Latest Features

• Pieta

  Monday, May 14, 2012

  Mark Angelo P. Bernaldez
  Agusan National High School

  
  

  Mama.

  Usually, that’s the word that’s first taught to us by our mothers. But in my case, it’s different. My mother told me that when I was an infant, the first word that she taught me was “Mark”, my name. And she never stopped until I finally learned to utter my own name.

  From that, I saw nothing but selflessness. I felt nothing but the genuine love she had for me. Her love for me was something that didn’t enclose me, but nourished and formed who I am. It was love that doesn’t own, but cares. I knew that she had it in her to let me know who I am. Because by knowing myself, I’d be able to appreciate who she was. Because she is part of who I am. She dwells in my soul, and lives in my heart.

  And yes I know that in my heart, I will forever be the little child that she loves.

  Who is a mother? To children, she is the woman who patiently wipes their sweat as they play all day. To teenagers, she is the person to whom they tell their heartaches and problems. To grownups, the only person who they can go to when everything seems to be going wrong. But more than that, who is this woman who had endured all the pain in bringing you to this world?

  A mother is someone who knows her children more than anyone else in the world. She is the receiver of all the pain that her children feel, and knows how to make things better. She stays with them through thick and thin and will love them in their success and downfall. More than these, she is someone who knows that someday, her children will leave her side, and has the courage to endure the pain it brings. She is the woman who lives with the promise that she will remain to be a great part of her children’s identity.

  The bond we have with our mothers usually weakens as we grow and make bonds with new acquaintances in our life. Somehow, we tend to drift apart from them as years add up to our life. But still, they remain where they are. They wait in that place until the coming of the day when we, their sons and daughters, finally learn to look back to where they are. And they ask for not more but our smile as we face them. That smile is what will light hope in their hearts and give them the assurance that we are doing fine wherever we’re heading.

  As we look back to them, we don’t only look, but we see. As we look at our mother’s faces, we must search deep within their eyes, into their souls and see ourselves as a part of it. There, we can find the real beauty they possess. This is the beauty that roots from the love and care that they have for us- the love that has made so many sacrifices and withstood a thousand storms. It’s not the number of wrinkles they have, but the numbers of smiles they’ve made. For their beauty is eternal.

  Most of us think that we outgrow the arms of our mother. Many believe that only infants can rest and stay in the assuring arms of a mother. But truth is, we all remain to be infants. Our mothers will always be there for us and will willingly stretch their arms when we’re about to give up. Just as how Mama Mary was to her child Jesus Christ, our mothers will be the ones who will be there behind us, ready to catch us when we fall.

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  Posted by: Smart Public Affairs

  Category: Essays

• Dabbling with Computers

  Monday, April 30, 2012

  Felomina L. Daskeo
  3rd and 4th Grade Teacher
  Cabunagan Elementary School
  Tadian, Mountain Province

  Technology is fast changing our lives, some for the better, and some for the worst. The advent of the computer has revolutionized a lot of the way we do things, and the field of education is not spared from having to keep abreast of the times. Thus, we hear terms such as computer aided instruction or CAI. Although the average public school makes limited use of computers in the classroom, the new information age has brought about a transformation in the way we view teaching and learning.

  In Mountain Province, specifically Tadian District where I come from, the use of computers among teachers is still on its exploration stage. For the past years, several basic computer trainings for teachers have been launched in an attempt to achieve a hundred percent computer literacy among them, but as the saying goes, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Some have fallen victims to the law of disuse while others, especially the genetically advanced, complained of a splitting headache after staring at the monitor for 30 minutes, thus ending their computer education.

  The cyber generation of mentors though moved up to the advanced trainings, but seldom or even never have they applied CAI in the classroom due to lack of hardware (and software too). If ever the school has a computer, more often than not it’s for office use only. (This is for the elementary schools; the high schools are luckier.) But lessons still proceed as usual using the classic chalk and board and manila paper and pentel pen approach. I was raring to apply some of my new found knowledge in computer manipulation to break the monotony of pupils staring at my scribbles on the board or trying to figure out some poorly printed picture in their books but unfortunately, there’s no LCD projector that we could borrow. We had to make do with the 14inch monitor of my laptop, until some heartless individual broke into our house and stole it. So it’s back to blackboard, manila paper and an occasional poster once again.

