Behind the Spotlight…

Standing up amidst complexities
High School: The journey continues
Just when you thought you can win everything, there are always times of falling down. Hurdles are almost everywhere. They come on your most critical times, wherein you are experiencing success. And when it happens, it does not strike you buoyantly. But it squeezes you until your whole being is crushed, and it leaves you with no hope. I had a fair share of this experience when I entered 4th year high school. I was part of the Elite Einstein Society, and it was of great privilege that I will be graduating as a Science Curriculum student. I had been part of various organizations. I’ve been a board of director of YES-O, planning and facilitating activities every month. It was so much fun, especially when I facilitated for the quiz bee. “Time’s up!”… I yell and my younger brothers would be astonished. I even hosted one of our monthly activities. I really trembled in front of the crowd, I always have stage freight. But I thanked Tristan Rae Lim for bailing me out of a possible disgrace. He has always been a good speaker, and he can use English on its widest range. No doubt that he was our representative in the Debate . Moving on, I’d also become a staff of Techno Society for Computer Clubbers. Our advisers were Maychelou Castillo and Oliver Quintanilla, and the president was Herlyn Faye Dela Rosa. I was never a computer enthusiast, except logging on to Friendster <…haha!>. But the experience is very remarkable, with Ruby Abegail Serrano, Tristan Rae Lim, Allan Valiente, Mark Bill David and Kenneth Alipater. I got to know them better. The best experience I had with the group is during the ICT week, held in the Taiwan Hall. Various students from sci-curr joined the competitions organized by TSoCC, including the best Ict booth. Our classmates had been very supportive, and we ended the program successfully. I had also shared my writing skills to our school paper, The Rancher, as the News Editor. Our advisers were Sarah Che and Myrna Lloren, and I must say that I really love this club the most. Maybe because we were just small in the group and the ties are more intimate. We were collecting write-ups from the members, and the editing, and laying out are done in RFM. We spent nights there, with our editor-in-chief Witt Cecil Vergara, assistant editor Joseph Lyndonn Dela Cerna, our feature editor Benazhir Joy Arellano, and our copyreader Encel Marie Carancio. Our memories together are very unforgettable, especially when were having dinner in the chicken house. It’s really nakakamiss. I even witnessed there a huge fire beside the RFM, and I was alone that time because my companions returned home. The firemen got on time, and they were able to put the fire off. And before we ended our stay there, I and Joseph, together with Kenneth Alipater, Henry Estremadura, John Paul Garcia, and Mark Bill David went to San Gabriel Formation Center in Marbel. We were invited there by Kuya Eigene Calopez and Kuya Leonard Jed Toyogon. I was able to like the place. It is peaceful and very quiet. It’s an abode for those who want to become priests, a seminary. And I really never planned to become one. But when you were there, you can really tell yourself to come back and to stay. It’s like fulfilling a call. It was weird, yet very real. They welcomed us warmly, especially Fr. Nonoy Benitez, the Vocation Director. They gave us a refreshing break in Agua Frio, a swimming pool. I really had a great time, with some friends from Sirius and Vega. I had learned many things during my stay there. It’s really unforgettable. I also had the chance to represent the school in the Association of Science Educators in the Philippines Science Fair Division Level at Jose P. Laurel Elementary School. I was in a team with Hazel Jade Rosaot and Pamekris Manzo. Our entry was entitled Iron and Manganese Filtrate Unit. It was an improvised filter, composed of pebbles and sand, and operates with the use of chemical oxidation. It filters the contaminants iron and manganese in water . We competed under Cluster II Science-oriented schools, Applied Science, Group Category. We were on the same category with Rina Ilagan, Melody Betira, and Mae Solidarios with their entry Improvised Automatic Switched Extension Wire. Dave Anas, Rey Maurice Donesa, and Tweetams Molarto competed under Life Science, Group Category with the Efficiency of Chronotherapy Against Hypervitaminus-d Mus Muculus. And Sheila Mae Banayag under Applied Science, Individual Category with the Aerocoal Stove . It was my first ever time to compete outside the school. It was very nervous. We were with Witt Cyril, Allan, and Alter for the Division Level Science Quiz Bee, and John Paul for the Sci-Dama. Witt had even told us that we could possibly win because of beginner’s luck. And he was right of his angelic language . We won during the competition, we, as in all of us!!!. We grabbed the first place, maybe because a) we had no opponents except the group of Mae Solidarios, b) one of our judges was my Grade 6 adviser, Ms. Maria Consolacion S. Peralta <…that was before I graduated elementary, I knew she has married already…peace Ma’am!>, or c) I was badly shaking on the stage, uncontrollable, that Pame needed to hold the microphone for me. Haha, that one was embarrassing. One thing I cannot forget about that experience was Cyril Christian Lim’s remarks, “more cheaper”, and the judge would rectify him with, “more cheap!”