My First Semester In College

Having just about wrapped up my first semester at college, I can honestly say these last few months have been a blur. I’ve made many new friends, had a taste of freedom, and have learned the consequences of procrastination. I’ve adapted to the college boarding house life, staying up too late far so many nights and learning to rely on no one, only yourself. Now it all sinks in to me, that college is my new home yet I couldn’t find it any more cozy. I would just like to share some important lessons I've learned this far. First, time management is essential. What amazes me about time is that we each have the exact same amount. Of course, there are always 24 hours each day. What we choose to do with our time differs greatly. Some spend most of their day socializing. Others spend the bulk of their time “pretending ” to do work. Some spend their day thinking, while others spend time doing. Learning to effectively balance work, family, and friends is of great importance. Despite it’s significance, many are terrible at managing their time. Instead of taking action that yields long terms results many fill their days with lifeless activities that won’t matter the next day. I know I’ve struggled with this a great deal. Yet regardless of my struggles, I’ve seen significant improvement in being able to effectively mangage my time. Managing your time isn’t always easy. There is always an abundance of distractions to keep you off track, but learning to use your time wisely pays off down the road. One of the secrets to effectively mangage time is to focus in whatever you do. When you work, work. When you play, play. Don’t waste a moment going back and fourth between activities, but instead dive in and fully immerse yourself into what ever it is you’re doing. Granted, this isn’t always the easiest thing to do but it will profoundly help you in taking control of your day. Second thing I have learned is that freedom is a bliss and a great responsibility. One of the greatest perks of being at college is the amount of freedom you have. No one tells you what you can or can’t do. If you don’t want to go to class you don’t have to. If you want to spend your day partaking in harmful activities that is your right. If you want to just go through the motions you have the ability to do so. But with freedom comes consequences both good and bad, and when you make a decision you must accept the result. Lastly, Your reality is a result of what you choose to do or not do. Everyday you have a choice. Believe it or not, you are in complete control of your actions and thoughts. When you accept the power that comes with freedom you empower yourself to create a better world. At first the freedom of being at college was a bit overwhelming but I quickly came to grips with it. In a matter of months I matured significantly. Although I still have a ways to go, having a taste of freedom has accelerated my growth tremendously. College is a time of learning and a time of making mistakes, and in my case a lot of them. I’ve said things I shouldn’t have. I’ve done things that I know aren’t congruent with my values and I have had my days of where I just want to punch the world. I think what's best is to know that it is perfectly okay to make mistakes but of course, these mistakes are not meant to be repeated. We need to grab it as an opportunity for improvement. We are free to choose our own decisions but not its consequences.

Season of GIVING

"It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." Holiday gift buying can feel a little empty, when all of those endless lists, long lines at the mall and money spent lead to a 5-minute frenzy of flying wrapping paper and ribbon... But it doesn't have to be that way. The most important thing in the exchanging of gifts is it shows that you really know the person well, and you really care about them. That generally means tailoring the gift to the recipient. For example, people who want to buy meaningful gifts don't buy the same gift for two of their friends, even if those friends don't know each other, would never compare the gifts and would both enjoy the same item. It's also important to consider practicality. A 2014 study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that gift givers focus too much on the desirability of potential gifts and not enough on how the recipient might use those gifts. In one study, gift-giving participants tended to choose gifts that were desirable but impractical like a gift certificate for an expensive but faraway restaurant rather than those that were more practical but less desirable like a gift certificate for a closer but cheaper restaurant. Surprisingly, the participants who were receiving the gifts actually preferred the more practical option. In other words, gift givers shouldn't choose presents based on what they would like to give but rather on what the recipient would really want to receive. Gift giving is an expression of truly seeing the other person and knowing what they want. Well of course there is always an alternative. Another way to have a memorable and less hassle gift-giving is by giving experiences rather than items. People who receive experiential gifts, such as concert tickets or a zoo membership, feel more connected to the giver than people who received material items. The giver and the recipient don't have to share the experiential gifts in order to get this connectivity boon. People fail to realize that experiential gifts are a better choice than something tied with a bow. Part of the problem, is that people hesitate to give experiential gifts to people they aren't very close to. Getting people an experiential gift is actually a safe bet. According to a research, a person who expects a material gift but gets an experiential one instead report being satisfied anyway. In contrast, those who expect an experiential gift but get an item instead are very disappointed. If gifts are about expressing and forging love, one of the best ways to do that is with your own time. That will always be a really powerful gift.