  Three years ago, the go signal to encode our promotional report was given. We, who had some knowledge in using the computer, were ecstatic because to fill up the form needed for this report manually, one must be very patient and precise- there’s little or no room for mistakes because the blank forms given are limited. Now that it’s computerized, we can just hit delete and change the wrong entries, but it also means spending more on printing cost if one commits a lot of errors especially if the encoding was done by somebody else. Well, that’s the downside if one doesn’t know basic computer operations. The good side is that more teachers are finally “forced” to learn so they could encode their own reports.

  So maybe at this point, you have already concluded that we are using the computer as a glorified typewriter (and notebook too where we could store lots of data). The Internet still remains an unexplored territory for most, but we’re getting there. In due time, the acceptance barrier that hinders teachers from embracing computer technology will hopefully be overcome especially if the hardware will become available to all schools. Although computers can never replace a human teacher, they can offer new opportunities for a better teaching- learning set-up. As we upgrade to the K-12 basic education curriculum, we should also realize that technology can also supplement our efforts in providing the needed educational services that we need to deliver to our pupils/ students.

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  Category: Essays

• Filipino: A Servant Hero

  Monday, April 23, 2012

  Mrs. Rosario Patino-Yap
  Cagayan National High School

  I am a commuter.  To get to my work, I pass by the Buntun bridge which is touted as the longest river bridge in the country and the second longest bridge after San Juanico in Leyte.  The 30 minutes daily ride from my house in Enrile to Tuguegarao City where I teach is made bearable by the unobstructed view of the Cagayan River that snakes through Isabela and Cagayan provinces before it empties into the great Bannag in the Pacific Ocean in Aparri, Cagayan. The two (2) kilometers bridge that showcases the river and the background of lush fields and mountains in the distance has always been a sight to behold for any jaded traveler.  

  While traversing Buntun bridge recently, my consciousness was piqued by an ordinary scene.  Amidst the backdrop of the Cagayan river and the rising sun, a couple of busy bodies were up to an early start. 

  Armed with hard brooms, big, improvised dustpans, jug of ice cold water and clad in sweater and cap, two street sweepers keep the bridge clean and litter-free. 

  Nothing extraordinary here, is there?  Nothing unless one looks closer and realizes that in their dutiful service, they risk life and limb as speeding cars and trucks pass them by.  Nothing extraordinary unless one realizes that a thin line separates the street sweeper from the danger of being side swept or run over by a car.   This is Filipino heroism in a seemingly mundane service from seemingly ordinary folks.

  This pinched a nerve in me. It made me redefine civil service vis-à-vis the concept of public servant.  First off, when I think of public servants, I think of teachers, police officers, and human resource personnel- government employees all.  Then I think of elected officials who dispense duties as they promised.  But are they all servant heroes?  Are they, who just sit inside their offices or comfortable workplaces yet not do anything extraordinary like risk life and limbs, also worthy of being considered servant heroes? Or are they, these street sweepers who weather rain and sunshine as they do the daily grind?  Who really is the great servant and a hero to others? Whom do we call lingkod bayani?

  These questions nagged me the whole day as I faced my class.  Am I, too, a servant hero to each of my student? I started to look at faces of co- teachers and colleagues.  I mused at the work attitudes of personnel working in government offices.  I started to ask:  What characterizes a servant hero?  Still considering these thoughts, I rode on a tricycle and headed to a government agency to transact business.  It was a long ride and the lines of the office front liners were endless. But I was in for a surprise! The front liners were systematic and they exuded friendly service.  It was a “Mamamayan Muna Bago Mamaya Na” moment.  It depicted that excellent, efficient and exemplary service that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has envisioned and has heralded.      

