A Promise to be Fulfilled

“Promises are like the full moon; if they are not kept at once, they diminish day by day…” – German proverb

              Nowadays, we often heard several people uttering their own promises not just to their loved ones or probably their friends, but to themselves as well. Such promises that are perhaps for the betterment of themselves. But do you think a promise is worth to be kept if someone doesn’t carry out such?

              That’s actually what I’m trying to point out in the exchange of words below with the marvelous American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army who was known in his promise “I came through and I shall return” as he left the Philippines during World War II, no other than Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Robin: A delightful day to you, Gen. MacArthur.

Gen. MacArthur: A delightful day to you as well, Robin.

Robin: It’s my honor to meet and greet such noble and magnificent army man like you.

Gen. MacArthur: Nice to hear such words from you, fair gentleman. Thanks a lot!

Robin: You’re welcome, Sir! First and foremost, let me just give us a brief background of your personal life, Sir.

Gen. MacArthur: Well, I was born and raised in a military family from Arsenal Barracks in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States on January 26, 1880. In fact, my father, Arthur MacArthur Jr. was an American Army Captain. I was able to reach the peak when I ended up as valedictorian in West Texas Military Academy and First Captain at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where I graduated top of the class of 1903.

Robin: You mean to say, military is indeed your passion, am I right?

Gen. MacArthur: Yes, indeed. I was able to follow that passion from my dad who fought in the Battle of Missouri Ridge during the American Civil War, wherein he received the Medal of Honor. That’s what inspired me to follow my desire in life.

Robin: That was awesome! Truly, military runs in your veins.

Gen. MacArthur: Absolutely! In fact, I was nominated for the Medal of Honor during the American Occupation of Veracruz in 1914.

Robin: Ah… Sir, if you won’t mind; I’m prithy curious about your occupation in Veracruz. Where is actually that place located? And how were you able to be nominated for such tribute?

Gen. MacArthur: Oh I forgot to mention. Veracruz was located in the boundary of the United States and Mexico. The occupation actually exploded on the onslaught of the Battle of Veracruz wherein I conducted a reconnaissance mission. For the information of everyone, reconnaissance is exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain vital information about enemy forces for later analysis and dissemination.

Robin: Amazing! Can you share more facts about your journey as a military man?

Gen. MacArthur: Well, three years after being nominated, I was promoted to colonel and became the chief of staff of the 42^nd Division. Then again, I rose to the rank of brigadier general after I fought on the Western Front on the onslaught of the First World War. From that promotion, I was able to notch Silver Star awards, Distinguished Service Cross twice and once again, the Medal of Honor.

Robin: But how were you able to be doled out here in the Philippines during the World War?

Gen. MacArthur: After serving as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy from 1919 to 1922 and becoming the Army’s youngest major general in 1925, I retired from the Army in 1937 to become Military Advisor to the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. That was the time when I was recalled to duty in 1941 as commander of United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).  I was able to come across several struggles on my service here in your country. My air forces were totally destructed during the assault of the Japanese regime in Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941. These series of disasters soon forced me to withdraw to Bataan, particularly in Corregidor Island ‘til 1942.

Robin: Oh, I see. But how were you able to save your staff from being totally astounded by the Japanese?

Gen. MacArthur: It was March 12, 1942 when I and my staff decided to leave the island and escaped to Australia. This flees probably made me more eminent as I promised to return to the Philippines once the trouble was over.

Robin: Oh, that’s why most of us when heard your name mentioned “I shall return.” That’s the genuine promise! I salute you, fair Sir!

Gen. MacArthur: That’s what promises are for. Promises are not meant to be broken; instead it is meant to be fulfilled. Wait, if you won’t mind, do you want to follow my desire? I mean, are you one of those thousands of your countrymen who wanted to serve in the military?

Robin: No, Sir. In fact, I wanted to be a renowned certified public accountant and a lawyer. Too extraneous from being a military man, right? All I admired to you, aside from all you’ve done for my country is your unbroken promise. Despite of your frail forces after so much combats, you are still able to return here.

Gen. MacArthur: Well, I appreciate your salute. Thank you so much for that!

Robin: Okay, so that’s all Sir! Thank you for your precious time you had given me in this interview. Hope you were able to inspire millions of citizenries of the Philippines in this interview. Thank you and more power, Sir!

Gen. MacArthur: Well, a heartwarming gratitude to all of you too. 

The Circles of Transgression

               Defiance. That’s what we get from our misdemeanors inside this institution. Unwittingly, just like what we have witnessed in Dante Alighieri’s Inferno and Purgatorio, each one of us have passed at least one of the nine spheres of transgressions in which, instead of getting into the Earthly Paradise, will lead us to be reprimanded then eventually, expulsion.