My Wonderful Family

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing." I feel the manifestation of this saying everyday as I spend my life with my awesome family. Just as happy as we look on the picture, we usually are this blissful when it comes to our home. Well not always, of course. We also have our dark moments in our family but what makes it our strength is that we make sure to work things out even during hard times. We don't have that much but we make sure to make the most out of our resources. For you to further understand my family, I thinks its best to introduce them one by one... On the left most of the picture is my older sister. Most people say that I look older than her but I choose to take that as a compliment because I'm taller than her (haha lol). She used to be my "partner-in-crime" when we were little but as we grow older she had always been secretive about so many things and I have always been more talkative than her. Well I think it is already a stereotype in older sisters. Beside her is my father, the most wonderful man in the whole world (in my world). He had always been supportive to us, not just financially but in all aspects too. What makes him the best dad is that he always tries to make us laugh by cracking jokes (most of the times corny but I love it when he does that) when the family gets too serious already. Sitting at the middle is my mom. The most beautiful woman I have seen and I will ever see in my whole life. She is the one who keeps our family together and without her, I think that our family would just simply fall apart. She is the best role model for me and I know that someday I could also be a good mother like her even if I was just half as good as she is. I love her so much and I basically get my strength from her. Lastly, sitting beside me is my brother. They say that I look like him but I always disagree (ew). He is now very near on getting his title as a medical doctor but despite of his achievements, I can say that nothing has changed with him. He is still the same older brother I play and fight with since we were little. They are the people who complete me and the people I couldn't live without. We may not have it all together but together we have it all. 

Final Essay: Superheroes As A Reflection of Society

Our favorite superheroes were traditionally linked with perfection because they have always been perceived as role models in their own ways. But as time goes by, we somehow require our superheroes to adapt with our present situations. No longer do we simply embrace Superman or Captain America because they are innately “good.” We want our heroes to be flawed and conflicted, just like we are. I repeat, just like we are. We want to see them struggle and sometimes even fail before they do the right thing. Maybe because its the human way of discovering the right step or the next decision in life, and as humans we want to witness that even the superheroes we look up to are just like us and they posses imperfections similar to what we have. These mythical men and women first try to reject, then battle and finally accept their shadows. It is their shadows that propel them forward to their quests. Just like us, it’s our life’s work to wrestle with our demons, to move through that battle to the other side with acceptance, and finally, to integrate this shadow, moving from shame to light, from powerlessness to action. On our human heroic quest, we are learning to take what we formerly denied, to make actionable what used to terrify, petrify and immobilize us, and to harness it for a higher purpose. To be human is to be real in all its complexity and to be real is part of what make us truly heroic. Today these same qualities are not only forgiven, but in a way embraced. We don’t want our superheroes to be perfect, because we aren’t perfect. We want to watch them struggle and make mistakes because, as ironical as it seems, it somehow gives us hope.

Simbang Gabi Starter Pack

It's that time of the year again, when the air is a little colder, when Christmas songs begin to take on a little meaning, and when thoughts turn to the meaning behind the season, mostly via Simbang Gabi. Waking up at 3am to catch the 5am mass for nine days straight is not an easy task. But with a little preparation, getting up for Simbang Gabi could be easier. Simbang Gabi, or midnight mass, starts on Dec 16 and ends on the 24th, the last mass being called Misa de Gallo. It is a nine day novena that, for many Filipinos, mean not just waking up early to hear the Word of God, but also things associated with the Christmas season such as meeting friends and eating freshly cooked bibingka and puto bumbong for breakfast after. First thing you need to do is get enough sleep. You wouldn't believe how tempting it is to stay up the whole night and go straight to mass instead of getting a little shut-eye but (I'm warning you) do not do this! Not only will the likelihood of you falling asleep at mass be greater but over time, the lack of sleep will take its toll. Second, eat or drink something! Yes, breakfast after mass is part of the Simbang Gabi experience. But what's the point of going to mass if you're going to be easily distracted by the random food smells during the homily? Make sure you have something in your stomach, be it a pan de sal or a hot drink, before heading out to curb your hunger pangs before it's time to partake of the bibingka. Third, be punctual! By arriving early, you get first pick, and are able to settle down, reflect, and get comfortable before the mass begin. Lastly, enjoy! The season is all about the birth of Christ, after all, and what's a birthday celebration without a party? Pass not only the puto bumbong and bibingka, but also the joy that Christmas season never fails to bring!