  Was it just a fluke that I chanced upon two sides of servant leadership in one day?  Or was it indeed the reality that I failed to see?  Then like the gift of epiphany, it dawned on me that the concept of servant leadership is rooted in the Bible.  The Great Book says that the servant leader anchors himself in service to God and stands ready to serve and to lead others.  This enriches the lives of others through unselfish service.  This is what “service before self” is all about.  The lowly street sweepers on that bridge and on side streets, the rank and file in government agencies and those who are in the elected positions epitomizes what Rabindrinath Tagore calls “serving synonymous with enjoying.” Simply put, servant heroism is creating a channel with others. 

  Furthermore, these two incidences reiterated that the advocacy for servant heroes is not far fetch.  For as long as we realize that service to others is like football.  We cannot be all quarterbacks at the same time. Sometimes, we have to be goalie and keep at bay inefficiencies and irregularities of service.  Knowing our role and playing the correct role is even more important to ensure that we don't lose sight of what makes us effective.  This is what heroism is all about – service to something bigger than one’s self and focusing on the greater good.   This is what renews communities and ties.

  Gen. George Patton’s standing order while commanding the Third Army during World War II was ”be the last man to take shelter from fire and the first man to move forward.”  Today, servant heroes are responsible not only for the conduct of their work but also for their health and contentment when not working.  He must be the last man to take shelter from the rigors and dangers of his work, and the first to move forward in efficiency and excellence. 

  As I traveled back home later that day, two diverse show windows of servant heroes buoyed me.  It was like knowing the moment when someone steps onstage and leads the troop and he becomes the person they look up to.  Then he steps down yet become the one who is ember to everyone else’s flame.  This is what rekindles the fire in me to be the best teacher my students will ever have.  This is my “Lingkod Bayani.”

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  Category: Essays

• Finish Your Story

  Monday, April 16, 2012

  Andie Angelika Beltran
  Third Year HS, Agusan National High School

  Many people already took their lives away when they got fed up of all the problems they have. And this is the biggest mistake they made.

  Having problems. That’s normal! These are just obstacles we need to surpass. And if ever these will never stop bugging you, don’t lose hope. Think, pray, and act. You’ll be then surprised that the towering piles of problems will turn out to be a bridge towards happiness.

  What you need to do is to conquer all those obstacles and never let them conquer your very soul. Only then you’ll realize that after a heavy storm with strong winds and lightning, you’ll see the sun brightly shining and a rainbow filled with different colors from red down to violet, congratulating you for a job well done.

  Never let worries and doubt take over. Overcome them instead. Never let anyone ruin your future and make you decide something which you will regret forever. If there are people who love making your life difficult to live for no reason at all, just smile at them and say, “I’m sorry but you’ll never win. I’ve got my own little story to finish with a happy ending.”

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  Category: Essays

• The importance of effective study habits

  Tuesday, April 03, 2012

  Frances Gabrielle C. Reyes
  Misamis Occidental National High School

  Forming an effective study habit is challenging, considering the outpouring source of diversions and distractions. However, if one realizes the value of learning, it would not be as difficult as it seems. What one needs are strong determination, established goal, and invincible perseverance.

  Studies show that a good study habit has a significant effect on the academic performance of students. Frank Pogue (2000) did a research project to determine why students fail. His study suggests that most students fail because they do not know how to study.

  So why is it empirical for students to have study habit? It is so important because not only will it serve as their means to be able to get good grades in school, but it also encourages one to develop discipline and self-control which is something that will prove to be crucial when they go out and pursue their respective careers.

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  Category: Essays

• He is the Best Solution

  Monday, March 26, 2012

  Emelio B. Makiling, Jr.
  Agusan National High School

  Families evacuating! People missing! Properties damaged! All these and more had happened because of “Sendong.”

  I could still vividly recall what happened when I was ten years old then and that was 26 years ago. Our place was devastated by a typhoon although the damage was not so much as compared to Sendong’s  wrath.

  As a School Disaster Risk Reduction management coordinator, I had come to ask myself, “Why did disaster happen?” Earthquake, tsunamis, floods, and landslides occur almost in all countries. The difference is only on the extent of its impact on the place.

