Tell me why, Burnham ivyjaneredsapon The ambiance implicitly covers the longing for a precious treasure shivering in the heart of a mystique person. When I was young, I always let my soul travel in the exotic beauty of my beloved country. It made me perspired when I first laid my eyes to the popular city of Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines, in just a picture of the notebook that I used to see.

I wished of stepping my innocent feet unto the rare land that was sought after. I wished of gasping the air and of tasting… the life it may gave as I savored the moment. These wishes, I guess, was a strong proof why I was very much overwhelmed upon seeking the opportunity of going to it. Indeed, the happiness and excitement that kept me alive could not find a place, for sure.
This awaited advent lasted for more than seven hours, as the trip passed from places that I considered as a gateway to heaven. First was the city of Santiago. It did not change yet. The beauty of the remarkable spots such as the well – established buildings still thrill me. On contrast, as the wheel ran ahead, the bare faces of the street children never change the thought of mine that this city is not yet a perfect place to praise.

Next was one of the precious marks of my ingenious province – Cordon. Upon laying my eyes to the soothing and relaxing farm of it, I swear of coming back in Isabela for I was a lucky person who lived with the heart of it. The feeling arose when the van stopped at a gasoline station. There I saw a convenience store with a dashing light that attracted me a lot, allowing me to smell the aroma of a brewed coffee they sell.

Thereafter a short sleep, I have realized that the dark seemed to be a dangerous place represented another story, Diadi. However, the darkness of it created a solemn and peaceful night in every house I have seen. Almost all lights were turned off. People were quiet sleeping. How different this place was from other cities that were awake at night.

The next abode that stained my heart was the home of Solano. Unlike Diadi, this place was still conscious in the presence of the night. People were still working. While the journey travelled along the way, I could see the lights that were still on, lights that served as a hope for the poor, like the innocent children of Santiago walking barefooted. After a while, I found the van stopped at a fast food chain where we ate our late dinner.

Different places and different stories took almost an hour when the journey reached Nueva Viscaya. I was amazed the moment I passed vendors at the side of the high way. They looked so tired, perhaps – so tired of waiting someone to buy their products, in which they considered as a great income. Nueva Viscaya is an owl, never been so far from the last place I’ve laid my eyes to. Its soul was so awake facing the fact that it was midnight, awake because of the desire of its body to keep time gold.

The journey in this place ended, when I saw the ferocious presence of Ambuclao. The path we were taking is in the middle of a cliff. It has so many stomachs – twisting curves that gave me severe headache. Every time the vehicle took the whirling arc, I found myself in regret. It bore the ride too long, too long that I let myself fascinated by sleep enduring the pain all over my body, caused by the thirsting dream that would soon to fulfill.

The moment I opened my eyes, the cool breeze welcomed me. I was mesmerized by the thought that I was now in Baguio, the place a I have longed to see. I could hardly believe that I reached my aim – my ambition, my new achievement. It felt like heaven that I was finally here.

When morning dew came, I allowed my eyes to gaze at the pine trees. This was really an amazing place – all people were wearing ponchos, they possessed a fair skin, and of course, they were busy. I have seen them doing businesses that made me smile as I said to my mind that I would not let this chance passed without communicating with them, and buying the native delicacies of Baguio. In short, I concluded that my desire was resolved – never dreaming that there would be a great ignorance to come…

“Burnham Park?” It was the only word that came out into my mouth when we stopped at this gorgeous place. I have never known the existence of it. It was so new to me, so new that I appreciated so much the exotic structure of it.

The park was shaded with old but remarkable pine trees. There were exceptional flowers that lashed with brilliant colors. The other side of it is a pond where anyone can have a ride to feel the spectacular sensation it gives. The fountains built in sophistication where it would give everyone an amazing feeling of fulfillment as you can see it . It gave a blast every time it splashed fresh water. Most of all, it was so calm… very peaceful.

Now, this place is a mysterious thing to me. Mysterious, because it gave me a perceptional satisfaction that erased the agony of travelling I have encountered. It seemed that having stepped my foot on this place was another thing I would forever treasure.

