COPY - PASTE

The thought of living here in the Metro four months ago was really awful. Scary thoughts have eaten up my mind, I was too worried because hello, this is Manila for goodness’ sake. As they say, “lahat ng pwede mong makilalang personalidad, nasa Maynila na” at “malakas ang hatak ng mga tao dun.” I won’t wonder why I was so paranoid everywhere I went but hey, I was so wrong.

In my stay here for almost five months I can finally say that it wasn’t that hard to adjust and adapt, that’s because there are these people who opened and reached their hands for me to fit in.

Section A-107, 7am, room 330, ENGN10A. First day was unsurprisingly… well, quiet, ahahah. As usual, first impressions rose, and I know I wasn’t the only one trying to read one another’s mind and personality.

Every subject, there are new faces which I find really confusing. I even asked myself, “Paano ko malalaman kakaibiganin ko kung hindi ko makilala yung mga talagang ka-block ko? Ang labo naman.” As weeks passed I realized who belongs to the section A-107, if you’ve seen someone being in the same class as you do for more than three times, he/she might be one.

Of course, as any other class, certain groups were made. Those groups weren’t produced intentionally, you just can’t help but join the same people everyday especially when you’re comfortable being with them. No matter how many groups evolve inside the four corners of rooms 330,239, and gym, A-107 is still one.

We traded contacts from numbers to e-mail addresses, we exchanged group messages, we went to the cr in groups or by twos, we shared histories, we ate together regularly, we shared assignments and notes, we laugh on the corniest jokes, we took pictures and videos, and the best-est thing? It was when we started to CARE for one another. Unexpectedly, though we know that we won’t last for long, together we made a strong bond that would be hard to break by anyone.

At first, some were really hard to understand, yet those differences made a difference. The unlike attracts as they say and so we did.

What I love most about this section is that they didn’t treat me different from others. They know that I’m from Pampanga but all of them were eager and patient enough to teach me. They showed me that I belong and that everyone is.

I can still remember my best memory with them, PE finals. Honestly, that was the most enjoyable dance I did. I never felt so much energy, excitement, and happiness while dancing, it just happened that day. There are a lot more to share, but it all ends up with one conclusion- a day with them is always a good laugh.

Now that first sem is over, and though we know that on the next ‘first day’ we won’t see all the same faces, we know that by heart, for once, we were a big part of a happy family… the A-107.

—

I LOVE YOU ALL, for real. Walang kakalimot ha. Missing you guys.

xiXi =3

Another night, and nothing’s new, she’s here, with friends, all drunk up, wasting her life, doing it all over again as if nothing happened, as if Mom never talked to her.

I’m really fed up, no, I mean more than being fed up to the point that i wish i could die now! Yes, that’s what i want to happen, maybe in that way she’ll change for good and not temporarily.

I pity mom, she soooo doesn’t deserve this, she’s been really good and strict to us but my sister is not and will not ever learn.

I’m crying again, though I know that i should not, but tears just keep falling. I should not cry for someone like her but I’m too weak to help it and to talk to her. I tried to but it always ends with a big fight. This is the reason why all I can do is to let my fingers work with the keyboard, cause I’m too coward to face her and say everything I want to say. x’c

Two years ago, my father died. She promised him that she’ll change for the better. Beside my dying father, she told him a big f*cking lie. Years ago too and not for long, she broke her promise, she started again. One thing I knew is there was a blood on the floor. I thought that was the end yet God didn’t let that happen. Everyone wanted her to leave but during those hard times, though I know that she was so wrong, I never left her side, I was there comforting her. Those nights when she would wake me up and all I can do was to make her stop crying and hug her. We were separated and I remember myself coming home for lunch but instead of eating, I’ll just cry in my room after reading her letter for me. We were separated, though it’s not really far, it was hard for me to accept cause we grew up together and I was too afraid to live away from her. EVERY single day, someone would come to talk to me, someone would call and explain everything and I dont have any choice but to trust their decision.

