Pro-What?

“Go forth and multiply.” – Genesis Chapter 2

As the Biblical passage says, we are to multiply and fill the Earth by sowing our seeds throughout the world, but as we all know, our population have climbed up to more or less seven billion in the past years and now, we’re suffering the consequences of it, like the scarcity of natural resources to provide for the needs of every individual, education and many others.

Lately, the public has been puzzled by the buzz of the never-ending debates of whether or not to pass the Reproductive Health Bill in Congress which gives way to the protection of women’s health by using contraceptives and using other methods for pregnancy, also including sex education among students, capturing the attention of the Church who strongly opposes to it.

As for the views of the Catholic Church - ‘a large family is a sign of God’s blessings’, they believe that RH Bill is a sin against God for it controls child-bearing among married couples, and that by using contraceptives, they are already killing a life by not letting this God-given-gift into the world.

According to them, it is a natural part of the human life cycle and should not be prevented from happening, especially between married couples, to just accept the gift that God has bestowed upon them and not use contraceptives or any form of tampering with child-bearing,

In regards with giving sex education to students, they also believe that this should be eradicated from the system for by doing so, we are already exposing them and feeding them the facts that cannot fully be digested by the minds of minors and which needs strong parental guidance, supported by the World Youth Alliance and Pro-Life Philippines.

However, by just leaving this ‘cycle-of-life’ unmanaged, this can cause further increase in the already-unmanageable overpopulation here, and as said above, is a big hindrance for the future development of our country for we cannot immediately provide for every Filipino citizen –  who demands far too much from what the government can provide – another cause of poverty.

It is said, that because of the limited knowledge and resources for family planning, a family ends up having too many children, or their child followed too early, coming to the time when they cannot realize all their plans for them causing poverty which entails them to say that their children are their life’s only fortune.

This being said, advocates of human rights, health, safe pregnancy and sex education for teens such as Edcel Lagman, Filipino Human Rights Lawyer and politician of the province of Albay; Elizabeth Angsioco, a member of the Democratic Socialist Woman of the Philippines, supports the proposed laws of the said Bill.

 They are pushing forward the bill to guarantee access to methods of contraception, fertility control and maternal care, namely House Bill # 4244 – Act Policy for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health, and Senate Bill # 2378 – National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population, and Development, which according to Gutt Macher Institute, by using contraceptives will reduce 85% of abortion rates.

In account with all of this, the bill is also concerned with maternal and child care, as they promote breast feeding, adolescent and youth health, prevention of HIV/AIDS, RH Education for the youth and maternal, infant and child health.

Contents of the Bill suggests that the Government and Private Sectors will fund and undertake wide spread distribution of family planning devices such as birth control pills, and IUD’s, providing maternal and child birth care, which is expected from them by the society.

Yet, with all that ‘the Bill’ has to offer, the Church debates again that providing the public with contraceptives will just increase the out-of-wedlock pregnancies, for it will give teens the chance to explore what they have learned in an age-appropriate manner-RH education, starting from 5^th Grade to 4^th Year High School.

Debates will continually be heard until this issue is finally resolved and results - finally seen as of which is the best way to solve the economical, humane and moral issues that end-times brings. Which side are you in?

Pro-Life?

Or Pro-RH Bill?

You decide.

LNTHS BAGS AWARDS IN DSSPC ‘12

Delegates from Laoang National Technical High School won places in the recently held Division Schools Press Conference at San Roque, Northern Samar, October 8-10, with the theme “Campus Journalism: A *insert missing words here* Multiple Intelligences.”

            Winners were identified as May Pulga, 1^st placer, Photo Journalism English; Reynan Irinco, 2^nd placer, Sports Writing Filipino; Jomar Mejica, 4^th placer, Editorial Cartooning English; Jasmine Joy Robinos , 6^th placer, Editorial Writing Filipino; including other delegates as 6^th placers in Radio Broadcasting English.

            Among other winners, were participants from different Elementary and Secondary schools in the Division of Northern Samar, who competed in News Writing, Feature Writing, Editorial Writing, Radio Broadcasting, and Copy Reading and Headline Writing, in English and Filipino categories.

            The winners of the said contests will proceed to Catarman, Northern Samar, which will proudly host the Regional School’s Press Conference, November 17, 2012.

Wake Up Love

I never knew I’d feel this.

This excruciating pain.

