How do I breathe without you here by my side? How will I see when your love brought me to the light? Where do I go when your heart's where I lay my head? When you're not with me, how do I breathe, how do I breathe?

It feels so different being here,
I was so used to being next to you,
Life for me is not the same,
There's no one to turn to.
I don't know why I let it go too far,
Starting over - it's so hard.
Seems like everywhere I try to go,
I keep thinking of you.

[Hook:]
I just had a wake up call,
Wishing that I never let you fall,
Baby you are not to blame at all.
when I'm the one that pushed you away.
Baby if you knew I cared,
You'd have never went nowhere (nowhere),
Girl I should've been right there.

[Chorus:]
How do I breathe
Without you here by my side?
How will I see
When your love brought me to the light?
Where do I go
When your heart's where I lay my head?
When you're not with me,
How do I breathe?
How do I breathe?

[Verse:]
Girl I'm losin' my mind.
Yes I made a mistake.
I thought that you would be mine.
Guess the joke was on me.
I miss you so bad, I can't sleep.
I wish I knew where you could be.
Another dude is replacing me,
God this can't be happening.

[Hook:]
I just had a wake up call (call),
Wishing that I never let you fall (fall),
Baby you are not to blame at all.
When I'm the one that pushed you away
Baby if you knew I cared (cared),
You'd have never went nowhere (nowhere),
Girl I should've been right there.

[Chorus:]
(And I wonder...)
How do I breathe
Without you here by my side?
How will I see
When your love brought me to the light?
Where do I go
When your heart's where I lay my head?
When you're not with me (I'm saying),
How do I breathe?
How do I breathe?

[Verse:]
I can't get over you, no
Baby I don't wanna let go, no
Girl you need to come home
Girl come back to me
'Cause girl you made it hard to breathe
When you're not with me.

[Chorus:]
(Tell me)
How do I breathe
Without you here by my side?
How will I see
When your love brought me to the light?
Where do I go (where do I, where do I go)
When your heart's where I lay my head?
When you're not with me,
How do I breathe?

How do I breathe?
[Some speaking starts]
Without you here by my side?
How will I see (how will I see)
When your love brought me to the light (baby, baby)?
Where do I go (where do)
When your heart's where I lay my head?
When you're not with me (you're not with me),
How do I breathe (how do I breathe)?
How do I breathe?


Make sense?

With nothing but my t-shirt on...

Nothing to lose! Today, I am task by my teacher in Socio to report the other socializing agencies of Socialization. Nervousness run through my veins as I and Donna set our visual aids in the blackboard.

But before that, this feeling started as I was walking towards our classroom. My world turned in slow motion when I saw my crush. He appeared to be the Waze Lei in Meteor Garden due to his pose. While his leg is resting on the floor, the other one is bent and positioned on the wall while he was reading his notes. What makes the show more interesting was that, he stop reading, stood up, and stare at me as I was taking my uneasy steps.

I suppose, this guy isn't just MY crush because it seems as though, all of my girl classmates were hooked on his "chinito and seryoso" aura.

My once calm knees became tense. My steps eventually became light and springy. I continue walking as if those looks don't mean anything to me. Hmmm...

I headed straight to the door and opened it. To my surprise, my crush followed me and we entered the classroom together. Weee!

Donna was able to witness the show. She then teased me saying, "Uy kilig, uy kinikilig!" I was supposed to get angry and intimidated with her jokes. But with the kind of joke that she thrown on me, it appeared to be a lucky charm and encouraged me to strike a good pose and be good with my report.

As I was imagining myself talking in front while my crush is listening to me intently, I was disturbed by a girl who recently passed by. Oh my gas! What the? We both wore the same t-shirt. Same brand, same color, same size and perhaps, same purchased in Lee Plaza worth P79.95.

A classmate directly noticed us. I wanted him to shut up so that my crush won't notice it. But no matter what I do, he just couldn't stop his mockery. I don't want to be angry. "I will just leave a negative impression towards my crush," I said to myself. So, I took it as a good sport, and join with the laughter.

The roll was so swift. I just realized it begun just when Donna had already finished her report. And so, it was my time. I first glanced at him and started my report. I wonder why I felt so panic when in fact, I never suffer like this before.