She came back and everyone believed and trusted her. When some people would ask me about her, I’ll even say that she’s change, that everything is okay and there’s nothing to worry about but to my big dissapointment, I guess I put myself into SHAME. Not for long, repeated mistakes have been committed. A tragic family problem occured and until now, it’s not yet solved. I am not blaming her for bringing that but she is a big part of it too.

We were brought here in Manila- the RISKIEST decision ever made by my mom. She wanted us to keep our distance from the problem cause it had brought a great impact in our lives, not just to us, but the WHOLE family. Before the night we enrolled, my mom talked to me and that same night too, I gave her my final answer- to study and live here in Manila. Yes, I am VERY attached in Pampanga, but I chose to stay here for my sister. For her I disregard myself because she assured my Mom and everyone that she’s coming back in Angeles with a good reputation.

With MUCH expectations in our heart, all those agreements were just expectations which were NEVER reached.

On the day of my birthday, my mom planned something for the three of us but on the same day of June 20, my so called ‘happy’ birthday fell apart because of her. I can still remember mama coming here late at night to bring me food and cake but those time was covered with so much tears. I spent my birthday UNhappy.

My mom forgave her and I can’t remember for how MANY times but I know that what I’m feeling now is just nothing compared to her. This pain is ten times to my mom. She doesn’t deserve all of these yet she’s still being put into such position. I wanna help, but I can’t do anything.

Why am I wishing for my death to come when I know that it will be useless? Dad had died literally and Mom is feeling so much dying but that girl outside that door doesn’t care enough. It’s like being in a circle, no stopping, same old dilemma. BUT UNTIL WHEN??? I’m afraid that before it ends, I already gave up.

——

Dad, I’m sorry po, wala akong magawa, I hope kahit ganito, you’re here with us, I know you are. Please po, bantayan niyo po siya. I miss you.

Mama, wala kang ginagawang masama, best mom ka sa earth, please don’t think na wala kang kwenta,please ma, be strong, kahit nauubusan na ko ng hope, yung natitirang pag-asa sa heart ko ibibigay ko sayo, kayanin mo lang lahat. I really wish I can do something.

Siz, please, hindi kami magrereact ng ganito if we don’t care, please, tama na to. :’c

GOD, please, give us the strength to get through.

——

I know I’m not supposed to post something like this in the internet but if I don’t, I’ll explode in no time. I don’t have anyone to talk to right now, it’s 3:15 in the morning and I’m still crying.

xiXi =3

Earthquake resulting to tsunamis, typhoons resulting to flash floods and landslides, and all of those effecting to deaths and loss of properties.

What’s happening during the past days is something everyone should think about. Warnings have been given years and years ago about this what we call ‘climate change’ but as we see, based on these recent tragedies, people didn’t take it seriously. Maybe others did, but not most.

Climate change is a threat but that was before, because now it isn’t just a warning, it is the reality. Most of us say it is just a natural calamity but here’s what I think about it, these tragedies aren’t natural, they are not made by nature, it is the result of our actions.

We have took great advantage of our mother nature without realizing how it can hurt her and how it can affect us. Yes, the damage of the nature is twice the effect to us.

Other affected people in the Philippines have been complaining to our government officials. They said that they didn’t warn everyone and that this officers-in-charge aren’t responsible enough. True, but not absolutely. Admittedly, we are lacking of equipments that are really important for unexpected situations, but the blaming should not be given to them. It is everyone’s fault. Alerts have been given to us but were ignored. It’s really sad to know that behind the administration’s effort, they are still being criticized.

In this type of situation, what we all need are not just “politicians”, what we need are “leaders”, yet we should remember that in order to be called a leader, there must be “members”. We, members, should do our part – support, trust, and work.

True indeed that that what we hear and see in the news is a fright, but it is satisfying to know that people, not just in the affected areas but all over the world, are making a participation just to help one another. Donations in cash and in kind are being given but let’s do not just depend from these. We are lucky that the world is good and affectionate.