. I guess you know what the most appropriate term to be used is. Hmmm . So, we both moved on in another level of the competition, the ASEP Regional Youth Science Camp, Science Quiz, Sci-Dama, and Science Fair held in Maitum, Sarangani. It was another wonderful experience. It was my first time in Sarangani Province, and we traveled almost 3 hours to reach Maitum! . Along the way, you can see the vast Sarangani Bay, and on the other side, the majestic Celebes Sea! It was so much fun riding on a ten-wheeler truck, jam-packed with mattresses for the camp, with a strong blowing wind. Though we weren’t able to tour its entirety, I could say that Maitum is such a lovely place. We lodged in Malalag National High School. Rommel Tongson and Cary Carl Caumeran built a tent, and they shared it with me. Bathrooms are inadequate, so we coped by waking up early to take a bath. The place is in the highlands, and you can imagine how cold it was, taking a bath there early in the morning! The contest proper was held in the municipality gymnasium, and we displayed there our panel boards. We thought that we would lose because we were not visited by any of the judges, except one who asked about our project. On the second day, we were surprised when it was announced that our entry was included on the top five finalists in our category! We were jumping out of joy. It was an overflowing happiness because we thought we really cannot make it. It was really unexpected. Sheila Banayag, Dave Anas, Rey Maurice Donesa, and Tweettams Molarto were also part of the top five finalists in their category. Our group, Hazel and Pame, was the last to defend . It was getting dark already, and some of the audience, and even the participants went back to their sites already. But few of our classmates stayed with us, as we positioned in front of the stage. Dr. Lumeran was one of the judges, and she is a friend of Mama. The questions were tougher than we were in the division level, but we were able to manage it properly . So we ended up very late in the evening, and I was very sleepy and yet still hungry! We ate our dinner together with our advisers, Lalaine Biboso and Marlo Ramos. It was awarding ceremony when we returned back first, in City High, because our GPTA president Willie Ramos got an appointment. When we reached there, we had received text messages from our classmates, telling that we won as second place on the concluded event. We were very happy of course. It was again unexpected. One of the top five finalists on our category would be more than enough, yet we were still blessed with a bigger prize. We knew that it would mean “Nationals”. But I was very sad because I cannot go with my teammates. The division sent only one representative to the national level of the competition, and since I was the leader of the team, they chose me. We really did our best to come together on that special occasion but our requests were not granted. So, it was February, and together with Alona Calanza as my proxy adviser, and Amor Senobago, our sci-dama representative, we went to Baguio City. I had a lot of ‘first times’ on this travel. It was my first time to ride an airplane. My first time to step in NAIA. Waaaah, everything had been very memorable. Jose Paulo Dela Cruz met us on the airport. He was attending school in De La Salle University, and he came there to fetch us. We rode a bus and we traveled the whole EDSA, the longest avenue in the Phils! We ate our lunch in Jollibee Cubao. When we finished, we rushed to the terminal and rode a Victory Liner bus heading to Baguio . That was a very long journey . But I was enjoying the trip and the beautiful scenery outside. I was guessing if I had seen Mt. Pinatubo already . They turned on the TV, and whooa, a tv inside a bus?? no way!! But the movie was great. ‘Til I Met You’, of Robin Padilla and Regine Velasquez. Haha. It was dark already, and we were still going up the Mountain Province. I never slept. I can’t dare to miss the prettiness of the view outside. It was all like a dream. The darkness was filled with some colorful lights on a far distance, like beautiful gems embracing the whole mountains. It was indeed unforgettable. Finally, we reached Baguio City. It was very late in the evening so we spent the night at the Teachers Camp. We stayed there for three days, but my first day. It was very cold!! Haha, I even thought of not taking a bath, but they gave me some water heater, so it was a relief somehow. When I went out the house, woooh, I got some foggy breath and it was really amazing. . The whole city has been lit by the sunshine, so it was time to explore Baguio. The Summer Capital of the Phil is nothing unusual. It’s like any city, except it has elevations that vary everywhere . But you can expect of many “eye-delights”. We toured all the tourist spots in Baguio, like the Botanical Garden, Imelda’s Mansion, and the Philippine Military Academy. We went to the venue of the competition, the Manuel L. Quezon National High School, and we displayed our tarpaulin . We were more than a hundred of participants there, and our entry was assigned as number 31. And it was time to announce the “Magic 5”. I wasn’t really expecting a lot but of course I am hoping that our entry will be included. But we were not called and our journey ended there. But somehow, I was fortunate, because if ever I was included there, nobody would hold the microphone for me . But I was more than a winner with all the lessons I have gained from the experiences I had. And it was time to return back home.
When I got back, I had plenty of school works to do. I had missed every exam, so I have to rush studying lessons. And it was very difficult. I wasn’t able to pass my requirements on time, I got low grades, and the graduation is approaching. I had a very complicated life when I returned. There was a time when my mother was called by our adviser. And it was very shameful. But I knew mom would understand, and she had helped me overcome my problems. And I was able to graduate in high school. It was held at the Lagao Gymnasium. I wore a long-sleeved polo, striped in red, embroidered with elegant tribal design, black slacks, and Skater conventional black shoes. I was seated in the front row, though I really wanted to be seated with my friends, especially Myrick. But because of inconsideration, and irresponsibility of some classmates, as in CLASSMATES , I lost my chance to experience that. High school graduation happens once in a lifetime, yet I wasn’t able to savor that moment. However, graduation is not about the ceremony, what clothes you wear, or how are you seated from your closest friends, but it is all about the word itself. Graduation is all about graduating. That you were able to finished your studies and for you to be prepared for the next chapter of your life.
…and it leaves you with no hope. But hope is never gone, until you gave it up! Life is hope. Don’t lose hope, as it loses you life. Gain courage to win everything you want. Though falling down is usual, always stand up and fight! Stand up and make all the difference!