Each time I glimpse at him, I grasped his wonderful eyes and perfect smile. What I picture out lately was realized. I was so happy! He really is listening to me intently. Oh God! Pigilan mo'ko! Pigilan mo'ko!

I ended my report with a simple glance at him. Still, I was able to capture his stunning looks.

"That was a very good report," Dr. Tan asserted. What happened summed up my happiness.

I realized, daydreaming isn't that bad just as long as you know from the start that it would really ensue. hehe:)) And even if I wore an identical t-shirt with my classmate, I know that she will never get identical stare from the guy I call my ultimate crush.

Mistaken

The first time I saw you, I thought you were good-looking. But I finally came to my senses. "Papalapit nang papalapit, pumapangit." That's what you are. AWH...TCH...

(That pangit term doesn't really mean that he looks one. I just don't like him. Nothing else.)

I can still vividly remember, it was a cold Wednesday morning. I wasn't able to wake up early because, the meeting last Tuesday was so long that it took us 48 years until it finally adjourned. (awh? uber!) And since it's a chilly weather, my biological clock accentuated with it.

While going to school, I already apprehended that I'll be late with my 7AM P.E class. And so was it. But despite the thought, I still joined it considering the fact that, checking of attendance will be at the end of the class.

I was late. I headed at the last column. I was expecting that no one will partner with me since I was late and there is scarcity of boys in our time. Luckily, a boy approached me and muttered that he will be my partner.

Yes! His good in memorizing steps. He was the one who taught me with those irritating steps of Cariñosa. Though the fact that I hate dancing traditional dances, I welcomed it with a smile delight because my partner is good with it.

Until that day came. A realization knocked at my door when he partner with me again that Monday morning even if he knows that someone is beside me already waiting to be my partner.

That was the first thing that made me irritate with his presence. Before our practice started, he asked me with so many questions like, what's my name, what's my course, what's my vacant time, what time will I go home, etc.

My classmates even teased us because they noticed that this boy looked at me straightly and asked me intently. "Uy! Getting to know each other," they asserted. Duh! Whatever!

Wednesday came. I decided to absent in our class because my P.E shirt and short is still wet. And chiefly because, I don't want to see that boy-- ever again. Seeing him would surely spoil my day.

In the afternoon, I and a friend of mine decided to take our snacks near the CIT. We were so blissful then. Talking with so many things that happened that day. After we took our snacks, we directly departed-- still laughing. Until we realized that someone is walking after us. When I look back, I was stunned to know that my P.E classmate and a friend of him is after us. Oh my! What the?

We walk faster then I proceeded to the TN office so that he cannot follow anymore.

I then shared to my friend the infuriating story. Apparently, she was more displeased than I do. Awh:)

Well then, I hope that mammal won't disturb me anymore. Please Lord, help me find my soul-partner. A gay would do...

Also, help him to search his new partner, Lord. But please don't allow him to choose me again. huhu:(

Best Actress in a Pretending Show

Acting has always been my worst nightmare.

I had always believed that I don't have the talent when it comes to acting. Since elementary, I just used to be the narrator or an extra-extra character of our play.

Looking back, I was once appointed by my teacher to play the role of Sisa in "Sisa and her Sons."-- way back when I was in grade four. She lets me to practice in front of my boastful classmates.

"Basilio! Crispin! My sons. Where are you?" I yelled.

Standing in front of, more or less fifty pairs of eyes, I'm really having a hard time making my performance the way my teacher is expecting. But no matter what I do, and no matter how much effort I exerted, it always end up in failure. Hence, at the end of the day, she chose another pupil to play as Sisa, and poor Lycel as JUST the narrator.

However, on a brighter side, even if I was replaced to act the main character of the show, I'm still happy because through that, I know that our presentation will be better. Far off when it was pursued as me as Sisa.

Unfortunately for me, this dilemma seems to repeat itself. Last Tuesday, I was selected by our leader in our English class to take the role of Laura in our Florante at Laura-like drama. I never know what is his basis in choosing me as one.

