Second Home

To cut to the chase, I do like being in this school. And the rest of this article is to explain why.

First of all, this school was my dream ever since I was a little kid. This is why I became an Editor-in-Chief, a frequent candidate in academic competitions outside the school, and the Salutatorian in my old elementary school. I thought that it would boost the chances of me passing in CavSci.

When I passed, the daze I was in settled, and it all became real to me. The stories outside didn't live to my expectations, and this school looked typical to me.

But I still think that going to CavSci is the best decision I've ever made.

We may look like a normal school, but you can see the talent and intelligence the students have here. And the thing I love the most, is the fact that this school has made me experience things that I could never do at my old Lasallian school. In my opinion, this school is magnificent because the people here actually care for you, and the students here are the ones that you  will keep in touch with until the day you die. I don't know how to say this, but the school is both caring and hard, making us feel loved and challenged at the same time.

I know that this school is preparing me for college, and I can sincerely say that I will always look back at my memories here. High school days are really memories of happiness and love. 

aacs

44 Honorable Lives

"Brave men rejoice in adversity, just as brave soldiers triumph in war."

There are traditional heroes, and there are modern ones.

A soldier is both.

When I was younger, I had a dirty little secret. My parents expected me to become a doctor or a lawyer. In a way I wanted that. But I also wanted to be a soldier. I never told anyone that. I figured that it might be a dream that might fade away in time, or a half-baked dream I would laugh about when I got older. 

As I think about it know, I realize: I could never be a soldier. I don't have the guts.
In a parallel universe where soldiers don't exist, our world would be in chaos. There is no peace. Anarchy is common, while death is prominent. 

I had a minor epiphany one day. It must hurt so much to be a soldier. Countless practices, battles and exercises that bend over not only their physical state, but also their mental acuity. They spend months on end for the army, with no direct contact with their loved ones. On a deeper note, they leave their family in the belief that their parent or relative might never come back. And that, is the cherry on the very bitter dessert.

I watched as the corpses are brought to Manila. Seeing the families of the soldiers who risked their lives for our country made my heart break. What hurt most of all are seeing the perished soldier's young children who could still not comprehend what happened to their father. One soldier even left her wife pregnant,ensuring that the child will never meet his father.

But let us be honest for a second. Death is everywhere. It happens everyday. And if you're a soldier, choosing that must mean that you fully accept the terms that you might die on action.

The difference of what happened to those 44 heroes was not what happened per se, but how it was accepted by our citizens.
Let me just say that what happened to those soldiers rocked our country's center. Tons of greetings and messages are sent everyday to those soldiers who died fighting for our homeland. Every single one reached out and offered prayers for them.

To the Fallen 44, thank you. I do not want to think of the horror that happened to you, but it doesn't make it any more true. People like you make our country proud. You are the best kind of examples of what nationalism should be. We pray for your souls, and we hope that wherever you are, your sacrifice will not go to waste. You will be remembered.


aacs x

Shameful Sins, Rueful Endings

In Dante's Divine Comedy, spheres are allocated for people who have different kinds of sins or merits that deserve them. This version however has a twist. It will be nine spheres of violations in my school, and the punishment for them.

1. The Tardy- These are the people who go to school late. The fitting punishment is to not accept them in school and officially send them home, making them absent for the day.
2. The Incomplete- These are about the rules the school has about the expected appearance of a CavSci student. examples are pupils with incomplete uniforms, boys with long hair, girls who let their hair fall in to a disarray, or accessorize too much.  Punishment for this sphere is often a warning first, but then when it is frequent, the student's parents shall be called to school.
3. The Filthy- Our school is known for being an environment friendly institution. People who carelessly throw trash everywhere will be reprimanded by the teacher.
4. The Rackety- The garrulous students who are often told to be silent. These children are frequently scolded, but when its too much, the teachers tell their respective parents. Students who spread malicious rumors about others are included. 
5.  Over affectionate- Students are young, and oftenprone to infatuation. It is not actually prohibited in the school, but it is code to be presentable in school and not do public displays of affection too much. This is a serious matter, so the parents talk to the person involved with their parents if it is overboard.
6. Disrespectful- It is rare that a student talks back to a teacher or a member of the staff, but it still happens. If it does, the student is directly called into the office and the punishment may be suspension or a warning, depends on the degree of the actions.
7. Skippers- Some students tend to cut while in school, so when it happens, certain punishments are given. The punishment might be suspension or expulsion if it is very frequent. But when it happens, the parents are directly notified even in the first offense.
8. Cheaters- The school is the temple of knowledge. To pass, one must study hard and earn achievements on their own, not by stealing someone's hard work. Cheating is a great offense. It is a form of intellectual fraud and stealing. When a student gets caught, they maybe suspended or expelled, but the odds are on the latter.
9. Bullies- In my opinion, I think that this is the greatest offense one can do in school, or anywhere else for that matter. All the other sins are self-destructive, but to bring down one's spirit by crushing their self-esteem? That's a shameful thing to do. Most of the reasons for suicidal teenagers is bullying, whether it is physical or verbal. It may look petty to others, but the weight of words and thoughts are heavy upon a student's mind. Whatever you say to a person will never leave him, though you regret it or it was a spur of the moment comment. This may lead to self-hatred, which may end up in suicide. Most of the cases are never truly known to teachers, especially in our batch. It's because most of the students are scared of their classmates and the consequences of telling a teacher. A teacher might think that he/she is helping the student but honestly they are just terrifying them more. A tip for the teachers: Bullying is everywhere. It might be miles away from you, but most of the time they are just right under your nose. Those little snide comments your students make? That child will never forget that. He/she will grow up with that thought into mind. I suggest you look closer, because some students may look okay, but they're not. Please help them. Give them the comfort they deserve. 