They say, it’ll pass.

But I’m not sure if I’ll fully recover.

It happened in my junior year.

Valentine’s Day had passed and I was just recovering from the trauma of not having a date. The truth is, I’ve broken up with my boyfriend a few days before Valentine’s. I knew I was a bit harsh (if you’re reading this, I’m sorry. We’ve talked already so we’re cool right?). But it was how I felt. If I hadn’t done it, I’d be lying to myself, I’d be a hypocrite. There was nothing between us now, I couldn’t find any sense of belonging with him. We’ve become strangers.

Dawn broke, and February 18^th came. Last night was great. It was our Juniors-Seniors Prom. It was a bitter-sweet success for me since I’m part of the committee and had helped in making that event perfect. I pushed myself to the limit just to make sure that everything was just as how my adviser wants it. As the junior’s Governor, it was my job to do so, with or without compliments.

For the first time, my almost-lesbian-ish best friend seemed like a real lady in her golden strapless casual dress, paired with 5 inch heels. I was very happy for her. In fact, I was happy for everyone. But none of them felt how I felt, so, it was weird.

12:20 am  

                                                                           

1 text message received.

“Jade, he texted me.”

It was my best friend, she told me that her cousin just texted her. The guy I’ve had a crush on since sophomore year. I’ve already met him, though not formally.

“Oh? Really? What did he say?”

“He just wanted to talk. Want his number?”

“Nah! Just give him mine. He’ll text me if he wants to.”

And he did.

We got into talking and to make the story short, we became a couple.

It was going great. He seemed like a great guy. I’ve even had the honor to talk to his Mom, and his brother and sister.

There was just this teeny-tiny detail. He spoke Japanese and not that much English and Waray so I had to adjust and speak only English and Tagalog when I talk with him. I even tried to learn Japanese. LOL. (Now that I’ve thought of it, that was very cheezy, and since, we’re not together anymore, I’ve decided to drop it and learn Korean instead.)

*People are shocked that I am fluent in 3 languages (Waray, English and Tagalog) despite of the fact that I come from Visayas. Dude, that’s so racist. Just because we’re from Visayas doesn’t mean that we’re stupid or something. I hate it when they ask “Are you really from Samar?” FTW!! What about Alodia Gosiengfiao? Isn’t her family from Catarman?*

Going back to my story since I kind of drifted off back there.

He had some mistakes too. Duh, he’s human. I could forgive that. But what I couldn’t understand was why he cheated on me. It was great in the start but was getting in my nerves as it went on. He could’ve told me the truth. It’ll be okay with me if he only said that he didn’t feel anything for me anymore. I mean, who am I to force him?

Don’t get me wrong. He’s not bad. It just didn’t work out. I remember when he would want to break up. When I asked him if it’s what he wanted and he said yes, I didn’t reply anymore. What’s the point of pleading? But then, after a few minutes, he’d text me again and say sorry and that he didn’t mean it. Nabigla lang daw siya. Pathetic excuses. It’s what they always say.

One time he wanted to be a priest. Hooray!! I was shocked. I mean, he should’ve thought about that before courting me. After a few weeks, he decided again not to be a priest. Thank God.

He is a member of a fraternity. (I learned that from my best friend) I never really knew that and believed that until I saw his tattoos. So, it was for real. Good riddance! Maybe that’s the reason why he wanted to be a priest? So that all his sins would be forgiven? Or maybe to voluntarily pay for what he had done in the past? 

I don’t know. And now, I don’t care.

I don’t really remember how we broke up.

It just happened.

We just stopped talking and that was it.

Maybe it was around June when he texted me again. Basically because my best friend just couldn't bear to see me cry all night, so she did something about it.

He lied to me.

He told me he was leaving for Germany.

But of course he wasn't.

He wanted me to wait for him for two years and he’d be back for me. Imagine that. It’s so brutal especially when you know now that he already has a girlfriend. It’s been barely six months! It’s not even a year yet!

Anyway, it was a good thing that I didn’t wait for him. My best friend gave me that tip. She knew that we just can’t trust a man. He has his needs, you know.

After 6 long months. I still don’t know what to do. I mean, I still get hurt with news like that. But I shouldn’t right?

I need to wake up now.

Leave that fantasy behind.

It’s all but a part of my vivid past.

I should thank him despite of the heartaches,

For that experience has molded me into a person that cannot be easily hurt and fooled.

