THE ERA
Features
NOLISOLI
The Tomato Sauce Squad
RESIE CAITH VINLUAN
That strong aroma dances with the air making someone's tongue woke up and the sound of drums below. Filipino cuisine has a lot of different foods to serve and tastes that are not easy to get out of your mind. Some of the foods from snacks to dishes are influenced by other cultures that made their own version in the Philippines. While of course, there is also a lot from the country itself. As the generation passes, different styles and tastes of every food are made to have more something on plates. In the large number of pots to serve, there are those who seem look-alikes but taste differently.
Menudo, afritada, mechado, and caldereta are some of the known foods on Filipino tables. It may serve on a daily basis or on any occasion like birthdays. Their names of them are not that close to each other but their appearance is quite the same from each other. There are a lot of people who are still confused about what is what between these delicious foods. If you didn't look closely, it will be hard to identify the differences especially when it is served next to each other. Menudo is mainly made of meat, vegetables, and tomato sauce. Afritada commonly consists of vegetables, meat, and tomato sauce. Mechado on the other hand is made up of tomato sauce, vegetables, and meat. Lastly, caldereta is composed of vegetables, meat, and tomato sauce. These four recipes are tomato sauce-based which causes confusion for they are all red physical. However, even if they almost look the same and the ingredients are also the same, these four taste differently and are cooked differently. In fact, Philip T. Hernandez of Davao Conyo created a Ratatouille dubbed parody to show how these said dishes are hard to prepare together.
Menudo, also known as ginamay, traditional food in the Philippines has small cuts of pork, chopped liver, potatoes, and carrots. The word menudo is a Spanish word that means small. Thus, the ingredients of menudo are all cut into small-sized making it easier to consume by its bite-sized.
Ingredients:
2 lbs. pork shoulder sliced into small cubes
4 ounces pork liver cubed
1 piece potato cubed
3 pieces of hotdog sliced into thin pieces
1 tomato sauce
1 piece carrot cubed
1/2 cup raisins
2 pieces of dried bay leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 piece yellow onion chopped
4 cloves garlic crushed
3 tablespoons cooking oil
2 to 4 cups of water
Salt and ground black pepper for more taste
To cook, heat oil in a pan, once the oil gets hot, start to pan fry the potato and carrots and continue until all sides turn light brown and then set aside. For the next step, heat the remaining oil. Add the pork liver and then stir fry for 30 seconds, and add ground ginger. Continue to stir-fry for 2 minutes. Set aside. Pour 3 tablespoons of cooking oil into a cooking pot. Once the oil turns hot, sauté garlic and onion. Once the onion becomes soft, add the pork. Mix until it becomes light brown. Put the hotdogs into the pot, and cook for a minute. Pour soy sauce, tomato sauce, and water into the pot. Add chosen condiments to add flavor. Add raisins and dried bay leaves. Cover the pot and continue to boil between low to medium heat for 45 to 60 minutes or until the pork is tender. Add the pan-fried potato and carrots, liver, along with salt and ground black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy the delicious food.
Afritada may contain chicken or pork, potatoes, carrots, and green bell peppers. The sauce isn't as thick as the other. This food is a Spanish-based Filipino dish. Traditionally, it is made with chicken. It's slightly saltier than the rest and often thicker. Its name is from the Spanish word fritada which translates to fry, so the meats and some vegetables are fried first before being simmered into a stew.
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs. chicken cut into serving pieces
2 piece potato cubed
1 piece carrot sliced
Tomato sauce
Hotdog sliced
Green peas
3 pieces of bay leaves
1 piece of red onion chopped
2 teaspoons garlic minced
3 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Salt and ground black pepper
To cook, heat the oil in a cooking pot then sauté onion and garlic until the onion softens after that, add the chicken. Turn it over and cook the other side. Pour tomato sauce and chicken broth and then let it boil.
Add dried bay leaves then cover the cooking pot. Continue to cook on medium heat for 30 minutes. Add hotdogs and carrots, cook for 3 minutes and add potato, cover the pot and cook for 8 minutes. Add green peas, and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper. After cooking, serve it and enjoy.
Beef meat is used in Mechado and this ulam has thick tomato sauce with potatoes and carrots. This Filipino dish is inspired by the culinary methods of Spain. It's taken from the Spanish word mechar, meaning to put oil or lard.
Ingredients:
3 cloves garlic crushed
1 piece large onion sliced
2 lbs. beef chuck cubed
Tomato sauce
1 cup water
3 tbsp cooking oil
1 slice lemon with rind
1 piece large potato sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
2 pieces of bay leave laurel
Salt
To cook, heat cooking oil in a pan then sauté the garlic and onion. Put in the beef and sauté for about 3 minutes or until the color turns light brown. Add the tomato sauce and water then simmer until the meat is tender, add water as needed. This can take 60 to 120 minutes depending on the quality of the beef. Add the soy sauce, ground black pepper, lemon rind, laurel leaves, and salt then simmer until excess liquid evaporates
Put in the potatoes and cook until the potatoes are soft. Place on a serving plate then serves hot with rice.
Kaldereta can be beef or goat meat. Like the other, it also has potatoes, carrots, liver spread, and cheese. Some add chili for some kick. Variations of the dish use chicken or pork. Furthermore, Kaldereta also referred to as a celebratory dish for this dish is always present at Christmas and birthday parties. The name comes from the Spanish word caldera, which means cauldron. It is usually salty and spicy with a thick, deep red sauce. Some claim that Kaldereta is a term for stews so this leads to mechado as a type of caldereta.
Ingredients:
2 lbs. beef cubed
3 pieces of garlic cloves crushed and chopped
1 piece of onion finely chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 piece of red bell pepper sliced
1 piece green bell pepper sliced
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup liver spread
1 teaspoon chili flakes
3 pieces of dried bay leaves
2 cups potatoes sliced
2 cups carrots sliced
1/4 cup cooking oil
â…” cup green olives
salt and pepper
To cook, heat the cooking oil in the cooking pot or pressure cooker, sauté the onion and garlic then add the beef. Cook for 5 minutes or until the color turns light brown. Add the dried bay leaves and crushed pepper and stir. Add the liver spread. Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth. Cook the beef until it becomes tender. Add potato and carrots, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Put the bell peppers in the cooking pot. Stir and continue to cook for 5 minutes more then add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy after cooking.
Despite the continued debates about these dishes, it is still hard for some to admit that one of them doesn't taste good. These foods are loved by many who can't resist even the smell of it. Even if their common similarities are their physical appearance, one thing for sure in common, they all taste delicious.
