A Felicitous Ending

Greetings, my dear friend. I am glad that this the end. If you like, you would want to read the end of the end first but you would be an idiot doing that so just stick to the basics and read the end from the start. I assure you though, this isn't the end because the end isn't the end of my recollections but the end is the start of a new wave of recollections. I'm calling this the end because it is the end of the required blog entries requested by our teacher. So, just sit tight and I will recall how it all started.

My recollections started during the third grading of my Senior life. We had a new teacher, an alien face but he had an aura that tells us that we must respect him. I'm talking of a man named Elmer Montejo. I consider him as one of the best teachers that I had encountered but before we elaborate deeply my lighthearted teacher, let's return to how it all began. It all began when he required that we must make 5 entries each with a 500-minimum word condition every week. Isn't it hard? Of course, it is. Having to write 5 entries per week is a tough job, considering that we, as Seniors, are as busy as a printing press. It was very hard at first, but the problem did not eased up our problems during the next weeks but aggravated our problems because this project comprises 40% of our class standing and if we don't have it then we might as well feed ourselves to a school of ravenous piranhas.

Blogging is an educational activity, I admit it because I had learned a lot from it. Broadening my vocabulary, learning grammar and its complex rules, applying correct punctuation marks and correcting any wrong spelling. Of course, if an activity has its positive effects, it also has its negative effects. Tightening of pockets because we need it for logging in and typing our required entries and time management problems because we have little time for putting our required entries because of the hectic schedules we're dealing with. The blog project is both satisfying and tormenting. Why? Satisfying because at last you have something to write upon when you are depressed, angry, blissful or just plain bored. Tormenting, on the other hand, because you always carry the burden of thinking your problems on the blog problem such as time and money management but as we are UP students, we found a solution on treating these problems. Like spending less on invaluable stuff and equally dividing our time so that we could squeeze our blogging project on our schedule. It was quite an adventure for all of us, the Seniors, because we learned to set out priorities and learned to be responsible for our careless actions. I am thankful to our English teacher for showing me the beauty of blogging and teaching me to be more knowledgeable when it comes to English and its forms. Till next time, my friend. Once again, Monsieur Aronnax.

Four Years of Ecstasy and Dysphoria

Dear reader, I hope you are all good and alive right now. Again, I am going to relay a recollection of mine to you. This time, my high school life. I suppose you had gone through with high school or are in high school right now, if you are not, then you are too young to read this my friend. I recommend you to close this window right away. Anyway, here is a brief excerpt of my life in high school full of tears and laughter.

I started as a Freshman in a state university which I didn't even knew existed. I was just a lucky guy to even have the privilege of studying in a prestigious school. I was designated to a section which was full of craziness and drama. It was section Villamor when my closed eyes opened to a different world. It was strange, my classmates were way more mature than me. I was terribly immature that time, with naive knowledge about what the world is actually. I could feel that I was in a foreign land, with inhabitants I couldn't understand at all. Time flew by and I understood them slowly but surely and then one day, I woke up to find out that I am one of them, that I belonged to this section, Villamor, and I am truly proud of it.

The next day, I woke up finding myself to be in my second year in high school. I was now a Sophomore.I belonged to a section where everyone were just as lucky-go-happy as me. We were like children prancing around the streets. We didn't care as long as we have fun and make the most of the time. Here, we learned to be more competitive and playful. Benton was a clan full of lively and playful people and that is why I consider this section to be my favorite section. Here, I learned to be diligent in my studies because this was my year when I received my first failure in a subject, with a grade of 73, I failed in my most hated subject, Geometry. I was a sophomore, like a bud waiting for the right moment to bloom and this time, the time had come for me to reach full bloom.

The next week, I turned 14 and I was a Junior, ready to live, love and fight. In this year, we had the two most grueling subjects of all time, Trigonometry and Research. At this period, I learned to love and had my first love. I learned to be more mature and escape my old self from its shackles. Being a Junior wasn't an easy task because I had to cope with many problems as many as the spikes on the back of a hedgehog but I loved it because it gave me the chance of being more responsible in my actions.

Now, I am a proud Senior, ready to face the real world outside, mature enough to be a real person. Here, I felt pain and joy at the same time. This was the time when I felt the pains of letting go and saying goodbye. I learned here that love is only temporary and that we must make the most out of it. This is the time that I have to show the real me and my outmost potentials. I am proud of my school, my friends and my experiences here.

Being a high school student isn't as easy as counting the numbers from 1-10 but having unforgettable experiences and memories can almost wipe out the problem of computing the 9th root of 12345. I am proud to belong in this school and in my batch. I would like to grab the opportunity of thanking my friends, teachers and my school. Thank you and I am pleased to have met you all. Till next time. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Solitary Loneliness

Dear reader, I hope you haven't been bored of the previous recollections of mine because if you do, then don't read this any longer. This recollection of mine tackles about sadness and loneliness. Well, isn't it a start? If you don't want to be lonely, reading this all alone, then I commend you not to read it all. But before you get all lonely and sad, here is a poem by ee cunnings which could interest you a little and drain you of your sadness.

l (a
le
af
fa
ll
s)
one
l
iness

-ee cummings

I know what you're thinking. "Is this a poem?". Well, of course my friend but this one has a more meaning to it than looking at its enigmatic style of writing a poem. Take a look at the poem and you could figure out the sentence "A leaf falls", right? A falling leaf usually depicts loneliness. During autumn, for instance, where death spreads far and wide, a lot of trees are shedding their leaves but ever saw a tree with only one leaf left? If you were a person and that last leaf is your last friend, what would you do if your last friend leaves you? It is just like when a tree when its last leaf falls to the ground, leaving the tree lonely and without company. Take the sentence "A leaf falls" from the poem, what do you see? Isn't the word "loneliness" appears? This only tells us that the poem is about the feeling of loneliness. Look at the relation of "A Leaf Falls" and "Loneliness", isn't it somewhat related to each other? Both tells about oneliness and being all alone, without any company at all. The words "Loneliness" and "A Leaf Falls" are separated from each other. It emphasizes the feeling of a person being separated from another. Look at the letters, some like I, are all alone and noticed anything? A lot of I's can be seen on the poem but these letters might be also confused with the number 1. It is because in the early times, people used typewriters because computers in that time were very expensive but very bulky. So, ee cummings grabbed this opportunity to give the letter I two meanings: the letter I and the number, both giving the meaning of being alone.

Being alone isn't at all sad and gloomy but also, it gives the person experiencing it the feeling that no man is an island. Everyone needs companionship and one can't live without it, if you can, then you must be a lunatic. Being alone also gives you the chance to meditate and reflect on the things you have done, may it be good or hostile. It gives us the opportunity to appreciate the wonders of friendship because being alone only gives a life that is empty, gray and without any color at all. I hope you are not at all lonely my friend right now, till we meet again. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Portal of Unity

Greetings, my dear friend. Have you ever tried crossing a bridge in you whole life? I hope you had, except of you have a fear of bridges, then that wouldn't be possible. Anyway, below is an article made by three students who elaborated on what a bridge is, and you can find out in this article that bridges do not only serve as gateways to different islands but also as a tourist spot, can even be considered as a simple paradise and haven. So, I wouldn't make you wait any longer then, would I? Then here it is.