Now, I’m ready to face the hues that dawn brings.

I never knew I’d feel this.

        This excruciating pain.

        They say, it’ll pass.

        And now, I’m sure it will.

FUTURE ON A PLATE

Nanaginip ako, laganap ang kahirapan, noo’y tag-gutom, wala nang isdang mahuhuli sa dagat, nagtatago sila, pinaparusahan tayo sa pagkamatay at pagkasira ng mundo nila.

Sa labing anim na taong ipinalagi ko sa mundong ito, hindi pa nawala nang pangmatagalan  ang isda at iba pang seafoods sa aming hapag kainan – pritong isda, paksiw , sinigang, tinolang isda, escaveche, adobong isda, baked fish, fish with free washing machine,  fish with screw driver, fish with love, etc. Sa isda palang ay napaka dami nang pwedeng gawin upang matugunan ang ating pangangailangan. Idagdag pang isa itong kabuhayan.

Ang blessings na ito ay  hatid sa atin ng Diyos at dahil sa location ng ating bansa, na may ideal na breeding grounds tulad ng coastal mangrove plants, na kung saan maaaring mag spawn ( mag-mate)  at manirahan ang mga isda. These mangroves protect them, and help provide for our needs – which also ensure that their species continue on for generations to come.

But for the last 12 years we have slowly experienced scarcity in this specific resource – and we always blame the government for this. But before we continue to do that, let us look back to what has been happening to our dear sea creatures below, from 12 years ago.

Lets take a trip down to the marine world. Kung isasama natin si Dora, siguradong maibibigay niya satin ang mga information kung bakit unti-unti nang nawawala ang mga isda at mga sea creatures sa baba.

Ilan sa mga ito ay ang coral reef degradation o unti-unting pagkasira/pagkamatay ng mga corals, increasing pollution of coastal mangrove plants na kung saan nalalason at namamatay ang mga mangroves na siyang isa pang tirahan ng mga fishes, deforestation in watershed areas, algae bloom, over population, mga parasites, Moro Ami, cyanide fishing, dynamite fishing, toxic wastes na tinatapon sa dagat, oxygen depletion  na dala ng climate change na siyang nagdudulot ng fish kills .

Ang mga problemang ito ay paulit-ulit na sumusulpot sa nakalipas na labing-dalawang taon. Masasabi pa nga nating, may posibilidad na hindi ito nawala. Pero bakit? Bakit ito nangyayari? Nakaka-bobo mang isipin, ngunit, bakit nga ba kahit na anong gawin nating paglilinis at pangangalaga ay hindi ito mawala-wala? Are you not worried sa walang katapusang kalbaryo na dala ng pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin, dahil sa papa-kaunting supply nito? Lalo pat, mahigit kumulang  7 billion na ang tao sa mundo?

Kahit sabihin nating ang mga tindera sa mercado ay nagtataas ng presyo dahil sa sariling kapakanan, hindi natin sila masisisi sapagkat, sa panahon ngayon, pahirapan sa panghu-huli ng isda at mahal na mahal...... ang bigas.

Ang sagot ay disiplina. Discipline in fishing – taking the adults and letting their babies go, using the form of fishing with the least side effects,  and in our turn, keeping our environment, especially   our marine resources  clean, safe and bountiful.

Ayon pa sa kasabihan, maliit na butil man ay nakaka-puwing rin. Which implies that lahat nang ginawa natin at gagawin pa lamang, mabuti man o masama ay malaki ang nagagawang epekto , hindi lang sa environment, kundi pati na rin sa atin.

Nanaginip ako, laganap ang kahirapan, noo’y tag-gutom, wala nang isdang mahuhuli sa dagat, nagtatago sila, pinaparusahan tayo sa pagkamatay at pagkasira ng mundo nila. Hihintayin mo pa bang mangyari ito, o kikilos ka Pilipino?

Towards the Light : Freedom from the Shadows of the Past

“The youth is the hope of the fatherland”

          -  Dr. Jose Rizal

      The Philippines, a rich and wonderful country, salutes to Dr. Jose P. Rizal - a national hero, a Filipino who believes that our country depends upon the youth, for a bright future.

      We may not admit it but, the mentality that we have, has been influenced largely by our past and that the youth has yet the chance to be molded into great leaders.