In peace, in pieces
FRANCINE ANGELA DUMANDAN
While many people think peace is a choice, for some individuals it is the most unaffordable priceless thing that's hard to have. Why do people look for peace? What does peace bring people? What people are willing to give up for the sake of their peace? These are the questions that are seemingly easy to answer, yet not everyone has the courage to answer.
Peace is the feeling of calmness and maybe happiness and stability as well. It is the basic needs that people in the midst of outer violence or inner violence want and seek. Of course, peace doesn't come in hand, it might cost something difficult, something that might weigh as heavy as letting go of something that's hard to let go of. To be able to achieve peace, a person might have to give up on something that may take every day of their lives to move on from. Sometimes, some people are in peace, and in pieces at the same time. The loss they lose in the process of achieving peace would really tear them into pieces.
The whole world deserves peace, everyone deserves peace- inner and outer peace. Yet it isn't easy to achieve outer peace as everyone is different from everyone else. It is the difference that creates violence, that creates gaps between people. Talk about inner peace, it's not easy to achieve inner peace either. But at the end of the day, peace is something everyone should feel no matter what the situation is, peace should be the last thing a human must feel.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
LOVING YOURSELF FIRST
PRINCESS ABBY MODELO
During a world where we've been raised to place others first, self-love can often feel selfish. Setting aside time for self-love causes feelings of guilt and we struggle to keep up an ardent self-love practice. It's frustrating. We all know that we'd like ourselves to love yet we've got difficulty giving ourselves permission to experience it. Ironic, isn't it? Sometimes we'd like to mention yes but we really mean no because we do not want to harm someone. Sometimes we'd like to break promises to ourselves or neglect our self-care. Is it hard to place yourself first? If so, you would like to relinquish yourself the foremost important gift ever: self-love.
We learned to place others first. We learned the importance of success. We learned to figure hard and make money. But we didn’t learn the way to stay ourselves feeling fueled for that journey.
We hear it all the time “Love yourself!”. We hear how loving ourselves is the most significant, most beneficial thing we'll do. They said that before you`ll be able to receive love and respect from others, you must love and respect yourself first and it's true. Self-love is your secret weapon to living a satisfying life. That's because your inner world creates your outer world. It's having a relationship with yourself that has compassion, kindness, curiosity, and tolerance. It's all about being confident, warm, and caring to yourself. It is the complete acceptance of who and what you are and it is the appreciation and affirmation of yourself. It is the unconditional support, self-care, and compassion you give yourself that ultimately translates to a physiological condition, great esteem, happiness, total balance, and well-being. Therefore, I feel that self-love is important to living a healthy lifestyle, and a fundamental value that will generate inner peace and positivity.
Some people equate self-love with selfishness but that's true and it isn't good to think that if you actually want to like yourself first. Once you think in this manner, it becomes hard to require excellent care of yourself. You ought to delete that limiting belief from your mind. Create a replacement belief that echoes in your ear “It's okay to place my needs first.”. It feels natural to require excellent care of your body, mind, and spirit.
So to create a loving relationship with yourself, you'll need to acknowledge your needs. Without self-love, you are dismissive of your needs: you ignore them while prioritizing the wants of others like your partners, friends, family, and coworkers. Self-love is identifying your needs and making them a priority in your life. It's about doing what truly feels right for you.
You cannot share healthy love with others until you discover yourself by loving yourself. You'll feel love for others, but you'll not be able to express it without worrying. You will love others and need to relate to them but struggle to receive healthy love if you do not love yourself first. You will love others but you'll not be able to express it without concern. The exchange of affection in an exceedingly healthy relationship requires concrete self-love. Many folks are through trials in our lives that impacted our psychological state, our outlook, and our position. Often, traumas leave us feeling as if we are worth it but we were before the incident.
Because self-love heals past traumas and wounds. Cultivating our sense of self like to come from internal and not external sources allows us to maneuver beyond negative past experiences. Once you have self-love, you'll be able to set better, healthier, more authentic goals for yourself. After we love ourselves, we now seek not to “fix” ourselves with unreasonable standards but instead seek to nourish ourselves.
Consider the trouble it takes to administer love and affection, be emotionally available, or be thoughtful. If you don't have reserves of self-love inside, your ability to offer love is diminished. Most significantly, because you're deserving of the love you give so freely to those around you. You're worthy, even as you're, of love.
Track2Training.com
Student's Self Confidence
PRINCESS ABBY MODELO
Self-confidence is having the ability to show off your strengths as you recognize your weaknesses. Having such ability drives us towards reaching our goals in life. Every student needs to practice having self-confidence at an early age as this is an important factor in developing a student's desire to learn. Self-confidence in students has an impact on their school performance. There are a lot of instances when a student needs to have the courage in showcasing his or her own abilities. A student needs to acquire such ability by just simply introducing oneself in front of the class.
​
Low self-confidence might make you feel full of self-doubt, be passive or submissive, or have difficulty trusting others. You may feel inferior, unloved, or sensitive to criticism. Low self-confidence might stem from different experiences, such as growing up in an unsupportive and critical environment, being separated from your friends or family for the first time, judging yourself too harshly, or being afraid of failure. People with low self-confidence often have errors in their thinking. (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/counseling-center/top-concerns/what-is-self-confidence.aspx)
​
Confidence level in students is an important factor in educational success. A lot of students experience bullying and harassment. The self-confidence of students can suffer and when it occurs, their grades might get down. The amount of self-confidence a child possesses will affect his or her educational goals. If a student loses self-confidence in school, his or her grades will automatically be affected. When a student's self-confidence is lost, there's a possibility that they give up on his or her hopes, dreams, and plans. They may feel that they are unworthy.
​
One of the best ways to improve self-confidence is to practice self-acceptance. Look at your achievements and strengths and put a plan in place to address your weaknesses. Self-acceptance is essential for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s important to learn to love yourself and the things that make you unique. Embrace what makes you unique. Let go of the things you can’t change because it’s important not to focus on the things you can’t change.
​
Having self-confidence can reduce fear and anxiety. A higher level of self-confidence can help students to avoid getting anxiety. Too many people can help students to improve motivation because low self-confidence can make a child feel like her goals and dreams are very impossible to reach or that student feels like she or he is unworthy to achieve those dreams. These feelings will make it difficult for students to maintain a high level of dedication and motivation. However, if you help a student to build their confidence by teaching them to take small steps towards their goals, they will feel a sense of accomplishment. This sense of accomplishment will keep them moving forward when the going gets tough.
There are too many ways to gain self-confidence and maintain it. Always remember what Charles Cooley said, “ I am who I am. Not whom you think I am. Not whom you want me to be. I am me”. No matter what, just be confident because self-confidence is the key to success.