Though it gave me satisfaction, still a question tickled me - “Why I am so new to you, you’re just a park, tell me why, my Burnham?” This was the subject I wanted to answer until I lasted my days in my new wonder, my new Eden…

Give Time, Some Time ivyjaneredsapon “In life, we cannot easily get the so-called-destiny… a word that in just one snap and neither in just a blink of our eyes, sometimes asks us to surpass every challenge to win a game, called LOVE.”
Upon reading this text quote from a very fond friend, I cannot help but to smile sweetly and remember the story of my life. It is still fresh in my memory I remember that one sorrowful day... when I left my best friend without saying any words of explanation. Without bidding goodbye, without seeing him before I gone, without telling him how lucky I was because I became a part of his life, without promising that I will come back no matter what – in short, I left him in a hanging situation and in devastation. I hated myself so much for I was the one who hurt him the most. I realized we are still young at that point in time, still young not to know how it feels to be playing with Cupid and Destiny. As days and years passed, almost nine years to be exact, I cannot help but to let my tears dried cherishing every moments of my childhood with him. Every moment of us, playing, and teasing at each other’s physical appearances. I really missed his presence that makes me shivers upon knowing that we will come home for stay.
My emotions drove me away longing for my best friend, emotions that I could not barely identify that’s why as I put my feet on my sweetest home, the only thought that I have in my mind is to see him and to make apologizes for what happened. I cannot help but to raise questions on my mind; how is he? Does he miss me the way I am? Can he forgive me? Can we be friends again? On the other hand, does he found someone else and replace me?
Two old friends meet again
Wearin' older faces
And talk about the places they've been…
After a long time, we have seen each other. My contentment and happiness can’t find its place in my heart for it is overwhelmed enough to feel this way. I admit that his physical changes attract me. He has changed a lot. His voice deepened that every time he utters a word, it seems like I’m listening to the voice of a DJ, which makes my heart skip a beat. His face looks more glowing rather than his old baby face, that every time he looks at me, and noticed me fascinated with his gorgeous face, I can’t help but to blush and look away.
Two old sweethearts who fell apart, somewhere a long ago
How are they to know; someday they’d meet again
And have a need for more than reminiscin'…
It is magic and miracle for the two of us to find each other’s place where we can reside the feelings we have waited for so long that makes our everyday complete, and special. As days passed, I can say that my hidden feelings are now revealing. It seems that I can’t last my day without him and when I am with him, I just want to savor those times and mark it for me to cherish. I think Cupid makes all of this…
Maybe this time; it’ll be lovin; they’ll find
Maybe now they can be more than just friends
She's back in his life, and it feels so right…
All of a sudden, in just a second, in just a beat of my heart, I realized that the unidentified feeling of mine be described in four words, L.O.V.E. I had enough not to notice this kind of feeling. It just come to me in a rush when he told me that he loves me for more than nine years and willing to love me forever, asking me to continue the story of us that makes me feel the way he used to feel way back then. To be exact, it is MUTUAL between the two of us.
It is unbelievable… that we must go through many circumstances before we could touch and feel the reality, that Destiny makes its own moves to seek our endless love and to bind us as one. It is priceless to know how Cupid works with his arrows to perfectly shoot the pairs of hearts then finally fits it. It is easy… to understand that everything has its own perfect timing, that all we need to do is give time, some time, like what my story does, for us to know that…
Maybe this time,
Love won't end…

Once a virgin ivyjaneredsapon I HATE MY COUNTRY!

I hated it when it failed to stand from those who wanted to destroy it. I hated it when it loosed the battle. I hated it when it cried from the agony it gained. I hated the way it used to do when foreigners came and got all the dignities it treasured. I hated the scars that left behind the bright and shining pearl of the islands.

7, 107 wonders – from the bare feet of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao lies the glorious and prestigious menarche history. It will probably hint the deepest part of your heart searching why this history mirrors the reason our native land shallowed with dim during the days of our heroes – Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini... reasons why at the age of 12, the vigor of a patriotic child awakened my system.