              Even from the very moment that we walked in the premises; if you missed your identification card, came up late or haven’t trimmed your hair (in case of the males) then you’ll be warned by the school guard along with the student-police. If we don’t, then that’s the time when we get conceded in the first circle of transgression.

              As you walked along the walkway going to our designated rooms, we actually flout the rules being impost by the administration when we simply throw our rubbishes off the ground without being discerned by anyone. That’s another peccadillo on our part. Though it was just a little fault, still you are able to break the law. Then that’s the time when we went ahead of the second circle of transgression.

              When we got into the classroom, of course the first thing that we’ll do is to put down our loads. That very moment will mark the third circle of transgression, and it comes in three semicircles: the circle of fraudulent, the circle of conspiracy and the circle of maltreatment. Generally, when we speak of fraudulent we are dealing with deceitful behavior especially when it comes to examinations. Whether we controvert it or not, the fraudulence is always been coupled by expert timing to yield something that you can be proud of. I am not in any way trying to magnify the loopholes of some of the students here, but I guess this sphere as a whole would be the most lethal of all.

              Another thing which probably may exist in this circle is the circle of conspiracy. I believe you all guys are already familiar with one of the Shakespearean masterpieces entitled Julius Caesar. Do you still recall how the noble Roman general was killed? In fact, he was killed by the conspiracy of Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus and the rest of the conspirators in the Senate. That’s actually what some of us are doing to our fellow buddies. Instead of looking at the positive side, some always find a way to show up the negative side of their friends, and that’s what we are referring to as the plastic.

              To sum it up, the circle of maltreatment merely talks about bullying. We can’t deny that bullying and discrimination are prevalent in this institution. Even from the very small case up to the most repulsive one, still it’s a sin.

              Now on the fourth circle of transgression, I know most of us resort not to flush the toilet after having it used. Whenever I enter the comfort room, I always see and breathe filthy environment that dismayed my senses. Oftentimes, I got ashamed of what some of us are doing. Without knowing by them, that’s actually a sin. Good thing we got a kind janitress who decided not to put the blame on them but instead, ignore them.

              Whenever we enter laboratories or learning centers, of course we are obliged to pay attention to the rules and regulations inside. Undeniably, most of us nowadays do not observe these rules which in one way or another may lead to accident or deduction in grade. That was the time when we cross the threshold of the fifth circle of transgression.

              After the arduous day’s toil, there would come a time that we need to get into the cafeteria to fill up our hungry tummy. Of course, there is a chance that the cashier or the teacher-in-charge may have mistaken the change that she gives us right after purchasing. It can either be excess or less than what is it. Definitely, if that’s less than the right amount, we’ll complain; but if it is excess, some will just ignore and go on. That’s another sin in the sixth circle of transgression which should be brought to a halt.

              After we bring the day to an end, of course we need to get into our vehicles or the so-called “services” for us to get back to our respective residences. As we wait for our fellow “servicemates”, some decided to roam around with their valuables or foods with them. What will be the eventuality? Of course, rubbishes will just be left on the school grounds and even inside the vehicle. Too shameful, isn’t it? Well that’s the time we when come across the entrance of the seventh circle of transgressions.

              After all these seven circles of misdemeanor, you got nowhere to run but to the eighth circle of transgressions which is at the guidance center where the guidance counselor is waiting. There, all your track records from the initial circle will be invigorated thus; suspension may trigger depending on the level of your misdemeanor which may lead to expulsion if you are proven guilty without reasonable doubt as you pass through the ninth and final circle of transgression which is the Principal’s Office wherein you need to get your transcript of record and Form 138 from the principal and walk out the door of this institution.

              So before all these transgressions may happen, make sure to be a better individual once you entered inside or else, you’ll taste the wrath of the nine circles.

Better to be Precise

            Facebook, Twitter, Friendster, Flickr, Tumblr. Those are just few of hundreds of social networking sites which, in one way or another facilitate us in getting in touch with our close buddies and relatives as well as the business matters. But generally, before we had this variety of social media people resort to texting as one of the best ways to keep in touch with someone. And as time passes by, most of us make use of several methods like abbreviations as an alternative in a rapid way on how to exchange a few words using our cellular phones. Unwittingly, this technique of conversing may lead to misspelled words and mislead technicalities which may trigger our poor English skills and proficiency. In spite of the aforementioned statements, most of the people here and abroad favor this kind of way out. In the first place, is it really essential for us to ensure the accuracy of the words that we’re using while we are texting? Do you agree that texting is the reason behind our ruined English aptitudes?