Chinese culture's influence is like a wave that touches a lot of shores in the world. The religion they share, foods that land on every tongue, and the beliefs that many of the population follows. One of the common influences of Chinese culture is the animal sign. In the circle, there are a total of 12 animals that represent each year. Presents are, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The zodiac is a cycle repeated every 12 years with the same animals. It depends on what year of the person's birth. Each animal is said to give insight into what can happen during the present year. Chinese astrology believes that in this way, people can predict their personality, career, money, love, strength, and weaknesses, and even the signs they are compatible with.
In Chinese zodiac history, there are many legends and mythology related to this and there are different stories and versions in regions. The most well-known is the great race that tells how the animals gained their position. The story starts with the race organized by the Jade Emperor —one of the most important gods in Chinese traditional religion who invited all the animals to take part. Twelve species turned up at the start line. As a gift for turning up, the Emperor will name the year in each one, while the race would determine the order of animals' place.
There is a huge river which every creature, large or small, had to cross. The competitive rat made sure to win the race and played a little trick. The rat persuades the kind ox to let it sit on its head as it crosses the course. When they were almost at the finish line, the rat jumped to victory, leaving the ox not far behind. That's how the rat stands first followed by the ox. The tiger later followed while the rabbit got tired but managed to save itself on a floating log and ended up as fourth. At the time the dragon, taking its path through the course, saw the rabbit struggling, the dragon used its breath to blow the creature safely and it finished behind the rabbit. The horse wasn't far from the sixth place when it didn't notice that the snake wrapped itself to its leg. The snake took sixth place followed by the horse. Next up were the sheep, monkey and rooster. The three piloted a small raft which would see them across the river safely and made a history of teamwork. The sheep was first, then the monkey, last among them was the rooster. The dog chose to be playful and was more interested in splashing on the water rather than taking the race seriously. That leaves the dog at 11th place. The pig stopped for food and dozed off. It woke up after a while and managed to take the last place.
Every animal represents and says a lot about a person who was born that year. Those people born in the year of the rat say that they are great detectives. They are quick movers and thinkers that can sum up a situation easily. Their awareness in terms of danger is incomparable that makes them escape danger quickly. Rats also have amazing memories and are excellent at keeping their own secrets but they use other's weaknesses or mistakes for their own gain. They can gather information very easily because they are good at putting their ears on other people's business. But they are hard working and great at holding money.
The ox represents an incredible mental and emotional strength, physical, and stamina. They have a strong determination that once they put their mind to something, they will never quit on it. Those born in the year of ox are calm and have high moral character. They say what they mean and they mean what they say. They also have a photographic memory and things not easily swept away from their life. People in the year of ox have a lot of patience and are always away from anger but when the fire starts to take place, run.
Tiger years have an endless energy so they are always at the action. Tiger is known for its power and believed to be good at guarding against any danger. A great sense of humor is also one of their abilities and can be quite affectionate. They crave attention and thrive to be the center. However, they are generous and always willing to share what they have. The challenge of their personality is being reckless, their egos need constant feeding. Lastly, they put a lot of effort in terms of revenge and it will be legendary.
Those born in the year of the rabbit are believed to be one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese zodiac. They don't want anything to stand in the way and are always finding ways to move ahead. The animal is also a seeker for peace and would do anything to avoid conflicts. On the other side of the window, people in this year are self-centered who don't think twice to eliminate people who put them in a bad light. They are good at destroying their nemesis.
Dragons are the guardians of wealth and power. The Chinese sign has courage and confidence. People born in this year are inspired by their own fantastical ambitions and dreams. They do not have the power to cover most of them and can be read like an open book. When angry, the sign is capable of burning every land on Earth but doesn't stay in that situation long and is likely to be the one to heal your wounds after making a rain of fire.
The Chinese zodiac snake is probably the most feared, mystical, and mysterious. Their emotions seem to run so deep. They think as much as the bottom of the sea, they are constantly thinking, plotting, and calculating. They will rarely share their thoughts. According to Chinese Astrology, snakes can be ruthless and relentless. But snakes are reliable and loyal 'til death as long as they are not betrayed.
In the Chinese symbols, the horse represents freedom of the mind, body, and soul. Those people who were born in the year of the horse are high-spirited, always on the move and have freedom to run around. The sign is also extremely athletic and can learn skills easily. Their personality is warm, engaging, and trustworthy. Though they are open-minded, they can also be small-minded and immature. Horses also focus a lot on themselves.
In Chinese sign, sheep are symbolic of peace, altruism, and purity of heart. Those born in the year of sheep are such gentle creatures. For they are being pictured as weak, opponents often have their eyes on them. This sign is a social creature but doesn't like to be the center of attention. Sheeps will do anything to avoid conflict and are more likely to gather others to do the battle in their stand.
In the Chinese symbols, the monkey is best known for sense of humor and high IQ. They are charming and can turn a ghost town into a party place. Monkeys thrive on competition. Their confidence is strongly developed that if someone attacks them, it simply goes in one ear and out to another. They believe that they deserve more than others because they have an ability everyone wants to have.
Those born in the year of the rooster are big dreamers, big talkers, and big doers. Their dreams are so large and progressive. This sign possesses an incredible brave spirit and isn't afraid to take the risk with full confidence. Their vision of perfection is a state where they will work hard and tirelessly to achieve their wildest dream. Receiving attention from everyone is also one of their things. On the other side of the paper, roosters are always attentive to those in need and they are always willing to give hand to others. Roosters can be egomaniacs who have little and no regard for others feelings.
Dogs in the Chinese symbol, often put everyone else's needs ahead of their own. People who are born in this year are the ultimate protectors. They can sense danger easily and can decide instantly whether a person is a friend or not, if the situation is bad or good. Their observations are usually on point. They have a transparent personality, are warm, intelligent, and generous. They believe that everyone should be responsible and honest. For always standing guard, they tend to worry a lot.
The pig has an almost saint-like quality. Those born in this year are kindest m, gentlest, and most selfless. The pig is happiest when they help others. Once they start a work, they will do everything even how long it takes to see the ending point. They love to attend any social events. The Chinese pig is also a natural innocent and can be taken advantage of.
Chinese culture and beliefs clearly influence even on what we are in this world. Realistically, every sign may or may not really match who you are and what you do. The future is unpredictable, as other's capabilities. Every line on the palm is hard to read and understand. But one thing for sure is that everyone lives in this world differently.
SPIRIT ANIMAL
RESIE CAITH VINLUAN
Captured By Francine Dumandan
AFTER
Chasing The Sunset
FRANCINE ANGELA DUMANDAN
"We had the kind of love I thought that it would never end" that's my favorite song, 'Let somebody Go' by Coldplay featuring Selena Gomez. "Oh my lover, oh my other, oh my friend" it reminds me so much of someone. He was a friend of mine who confessed his feelings for me. "We talked around in circles and we talked around and then, I loved you to the moon and back again" we liked each other "You gave everything this golden glow, now turn off all the stars co'z this I know" but we're still to young, so I couldn't hold on to my feelings " That it hurts like so, to let somebody go" and it hurts.
