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

A chat with Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn has been my favorite actress since I was 10. Her first movie, “Roman Holiday,” is my favorite movie of all time. But beyond that, she is world-renowned humanitarian, being the Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF. She also dedicated the remainder of her life to helping impoverished children in the poorest nations.

If I had a chance to talk to her, I would tell her my advocacy for Red Cross, and how I plan to help the country.

Me: Miss Hepburn, it is so nice to meet you. 

Audrey: The pleasure is all mine, darling.
Me:  Well since you’re really known as a UNICEF Ambassador and a humanitarian, I was hoping to ask your advice on my advocacy for Red Cross.
Audrey: That’s great! You should always start helping others at a young age. When I became Ambassador at first I was nervous but then I realized that I get the opportunity to help people. It’s really fulfilling. And it’s wonderful helping your fellowmen.
Me: Thank you! I hope I can really make a difference. Donating blood and raising funds for the need is my main agenda as of now, but I hope that in the near future I can get more people to volunteer.
Audrey: Oh dear, that’s exquisite! Starting off small is normal, but whatever good you do can change the world. You should always start with yourself and then proceed to others. I am so proud of you! I hope your advocacy will be successful, and maybe in 5 years I’ll see you as the UNICEF ambassador!
Me: I hope so too! Thank you so so much, Miss Hepburn. Without you, I never would’ve thought of this. You have been the world’s inspiration to help each other. 
Audrey: Thank you, darling. I hope that many others will step up and heal the world. And please, call me Audrey.

Health Advocacy Advertisement: Red Cross

-aacs x

Every Day, by David Levithan

As a certified bibliophile like me, I have no such thing as a favorite book, since I always encounter new ones frequently. But this book, "Every Day" by David Levithan encourages everyone that love is not about being together, but enabling yourself to love someone at a distance, and even if the only choice is to let them go.



"A" is an undefined being, not knowing what gender he is, or if there are other people like him. You see, he always wakes up as a different person, having exactly one day to live his/her life. He can have access to his host's memories, but he still has some of his own. He doesn't know why or how he lives like this, but he always maintains a low profile living the host's life, to avoid suspicion.

One day he wakes up as Justin, a bad boy persona, who has a girlfriend, Rhiannon, that loves him dearly though he treats her poorly. A eventually realizes that his one day as Justin can help Rhiannon mend her relationship with the host. He then bonds with her, and in the midst of it, falls in love with her. Over the next few days, A has realized that for once in his life, he should be selfish, using the hosts' body to stalk Rhiannon. In the end, he finally tells Rhiannon his situation, surprisingly convincing her. But while Rhiannon accepts him as he is, she knows that she can never have a normal relationship with him. She struggles with the various appearances of A, but still loves him admiringly.

A meanwhile, has made a mistake at leaving his e-mail account open in one of his hosts' body-Nathan Daldry. While bonding with Rhiannon, A ungracefully leaves Nathan's body at an abandoned street. When he is found, Nathan had a distinct memory that he was not himself yesterday, having gone home with A's email on his computer, he e-mails A, demanding for answers.

A then reveals himself to Nathan. Nathan then calls a priest, Reverend Poole to be with him when he meets him, to help him catch A.
When they meet, A then realizes that Reverend Poole is also being possessed like someone like him. He (Reverend Poole's persona) tells A that he can mentor him, and teach him the ways of their kind.

Realizing that he can never give Rhiannon what she deserves, A bonds with Rhiannon for the last time, in a body of a host similar to him-Alexander. At the end of the date, A tells Rhiannon that she should give Alexander a chance, knowing that Alexander can make her happy. A plants a memory in Alexander's body- that of him falling in love with Rhiannon- before he goes. He then lets Rhiannon go, promising that he will never bother her again. The next day, he uses his host's body to meet the man that possessed Reverend Poole, to get some answers and to finally understand.

"I think continually of those who are truly great"

-aacs x

Challenge Accepted!

Hey you! Yeah you, the one reading  this!
Do you experience challenges or hindrances in your everyday life?

Of course you do!

Do you want to know how to overcome them?
Duh? Who wouldn't?!

Here are 10 steps to help you overcome it!

1. Ask the help of your parents, teachers, friends, or other people you know that can help.
2. Always think of choices on how to solve this problem
3. Think of the pros and cons of these decisions!
4. Think positively! Face the problem with a smile. Don't let yourself down.
5. Always remember: The Lord has given you this problem because He knows you can overcome this obstacle.
6. Keep your eyes on the goal. Any problem, no matter how hard, can't stop you achieving your goal!
7. Sometimes,time alone can help.
8. Entertain yourself! Are a fan of painting? Paint something out! Want to sing? Sing your heart out!
9. Think of people around you and the effects of your decisions to them.
10. Last, but definitely not the least, pray! God will help you find you're way.

Now go solve your next problem with ease!

-aacs x

My Legacy

They say when you dream, dream big.

What would you want your legacy to be? A doting mother? A loving friend? Summa cum laude?
It all depends on what matters to you most.

In personal terms, I want to be remembered as a family girl, who never stopped loving and supporting my family in whatever they need. A caring friend also, to my closest.
And if ever i have a family of my own, a doting mother, who is to give everything she can to her children.

Since I was a child, I have always seen myself in the field of medicine. Being a lending hand to others, and eventually, saving lives.
I have narrowed it down to a Cardiologist, an Obstetrician, and an Oncologist.
Generally, if I could do it, I want to be a world renowned doctor, who has made the most astonishing medical breakthrough of the decade. I want so save thousands, if not millions of lives.
After all, that was what doctors are for.