This mega bridge is considered as “The World’s Longest Center Span Extra Dosed Cable Stayed Bridge” by the Guinness Book of World Records. The 2nd Mandaue Mactan Bridge adapted the extra dosed pre-stressed concrete bridge type to meet the requirements of the Air Transportation Office for a limited tower height because of its proximity to the Mactan International airport and also provide enough clearance for unobstructed navigation of the Mactan Channel. This bridge was inaugurated by President Joseph Estrada on August 3, 1999. The company who constructed this “megastructure” was the brilliant Japanese company of Kajima-Sumitomo Joint Venture. The company who provided the cement was the Cebuano company of SNC Remicon Inc. It was said that it was constructed as a symbol of friendship between the Republic of the Philippines and Japan and envisioned to contribute immensely to the economic development of Cebu.

President Estrada ordered the construction of this megastructure to alleviate the traffic problem of vehicles traveling from Mandaue City to the island of Mactan. Even though there still stand the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, the traffic problem was still rampant so this was the solution that he thought of, to create a bridge that could help lessen the burden that people traveling from Mandaue to Mactan are carrying. Also, the bridge was strategically put so that traveling from mainland Cebu to the Mactan International Airport would be easier because it made traveling there faster and convenient. Not only is the mega bridge used for transportation, it is also used as a tourist spot. From the bridge itself, one can see the beauty of the azure waters of the Mactan Channel and when the brilliance of the sun fades out as to let Luna take her rightful throne in the sky, flocks of lovers come to the bridge to see the twinkling of the stars and the luminescence of the goddess Artemis. Another area that is a must-see is the mini-park under the bridge where refreshments are available.

The bridge was named after Marcelo B. Fernan, who was a Filipino lawyer and political figure. He is the only Filipino to have served as both Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and as Senate president. He is also the third Filipino to have headed both the judicial and legislative branches of government, after Querube Makalintal who served as Chief Justice and Speaker of the Batasang Pambansa in the 1970s, and Jose Yulo, who served as Chief Justice and Speaker of the House of Representatives before 1946.

Now, a lot of Filipinos are truly greatful to the counstruction of this considered megastructure. Nowadays, thy are not treating it only as a mere bridge but as a splendor of the ingenuity of Filipinos and the cooperation of the Japanese which only proves that Filipinos are industrious and hardworking. Also, Filipinos and tourists alike, are treating this bridge as a landmark where it is presented as a production of the labor of two countries and where they can appreciate the beauty of the waters of Cebu also. Truly, this bridge has opened the eyes of a lot of people that bridges can not only serve the people just for the solution of traffic problems but can also serve as a tourist spot, a proof that Filipinos can do anything only if they would only put their hearts into it.

A Wistful Adieu

Greetings my dear reader, I fear that this is one of the recollections that is truly saddening and it breaks my heart to share it with you. Some say that sorry seems to be the hardest word but isn't goodbye the hardest thing to do? If you have arrived here without even knowing how or why then you should close this window because the contents of this recollection is full of sadness and gloom. If you are quite confident of reading this recollection without shedding a tear then your mom must be proud of you. Anyway, here goes nothing.

Goodbye is a word where almost all of the people around the world know, regardless of the language barrier, may it be English, German, Chinese or Filipino, each has its own translation for the two-syllable word: "Good-bye". Letting go is hard but it is an expression trust and faith towards that person, may it be a departed loved one or an air-breathing loved one. It is one way of saying that you love the person very much because love isn't immortal, it also fades away. Everybody experiences letting go and saying goodbye but it is as painful as being stabbed 15 times across your life-pumping heart, or in other words, it is definitely heart-breaking. Nobody stays forever with you, its either you yourself will be saying the word goodbye or the person whom is so special to you will. Everything in this world is temporary, nothing stays forever, we will always experience the painful art of letting go, whether we like it or not.

There are a lot of happenings where we must say goodbye and let go. Saying goodbye to a departed loved one. Saying goodbye to the one we had loved most is tormenting, in the sense that you may never see him/her again but again it is one way of assuring your loved one that you love him/her because you are definitely happy that he/she is in the afterlife, together with the Creator, safe and sound. Another is saying good bye to a loved one. Of course, it is as much painful that letting go with a departed loved one because you may or you may never see him/her at all. "People seldom say I love you and then it's either too late or love goes. So when I tell you I love you, it doesn't mean I know you'll never go, only that I wish you didn't have to" (http://thinkexist.com/quotations/goodbye/). Letting go is a part of being human, may it be a curse that we must face it, it also gives us the strength to face a lively tomorrow and still hope that we only part to meet again.

It is really melancholic that the word good-bye exists but we have to face it, this word makes us humans, humans who love and miss. Even though it is hard for me to say goodbye my friend, I need to. So, farewell and till next time. Monsieur Aronnax.

An Inquisition of Erudition

Dear reader, I suppose that you have come across the term "research" but have you ever experienced conceiving one? Well, if you don not know or haven't cross upon the term research then I'll grudgingly give you its definition. Research is a diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications, etc. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/research). Hard to understand eh? Well, its your problem, not mine. Anyway, I'm gonna expose to you a research which was extensively scrutinized and analyzed by experts when it comes to this encumbrance.

This research was formulated by four teens who unconsciously came across the terms peanut, sand and hollow block. I'm one of those four, for your information. If you're asking why these terms have something to do with research, it is because the terms are the main components of the research entitled: "Peanut Pods Ashes as Substitute for Sand in Making Hollow-blocks". Having trouble analyzing the title? Then I'll give you the benefit of explaining to you what our research is all about. Our research is about substituting the peanut pod ashes with sand in making hollow blocks. I suppose that you understand what peanut pod ashes are? These are burnt residues of burned peanut pods. Peanut pod ashes are suppose to have the binding agent that are also found in sand, but the only difference is that peanut pod ashes are considered waste and are quite more cheap than buying sand. We all know that the world is advancing almost as rapid as a galloping horse and that is one of the reasons why using these peanut pod ashes crawled up to our minds. We presumed that using this isn't only gonna help the problem of waste management but also the strength of residential and commercial buildings. Isn't that quite an act for a Nobel peace prize category? After such brainstorming and discussions, we finally arrived at the point of making one. It was laborious, having to measure each factors equally but of course, researches has its imperfections and so is ours. Each of its the hollow blocks that we made had different ratios: 100% peanut pod ashes only, 75% peanut pod ashes and 25% sand, 50% peanut pod ashes and 50% sand, 25% peanut pod ashes and 75% sand and 100% sand only. Each of these hollow blocks are measured equally and its ratios are distributed equally also. After such a hard task, we let all our hollow blocks dry but unfortunately, the 100% peanut pod ashes only and the 75% peanut pod ashes and 25% sand collapsed, leaving with only three ratios. After the hollow blocks were seeped out of their wetness and were ultimately dried, we brought it to a testing center where we plan to weigh its compressive strength, or the strength of the hollow block to be compressed until it breaks. After we got the results, it was found out that the 25% peanut pod ashes and 75% sand had the greatest compressive strength, meaning, putting a small amount of the peanut pod ashes unto the hollow block could improve its strength but of course, the results were still questionable due to the number of samples available for each. In our case, we only had one for each.