Required Entry #10: Watchmen

Watchmen depicts an alternate history where superheroes emerged in the 1940's and 1960's, helping the United States to win the Vietnam War. In 1985, the country is edging toward nuclear war with the Soviet Union, freelance costumed vigilantes have been outlawed and most former superheroes are in retirement or working for the government. The story focuses on the personal development and moral struggles of the protagonists as an investigation into the murder of a government sponsored superhero pulls them out of retirement. Among the six superheroes in the novel, in my own perspective, Rorschach is the real one or the one who stood out the most. In the beginning of the story, he is introduced as the only remaining active masked vigilante not employed by the government. A ruthless crime-fighter, his beliefs in moral absolutism, good and evil, have driven him to seek to punish evil at all costs. He always seek for what is right. Though he possesses no obvious "superpowers", he merely has his strong will, peak-human physical strength, and finely-honed sense of timing and precision. Rorschach is very resourceful, adapting ordinary household objects into tools or weapons, such as pepper to blind a police officer and the use of a can of aerosol spray in combination with a match to set fire to another police officer, during a confrontation at Moloch's house. I think what differentiates Rorschach with our traditional superheroes like Superman, Spiderman, etc. is that they all possess superpowers that they could easily use when "opponents" attack. Unlike with Rorschach who possesses somehow "real" skills which he uses to fight against evil. Rorschach is well versed in street combat, gymnastics, boxing and even in lock picking. This reflects that having power is not everything. Sometimes, simply being tactically brilliant and skillful make the best superhero. 

10 Qualities To Look For In A Presidential Candidate

The citizens of the Philippines have the duty and responsibility to choose the best presidential candidate in 2016. Superficial qualities such as personality and celebrity should be shunned. A new yardstick based on morals and principles should be the new norm in voting.

1. Integrity or Honesty – Dishonest leaders had been voted into office before with great costs to the citizenry. Money stolen by a mendacious official is money earmarked for public infrastructures and services the citizens will never receive.

2. Ability to delegate – The president has the duty to pick and appoint upstanding people to the Executive Office of the President and the Cabinet. The President needs the ability to delegate, as he cannot do all the tasks needed to run a country by himself.

3. Confidence or Security – A confident and secure leader has no problem believing and engaging others. He/she does not have the need for arrogance or feeling of superiority in order to convey his presence. As they say in the Southern US, “ If you have to tell someone you are a lady, chances are you’re not.”

4. Communication Skills – Communication is done not only by speaking but also by listening. A good leader speaks in clear and concise manner and listens attentively. A good president will need communication skills to keep the citizens up-to date with the government’s performance, successes and failures as well as to find out what his constituents want or need from the government.

5. Sense of Humor or Positive Attitude – Is he/she able to diffuse a difficult situation by looking at its lighter side? A good-natured leader will often make better decisions, as he/she is not afraid to show his/her humanity in public.

6. Commitment or Passion – Committed and passionate people make highly effective leaders, as they are tenacious and persistent. They will see to it that a goal is met and a vision is realized. Their focus and perseverance often pays off so betting on a committed and passionate candidate will likely yield positive results.

7. Ability to Inspire – The ability to inspire is an important quality, as people look up at the president as a role model. “Do what I say but don’t do what I do” will breed societal resistance and sanctimony.

8. Competence – A competent president does not need to be an expert in all theories and practices of public administration but he/she needs to be self-motivated and a fast learner.

9. Courage – A courageous person is not fearless. He/she just has the ability to face fear, danger, pain, uncertainty, intimidation and other difficulties without warping or caving in. Calm self-assurance raises the level of confidence in one’s decisions.