Listening to this music makes me think that we only have minimal memories with each other, yet my feelings, it's genuine and deep. I never really thought that I'd like someone to the point that I was almost willing to lie to my mother just to be in a relationship with him. We didn't go any further; we never had a relationship because that's what I've decided. I could hide it, but I didn't co'z the guilt would stare me in the eye.
He was a schoolmate of mine when I was in elementary school. We were a bit close and we had friends in common. The elementary school that I went to is a school in my mother's hometown, the province of Isabela. When I was in 6th grade of elementary, we moved here to the City. I can't remember how he and I kept in touch for almost five years. But back then, we played mobile games together; then most of the time we asked each other how we were doing. We've gotten closer since then, and that is when I realized I'm starting to like him. I didn't know that he also liked me, but then there was a time it crossed my mind to ask him who's the girl he likes or does he have someone he likes. I really did not expect him to say that he liked me, but it made me happy when he did.
It goes like that for a year, chatting with each other, playing games, and he even introduced me to his friends and we all became friends. Then one day, my mom decided that we should go home to her hometown, the province of Isabela. I got really excited, then I told him about it and his and my friends as well. We were all excited to meet each other.
We went out with our friends as we'd planned to hangout. And when it was going-home-time, they offered to take me to my house, co'z they didn't want me to go alone. They're all kind and genuine. They met my mother and my grandparents as well. When they were gone my mother asked me who I liked "He's the one that I like" I told my mother and my grandmother with all honesty. And though mom kind of likes him for me as he showed respect and kindness to them, my mother said "You shouldn't rush it" and my grandmother didn't say anything but I know for sure she wants to say the same thing. After chatting with them, I couldn't stop thinking of how tall and good-looking he is. Then I thought I should tell him what my mom said about him. We talked to each other and he said "I'll wait for you," "but would you wait with me" and I couldn't say no, but it just couldn't be a yes, either, because I knew it wasn't the right time for me to promise him something for the future. "I'm not sure, I think we're still too young, maybe someday your feelings will fade away" I said.
I liked him for almost three years now, and I thought I should let go of what we had, the feelings, the friendship, the time and some memories that we had together. Everything was worthy to keep, but keeping those won't set me free and will only cause a lifetime scar on me. It's been months since we stopped keeping in touch with each other, yet my feelings, it's still growing. I can't help but to think that I'm too young to regret this much. Yes, I'm still regretting the decision I made. There are times that I think the decision I made is worth it, but I can't stop regretting it. It feels as if we've missed our chances with each other in this lifetime. But I'm certain that I did the right thing. He's already happy and he's totally moved on from me now and I'm happy for him. He's the closest that I can compare to the sunset. I never really thought that I was chasing the sunset to end up admiring the unreachable moon.
LIGHT OF THREE
RESIE CAITH VINLUAN
Admiring the way millions of stars decorate the night sky is a great way to relax your soul and hope for wishes to end up existing. Staring and capturing every detail of the moon is a perfect reference to an empty canvas. Waiting for the rise of the morning hoping for a new beginning after walking past the dark times is a kind of relief. After the mesmerizing scenes that blessed every corner of eyes, the thought of someone ruling every bit of the favorite sights can eat up pieces of curiosity. Maybe there's a throne behind the stars, moon, and morning.
The idea of being a god is making an image of a superior whose words are shining bright and a path that everyone does follow. This is a common thing in mythological stories. There are a lot of different ways and stories about god and goddesses depending on the culture and beliefs. Greek mythology is the most popular and well-known story in this section. In the Philippines, there are also a billion words to tell. Different regions have their own representation of mythology. Most of these stories already passed from one's mind to everyone's tongue. The most familiar power is probably the three demigod sisters: Hanan, Tala, and Mayari. They are the daughters of Bathala and a mortal woman.
Tala is the goddess of stars. Her name means the brightest star for she is the ruler of stars. The most popular story of her is she is known to have supported the creation of the Tagalog traditional constellations. Tala used light spheres or orbs to ferry men for safety at night. The people's interpretation of these lights turned to be pictured out as deadly elements that kill men or get humans to lose their way, this is by the influence of the Spanish tradition of the santelmos or ball of fire.
On another side of stories, the god of sun Arao and the moon goddess Buan both had large families of stars, but Buan believed her stars could not survive the heat of Arao. As a result, they shake hands to destroy their stars. Arao followed the promise they created and devoured his while Buan hid hers in the clouds, where they would occasionally emerge. Arao was filled with rage as he saw what Buan really did behind his back. Eclipses are explained by Arao getting close enough to bite her. At dawn, Buan hides the stars and brings them forth only when her eldest daughter, Tala says the sun is too far away to reach them. In Kapampangan mythology, a deity named Tala is also present. For the Kapampangans, Tala is the bright star and the one who introduced wet-rice culture in Pampanga.
Hanan is the goddess of morning. It is said that the first prayer of the day is given to Bathala, Apolaki, and her as a sign of a new day. Hanan also represents the new year. She is especially important during the entrance of a new age or a new chapter in a person’s life. People offer her bountiful harvests and prayers during the birth of a child, the womanhood or manhood of the child, entering adulthood, and death. In nature, the entrance of the planting season, the beginning of the harvest season, and the start of a new annual cycle. These prayers are only conducted at the break of dawn. In Tagalog animism, the rooster and dawning sun was Hanan’s emblem.
Mayari is the beautiful and most charming lunar deity. Her name comes from the Tagalog word "yari" which means perfectly made. Mayari is the Goddess of Combat, War, Revolution, Hunt, Weaponry, Beauty, Strength, Moon, and Night. She is known as the most beautiful deity in Bathala’s court.
In a Pampangan myth, Bathala died without leaving a will and Apolaki and Mayari fought over who would rule the earth. Apolaki wanted to rule the earth alone while Mayari fought for equal rights. The two fought out the conflict until Mayari lost an eye. After Apolaki saw what he had done, he agreed to rule the earth together but at different times. After this, Mayari's light is dimmer than her brother’s due to the loss of her eye. That explains why the moon is less bright than the sun.
Goddess Tala, Hanan, and Mayari clearly have different roles and stories in every region. Nevertheless, they will still remain in the mythology world as powerful goddesses ever created. The image of them and other mythical creatures shows how magical and wide people's beliefs and culture are. At the time when another bunch of stars sparks, times when the moon shines and falls, and hundreds of morning rise, these stories will continue to carry the history and literature of how Tala sparks, Mayari shines, and Hanan rises.