Finally, Goodbye H: Hello AS

It was my first day in college in Mindanao State University. I enrolled Bachelor in Science major in Electronics Communications Engineering. I didn’t know what encouraged me to take up this course, maybe it was the influence of my successful cousin, as an engineer. I am with my sister Yenyen, and we were looking for our classrooms. She is taking up BS in Animal Science. It was always her dream to become a veterinarian someday. And I am glad that she is slowly fulfilling her dream now. She has found her former classmates in high school, so I chose to leave her there. I was heading alone to the CAS building, and there I saw Witt Cyril Vergara, Dave Anas, and Rey Maurice Donesa. After our dramatic separation from graduation, I didn’t have the chance to communicate to them, so I was surprised when they told me that we are both enrolled on the same course. They also added that Allan Valiente is also enrolled in BSECE. I never thought that I will be seeing them there. As I know, Witt wants to become a marine biologist; Dave wants to be a chemist or biologist, and Maurice as a computer programmer. About Allan, I was not very surprised, because he really likes Math. They also told me that Alter Cocjin, Benjamin Bajao, John Paul Garcia, and Henry Estremadura are also enrolled in the College of Engineering.
My first semester in college as first year, is not very difficult because of my former classmates. We eat together in the kiosk besides the CAS building, we teach each other, and hang out together. We were very extravagant that time, because every time we take our lunch, each of us always buy 12oz. of coke. I got to know them better since we were not so close in high school. Witt Cyril is a jolly person, despite of being serious on his studies. He always finds time to laugh with me, blow some corny jokes but still funny. He is very responsible and caring. He is very interested about mysteries, especially UFO’s. Rey Maurice is very quiet. He likes to ask questions almost about anything. Even he knows the answer, he still wants to ask about it. He is very neat and tidy. He knows everything about techno and gadgets. Allan is also very serious, more serious than Witt. He is very sensible. He also blows jokes, but it’s only him who can understand. When he laughs, I also laugh though I didn’t understand his joke. His intellectual capacity is very amazing. We go home together, and when he opens up about the lesson in Math awhile ago, Im just…”???”. Dave became my closest among them. He is very diligent on his studies. He is nice, and we can really understand each other. He is an avid fan of Suju, like he sings their song with so much emotion. We even joined our classmates in dancing ballroom for our performance in Humanities1. But I also found new friends from Sarangani and from MSU high school. I thought that we would never be at ease to them, especially when MSUans came late for our Filipino1 class. But that impression was wrong because we are now comfortable to each other. The subjects are not yet difficult. In fact, I was included in the dean’s list that time. The second semester was a bit obstinate. It was hard because I was not putting importance to my studies. I do not know what the reason behind that was. I just got tired, and just took things for granted. But fortunately, I passed all the subjects, especially Physics 21 and Math51. I became closer to my new friends because we were classmates in PE2 dance. I cannot forget our dance performance in the final practicum with the theme “Creation”. Brian Omar Esmael played the role of Adam, while Janaisha Bai Tito played the role of Eve. We really practiced a lot, whole days of practicing in Bai’s place and in MSU high school. Our performance was great and we were declared as first during the Dance Festival. I also joined PSALM ministry through Chrismer Ombid. We were rushing our assignment in Physics that time, and when we were finished I asked him to come home with me since he stays also in Uhaw. But he said that he will be attending a fellowship in his ministry, so instead of going home alone I stayed with him. I am not new to fellowships, since I’ve got a little experience of it when I was in high school. We were attending fellowships together with Herlyn Faye Dela Rosa and Charmine Hechanova in City Alliance Church every first Friday of the month during my third and fourth year. I met new friends, and they welcomed me very warmly. I found a discipler in the person of Kuya Reu. I went through Caring Circle Lessons or CCL under him. We meet in Agape Park, beside the Psalm cottage every vacant time in Tuesday and Friday. I have learned many lessons, and I was able to reflect on the things I have done in the past. When I was on second year in College, I became closer to my classmates from South Cotabato. Chrismer Ombid is from Surallah, a very God-fearing person. He became a dedicated leader of the ministry. He is very calm, has strong faith, and very talented in playing guitar. He also plays table tennis and badminton. Alvin Apud is from Banga, a gentle giant, and a co-ministry of ours. He has good skills in