              Nowadays, people of all ages get addicted to several social media including those which I mentioned earlier. They even spend more than a couple of hours a day facing the computer and the cellular phones, which they think do not yield health problems. Other people resort to texting as well, if they think facing computers that long wouldn’t be favorable especially these days when high-tech cellular phones become trendy and up-to-the-minute. Some of us including myself make use of these gadgets in a way that our English skills won’t be hindered. Sad to say but most of us, especially the students make use of short cuts and abbreviations when it comes to texting. They even modify the spelling of several words just to abridge the text as a whole. Let say for example: instead of using the complete words in this interrogation “Where are you know? I am right here waiting,” they will simply type “Wer na u? D2 na me.” Too bawdy to read, isn’t it? Though reduced, it’s not acceptable to make use of such lewd terms in texting. Why not use the actual words, anyway? Most of us I guess are unlimited both in terms of call and text daily.

              Another thing which must be carefully examined is the punctuations. As a copy reader and headline writer, I do observe every punctuations and spacing in every collaborative activity that we had especially during our Filipino class. Some think of it as an inconsiderate one, but I guess in my own simple way I was able to instill in their minds the significance of the correct use of punctuations, capitalizations and spelling in every composition. I may sound a critic but I guess everybody is entitled to his or her own beliefs. And I believe that my own belief really favors me a lot.

           To sum it up, texting is not the legitimate reason behind our ruined English aptitudes. It merely depends upon the user, whether he or she will prefer the right one or not. But in my own viewpoint, it is still better to be precise.

Semester Break: A Commendable One or Not?

          “All our life passes in this way: we seek rest by struggling against certain obstacles, and once they are overcome, rest proves intolerable because of the boredom it produces.” – Blaise Pascal.

            After a long wait, the Semester Break was finally over. I guess this is the right time to rebuild the broken equanimity (perhaps due to the recently concluded Issuance of Cards last 25 October) as we indulge to the Third Quarter of triumphs and failures. You all guys are excited, don’t you dare deny it. But before we finally move on, let us take a look back at the memories brought about by the recently concluded Semester Break. Were they commendable enough to reminisce or not? 

          Actually, the answer will really depend upon the person concerned. For me, absolutely it was a tedious one. I got nothing else to carry out at home aside from riding my bicycle early in the morning and store keeping the rest of my day. In fairness, my lackluster “Sembreak” had grown better-off this October 28 (Monday) as I, together with my family and relatives had a good time on my 15^th birth anniversary. Simple, yet exceptional; that’s how my birthday went on.

            It happened that I woke up late at around six in the morning that day. I wasn’t expecting for a profligate birthday blow-out, for I really don’t want to have such. So I got into the store and made my daily routine: checking yesterday’s sales and having sales inventory. It was Barangay Elections then, that’s why people started to get hectic with their plans and last-minute campaign. I don’t even have a time to ride on my bicycle, for everyone was truly occupied. Like what I’m doing before, I got into the church to express gratitude to the Lord Almighty for another year He has given me. 

            When I got home at nine, everyone in the house started to prepare for the parsimonious birthday celebration. I got a dozen sticks of barbecue, a couple of liters of ice cream, a circular basket of pancit bihon and of course, the cake. It was mealtime when my uncle and aunt together with my youngest cousin came along to have some good time with us. Everything seemed to be typical, of course with the exception of the foods that we shared which is usually on a birthday gathering only.

            After almost an hour of mealtime, my mom got into the precinct to cast her votes for the aspiring Barangay Chairmen and Councilors. When she got home, my dad and I proceeded. That was the time when I finally took a glance at the glamour of my previous institution after three years upon commencement exercises. After casting his votes, we got home and everything had become usual all over again.

            The subsequent days of my week-long holiday were filled with tediousness and boredom. Like my previous routine of activities, I rode on my bicycle in the morning and did some business matters the rest of the day. In order for me not to get totally jaded, I deposited my savings in the commercial bank on Tuesday (October 29) and went shopping every now and then. My mom will have the extensive list with me and right away, I went to the nearby grocery store. That goes every day, except on Wednesday (October 30). The reason why is that we, my dad and I were scheduled to have the annual maintenance of the sepulcher of my great grandparents in the Catholic Cemetery roughly a kilometer away from our vicinity. It was my first time to have with me the paint brush and started painting the walls and ceiling of the grave. I even polished the granite of the grave. It took us more or less a quarter of the day having the annual maintenance.

           When we got home at three in the afternoon, I just took a bath and went on shopping (because I can’t help myself not to get shopping on that particular day) once more. It was a short list after all, so I just seized up half an hour shopping. As I went down the tricycle, I instantaneously check the items and have it priced before putting them to a display.

            On the 31^st of October, instead of thinking about the Halloween attires, I just opened my piggy bank to count off my savings. In fact, that piggy bank was last opened on 2009: roughly four years from now. I counted every coins and found out that it was actually ₱ 12 000.00. I got no more time to have them deposited in the bank, for tomorrow is an official non-working holiday in observance of the All Saints’ Day. Better to keep it first in the cabin and have it deposited soon.

