Free Essay: The Road I walk by

As I walked the road ahead of me, I had came across something that caught my attention. A flower. I had found a flower and picked it up. As the days went by, I continued to walk the road ahead of me and I became  fond of this innocent little flower. For it brings me too much joy and happiness, but what I did not notice was its withering in my own hands. I had found a flower at the time where I do not know how to take care of it. As the flower died in my hands, I was blaming everything around me for losing it, when in fact it was I, who should be blamed for picking it up in the first place. I should have left it where it was but it was all alone. And the fear of someone might take it away one day, I just picked it up and swore to take care of it. When in fact, I do not really know how. I walked the road full of regrets. But time healed me and I began to see a new light. I have learned from my mistakes and vowed to never repeat it ever again. I have learned that mistakes are made for us to learn and grow. I have grown at last, but not at its peak. And as I continue to walk the road, a butterfly flew in front of me. Once again it caught my attention. I was astonished by its beauty so I followed it for awhile. I will not catch it for it might die in my hands again. This time I will wait for it. I will wait for it to fly beside me as I walk along the road ahead of me. And when that time comes, I will show a future brighter than the flowers it used to see. For this little beautiful butterfly, now means a lot to me.

Essay Rqt: Stand My Ground

If I were President Duterte, I would do the same thing. Not his way of ignoring human rights, but his way of being true to his self and doing what he think is right for the country. No matter what people say, or how people hinders and questions my ways, I will stand my ground. My people have entrusted to me our beloved country, and I will do what I know is best for it. I will strive and seek the ways to let our country grow from what it used to be. The responsibility I hold is huge, and to let it be given to me, I shall not disappoint the people who placed me as President of this country. I know my ways and I will do anything for the sake of this country, even if the mass turn against me. For those who will turn against me, fear change itself. If you really want change for the country, then brace yourself. For it is yet to come.

Free Essay: A Picture of You

How long do you think a picture will last?
A photo of you may be taken every time with a camera. Whether it is a memory to be captured, or taken in with the spur of the moment. But nonetheless, it is something that reminds you of the memories of the moment. With just a look of that photo, a nostalgic feeling wraps around you which will leave you reminiscing. But just like how some memories can be somehow forgotten with time, how long will a picture full of memories last? Even if you keep it hidden away somewhere safe and sound, will it still last? A day will come where you will leave the face of the earth. And you will remain in the minds of those close to you or those who know you whether by name or personality. Maybe you will have photos of you, which will remind them of their times together with you. But will those memories of you be passed on? Maybe not. No matter what we do, the time will come where the human civilization will eventually come to an end. And the face of the earth will once again be cleared for a new kind of species to dominate it. But if maybe, there is ever a chance, they will build a new civilization once again, and hopefully, as they search far and wide throughout the world we once lived in, they will eventually come across a certain item that will leave them in question. A certain item that will serve as a proof that you had once walked the same earth as them. A proof that says, "I was once here", and that proof itself, will be the picture of you.

Speech: Just be Yourself.

There are times where you should just do it and not think too much about it. Yes, people may criticize or judge you. There might be also be times where they will make fun of you. But let them be. It is your life and not theirs. Never be afraid to do what you want for it is your own desire and decision to do so. If they ever laugh at you, then laugh it off with them, and if they ever bring you down, just lift yourself up. You do not have to listen to what they think about you, for no one knows you better than yourself. Maybe there will be times where you just can not take it anymore, but that is not a sign to stop getting up. Rest for a while, after that, come back to the field with head up high, standing tall and proud. Never stay in the shadows of others, instead, try and walk beside them and create a shadow of your own. We are all born in our own time and day. You do not need to pretend someone you are not. Let your ways be seen, and your thoughts inspire. Let your words be heard, and your name be engraved in the memory of others. Just be yourself and make a name out of it. And always keep in mind that in this world we live in, no matter what you do or where you are, people will judge you. I know it is frightening, but it is better than living a life of regret. Live your life the way you want to, and just be yourself.