drawing and painting. John Rey Ngitngit, also from So.Cot, is very natural. He is very funny to be with, and he speaks Ilonggo. He has a good penmanship and he likes drawing too. Kevin Intoy is from Isulan, a hardcourt heartthrob. He has good abilities in basketball. He is a computer enthusiast, especially playing DOTA and Fight of Characters. Brian Omar Esmael, from Maguinadanao, is very nice. He is very open minded, despite of our different beliefs. We became very close when we were practicing on our PE2 dance, last semester. We were separated from our classmates because of the enrollment ; they took engineering drawing, while we took Hist5. I was with Brian and Kevin that time, under Sir Villa. After our class in Biology, we immediately run to the CAS building for our History5. I like the subject, because our professor is very jolly, light, and smooth. And you can get high scores on essay-type quizzes even without studying . My PE3 Individual Sports was dull. I was again separated from my classmates, this time I was alone. Though my classmates were my former classmates in high school, Alter, John Paul, Benjamin, and Henry, I didn’t have so much fun. I am not really into sports, though I know how to play Badminton. But I really had a hard time learning Table Tennis. My PE4 Group Sports on the second semester was a lot more fun. I was reunited with my classmates, and it was more comfortable since we are to play Basketball. Only Cyril knows how to play basketball on our group, . The basics of the game were taught to us. Basic passing, dribbling, and shooting, and it was my first time to hold a ball. I was really ignorant about it, as in total shocked. But good thing I found a coach in the person of Nerio Ilisan. He is really good in basketball, like he can make every exhibition. We even play mock games, with their friends from IT. I found basketball very interesting, that I even wake up early just to practice in school. My efforts paid off because I got a high grade that time. But the story was not the same with my Physics41 subject. I got a grade of INC, and I must admit it was my fault. I didn’t take it seriously, because I thought I could still pass it, just like my previous Physics. So, I was very relaxed, without knowing what the outcome would be. We took removal examination. But I still did not pass because I was not following instruction . But I have learned to accept it. I do not know if fate wants to punish me, but I guess everything has been planned. And I need not to worry.
Hello H building. My first semester in third year had been chaotic. I cannot avail my major subjects because I failed on their pre-requisite Physics41. I only got four subjects, Thermodynamics, Engineering Mechanics, Statistics, and Linear Differentiation Equations. I was alone again. But I guessed I am used to it. It would be harder if not because of Hyann Loviere Damola. We were classmates in most of my subjects. He was courting Melody Betira, my former classmate in high school. I was with him all along the semester. We eat lunch together with Melody, including her classmates in BSED, Myrick Montevirgen, Roma Beryl Dajay, and Johanna Bairizza Usop. And I was reunified again with Myrick Montevirgen. He was really funny, and we can understand each other in many ways. We are really close since high school. I also meet my friends from BA, Hazel Jade Rosaot and Pamekris Manzo. After school, we meet and take a stroll around the campus. Our acquaintance parties and our assembly meetings had been so much fun. I also joined E-GEN ministry, through Katrina Labiana. I was with ate Karen Ganacias, Kathleen Silagan, Leah Mahusay, and Kuya Ian Rowe Guiron. Later, we were joined by Hyann, Melody, Pamekris, and Hazel. It is a very wonderful experience. Ate Judith is our lady pastor. She is very faithful and very hopeful. She always sends us messages about the Word of God. She is very eager to teach us. And I am glad that I’ve been part of the ministry. But I don’t forget my first ministry, Psalm. After our fellowship in E-Gen, we still visit Psalm, with Hazel and Pame. Before we ended the semester, something happened to me. It was a bad accident, a misunderstanding. But thanks to the courage of Myrick, I was able to overcome that problem. I wasn’t doing well in school. And I am expecting of low grades, even failing grades. I am so much prepared of a downfall. And I was right. I got two failing grades of 5, and two grades of INC. I didn’t pass any subjects. Of course no one is to be blamed except me. But I accepted it wholeheartedly. After all, we cannot turn back the mistakes of yesterday.
So, it’s time to say goodbye. Goodbye H. Thanks for the memories. Good and bad. I decided to leave engineering, not because I cannot make it, but because I got tired of it. I know my capabilities, and that’s what matters most. I do not know if this is still part of the plan, but whenever it is, it’s time to fulfill it. You can never be certain about your future, so you need to hold on and trust. Everything happens for a reason. For us to learn, and grow to be better individuals. This is not the end. This is yet the beginning.