Researches are needed by everyone. A lot of researches are conducted here and there and one sample for it, are the stem cells. Researches are needed for the betterment of everyone's lives. A lot of people are needing advancements yet these researches for advancement can't be made possible without the help of ourselves. In the end, we, ourselves, are the ones who are helping our own selves. So, we must be proud that among all the creations, we are given the ability to think rationally and critically. Until then, Monsieur Aronnax.

A Mortiferous Mishap

Greetings, my dear friend. I presume that you have read my previous recollection entitled: "A Demented Feat" because if you haven't, then you I advise you to go back and read it first, for this is a continuation of a ghastly recollection. Now, where were we last time? Oh, I remember now. Was it the aftershock of the grim actions made by dear Courage to the girls of platoon Babaytan? Correct, isn't it? Now, let us continue then.

After a gruesome action was committed by the inconsiderate "Courage", all the girls where expressing their thoughts and feelings in relation to what they had experienced under the excruciating leadership of Courage. Three of the girls: April Mae, Jessa and Jezza was so fatigued that they were close to collapsing and some were crying their lungs out. What's worse is that one of the Babaytan girls, named Gayle, became once again the victim of the cunning thief of IV-Tan. They all shouted for Courage to go inside the classroom and explain his side of the story. As he went inside the classroom, rage and fury burst from all the girls of the platoon, Babaytan. Another unexpected happened, Jezza collapsed because she could not bear the pain she is experiencing and was rushed quickly to the infirmary. As the commotion grew into a turmoil, Courage suddenly shouted, "I DEMAND FOR RESPECT!" which shocked almost half of the people inside the room. For me, his wish can't be exercised because he himself could not respect his fellow classmates. If that's the case, how could his classmates pay respect to him? After such a boisterous discussion, everyone agreed to leave this matter for now and conduct an open forum on a Monday, for our CWTS period is only on a friday. We all left the campus both irate and overworn, swearing vengeance secretly against Courage.

As we walked down a gangway named Molave, a close friend of mine, AJ, joked about being crashed by a car. I laughed about it and I never expected it that I could be a victim of colliding with a huge jitney. After we rode a jitney from Ayala to "Highway", me and Aj went down the vehicle as it slowed down at the center of the road, never expecting that a jitney was speeding along the part where I was standing. I was bearing a huge smile when I was bumped by the jitney, i felt a piercing pain at the back part of my hips. It was painful, as if you were rammed at the back by a rhinoceros. The pain was indescribable, all my things actually flew right out of my hand and I was tossed forward and landed at my buttocks. I was glad not to have any injuries at all, only a scratch at both my elbows. I was queried by the guilty driver if I was all right and I said "yeh", my pride overpowering me, as I experienced the continuing pain at the back of my hips. I never imagined, even in the wildest of my dreams that I could collide with a thing as big as a school bus. After such a torturous event, I went home, still experiencing the pain that the crash had afflicted upon me, like a curse of a hag, only that this time, no spells were used against me. I went to bed and thanked God for giving me a second life this time, if not, then you won't be reading this recollection at all. Till next time, my friend. Monsieur Aornnax.

A Demented Feat

Dear reader, if you had look upon this entry by mistake, then you are quite ominous because you are about to read a pestilential recollection. These are just the baneful things you might come across in this recollection: a jitney, an aching back, a flock of girls crying and an implacable officer. So, before you might read this awful recollection, I recommend you to close this window abruptly and find something more worthwhile to read, say, a boring biography of a Nobel peace prize winner or an essay on "Global Warming".

It was a warm and humid March 9 when a lot of terrible things happened. Even though it was Kim's birthday, a classmate of mine, was not spared from the barbarous incidents that happened during that appalling day. Everyone never thought that this day will be one of the most controversial episodes that happened in the 4 years of the batch. It all started on an ardent CWTS period, where everyone was busy carrying chairs to and fro from the Benton and Palma rooms towards the Arts and Sciences building. After such a laborious task, each of the officers assigned to the platoons called out the members of the platoon to file in and report to them immediately. One officer, "Courage" (not his real name), was assigned to an all girls platoon, the platoon Babaytan. After some of the Babaytan members filed in to report, Courage happened to notice that all the girls were not complete, and saw that some of the girls of Babaytan that didn't filed in were just leisurely walking towards the area where all the platoons were placed. The girls didn't noticed that they were summoned by the officer so after about 30-40 counts, that was just the time that they noticed that they were being called upon by the officer, Courage. It was only after 51 counts when they were all in line and ready to report. It is in the CWTS's law that when the officer exceeds his/her counting after 15 counts, he/she would subtract 15 from the exceeded counts and let them do a punishment, may it be push-ups (for boys), bombers (for girls), knock your head (for both) or sit on the air (for both). In the case of Babaytan, they were given 36 bombers. Why? If your good in mathematics, then you can answer why: 51-15, remember? Isn't 41 bombers easy? It could be, if your not in a state where blood gushes out from your v_____ effortlessly or in other words, your having menstruation. The harsh part is, that Courage, even asked who was experiencing a tormenting menstruation that time. A lot of the girls raised their hands but surprisingly, he ignored it and continued giving them ALL 36 bombers, regardless if your having a troublesome menstruation or not. He doesn't care.

After such all the brutal action was exhibited, all the girls went back to the room and guess what happened? It was an outburst of emotions, it was like a fusion of hatred, madness, pain, sadness and sympathy. It was like you were trapped in a room full of souls, agonizing in pain, burning in the flames of hell. Do you think what happened after that terrifying clamor? Then you should be patient, for I am to narrate it in my next entry entitled: "A Mortiferous Mishap". Until we meet again, my good friend. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Bodacious Legacy

Dear reader, ever thought of how you could never be forgotten by your family and friends? If you had, how would you do it? Jump from a 50-storey skyscraper in front of your family and friends or submit yourself to a pack of hungry wolves? If that's the case, then you will be remembered as an idiot somebody who was tore apart from limb to limb. Be a Nobel peace prize winner or be a national hero? Or just be yourself and do nothing? If you have no answer to these tormenting questions, then I advise you to close this window and quickly turn off the computer, so that you won't be consumed and be devoured by your own thoughts, literally.