It is not yet too late to save the earth and to prevent it from falling apart. Let’s be liable enough and take good care of our land. What USA, Indonesia, and Philippines had experienced is a wake- up call showing us the consequences of our every move. Let us not wait for another catastrophe to come for us to make a step and in time like this, we should keep the FAITH.

xiXi =3

Music is not a part of my life but certainly my life. I cannot imagine my existence without it. It guided me as I pass up my fears and is leading me into somewhere God wants me to be.

Unending lists of songs are pushing me on my way to the stage to perform and to finish my show though I know that there will always be a destruction. The audience might ignore me, I might get embarassed and even receive hurtful laughs than applauses yet these are just “mights”, no assurance. These songs told me that I should not let the curtain be closed without me offering a very worth- watching play. Let me share some of these.

SOMEONE’S WATCHING OVER ME – Hilary Duff

It doesn’t matter what people say

It doesn’t matter how long it takes

Believe in yourself and you’ll fly high

BAD DAY - Daniel Powter

Sometimes the system goes on a blink

And the whole thing turns out wrong

You might not make it back and you know

That you can be well oh that strong

BLUE SKY – Hale

Don’t you wash away that smile

Just look out the window and see the light

It’s beautiful to be alive, it’s wonderful to live a life

CLOSING TIME – Semisonic

Closing time, every new beginning

comes from some other beginning’s end

COLLIDE – Howie Day

Even the best fall down sometimes

Even the wrong words seem to right

DON’T THINK – Parokya Ni Edgar

Don’t think time away

Before you know it, the show has ended

Don’t be scared to fall

Just as long as you remember

Nothing came to those who didn’t try

THE HEART OF LIFE – John Mayer

You know it’s nothing new, bad news never had good timing

Then, The circle of friends went to find a silver lining

LIVE LIKE YOUR DYING – Lenka

Live like your dying and never stop trying

It’s all you can do, use what’s been given to you

LITTLE WONDERS – Rob Thomas

Let it fly, Let your troubles fall behind you

Let it shine, Until you feel it all around you

I don’t mind, If it’s me you need to turn to

We’ll get by, It’s the heart matters in the end

I BELIEVE – Yolanda Adams

Just let it go, Let the music go inside

Forget the pain, Just start to believe

WE BELIEVE – Good Charlotte

So let it be, there’s a love that could fall down like rain

Let us see, let forgiveness wash away the pain

FALL FOR ANYTHING – The Script

So before they bring you down

You’ve gotta stand for something or you’ll for anything

KEEP HOLDING ON – Avril Lavigne

Hear me when I say, when I say, I believe

Nothing gonna change, gonna change destiny

Whatever’s meant to be will work out perfectly

LIFE IS LIKE A BOAT – Rie Fu

We are all rowing the boat of faith

The waves keep on coming and we can’t escape

But if we ever get lost on our way

The waves would guide you through another day

MAKE IT MINE – Jason Mraz

I don’t wanna wake before the dream is over

I’m gonna make it mine. Yes I, I know it

STRONG – Jordyn Taylor

Thinking back on how you changed me everytime, you try to put me down

Even though you really hurt me. Underneath, myself is what I found

TIME OF YOUR LIFE – Greenday

So make the best of this test and don’t ask why

It’s not a question but a lesson learned in time

UGLY – Sugababes

People are all the same and we only get judged by what we do

Personality reflects name and if I’m ugly, then so are you, so are you

WE CRY – The Script

There comes a time that every bird has to fly

At some point every rose has to die

xiXi =3

This is the essay I wrote for an inter-school contest, The Gleaner Literary Congress (Elementary, Highschool, and College), during my last year in highschool. This peace, with the topic excellence, won 2nd place though I myself could not believe that it actually captured the lecturer’s attention and the fact that this article defeated even those of the college students’ is amazing.