The Chronicle: Up close and Personal

It’s very hard to introduce yourself. I have tried creating my accounts on different social sites, and when it’s time to fill up “About me”, I always lose my guts. But this time, it’s the story of my history. But I don’t want this to be like a bibliography, because that’s definitely boring.
I am Edrin Jay de los Santos Morta, born on the 24th of January, 1991. I am the youngest and the only son of Gaudencio Morta and Amelita de los Santos. I have two elder sisters, Angela and Airene. My nickname, is Ejay, and Ejong. We live in Uhaw, Fatima, General Santos City.
I spent my first school year in AMSUA preparatory school in Mindanao State University. I was with my cousin Ayeng, and Yenyen was with our cousin Janjan as Kinder 2. On our recognition day, I was announced first honors, and I remembered I was memorizing a poem “All things bright and beautiful”, to be performed on that day. I skipped Kindergarten 2, so I spent my second year in school as an elementary student of Dadiangas West Central Elementary School. I was in Grade 1 Section 1, under Miss Ofelia Elden, together with Yenyen. We were classmates. My mother was with us on our first day in school, and I was crying when she left us with our teacher. We followed her and when she looked back, she tried to comfort us with a hug. My father accompanies us every day to school. We eat lunch together in our covered court. He always carries our lunch box. And then, we go home together walking our way to the terminal. We ride on the jeepney, and he carries me and Yenyen on his lap. And that has always been the scene, not until we turned Grade 5. My father stays at home while I and Yenyen go to school. We have a school jeepney that sends us to school in the morning. In the afternoon, my sister waits for me, and together we bound home. I have lots of memories when I was still in elementary. I remember when I ran all the way to Kimball Plaza just to buy Tamia, a famous toy car then. It was raining hard and I was holding my twenty pesos on my right hand. I was very wet when I reached the mall, and when I returned to school, I was very happy because at last I have my own toy. It is very heart melting remembering those memories. It’s also very sad because you know that you can’t turn back the hands of time. But I always appreciate those times that we were all together. They say that high school is the most exciting part of school life. And I have proven this true when I reached high school in General Santos City High School. I belong in the Science Curriculum, while Yenyen is in the Basic Education Curriculum. My classes are whole day, and Yenyen’s are half day. At first I go home alone, walking to the highway and riding a jeepney, until I found my classmates whose residence are also in Uhaw. Alter, Tweettams, Allan, Hazel and Michael, we go home together with a tricycle when we were still in first year. It was a lot of fun, because we’ve got to talk a lot of things on our way home. But the most memorable memory when I was on first year is our “hang-out” in Glamang, Karen Valiente’s birthday. My first visit in Glamang was our practice of pop dance, with Joon Ruiz, Ruby Abegail Serrano, Charmine Hechanova, Karen Valiente, Jayson Jayag, Tristan Rae Lim, and John Paul Garcia, in the tune of Vaness Wu’s “Ain’t Gonna Stop, Ain’t Gonna Give You Up”, where we got the highest score among all our classmates in MAPEH1. Karen invited us to go back in Glamang to celebrate her birthday, and she added that we’ll be going to the sapa. I was very excited that I really prepared my outfit on that special occasion. Karen was also celebrating with John Paul’s birthday, so it was really fun. It was like the whole class of Archimedes who went there, and we really had a wonderful time together. The current was very strong that time, and Joon was carried away by the water. We tried to save her, and fortunately, Witt was on her