  Certainly, there were consequences of what we had done to our Mother Earth. Did we ever ask ourselves the question, “What had I done?” Most of the time we point our fingers to anybody or to the government officials never realizing that we also had our part or contribution to the destruction.

  I had a Belgian friend who believed in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. He once told me that 250 years from now there would be another race of life that would take place. Looking at this theory and what was written in the book of revelation, it shows us the same things that would happen to the world in the last days. How can we stop these devastating disasters? How can we be an instrument in giving Mother Earth a chance of what it was supposed to be intended as created by God? How can we prove to our CREATOR that the beautiful world HE has given us would still be in good hands?

  According to the book of Loron Wade entitled The Ten Commandments, the world would be facing scientific problems that need scientific solutions. But, did you notice that even the intelligent scientist and all known organizations in the world up to now are still researching and working on what could be the supposed solutions to the problems on disasters that continue to haunt the world? It’s nowhere to be found. Why? It’s because the roots of these problems are not scientific but norms or moral problems of the people. Norms or moral problems of men need moral solutions. These would deal on values, attitude, behavior, and character of men.

  Former US Vice President Al Gore stressed “Respect for the land” in his campaign. The word “respect” is a moral behavior that should be internalized and live for wherever we may be and whoever  our companions are. We might be in different religions or doing different practices but we only have one thing in common - our beliefs with the “God” whom we worship and serve. The GOD of Abraham and Jacob is the same GOD whom we also draw our hopes and solutions to every problem we have.

  Let us all then turn and run to our GOD, the CREATOR and SAVIOR, and let us live in accordance to HIS will - “HE is the best solution!”

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  Category: Essays

• Dear 2011 (Part V)

  Monday, March 19, 2012

  Last month, we challenged our SSP teachers and online associates to personify the past year through a letter. We wanted to know the thoughts they want to say if 2011 were a person.

  Here are two of the winning entries:

  Lean Ashter Bansing Legaspi
  4th Year High School
  Mabalacat Community High School

  Dear 2011,

  How are you? You know what, I actually miss you. I guess you’ve been really a huge part of my life. Well, I actually wrote because I want to thank you. Thank you for all the difficulties you gave me.

  Thank you because I faced trials because of my studies. I always felt pressured, I need to complete my obligations as a campus journalist and as an officer of the student body, and of course, I need to maintain my grades. You know the feeling that you are so tired yet you need to wake up early because you have an important appointment. That’s what I felt like almost every day.

  Also, I want to thank you because I usually have some misunderstanding with my family and friends. Well, I’m not saying that I always have a fight with them, it’s just that, I am always involved in the situation.

  And most importantly, my spiritual life was on a roller coaster. What I mean is that I have ups and downs with Him. Well of course, I have faith in God and I honor and love Him, but let’s be honest that there will come a time that you feel weak and tired, and sometimes, I am like that. And oh, thank you also because I wasn’t able to face my problems alone.

  Oh well, your year 2011 is such a wonderful year, eh? I am not actually surprised if you’re wondering why I am thanking for all the negative things that happened to me. Well, it’s just simple, because I want to learn from my mistakes.

  In your year, I learned how to manage my time and to prioritize things for my studies. I was able to survive the hardship of pressure because of that and fortunately, I was able to survive two quarters, and hopefully, the other two quarters.

  I also learned that I should be open-minded when it comes to family and friends. Of course, we can’t erase the fact that there will always be a problem in such relationships. But when you open up your heart and mind, and you are willing to give another chance to others, I am sure that you’ll have a great circle of family and friends.

  And the main reason why I am thanking you is because I became stronger. I encountered a huge number of dilemmas, but I was able to conquer it because I depended on God, and not on my own. Yes, I am weak; I cannot do things on my own, but my God is strong and mighty. He will protect me through all sorts of hardships. As a proverb says, “If you’re problem is big, tell your problem that your God is bigger.” Nothing can exceeds God’s power.