Mikan Balls of Happiness

At my stay at National College of Business and Arts in Fairview, I have discovered something that brought me relaxation not just to my mind, but also to my appetite. Every day around 5pm-- the time I usually go home from school, instead looking for a ride home, I first proceed to a certain spot near the convenience store called, 7-Eleven. The spot I always look forward to whenever I go home after a tiring day from school works. As I reach that spot, I always approach a certain cart where a lady and her daughter manages. The cart that sells the a delicacy called, Kwek-kwek. The orange balls that has two sizes to choose from-- a big one and a small one. I quickly grab a bowl and picking out which one to eat first, and after that, you can make your mixture of taste with the different toppings and sauce. Just remembering it whets my appetite. I could eat as many as I can all day if I could, but it is saddening to think that I do not have the budget to do so. But if I ever get a chance to eat those orange balls as much as I can, then I won't stop until I drop. It has cured my hunger for who knows how long, and had now become a part of my daily routine in my life at NCBA.

Bio: A New Light

Childhood has always been the most unforgettable moment of a person's life. The innocent smiles, The joyful laughs, The painful innocent cries, and the loud little footsteps running around the streets. It all feels so nostalgic as you look at the streets and playground you used to go to as a child. I used to always try and escape from home in the afternoon just to look for my friends and play with them. I lived inside a home where the majority are females. So, being the only boy around the house, I always felt out of place. So, I try every little thing just to get out of the house even if I know the consequences at the end of the day. I always get into fights with kids my age that time. And whenever I go home with bruises or none, I always get beaten up by my Mom. Even if I was just protecting myself or my friend, I always got scolded. I grew up living with that kind of cycle. I get into fights, I also get into trouble at home. It's not like I grew up as a violent child, some people just kind of get into your nerves. I just learned to protect myself or the people close to me. I got into high school and slowly changed. I found my first love at that time. Now that I think about it, my high school life revolved around that girl. For 3 years we had been together, but I guess not everything goes as you wish it would. So we eventually broke up when I went to college. I was thrown into depression at that time, I lost all motivation and my inspiration. There were times where I thought of suicide. But my Family and friends kept on cutting the rope. I was taking Electrical Engineering at FEU back then. I was also a scholar, but I just wasted it. I shifted to another course-- I.T. With specialization in Animation and Game Development. I shifted to that course hoping I would regain my motivation in studying. But I was wrong. I still could not get myself to be motivated. I was so lost in thought that time that I almost gave up with my life. But my Father held me at the darkest of my times. He wants to give me another push. My Father is giving me another chance to move forward. The person I failed the most is giving me another chance. It was the second time I cried so hard after my previous heart break. He showed me another ray of light to follow. And that is how I got here. I am now a student of National College of Business and Arts taking the course of Bachelor in Arts major in English (A.B. English) and now at my 3rd year. I have found a new light in here. Friends who got my back, a goal to reach, and just recently, I have fallen to another girl again after 3 years. A new inspiration in life for me, also my goal and motivation for the future. I may have fallen inside a dark tunnel where I could not find a ray of light nor a way to walk by. But those who are close to me, especially my Family, carved another way for me. I have seen the light once again, and this time, I am not going to repeat the mistakes I have made back then. I was raised to learn to stand my ground, and I will be standing still from now.

Flash News: Pokemon GO hits the Philippines!

I am sure most people today, especially those born in the 90's, know about the famous show called, Pokémon. And last 6th of July, Niantic Inc. just released an app called Pokémon GO. In the game, players use a mobile device's GPS capability to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokémon, who appear on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the player.

This announcement brought hype to most people especially to Pokémon Fans. And now this famous trend has finally reached Philippines. You can see people walking around searching for Pokémon all over the place. Some netizens even made memes about this trend, labeling the snatchers as Team Rocket. Which also made some people worry. For this app will just attract danger to them especially here in the Philippines. But on the bright side, you can now finally put your feet to use and walk around to search for Pokémon. This will be an exercise to most people with all the walking you would do. So as the hype goes on, remember to always take caution and watch your sorroundings. Keep safe Trainers and catch 'em all!

Flash News: The Leap

It was a fine and relaxing day yet, I am troubled and deep in thought. Why you ask? Because I am about to confess to a girl. And it would be the first time again after 3 years! 