            On the All Saints’ Day (November 01), my dad and I went to the cemetery having a couple of sets of flowers and multihued candles with us at exactly half past one in the afternoon. As we got there, the scorching heat of the sun started to shatter. That particular moment was said to be the most tedious time of all. I forgot my earphones, nothing to seat on (for the bleacher was too hot) and the ambiance seemed to get even fetid as people continues to pass by our area. After nearly an hour, we decided to get out of the congested cemetery.

            Nevertheless, in spite of boredom which mesmerized my mind during this recent “Sembreak”, at least I had a remarkable birthday celebration even without her greeting me on my most precious day. Thanks to my family and relatives, for they made not just my birthday, but also the whole week a more meaningful one.

How Can You Mend This Broken Heart?

          “But there's a danger in loving somebody too much, and it's sad when you know it's your heart you can't trust. There's a reason why people don't stay where they are. Baby sometimes love just ain't enough…”

           Heartbreak, melancholy and misery. That’s how these lines were meant to be. It talks about the past relationship between two lovers and their efforts to move on and make sense of the consequences. But how do people deal with this kind of emotional misfortune? Were they able to go on in spite of depression and desolation brought about by these heartaches?

          Love knows no boundaries. It does not accept limitations and will do everything to prevail over the odds. Whatever it takes, for better or worse, love will find a way. That’s what I actually feel now that I finally found the one whom I will love and cherish. Yes, I am in-loved and I admit that I loved several ladies before; but it seemed that she is the one who mesmerized me like never before. In fact, it all started early this school year when I sat behind her. At first, I never thought of falling in love with her. Who won’t be easily enthralled by her charm and beauty? Without a doubt, you all guys will surely be in-loved with her once you get closer to her. She sends me a phone message whenever she needs my help and I reply immediately to her. Most of the time, we spent having our conversation in Facebook (and that’s what I cherished the most). As time goes by, unwittingly I am falling in love with her. I tried to keep it to myself but I can’t. And I guess my decision of letting them know my true feelings about her was the most drastic decision that I ever made.

            It was May 20 of the current year when it all started. Though she’s already my classmate before, I was never captivated by her allure when we saw each other once again after a couple of month’s vacation. Actually, it was the premiere day of the annual National Schools Maintenance Week so we are obliged to gather in school together with our parents. That very moment, I can’t resist keeping my eyes on her; whenever she goes, then I’ll go with her. I was like an iron nail being pulled by her strong charisma. At first, I was thinking that it was just an illusion so I don’t get myself bothered by her.

            Then it happened that I sat behind her during the initial day of this school year. I can’t even believe what have transpired. The seating arrangement favors me a lot, for I can have a greater opportunity to get even closer to her; but I was played by destiny. I have met a cute, young lady from the lower year level and got acquainted to her. In other words, my attention was diverted to her. We got several exchange of text messages and conversations every day, every night, every minute of the day. I even got into the point that I was also falling in love with her, but she showed early signs of rejection.

            After realizing the remorseful refutation, I immediately recalled the sweet, lasting moments that we shared by my classmate whom was then my love interest. I guess this is the right time for me, for they don’t even know that my feelings were starting to regain once again. We got several exchange of text messages and conversations, much like what the girl from the lower year and I were doing before. Then there came a time when I realized that… “Oh, I guess she’s the one I’ve been waiting for so long.” 

            As my fellow classmates started to talk about my love and affection towards her, it seemed that she drew farther and farther from me; one thing which seemed obvious in her gesticulation. I keep on getting closer; but whenever I draw closer, she drew farther. As time goes by, my determination to capture her heart gets even more persistent. Without myself realizing, my persistence will totally put a gap between her and I.

             It was her birthday last October 14. Of course I greeted her a happy birthday via text message, but I didn’t receive even a single reply. When I got into the classroom at around 6:20 in the morning, there goes the commotion brought about by my classmates. They even greeted me a happy birthday, although my birthday is actually a couple of weeks after hers. I felt very anxious for I was expecting that she got an adorable teddy bear from her locker which I placed during the dismissal last October 11 (Friday); but it seemed that she just denied it and left in her locker for a couple of days.

            It was October 16 (a couple of days after her birthday) when somebody tapped me on my shoulder when I was seating right there in my armed chair. I thought that he or she was just one of my buddies seeking my help, but it was she and the teddy bear with her. She didn’t even utter a single word when she returned my birthday gift and walked away. Slowly, tears rolled down my face. But I made sure that no one will ever notice my tears. I was intimately depressed of what have transpired.

          The misery in my heart got even worse when I logged in my Facebook account that night and found out that she already blocked me; meaning to say, I can no longer have an access to her. How pitiful I was then.

           From then on, my heart was filled with despair and desolation. I even cry whenever I stare at her face; a cry of grief and sorrow. But they never see me crying; instead, I keep myself cheerful and glad despite of rejection which prolongs in my heart and soul.