10. Servanthood or Selflessness – The president is still a public servant who is tasked to look after the well-being of the populace. He/she works for the citizenry and not the other way around.

Required Entry #9: Love Poems

Oneness is the desire of all lovers, the finding of a soulmate. Shakespeare starts out by explaining that love does not change when it finds a change in circumstances. He goes on to say that when love encounters sufferings, it bears the suffering and comes out alive, it will always survive it. What makes it so beautiful is that it describes love as something everlasting. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 truly is a pure joy to read. It makes one wonder that love can definitely makes one blind. Given the circumstances, one knows for a fact that he may be in love with the wrong person, yet his love towards his beloved is as strong as stone and is immeasurable. When one is in love, no matter how difficult and unhealthy the relationship is becoming, one will be forever kind and patient to his partner with his every effort to rebuild the relationship; A relationship that is built with a strong foundation of true love. Just as the Bible states, “Love is kind. Love is patient. Love never ends.”

This poem could be interpreted as the persona's undying love for her beloved who begins to count the ways in which she loves him. By counting the number of ways, the persona is trying to show that the love in her heart for her soul mate is present in all her walks of life. It is a way of expressing the beautiful fact that everything in and around her leads her to that love. But as I can see it, there is something spiritual going on that is the heart of the poem. It is expressing love for God. Browning concludes the sonnet with “if God choose, / I shall but love thee better after death.” I sense a deep longing in this line, a longing to become united with God. It is one of my favorite love poems because for me, being united with the Divine is the most perfect moment which anyone could aspire.

Facts About An Extrovert

Being an extrovert, I would just like to share some facts about us that everyone should know, especially with all these stereotypes about extroverts, which seem to be extremely popular now a days. A lot of introverts often complain that they feel misunderstood by their extrovert friends, yet the reverse is also true, since a lot of people think that extroverts are really shallow, that they are awful listeners or that all they think of is partying. Well, this couldn’t be more false because while introverts like to embrace solitude, extroverts like to go out and meet new people, we like to mingle at all the parties we are invited to because we get our energy from being around others. 

First, extroverts are not shallow. A lot of people think that extroverts are shallow but this is just not true, we just process information in a very different way. Even though we like to meet new people and we talk a lot, that doesn’t mean that we are not interested in deeper topics of conversation or that we don’t care about important issues. Actually, by listening and talking to more people, we will have more information on a certain topic and we will be able to have a better idea about it. Second, extroverts are not naturally happier than introverts. Even though there is evidence that extroversion is associated with a more upbeat, exuberant, high-energy affect, it doesn’t mean that extroverts are happier than introverts because most introverts are happy in a different way. For example, introverts may enjoy staying alone on a Friday night and reading a good book. Introverts get easily over-stimulated, so they feel the need to recharge more often. That doesn’t make them sad or less happy than extroverts, they are simply happy in different ways. Lastly, not all extroverts enjoy public speaking. Even though we talk a lot and we like to meet new people, it doesn’t mean that we enjoy public speaking because talking in front of a room filled with people you don’t know can be pretty scary, even for an extrovert like me. Even though we have a faster pace and cadence in our voice and even if we can express ourselves more easily in a social situation, we still need to do a lot of work in order to become amazing public speakers.

There are a lot of differences among people since we all are extremely complex individuals, and just like Susan Cain said, “Your introversion or extroversion will interact with your other personality traits, personal history and the culture you grew up in.” 

APEC 2015

 

What will the Philippines gain for hosting the APEC 2015? As leaders from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies gather in Manila for the second time after 19 years they will visit an economy that is about 3 times larger and to be hosted by a leader now seeking to spread the region’s prosperity to microentrepreneurs and poor farmers. The Philippines will be the world's biggest stage for one week. APEC summit is a good networking event. Under this year's APEC theme "Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World", the Philippines, along with 20 other member economies, has been pushing for inclusive growth and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises among others. In the weeks leading up to the high-profile economic leaders' meeting on November 18 to 19, the Philippines has initiated to make the region bike-friendly, scale up disaster preparedness, and help micro, small and medium enterprises secure links to global value chain. On the other hand, The cost of the APEC Summit is huge, and Filipino people will bear the brunt of it. The Philippine government has allotted 10 billion pesos for the summit. Importantly, though, many workers in Manila who get paid by the day will be hard hit by two days of national holidays forcing them not to work, especially those who live hand to mouth, as is the case for many daily-wage workers who don’t get paid on holidays. In addition, poor and homeless people are being detained in the name of “cleaning up” Manila for APEC. As the Philippines aims to put its best foot forward and show off its developmental gains to visiting APEC leaders, Manila’s poor and homeless people have been rounded up and taken out of sight and out of mind ahead of the summit.