Dogs Can Help Humanity
PRINCESS ABBY MODELO
Humans have long realized that dogs can be helpful, in a number of ways, to achieving important goals. The unconditional love of a dog can do more than keep you company. Most dog owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with dogs. Scientists discovered that when people pet a dog, they have fewer stress chemicals in their body hormones called cortisol.
Dogs may also decrease stress, improve heart health and even help children with their emotional and social skills. Interacting with dogs has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that dogs can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support and boost your mood. They are able to understand many of the words we use, but they're even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes and gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you`re thinking and feeling.
Dogs can also help humans navigate their world. They help guide people who have lost their sight. They assist people who have diabetes or seizures. A lot of service dogs can sense when something is wrong and alert their owners. Some of them can even open fridges and bring food to their humans. A dog can use it`s sensitive nose to help humans too. At airports, some dogs sniff out language to make sure people aren't bringing anything they shouldn't on the plane. In some cases, dogs can even sniff out cancer in people. There are also dogs on our planet that help scientists. They sniff out animal poop to help scientists learn more about different species. We can learn a lot from the DNA we find in an animal's poop. Some dogs sniff out orca poop that floats in the ocean to help us learn more about whales.
Pets, especially dogs and cats can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Most importantly, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.
If you don't have the time, money or ability to own a pet full-time, there are still ways you can experience the health benefits of being around animals. You can ask to walk a neighbor's dog or volunteer at an animal shelter. Most animal shelters or rescue groups welcome volunteers to help care for homeless pets or assist at adoption events. You'll not only be helping yourself but also helping to socialize and exercise the animals, making them more adoptable.
Dogs are there for us when we lose someone we love and often look at us when we talk to them. They are also good at helping people, including veterans with their mental health. There are a lot of factors that go into understanding how humans and dogs work together. We are still learning a lot about the relationship. (https://askdruniverse.wsu.edu/2019/08/08/dogs-important-humans/)
New Year's Eve
PRINCESS ABBY MODELO
Few years back, our country was hit by the pandemic Covid 19 which changed a lot of things and introduced to us what they called the new normal. Every year, a lot of people don't forget to celebrate the new year's eve. But this year is being celebrated differently due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Many Filipino people unite on New Year's Eve, which is on December 31, to celebrate a midnight meal known as the Media Noche. Welcoming the New Year with loud, bright, and colorful fireworks is another tradition that Filipinos prepare for. It is the time when people celebrate with their friends and loved ones. It is the last day of the year and it's celebrated with much fanfare in most countries of the world. New Year's Eve is marked by social gatherings, parties, drinking, singing, and dancing.
However, New Year's Eve 2021 will be very different from all the previous years because of the ongoing pandemic. This deadly disease has already claimed so many lives and the number doesn't seem to decrease anytime soon. With travel restrictions and social gathering norms in place, it is likely that this year one has to spend the New Year's Eve away from friends and extended family.
With a focus on the Coronavirus, we are preoccupied with guidelines on how to celebrate New Year with only members of the family who are living in the same household, to continue wearing masks, observe social distancing, or to wash hands frequently. We are being discouraged from visiting one another for our mutual protection and safety.
The shopping malls, restaurants, parks, theatres, and other public places will not bear the same look as it always does during December-January. The usual crowd of shoppers and passers-by will be missing. Yes, it is definitely going to be a different New Year's Eve, but does it mean that you cannot have a merry one? With a little bit of creativity, you can make this New Year's Eve memorable too.
The year 2021 has been different for all of us in many ways. Let us ensure that we stay indoors and enjoy New Year's Eve as much as possible. The 2021 New Year`s Eve will truly be the one we will remember for years to come. Make it as special as you can.
As we enter 2022 full of uncertainties, may we leave behind all of the things that made us cry. Let us bring the people who matter and make us happy. Let us keep the memories that make us feel alive and dance in joy. For tomorrow, those vacant spaces will be filled again. No matter what lies ahead of us or the scariest things the future may hold, let us face it with bravery. Pass the ham, grapes, and raise glass to toast. ‘FIGHTING!’. Good luck on our journey, it is time for us all to move forward.
DO WE DIE HERE
TO LIVE THERE?
RESIE CAITH VINLUAN
Usually, when the moon takes over the throne of the sun and rules the sky together with stars to light up the black ocean, this is the time to meet the sheets. The deafening silence of the night is the best point to close your eyes and stare at dark circles behind your sights. After collecting another batch of memories that sometimes stays but some will be a mystery, sleeping is the next step to move on. Laying comfortable in bed and letting your mind go have a break and forget that the clock is working. The scenes that have been created will travel the mind but every brick on it does not all composed by reality. The darkness will pull the soul at the bottom of imagination and that's the moment of the second world's appearance.
Dreams are a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. This usually happens involuntarily in a person's thinking, it has no control over what will appear in time. Humans spend about two hours dreaming every night and each dream has a span of 5 to 20 minutes. Dreams can be entertaining, fun, romantic, disturbing, frightening, or any other feelings as long as it awakens emotions. Based on studies, 90 percent of people forget their dreams after waking up and getting out of bed. An ability of remembering can also happen.
In science, the study of dreams is called oneirology. The Activation-synthesis hypothesis is one prominent neurobiological theory of dreaming which states that dreams do not mean anything. These are electrical brain impulses that pull random thoughts and imagery from our memories. The threat simulation theory of dreaming shows that our dream consciousness is basically a natural result of evolution. Another one, social simulation theory also argues that dreamscapes provide a consequence-free zone for the brain to practice social and behavioral strategies. A lot of research and studies are coming out and attempting to solve the crossword puzzle of mystery behind dreams, but there is still no strong evidence to explain the maze of dreams.
There are different types of dreams that people are capable of experiencing; Daydreams point out a series of thoughts that distract you from the outside world, resulting for you to be less aware of your surroundings while being awake. Lucid dreaming is where the sleeper becomes aware of dreaming and can retain some control of body and mind during the dream. Nightmares are dreams that put the dreamer in fear, it gives heavy feeling and stress most commonly to those who have a previous traumatic experience. Recurring dreams refers to the repetition of experience over a multiple sleeping session. Lastly, the false-awakening dream is when the sleeper believes he has woken up from being asleep but still in the middle of dreaming.
Dreamland is as big as the real world because of the large fields or themes that minds create for the sleeper. People give an interpretation for these themes to justify and how to take the situation that happened in a dream. Most commonly, it applies to the reality of a person. Being chased in a dream can be the signal that you are running away from something or a problem rather than facing it. Death or the death of a loved one can be a sign of change in your life. Falling has already happened in many people, it has a meaning of having anxiety or having no control. Losing a tooth can be a sign that you feel unsettled about a certain event or facing a challenging decision. Being naked in public particularly means feeling of vulnerability or an unsafe environment.