I believe in karma. I know that whatever mistake one makes, there are always repercussions. Some might not get the appropriate punishment from the school, but I know that there is a deity above us, a higher power, waiting to hand out the consequences of what we've done. A million good things can never cover up a bad thing.

aacs x

A Five Day Miracle

I remember my mom's story when she got to see Pope John Paul II when she was younger. She told me that there was this tingling feeling inside her that ignited when she saw him. I never gave much thought to it, but I wanted to experience that as well.

God answered my prayer. Our country was visited not only by a pope, but the People's Pope, Pope Francis. He is known for being the most endearing, humble and passionate leader our generation has seen. It was surreal.

Unfortunately, my family has always prioritized our safety rather than seeing someone from a distance. We just watched the pope for the television. My mother, a known devotee, and I watched every event that had something to do with the papal visit. We even bought the papal magazine days before the visit.

My heart melted when he walked out of that airplane. He was smiling! I felt like he was smiling at me. For five whole days, that smile stayed. His eyes were always twinkling, verifying the sincerity of his smile. And for five days, my eyes were full of tears, for the Pope who changed our country.

To think, he's 78 years old! When he is being driven in the popemobile, he doesn't sit. He stands up, waving to everyone. He takes every opportunity to meet people reaching out to him. He blesses children, the disabled, and the sick. After that, his appoinments are long, and tiring. Yet you see his smile every time. You can see the power of the Lord radiating around him. He truly is blessed.

To be frank, I was always skeptical about my religion. Being inclined to science, I always doubted events that science cannot explain. But in five days, I got to thinking. A foreign man, who visited this ailing country, made it united in a span of days. Six million people, in the pouring rain, ready to show their faith.

I guess this is the most important lesson the Pope gave us. In a way, he didn't even say it, it just showed up. In every problem this country is facing right now, the solution is clear.

Unity.

In the end, Filipinos side by side, will end the crisis our homeland is facing. You can see how possible all that is, with a six million record for the papal visit in our midst.

If we can just unite ourselves with one goal, we can attain the glory the Philippines once had and deserves.

To the pope, I thank you for bringing hope into our land, and showing us that whatever situation we have, we can still rise from the ashes like a phoenix, elegant as it is.

Overseas Filipino Workers: Heroes of Our Generation

Heroes are people who make sacrifices for the good of our world. Police, firemen, soldiers, and teachers are some of the people who are heroic. They prioritize others before themselves, even though it means they have to something dangerous.

OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers are modern heroes. They are people who choose to be apart from their beloved to earn money to support them. They miss holidays like birthdays, Christmases, weddings, anniversaries and tons of our important events. They do not have anyone to help them adapt to living outside their home country. One might not help but be home sick or sad.  Most importantly, OFW parents don't get to be with their children as they grow up while needing guidance from a loving parent figure because they only get to come home once a year or for others, every few years.

It is also very dangerous to be employed overseas.Sometimes OFWs fall into the hands of an abusive employer, resulting in heinous crimes like robbery, rape, or even murder. They are also a target for racist attacks since foreign people think of them as second class.

Being an OFW is an under appreciated job since what they do benefits not only their respective families, but also our country's economic growth and relationship with other countries.

In my opinion, I salute OFWs and hope that in time people will appreciate them more and give them the respect they deserve. I also hope that our government will take care of them and their rights as a human.
I look forward to the day that OFWs will not need to go out of the country to earn a living and go home to their motherland; and to their family's open arms.