back, so she was rescued. It was really an unforgettable experience. When we were in second year Aristotle, we had PSYSC, wherein we belong under the Group of RADON. Our leader was the most amazing, Herlyn Faye dela Rosa. We became very close that time. My groupmates were, Hazel and Myrick. It was really fun because we were trying to raise some funds, and we were selling munchkins, and donuts. Our efforts ranked us over-all first runner up during the congress. What added to the glitz and glamour of our 2nd year days is the success of our classmates, Maribel Norbe and Hazel Jade Rosaot, both hailed as Miss GSCHS and Miss Intramurals’04. My most unforgettable experience that year is our visit in ECPC, Alabel, Sarangani Province. I was with my classmates, along with other higher years. There are a lot of things that can be found there, including a large specimen of dugong. We toured on a butterfly sanctuary, wherein there are many beautiful and colorful butterflies flying around, like you are in paradise. And we watched a movie on a theater about sharks. A documentary about environment protection was also showed to us. They also showed us their tools and equipments for research studies, and they added that we could use those facilities whenever we will conduct a study. The Capitol is very beautiful, standing up high and coated in white. Nearby the Capitol are statues of indigenous people, wearing their traditional costumes and playing their traditional music instruments. It was my first time in Alabel, and it was indeed very memorable. I was born spiritually when I was on second year. Herlyn told us about salvation, and together with Hazel, I became a true Christian on January 07, 2005. That was our spiritual birthday. We were called as Elite Mendeleev when were on third year. My leadership skill was tested when I became the leader of EARTH TEAM, in the Youth for Environment in the Schools Organization or YES-O. I was able to manage the group well with the help of my teammates, especially Myrick Montevirgen, Rina Ilagan, Riza Logronio, Charmine Hechanova, Jose Amador Puertas, and Ruby Abegail Serrano. Thanks to Henry Estremadura, who represented our team on Mr. Yes-o and Jennifer Leal, for the Ms. Yes-o. We were declared First place for the science quiz bee, which is led by ate Gaily Jubie Hontiveros. I can’t forget our two sets of twins, the Medrano’s and the Poquitas’. YES-O was indeed phenomenal that time, since it was first established on our school that very year. Every student in sci-curr has participated in every event, that we were able to recognize them and develop friendship with them. During the congress, our group was declared over-all First runner-up. I was very happy because I’ve been part of the success of YES-O, along with our president, Witt Cyril Vergara, the vice president, Herlyn Faye Dela Rosa, and other staffs Joseph Lyndonn Dela Cerna, Benazhir Joy Arellano, Encel Marie Carancio, Tristan Rae Lim, Jocelle Ortiz, Alter Cocjin, and our adviser, Mr. Jose Paolo Dela Cruz. Regional Youth Science Camp was held in our school, and we came to participate on the said event. I was with Jocelle Ortiz and Alter Cocjin, and we were selling some food and stuffs during the camp. Our menu included the very tasty, cheese sandwich, with baked cheese and condensada, and our very own special halo-halo, with pineapple tidbits and pineapple syrup. We also had the grilled panga of tuna, marinated in lemon juice, pepper, toyo, and ahos, our top best-seller! I also had the chance to become one of our top ten achievers, during the third quarter of the school year, as I ranked sixth place among the class. The class had also gained prestige and honor when Liza Jane Genotiva was hailed as Miss GSCHS’05, and Jose Amador Puertas and Tristan Rae Lim as the first Look of the Year. Cary Carl Caumeran had become part of the roster, when he transferred from Phil. Science High School to our school.