If you were to ask me, I want to be remembered as somebody who left high school that was true to himself and was never ashamed of his imperfections. I am a person who is so happy-go-lucky and optimistic, a proof that I am a very confident person. I am not and will never be pessimistic in any way because I am a person who brings laughter and gaiety and not doom or despair. I want my classmates to think of me as a person full of dignity and never gave up on problems, instead, just laughed it all away or in short, brave. I was never ashamed of what I am and I am proud of it. I am unique in some way and I know that my classmates do think so too. I want to prove to them that I am an individual that will leave footprints in their hearts and I hope I could do that, and if I could, I hope it would not wash away, like footprints in the sand. Someday, when a classmate would open our yearbook and arrive at my profile, I would like to see her smile and say to herself: "I will never remember this guy because he had proved himself that he is what he really is and because he had put a mark on my heart and that is the greatest gift he had given me, friendship".

Being remembered is a great achievement in life because everything that I had done is appreciated and recognized. It isn't only honor and prestige but also gratitude because those I have left behind are thankful because I became a part of their lives. I have been there with them through all the dark and lambent times and I myself am proud of that. Being remembered is a proof that you are existing and that you have left a rubric impression on them, your friends. Jumping off a 50-storey skyscraper isn't enough to be remembered because you can only be remembered not only just by putting yourself on front of posters and books but imprinting yourself on each and every one's heart that you had met and becamse friends with. Even though your face isn't on a statue or a pedestal, be proud that your sparkling self is engraved on the memories of each and every one. That is all, for I am quite lethargic right now. Monsieur Aronnax.

An Ulterior Affection

Dear reader, once again, we meet. Have you ever had a relationship with someone yet, there was someone who would never get out of your head? Ever felt the feeling of true love? If not, then you're so unfortunate as to not experiencing the feeling that only a feeling can explain. If your answer is a yes, then your life is quite fortunate. Having felt love and to love at the same time is a gift from God that could never taken from you, so treasure it as if it was your life but beware, the next paragraph is full of gloomy opinions. If you are courageous enough to read the next paragraph, then you are courageous just like a knight in front of a fire-breathing dragon, ready to fight for your life.

Loving someone is such a complicated task but what is more complicated is when you love two or more than that at the same time. What do you think about that? Isn't the girl just as stupid as a stegosaurus? For me, loving more than one isn't stupidity or foolishness, it is just an urge that even you could not stop it. Love is a simple word but its meaning is so intricate that it could be compared to a labyrinth, where a lot could go in but only few could ever go out. Some consumed by obsession or extreme love for someone.

The Look
Strephon kissed me in the spring,

Robin in the fall,

But Colin only looked at me

And never kissed at all.
Strephon's kiss was lost in jest,

Robin's lost in play,

But the kiss in Colin's eyes

Haunts me night and day.
-- Sara Teasdale

In the poem "The Look" by Sara Teasdale ,the girl had a relationship with two guys, Strephon and Robin. Yet, what was confusing about it was that, she is actually falling in love with Colin, whom she does not even have a relationship with. Isn't that actually possible? Of course, love is unexpecting, it just sprouts out of nowhere, like a mushroom on a fallen, dead log. Love, is both deadly and vivacious. Deadly, as in literally, because a lot of persons that are excessively in love with another commit suicide because of some reasons that they could not accpet. Vivacious, on the other hand, because it is full of laughter and joy because love is a feeling that is beyond imagination. Being in love isn't a curse but a blessing because it is given to a few people who are worthy of receivng it. Love is unexplainable, even scholars nor scientists couldn't explain the behavior of love. Dictionaries could explain the word "love" but only those who are experiencing love could explain to us the real meaning of the word "love". We can't also judge those persons who fell in love at the wrong time, place and person because it is not their fault why they fell in love at the first place, they just simply met "love" along the way, an acquaintance, never knowing that "love" could be a part in their lives. Loving is being courageous because you have to have the courage the consequences of being in love because there are only two things that may happen to you: extreme happiness or a mournful death. This is all for now, till next time. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Grandiose Evening (Part 2)

We meet again, my dear friend. I presume that you had read the first part of what I am going to continue to type down, right? If your answer is no, then go back and find the entry with the title: "A Grandiose Evening (Part 1)". If you can't seem to find it their there are only two reasons why: its either you are blind or you just lack skills in looking for it. Anyway, if you had read the first entry, then I'll continue from where we left off. Umm, where did we just left off? Oh yes, my idiotic self claiming the legacy of Bibliophilia, I suppose? Okay, brace yourself for we are to dive into my recollections once again.

Okay, to continue what I was talking about, I was there, standing up with a blank expression on my face, it was as if my inner self was left in my house. I was petrified on the ground with faces staring at me, waiting for me to move. It was after some microseconds when I awoke in my senses and I terrifyingly received the enclosed letter that was handed down to me by the Senior. After all the legacies were given, we were given a salutation and frankly, I felt that I was special and I have a special attribute in my self. We went back to our seats and I was congratulated by my friends at our table and the next activity presumed. It was the lighting of the significant candle at the center of our table. After such a glorious event, the giving of tributes followed. This activity is characterized by giving the graduating Seniors a thing that they could treasure for as long as they like, in the Juniors' case, potpourri. After a solemn event, we sang our song for the Seniors, which they enjoyed a lot. After the last activities were finished, including the promenade dance, one of our teacher announced that it was time for the disco and we all cheered, hearing the good news.

The disco started with a rather slow song, intended for all the lovers inside the ballroom. It was really silent, except for a few whispers from various persons who could not relate to the lovers. The following tracks were enjoyable and full of life so all the people inside the room danced their way to the middle of the room and spent their time shaking their hips and twisting their bodies as if they were twisted Bristle cone Pines. After several songs were played, some went back to their seats, exhausted and hungry. Some went back to the buffet table to grab some food. It was really fun due to the interaction between the Juniors and Seniors that night. Both the Junior and Seniors boys were having a showdown, where some crawled and tumbled. After such a exhausting activity, the event ended and all of us went home, enjoyed and satisfied, especially the Juniors because for twice in their lives they had and they will experience the same feeling again, the feeling of friendship and bonding between the two year levels but before I could be found out lamenting and whimpering because of the said event, I would end this and once again, thank you for reading this recollection. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Unaccustomed Learning

Dear reader, I am in a festive mood because our paths had crossed again. I am to narrate to you a more serious topic and I know you'll be bored and all but I hope you can still have the time to lock your weary eyes on the screen. What I am about to discuss in this entry doesn't concern you yet it concerns me so, if you don't want to read this, then you should close this window and open another one.

It happened in a normal day, anything normal as usual but I happened to forget an important school activity. This activity is quite funny and at the same time informative because ordinary students like me(*a clue to my identity*), have the chance to be one of the faculty or one of the staff for a day or two. Well, isn't that exciting and creepy? You're actually seeing your good-natured classmates teaching you the lesson for the day! Now, could you stop your thought from drifting in the clouds and ponder this: "Could you really see your classmate as your respected teacher for a day?"