  So now, I guess you already know why you are a wonderful year. And don’t worry, even if it’s already 2012, you will always be in my heart.

  Thank you for all the lessons learned. Bye.

  Love,

  Lean Ashler B. Legaspi

  Mayeth P. Benavidez
  2nd Year High School
  Pililla National High School

  Dear 2011,

  I know you are already gone, finished and you already passed by but I think I’m not yet late to thank you. I just want to say thank you because you are such a wonderful and amazing year for me. Thank you for the 365 days. You gave me trials and hardships wherein I have acquired so many lessons that I could share to others as long as I can. For the exquisite memories, thank you. I will cherish it evermore. Though you bestow me challenges, I still appreciate it.

  From the first to the last month of you, you gave me happiness and sadness, too. I also knew other people whom up to now, I consider as my friends and best friends. I am grateful for all the blessings that I’ve received. Thank you because you taught myself on how to be the real me.

  Yes, you gave me those sadness but still I’ve overcame it. Thank you for that! I have learned how to be strong, somewhat. Whenever you’re bringing me sadness, I just think it is a part of our lives. I always think of the quote “There comes the rainbow after the rain” when I feel sad.

  I have so many memories with you. It was unforgettable because it was so delightful.

  I have experienced joining a camp and being a nocturnal on your year. I, myself, tried new things with you that I would not forget even many years passed by.

  I am sorry if I’ve been a mean person. I didn’t mean to be one so thanks to you. You didn’t give any bad luck to me in return. I am sorry if I had envy some people. I became jealous, lazy and irresponsible, I am really sorry for that. I hope you’ve already forgiven me.

  You are the year that was one of a kind. You are very distinct. How I wish, you can be repeated because you’re really great. Great like the memories and lessons. Thank you so much 2011!

  Sincerely yours,

  Mayeth P. Benavidez

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  Category: Essays

• Dear 2011 (Part IV)

  Monday, March 12, 2012

  Last month, we challenged our SSP teachers and online associates to personify the past year through a letter. We wanted to know the thoughts they want to say if 2011 were a person.

  Here are two of the winning entries:

  Jennylou A. Pangilinan
  Teacher
  Cavite National Science High School

  Dear 2011,

  We’ve been together for quite sometime. I never thought you’d come by so quickly that I had no chance to think that you’d be leaving soon. Now, I came to a point of looking back at our escapades and reminiscing our togetherness.

  You many months taught me and molded me to become a better person, I will never forget when JANUARY brought me and my DPSA team to a bond we will never forget. Our hardships with your cousin 2010 paved off as we conquered the DPSA “Ano ang Kwento Mo?” challenge. It really is a wonderful experience for me and JENIPOLS ( ha ha it’s Jennylou’s Deciples funny how my team named themselves huh?).

  Not long after, FEBRUARY came to visit. Again my patriotic heart felt the love for the country as we commemorate the EDSA Revolution. I still cry over those poor souls of my fellowmen who need only democracy and freedom. 

  MARCH followed shortly, that time when we harvested the fruits of our labor, my students enjoyed their experiences in SMX, truly one of its kind. But, it’s not only happiness that we felt but also a bit of pain as we part ways during the graduation rites. My only token to them are the big trophies that the school gave them to recognize their efforts.

  A few days more and sunny APRIL waved at me. I never got that busy on a vacation before as I train the new breed of webmasters and bloggers. JENIPOLS in the making, at this point I learned and once proved that good things come in small packages. My new team members got lots of talents to share to the world. We hoped to win the next challenges ahead.

  Then came MAY, I got more excited as numerous trainings and workshops blocked the dates. I even got an umbrella and a few perfumes as prizes at contests in training. Those things will always remind me of you.

  A little more time and small people rushed at the school beaming with eagerness to learn. Its already JUNE They are my new sons and daughters at school. You have showered me with people who made me proud. My new I-Nitrogen students are not only bright but also talented, a little more discipline and they can do good for the country.

  JULY is what I awaited, this signed me to remember the date of my birth and be thankful to GOD for all the things. I learned to give pieces of gratitude to all those who helped and challenged me to be a better person.