Everyone builds many pictures throughout the living and unintentionally throws away the unnecessary information that also happens in dreams, this cannot hold in palm. Despite of different meaning about the scenes behind closed eyes, many still believes that dreamland is also their world, but they are the ones who wear the crown. Dreams are like leaving reality to draw a picture on the other side of the door. Falling asleep is the same way of experiencing being in temporary death. In that so, do we die here to live there and die there to live here?
the beauty of
being imperfect
FRANCINE ANGELA DUMANDAN
Everyone has their own insecurities, it may be their body, personality, talent, or anything else they're lacking. There is nothing wrong with having flaws, in fact, flaws are what made humans unique. But there are these so-called 'beauty standards' that exists since then until now, and most individuals are trying to fit in it, trying their best to reach the standards.
Why do people have their insecurities? It's probably because of the 'beauty standards' and maybe they're lacking confidence or not confident at all. People are lacking confidence because maybe they think they won't fit in or what they have isn't enough to be accepted. Some people are hard on the inside, some people force themselves to make changes as much as possible, some people cry because they're not as beautiful as someone else. Maybe everyone is trying to change to become a better person, to be the best version of themselves.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to change, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a better person. Maybe some people wanna be like someone else, maybe some people want to be their own self but in a different way or lifestyle. Of course, everyone can be anything they want. A person needs to grow up and glow up to be better. No one can stay the same person as they are before or now unless they want to. Changing for the better is good, and it takes time to change, it takes time to bloom.
Everyone is born differently, everyone is born uniquely. Even twins, twins aren't always the same. But that difference doesn't make anyone less of a person. Maybe a person has their own insecurities thinking they'll be better if they have this or that, trying to be accepted but in reality, insecurities are just stumbling blocks blocking a person from seeing the beauty they have naturally, the beauty of being imperfect
USC News - University of Southern California
MUSIC
IS THE
KEY
PRINCESS ABBY MODELO
There are people who listen to music whenever they are depressed, happy, or relaxed. There may also be times when we feel that we are not in a good mood to study and we tend to do something else instead. We want to divert our attention to something else to get a break from answering our modules. There are students who prefer to browse through the internet or watch videos and even play online games just to get through it. However, after watching several videos and spending time on our phones, we all know that we still have to study our lessons and complete our tasks at the end of the day. Thus, putting ourselves back in a better mood is necessary. But how do we do it?
Many students around the world feel that they need to listen to music while they are studying. They believe that music helps them to concentrate better. Some even say that without music, life would be a mistake. However, listening to music can make you a happier person, as music releases pleasurable emotions and increases dopamine levels.
During long study sessions, music can aid endurance. In some cases, students have found that music helps them with memorization. Listening to music can help us improve our mood, attention, memory, math skills and can make us feel motivated in learning. Nowadays, music is a major part of a teenager’s life. It’s deeply connected to their language, emotions, and developing identity.
After long hours of studying, it is a good idea to reward ourselves with our favorite music, which can provide the motivation that we need to learn new information. Listening to your favorite songs during study breaks could motivate you to study harder. Since music helps to chill you out, you can also have better sleep.
There are students who get good grades as they practice listening to music while studying. There are also some who easily get distracted when listening to music and at the same time doing something else. If you find that music is a distraction, then it’s best not to try using it as a way to make you better. However, if you really think that music is relaxing and puts you in a pleasant mood, then try playing soothing music in the background, without lyrics, so it doesn’t distract you or prevent you from studying efficiently.
If you need music to relax and get you in a better mood, which leads to a better quality study session, then it’s worth a try. Believing that we can acquire good grades by listening to music while studying is not a bad idea at all, especially if this is something that works for us.
Illustration | Resie Caith Vinluan
USE IN USELESS
RESIE CAITH VINLUAN
They swim in their minds and sit with the moon to create plans and strategies to meet a crystal goal, but they are not CEOs. They want every line to be connected as it will build a constellation to reach satisfaction, but they are not architects. It is important for them to use efficient materials like constructing a building, but they are not engineers. One of the red-underlined items in their checklist is to heal people by works but they are far from being a doctor. They aim to spread good messages for inspiration, and they are not psychologists. They will take you to mesmerizing scenes, cotton-like clouds, or calming blue sea, in the end, they are not pilots, drivers, or captains.
Unbelievably gifted hands and a fantastic planet of imagination is their own kingdom. In a single flick of the hand, the empty and boring sights can attract curious eyes and attention. To spend sun and stars is one of their processes to build a masterpiece. Sometimes they do this to make themselves proud, in any chance, it also becomes the roots for their living. Every single strand of detail could not escape for they are observant. Every color and a dot hides a meaning and holds an inspiration. It is their way to speak and act in different situations. Aside from the brush and colors, the emotion is always present to act as the foundation in the creation. An artist's point is to be the art behind art.
A survey has been circulating the whole social media for the data being shown. A Singaporean newspaper, Sunday Times asks 1,000 volunteers which are the jobs they think are essential and not during the pandemic. The publication listed the result in the top 5 essential jobs with doctor and nurse as top 1 with 86%, followed by the cleaner, garbage collector, hawker, and deliveryman. While in the other room, artists ranked 1 in the top 5 non-essential jobs, under this is telemarketer, social media manager, business consultant, and human resource manager.
People can't help themselves but throw their opinion about the controversial poll. The publication receives backlash and negative comments from netizens for putting the artists in a bad light. Most of them felt sad to discover that there are a lot who don’t appreciate the existence of the artists. According to them, artists have not been "just sitting around" during this period. They are not just relaxing and sipping coffee while shaking their feet and playing with their materials. They do believe that this job has a big contribution in these dark times. It is not about the salary but being placed as non-essential brings a hurtful feeling. The debate falls on artists as useless in the pandemic.
Different posts from people around the world conquered the internet for standing their side in this debate. Pandemic times, boring times, so people eat their days by watching movies. Actors and actresses are considered as an artist together with the director, cameraman, scriptwriter, and editors. Exercising helps to strengthen the protection from the virus and listening to music makes it more relaxing as well as singers as artists. Those bookworms who lived in fantasy while the pandemic is traveling around the world find peace on the trees with inks. Writers are artists for making a masterpiece by words. These were the comments claimed. Some dared those who agreed to the poll to dump their TVs, delete their movies, uninstall music programs, or stop using cellphones because it is all made by an artist. In conclusion, their point is if the topic is about being in lockdown, an artist is essential for uplifting souls and delivering positive outcomes.