One of my teachers said, "Once you leave, you would want to be a person people would regret letting go of, not someone they would willingly kick out of the place."

That is who I want to be. I want people to miss me, and have books written after me. A person no one will forget for a long time.

I know its doubtful, but its free to dream.

-aacs

Mother of grace

"Everything I am, I owe to my angel mother."
-Abraham Lincoln

My mother, Lilibeth P. Cruz-Sebastian was born into the world on September 28, 1968 at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Hospital in Trece Martires City. She was given to a simple family, a Provincial Warden of Cavite for a father, and a Chicken Dealer for a mother. She was an only girl in the bunch, having two brothers, one older and one younger.

She studied all her primary and secondary education at Saint Augustine School, then De La Salle Supervised in her hometown, Tanza, Cavite. She was a consistent honor student.
My mother was known for being a hard working person, up until now. Being a skilled orator, she frequently joins contests, without the knowledge of her mother. She would practice her piece near the river (so no one would hear) all by herself, and go home the next day with a gold medal, successfully surprising her family. Every weekend, she would help her mother in dressing the chicken every morning, and deliver it to their stall in the market.

In college, she took up AB Communication Arts in the Philippine Women’s University, in Taft Avenue, Manila. She was a Dean Lister right on her first year, and successfully graduated with flying colors. Her career path was that of an hotelier, worked at the front desk at Best Western La Corona Hotel and as a front desk telephone operator at the Sofitel Grand Boulevard Hotel.

My mother met my dad at the age of 24. He was an engineering student at the Technological Institute of the Philippines. They had the same circle of friends, though she was one year ahead of him in schooling. After four and a half years they decide to settle down and get married.

Their first child, my brother Lance, was born a year after their marriage. While pregnant, my mother decided to stop working at Grand Boulevard because of the distance it would give to her and the baby. She then decided to work full time at our Lending Company that they had opened before they got married to support the family that was about to come.

After three years, they chose to have another addition to the family. That was when I was born.

You see, I chose my mother as my hero not only because she is the person who brought me into the world, but because she stayed strong through every moment of her life. No matter what obstacle tries to bring her down, she still stood high full of strength and faith in the Lord.  Now, she is a successful self-made businesswoman whom I am sure will be full of happiness and contentment the rest of her life.

To my mother, thank you for being the foundation this family has stood on for years.
You are my hero, no matter what.

I love you, Mom. 

The Six Stages.

The world is a step by step plan.
And there is an infinity of steps along the way.
For a high school student, there are six stages.
The Freshman, full of unfamiliarity and hesitancy,
eager to prove their worth in a mysterious turf.
Sophomores, radiant, lively, adventurous.
Reckless in a way, living life on edge.
Next the Juniors, prepared and armed,
ready to go through another alien place,
full of expectations and the cold, harsh reality.
Seniors, full of dreams and plans in life,
thinking about what would happen on the other side.
Eleventh Grade, tried and tested,
eager to end the six step plan.
Twelve Grade, mature and ready,
yearning to experience it all again.
Scared to go through those doors,
and never look back again.

-aacs

Perhaps I was mistaken.

June 6, 2014

Junior year. Wow, that's both an impressive and terrifying thing. It meant that you are expected to be mature and responsible in every aspect.

I still remember the last weeks I had in sophomore year. I was so happy that year, making friends that I didn't know I would make, and learn things I didn't know a high school taught. It was the perfect mix of students, making a happy and light aura in the room.

On the last days of the school year, we never talked about junior year. No, we ignored it. After all, it was a problem for future times.
But when the time came and we had no choice but to be ripped apart of a family we had loved, we reluctantly agreed and parted ways. Shockingly, we didn't want summer to come. We wanted us to stay together. Summer didn't feel like it. No, it felt like Christmas break or a holiday of some sort. A part of me was expecting to go to the yellow painted room on the second floor and see the section that has made me feel so radiant and full of life.

But unfortunately, I was thrown into a maroon room, full of people I didn't know and had never made conversation with for the past two years. Not to mention the teachers that look intimidating, hard to please and had expectations that are too far-fetched. I wasn't happy.

However, I still had my friends who would save me from the awkward stares and conversations to people I was unfamiliar with. That, I was thankful for.

The first day was a like a slow pacing clock, I felt like it was the longest day of my life. You know what they say, time flies too fast when you're having fun, and unfortunately I wasn't.

At the end of the day, it seems like I was mistaken. Slowly, I was starting to like this section.  I have classmates who are friendly and easy to approach, teachers who have a nice and funny side, and an adviser who is both disciplined and fun, and have a list of rules I am surprisingly happy with.

A place I could really throw myself into studying and fun at the same time. Maybe I am in the right place.

The next few days were better than I expected. People were laughing most of the time, making me stifle a laugh or two. Teachers were nice, cracking jokes all the time, smiling and making us comfortable in a short span of time. The room was clean, spacious and organized. It was great. The section was in the middle of fun and quiet, giving students time to learn without distractions. You see, sophomore year was wonderful, but one thing I kind of resented was the fact that it was so crowded, making you distracted and forget about your priorities. No one was studying in advance or passing their papers on time. It was like being on cloud nine. But sometimes you need to learn to go down and face the music.

The days just keep getting better and better. This year may not be similar to others, but who cares? Its about the memories and lessons you get to remember. And with the kind of environment I'm in, I'm sure these are the kinds that you remember forever.

First impressions are important. But in my opinion, there is more to the person than the first thought you get of him/her. They get to prove you wrong in time and teach you that the most unexpected things might happen, but if you embrace it, it might just be the best thing for you.

To Nine Hydrogen, I hope we have a beautiful ten months together. One for the ages.

-aacs x