  As AUGUST arrived, I rushed and assigned your dates with specific tasks in preparation to welcoming dear SEPTEMBER which has the date for the Philippine Robotics Olympiad. My team though finding it hard to come up with a robotics project finally moved steps ahead.

  It was early SEPTEMBER when the final battle for PRO took place. Guess what? Despite being penny less still we landed at the 12th place. Good thing because last year we were just finalist. 

  OCTOBER and NOVEMBER led our way to the 4th DSPA Challenge deadline. We uploaded our entries with crossed fingers. Hardwork …  patience…  and a few drops of perseverance …  we finished.

  The cool winter breeze embraced me as you were saying goodbye. I loved the days that we were together but I know we will come to this, see DECEMBER. I hope that your sister 2012 will be good too!

  P.S. Thanks for letting us win in the DPSA Challenge this year!

  With much love,

  Jen

  Kris Elli Zia Divino
  3rd Year High School
  Iligan City East High Schoo

  Dear 2011,

  Warm greetings of Peace, Love and Joy!

  Congratulations for a job well done! Even though you took dreams, plans, houses and lives you still deserve a big thank you! You left us with nothing to treasure but the lessons learned for a   healthy living, and most of all for the gift of faith. Giving us the chance and opportunities to live our life to the fullest is simply beyond our imagination for we owe you all the achievements we gain and all the accomplished goals as a human being from you. For those who succeeded, rejoice for she gave you another chance to prove that you deserve a celebration and for those who failed, still rejoice for she gave you another chance to try again. Dear 2011, ignore those who misjudged you for they don’t even know how much you’ve been fair to everybody because for me even though I sometimes fail you, you still give me reasons to stand up once again:  very supportive parents, a set of faithful friends, pains and laughters, victories to cherish, memories to remember and tears to make me realize things for the better.

  I thank you for taking care of me when it was your turn and even if you took care of everybody you still had the time to comfort and make me feel important. My appreciation for letting me know that everything happens for a reason and giving me so much knowledge of some of the best purposes of life. Thank you for letting me enjoy life despite of the wrong decisions I made. I loved you, you loved me back. We had the truest friendship that lasts for a lifetime. Thank You for being nice and horrible sometimes. Even though problems are on my way, worries fail because my faith helps me to believe in you. In time of despair, thank you for giving me no other options but seek my faith, kneel down and pray. It’s been a tough year for all of us but I’m glad I made it through with you. Thank You for saving me during my lonely, sad, rough times and for making me realize how to value my life.

  This simple letter can’t really expand my deep thoughts of you but maybe my smiles when we’re together proved how it really means. I may end this with a period but never to this friendship because we’re being part of each other lives. Though it’s now the end of being together always remember that you really never cease to amaze me on how you gave me so much impact to my life. The time has come for me to meet another person named 2012, hug me tight and wave goodbye my friend for I’ll leave you with my smile. Take care and goodbye! 

  Love,

  Kris Elli Zia

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  Category: Essays

• Dear 2011 (Part III)

  Monday, March 05, 2012

  Last month, we challenged our SSP teachers and online associates to personify the past year through a letter. We wanted to know the thoughts they want to say if 2011 were a person.

  Here are two of the winning entries:

  Jaime V. Ybanez
  Teacher
  Iligan City East High School

  Dear 2011,

  It was but the hardest time we encountered throughout the decade. We just listened to your call, and just heeded for your will.

  It was Friday eve, as we were bound to submit for a gathering hoping to receive “grains of gratitude”which had been promised for so long in exchange of our noble labours. We were enticed, not of the fun it offered, but of the fulfilment of the promise from a “local government icon” we were desperately anticipating. So it happened, and everyone was gay, dancing and prancing to the beat of loud music, hearing the shouts of the “miron” as if we were inside a derby ring.

  The beat went on to the hopping and grotesque manifestations of a “happy” celebration despite the raging gust of strong wind and the heavy downpour. The noise continued as strong as the trees-twisting wind and as loud as the “cats and dogs” from a rooftop.