As the bell rang for the first subject, we were expecting the unexpected and of course, the unfamiliar. It was bizarre looking at our new teacher, a very common countenance that because we see him everyday, we could almost see the lines etched on his face, describing maturity and escaping adolescence and into adulthood. It was and odd feeling, looking at a classmate that was discussing a rather boring topic but the adjective "boring" was wiped from our minds and we were just staring at him with large, window-like eyes, stunned because of his strange demeanour. It was as if he was morphed into an organism who was utterly serious and very dedicated, in the sense that he is concerned with his so-called students, even for a day. It was a good thing that students were given a chance to be one of the faculty or the staff so that they could experience the annoyance when their students become too noisy and also the responsibility that they should teach their students with full care, as though the students were fragile and breakable. It guess it was a happy and at the same time, a peculiar experience. Besides the fact that it was strange listening to our own classmates, it was also a fun experience because we were fond of of looking at our classmates, faces strained because we were not giving such respect that we, as students, should give to our beloved teachers, who works everyday just to see our dreamy faces and talk the whole period, never knowing who's listening and aren't.

We should give our thanks and respect to our industrious teachers for their indefatigable patience and love for teaching. They had loved us and will never forget us because they had teached and cared for us for at least a year. They had exhibited hardwork, passion and love for both their work and their students. Imagine you, as a teacher, always looking at your students everyday without being bored or tired at your job. Isn't it frustrating just to make a lesson plan for your ungrateful students? Well, that is my question and it is up to you if you would answer that question or you would leave that to the others. That is all, I think. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Grandiose Evening (Part 1)

Dear my avid reader, I hope you are not getting tired of reading my ramblings and complaints to this world, but before I totally destroy my day just thinking of some petty discouragements because of this world, I would like to tackle on something more beautiful, magical and enchanting. I am talking about an event, an event that is naturally splendid and dainty. An event that is totally unforgettable. An event that is called the "Senior-Junior Promenade".

It was a warm February afternoon when the wind elemental whipped up my face as I rode with my father on our motorcycle. It was not the coldness of the wind whipping my face that are sending shocks down my spine but something else, something unexpected, something magical and I was about to experience it. As we nearly arrived at the said venue, I saw a towering giant, looming towards me like a titan looking at me with blaring eyes, ready to tear me from limb to limb but I disredarded it, I was not afraid, I was ready to face the horrible being and so I did. Me and my father went at the front of its mouth and I bade farewell to my father and I went inside the titan's mouth. As I was about to enter, I was expecting to see rows of teeth and a huge muscular tongue yet what I saw was different, very different. I saw ladies and gentlemen, wearing tuxedos and splendid gowns as if they were all lords and ladies attending a social ball. Our hall was at the second floor so I have to walk up the stairs and be stared by hundreds of people wondering what the heck was I doing there, walking up the elegant stairs, very well suited for a social gathering. As I reached the last step of the stairs, I was greeted with warm smiles by my classmates. I was excited and at the same time nervous of what was about to happen next.

Prior to the said event, we, the Juniors and the Seniors had been taught proper etiquette, the promenade dance and other activities which are needed for a promenade night to take place. After we were designated to our partners, we readied ourselves for the inevitable. As practiced, we first studied the introduction of the females and their escorts where the lady and her partner would "strut" their selves on an elevated platform and after mastering those so-called skills, we were taught how to do the promenade dance, which was a little bit confusing, especially the "exchanging partners" step. After which, we were branded as "ready-to-go" or in other words, we were ready for the awaited Promenade night.

Going back to the event proper, I was a little bit ecstatic about the coming night because of course, it was my first time to participate in such a formal event and it was also my first time to wear a formal attire, with the long sleeves, black slacks and the necktie. After becoming awed with myself and after the introduction of the ladies and their escorts, we all went to our designated tables but me and my friend, Jann Krystel del Mar, was still not going to our tables because we were both to lead the Opening Address and the Opening Prayer, respectively. After such necessities, supper was ready and we relish the delicious foods with gusto. After supper, we lingered in our tables for the opening of the second program, which involves the Prophecy and the Legacy. I was a "dubber" in our prepared prophecy and I was glad that the Seniors were joyful with our presentation, where we prophecized the Seniors 10 or 20 years from now. After the comical presentation of the Juniors prophecy, it was the Seniors' turn to hand down the legacies to us, Juniors. There were 19 legacies, all and all and all the Juniors were excited to what the legacies are and to whom they would give the legacies. I was ecstatic, yet I did not hope of receiving any legacy because I wasn't that popular or known to the Seniors, so I just sat in my sat and waited patiently. After several legacies, one legacy struck me most, the Legacy of Bibliophilia or the "love of books". I love books and it is a part of me that I couldn't live without. A part of me wanted that legacy but I think there are more people in my batch that deserves it the most, one example was my bestfriend, Bryan, who was known to be quite a reader and another part of me doesn't want to expect that it would be me. I was expecting that Bryan would receive the legacy, so I was unconscious when Kirby, the previous legacy-holder, announced the person who would receive the legacy because I was too absorbed in my thoughts. I was told by my partner that I was the receiver of the legacy and I stood up, unconscious of what I was doing and not knowing what an inescapable event awaits me. Till next time. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Jovial Connection

We meet again, my dear reader. I presume that you have read my two other recollections because this is still a continuation of the other two which are entitled: "A Sublime Reminiscence" and "A Rapturous Continuance", which are all about my high school life. Hope you can still delve and bear these recollections that I am about to show you. Relax and enjoy, then.

As I continue to walk on the path of maturity and awakening to the true colors of this ill-stricken world, I never noticed that I was in my third year in my high school journey. My third year came with ill-fortune. We were to encounter the most ardous subjects which includes Statistics, Trigonometry and Research. Not to mention our advance study of Chemistry and Biology. We all braced for our upcoming doom but instead of being afraid, we welcomed it with smiles and full of mirth. Call our batch idiots but we were too opmistic to mind those horrid subjects. This year was the best year of my life because I had the privilege to experience the Junior-Senior Promenade, an event where all the juniors and seniors had to place aside there nasty behaviors and be formal like lords and ladies in a royal banquet. Another was our Research project where it is required for the third years to come up with a project with connection to Science and Technology. I also experienced my first love during this year. I had a lot of small expeirences that I would treasure too, even small chats with my peers.

I was designated in a section full of serious and ambitious people. The once section Benton was divided between the sections, Bocobo and Sison. Sison was the bunch of noisy ones. Almost all of them were carefree but in our section, I was like in a dank cell with all the most hideous villains staring at me(no offense!). Our section was serious and totally concerned on winning activities but I still like the section because I was given the chance to mingle with a lot of personalities. Life in my third year was like a roller-coaster. Emotions rise and fall and the section almost fell apart because of a stupid play. Accidentally, two of the persons who were fighting that moment, became lovers. Believe it or not(*laughs*). I was totally shocked with the various personalities but still, I had adjust to the lot and the section was tied and bonded strongly. After a series of arguments, debates and programs, we all arrived to the most dreaded day of our lives. The Research project proposal. My research project was all about candles and my extra component, gelatin. I had discovered that gelatin could help decelarate the melting rate of candles because the gelatin has a property that could help slow down the melting rate of candles. Yet, my research proposal was not accepted because it was too easy and the variables are too few.