It is still fresh in my memory the story of our beloved land, which I have learned in history… a historic past that once stained the purity of the home where I live. It is there stated that Philippines was once colonized by different countries, wanting and longing for spices, for pearls, for services, for treasures, and the most, for comfort women.

“Why is it hard to win despite the fact that we can all unite?” I asked my grandfather, a veteran soldier. “We are not yet ready. Our country is still on process,” I have received this short answer from him. “We are ready. We’re not just doing the action.” The feedback I gave him in return puzzled me, because these words just came out to my mouth without any hesitation.

The hatred inside me then was growing, as time passed. Whenever I walk, the looked of those mothers carrying their children and begging for food. Whenever I see my fellow youth outside education, reasoning poverty. Whenever I watch the crimes, corruptions, and political issues, it poisons me. Whenever my country faces the torturing fact that it is not yet stable.
My country is strong enough. It had carried more than 300 years of painstaking life. It fathomed so many shenanigans that created unwanted marks. It exposed itself to the dying rays of brutality. Now that it is independent, it is not new to the gross of Dracula. It is tough! I know – for the spirit of Rizal has restored in me, the desire of awakening my country, the Philippines.

If hating it is one way of touching the giant inside it, I will hate my country forever, to make it understand that it was once stole, and once, is enough!

How students cope with cleanliness? ivyjaneredsapon For more than years of schooling, Raniag High School continuously transforms and improves the corners of the institution for the benefits not only of the school, but also for the sake of students. However, as the institution try to push its goal of attaining the equilibrium of maintaining cleanliness, students give the impression of finding it so hard and absurd to follow.
While implementing it, learners look like not hearing announcements every flag ceremony – putting garbage on their bags, segregating wastes from biodegradable to non – biodegradable, picking pieces of wrappers or papers, not buying foods outside in excluding excess wastes, and the likes. These beautifications, perhaps, are the main reasons why laziness leads the students.
They do not want to do such things because for them, it is a non – sense work and with the reason that they are not the one who did the destructions. They let themselves find who is to be blame, not seeing the reflection of them. They see it, as an obligation of the Students’ Council, never bearing in mind the works of their leaders who wish of having a more comprehensive school.
On the other hand, the attitude they show is a sign of merely coping the brutal fact that they must not escape the majority’s obligation: to care and protect the land where they gain wisdom and knowledge for the future. It is not hard to secure this institution, for sure. It is just that everyone first thinks the credits he/she will gain without sinking in mind the credit of others.
It is not hard to cooperate for a change. It is not impossible to create a step towards victory. It is not a burden to carry. All it asks is to open the narrow mind of many students, that these acts they are up to do, though artless, gives a huge contribution in rebooting not just the school, but the entire island.
All and all, students must change their behavior towards cleanliness because this change will completely stretch the glory and respect of others. Moreover, students need to unite and accept the fact that they are the beneficiary of their own deeds. Thus, it is a great challenge to Raniag High School family, as the quotation says, “Old people cannot work without the young one, same as the environment.”

View of Cleanliness to leaders ivyjaneredsapon As the Students’ Body Organization aims to reach the ideal and prestigious purity of our school, with due respect to the administration, challenges is continuously rising. These obstacles, touches, and shivers the organization, regardless of the eagerness of each leader to eradicate the growing pains of the surrounding of our institution.
There are many regulations implied – starting from the 26 classrooms it selves, stating that every student should clean their very own room for effective learning. Other things are keeping their areas always clean, not littering even a small piece of wrappers, keeping the communal comfort rooms clean, and supporting the Solid Waste Management Program.
Despite of these, many students and mentors seek for more… making every leader wonder why expectations did not yet met. Regulations are précised, for sure. Everyone can easily follow it. Everyone can understand the inner meaning of that simplicity. Everyone can move and do the actions needed. Everyone can cooperate; everyone can contribute a change.
To the eye of the leaders, the simplicity it takes contributes beneficially, for this simplicity allows doing tasks workless. This cleanliness, to their part, must be done without any agony at the end, because cleanliness merely starts at the very point: at the hand of every individual taking care the school. However, blaming them is the only reward they can get.
Perhaps, the institution needs more consideration and openness. Obligations to cleanliness are not just for those who sit in the position. It is universal. It is for everyone, and securing the credits are not the focal goal. The main reason of doing so is to show endless empathy to our grounds, to our learning center, to our environment, to our future.
Ending the column, challenge not the leaders, challenge not the administration, challenge no one… for everybody can do the implementation at Raniag High School regarding cleanliness. Everybody can participate in the advocacy of the Students’ Supreme Government: “Simplicity for Cleanliness.” Everybody can work in harmony. Everybody can, not just every leader…