EXCELLENCE BEHIND THREADS

Have you ever seen a cross-stitched image? Where does a simple photograph and a cross-stitched one differ? And why do people rather spend their hours making as such?

Every time I see a picture made of cross-stitch, I can’t help but admire it. It seems that it’s more worth-viewing than a photograph made from a paper and an ink. It always makes me think that how I wish I can make one, but the thought of giving up a lot of time also makes me back-out. The thought of offering all your willingness and patience makes me stop, but how can I come up with a very astonishing image if I wont start stitching those small crosses together?

It makes me remember about my teacher who asked us before, “Do you know what grade Dr. Jose Rizal gets when he was still studying?”. Answers like 90, 95, and even 100 were given by my classmates. Ma’am laugh and said the correct answer, it was “excellent”. Our national hero wished for the best results, he aspired for excellence and so to achieve it, he offered everything- courage, determination, and perseverance.

We cannot witness and appreciate a cross-stitched picture if we will just wait and make others stitch it for us. The taste of success is more delicious if we know that it came from our own hardships. And if you want to reach excellence, start doing so.

Notice that a cross-stitch is composed of small x’s that will be delivered into a complete image of what you’re aspiring to see. As you add a cross on that cloth, you might think that there are still a lot left to sew, but these crosses will make a difference that will slowly show the image lying behind those threads. The image of excellence.

edited*

xiXi =3

For a while now, I’ve slept, dreamed, and walked away from the bitter truth. The innocence it gave me was amazing, from the little things of beauty, the feeling was actually the best. It’s a place of a dream, away from the pain of reality.

I thought I was happy but I saw myself crying, realization that it was not sincere. The nightmare of real life had knocked again, dreaming over.

Though I know it was better to live with total innocence, it’s as if the only thoughts making me alive are the memories.

I’ve let go for so many times, but I just can’t move away. It’s clear that I don’t deserve such things like this, but I could not go away from the idea that for once in my life, you did came. But now. I’m not sure if that coming back of yours was for real or was just your escape from the burden you once had.

Stupid as it may seem, I said “I love you” for a thousand times, I believed, I hoped.

The stage of denial wasn’t really helping me at all, or maybe it did, but something in me is left hollowed. The funny thing about it…

I am letting go… AGAIN.

xiXi =3

So there it is. That was written originally February of this year.

I wasn’t really planning to post this, but since my next post is not yet done, I did this. I just want to share it.

it’s been a real long time since I’ve updated my blog and my last post was about moving here in Manila. Yeah, you read it right. We are now HERE in Manila and I had started my college days.

Here it goes,that was June 1 when we arrived here,late night as i can remember and when we got here in our unit i was a bit dissapointed actually, but i was very happy when I saw the view outside our room. CITY LIGHTS,oh i love it!ahha. but right now, that’s not important cause i wanna share something better.

Yes, June 15, 1st day of class. I entered the room and there I saw about 15 people, I guess, staring at me as i walked through the room and as I chose my sit. The silence inside was killing me, NO ONE was talking, but ofcourse that was just the first day so what can I expect. I was hoping for someone to talk to me but that just happened when our first prof arrived. My profs were not that strict, but i’m hoping that my first impression will last.

Days passed and finally I have found my new friends. They were all nice and very friendly, jolly too, that’s why I didn’t have the hard time coping with the environment at school. Take note of that,school, because outside the school, I really find it hard adjusting. First was the HEAVY traffic, flood when it rained and the dirty air! Looking for your jeepney was really hard too, their sign boards have 10-12 places written into it so I still need to read all of those..hayy. The expenses is hard to handle too, I never thought that spending for college is this big.Plus, the crowd is sooo much, too much people everywhere.

Hmmn,in summary, staying here in Manila is hard yet I have learned somehow their way of living here. Not all people are scary and bad, you just have to be very careful. For now, I still want to learn loving manila, my classmates are helping me, they’re really kind. Manila is not a bad place at all, just try loving every place you are into, and that certain place will surely love you back.