            In spite of what have transpired, I will still be loyal to her. I will never find another girl like her, for she got everything I want: her beauty, charm, attitude and intelligence. Indeed, my heart was captured by her.

             “From now on... you're only someone that I used to love...”

To all the duteous and assiduous mentors:

What Lies Behind Every Success?                

                

               Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. – Lao Tzu

                This quote perhaps explains the true essence of a teacher. They could not just be compared to any other government employees; instead, they should be highly-acclaimed and well-regarded for their undying endeavor just to equip us with the knowledge which we were longing for since then. They are engineers who build the right path for our journey for us to fulfill our reveries, and psychiatrists who will carefully and vigilantly mold us toward better individuals in the near future. Without them, then there would be no better world to live in; thus, everything seems to be absurd.

                “Ma’am, Sir!” These are some ways on how we call for the attention of our teachers. But, did you know that behind these words a special relationship is starting to bloat?  These ties between the teacher and the learners would not just be a simple kind of interaction; instead, these will carry us to the path towards better individuality. They lead us to the trip wherein several predicaments await us: predicaments which try to knock us down and capitulate. Undoubtedly, for as long as they are with us, there’s no journey that would be a misfortune. They will never get weary of sharing with us the knowledge and wisdom which should be deemed as a grace, for wisdom is the precious gift of learning.

                Since we’ve been talking of teachers, there was this mentor of mine when I was in my fifth grade that I will never put out of my mind. From the very moment that I entered the first grade way back June 6, 2005, Angelo (Macario) and I were always been in a one-two punch: He’s the perennial top and I’m next to him. Or if there’s a chance that I’ll be ousted, I landed on the third (actually it was Jeremiah Quinto who ousted me on the second seed at the end of the second grade level). But it was in the third and fourth grade levels when I, all of a sudden made my way down to the fifth rank for two consecutive school years, which I think and suppose that time that it’s not the rank that I am worthy of. I accept my fault; I neglected some of the lessons and even became more jocular than before. But isn’t it logical for a fresh nephew of my teacher to instantaneously grasp to the top. Not just to the top; particularly to the third seed. WOAH! That was my initial reaction upon entering the room and looking at the ranking being impost on the board. Though it was not the final rating, still, it seemed that we, the four-five punch, were trampled upon by the rank, since that fellow of mine before was nothing but an average kid: obtaining  typical scores and not even active in oral participation. Anyway, past is past. I just want to share my previous dire times in the primary course. In fact, I recuperate with my destined rank during our commencement exercises last 2011 wherein I finished off as a salutatorian (as usual, the shadow of the perennial valedictorian).

                With regards to my previous statements, I am not in way or another neither trying to relegate the role of the teachers as a whole nor saying that most of the teachers are like my previous one. I just want to have it here the ire which once overflowed in my heart and soul. In fact, all my previous and current mentors here in CavSci are truly respected and highly-commended. I have witness the dignity and love of honesty of the mentors here (especially our English and Spanish mentor) for having impost the rules and regulations of the school and for not prolonging the dishonesty which slowly contaminates not just our minds but also our conscience; and for that, I salute all of you Sir/Madame!

To all the duteous and assiduous mentors from all over the world, wishing you a HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY! Hoping that you’ll never get tired of nurturing the hearts and minds of these young individuals towards to the prosperity of our country in the near future.

Beyond Reality

Beyond Reality

On a cold winter night, Juliet is talking to herself on the balcony of their house. She is confused about her feelings towards Romeo, her best friend. She is asking herself if what she feels is true love or not. Romeo, unseen by Juliet, is hiding behind the bushes of the garden and overhears everything she is saying. Romeo is actually in love with Juliet ever since they met and he didn't have the confidence to express his feelings. But after hearing Juliet's true feelings, he finally decided to ask her hand in marriage. Romeo shows himself to Juliet and asked her to marry him. After hearing this shocking revelation, Juliet's eyes were filled with tears of joy. Juliet says yes and Romeo was overjoyed. Romeo put the diamond ring given  by his mother to him. This ring was preserved and given from his ancestors and now to him by his mother, saying that it should be passed to whoever he will marry. Their wedding was planned to take place in Italy. They planned the wedding before they board their ship to Rome. On their way to the Verona Royal florist, they came across the soothsayer. They were astonished by the shocking news that the soothsayer said. They were warned to beware of the Ides of March. The couple was so afraid for they planned the wedding to take place on the 17th of March and they will board their ship on the 14th of March. They thought of their plan all over again. The Montagues and Capulets suggested to postpone the wedding but the couple believed that the warning of the soothsayer is only brought about by superstitious beliefs. On the 14th of March, the couple boarded their ship to Rome.