The Sunday Times stands and clarifies that the survey doesn’t mean Singaporeans don't value artists. No one is saying that painters, actors, singers, and writers contribute nothing. For people in the other corner, that non-essential is not the same as having no value at all. This survey only talks about the pulse of people in this certain situation. For example, they would value a delivery rider more than a YouTuber or a playwright in this time because delivery riders play an important role than YouTubers, they give more benefit. An author says that there is still a difference between essential and valuable and he admits that being an author in this period of time is not essential as the other jobs but claims that his works will remain valuable. In a more understandable way, the definition of an essential worker that has been given is someone who is working to meet basic needs of human and well-being, such as food, health, safety, and cleaning.
In the long road of different perspectives and feelings, pandemic really has a great impact on our life cycle and mindset. Nevertheless, opinions are all made differently based on how a person takes a situation. All jobs have their own responsibilities but at the end of the day, it is all essential in many ways, in any day. Art is living everywhere, besides, you can also be an artist without you noticing it by simply writing and decorating your homework and being a human. Every job is essential based on availability or people's needs. It is not useless and non-essential if it is made without weight on the chest.
Photo Credits l PIXABAY
Right, Left, Up, Down
and
-
RESIE CAITH ALLYSSA VINLUAN
What you want is what you see, what you see is what you believe. People are born with different stages in life. Different colors of the environment were destined for everyone. In the beginning, it is not in the person's palm to choose who will be their blood-related. They can't draw their face into perfection and live like that. No one can erase the string of an individual's starting line of life. At the start, everyone has different chairs to take. Some have those soft and comfortable sofas, there's a time for someone's Cleopatra. And people with their bamboo seats. But no matter how far they are from being related, as long as it gives relaxation, those who are contented don't put a time to care about it and how other people feel on their own.
There is this famous topic that until now is being under debate; is life fair or not? There's a lot from all over the world who express their sides on social media or in front of their friends and family. As time went by, some were standing in the golden stone that everyone wants. Some were sitting normally and dreaming of becoming big or successful so no one could touch them. Others were using their energy to change the given life. All human-being has the right to write their thoughts. They build their perspective and that is all how they see the world, how they want to describe life. There are things an individual cannot change but there are also things one can choose if they want to stay at their given chair and stone or aim high for the throne.
From the heart of many people, life is unfair because they can't have what they want. Nice cars, stable finances, big house, full bank accounts, cards, business, education, and all of the success they only meet in their dreamlands. Fantasies of being good as the others in their fields. As they say, someone wants to draw the beauty of the world and he cannot because his eyes were filled by only one color, he is blind. She is curious about how melodies boost up the mood, but it is impossible for she is deaf. Those who wanted to shout to the universe their wishes ended up praying in their minds for not being able to talk with their voice. Kids who were introduced to the Earth without a mother or father, or even a whole family. Those who watch everyday cruelty. Minors who are forced to work their whole body out for a small amount of money. These people refuse to say that the world is fair as long as a heavy lifestyle exists. For them, life is not worth it if emptiness is living and ruling the flow of their days. Life is a competition, go big or go home. This is how life isn't fair, a triangle shape.
As for other views, life is fair because everything is a blessing, this is a gift that people should embrace until the drop of their last calendar. That the only thing is people bake their problem to a pie of problem until it becomes the barrier to their goals. They think negatively to the point that it affects how they act on themselves and to others. People tend to be uncontent about what they have and always looking for more rather than happiness. People on this side also think that maybe human is the problem and not the world and life. Their idea of fairness is self-interest, the broken idea.
The world is fair, life has a balanced scale, while people aren't. Society is composed of people and the social environment is the one who is blamed for having high standards in everything and that's people's minds. One thing, they don't want to accept defeat. Once they are wounded, they will not find anything to wrap and bury the scratches with deep cuts, just cry without doing anything. They also have this hobby that always puts their attention on others. If someone has something, they also want that. If someone is like this, they also want to become like that. Sometimes, it's all about their jealousy. That's their point. Life is a circle, all getting around repeatedly. And it's yours to take if your tires were flat.
Despite having a different point of view, people often get themselves into a fight to prove how their point is worth believing. They love to make a blazing fire of debate with others and burn their opinions until there are no words left. It is a satisfaction to say everything out loud to label those who have opposite opinions as small creatures with a toxic mindset. Feels like winning a lottery when they find peers with the same construction of ideas as them. Two eyes, two sides but only choose one, read the right and ignore the left. Being in the middle is just like playing safe and it is a shame to not take a stand. This is how people's minds work.
Like riding a jeepney, it is your choice to sit whether on the right or left side. Well, sometimes you have no time to pick your seat when there is no space left. On the other side, passengers may encounter restaurants, café, and buildings. That doesn't mean that the market, vendors, and ordinary people are the same as the other when they are breathing with other air. The taste in music—kids want hyper beats while teens love romantic lyrics and adults just like classics, reminding them of their good old days.
When a strong typhoon hits a peaceful land, surely it will give chills and cold weather. It is a daydream for those who love the refreshing feeling it brings. While it is a nightmare for those who have flooded farms, missing roofs, and wet beds to sleep on. This shows that the view may be different from the others. As long as they enjoy the sight, other's perspective doesn't matter for them. It is you and only you, them and only them. People have no control over who they will be born to but there are also things one can control; to open the eye or open the eyes.
It is all in the palm of everyone whether to take the right or the left side path. To believe in the upper or the lower part. Life is tricky and the worst enemy it could be. If one's perspective is correct that doesn't mean the other is wrong. If you are wrong that doesn't mean they are right. Forward on what you believe and decide if you will turn your back for others. The truth is good at playing hide-and-seek.
Photo Credits l Pinterest
love
THE CONNECTION OF
-
FRANCINE DUMANDAN
Most teenagers and adults nowadays are active on social media. There are tons of social media apps available to use nowadays. Tw internet became life to almost all humans. It's more difficult to live without the internet than to live without water.
Most teenagers are influenced by the internet, even adults or even children. Almost all individuals living nowadays are influenced by social media. The internet is a big use in today's life. Everything a human is looking for can be seen on the internet. Just search it up using some apps and it will pop up. The internet and social media can be safe and risky, so everyone must think before clicking or sharing.
Net or internet is a huge advantage to humans. A lot of humans can earn money from the internet and social media. But there is something one can find using the internet, something almost impossible. It's not that easy to believe it, but on the internet, we can also find this thing called 'love'.
There's this so-called "Internet love". It's almost impossible because it's not that easy to trust in real life, how much more on the internet. But this generation made it possible, some couples met online, became internet friends, got to know each other, and boom internet couples.