—

I would like to post more, but i’m running out of time. Thanks for reading, whoever you are. God bless.

xiXi =3

It’s been days since I heard from my Mom that we’re leaving soon. Not June, but this May. It’s been days also since i cried my nights to sleep. Yeah, what I said in my last blog post was I guess–just a THOUGHT.

Thought. *sighs* i thought I am ready, hundred percent sure. BUt after knowing our “moving day”, again, I felt pain. Where in it striked me so so deep. Before I sleep, I always imagine that day drawing near. Saying goodbyes and giving tight hugs to my family. A very tearful day. I would even imagine that, that day would be rainy. Sky comforting me and trying to feel the same sorrow I have in my heart.

I still want to do alot of things before I leave. Too many that I guess, I won’t be able to accomplish it all. I want one more day with my dear friends, with my cousins too. ONE DAY TRIP TO PAMPANGA, like a first timer child. My last view to my hometown.

I said in my last post that it’s like being “back to zero”, but here’s what I realized as days pass. In my stay here in Angeles City, 16 long years of being here, I think I’ve grown alot now. I’ve learned too much in this town and i know that what I have absorbed  and still absorbing ’till these days will be of big help as i moved to another place. I am not coming back to zero, but starting from level 2 (as my mentor said, Sir Sherwine Yalung). Maybe this life has it’s ten levels, I finished Pre-school, Elementary and Highschool and there’s still alot of phase to face.

One thing I’m sure of is that I maybe worried now but I know that God won’t leave me alone.

xiXi =3

Well, this is my first blog post as this year’s vacation, and i wanna share what my heart wants to shout ever since vacay began.

So there’s still four more weeks before classes start, well that’s in my case.

Hmmn, at first we were really decided, I’m taking up my College years in Angeles University Foundation under the I.T. Department. Everything was nearly accomplished such as, entrance exam, interview, psychological exam, reservation and schedule for the enrollment process. Unfortunately, all the payments, exhausting days and mind-killing exams were now useless. Why? Because days before i enroll in AUF, my mom decided to transfer us in MANILA.

Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! -yeah, that’s my reaction, next thing i knew, i was crying, i was hurt, deeply. I couldn’t even imagine leaving my home for Manila, it gives me the creeps.  After hearing the news, the first thing I did was I texted my friends. They were also shocked, but not as much as I do. Some got mad, some were sad about it, so i just told them that it’s not yet sure. No matter how they feel, it is still me who felt uneasy. Yes, I’m scared, worried, and sad. I think it’s unfair. And though I knew that my mom had made up her mind, I hoped that it won’t happen and that any problem here at home would be resolved as much as possible.

But one day, I saw ourselves, already in the Lyceum in the Philippines University, preparing for the admission test. I almost fail the exam in purpose, but i didn’t. I followed the brighter side instead. New home, new people and friends, new adventure — A NEW LIFE with my family, so i took the exam, answer what’s on my mind and PASSED. “Welcome to the Lyceum Ms. Castro”, that was what the staff said to me. Though I didn’t like my first look of that institute, the approach of their staffs made me think that maybe studying there isn’t bad at all. Well, I won’t know it ’till I officially see myself roaming free around the campus, with my new friends, with new teachers, new cashiers, and even new security guards. NEW. NEW. NEW.

Right now, I don’t really feel sad, I feel excited. Yes, I am. Though i still don’t know what Manila might bring me,I think I’m ready to welcome Manila including it’s thick air,land, and water pollution, the traffic jam, the flood (no offense, that’s what I observed, blame the media) AND though I’ll be starting back to zero, finding new trustworthy friends and coping with the surrounding especially with the type of education they offer, I am indeed ready and going for it.

Introduce yourself.

I am Hershey Deatrix B. Castro, an AB Multi- Media Arts student of Lyceum Manila.