I recently found a girl who caught my attention and as soon as I began to know her, I became more interested in her little by little. The days gone by, and I eventually developed feelings for her up to the point where I could not hide it any longer. So after the long struggle of hiding and suppressing it, here it is! The Confession. At first we went with our usual conversation and little by little I tried to slip in the topic of who does she like. Even though this is a huge risk (to my emotions) for she might mention some other guy's name, I still went and did it. The conversation went on and on as we bugged each other who we like until I finally could not hold it in any longer and confessed. And the moment of truth is approaching. Time slowed down and I could hear the beat of my heart as I became worried and frightened about her reply. After a while there it is, her answer... She likes me too! 

But the bad news is, she made it clear between the two of us that nothing will change. For she does not want any commitment right now. I am not the type to rush things, so I can wait. I will be waiting, because I know that she will be worth the wait.

Travelogue: Sunset at UP

At my 2nd year of taking A.B. English at NCBA, I came upon a project where we will select an English song and translate it to Filipino. After that we will make a music video with it. So as always, my friends and I were on the same group. We chose a song that seemed easy to be translated. When you say Nothing At All is the title of the song. Now, having a group where all the members (even me) are lazy bumps, we have not done any progress with our project. It was only until there was only a day left before the deadline where we started to act. We went to a studio to record the song, and looked for a place with good scenery. Then we came across U.P. The scenery was breathtaking. If only I had brought a tent, I would have stayed there. The wide field, the breeze of the wind brushing against your skin. It was all too relaxing. But what stunned me the most was the sunset I saw that day. If only I had a good camera that time I would have taken a picture of that beautiful moment. That sunset reminded me of my childhood days-- where I used to climb trees and sit at the branches while looking at the setting of the sun. The sun is almost gone and dawn is arriving. So we packed up and went home.

 I reached home and I was really exhausted. I lied down on my bed for a few minutes and then I suddenly remembered U.P. again. I am still recalling the image of the sunset that day in my head. I hope I could see that beauty once again.

Diary #4: The Boundary

3 days had passed since I got confused about what or who am I to her. I had been trying to just get it off my mind, but it was difficult to do so. I tried to act normally whenever we talked with each other. But as the days go by, the feeling get stronger. The more I talk to her, the more I want to get closer to her. I want to know more about her... I want to be with her... I want her. But it was not the right time for her. She had other things she wanted to reach first. Then I will wait. I know it looked foolish, but I really will. I don't want anyone but her. But what am I to her exactly? That was when I thought of putting a stop to this feeling. I do not want to trouble her. If I let this go on, I cannot promise that I would be able to stop myself from falling for her. I am falling? It had been a while since I felt this way. For 3 years I only found admiration to a few girls, but with her, everything seemed different. It somehow felt light, yet frightening.

 23rd OF AUGUST. I tried to avoid her, but in a way that was unnoticeable. I was hoping that the feeling would eventually fade. It was also my way of knowing if she cared. If she noticed the change, then that means she cares. But if she does not, then I am just nothing to her. "I am nothing to her..." Just the thought itself pierced my chest. We talked as usual that day, then night came and it was still the usual. I was starting to lose hope until she spoke up. She said...

She noticed. It was like a thorn was removed from my throat. I felt relieved. I opened up to her about my feelings that and (I think) she got mad because I was jumping to conclusions about me troubling her. I looked so stupid that night, but even so, I felt relieved. Her words enlightened me once again. The future is something we look forward to, and the present is what we should cherish. What we have right now is what is important, and that is all that matters.

Diary #3: Confusion

7TH OF AUGUST, SUNDAY.
I got off my bed around 5 p.m. as always. It was the usual day for me, but I was not my usual self. Because everyday as I woke up, I have something to look forward to. I looked at my messages and saw something that placed a smile on my face. It was her. Do not get the wrong idea. It was not a sweet message from her. It was just a typical reply. I do not know if there was something wrong with my head, but It made me smile just seeing her name. After looking dumb for a few minutes, I went to the church and attended a mass. It was my usual routine every Sunday. After that, I went home and did my usual routine as a lazy bump until the night ended. The days gone by and we were still in contact with each other. I do no know if we were getting closer and closer, or am I just getting more attached to her. I do not know which is which until the 12th of August.