  So we went home, exhausted but half-hopeful still bearing the “promise”. Then it occurred to us early dawn a sea of mud, logs, and water ravaging the mountainous trails down the plains carrying bits and pieces of torn abodes, while shouts, groans, and moans of innocent lives were the last resorts to signify hopelessness and helplessness of the once borrowed precious possession. The water went on, pounding, grinding, burying-without mercy, without hesitation, without prejudice.

  Early morning, the river was a calm representation of the wide plains once a vegetation and of dwellings. Lights shut off, transportation paralyzed, and most of all thousands of lives ceased to exist. At night, the evening was cold.

  But still, 2011 we are thankful for sending “Sendong” to us, because if not for him, we would not move on, and we would not know how our local “godfathers” would entertain us. Thank you so much for behind our tears is our victory and behind our sorrows is our pride.

  Today we are here, listening to the roaring upbeat of “comforts” that had not been once experienced. Life in our school goes on as usual, with students praying that “Sendong” would be back just to say “sorry” to us. Everyday is as normal as the usual days, with laughter seen in the eyes of the children with the grinning teeth of fun and I am one of them, standing in front not minding the grief deep within.

  Once again, thank you 2011.

  Truly yours,

  Jaime V. Ybanez

  Gianelle Mae Darong
  Grade 6
  San Roque Central Elementary School

  Dear 2011,

  It is with great excitement, anticipation mixed with some sadness when we said our final goodbye. Unlike most places, our goodbye was somehow the solemn type, thereby giving me some peace to grasp that moment to look at you walking away behind me and at 2012 making its approach in front of me.

  We had our rocky and fun times. At home I and my little sister had our usual petty quarrels at times. My little brother can be naughty at times, and often from these incidences because I am the eldest, I get most of the reprimand. However, it is in these moments too that I am being reminded that I am indeed the ‘ate’ and it is expected of me to be the giver. Those moments have been quite annoying; then again I am thankful they do happen. These lessons can be applied to school too.

  Oh, school, school, school. I know I’m just in elementary, but oh boy did we have a number of projects and assignments. Research here and there, portfolios, group projects, instant assignments, materials needed, print outs needed and all that sort of stuff that which stresses an eleven year old like me… Oh how I don’t like the tense feeling of having to race with deadlines, or coming up with an impressive project…but aside from the patience, creativity and endurance that I have gained from those events, do you know what important reminders I had each time they happened?....That I’m so lucky to have parents like my Mama Inday and Papa Marlon. Ma I need this…Pa I need to buy this…Ma I have to research something…Pa you have to take me earlier to school tomorrow. And the seemingly almost never ending squeals of help from me. Of course mama and papa complain at times specially when I put the pressure on them too…but never did they let me down…they always went ahead of themselves and gave all that I needed…sometimes even more. Not to mention the treats I have when I get good grades. We may not really have it all…but I have parents one could ever ask for…and moments from you reminded me a lot of times. One thing I really am proud of is how my parents are ever ready to welcome my classmates/friends at home for projects…even if I took home around almost 20.

  Friends…oh how I treasure the times we had with you…You do realize right that this is my last school year in elementary? At 2012, I shall be soon entering the very complex world of high school. And so, with you, I do cherish in my heart the times when I can still fully feel like a kid and press on with its carefree way.

  2011, you hold many fond memories for me, there were challenging and a bit tension-filled times of course, yet those moments also held the lessons and realizations that this child’s brain could have for now. Though it is a bit tough, I have to let go of you now but will hold all those memories in my heart. I will never forget all we have been through. I thank you 2011.

  Sincerely yours,

  Gianelle

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  Category: Essays

• Dear 2011 (Part II)

  Monday, February 27, 2012

  Last month, we challenged our SSP teachers and online associates to personify the past year through a letter. We wanted to know the thoughts they want to say if 2011 were a person.