Before the selection proper, I already expected that I'm gonna play the less significant character of the story. On the other hand, he chose me as my most hated position of the show.

"You'll play the main character," he asserted. "So, be good," he added.

I don't know how to react. I was tongue-tied when his words stoke my ego. I was really hesitant to do it. Feels like, a heavy burden is set on my shoulders. And I don't have the idea how to go on. Especially when Ma'am Divinagracia told us that a grade of one will be the grade of all and our presentation will surely be the first and the last.

Despite these tingling thoughts, I still manage to smile. Pretending to be fine but in reality, was really hesitant to make it. Convincing myself that I was chosen as Laura because I'm the cutest of all the members of the group. Or, everything will be okay because I know Forante is good-looking-- like me. Wiw! Oh God!

Since my nightmare is repeating, I'm also hoping that I will be replaced by someone better.

So, help me God...

We are all but like bubbles in a huge basin – beautiful to look at but sensitive to touch. Too bad, your bubble was the first to pop before everyone else’s did. Farewell couz. We will miss you!

My childhood days were colored with fun and games. My usual playmates were my cousins. We loved to play “balay-balay” under an old santol tree beside the ancestral house of my grandma. We would also ride on our bicycles and play hide-and-seek.Unfortunately, I can’t always play with my favorite pal since he is living in However, if he will have a chance to visit me, we will play to our utmost potential since we both know that the time for us to see each other again is far off.When I stepped on my second year high school, I felt a strange feeling towards him. A feeling that I am sure I hadn’t felt before. When I was younger, I thought that we were of the same age and we will get old together. We will do the same things, in the same manner, in the same time. Conversely, I realized that he got mature faster than I thought he would. He became used to do the things, which I believe only mature people can do. I felt I was so left out. But despite that, I still considered him as my best pal.Within those days, I apprehended that I must act like a full-grown being too. In the same light, during those times, I engaged in affiliations because I thought, that would be my evidence to prove that I am finally a mature person.Unluckily, I suffered stern heartaches because of engaging into a serious relationship. I gave him the love that he deserved from me but it ended up in a fiasco since he can’t even take me seriously. One night, while being emotional about what happened, he surprised me by entering into my room without any permission. Being astonished, I was tongue-tied with his presence. To my surprise, I cannot find the words that I need to say. It’s as if I was left out by a new civilization that I was not able to defend myself and narrate why I acted that way. He approached me by singing “First love, never dies!” I was hell lot intimidated and I couldn’t find any angle to shield myself from such mock. From then on, when we meet at random places, he would sing that song with such intent of irritating me. Still, starting that time, he began calling me “gwapa.” Maybe because he just wanted to take back all the irritations that I felt every time he teased me. I didn’t mind to react at all. Days later, I just found out that we were able to regain the bond that we had before.

Hours became days and weeks became months yet we stayed the same. We still can’t see each other that often but I still considered him as my best friend. I started learning to live my every day life without his presence. But yes! Missing him can never be out of the show.

Until one morning, I was outraged by the news of Lola. “Dodong met an accident. He’s in the Holy Child hospital right now,” she muttered.“Let’s go apo and visit your cousin,” she added.I dreaded the thought of going with her in the hospital. I thought that was just a mild motor accident that anybody else could have ever experienced. “No, Lola. I don’t feel like going. I’d rather stay home,” I asserted. While watching TV, I was disturbed by a beep from my cell phone. It was my brother’s name who flashed on the screen. “Tell papa to come here in the hospital. Dodong is severely wounded and his right ear is incessantly bleeding. Tell him to come immediately before everything is too late.” I was struck by a tremendous shock. I ran straight to Papa and told him about it. I went together with him, without even remembering that I hadn’t taken a bath that day. We instantly drove to Child Hospital and hastily went to the ICU where we caught him half dead and hopeless. I can’t look at him straightly because it seems like we’re now just waiting for his time to bid goodbye.

A scornful sorrow enveloped my whole being. I never wanted to think of entailing hurtful goodbyes to him. I never wanted to be away from him. I never wanted to see him endure the pain. I never wanted to see my aunt and uncle weep because of him. I never wanted to witness the sadness of our whole family. Most of all, I never wanted not to see him anymore, again.