That is soooo new.. weird. ahah

Friends and family, I want to share this song by Stephen Speaks, these is from my heart just as ALL OF YOU. c’: Please know that i appreciate all your support and if you feel sad, it’s harder for me. I’LL MISS YOU GUYS.

LEAVING SONG

And everytime I think of you
I’ll remember all the good times that we’ve had
And everytime I sing this tune
I will laugh, I will cry,
I will close my eyes
Cause I know that it won’t be long

Until we sing, we will write,
We will laugh away the night
And the good times will never end
When we meet again

And I’m gonna be somewhat lonely
Cause you know no one could ever fill your shoes
As iron sharpens iron
You have taught me how to be a stronger man
And I look forward to the day I’ll learn again

We will sing, we will write,
We will laugh away the night
And I know that it won’t be long,
Until we meet again

Though I wish that I were with you now
I know there’s a reason for space
I can dream of memories you’re writing down
And I look forward to that day
And the smile on your face

We will sing, we will write,
We might cry and we might fight
And the good times will never end
We will laugh, we’ll relax,
We’ll reflect on the years we’ve past
And I know that it won’t be long,
Until we meet again

xiXi =3

This is my last issue for our school paper as a feature editor..it is really sad to know that i only wrote 3 for my column,still i’m happy..

AURUMZ.. this is for you..

LONG LIVE AURUMZ ’07-‘09

Question: What is the hardest thing to do as one of the editors of the “The Gleaner”?

Answer: It is to write his/ her last article for it.

♥ ♫ ♥

Yes. You heard me my dear readers, this is indeed my final shot for my Afterglow. And for my last page, I have decided to use taglish for this one. Para naman kahit pa paano magkaintindihan na tayong lahat, besides, last na ‘to, hindi ba? So now, let’s have our time- outs for dictionary and thesaurus, magpaka- Bob Ong muna tayo.

♥ ♫ ♥

We’ll, I’ve been ready for this, matagal na kong nakapag- isip kung ano nga bang isusulat ko para dito. Before pa kong maging correspondent at finally umabot sa position ng pagiging feature editor, reader pa lang din akong matatawag, pinangarap ko nang makagawa ng sarili kong version ng isa sa mga article na nabasa ko years ago. It was the “IV- SC ’05… Immortalized!” from the column Kiosk by Mary Grace Dimaranan, (ate, if you’re reading this, pagamit din ako ah? Thanks.) , that she actually adopted from Mark Capulong featuring his batch. Obviously, ang class ng IV- SC ang highlight dito. It was a way of immortalizing the foundation built by the individuals fated to be in the mentioned section. Ngayong panahon ng modernisasyon, siyempre updated na rin ang name ng tinatawag nilang IV- SC noon, it evolved as IV- Tenacity, and finally, IV- Fortitude, also known as… Aurumz.

People would ask, “Bakit Aurumz? Saan galing yun?”.It all started when we were still in our 3^rd year, 3- Gold ’07-’08. Nag- isip kami ano nga bang magandang itawag sa mga sarili namin aside from our section. We wanted something very unique, yun bang tipong never- heard. Isa sa mga classmates namin ang nakaremember about sa chemical symbol ng Gold which is Au, fromthe latin word Aurum. Para magkaroon ng konting class, dinagdagan lang ng letter Z . Nabinyagan at last ang name namin last June 17, 2007 ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­— birthday namin in other words. May umalis man at dumating, our bond continued until these days.

I guess, that’s enough for the history, It’s time to meet these people I’m uttering about.

My dear readers, I now introduce, the AURUMZ ’07-’09!

*note: this is in alphabetical order.