Even though my proposal wasn't accepting, I'm still happy to graduate without any worries and with my friends. It is so star-crossed that we have to leave a good friend and and batch mate, the ever-tactless Robert. Yet, what I learned from this year is to be patient and industrious because with these, we can really have what we desire. I had learned to be more discreet when it comes to criticizing because a lot could be hurt in the long run. I also learned that friendship is special and we all companions to guide and help us in our troubles and worry. This is my third year in my high school. My life. Me, Monsieur Aronnax.

A Rapturous Continuance

Good day to you my friend, I hope you have read my recollection on my first year of my high school. If not, then would you please close this window or press back so that you could read my previous recollection. This is merely a continuation of my high school life. What I would retell you in this recollection is my Sophomore year. Hope you would again bear to delve in my recollections. Good day to you.

My life continued with laughter and tears in my second year as a Sophomore. I was designated in a section called Benton. Benton was a section full of interesting and comical people. The section was always laughing due to out-of-place jokes omitted by my classmates both from sections Villamor and Bartlett(First Years Sections). Our section was composed of funny and humorous people from both sections. There was no day where we wouldn't laugh because of "corny" jokes. We were a bunch of happy-go-lucky teens as if we had no problems in this complicated world. We always lose to Palma(sorry if I have to say this..*laughs*). I presume because we were always taking things so lightly not like the other section which was full of intelligent and "responsible" people. Although this section was the most immature of all, I love this section because of the joys and sadness it brought to my own self.

In this year, we were not given a Botanical Fair not like the previous batch during the Science Week because of no apparent reason, but we were all thankful for that. Intramurals also came with a new pressure, we had to get the third place because it would be a huge scandal if we lost to the first years. I was again given the chance to play my most favored sport, table tennis and I was also a contender of scrabble. It was also this year where I received the biggest failure of my life. My failed grade in Geometry where I got a grade of 73. I felt very ashamed because I took the subject too lightly. It was humiliating. It was as if I was criticized by the whole school for getting a disgusting 73. The only lacking thing to do on that part of my life was to cover myself in a blanket and disappear in a swirl of robes. I wanted to become invisible for a moment, just to escape the judgmental looks because I was too fatuous in Geometry. On that day on, I cursed the subject and said to myself that I would prove myself worthy of appreciation on that wretched subject.

In this year, I learned to be more competent and serious when it comes to both curricular and extra-curricular activities. I learned to be more appreciative of the beauty of being an adolescent but again, I was too immature to see the beauty of being in love. I experienced the best days of my high school life in this year. Sadly, we have to say goodbye to two of our batchmates: the court hearthrob, Brent and the silent but brilliant Bea. Wherever they are, may God shine upon them. This is the story of my Sophomore life. Full of laughter and jokes. Full of sobs and comforts. Monsieur Aronnax

A Sublime Reminiscence

We meet again, dear reader. Can I ask a question? Have you ever reminisced something in your pastlife? An embarassing moment, the happiest moment of your life or the most memorable? If you ask me(even though I hate to admit it), I do reminisce a lot. This is what I'm gonna be doing right now my friend, I would be reminiscing my elementary and high school life. I would like to invite you to delve in my past and relive my memories. Hope you can come. I would really appreciate it.

Elementary, a time of my life where I was foolish and at the same time, unaware of the present condition of my surrondings. My life revolved on going to school, studying and going back to our house. I was never given the chance to relish my elementary years because I was very immature at that time. Even though I was full of medals and praises, I felt that there was something inside of me incomplete, it's like being a jigsaw puzzle with only one piece left to complete but was unfortunately lost. I couldn't find myself, I was totally left in a state of confusion. I was thankful when I arrived in grade 6, I was slowly understanding and discovering myself with the help of my friends. My life in elementary was a stepping stone in realizing my inner self and it helped me to truly understand what is my life's worth.

Elementary came so fast that I though it was all in a blur. High school came with an another problem: "How could I cope up with the new surroundings and people in my new school?" I felt like a newfangled outlander in a distant land, a stranger in an unknown world. Yet, I still remember my first day in my new school. I was subjected to new people, new faces and new selves. I was never that lonely and alone that time. I was like in a black, endless void: dark, dank and eerie but somehow, the darkness was vanquished and a ray of light hit my forehead like a bullet. I looked at it and what I saw where a group of persons beaming at me with huge smiles. What a wondrous sight! That's when I first met my friends today. They were like titans with a genuine brilliance, angels sent out to delete the darkness of my life. I was in my first year in high school and I was in a section named after a president of my school, Villamor.

Villamor was a section of the various specimens I had never thought existed. An interaction of intelligence, talent, gab and confidence was clearly evident in this section. This was the section with a chairman with the name of "Chairman", it is quite peculiar but we got used to it that until this day, we call Michael, "Chairman". I was given the oppurtunity to exhibit my talents in speaking when I won first place in an oratorical contest during our Communications Week. I also got the chance to experience my first Science Congress and Science Fair. These were two important occasions where we have to think of a science problem to be given a solution. Our science project was a candle made up of wax and coconut oil. It was a total success because some of the 2nd years that time bought it for their Botanical Fair, their project for Biology. I also experienced my first Intramurals with laughter and enjoyment. I was a player for table tennis where we won last place(*laughs*). I also found my three bestfriends during the year. We named ourselves as the F4 ("Futot 4") because the F4 mania was still rampant throughout the country. I also had my first crush(*smiles*). Unfortunately, two of my classmates fell behind us. The funny caricature, Caryl Kit and the silent giant, John Saint. Still, at the end of the schoolyear, I learned to adjust to a variety of people, to live with content and to love for the first time. This is my Freshman life and the start of a journey where bad and good experiences intertwine with each other. Monsieur Aronnax

The Veracious Companions

Greetings reader, haven't you ever had any friends to turn to in times of grief, desperation and loneliness? If you haven't, then that is really grievous but if you have, aren't you thankful for them? If you ask me, I am greatly thankful for these mammals that I treat as friends. I believe that you too, are greatful for them. I'll slit my throat, if not.

Friends, a word that signifies persons who are attached to me and you by affection. Isn't "affection" the word that is closely related to love? Can it be love? It could be considered. Why? Because it involves the heart. Friends are persons whom you can depend and rely to. You can present your secrets to them as though you were just handing out presents. You can even shout all your problems to them and they are all ready to receive those negative insults just because they consider you as their friend. Haven't you ever realized how evil you are to your friends? Yet, they are there to support and lend a hand. Hard eh? Yet again, when the heart is involved, all your imperfections are nothing to your friends. Some friends can even be your lovers, because they know all about you: your favorites, allergies and sicknesses. Even your childish dreams and fantasies! You are accepted as you are, even though you are a teenage drama queen or the world's most bullied person, they are there beside you, cheering you up and saying, "Hey, you still have us."