That afternoon, Auntie, Uncle, Fey (Dodong’s girlfriend not her real name), Jade (my nephew) and I were all together called by the physician. Tensions flew through my veins as we entered his office. With a saddened voice, the doctor began to speak.“Are you his sister?” he asked me.“No, doc. I’m his cousin,” I replied.

Series of questions were raised by the doctor and then finally he uttered, “The only chance for him to survive is through a miracle. But like it or not, there’s a big possibility that he will not make it.” His statement was as fast as lightning and as painful as a dagger pierced through the left ventricle.

Tears ran down from Auntie’s face. “Is there anything you could still do, Doc?”

Auntie sat down with a sorrowful face. “We’ll pay you any amount. Just save my son. Please,” she begged.

“Even if you’ll bring him to the best physician, most probably, the outcome would still be the same,” he frankly answered.

We hopelessly went out of his office – all drowning in a river of frustration and reluctance.

All of us proceeded to the ICU and cried our hearts out. I was more concerned of Auntie since it would be her birthday the next day. She sat beside me, crying hardly. Words were but hard to utter. All I could manage to do was cry and share with the whole family the worst summer vacation we had ever experienced.

That day finally came. The sun was still shining brightly. Everything about Dodong seemed like framed hopes. Perhaps, it would be more reasonable to accept his fate.

Happily eating lunch with Fey and my other cousins were me and my family. She blissfully shared their episodes in the past and the things that they once dreamed together. Though she appeared joyful with our forum, I can still see through her eyes the beam of longing and despair.

After lunch, we went back to the ICU, still happy exchanging conversations ‘til we realized that Dodong’s recovery rate, blood pressure and heart rate continued to go down. All of us began to panic.

A physician and two other nurses came in. I went out of the room and prayed hardly, hoping that he would survive and recover. Just then, the doctor came out and announced that he’s gone – gone for good.

Everybody stumbled in great depression, especially Auntie. I could never imagine my once playful cousin has now left us. If only we knew that this would happen, we could have saved him from where he is right now. But time flies so fast. And so does life. His candle has finally melted, leaving us total darkness.

Until now, I can still barely accept the reality. I miss him so much. Waking up each morning while shaking those stresses away and knowing that I will never wake up again seeing him smile at me would seem to drown me in an ocean of soreness

“I remembered your bright smile towards me. The way you tap my back and the compliment you specially created for me each time you see me make my project. I’ll never forget your voice and I’ll especially miss your unique way of calling me gwapa. Too bad, no one could ever call me gwapa just like how you called me.

Now all I can do is just miss you. I am missing every single detail that signifies your personality. But then, I know you’re happy with God right now. And I’m still thankful that He let me experience fond memories with you.”

Taking One Step Closer to Mother Nature

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at 9:07 am
By The NORSUnian
Filed under Feature

In a recent post by Yahoo.com, a discovery regarding the humongous humpback whale making a huge contribution to the environment by absorbing great amounts of CO2 through its feces intrigued us. Great! The whales are starting to use their minute brains in helping the environment. What about the human beings, who, as a matter of fact, have been considered as the highest class of specie created by God? What have they done to save Mother Earth?

The half-day tour in the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences and the A.Y. Reyes Zoological and Botanical Garden became an eye opener to us being mediocre campus journalists. The sights and wonders provided us bits and pieces of the puzzle that brought us to a deliberate realization of environmental concern and intervention.

A Deep Plunge with a Deeper Thought

Welcome to The Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences of Silurian University. Enjoy your tour!

Cold-blooded crocodiles like this one prefer to remain stationary in order to maintain body warmth.

This virgin marine scenario might not be the same picture ten years later.

A Bask of Mother Nature’s Pride

Over the years, we have been taught that our once rich and prosperous forests are now turned into denuded ones. Our once wild and extravagant animals are now threatened to habitat loss and are dwindling in numbers. And maybe extinction will be their next stage in life.

With this how can we, humans, help in the preservation of these animate beings?

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the A.Y. Reyes Zoological and Botanical Garden.