Internet couples are couples who met online via the app or anything on the internet and became couples. Anyone can find love on the internet. Just be careful whom to trust and who to love using this platform. It's fun dating online, but it requires a lot of trust, time, and effort. Yes, it's internet love, but in order to love online, one must trust the other one.
There's nothing wrong when it comes to choosing whom to love. It doesn't matter where it happens, in social media or in person, it doesn't really matter, as long as it's true love and affection. Love can happen unexpectedly, it can happen randomly. That is how love works, that's how love creates connection to human
Photo Credits l Pinterest
THE
SILENCE
OF THE
LOUDEST
-
RESIE CAITH ALLYSSA VINLUAN
The moment it comes down, they will try to avoid it. No one dares to dance with it in their favorite dress. The chirping birds tried to hide themselves together with the people eager to find buses on their way back home. What an unlucky day to encounter the tears from above. Those drops slowly fell from fluffy but dark cottons until they met the cold ground creating a weird smell. The falling water is taking over the world, screaming, shouting, until you can't hear yourself. Rain has the loudest sound.
Some say, you only live once. On the other side, they believe that past life and next life exists. But no one can prove it until you reach the place where the spirit meets the bones. We are breathing in a world where cuts under scars are inescapable. Where life can be a curse and death can be the way. But there's a point when they wanted to hold on for the living but ended up crying under the stone. There's a time when tears cannot hold and all you could do is to let it out like how the clouds let the rain fall. Their tears are the rain. How fast it reached the ground is the same as the unfair world pulled their miserable souls. When their stories collided, it became a storm. No matter how loud it is, no one has an ability to listen.
The feeling of peacefully walking at night then woke up being destroyed by a monster. Several fists landed on stomach, face, and head until he couldn't feel pain because of pain. While she was treated like a toy in the middle of a sugarcane field, sweet things but bitter happenings. Kneeling down was not enough to tame the beast. Unbelievable armalite decided on their faith. Reputation, honor, dignity, and life, they all blew that up. Together with a melon orange Giordano Classic t-shirt, she slept forever. He is her companion and their dreams broke apart in just a simple walk of time. The first two tears from the sky.
​
Maybe for some, popularity is everything. Imagine, stepping inside the room and all the eyes on you. Many people would probably be jealous but sometimes, that is not a good thing. Number 444 is believed to have a meaning of protection and encouragement but without the other four, it is a hell. Being kept for more than a month for saying a word, for being honest. Rise of the sun or shine of the moon, she was there without a single sheet. Feeling lonely and empty while hundreds of demons are laughing for her miserable life they proudly made. Without any defenses and hope, the only answer is to give everything away and beg to just end the suffering. Despite all the burning sessions on self-build hell, the evils are now free walking anywhere they want. The third broken heart from above.
Advantages of having enough power are amazing. The cruelty of assuming a power is irritating. He dreamed of serving people like them but they are the ones who took that opportunity away by writing thorns in their scripted scene. Building false accusations were painted on their minds. His sadness is their happiness. Saying that the boy started the war and they do not have a choice but to put the blaze in the dark. From behind, they intentionally placed a gun on his left hand to prove their testimony against the teen. "Please, stop, I still have an exam tomorrow" wasn't enough and that was the last words of a boy who is actually a right-handed person.
No one has the right to choose who or where we are going to be born. It is not in our palm to decide whether we are gonna be an Asian, White, African, Black, or maybe an animal. Even if we have different colors or appearance, it is clear that we are all living things. But some people have a running blood on their nerves that do think they are standing on the highest cliff. Counterfeit money is a simple paper but that makes him feel little. He asked to spare his beloved life while a knee was on his neck trying to stop him from speaking up. The man who pushed onto the ground and pulled his story up there.
Money can't buy happiness, an old saying that many believed and still stand with it. On the other hand, if your happiness is to finish your studies, you need money. If you want to give your parents a good life, you need money. To keep your family under the roof, you need money. If you are hungry, you need money to buy food. To live in this world, you need that paper in your pocket. It was a terror master but an amazing servant. Connections with other people is also a big deal. Now, when a person has a connection and money combined, a big name will build itself. Her story passes on several tongues and melodies. Some don't believe, some are seeking justice. Like a drink who completes their appetite. She is not the only one who has words like this. If this is all true, the real king of the underworld will probably be ashamed of his own throne. Decades or centuries may pass but their waiting will never end.
When your body turns its back on you. White curtains, blue gown, single bed and a lot of apparatus. Laying down and waiting for the professional to announce what's next or if there will be. They cannot stop the spread of the enemies inside. No human harmed them or threatened to drop the farewell, it just came up. Severe pain is their strongest opponent, all they can do is to stare at the white ceiling and forget that they will soon get better when white light comes to save them. Different disabilities, different people, different pain, and age peacefully watching the things they should have enjoyed.
Heavy tears from heaven. Their pain is kissing the umbrella that people used to protect themselves. Some of their tears sleep on the cold grounds then suddenly stepped by someone who is walking around. Every drop of rain is their unforgettable pain. It is a painful death when you do not want to die yet. When the rain stopped, usually no one noticed it until a split of minutes passed. And when they wipe their own tears away, crystal drops will fade and it is hard to remember that day. It may dry but their experience will never die. Rain has the loudest sound, holding their silence.
Photo Credits l The Beacon
ONLINE LEARNING:
Temptations are real !
-
PRINCESS ABBY MODELO
Due to the absence of traditional classrooms, most students are faced with temptations which interfere with the learning task. The biggest challenge while taking online class is staying disciplined as there are a lot of distractions from the lesson being discussed. So what are these temptations during online learning and how do we manage them?
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a big study space so extra effort is definitely needed when establishing a quiet study area. To those who face this problem, it is a big step in staying focused, so trying to stay away from commotions at home can absolutely help. Making sure that TV and other background noises are turned off.
Technological distractions can also be very challenging when you are using your mobile phone while attending online class. Notifications always pop out with social media updates and messages and are very tempting to read and respond. This distraction can be avoided by just turning notifications off, so you won’t be tempted to stray from your class.
School-life balance is something that we subconsciously forget to maintain. As we stay at home, it’s hard to say no to doing household chores and spending time with family. Not managing our time properly and making ourselves stressed out on things we do at home, leaves us so tired by the time we attend online class. With our cameras turned off, some students unintentionally fall asleep during class as if the teacher is singing a lullaby as the discussion goes on. It is important to make our family understand that we need a proper schedule as to when we do activities at home and when to take time for yourself to recharge.
There may be a lot more temptations which can distract students once in a while but at the end of the day, students with self discipline and those who have a clear goal, which is to learn and to graduate, can easily beat those challenges.