On board the ship are Romeo and Juliet’s guests. They are all well known personalities from various allied kingdoms. From the kingdom of Denmark, Hamlet, from the Kingdom of Rome, Julius Caesar, Cassius, and Brutus, from the Kingdom of Scotland, Macbeth, from the Kingdom of Syracuse, Antipholus and Dromio, from the Kingdom of Ephesus, Antipholus and Dromio, from the Kingdom of Athens, Lysander, Demetrius, Helena, and Hermia, and from the Kingdom of Messina, Beatrice and Benedick. At midnight, everybody was having the time of their life when Beatrice and Benedick suddenly notice that the Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse and the Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus are actually twins. The mischievous Benedick told Beatrice that they should play a prank on them. Beatrice agreed and commenced their plan. Beatrice flirted with Antipholus of Syracuse and told him to ask Dromio of Syracuse to fetch her a glass of water. Benedick told Antipholus of Ephesus that he will give him a treasure chest full of gold if he gives him a piece of cake. Antipholus of Ephesus easily believes this and told Dromio of Ephesus to get him a piece of cake. When both Dromio got what their master wanted, Benedick and Beatrice switched the places of the two Antipholus. Dromio of Ephesus gave the cake to Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse gave the glass of water to Antipholus of Ephesus. Both Antipholus got mad because they thought that their servants were mocking them. The 2 pairs of twins chased each other all over the ship. Dromio of Syracuse accidentally trips on the floor and accidentally pushes Antipholus of Ephesus towards the captain of the ship. As the captain falls, he accidentally stirred the ship towards an iceberg and caused the ship to sink. Everybody fell overboard except for the Capulets, Beatrice, Benedick, Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus because they were able to get on the lifeboats along with the crew of the ship.

After the dreadful shipwreck on March 15 (based on the soothsayer’s Ides of March), all the guests of Romeo and Juliet were drifted upon a mystical island which was then believed to have superstitious beings. Auspiciously, they were able to prosper in the barren island a few days right after the shipwreck. There they came across with Oberon and Titania, the mysterious king and queen of the fairies, together with Helena, their gorgeous princess and Puck, their relentless aide. Puck has this potential to mess up a relationship between two lovers simply by squirting a mystical juice to the eye of either the guy or lady once they were asleep, so that when they woke up, they won’t be together again as if they were not acquainted with each other. Prior to the abhorrence of Capulet and Lady Capulet to Romeo, Capulet ordered Puck to squirt the mystical juice to the eye of Romeo so that he could not be acquainted with Juliet to any further extent. Lucky for them, Puck was able to do so. Meanwhile, Helena was in love with Demetrius, a guy whose love interest is Hermia. Helena has no other choice but to order Puck to squirt his mystical juice to Demetrius so that he will be falling in love with her. At the same time, Egeus, a mighty blacksmith of the island, was also disgusted with Lysander, whom his daughter Hermia loves so much. So Puck was then ordered to do the same like what the Capulets and Helena ordered him before, and he was successful in doing such.

From then on, perplexity between three couples had started. Romeo was now in love with Hermia; Demetrius was stunned by the lovely Helena; and Lysander has a deep adoration to Juliet. Thus, Helena was successful with her plan. Upon having Demetrius in her life, Helena pretended to have been pregnant to him (but actually, this is not true). To his delight, Demetrius ordered his servants to get everything ready for their daughter.

Almost a year had gone by; still Helena seemed not to be pregnant. Upon knowing the truth that Helena was not actually pregnant, Demetrius drove away Helena from his mighty realm, leaving her outside stumbled upon the shimmering hallway. Demetrius, having disgusted with what he knew, started to look for his first love interest which is Hermia. He searched every part of the barren island; day and night he screeched Hermia’s name, but after a month of incessant search, he could not find Hermia any longer. And according to what he had heard from the adjacent realm, Hermia was currently the queen of Verona in Italy with his husband Romeo. This put himself into suicide.

On the other hand, while the prosperity continues to stretch throughout the island, they decided to have a leader to be elected in order to maintain the peace and order of the newly-occupied island. Out of several aspirants, Julius Caesarhas been chosen to rule the island. He overpowered several aspirants, including Brutus and Cassius. Resentful and envious with what has transpired, Brutus and Cassius reunited to topple the leadership of Julius Caesar. They began spreading rumor about Julius Caesar: a rumor that would put his leadership and even his life to an end.
Hamlet who was elected as one of the senators to complete the panel of senators has his father, Alonso executed by a group of armed men after a senate hearing in Naples (since his dad was once a senator, too). The suspects are still anonymous up to date; this gave Brutus and Cassius the idea to point Julius Caesar as the prime suspect. 