Stone track…

I started to create my account in blogspot last summer. I do not remember what caused me from creating a blog. Maybe because I was just very inspired that time. Actually, I have written two articles in my blog. “If ever you’re in my arms again”, a favorite song of mine by Toni Gonzaga and Sam Milby. It is very powerful that I could really feel its intense emotions. It’s about longing for someone to come back and promising that you will never lose him again. It’s more than love. It’s hope. I made my interpretation of the song that somehow I could relate, though I do not have any personal experiences about it, maybe because I am just hopeless romantic. And the other article is “That’s life, a beautiful life!”. This is about how to appreciate life, that despite of downfalls and failures, there will always be a bright tomorrow. To stand up and to fight!. A friend of mine asked me to do that article, and I tried my best efforts in order to come up with a beautiful one. I hope I didn’t fail her expectations. And that’s how it all started. But because of hectic schedules in school, I wasn’t able to update my account. I would love to tell everything that is happening to me. I got a very exciting life to share with everybody.
And after five months of waiting, I’M BACK! Alive and kicking! Yeah! It’s very funny that I am back here because I was inspired by the story of these two wonderful people, Jo and Von. Von is my classmate in ME, but we are not so close. I am closer to Johanna, a friend of mine. Von is courting Johanna, and on our conversations, Jo would tell us that she can’t find “spark” between her and Von. But I continually persuade her to give Von a chance. And I started giving Von some point of advice. But I wasn’t the “hero” behind their relationship right now. I just found out that Von created an account here in blogspot, containing everything about him. Including his life as a child, and now that he has grown up. He dedicates this to Johanna, because he wants Johanna to know him more. I personally appreciate the efforts of Von. And it is not surprising that he was able to win Jo’s heart.
Their story was an inspiration to me. And it’s my turn to inspire others. I want to dedicate this blog to everyone who knows me and to everyone who loves me. I hope that you would know me more through this and you would understand me better. This is a start of a new beginning! The start of something new!

Faust Schneider

I got the name Faust Schneider from Allan Valiente. We were playing DOTA, and he used this as his codename. I found it very interesting and later I used it as my username in Friendster, Bebo, Plurk, Faceboook, and now in my blog. I just hope Allan would not sue me from using his copyright. ^^

finally.....

it's the end of our semester.

from a far away friend................

We slowly walked down the quiet street. The day was gray as were the buildings and streets. The feeling was very cold although it did not seem to be.

The large building at the end of the block grew bigger as we got closer. It was gothic in design and constructed of stone. We walked up to the large double doors and slowly opened the one on the right. The large sanctuary was dark except for the candles in front of the shrines and over the tabernacle.