1. Neren Y. Bamba - The Human Calculator

“ mapang- asar pero mabait, laging nasasampal, matakaw pero mapgbigay sa AU’z…”

1. Alexis S. Basco – Mr. Bookworm

“ mababaw ang luha at sobrang God- fearing…”

1. Mark Anthon T. Castillo – Dakilang Juan Tamad

“ tall, dark and…and…mapanisti, mabait naman…”

1. Kim Brian L. Choi – Mr. Sleeping Giant

“ low profile, happy- go- lucky and ever- ready…”

1. Emerald Kim V. de Dios – World’s No. 1 Mais

“ palatawa, antukin, may isang salita, corny, tahimik and kind…”

1. Jeremiah Joys A. Deligero – Boyfriend DAW ng Bayan

“ loko- loko, mabait, minsan lang magmahal pero grabe…”

1. Roger C. Galimba, Jr. – Mr. Music- Lover

“ mapambola pero sulit magmahal, batang makulit pero cool…”

1. Renato D. Lacson, Jr. – Jana King

“ tahimik pero antipatiko, kunwari ayaw magclass pero no. 1 ready sa mga lessons at exams…”

1. Mark Andrew B. Meneses – Spiderman Jr.

“ kolokoy, mapagbiro, pero mapagmahal…”

1. Arson P. Quilala – Mr. Agaw Eksena

“ sobrang mapagmahal (kaya 6- timer), pero hard to get na ‘ko ngayon tol!, motto: it’s the feeling not knowing…”

1. Kenneth T. Sampang – Mr. Fashionistang Kengkoy

“happy- go- lucky in a good way, di maalis sa vocabulary ko yung word na ‘smile’…”

1. Kim Raye Serrano – Food Monster

“ laging napapahiya pero sikat naman…”

1. Christopher C. Tayag – Mr. Mapang- Api

“ ball is my game, prangka, mahilig tumingin sa mga magagandang babae…”

1. Ray Nico Waje – Math King Romeo

“ kwela, di- pwedeng di masaya, mahilig mahirapan…”

1. Rochelle M. Baluyut – Ms. Mapang- Api

“ mahilig apihin si Hershey, tutor at ate ng lahat, kunwari tough pero emotional…”

1. Jessica C. Basco – Ms. Manyak

“ batang bungangera, maldita, palaban at may pagkaviolent ng konti, pero mabait naman ako at friendly…”

1. Anne Claudine M. Bolus – Techie Genius

“ taong mahilig sa violence, samulto at sa kahit anong nakakatakot…”

1. Hershey Deatrix B. Castro – Batang Disabled

“ no. 1 inaapi ng lahat, asal bata daw, caring, pagaga daw ako, lecture din ng bayan, rabbit…”

1. Lory Nel D. Cirineo – Juliet the Animator

“ mukhang Barbie Doll, sweet at mahinhin pero pag nagkwento walang- awat…”

1. Charissa P. Concepcion – Sigang Drama Queen

“ I’m a rebel, I’m cool, friendly, loving and lastly, TRUE!…”

1. Jinky C. David – Ms. Blue

“ tahimik pero nasa loob ang kulo, status: married…”

1. Eliezel Rhea D. Dubria – Ms. Bookworm

“ mahilig sa books, magaling kumanta, simple yet unpredictable…”

1. Sharmaine D. Enriquez – Rakistang Chizmacker

“ I’m cool, a music- lover , sporty andaRider Girl (as in sa motor)…”

1. Michelle Lovely G. Lim – Ms. Ambisyosa

“ simple pero maldita, pa- cute at isip- bata, pag tumawa – halakhak…”

1. Charlotte C. Lumanlan – Ms. Effortless

“ I’m friendly, childish and asweet person, I love butterflies because I’m a butterfly…”

1. Ariane G. Magante – Pinoy Sleeping Beauty

“ Narcoleptic – taong agad nakakatulog at mahirap gisingin, masayahin pero iyakin, martir? , megaphone ng AU’z, makulit at madrama…”

1. Ella May m. Morillo – USB ng Bayan

“ mabait, makulit pero malambing, at kung para sa pics, vids at slideshows ng AU’z – akong bahalang maglipat sa fs…”