 

Hosting this year's APEC Summit has advantages and disadvantages for the Philippines and its people. I just do hope that there will be a huge change in our economy after all the sacrifices the Filipinos have done to cooperate in this remarkable event.

 

 

Required Entry #8: Cinema Paradiso

"Once upon a time, a king gave a feast. And there came the most beautiful princesses of the realm. Now, a soldier, who was standing guard, saw the king's daughter go by. She was the most beautiful one, and he immediately fell in love with her. But what could a poor soldier do when it came to the daughter of the king? Well, finally, one day, he managed to meet her, and he told her that he could no longer live without her. The princess was so impressed by his strong feelings that she said to the soldier: "If you can wait 100 days and 100 nights under my balcony, then at the end of it, I shall be yours." Damn! The soldier immediately went there and waited one day. And two days. And ten. And then twenty. And every evening, the princess looked out of her window, but he never moved. During rain, during wind, during snow, he was always there. The bird shat on his head, and the bees stung him, but he didn't budge. After ninety nights, he had become all dried up, all white, and the tears streamed from his eyes. He couldn't hold them back. He no longer had the strength to sleep. All that time, the princess watched him. And on the 99th night, the soldier stood up, took his chair, and went away."

 

At first, I really thought that the soldier was such a fool to sacrifice for so long and yet, give up just before just before its about to end. But then at the later part of the movie, the conclusion is: In one more night, the princess would have been his. But she also could not possibly have kept her promise and it would be terrible. In that way, at least for 99 days, he was living under the illusion that she was there, waiting for him. I think that this is also connected to the reason behind the ending of the story where a montage of cinematic kisses was shown and Elena didn't have a proper closure from the life of the protagonist. It's perhaps the greatest montage of motion picture kisses ever assembled, and, as Salvatore watches it, tears come to his eyes. The deluge of concentrated ardor acts as a forceful reminder of the simple-yet-profound passion that has been absent from his life since he lost touch with his one true love, Elena. Truly, there's a weird pleasure on loving someone who doesn't love you back.

END WAR TODAY!

"No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among the religions without dialogue between the religions. No dialogue between the religions without investigation of the foundation of the religions" -Hans Kung

 

My heart felt sadness and sorrow when I heard about what happened to Paris last Friday, November 13, 2015. The City of Love became a city filled with darkness, grief and anguish. I really don't understand why the ISIS had to do it to them but I know that it is rooted from the conflict in religion and this will not be the last time they would attack. What's more threatening is that France took revenge and has already declared war against them and it will surely cause more death for all the nations involved.  ISIS even released a new propaganda video praising  the Paris attacks and threatening to launch an attack on Washington and other countries involved in the international coalition bombing its militant strongholds in Syria and Iraq. This season should be the most wonderful time of the year. Not a season of war, violence and hostilities. Conflict causes death, poverty and diseases. Despite of all the issues our world is facing today, I still think that there are a lot of reasons we should be thankful and hopeful for. I know that God is with us and all these chaos will end soon. There is nothing more important than praying and being faithful to Him, especially this Christmas season.