  Here are two of the winning entries:

  
  

  Amherstya Djoanna B. Diaz
  Teacher
  Irisan National High School

  Dear 2011,

  The year that passed was so far the most memorable year in my entire life. You see 2011, it was the year that someone close to me went to heaven to watch over us. It was a year tjat I never thought would happen. My mentor, my protector, my best friend, my textmate, my dad said goodbye to us.

  Yes, 2011, there were some regrets about his passing, being away and not seeing how hard his dialysis had made his body weak seemed like the ultimate guilt that crushed me when I saw him in his death bed. In his last days of struggling, so many what-ifs and I should haves run through my mind like a car that runs 200 kilometers per hour.

  2011, I am the eldest of a brood of 4. I am working as a teacher here in Baguio City where I take care of kids not my own. But I love my profession so much that I have planned to grow old with this job. With this aspiration, I thought my dad would just be there forever waiting for us when we will not be too busy to see them.

  But going home on that day and seeing him with so many tubes hooked to his body, I realized that life is too short that I should have stayed with him during summer and Christmas breaks and record memories that I would cherish ‘til I grow old.

  Pray for me, 2011, that when another year begins, I will learn and be able to slowly accept that my dad might not be here physically but his spirit will be with me always. I know he is a part of me and we, my brothers and sister, are a part of him and that life is still a colorful place to live in, with many people to care about and love, like my mom, my husband, my kids, my friends, my in-laws, my students and all the people I bump with everyday.

  Wish me good 2011, that I may be a blessing to other people as I want to leave a mark in this world just like my father did. Bring this prayer to my father, 2011, tell him even if we don’t call him dad, papa, tatay, his name JOHN stands the meaning and essence of being a dad and that we miss him terribly.

  Lastly, as you bid goodbye, with God’s grace and love, may you bring, peace, love, progress, and unity to all of us.

  Sincerely yours,

  Amherstya Djoanna B. Diaz

  Friane Jade R. Togonon
  3rd Year High School
  General Santos City High School

  Dear 2011,

  Hello, my dear friend! How have you been? It’s been a month since we’ve last talked. I kept my promise of being a good girl and coming to school early last December, so you better read my letter whole-heartedly in return!

  Do you still remember the first time we met? I can recall those moments as if it was just yesterday. I’m sorry for the not entirely joyful greeting but I was still grateful to have met you at that time. To tell you the truth, against your large fair palms I felt pain and suffocation at first with nothing but your cold caresses reminding me of my loneliness as you hush me to bed. Pessimism just kept running through my head having infinity of laps. I was… sad.

  Though my days were dark and stormy clouded with grief and isolation, you never failed to blow all of those away with your warm gushes of care. I remember it was your cousin, March who introduced me to cosplay. Speaking of the devil, please send my regards to her and tell her I’ll give her some manga the next time we meet.

  Cosplay now means so much to me. I can never get tired of the thrill of dressing up in clothes that belong entirely in another world feeling my character and myself are one. It was then that I gradually understood that life does have sunshine and rainbows. Perhaps even Prince Charmings?

  It also made way for me to find real friends. People who had my heart feel so much warmth made by persons that I never realized until then even existed. Just for once in my life, I felt truly understood. It ended the rain in my world and suddenly, I had seen a lovely blue sky.

  As you know, summer was very temperate and humid. Yet my first pool party with friends totally made up for all the sweat I had throughout the season. It was so fun under the sun endlessly laughing at jokes that don’t even make sense and playing games that are only right for children.

  I started my 3rd year with you along with your brother June, remember? My awkwardness among other classmates didn’t die down. It was still there, standing so high and mighty I honestly wanted to trip it.

  Then, Christmas came along. December was such a fun guy when he was with you. I got a day with my Mom, my Stepdad, my sister with God’s grace and received a present that meant more than jewelry and clothes, love.

  You’ve held my hand all the way through a journey that just ended but it doesn’t mean that now I have another for my upcoming adventure up ahead, that I will forget you.  My days are brighter and warmer always snowing with love and happiness but none of it was possible, if I haven’t met you!

  Sincerely,

  A Friend

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  Posted by: Smart Public Affairs

  Category: Essays

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