It was the usual day until I overhead something that stopped me with what I am doing at that moment. A certain guy was interested in her. I tried to calm down thinking it was just nothing, but as I saw them tease her to the guy almost made me snapped. Shut up! She's mine. I wanted to tell them. Mine? Is she really? We have no commitment with each other. There was nothing that bounds the two of us. So, who am I to claim her as mine? I just put my earphones on and turned the music volume to its maximum so that I would not hear them anymore. But my curiosity is killing me. What are they talking about? I looked away and stared at the view outside. Hoping the day would just end.

Life in NCBA: My First Song

At the 3rd year of my staying at National College of Business and Arts, I have witnessed many activities and events. I was forced to participate in the "Likhang Awit" contest, where you would make your own song. It was at the spur of the moment when I was informed so I am not quite prepared for it. I spent all night coming up with the lyrics and tone. They said find an inspiration. So I asked my self that night, "Inspiration?" and she was the only one I could think of. I recalled all my experiences and moments that revolved around her, and before I knew it, I had created a song. Although it is rushed. I am not good at singing so I had someone to sing it for me. At the day of the competition, I was so nervous. The participants were too good for me. I went out the AVR (the venue) to calm myself down for awhile. I went to the washroom to relax myself, and as I was washing my hands, I received a message from her. She's wishing me good luck. It may seem like a simple good luck, but it really helped me out. My nervousness lessen down, and calmly waited for our turn. Long story short, we did not win. I made a few mistakes with our performance but we managed to get through. Even though we lost, I did not feel down. Maybe it is because for the first time ever, I made my own song. And to think it was about her puts a smile on my face. I may not have won that contest, but I think I won something much better.

(Throwback) A picture of me when I was just learning to play the guitar. :)

Speech: Open Your Eyes

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant or as we all commonly know as ISIS has once again caught the attention of the mass. As they have claimed responsibility for the devastating blast on Sunday, 3rd of July in Karada, a predominantly Shia neighborhood. The people blames the government for the incident. Of course! Why wouldn't they? More than 200 people were killed and most of them were women and children. It is said that the government placed hundreds of checkpoints around the capital, and yet, a vehilcle packed with explosives managed to get pass through these so called "checkpoints". And to think it was during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, after they had broken their fast. It was at the time where the people were vulnerable, and yet the government had failed to secure or protect those people from harm. The security itself can be considered useless. Absolutely useless. Right now, at this very moment, lives could be in danger. We, humans are fragile. So fragile that we could be in harm's way at any time. As the people who we rely on when it comes to protection, secure us. Protect your people. Do not let hundreds of lives be taken away once again. This is not business my dear officials, it is a matter of life and death. Open your eyes.

Travelogue: SMX

On the 16th of February, year 2015, My Bestfriend asked me to come with him for his assignment. So, as usual I had nothing planned that day. I went with him. I first went to Morayta, to look for him. It is the place where we were supposed to meet up. As I am waiting for him, I saw FEU-- the place I go to back then. I remembered all the things I experienced there. It somehow felt nostalgic as I stare at the tall building that I used to enter. When he finally arrived, we immediately began to travel. We were going to SMX Convention Center. So we took the FX to North Ave. and then took the MRT to TAFT Ave. That MRT ride was quite long if I would recall. We talked about how we were both doing and told interesting stories that we experienced after I transferred schools. As we stepped out of the station, we immediately searched and asked around the place for directions. We reached SMX around 3 p.m. and we were starving. We forgot to eat because we were worried that we might not be able to catch up with the event.

Inside the SMX was so wide and quite cold. We then immediately rushed to the venue and started doing his assignments. He collected brochures of different countries and listed down the different tour spots for the tourists. We also came across with cosplayers giving out brochures for Japan. My bestfriend had always wanted to take a picture with cosplayers so he took the chance while we were at it. Then he said I should take one too, at first I did not want to. But thinking that we do not always get this chance, I just went and did it anyways. We finished his assignment around 6 p.m. and after that we parted ways once again and went to our own homes. It was a tiring day, but it was fun and worth it.

