sick again.  I asked my mother if I could and eat it but she disagreed.  She told me that it was not good for me.  I had an axe to grind with her.  But because of my persistence, she had nothing to do with it and I was allowed to buy.  It was really good.  I really did not care if I would get cold again; I just wanted to taste it and it was delicious. 

            As luck may have it, I felt good after eating it but when the nightfall came, I felt like my head was beating like my heart. And I wanted to sleep as early as seven o’clock.  My nose was irritated and it forced out some sticky stuff.  I got a medicine.  And I got cold… again.  I slept with my blanket covering my whole body that was shaking due to the chilliness I was anticipating.  It took me a week to fully recover. 

            “Do you like to eat some?” my little cousin asked me with twinkling eyes.  I bet she was trying to test my temper, and I knew that if I would pass the test, I would not get cold again.  My mind reminded me of what happened to me for seven days, and I felt like I put a sign on my head, “Don’t go back again!”

            From that experience, I knew how important it is to follow the advice of the person who gave birth to you.

BETTER

Good afternoon!  Christine's here!  How's your day going?

I just got home from school.  Today's lecture was very interesting.  I can say that I participated well in today's activity!

There's something new in my mind.  I think it's that I want to improve my English skills more, through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  I thought that my confidence wasn't enough... so I decided to read English books more, and answer the activities and exercises there.

So, I am practicing my English language with my family.  We're talking in English now,; slowly but surely, I will gain more skills in this language.

I love English.  This language is very important.  It's very important.

Thanks to this kind of opportunity, which gives me more knowledge, and I feel that it has something to do in my life in the near future.  

I can't explain it further but all I can say is... I'M BLESSED.  THANKS TO GOD!!!

Have a blessed day!

A MOTHER'S CARE

I was touched by what I saw.
I saw a dog and his puppy.  It was very cute to watch.

The puppy was trapped under a table and the mother tried to get her baby.  

It reminds me of my mother, who will do anything for me just to make sure that I'm safe and I'm fine.  She will do whatever it takes.

It also inspired me because...

There were some mothers who left their babies anywhere just to run from their responsibilities.  If an animal can do protect and save her child from danger, why can't it be to humans?

It's hard to judge a person, of course.  

Appreciate your mother's care and love!

My mother always tell me that I will be a parent someday, and I will know how hard it is to be a mother.  She also told me that if I can do better to protect my child, then do.

It's too early to think of it, but that's reality.  We need to face it in order to know ourselves better and be prepared what tomorrow holds. 

"THE TABLEAU EXPERIENCE

Good afternoon.

I'm home and I will be doing my assignments for today for our English Access Microscholarship Program.  

Today, we learned about writing Personal Narrative.  It was fun yet I didn't feel well.  First, we had the "tableau."  We acted like we were having our family reunion, there was a disaster coming, and we lost someone who was very important to us.  It was really, really fun.

And then we proceed to our topic - we checked the grammatical errors in our written activity and we arranged the plot of a story.

That's for today.  I hope that you also enjoy your whole day!

FEELING BLESSED.

Hello again!  Well, I'm done doing my assignments and I'm currently reviewing our lessons.  I pray that I can easily understand them all.  Focus on your studies and dream big!  That's what my mind always says.  I'm also solving some puzzles so that my mind will work better.  Haha!  

So, why don't you study hard?  It will make your imagination wider.  You will be also familiar about your topics so that you can participate in your lectures actively.  

And, don't forget to sleep early.  Our minds need also some rest.  

Good night.  And sweet dreams.

DO WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR TODAY.

Good afternoon!  I'm currently doing my assignments for today.  
Don't be lazy, just do what you can do right now.  Read books or watch television.  

OH MY! IN A HURRY!

Have you ever experienced being late?  Of course, all of us had experienced it.  But, well, it's not only the "center of our attention" today.  We're getting deeper.

Being a scholar is not that easy.  You have to take full responsibility for your works.  The first thing that a scholar must know is that "you must not be late," or should I say, "you must be always on time."  You must be responsible.  Then, you need to give your very best shot in every thing you do.  Don't forget the one, the company, that gave you the opportunity to be one of its recipient.  Remember that there were many students out there who wanted to be included in the program... but you are the one.  The "one of the."  So you need to make sure that you are worthy for the program.  Don't keep the knowledge you have.  Share it with the others because they will also let you discover yourself more.  And at the same time, you''ll create new friends!  That's what makes life exciting, isn't it?  And last but not the least, thatnk our Almighty God who made a way for you to be one of the scholars.  Without His guide, you would not be able to achieve your goals in life!

PROVE YOU'RE WORTHY.
SHOW THEM WHAT YOU'VE GOT.
SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH THE OTHERS.
BECAUSE GOD KNOWS YOU DESERVE IT!

Let's hear your stories too!  Good morning!