      We, the youth, still has the chance to pursue the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of Ka Jose, to see a free and prospering country, which was one of the many great reasons why he has written his renowned novels.

      In a sense, if he was still alive to this very day, he would write about the crusade of our President, Benigno S. Aquino III, his reforms among others, patungo sa matuwid na daan.

      Our president has a similar dream with Ka Jose - freedom. Freedom from poverty and corruption, freedom from oppression, freedom from everything that can be considered as a hindrance to the development and progress of our beloved country.

      One specific crusade our president spearheaded, ever since he was elected, was the battle against corruption which can also be seen in some of Rizal’s novels.

      Corruption does not only speak for the unsatisfied-rich, for it is a system wherein we have players. We have the ones who corrupt, and the ones who let them be corrupted. As a goal, I feel for them, and also believe that this system, which gradually turned into a culture, should be eradicated to give room for the betterment of our country.

      The idea of corruption also dwells in the past. Though we speak of material aspects, corruption can take place in the minds and hearts of the society as well.

      In Rizal’s novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Felibusterismo, he shows us that our mind sets has been corrupted by foreign invaders and has been forged into a submissive mind which tolerates abuse.

      Remember the overpriced tax of the Spaniards towards us? Or the forced work (polo y servicio)? We were oppressed, abused and we suffered throughout their reign, but we didn’t even bother to complain. This was the reason why Rizal sacrificed a great deal to open the eyes of the people, to let them see the light, the freedom, the democracy that he saw as he travelled the world.

      We might ask how this was possible. How did we tolerate this kind of treatment? Well, as we can derive from his novels, we can see that throughout the Spanish era, there was no such thing as separation of church and state.

      The priests, at those times, held high position in the society. As for both the church and state are one, whatever laws the government has to offer, we would have no choice but to obey it - For to disobey the law, is to disobey the church, and to disobey the church, is to disobey God.

      Actually, our country is rich. We are blessed with natural resources that can suffice the needs of the people. It is our crooked mindset that says that we are poor, that we can’t make it, etc. Because of the corruption and wrong mindsets, there is a possibility for our dreams to go down the drain.

      For once, let us not be the reason for the denouement of our country’s progress. Let us step beyond the obstacles such as corruption and poor mentality which limits all the great things that we can do.

      As Rizal said, and I quote, “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating as paroroonan.”

      Let us look back at the lessons of the past. Let us go forward and face the bright future that was already laid before us, 150 years ago. Let us mold the youth and let them lead the way to a straight path, let them illuminate and unveil the darkness and shadows of the past.

Galactic Alignment 2012

One of the December 21 end of the world 2012 doomsday predictions is that the earth’s existence is under threat by something called a GALACTIC ALIGNMENT.  Pole shifts, earthquakes, solar flares, magnetic field reversals and other disasters have been predicted as a result of galactic alignment.  It has also been suggested that galactic alignment will bring about a worldwide change in consciousness, a new evolutionary stage in the development of humanity.    If you think that this is all a load of rubbish and that no intelligent scientist would agree to it… well… .guess what… .you’re right.  

First of all, let’s look at what is galactic alignment is.  Galactic Alignment is when the sun is in position between the earth and the black hole in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.  This black hole has a mass about 4 million times that of the sun.  To put things in perspective, the earth is 150 million km away from the sun and about 260 QUADRILLION km away from the black hole in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.  

When you get away from the city lights…… you can see Milky Way galaxy stretching across the night sky.  This path of lights is formed from the light of between 200- 400 billion stars.  The path of lights that we can see is in line with the mid plane of our galaxy.  So it’s a bit like you’re looking at the edge of a plate that is held out flat in front of you.

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy about 120,000 light years across and is travelling through space at around 2.2million kph.  Thick dust clouds known as the Great Rift or Dark Rift block our night time view of the Milky Way.   During a so called Galactic Alignment the sun is in line with this dark rift. 

Some people have claimed that this alignment during the winter solstice with the sun entering the Dark Rift, will somehow bring about natural disasters to the earth.   In particular, they believe that when the sun and earth become aligned with the black hole in the centre of the galaxy, this will cause some kind of extra gravitational pull on Earth that will result in untold natural disasters.  Here are a few reasons why this is a load of rubbish.