Required Entry #7: Change Ahead

There is no permanent thing in this world, even our lives are temporary so it is very important to be open in everything that is ahead of us. Changes will ALWAYS happen. Sometimes, it even occurs in my life in the moments when I least expect it. That is why I learned to consider these changes as challenges in my life. If you approach a challenge with fear, you will most likely fail in overcoming it but if you consider it as an exciting challenge and you tackle everything that comes in your way with a sense of discovery, you are certain to win in the end even if you do some mistakes in the beginning. This is how I approach new things in my life. I never settle for the old stuff because I know that there is always a room for improvement in my life. Every changes is a new chapter in my life, an opportunity to gain knowledge and experiences, a chance to meet new people, discover new places and skills. If you want to make more of your life, you need to get into the habit of creating your own path. Change is the only constant. Change is a door for another opportunity. Life is too short not to deal with this new "adventures" without enjoying it.

Required Entry #6: Daydreaming

I don't usually daydream about stuffs but well, even those who are the most attached to reality find themselves in their own head sometimes. I have this daydream, the only one I could remember, wherein I'm performing in front of a crowd as a dancer. I'm already professional in my daydream, professional both as a performer and as a medical doctor. I have my own house and car in that daydream, of course a very successful young lady but I don't see my own family or the man of my life in it. As ironic as it may be, I think my daydream tells me how focused and driven I'm actually are in my goals in life. Maybe the reason why I don't see a the man for me in my daydreams is that I'm too afraid to fall in love because I know the feeling of getting hurt and it is just a distraction for me. It's probably all about a big promotion or a successful endeavor I've been working towards my life, I like to keep my eye on the prize and my priorities straight, even if I am imagining these realistic events in a fantasy world for comfort and satisfaction until they come true. 

UAAP CDC 2015!

I was disappointed when the UP pep squad wasn't the one declared as the champion of the recently held UAAP Cheerdance Competition because of course, I'm a student of the University of the Philippines. Well not to be biased with the other squads, I watched live in the Mall of Asia Arena and I thought that if our pep squad didn't win, UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe could've. Both teams performed best among the rest. That's why many people were unhappy (including me) when NU won again the competition. I did not expect them to retain the title after several errors during their performance, including one where they failed to complete a pyramid. Other people even said that the competition is cooked or there's already a champion even before all teams performed. Yes, everyone know that they are one of the best who performed last October 3 but I really didn't think that all of their errors still brought to the top. After all, UP Pep Squad and UST Salinggawi performed the cleanest routine and either of them deserved the crown. But on the brighter side, I'm happy because the majority thinks that the performance of UP Pep Squad nailed it and what's important is their advocacy regarding "Equality". I was overwhelmed with the number of people in the arena supporting our Pep Squad and I also think that their theme "Utak at Puso" made their performance even stronger and it made the UP nation unite as one.  

Required Entry #5: Gender Roles

An individual's personality is influenced by both biological and environmental factors; culture is one of the most important environmental factors that shapes a personality. This is why male and female are separated by "gender roles". Being a girl, it is expected that my personality is associated with nurturing, passivity and subordination. But then I know that my gender won't limit me from the things I can do and would do. I believe in the saying that "gender roles are a social construct. When we attempt to assign strengths and weaknesses to either gender, we literally cut our potential as the human race in half." That is why I try to be dominant and strong as much as possible in order to prove to others that gender roles doesn't control the capabilities of anyone. On the other hand, I still see to it that my movements and the way I speak is appropriate as a female so that other people (especially boys) would respect me. In my own opinion, gender roles are just secondary when it comes to shaping one's personality. Our kind of family, the people who brought us up and our surroundings while growing still have the biggest role in what and who we are today.

Required Entry #4: My Life Would Be Different Without You

The expression "No Man is an Island" is an old cliché and I think no one would not know it. Well it is true that all of us couldn't ever survive alone and I'm pretty sure that every person in the world have that special someone whom he/she could not live without or someone who could've changed their life forever... Mine is my parents. I can't even imagine my life without my mom or dad. I am very thankful for having such a lovely couple as my parents and my life would be completely different without them. They raised me to be a responsible lady and they are my inspiration on working hard and fulfilling my dreams. Everything would be different without them. Everything in my life and the ways I live. Without them, no one would be there to limit me from the things I want to do. No one would be there to scold me when I did something wrong. No one would be there to control me, I don't have to ask anyone's permission when I want to hang out and stay late with my friends. Surely, it all sounds like "freedom"... Who doesn't want any of that? But why would I choose freedom over them? Besides, I would prefer someone who helps me recognize the right things to do than to be left with my own choices and may lead me to the wrong direction. They are the Mr. Mallards in my life but unlike Mrs. Mallards, I want them to be with me forever.