-aacs

Act 5, Scene 3 (Revised)

Romeo: How often are men happy right before they die! They call it the lightness before death. Oh, how can I call this lightness? Oh, my love! My wife! Death has sucked the honey from your breath, but it has not yet ruined your beauty. You haven’t been conquered. There is still red in your lips and in your cheeks. Death has not yet turned them pale. Tybalt, are you lying there in your bloody death shroud? Oh, what better favor can I do for you than to kill the man who killed you with the same hand that made you die young. Forgive me, cousin! Ah, dear Juliet, why are you still so beautiful? Should I believe that death is in love with you, and that the awful monster keeps you here to be his mistress? I don’t like that idea, so I’ll stay with you. And I will never leave this tomb. Here, here I’ll remain with worms that are your chamber-maids. Oh, I’ll rest here forever. I’ll forget about all the bad luck that has troubled me. Eyes, look out for the last time! Arms, make your last embrace! And lips, you are the doors of breath. Seal with a righteous kiss the deal I have made with death forever.(ROMEO kisses JULIET and takes out the poison)Come, bitter poison, come, unsavory guide! You desperate pilot, let’s crash this sea-weary ship into the rocks! Here’s to my love!

ROMEO drinks the poison.

Oh, that pharmacist was honest! His drugs work quickly. So I die with a kiss.

ROMEO dies.
Juliet wakes up.

Juliet:What’s this here? It’s a cup, closed in my true love’s hand? Poison, I see, has been the cause of his death. How rude! He drank it all, and didn't leave any to help me afterward. I will kiss your lips. Perhaps there’s still some poison on them, to make me die with a medicinal kiss. (she kisses ROMEO) Your lips are warm.

Note: This is where I start revising.

Juliet: Oh what should I do! My love, my life! He's dead! Sobbing. I must reunite with my love. If I have to die, and so be it! Juliet holds the dagger close to herself.

Friar Lawrence comes in

Friar Lawrence: Juliet! What in God's name are you doing! Takes the dagger away from Juliet. How unholy! Never think of doing that again! 

Juliet: Friar, you don't understand! Romeo is dead! The light of my life lays still, pale! There is no reason for me to stay on this barren world.

Friar Lawrence: There is still hope my child! You can be a nun or a-
Juliet and Friar Lawrence are interrupted by someone crying for help.

Juliet: Romeo, is that you my love? Are you still alive?

Friar Lawrence: No it is not Romeo. Sees a pain-stricken Paris. Almighty Lord! Paris, you're still alive! Assists Paris to be healed. Let me bring you to the infirmary. Friar John! Bring the Count to the infirmary and heal him the best you can.

Paris: Juliet! Is that you, or is my head tricking me? My sweet bird, thank goodness! I thought my wife was taken away from me. 

Friar John takes Paris away.

Juliet: Oh what should I do Friar! My life is nothing. 

Friar Lawrence: I have an idea my child. It can help you forget of this tragedy. Marry Paris, my dear. He loves you dearly and he will cherish you like the diamond you are. He will make you forget of Romeo.

Juliet: What? I..I d-don't.. No! I will never forget Romeo.

Friar Lawrence: Trust me in this, Juliet. I am sure Romeo would want that.

Juliet: My dear Friar, I know you have my best interests at heart. I shall consider this.

The Chorus: And so this ends the story of Romeo and Juliet. For Juliet heeds Friar Lawrence's advice to marry the Count. The two houses have reconciled due to Friar Lawrence's account of the couples' short-lived romance. In time, Juliet bears a child, a son she and Paris will call Romeo, a name from the first man Juliet ever loved.

The end.

aacs

Heroes

To all the teachers ,

I would like to thank you for the patience and understanding you have bestowed upon me. You are the heroes of our nation, by simply guiding and loving children more than a job asks for. Instead of just fulfilling your responsibility as a teacher, you have become the second parents of our generation. You have touched the lives of children more than you know. I could only imagine how tiring it is to discipline and teach stubborn kids how to be prepared for the world that awaits. I am honestly surprised that a person can be as long-tempered and brave as a teacher.

But I salute you for being a role model of the youth. You have molded us to be the best we can be. The lessons we carry in life are from you, and for that we will be forever thankful. Your teachings have reached our minds on a personal level, and that will never be forgotten.

I cannot wait for the day that I come back to my Alma mater as a successful person and say to you "I would've never done it without you. Thank you for never giving up on me."

In my opinion, politicians and businessmen do not have the most honorable job there is. Teachers do. Because without you, there wouldn't even be doctors or lawyers or politicians that guide our country today.

I know that I have never expressed my gratitude this deeply before, but I can truly say that in behalf of everyone that has been a student before, thank you teachers, for being the beacon of hope the nation needs.

Yours truly,

Alea