1.    The fact is that the winter solstice itself does not have anything to do with the movements of the stars or anything in the universe beyond the earth.  The winter solstice only concerns the movement of the earth at the time when the earth's North Pole is tipped farthest from the sun.  Galactic alignment actually happens around the same time every year at the time of the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere; the time when winter turns to summer in late December.  It happened in 2011 and it will happen in 2013.

2.     Earth is not within range of strong gravitational effects from the black hole at the centre of the galaxy since gravitational effects decrease exponentially the farther away one gets.  As we’ve already noted, the earth is 150 million km away from the sun and 260 QUADRILLION km away from the black hole in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy.  Because the earth is so far away from the galaxy’s black hole, when the sun moves between the earth and the centre of the galaxy it is such a small movement compared to such a great distance.  Now because the sun itself is aligned with the dark rift, this annual creates NO changes in gravitational pull, no solar radiation, no change in planetary orbits, no polar shift or anything else that would negatively impact life on Earth.   The people who suggest this are acting on wrong information about our galaxy.   Of all the gravitational forces out there in the galaxy, the sun and moon are the strongest.  If we are going to be affected by some planetary force it will not be something 260 quadrillion km away.    In addition to this, the earth’s north pole is actually closer to the galactic centre in the summer solstice (June), not at the winter solstice (December).

3.    The sun appears to enter the part of the sky occupied by the Dark Rift every year at the same time.  But this hasn’t caused us any harm in the past and because of this we shouldn’t expect any problems in 2012.  So when the winter solstice arrives and winter turns to summer, enjoy!

Finally the position of a large ball of gas 150 million km away (the sun) is not going to affect our evolution or our consciousness so that we transform into a higher state of existence.  (note: this site does not believe we evolved - evolution is a lie).  We are not going to become more (or less) developed, spiritually or otherwise, because a ball of gas in the sky changes position (like it does every year).    Well, we hope that answers some of the questions you may have had about galactic alignment and the end of the world 2012 predictions.  Please be assured, galactic alignment will not bring about the end of the world in 2012.

courtesy of :

http://www.endoftheworld2012.net/galacticalignment2012.htm

The Keeper-Jade Michael Ada

The Keeper

          Captivated by the small yellow lights just outside my window, listening to the slow music that was still being played downstairs, I dreamt of what had happened that whole day.

          Dishes were clattering, spoons, forks, cups sounded shrilling as Aunt Elizabeth together with the young girls cleaned up after the dinner held for a special Italian guest together with the town’s priests.

           I longed for the seas and the quietness it would bring.

          Yes, quietness.

          That’s what I need.

          I undressed my night gown and put on my ‘baro’t saya’ , partnering it with a black shawl, my long dark hair flowing down to my hips. I tiptoed down the long winding stairs, and into the large living room. It was a good thing that the visitors decided to have tea in the music room. Si I took the liberty of escaping through the front door.

          I moved quickly as the pavement was wide and was very far from the main gates. I took very much care that they would not see me and would hide behind the huge trees that enclosed the pavement. As I got farther and farther away from the manor, the darker it gets.

          Then there it was..

           I heard the clicking of the ‘kalesa’ on the cobbled street. Finally I knew then that the gates are now within my reach.

          I carefully opened the gates and a sudden surge of wind made me realize that I was free. The lights flickered and went out.

The chilly wind is piercing through my bones. The street was now dark as the last lamp posts went out. That was when I realized that the small yellow lights that I saw were fireflies. Small beautiful fireflies.

          I crossed the street and entered a hidden door on the wall covered with vines. It was just across the manor. If you’re not observant enough, you would never notice that there was a small knob that was camouflaged on the thick vines. I discovered this on that faithful night when I first went out for a walk. I closed it and made sure that no one else saw me.

          The door opened into a lovely secret garden with red and white roses. There were no lamps since no one else knew about it, I guess. I came to realize that the real owners of this garden were clearly dead. The moon’s rays were enough to make me see it’s beauty. I came near the old fountain with its glistening waters, found at the center of the gardens.

           I found myself humming as I picked the roses, collecting a bunch of it.

          I heard a twitch.

          It felt like my heart stopped beating.

          Must be some twigs I suppose. But twigs don’t move by themselves.

          I decided to ignore it. But my senses were now alive and active,

          Then it went on again. More twitches, then rustles of dead leaves on the ground.

          Footsteps …

          Faster and faster ….