Philippine spotted deer- At the first view, they can be described as shameful of the people, but on the brighter side, they are also amiable and are unabashed when it comes to cameras. During our tour, we were lectured that instead of having horns, they have the so called antlers. The more its branches, the older it is.

Visayan warty pig- Like the Philippine spotted deer; one of their features also indicates the number of their existence. Their stiff spikey hair designates their age.

Bleeding heart pigeon- What amazed us during the trip was when we were told about their methodology of courtship in which they will have only one mate for the rest of their life.

Hornbill- Characterized by long, down-curved bill, they are entitled as a perfect lover because like the bleeding heart pigeon, they are also destined to one devotee for all of its living.

Macaque Monkey- They are one of the best species of Old World Monkeys. When a person sees a monkey, he usually compares it to one of his companies and teases him as one of its races.

Stupid Me
By grapes

“You can tell me that there’s nobody else (but I feel it). You can tell me that you’re home by yourself (but I see it). You can look into my eyes and pretend all you want but I know… I know your love is just a lie.”

These lines from the song Your Love is just a Lie by Simple Plan simply explicate the feeling of being cheated by someone whom you’ve shown love and trust; yet turned out to be something far from what you’ve prayed and hoped for.

Self-centered, supercilious, scornful- that’s what my close friends distinct me. Of course I do have a reason why I am like this. Mainly because I had more than enough of being hurt, maybe because I don’t want to suffer the nature of being fooled, perhaps because I was intimidated for searching another one to fill and replace my past lover, and generally because, I don’t want to feel the pain that once bounded my heart from the time I appoint into having relationships.

Ever since, I had been hesitant to speak what I am going through. I am afraid that they would call me weak and pathetic- for short, I had been so synthetic about my thoughts. However, life has its own way of teaching me to address and show what I really feel. Yes! I was badly hurt. I know what I feel is. Though I bear in mind not to engage in serious affiliation, to avoid being hurt, I still find myself barely breathing and could hardly imbibe the potion of pain.

One day I thought, it would have been better if we’re mutual with each other, that I am giving and getting equal love. This is the hardest equation Math could never solve for. If only I knew, all these things would happen; I’d rather Ctrl+Z or undo it all.

Every time we will have the chance to be together, I thought it would paint a smile on my face. I thought it would slip off my busy days. I thought his love was a chaste but it’s now time for me not be blinded with all these lies and misconceptions. I need to save myself.

Pain endures. Grief and revenge engulfed my heart. Sometimes I deliberate, he just stayed with me because I am like this, and I am like that. Oftentimes I feel insecure every moment he shares about his erstwhile lovers and inevitably comparing me with them. Although I know all these things would drown me in a river of regrets and reluctance, I still manage to smile and listen while my heart slowly and continuously breaks.

One day I suppose, it was just a day to spend our time together. To talk about our standing and forget all odds behind us; conversely, I was surprised with the fact that, he was busy having a conversation with his former classmate, recalling their histories in high school, joking with each other, relishing their blissful moments while I saw myself just standing behind the corner, counting for some motorcycles and pedicabs to pass by. Certainly I could feel, I was so op. I can’t handle it any longer. So, I decided to tell him, I need to study for we will have an exam.

It was rumored that he was dating with another girl. It started when my cousin saw them together. It even hurt me though it was a mere rumor. How much more if I will be the one to see it- face to face? She then directly asked me, why of all those guys who have shown interest in me, he was the one I chose? I tried to fuss. I insisted not to believe her for my loyalty and trust is within him.

Until one day, truth unveiled. My cousin and a friend attended a procession. They personally spotted this guy and that girl together in the same place and narrated that the boy pretended not to see them.

Thank God! I wasn’t able to attend that procession. Probably, I’ll endure the temperament of stern pain. What makes it more painful is that, that day was supposed to be our fourth monthsary. Four months being fooled and cheated.

I was silent for a moment. I tried to scent and sip the savor of being a loser. I tried to blink, to blur those visions away. I shed a tear, of course. Valentine’s Day was approaching and so was my birthday. Definitely, I will never have much luck in love. Nevertheless, it was just love. And just like what I read from a section of a paper, “Valentine’s Day, like any other special day, will be gone in 24 hours anyway- like most men I’ve fallen in love with.”