My wish is a curse!
Jeckahasuncionvaldez

I AM NOT BAD; I AM BUT A STUDENT!

Whenever the first Monday of June comes, I makes me excited going to school. After a long vacation, I was once again revived wearing my neat and complete uniform, smiling at my friends, and dressing my modern styles that I up to do like punks, emo, and nerds.

The first month of school is so superb – active routine of my year. It is the time of building new relationships, showing my spice of talent, constructing bridges of love, and linking my experiences to treasure – but then, these pleasures of mine were just like weather… it changes gradually.

Ambushed quizzes, surprising activities, and exhausting assignments are just some of the burdens that I was always face, makes me lazy, and hoping for a two – day rest and more. The dramatic scenes I was enduring also drives me to make a wish for my benefit, and a curse for some: the words “typhoon in signal number two.”

“Sana may bagyo!” I remembered I have said it once, not wanting to have a class because of a hectic schedule. Unintentionally, when my classmate opened the television during lunch, I have heard that typhoon would probably hit Isabela, bearing a strong wind with signal number two. Classes were automatically suspended. “Bingo.” I heard my classmates said in chorus. I smiled with them and in silence, I headed to our house with a victorious feeling. At long last I would definitely have my rest!
While listening to a melodrama over the radio, I found myself sobering then suddenly, I have asked, “Why am I so happy despite of the tragedy that was happening now?” The guilt I was about to earn became bigger when my sight dimmed and realization stroked.

I saw the faces of farmers very bothered and worried about their crops that in a blink of a second would be devastated by a disaster. On the other side, were workers distressed walking in the flood. Mothers are worried about the things that be destroyed during the rainfall. Teachers are tired of thinking how they would teach the students in a short span of time.

All of these were the things that entered in my mind, but only one remained on my memory: a student who wants to play video game and to laugh during the attack of the typhoon. I gasped my breath when reality fathomed me. I was dreaming!

I completed my day bearing an argument in my mind. I liked typhoon, as much as it did not totally destruct our house, our hometown, our province. I liked it when I sipped coffee as I glanced at my window, watching the randless flow of the water on the mud. On the other hand, I thinned my selfish passion to those who will to be affected one way or another by the flood, those who lived in the city.

What can I do? I am innocent. I am a child; a student who only knows is to look into the luck and simplicity that covers life.

Supporting Cleanliness: a starting point ivyjaneredsapon Cleanliness is a way of caring the environment.
It has been implemented all throughout the years in different schools nationwide, in accordance with the National Greening Program under the ground of the Department of Education. Its prime purpose is to integrate awareness in eradicating the innumerable cases of the destruction caused by globalization.
It is good that this program is being recognized by the secondary high school department, rebooting every student and teacher to participate and inculcate the practice of ruling themselves towards discipline. And actions are still on progress, like the segregation of toxic to non – toxic trashes, the use of ecological boxes for recycling, the implementation of “no to plastic wrappers campaign,” and the inspections for every classroom done by the administrations.

The goodness it brought is a mean of helping every Filipino’s territory in preserving. It also increases the chance of saving the possibility of land pollution that is continuously growing, and the focal point of attaining the main goal of the organizations’ vision is to support it.
The end will never been meet without taking the first step, and the word “cleanliness” can speak itself.