          I broke into panic! I should never be seen by anyone else. My parent’s names are at stake. I am very much aware that my parents would have a grudge against me. Their names would be destroyed if people see me running around especially at midnight.

          I hid behind the roses. There I saw it. I t was a girl, very much like me. Only that she wore ragged clothes, not like me. She was frantically searching for something. I wish I could help her. But no! the risk is too much. Luckily, she left after scooping something from the water with her bare hands. It was a casket. A small casket that I never saw before. It was wooden with black engravings. She wrapped it carefully with a old cheesecloth that she was carrying. I didn’t know where she got it, I never dared to ask.

          I hurriedly slid through the darkness into the tunnel adjoining the garden and the forest. I could smell the breeze of the ocean, for it was just beyond it. Most people don’t know about this. As I said, this place and the owners of it are very secretive. My heart is pounding so loud, twigs, branches, and bushes are brushing against my long skirt. But it was all worth it. Finally I arrived at the ocean.

          It’s white sandy shores are gleaming --- radiantly as if it is inviting you to come and feel it. So as with the sea. The gentle splashing of the waves on the shore was like music to my ears. It glistened under the graceful rays of the moon. The moon itself was not so bad. It glowed wonderfully, mildly--- ‘twas really enchanting.

          “It’s beautiful  isn’t it?”

          I jerked and faced the person from whom the kind voice came from.

          I expected to be brought anytime to my parent’s to receive my punishment. But he didn’t.

          He was blind.

          Blind..

          Darkness …

          Yes, I know it was all darkness that he could see. But how did he know that ‘twas beautiful, that old man? When he couldn’t even see?

          All I could reply was a stuttering “yes” to his query.

          After a long deafening silence, I finally found the courage to ask the old man about the mystery of his vision.

          “I’m not the only one whose blind you know.”

          “Really? How come?”

          “Your folks and everyone else in this town are blind. You see, not all people see the unseen. Just like me. I may not see it, but I can sense and feel it. I see it in my own way. You, in particular, are one of those people who can see the unseen.”

          “Me?”

          “Yes dear. You found the secret passage that led to the garden and through the ocean. You saw such things that are meant to be lost forever, the things that are hidden in purpose.”

          “I still don’t understand. How come you say that all else are blind? Do you mean to tell me that what I’ve seen so far are only fruits of my vivid mind?”

          “It has been some long years since someone first saw this place. She was very much like you. You were chosen.”

          “Like me? Why? Do you know me? What of the other girl? Chosen? Chosen for what?”

          “I cannot answer all questions you know. But soon, you will understand.”

          “Arianna, Arianna wake up.”

          “Aunt Elizabeth! Is the party over?”

          “Yes dear. Go now to your room. The others will help me.”

          I had slept. But the funny thing was I cannot remember anything but the ocean and the roses and… and a small casket.

          I went out of the large living room and into the winding stairs to the bedrooms. As I was undressing myself, I couldn’t keep my mind off that mysterious dream.

Captivated by the small yellow lights just outside my window, listening to the slow music that was still being played downstairs, I dreamt of what had happened that whole day.

          Dishes were clattering, spoons, forks, cups sounded shrilling as Aunt Elizabeth together with the young girls cleaned up after the dinner held for a special Italian guest together with the town’s priests.

           I longed for the seas and the quietness it would bring.

          Yes, quietness.

          That’s what I need.

photography... Nila!.. di to akin eh!

Wala lang... heheh naisip ko lang magshare ng pics

Ganyan ang mga Pinoy! Masabaw! whahha

Tigil na yan! ang traffic eh!

Party party Na! Ansaveehhh?

Gusto mo? sayo Nalang!

Ginawa ko toh eh... maganda naman.. yun nga yung the best so far.. akala siguro ni ma'am , pina draw ko lang.. amph!

“The Last Goodbye” By: Jade Michael Ada

Creating the perfect memory of someone is hard especially when you haven't seen that person for so long. Memories fade and are forgotten on the long run. But some memories stay with you forever and dig deep into your heart. Those kinds of memories will never be taken away from you.

    I once had a friend who was one of the closest that I had. We were always together and did almost all things together. We even shared our secrets with each other! We loved each other like a brother and a sister would. But something happened that changed it all.

    He died when we were still in elementary. He died on the summer of April 2005.