Friends are considered one of a person's treasures. They may not be made of gold or ivory or can not be sold or traded, but still it is considered as a treasure. Friends are persons who are dependable and trustworthy. Just give them a call or a shout, and there they are, running to comfort you. Cute isn't it? But cuteness may be a difficult thing because even friends can become evil artifacts. Some "friends" of yours whom you consider as friends can backbite at you when you are not with them and when you are with them, they become super-friends with huge smiles in their faces. Hideous isn't it? Some "friends" of yours may be the most suitable contender for being your number one enemy. Still, look at the bright side (as long you are not looking athe bright faces of your "plastic" friends). Be thankful because you have these friends to guide and help you in understanding love and friendship. It's a long way but still, your friends can be with you all the way.

To wrap things up, these treasures are to be kept and never be wasted because they are more valuable than all the gold and treasures in the world(it would be an exception if you are that greedy). Friends are people who cares and loves you. Who are always there to protect you and accept you for who you are even though they would have to risk their necks. I am proud of my friends and I love them dearly. I know you also love your friend and for that, "Cheers my friend". Till we meet again. Monsieur Aronnax

An Ineffable Sensation

Dear reader, if you are here for enjoyment and laughter then you should close this blog and pick another one to read which is more suitable for the light-hearted. What I would be discussing here is all about love and its aspects. Many would think that it is "old school" to talk about love but it isn't. Also, if you could spare you minutest time to comment about these matters, feel free to do so. I am in desperate need for one. Thank you in advance.

Love, when defined etymologically, means a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers; or affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests. It simply means, having an affection towards a person, may it be homo, hetero or narcissistic. Usually, it is "hetero-love" or opposite-sex love. It is an affection between a male and a female. For some, love is indescribable and enigmatic. For some, love is never bought or sold, it is given freely to someone worthy of. Some even think that there is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. These are some of the descriptions of love by both men and women. It seems that love is a feeling that only a feeling can understanding. Puzzling though, yet, once a person experiences "love", every little puzzle piece in a confusing conundrum can be understood and be put in the right place.

As I have experienced, love is a terrible sensation that leaves your knees weak, as if I had been walking for days without stopping. Once in love, there are these electric shocks running through my veins like racing horses. I can never understand why, yet it is because of this simple word called "love". Simple may be the appropriate adjective yet, love is never simple: it is very complex. It's as if I am solving a dreadful 150-points Calculus test. I could even consider saying that love can really knock me off my feet! I've experienced that a lot of times and until now, it does. I would say that I am in love right now because there is this feeling which I really couldn't understand and it bewilders me until today.

Even though, love is a wonderful sensation, some curse "love" for making them dumb and stupid. The reason might be that they were to dumb to notice that their partners have been cheating on them under their very noses or they broke with their partners, simply that. Outrageous right? Anyway, some wouldn't believe that "love" exists because of the mere reason that they never experienced it. May it be that they are too shy to let go of their emotions or they are just desperate that they come to a point that they looked like voracious vultures eyeing on weak animals or fresh carcasses but enough with those so-called "vultures", we have to accept that there are still a lot of people that doesn't have the privilege to experience the magical effects of love and so, they have different interpretations on what love is but for me, love is a strange feeling that not even my friend, Captain Nemo, the captain who fathomed the depths of the abyss, could understand and apprehend. Thank you. Monsieur Aronnax.

The Sexual Discrepancy

Good day to you my avid reader, I hope you not are bored with my horrid recollections because it is what it is. Yet, if you really are, I want you think about this inquiry: "What are the problem with these puzzling men and what are the problems with these enigmatic women?" If you are really thinking, then that's good because your brain needs are workout once in a while right? These problems are what I will discuss in this reflection of mine. I expect you to take full attention in this deliberation between men and women or else you might break your neck in the process.

A man is defined as an individual that produces small usually motile gametes (as spermatozoa or spermatozoids) which fertilize the eggs of a female, whereas a woman is described as an individual that bears young or produces large usually immobile gametes (as eggs) that are fertilized by small, usually motile gametes of a male. The two genders are quite entirely different when it comes to sexuality but only one thing can make the two genders similar: their reproductive cells combine to form a human being, highest among all the animals in respect to intelligence. A being capable to think critically, to love deeply and to be loved sincerely. Yet, this is not the whole point isn't it? What I'm building here is that, we all are made but the joining of two cells from two entirely different sexualities and yet, we are all the same because we all think and we have been given the gift of logical reasoning. Still, I am very far from the point. So, may I continue then?

I am here to elaborate on the problem with men and women. First, I am to explain the problems with women. Women are social beings that tend to live on the past and relive the past too. Women search through gaps and holes from their mistakes from the past that in the end, they come to the point that they curse and blame themselves. In short, they dwell on the past. They tend to blame themselves when things go wrong, as opposed to blaming the world around then. And so, whenever they feel strongly about something they tend to worry about it a lot. Women are oftentimes insensitive because when they kid around, they sometimes forget that they are hurting the people around her. Women are quite vain, secretive and sometimes, men can't actually understand them because they are so mysterious and that is why men are sometimes blamed when couples break. I think it's not always men that are to be blamed of a destroyed relationship but also women. Enough of dilapidated relationships and let's delve in deeper. Strictly speaking, women sometimes are jealous and their jealousy always leads to huge consequences. May it be disputes among the wife and the "third party" and sometimes, murder because of extreme jealousy. According to my dad and I, from our experiences, women are naggers. They always contemplate on mistakes of the past, recent mistakes, and even foresee mistakes of the future and it really makes men irritated. It is also the nature of women to be so suspicious of the strange activities of their partners. Yet sometimes, it comes to a point that they become a nuisance and it makes men exasperated. Still, women are considered as treasures of men and men tend to keep them than let go of their considered "prized possessions". I think the quoted words can't be considered by some women because they are so prideful that they don't want to be treated as though they are owned by men.

Men, on the other hand, tend to forget past and keep their minds off the past and look forward to a more livelier tomorrow. I don't want to be so biased when it comes to men so I will be fair to it. Men tend to suppress their feelings that the problem with it is that they come to a point that they can't control their feelings and eventually they end up killing themselves or commiting suicide or they may hurone in the process. The problem with men is also that some of them are very jealous. In marriage, some of them lose their appetites that they are force to look for some which could "enhance" their appetite. That is the greatest problem with men. While some women are totally loyal to their husbands/partners, some men will really look for someone, may the reason be that they are tired of their partners, excessive lust or just for plain curiosity. Men are sometimes really egotistic because of the notion that men must keep their egos with dignity. Men are also more socially active in the sense that they gossip more than women. Generally, men are very vocal about themselves than women so they usually are the ones who spills the beans.

Today, men and women are treated equally by the people. They are viewed as different individuals wtih respect to gender but with equal differences. Men are considered the superior gender due to their masculinity or due to the fact that the men are the ones created first. Women, on the other hand, are supposed as the inferior type because of the fact that one of their ribs come from men. Or is it wrong? Anyways, that's what people now accept. I think this is the minute differences between genders that I had thought of. I suppose there are still a lot to discuss yet, these are the things that directly popped in my head. This is all for now. Monsieur Aronnax.

A Mirthless Difference

Good day to you reader, I would like you to know that what I would discuss here is rather gloomy. I am here to react on the situation of children in my country. Hope you would not arrive to the verge of tears because of this melancholic reflection.