Without knowing by Caesar, Brutus and Cassius are already spreading rumors throughout the citizenry of the island about the “execution” of Alonso, which is all a hoax. All was easily convinced since Caesar was once known to be a powerful yet ruthless executioner leader of Mantua. He immediately put convicts into death without prior hearings and court proceedings. 
Upon hearing the rumors, Hamlet had this sudden outburst of anger to Julius Caesar. But since he was a senator and a dignified statesman, he cannot carry out his plan of Caesar’s assassination so as not to besmirch his reputation. Without any hesitation on his part, he ordered Macbeth, his fellow camp-de-aide to execute Caesar in a Senate hearing. 

Few days after, Prospero, a faithful and loyal follower of Alonso who got stranded in the island after Alonso's assassination, heard the surreptitious plan of Caesar’s assassination. On the day of assassination, Prospero tried to avert the plan, saying that he’ll be stating the golden truth about Alonso's death. Hamlet, trying not to besmirch his reputation, decided to bring the plan of assassination an end, since according to him, all was just a rumor and there is no valid evidence to verify that Caesar assassinated his father before. Prospero was relieved and he told Hamlet the truth behind his father's death. According to Prospero, Alonso died when they were on their way home from the Senate hearing in Naples. They were riding their ship when suddenly pirates came aboard and tried to steal their ship. Alonso protected all his men and drove all the pirates away but Alonso didn't notice that one of the pirates stayed behind and stabbed him on the chest. Prospero killed this pirate and Alonso died in his arms. After a few hours, a raging storm came and the ship sunk. Prospero got stranded in the island and was the only survivor from the tragedy that occurred.

Meanwhile, on the mighty realm of Demetrius, Helena was stacked and still wondering what happened to Demetrius. She then ordered her servants to search for Demetrius. After few days of searching, they found Demetrius’ body and saw a knife which he used to stab himself. Upon knowing the news her servants reported to her, Helena ran in the hallway. She then stopped at the fountain and tears kept falling in her eyes. Day and nights had passed yet she is still crying and not eating. Her servants are worried for her condition. By this, her servants decided to send a letter to Romeo, Lysander, Hermia and Juliet. The letter is about the condition of Helena that her servants thought that will surely help to improve her condition. The two pairs of lovers; Lysander and Juliet, Romeo and Hermia came. They were shocked for they saw Helena crying then laughing. In short, she’s out of her mind and now she’s crazy. Her servants tell the whole story of what had happened to Helena. They said that Helena is blaming herself because if she didn’t pretend to be pregnant then Demetrius will not be disappointed and will not find Hermia in the barren island, resulting for him to stab himself after knowing the dreadful news. Hermia was shocked why Demetrius wanted to find her. She ran to Helena’s bedroom.

In Helena’s bedroom, Hermia heard her singing a song. The song is about her act of ordering Puck to pour mystical juice to Demetrius’ eyes. Hermia, upon hearing the Helena singing, called Romeo, Lysander and Juliet. They began to wonder who is Puck and what the meaning of the mystical juice is. They’re mind are full of questions, so for them to satisfy their curiosity and to find all the happenings behind this, they went back to the barren island. There, they searched and searched. Until one night, they were so tired and hungry and wanted to have rest. Then, they heard someone coming. They saw Julius and Prospero. They immediately asked them for help. They asked if they knew Puck. Prospero said that Puck is just beside them. The two pairs of lovers were shocked. They don’t know that Puck is just playing around them. As they started to chase Puck, Juliet tripped at Romeo’s foot. A diamond ring fell from Juliet’s pocket in her dress. There, she suddenly remembered his love for Romeo. She remembered that Romeo is the one who gave that ring. After she remembered and will now tell it to Romeo, Prospero suddenly casted a spell andthe lovers fell asleep. Prospero then ordered Puck to bring back the true feelings of the lovers. Puck poured the mystical juice to their eyelids. Upon waking up, everything is back to normal again. Romeo is madly in loved to Juliet again, same as Lysander to Hermia. They immediately went to Helena and found her asleep. The lovers heard a sound saying “Wake up, wake up.”

The lovers closed their eyes and opened it again. They found themselves in the ship safe and secured. They were shocked for Demetrius is alive and now fell in love with Helena. Then, they discovered that it was just a dream; a bad dream yet to be remembered. That day, they reached the shore of one of Italy’s beaches. A triple wedding occurred with the other boards of the ship as their guests. Then, they lived happily ever after.

Maleficence is next to Malevolence

“Foul is fair and fair is foul…”

                This is one of the thousand lines that completed the tragedy of Macbeth, and this line speaks itself. It evidently exhibits the darkest and most dreadful misfortunes ensued in the play. It sensationalized the mordant psychological and political effects that have transpired when malevolence is chosen as a way to fulfill the desire for supremacy. But in veracity, are these words mean something? Do this statement once left a great impact on our lives?

                Nowadays, several iniquitous outcomes have transpired in our lives. Numerous verdicts have been settled and more than a few judgments have been reconciled. Actually, without even knowing by each of us, we may mar the sentiments of our fellows which could lead for them to turn their backs from us. It is true in such case that a guy left a girl with a broken heart, and it’s complicated enough to mend such.