Diary #2: 2nd of August

The days passed by, we were still in contact with each other. I don't know, for some reason, something is quite off. I do not know if it is the weather that night, or was it just me. I don't usually talk to people and if ever I do, it's just small talk then that is it. But with her, whenever I feel like the conversation is about to end, I start to panic and think of another one, just to let the conversation with her go on. Am I growing attached? Oh no. Please no. But no matter how I deny it, I just could not stop myself. It's like, I am not in control of my emotions and actions. As each day passed by, I am starting to feel as if we are getting closer. Or was it just me? Well, I am not the type to assume so let us just think it is the latter.
Confused with what is happening to me, I asked my fat friend who is pregnant at the moment, for advice and guidance. Instead of helping me, she started to tease me saying that I finally started to go out in the field. What field is she talking about exactly? She kept on bugging me about confessing my feeling to this girl. But I said, there is no need. I am just contented with having a conversation with her as always. I want things to be the way they are. And what if I get rejected and things got awkward between us? What then? So, no. But the feeling is strong my friends. So strong it is killing me. I WANT HER TO KNOW-- is what my heart is saying. I kept on holding the urge to confess, until the 2nd of August came. She mentioned something related to a guy. So I asked who is he, but she kept on bugging me about the girl I like. Oh you, would not want to know dear. I said in the back of my mind. And that's when my fat friend pushed me. We kept bugging each other who we like, until I snapped and just went-- Ah, what the heck! Whatever happens, happens.
I said it was her. It was her all this time. After that I kept on thinking what would I do if she mentioned some other guy's name. And there it is. Her reply. Should I read it? or should I just pretend that I didn't get the message? But curious me is stronger than I thought it is. I opened it. And if I were to describe the feeling, I would say it was like the Titanic survived the Iceberg incident. She said that she likes me too.

Victory pose for me! :D

If this is just infatuation, then I want to be infatuated with her over and over again.

Diary #1: 12th of July

I think this was the busiest year I had ever since I step foot in this school. I became the Auditor of the ABSS (A.B. Scholastic Society) for some unknown reason. Let us begin at the 6th of July. I was at my usual place where my friend and I usually hung out. I mentioned it was the busiest year for me, so I saw a post saying we have a rehearsal for our General Assembly, and it made me scratch the back of my head. "Badtrip." I said in my mind. If you would ask why, it was because I was assigned to be the technical of that event. So I AM REQUIRED to be there. I am not the type to worry too much about things for it tires my mind, So I just set it aside at the back of my mind and just let the night pass by. As I was walking along the empty road to my house, I remembered the troublesome rehearsal again which made me look at the night sky. I saw the dark skies with no stars in sight. The moon was there but it was not as bright as it should be. It calmed me. I reached home, and went to bed hoping the following day would end quickly.
7TH OF JULY. The day of the rehearsal. I was at the stage managing the sound system and the background music as they rehearseD. To be honest, I don't like noise for it pains my head. So ignoring the noise around me, something caught my attention. It was one of the few noises I'm hearing. Although I should have been ignoring it, I started to observe it. Energetic and noisy. Just watching her made me feel tired. I did not actually notice myself, but I was smiling while watching her. I think that was the time where I started to be curious of her. Where does she take all that energy? And where does it come from?
Days passed by, I started to be cautious of that noise. I do not know how, and I do not know why. But sometimes, I just found myself looking at her.And as soon as I realized that I was looking at her most of the time, I quickly look away and hope that no one saw me looking. Until the 12th of July. It was the usual night for me at my usual place. But I was not doing my usual thing for I was doing the work of the Auditor of my organization. I think that was the first time I came in contact with her. Yes, I think that was it. It all began that night. The first time I talked to her was not the typical greetings you usually see like-- "Hi" and "Hello" or "How are you". It was this kind of greeting--

That night ended differently. It was around 12 midnight when I went home but I noticed it was not the usual night I always saw. The empty dark road I usually walked by seemed to be brighter that night. I looked up and saw the moon, it was bright and the stars are scattered in the clear night sky. Everything had changed that night. But little did I know, something changed in me too. I wonder what...