Loveless or Lovey Dovey, I still have the right to enjoy February.

Spic and Span
by LyceL

Everyday is a good day. Never waste a single moment without having fun of your friends, love ones and special someone, making it worthwhile and grabbing the satisfaction that we are all begging for. No wonder, if it already passed, it will never be taken back.

“Life has always been like this,” I said. Everyday is a tiring journey. Each day, I felt so sad and lonely. Day by day, I found myself so stuck with school stuffs—without having an inspiration—someone who’ll stir me up of all my problems, someone who’ll show enthusiasm despite my exhausting activities, and someone who’ll serve as my inspiration in my day to day journey. Inside me is the feeling of being tired of everything.

Though all of this seems to drown me in a river of pressure and frustration, one day, I realized that this should not allow me to- that I should have the time for myself to enjoy and have fun and most of all, be part of something that I know I will be happy.

Sought with this thought, I decided to be part of the TN, where of course I know that I’m not the best of all. But still I considered myself as a little speck—yet too cheerful that at least I exist and did something right for myself. However, this perception changed through as I first started my life in TN. Pressures here and there, pressures everywhere. Thinking that, joining seems to add pressures in my life.

Aside from this, my social life has also begun to rupture. I had no other friends except for the TN staffs and some close classmates. Even my relationship with my special someone has sprouted into seedlings of uncertainties and spore of idleness. Well then, I realized the consequences. Truth hurts. I should accept all the pressures rushing through my veins and yes! I believe that I had.

Careless Whisper
By Purple

Life’s proven thought: “Never opt for something without meticulously checking the trademark, variety and especially the price of the product.”

It was sizzling hot outside. I was riding a motorcycle with my father. That morning, I was wearing a red jacket to protect me from the heat of the sun. Suddenly, I told Papa to stop first before Cang’s so I can buy my Christmas card prescribed by Kuya last Tuesday.

When I came inside the establishment, with the feeling of being seared because of the heat of the sun, I directly ask the saleslady about the stand of those cards and go straight to where it was being placed.

With the desire to get a stunning one but thinking that choosing it would require lots of money, I pick the “not so beautiful” one and thought that price would never mind but the message from the heart would best explains the real essence of Christmas. Thus, I went to the counter and got my wallet, ready to pay that card. However, I was awfully shocked when I saw in the monitor that it cost Php 49.75.

With the feeling of being ashamed once I return that card and exchange it with something economical, I draw my 50 peso baon given by my mother that morning to pay it and said “Sige nalang, Christmas bitaw.”

When I entered the office, I approach Rolyn and Catherine and ask them if they already got their Christmas Card. Apparently, they both said that they haven’t bought it yet.

Afternoon came; some staffs were talking about the card and decided to buy together. Rolyn and Catherine went to Lee Plaza and pick the P24.50 card. It was not that attractive like my card but the only alteration is that, it just cost them a little value compared to mine.

When evening came, Kuya arrived and felt so happy with his card. He also gave the other card he bought for Ate Nadine. A staff once asked Kuya how does it cost him and he answered P35.50.

Whaaaat??? His card was full of glitter-glitter effects, with a Christmas music played when you’re about to open it, and with Santa Clause as the preface of the card. It’s inevitable to compare it with mine. I can’t help thinking of the price, the design and style, and all the gimmicks, my gass! Bog’z jud akong card (hehe… Sige lamang).

Kuya then called everyone so we can start our meeting. Everybody got their card- varieties of them were on their hands. I, myself, was hesitant to draw mine in my bag knowing that some would tease me because of my being dumb to choose something that cost expensive yet appeared to be the same as the one’s that are what we call “cheap”.(hehe…)

That night, I learned to be efficient enough to choose a product. Yes! I admit, I was really dumb of having thought that 10 percent as 10 pesos. And starting that night, I will never be careless anymore. Weeee!!!

Stupido Ragazzo
By Lycel

Its a stupid feeling when you're so desperate to consume a pretty damn cute thing but you're heart is too damn scared to know the answer- that you can never ever do it.