We crept to the other side of building careful not to be seen and reached a wooden unmarked door. I opened to the door revealing a stone stairwell. Quietly we started up the stairs, but heard footsteps descend from above us.

Quickly we turned and started down. Soon the stairwell was completely black, but we cautiously continued. Scared we would be discovered we reached the bottom and stood still for a moment. At some distance in front of us was a soft glow of yellowish light.

Carefully we walked toward the light. When we reached the light stepping out of the darkness we were were in an unfamiliar countryside on a dirt pathway. Not far we could see a very small village and people. My companion was excited to see the village and wanted to go there. I had a very forboding feeling. Something felt wrong, out of place.

I tried to hold him back, but he refused. We walked toward the village and I stared at the people. The feeling only increased and then I realized they were not human and felt we were in great danger. I tried to stop my friend and headed quickly back to the darkness.

I looked back and my friend was still walking to the village unaware of any danger. I knew that I had to go and get him to return to the darkness and the stairs. Leaving the safety of the darkness I ran as fast as I could to him.

Who's who???

This semester was indeed "great"? Despite of toxic classes in Statics, Thermodynamics, Statistics, and Differential Equation, at least I was able to find time being happy! Ahm, I must admit that life wouldn't be colorful without spice. yeah. I'm talking about heart matters.







.....to be continued

Starting all over again..

Ive been here in blogspot last summer. A friend of mine encouraged me to do such stuff. At first, I am not comfortable bacause I hate to publish my life here in web.











....to be continued

The End

Good bye schooldays! Hello Blogging! wait for me!!!!!

what's with the past?

I always hate my highscool days.










..........to be continued

This is life. A beautiful life!

The sun was setting when i decided to walk for a while. Fresh air would be a cure to a never new toxic day. Suddenly, i was caught lying on the evergreen. Having a glimpse of the majectic rays, slowly retiring from the blue skies. The horizon was flooded by darkness then. The goddess Luna has bestowed her beauty through a smile. Dust of stars established their prowess on the heavens. A scenery of harmony. Full of grace. And not so fast, my amusement was cut short. Much of my desire to stay however, time would not allow me. It was getting late. So i left and bid my warmest farewell to the place.

Following my trail way back home, thoughts hurriedly come on my head. i whispered to myself, "This is life. A beautiful life!". Things may be perceived wrong at first yet they all fall on our expedient places. Failure is always part of the journey. Not to bring ones down, but rather to lift up. It teaches lessons. Molds a person to become stronger, handling hurdles with more perspective. After all, it is not always a gloomy day. Clouds may fill up the skies but won't last there forever. We may not see the sun today but for sure it will shine some time tomorrow. Everything happens for a reason. As the sun rests and the moon performs its duty. From the beginning, everything has been planned. That, according to God's will. His love. "This is life. A beautiful life!".

if ever you're in my arms again

if ever you're in my arms again..

this time ill love you much better..

if ever you're in my arms again..

this time ill hold you forever..

this time will never end..

losing someone seems to be the most difficult thing to do. especially when you know that you are the one to be blamed. yes. it was my fault. i tried many things in order to save the relationship but it never worked. i do still hope. but i guess it will take me a lifetime. actions are easily done. i have caused so much pain. it wasn't my intention. i didn't intend to cause hurt. "sorry" of a million times are not enough to shallow the grief. i let her go. i don't know when she would return. or will she ever return, or not. but for now, i know certainly that she is free. away from me. away from the shadow of dark yesterday. i miss her. i still love her. unpathomable. this deep feeling i have for her will always remain on my wounded heart. i will always remember all the times that we're together. i will always remeber her.

when the time comes that she'll be at my door, asking to come back, i dont think i can refuse her. she taught me the real meaning of life. love. she will always be welcomed. with all my heart. with all my soul. we we're very happy once and i know that we would still be.

and if ever she's on my arms again, i will love her more than much better! i won't just hold her, but hug her the tight at most! i can't afford to lose her again! not another heartbreak! or else i'll die!

sadly, i was just looking at a dim tomorrow. i do not know what's to happen next. they always say, "move on". they are right. she may took my heart with her but life goes on. breath.