Eulogy: Mr. Cesar Menes

The gloomy skies pours down the face of the earth together with those who mourns for our late president, Mr. Cesar Menes. Little did we know of his passing, the same as how much we know about him. For what I had heard, he is the type of person who is very appreciative to work. He is the kind of person who is not offensive or does not offend people. Soft-spoken, conservative, and well-mannered as those whom he came across with described him. A great and wonderful president if you were to ask me. When I heard that his friend, a male, cried at his burial, I knew that he is a wonderful person. For the tears of a man weighs a lot of emotions which cannot be kept hidden. I have a feeling that if I ever had the chance to back then to know you, I would have looked up to you as a man. As I asked those who were close to you, all I can hear is that you are a wonderful person especially as they tell stories about you. I may not have known you, but for what you did for our school brought it to success. Thank you Mr. Cesar Menes.

Essay Rqt: Dr. Kristine Doria

Staring at the view outside through the window. 
Even though with the earphones on, I could hear the noise of the vehicles passing by. Seeing as the trees sway around with the wind, I could tell the scent of the air had changed. The woman we are waiting for had finally arrived. As the fragrance of her perfume goes through the air as she passed by my seat. A woman with a strong personality, wearing a top that is white with florals. It looks comfortable to my eyes for it matches the cold and gloomy weather. I should be relaxed yet I taste the bitterness of my lips as if I am being questioned. The way she stands tall in front astounds me but, as she starts to look at us one by one the silence sorrounds the atmosphere. I could feel the breeze of the ceiling fan brushing through my skin, and the coldness of my hands as I held it together. It trembles as I squeeze my pen. But when she smiles and starts to talk with a strong voice that seems to motivates us, the trembling is put to a halt. For it is another thrilling and bountiful day with her again, in this four walls of a room.

Essay Rqt: Your Song

Life is just like the sounds made with each strings of a guitar.
At first, you are unsure of how to play it, so you just pluck a single string or two. There are times where you will get hurt or sometimes bleed, but that does not mean you have to stop.
Little by little, you begin to strum all the strings. The sound may be unpleasant to the ears of those around you, but to you it seems just fine. You play your own sound of music and sing along the lyrics of your heart and mind. People may criticize you but just let them be. For you are just learning.
Day by day, you'll start to unravel the right harmony of strings, and sooner or later you will have your own song. The only difference is, a typical song only lasts a minute or two, while the song we call life, may just suddenly stop or when we want it to. But then again, just like every beautiful song, it pierces the heart of those who hear it and remembers it for the message it brings and how the music is engraved in their memories.
So let your song be heard, and end it with a wonderful and elegant long strum.

Thesis World: The Things Around You

How much or How well do you know about the things around you?

Thesis, a single word that brings out frustration to us students. But why? Maybe because, it is full of research and questions about a common or obvious topic where the answer can just be so simple, yet we are required to search for more than just what we know. It frustrates us, but try to think about it. Our world itself is questionable. We have discovered more about the outer space rather than the depth of our oceans. The oceans are just within our boundaries while the outer space is not. And yet, why? Try to make this a topic for you thesis and you'll get different answers like, "Because the world under the deep is frightening." and "Because we people tend to look up and wonder more often, rather than look down below.", from the simplest of answers to deep ones. To make it quite simple, we all have different minds and different view of things, and everything is not what it seems to be. Everything around you is an item for question, even the most common of things. And the Thesis World reminds us that when you start to ask the questions-- what, who, when, how, where, and why, you are already seeking for more than what you know. If you try to dig in a little deeper, you are bound to discover and know more.

Life in NCBA: NCBA

I came across this place at the darkest of my days. No motivation, No clear goal in mind, and briefly tire of the things around me. To be honest, I never liked going to school. I never did, until I came here. In this college, I have found people who has my back, A goal that I wanted to reach, and motivation to keep on moving forward. Just recently, I found someone who serves as my inspiration to look forward to, each and every day. Time goes by and I'm still growing and learning inside a place where I usually hate. Of course, it has flaws and the system may seem to be kind of a wreck. But I guess, when you hate them, you judge them. I will never like schools or colleges for personal reasons. I never will. It's what inside this place-- the people I meet and the knowledge and experiences I gain, is what keeps me coming back to this place. This place called, NCBA.