As I listened to my aunt discussed about the poverty situation of kids here in the Philippines and in America, I realized how fortunate kids are in America. Kids today in the Philippines, either rich or poor, are quite contented and happy with what they have but I am not speaking in general. There are still a lot of unfortunate kids that still strive to reach their goals in desires in life. It is quite melancholic that the government are not doing their best to help the situation of those poor children. Some indulge themselves to drugs and vices. Some became gangsters and loiters. Some even die due to no reasons because of feuds in gangs. This realization is very grievous because children are considered the "future of the world", as quoted by the world-famous, Dr. Jose Rizal. Despite their poor positions in the society, children nowadays in the country are very contented and happy with their personal lives. It is both happy and sad. Happy, in the sense that, even though they are young and immature, they know what is going on with their lives and that they accept their situation now and they strive to go on and reach their fantasies in life. Sad, on the other hand, because people are ignoring children who are on the streets working their own asses out and also, they are forbidden to experience what childhood is really all about. All they experience now are problems and worries in life. They don't even go to school just to help their own families look forward to a brighter tomorrow. I'm really sorry to explain these in detail but it is needed so that those who are blind may see, the deaf my hear and the mute may speak. I presume that people are just feigning that they are deaf, mute or blind just to escape reality, which is that a lot of children are suffering from hunger and disease. Only one thing is certain with children from the Philippines, they do not mind their situation, as long as they are with their families and that they are helping each other, everyday is like paradise.

On the other hand, kids in America are enjoying a life of ecstasy and comfort. Parents in America are either spoiling their kids or ignoring their kids. It comes to a point that children their are confused and sometimes end up in the wrong places. As narrated by my aunt who comes from America, kids in America are spoiled because of the fact that they had not seen what the children in "third-world countries" are experiencing. Unless they can see the truth, american children will always be blind to the real world. As I have viewed America, a lot of children there are stil involving themselves to gangs, drugs and vices. It is also very sad because even though America is a "first-world country", many teens are misguided by their parents.

(*wrapping something*)To wrap things up, children in America and Philippines are entirely different even though they are considered as children. Filipino children are quite contented with their lives and that they love their families and that their love are also repaid with love. They would do anything just to see their families the next morning after a disturbing sleep. American children, on the other hand, are never contented with what they have. I presume that this is because of the fact that they are living in a first-world country and everything is cheap. Still, not all american children are like that. Both children, although they come from different countries, are still children: immature, young and innocent. That is all. Monsieur Aronnax.

The Anticipated Arrival

Greetings! My dear reader! I hope you are having the time of your life because mine is just starting to go bad. A testpaper, an arrival, a beach, a restaurant and a website are just the few bad things that will welcome you in this recollection of mine. I hope that you can still sleep after you have read this and just a caution: before you sleep, wear a "dreamcatcher" so that it could siphon those gruesome dreams that would suck all your happiness in you after you read this recollection. Two words only: "Sweet Dreams".

It was Jan. 19, a day of abominable surprises greeted me with most enthusiasm. The day started with preparing for my coming test on English and Calculus. After such "preparation", I went to school hurriedly and again, studied for English, which is the next test for that day. After the rang bell, we all sat in our seats, ready to embrace the lurid testpaper. After such, we received our testpapers and to the 4th years' surprise, the test was very short and easy. I ended the test in only 30 minutes. I went to sleep but was awaken with a booming voice telling us that there was still an essay for us to answer. The test required a short story copy on the "Summer Solstice" by Nick Joaquin but to my grim luck, I left my copy in my house. So, after they gave the essay questions, I just stared at it because I couldn't do anything about it because my stupid copy was left lying on my bed. After 45 minutes of patient waiting, Aj, a very close friend, lent me her copy of the short story. She was like an angel, a guardian that always looks after me. I was half-thankful and half-devastated. I only had 20 minutes to write my short answers on the essay test, which was worth 100 points, 20 points each! It even came to a point that I cursed my English teacher because he did not said that we were to bring that wretched copy. After the bell rang, it was like as if I was sent a wave of electric shocks to travel in my narrow veins. I was done! After that wretched test, the next scourge arrived. It was the test on the most trepid subject of mine, Calculus! After those horrendous tests, I decided to go home early and waited for my most expected arrival. The arrival of my relatives from Batangas!

My relatives who are supposed to come on friday were composed of 5 people: My uncle, my aunt and my 3 cousins. They were relatives on the side of my father, which are the Veloso's. I arrived in my house very late, yet they were still not there. So, I braced myself for the inescapable arrival and busied myself with my project for our computer subject. After an hour or so, my dad came with only one person with him. It was my uncle Junior! I waited for signs of loud voices from the outside, hoping to hear my cousins' boisterous laughter, yet there was none but only the voices of chirping crickets besides my dad and my uncle's voices. It was as if my happiness was drained from me and I was crestfallen with the thought that they'd canceled the thought of visiting Cebu and visiting me. So, I continued to busy myself with my Computer project and erased the thought of my cousins here, greeting me with huge smiles and hugs. After a while, I was taken aback when foreign voices entered my ear and when I looked at the main door, there I saw all of them, greeting all of us in the house with warm smiles just as I imagined it would be. I exchanged their warm smiles with a satisfied smile on my face.

Tomorrow came with a warm weather, everyone were excited to see my aunt an my uncle from the states. I also had the opportunity to mingle with my cousins, who were as amicable as myself. I had trouble talking to them in the tagalog language with an accent. Yet, it was quite fun talking to them. Our aunt arrived on 11:30 AM and we all had fun. Days passed with laughter, shopping, strolling and prying for women until it was the time that my cousins had to go. I was happy and at the same time a little bit murky because it will still be a long time before we could all see each . Another year of rapid felicity. Another year of waiting. Another year of recollections. Another year of a Monsieur Aronnax.

A Damp Welcome

Hello reader, I would like to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Lucky for you, I'm not going to tell dreadful things about my life but happy ones(..it's as if I'm so thrilled..) that could make you smile or make you cry. Tears of joy in particular, don't worry, I will never destroy your new year. I just want to greet 2007 with a big smile and less frowns. I doubt the last words will appear seldomly. I would like to let you delve in my recollections again this year and I hope that you would not be afraid to read my experiences in life.

After a solemn Christmas Celebration and a boisterous New Year has come to an end, dreadful classes would now resume. Not only that, grievous and inevitable teachers and experiences will welcome me and I can't do anything about it. But I don't think it would be all that bad and sad, I think that wonderful and unforgettable experiences will also appear in my life this year. Even though I hate to admit it, I also have a lot of New Year's Resolutions which I will all keep it to myself. None of your business, right?

Just a suggestion my dear reader: Please keep reading my recollections for you can get a lot of inputs and you can evade my terrible experiences. Once again, I welcome you to a Happy(odd, isn't it?) New Year and please, read my blog from the first blog I posted ok? Thanks my good friend. I hope that a good future awaits you! Monsieur Aronnax.