During my elementary days, I felt so happy whenever I have a liquid eraser. It feels good to have such a thing that you know many of your classmates does not have it and its nice to hear that they'll be obsessed begging to borrow it. (hehe... what a girl?)

However, this concept changed through the days because several of my classmates bought their own liquid eraser and forgetting me as the founder... The first one to have it... (hehe... again).

Through the days, I realized I can't consume all of it on my own. So, I found myself pretending to have an erasure and blot it using my liquid. Just like fooling myself, there's no page in my notebook without a white paint in it but still, it never got empty. "I'll throw it away,"I said. I'm not happy any longer using it.

As I stepped on my college life, and striving to have a better grade in my Typing Lessons, I was pissed off with my stupid hands because every now and then, I commit errors that certainly I was not pretending with. Until that day came, I noticed that my liquid eraser was empty. My gass! I still have many erasures, how am I gonna deal with it?

That time, I felt so numb... But even so, I could still feel my success in consuming it all without any pretentious intent. Hehe... Success!!!

Cute Kong Pagbati
By Lycel D. Caingcoy

Kahinumdom ko sauna
Maglanat-lanat tang duha
Sa ilalum sa punong mangga
Kanunay tang magakatawa.

Sa ka-agbon ug ka-init sa dalan,
Pag-hapla ko imu akong gitabangan
Gipatidog mo ako ug lagi gipaspasan
Maayo nalang kay anaa ka sa akong kiliran.

Wa' mo pa ba kalimti?
Magbalay-balay sad ta permi
Gisulog-sulog pa tag gi-abi-abi
Kay kitang duha magkuyog sige.

Ug didto nag-sugod ang cute kong pagbati
Daw ako ang reyna, ug ikaw akong hari.
Sa tanang lalaki, ikaw ang gipalabi
Ikaw lang gud ang higugmaon sa tibuok kong kinabuhi.

Ikaw ang maambong bituon sa kadagatan,
Ikaw ang labing mahayag nga bulan,
Daw ikaw ang adlaw sa'kong kalibutan
Takus nga makauban sa akong kalisdanan.

Apan naputol mga maayo kong adlaw
Mga malipayong panghitabo, tanan nahanaw
Kay s tuman natong pag-kuyog, nakabantay akong magulang
Mi-sumbong dayon sa akong Inahan ug Amahan.

"Ayaw sa gud ni-ana Inday," tugon sa akong Mama.
"Daghan pa kang dapat makat-unan," dungag pa ni Papa.
Labaw sa tanan, ikaw gayod bata pa.
Wala kay laing huna-hunaon, 'kon dili ang pag-eskuyla.

Sukad ni-ato, masulob-on kong nangamuyo.
Ni-dangat sa Ginoo, ug kaniya naga-ampo
Nga unta hatagan ako ug maayong buot
Tapuson kinibng gibating kangut-ngot.

Ug kay lagi buotan kong pagka-anak,
Tambag kanila akong gi-tahak
Mayra gud lagi, kay cute akong pagbati
Dili tantong sakit ang akong nasinati.

Sa kasikas sa dahon, ug dagan sa panahon,
Wala ko na hikit-i ang akong pag-laum
Masusi kong gipakyas gugma nakong matarong,
Aron pag-eskuyla nako ang unahon.

A Share of Drama
By Lycel D. Caingcoy

I can still remember how I wrote my first poem in Grade 5. I held a pen and a paper in my hand. I wonder which of those cells in my body made me so dull that I can't even write a single word to start my composition. I wonder why words won't come out even if they're already at the tip of my tongue, and I keep on asking myself why can't I do it while others can?

All of these are the thoughts I first encountered when I begun my career as a writer. It wasn't my plan to become one someday. It's just that, I'm so after with the points I will get when I will join our school paper in the elementary. And that's it! I joined the Division Schools Press Conference at Foundation University together with my colleagues. I was so stunned knowing that this is my first time and numerous writers from varied schools are on their way to compete me. Nervousness rushed through my veins for I know from deep within, I wasn't a good writer. I already expect the expected- that I will never ever win. And so was it...