                 Believe it or not, being deceitful and unethical is considered to be the chief peccadillo that an individual can do (and I am after it, anyway). A simple thievery from our parent’s pocket is the primary cause of foul, although our parents won’t know it (unless you tell the truth). Next step to adulteration is the life-long threatening effects of massive cheating in class. Whether we rebuff it or not, it already exists and continues to obliterate our young minds. I can't even think of a valid reason why most of the students resort to cheating when they don’t even know what to perform next. Sad to say, it prolongs and continues to prolong regardless of the restrictions being impost by the faculty.

                Nevertheless, the government officials started having this cheating be part of their lives as politicians, just like the up-to-date issue concerning the P10 B pork barrel scam which had been taken control by the witness Janet Lim-Napoles. This is more than enough to alleviate the worsening scarcity in this poverty-stricken nation of ours. But what happened? Where did these billions of money go? Is it ironic to think that we, Filipinos are the primary victims of the immorality of our public officials? And if they’ll be reprimanded, then they have this push to complain?

                This merely shows the evidence of what the statement above means. We commit sins because we commit fouls. But in one way or another, the authorities just wanted to be fair that’s why some rascals have been rebuked, and doing such is considered to be foul for them. Anyway, this is the point: if no one will execute any obnoxious deeds then there would be no one to be reprimanded, thus no foul will be committed.

Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Dream to Remember

Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Dream to Remember

                Several tales were told; a lot of plays were showcased. This is how our English class goes on as years go by. But this year would have changed the traditional approach of erudition as we come across the eight Shakespearean classic masterpieces beginning with the love story between Romeo and Juliet. With connection to that, recently we embarked upon the fifth magnum opus of William Shakespeare which is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was considered to be a comedy. It is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works and is widely performed across the world. As we go between the lines, we were carried by the captivating love potion brought about by Puck (Robin Goodfellow) as well as the interconnecting scenes beginning with the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta, the Amazon Queen. While having these scenes read, what must be the play’s pinnacle? What particular scene carries most of the readers to their exhilaration?

                I’m absolutely sure that you guys would really have a hard time recognizing what’s the peak of the play. Well, everyone has their own point of view with regards to this matter. But in my own viewpoint, the scene which should be considered to be the peak is when Lysander and Demetrius clash over Helena’s love and the two young Athenian ladies, Helena and Hermia had a duel upon knowing that both Athenian men end up in love with Helena. This quarrel won’t transpire without the jest of Puck, Oberon’s servant. Upon seeing that Demetrius became nasty towards Helena, the King of Fairies Oberon ordered him to spread the juice over the eyelid of Demetrius. By the way, this juice can make a sleeping person fall in love with the first person he or she sees upon waking. Without prior notice, Puck sees Lysander and Hermia, thinking that Lysander is the young Athenian whom his chief is referring to. This leads to the love of Lysander to Helena, leaving Hermia alone jealous. Upon being so jealous, she challenge Helena to a duel, and same thing goes beyond the Athenian bachelors. Good thing, Puck baffled them by imitating their voices, leading them apart in the woods.

                No other scene would make me chortle like this but this scene, and that’s the reason why I think and I consider that this is the scene with the highest point of interest. I suppose, Shakespeare’s wild mind's eye is absolutely exceptional upon having this play being written. Plausibly, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is without a doubt, a dream to remember.

To make a better place...

Forgive and Forget

“All we are saying is give peace a chance…”

            At first, you would just think that this is just an ordinary line from a common song. But as go between the words, you would realize the essence behind the song. This song by the English vocalist John Winston Lennon in 1969 reminds me of what is really meant by forgiving.

                In life where nuisance keeps on hindering us, forgiving and forgetting are the two words which should be put into our minds and hearts. Nowadays, most of us stumble upon hullabaloos and controversies which have been thrown to us by the traitors. As what the lyrics say, we should and we must forget all those arguments for peace to make a way into our lives.

                Every one of us has their own share of life’s ups and downs. On the onslaught of our journey towards success, it’s just innate for us to encounter traitors who’ll try to make our lives even more miserable. They will never bring tribulations to a halt. Instead, they keep on persisting till one time we sometimes give up and surrender. But there’s still a way to alleviate this worsening scenario; and this is to forgive them and overlook their own shares of mistakes upon you. 

                 I guess, forgetting is undeniably the best thing to forgive someone. If you learn how to overlook what had they made unto you, then peace will always find a way to our lives. Unquestionably, live would always be at its best when there’s peace and love, isn’t it?  So we should always find ways to let go of their transgressions and forgive them, for vengeance is not ours, it’s God’s and forgiving makes life wonderful and worth living.

“All we are saying is give peace a chance…”