1. Josefa Marie D. Navarro – Piggy Chimpmunk

“ tahimik pero appreciative, cute at matinis ang boses – high pitch! …”

1. Ma. Victoria Florence S. Ocampo – Walking Encyclopedia

“ makulit at maldita pero smarty, cutie and sweetie…”

1. Roshaine April O. Paras – Walking Dictionary

“ simple lang, fun to be with, faithful, caring, malambing, minsan mataray (minsan lang)…”

1. Marietat’s D. Reyes – Ms. Disagree

“ basta maganda sapilitan niyang hihingin, fave expression: HUYY! …”

1. Louwella P. Rivera – Pole Dancer

“ silent type pero pilosopo, patay na patay kay Mr. M. J. L. …”

1. Charina V. Sombillo – The Cartoonist

“ JOKER, minsan mapanyakat, minsan snabacious…

1. Shara Laine S. Vino – Animè & Manga Expert

“ childish na balimbing at sandigan ng bayan…”

I know medyo selfish if I decided to feature my own section here. For some pwedeng isnabin, while others, pwedeng basahin (sino ka man na umabot dito, thanks). Gusto ko lang mag pay ng tribute sa mga taong gumabay at nagpakita ng totoong earth sa’kin.

Kahit ilang beses pa kaming malasin from surprise quizzes at expected low grades, swertehinsa sudden suspension of classes at high scores sa Math at Physics, makagawa ng wrong move at masermunan, makatulog at mahuli, mamroblema sa reporting pero natapos din ng maayos, at papressure sa milyun- milyong assignments at projects, WE have learned on how to depend from each other, that no matter how unliking the situation is, if you’ll just open yourself to what we call “friends”, you’ll get through your every way.

♥ ♫ ♥

SINCERE GRATITUDE

* AU’z, hindi enough ang space dito para mapasalamatan ko kayo, nahihirapan din akong gumamit ng words. As long as possible, nagpapaka- positive ako, but somehow, something inside me is hoping for an extension of our minutes together. Unending THANK YOU, mamimiss ko kayo ngbongga… ang kumalimot, susumpain ko… =3

Panis na gatas + Lantang rosas = AURUMZ ’07- ’09… we are and will always be an IVY and a WALL, together we stand, together we won’t fall…

* To my dearest advisers ( Mrs. Mely Valentin, Mrs. Jeanette Cuizon, Mrs. Shirlyn Lazatin and Mrs. Jodylyn Samonte), coordinators, subject teachers and mentors through out my four years of high school, Thank you sooo much for unselfishly imparting your knowledge and sorry kung medyo napabayaan ko po studies ko. Sana po kahit pa paano napasaya ko kayo…

* The Gleaner Family: More awards to come!

- Advisers, thank you po sa trust…

- Sir Cap, kayo po ang naglagay ng first article at poem ko sa Gleaner nung grade 6 pa po ako, thank you, that served as a motivation for me, look where I am now.

- Ate Noeline, Ikaw ngrecruit sa’kin sa Gleaner, thanks.

- Kuya Ivan, salamat po sa guidance.

- sa mga maiiwan, it’s your turn, enjoy writing!

* Drum and Lyre band and Sir She, I’m happy that after a long time, we’re back! Sana magtuluy- tuloy, salamat sa bonding. Ituloy natin ang tugtugan…kuya chukz, game, sara yu neh!

* Friends, mga kapatid, ate at kuya, lahat ng former classmates at nakilala or nakidaan sa life ko, maraming- maraming salamat sa pagtanggap. You all are a big part of me.

* To RCC, admin esp. Sir Salvador and Mr. Cordero, thanks for opening the doors of this institute to someone like me. I enjoyed my elementary and highschool days here and I’m proud to say that this is where I grew and I’ll bring RCC into my heart. I AM proud to be an RCCIAN!

♥ ♫ ♥

AFTERGLOW: ‘Till next time, congratulations Batch 2009… I’ll miss you all…

xiXi =3