    Poor Dick…

    He was such a good kid…

    Many of our classmates, teachers and those who knew him and his family went to his wake. It's funny how we were so close yet; it was the first time I met almost all of his relatives including his mom and dad.

    His mom and dad just arrived from London. They work there, and left their children here in the Philippines in the care of their grandparents and other relatives.

    After the mass, his mom came to us. She was at first shy because she just recovered from a sickness that covered her face with small red dots- as scars. They hurriedly came back when they learned about their misfortune.

    I personally didn't know the story of his death because it was just after recognition and everyone else were busy with their own vacation.

    With that as the case, she offered to tell us how he died. Her story went like this.

    Dick and his relatives went to Manila for their vacation. They went to a resort and spent hours lounging in the pool. Even though his relatives were there, it didn't stop the accident from happening.

    His relatives were busy when he suddenly slipped and drowned. Apparently, people stepped on his body and eventually he died.

     In the morgue, they saw bruises all over his body, especially his chest. They're guess was, people must have stepped on him unexpectedly.

His mother cried after she told us what really happened. She also mentioned that she could identify his (Dick) friends, because we would stop and cry when we pass by his coffin. Upon hearing that, I looked around and saw his brothers and sisters still traumatized at what happened. Dick was their ultimate favorite, the youngest among them; they loved him like no other. His dad said nothing more but good stuffs about him, how he was as a son and as a brother.

The day of his funeral came. We walked to the cemetery all dressed in white. His family had been crying ever since we left the church.

In the coffin, as I have observed, they've put his favorite toys: small guitar, piano, his phone, and some other things that I can't remember.

Someone texted him! His phone rang. I thought then that maybe it was a prank. But after thinking about it for a few minutes, I guess someone sent him a last message. Perhaps to tell him, how much he/she loved him.

We said our goodbyes and laid our flowers. I remember the flower I had held in my hand. It resembled a carnation flower but it was yellow which held my curiosity for a brief moment.

As the coffin was pushed inside, his family couldn't stop wailing about how they miss him and why this happened to their family and especially, why Dick? His sister got it hard. She fainted as the coffin was being pushed inside. It's a good thing that one of his brothers was there to help her.

After graduation, I went to his grave and visited him, talked to him about all sorts of things and how we missed him terribly. I also told him I really wished that he would have graduated with us. I had a lot of fun talking to him, even if he replied no more.

That was not the first time I visited him. The first time was with my classmates. We visited him on his birthday, then on his death anniversary. His relatives were there. Like us, they brought flowers and candles and offered prayers for him. They caught us there. O.o It was rather embarrassing.

After that, we haven't seen them again. We later learned that their whole family moved to London. This past month, I saw them on a social networking site called Facebook. I guess their parents would not risk losing a child again.

His death caused a major change to the people who knew him. I realized that time on Earth is short, and we must try our best to do good to other people and to make every moment special.

The effects of stress on Health

"I'm so tired"

This is what we usually hear from busy people. They complain how they are so tired from work, etc. You can hear them wishing that they would be treated out to relax sometime. But, have you ever wondered how and why they become stressed? How do we prevent this?

According to Wikipedia, there are three kinds of psychological stress. They are the chronic stress which is a persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental disorder, Eustress- a positive stress that can lead to improved long-term functioning, and lastly, the workplace stress- a stress caused by employment.

I personally think that stress can affect every aspect of a person's life. This is because if a person is stressed, he would not be able to perform well all his duties. When this happens, he will be affected by it, then, even his relationships towards will also be affected.

Not only that, stress can also affect our health. I think that stress can give us a headache, cause hypertensions, confusion and suicidal thoughts. I came up with the idea that it causes suicidal thoughts when some confused people want to escape reality, the idea of dying becomes an option.

All of these ideas were supported by the article I've read. As what I thought, stress does affect our health. According to the article, it can cause heart failure, and stroke. It can also affect us psychologically.

According to the international stress Prevention Centre, that was established in 1981 by an Israelite, kiryat Shmona, there are a lot of ways to prevent stress. Preventing and relieving stress is easy if you would just be creative enough.

So if you feel stressed maybe you can sleep, talk to someone or seek guidance, or keep a tress diary where you put the details of your attack, so that you will know what triggers it.

Therefore if you feel stressed, don't jump to the idea of dying. There is more to life than you ever imagined. So be stress-free and be happy. Besides, "All work with no play, makes jack a dull boy."

 

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