After the contest, I kept on asking why do I love calling myself as a writer and yet I don"t deserve it? I know I don't have the skills of becoming one. I suppose I am not rich in vocabularies and colorful ideas and I strongly believe that I will never excel in this field. So, I quit.

Years passed by and I continue focusing myself on academic concerns. To cut it short, when I stepped on my third year high school, I saw myself wanting and dreaming of being a staffer again. I remember the line, "Life is a cycle, sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down." Thus, my dreams were wearing thin when I was younger and so I stirred up and thought, this time, I will be at the limelight. However, a swathe of awesome darkness fell on me. My dreams did not come to realize. I blamed myself for being a loser and I can't stop comparing myself from others.

From then on, I didn't give up. For the last term of my secondary level, I strove hard, read more papers and practiced much. This time, I proved myseld. I was very determined and eager to surpass in this field. Fortunately, I was one of the chosen journalists to represetnt the Division of Dumaguete in the Regional Schools Press Conference at Mandaue City, Cebu. I felt so glad and my stay there is one of my fulfilling desires I had ever dreamt of my life.

Because of this experience, I discovered 5 factors affecting a writer to write a good composition.

1. Strong determination, eagerness and willingness of the writer to write something,

2. His/Her mood at the time,

3. The silence of the surroundings,

4. The cleanliness of the paper and

5. The quality of the ballpen he/she is going to use.

Now that I'm one of the trainees of THE NORSUnian, I never expected being one of the staffers on the following days (for judgement day is on our way)., 'coz if I do, I know that if this expectation is not met, I'll suffer the pain and wait for many years to tolerate it. Applicants that passed the written exam and interview are considered the cream of the crop (except me). But I will never forget how I found my second family- TN, char! Love you all.... Eeeey! Thanks for the memories and the laughters we'd shared together.

Earthquake hits JNHS
(My first ever news article published in JNHS CHRONICLER- The official school paper of Junob National High School)

A swathe of shocking tensions felt on students when a sudden earthquake with an intensity of 5.5 hit Junob National High School buildings and grounds last July 13, 2007, Friday, at around 9:00 in the morning. The earthquake lashed the said grounds causing some leaks on Building-F.

Erica Jane Bais, fourth year orange was shocked and fainted and the rest of the high school students were frightened and shaken.

Tensions and worries were felt on the scene. Thus, students went out fearfully from their rooms with hands protecting their heads. Shortly, teachers from different year levels announced that the classes are cancelled.

Because of the catastrophe that happened recently, students practiced earthquake drill last July 27, 2007. Selected third year students of Mrs. Katherine L. Partosa were also trained to be first aiders purposely for a temporary care for the victims.




P.S. Hehe... Binata... This article was revised for almost 10 times. Every time I have an erasure on my final draft (even a single one), my adviser would suggest to get another piece of paper and re-write it. Thus, I have many final drafts and each time I presented it to him, he always find something wrong in it. This is one of the reason why I always cry for being a loser, why I didn't want to go to school and why I didn't want to see the face of Mr. Maputi (my adviser). Perhaps, because of that person, I am what I am now. Sorry Sir for being hard-headed and the worst student (I think) you ever had (In return, you've been my worst critic also when I was in high school). But now I'll say, "Thank you so much, Sir!" Hehe...

Oh my God I'm so inspired today.... hehehe.. I think i already found my "Mr. Right"... chakz! But still focuse lang japon ko sa akong studies..... hehehe

SHOCKING....

Hala siya.... Honestly, dili jud ayo ko kabalo mugamit ug computer...hahaha..kawawang nilalang...
but guess what, naka-butang ko ug slide-show... niya wajudkokabalo gi-unsa to nako.. wahaha! I'm proud of myself... nalupig nako si Catherine...hahaha!

Best Wishes

"He"

He is the sunshine that lights my whole life
A flash in the moonbeam bright
He is the blue that frames a clear sky
And makes the bird fly up high.

He's like a word that grants a meaning
And yield a happy ending
He makes my life in such a smooth way
Although its rough day by day.

He is the answer in my prayers at day & nighttime
And turn my world seem bright
He is such a thing worth remembering
And it is he that makes my everything...