Required Entry #3: Do What I Want Or Do What is Right?

I studied in a catholic school since I was in preschool until I graduated high school. For some people who doesn't know the culture in catholic schools, it is where all students aren't allowed to dye their hair, wear shorts and sleeveless, and most importantly, we are not allowed to say anything against the admins of our school even if there is really something wrong.  So basically almost all my life, I was trained to practice "discipline" (doing what needs to be done even if you don't want to do it). This was my practice since I was in preschool so it was really just normal for me following the rules of our school. It was normal until I entered senior year and have been elected as the president of our student council. Everything became different.

Teachers and admins in our school guarded all my acts and even a single mistake had been pointed out to me because I'm the president and everyone expects me to be the role model. For me, that is the "Esperanza" or the responsibility I have to take care of in my life. Good thing is I have my amazing friends who have always been with me through thick and thin. Being with them is where each one of us can act in a way we want to without anyone judging us. They keep me happy and I could always count on them every time I have a problem or even if I'm already stressed from all the things I should accomplish. Having them around gives us the comforting feeling of freedom and escape from all the social norms we have to face everyday. That makes them the "Julias" in my life. 

Required Entry #2: Equality vs. Competition

There are many aspects under equality such as social equality, gender equality, economic equality and civil equality. These types of equality, for me, have a positive effect on our society. However, the equality that is being portrayed in Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" is total equality which, I believe, is very dangerous. Due to the insistence of the Handicapper General on total equality, the citizens are forced to dumb themselves down and hide their special capacities just to achieve mental and physical equality among everyone which results to a society of stupid people. Total equality, in the story, is achieved but freedom and individual achievement suffered. 

Competition, on the other hand, also has its own branches like biological, social and economical competitions among individuals. It pushes the people to strive harder in order to succeed against other competitors in their own fields. People will have the perspective of improving themselves in the process of winning the competition, thus, creating more efficient citizens and workers. Despite all of these, competition can still harm our society if people try to gain advantage by hostile actions and contemptible methods. These can undermine the potential of competition on having positive effects in the society. 

Though competition also has its own disadvantages, I still think that it is better for our society than total equality.

Starting My Life As An Iska

Being a student of the University of the Philippines is something that I didn't imagine even in my wildest dreams. Since I was little, I already looked up to the students who have entered the top university in our country, wishing I would be one. But as time went by, I witnessed my older siblings fail the upcat so I thought that I had no chance of passing it too. I didn't even want to take the "mind breaking" entrance exam when I was in fourth year high school but my family believed in me so I pushed through.  Fast forward to January 12, 2015, when the upcat results were released, I didn't even checked or visited the website of UP. I just went home from school like it's a normal day, watched TV then slept... until my friend called me on my phone, said that I passed the exam and the rest was history.

Now, that I am officially an "Iskolar ng Bayan", I am still in awe because God has given me a wonderful blessing. But on the other hand, I am also having a hard time on adjusting and coping up with the changes that's happening in my life... The transformation from a high school girl to a more mature and responsible college girl. They say that entering the University of the Philippines is hard and graduating from it is even harder. Yes, I believe it is true but I say nothing worth having comes easy.

Required Entry #1: Literature

Every person has his/her own perspective of Literature. Others will say that it is a written material, a spoken work or simply just a story. Broadly speaking, literature represents culture and tradition. But for me, literature is more than that.

Literature is what connects me into other dimensions: cultures, historical eras, stories, etc. In terms of fictional literature, it can take me to a world different to where I belong and can also set my mind free from all worries in the real world even just for a while. On the other hand, literature can give you all the facts you want to know or you need to know about everything in this world. 

Given these characteristics, it is true that literature plays a very important role in the lives of every human being. It lets us learn new worlds of experiences, entertains us with different genre of stories and inspires us with poems written by great authors. But most of all, literature helps us to view ourselves from the shoes of other people, making us grow in our consciousness and sensitivity towards their situations. Literature is the closest chance the world has to be able to understand another person whole-heartedly.