Weirdness=the Best!!

Like wow, i never anticipated that this day would be so unusual...

It all started from the moment I got up. I had my usual soar throat (i've had this since that day we licked coffee from the floor and swallowed a piece of paper drenched in sweat. haha.) but now, i also had a hoarse voice... *cough cough* I felt really uncomfortable. After fixing myself up for school, I then went to the kitchen and found out that there was no food prepared for us. All I saw on the table was a plate of chocolate cake. I looked into the ref and saw nothing but water, sandwich spreads and ice cream. Since, skipping breakfast was never an option (i skipped breakfast once and nagkaLagnat ako after that. haha), i chose to eat the cake and ice cream. and yeah, 'twas painful and very unhealthy. hahahaha.

so, I went to school and we had our graduation practice... while waiting for our class to be called, I borrowed my classmate's iPod- which was really unusual since I dont like listening to music alone when im doing something more important... and the practice went on till the time when the graduates are gonna be presented... "From the special science curriculum, we have blah blah MALE candidates for graduation..." I didnt hear the speaker so I STOOD UP. hahahaha. I was like so embarassed... everyone was looking and laughing at me since I was at the very front row,.. from that moment on, I decided that Im so DONE with iPods!! hahahaha.

Anyway, after eating pineapple, pomelo and DURIAN in school, I rode a tricycle with chelsea and Josah... The tricycle had an orange and white seat. Its number was 1224. and the driver was kinda bald. hahaha. I never really did think that these observations would be useful until I got home. My PHONE was MISSING! I immediately called up my classmate to ask for Josah's number since she was the only passenger left when I got home. I called my phone twice but noone would answer. I called Josah up and she told me that the driver stopped near the capitol and let her ride another cab since all the fuel was already used up.. He didnt even let her pay! I was really freaking out... I called my phone again and it was already UNATTENDED!! (fullcharged xa huh) I then called up my classmate, krizel, who was in school to investigate.. She went to the main gate where all the drivers were waiting for passengers and asked them about the tricycle I rode in. I was really lucky that they knew the driver and where his house was. In fact, one of them is his nephew!! After locating and talking to him and Right before I should've called the radio station, the driver went to school with his family and gave back my phone though my classmate... Whew!!!
MORAL of the story? DILI magTINANGA. hahahaha. and observing stuff around is very important. hahaha

And so, my day went on... I ate a lot at the canteen that I missed the graduation march and had to go against its flow... haha. And while we practiced for the distribution of diplomas, I SLEPT on my classmate's shoulder!! in front of the teachers on stage! hahaha. I just woke up when everyone was done and we had to stand. hahaha. After the practice, my parents and sisters fetched me and we went to chowking to have a snack.

When I got home, I was really shocked with the message I got. It was like, my friend's gf thinks that Im the third party in their relationship... like, hell NO!!! i say, NEVER! I wouldn't do such a thing noh... haha. NBSB man gani ko., she caught us na daw?! nakz... but well, normal ra na xang magselos... hahaha. and yeah, i also had a short chat with someone... secret! wahahahaha.

btw, a lot of things have happened... though they may not be that good but I'm still very thankful of the experience... It was fun! I've reflected and learned a lot from today... Besides, this week has been really great!! God has truly blessed me with a lot... countless... I just have to take the right steps to make things happen... My life is the message...

Graduating?! huhu

Just a week left... It's quite scary how something so memorable would always come to an end... high school. At first, I wasn't quite happy about being the class salutatorian since I know I've let a lot of people down. But what can I do, I was destined to have this title. It's God's plan. I have no choice but to accept it and be contented. After all, it wouldn't matter in college diba? Because I know for a fact that throughout my four years in ZSNHS, I have truly proven my worth and left a glorious legacy that shall forever be embedded on its pedestal. Among others, it is I who has emerged victorious without a doubt.

As for my college plan, I am positive that I'll be going to UP Diliman since I've already confirmed my slot right after receiving my pin number and student number. I have also submitted my application for the Kalayaan Dorm. All that's left to do is send my dad's ITR, accomplish all the requirements for enrolment and follow the schedule in my acceptance letter. I'm excited na!! haha. And yeah, I passed the DOST Merit A scholarship (PDI March 22 ish Page A14). Though it's kinda limited and wouldn't shoulder all or most of the expenses, I'm still so blessed since it would at least lighten the load a bit.

For now, I'm quite worried about our school paper, The Reflections, since all of the editors, including me, are graduating except for my sister slash head photojournalist. It's really hard to choose the next staff since I can only name a few writers that are really talented and committed. We just can't put the publication at risk. We've held it up for the past years, now's just not the right time to ruin its reputation. I hope we'd make the right choice.

-miCh^^-

Off to a good start...

wheeew! Friday at last. This was a very long week! Long but exciting. Not bad for a new year's start.. Like, being at school is really so much fun than staying at home, doing nothing but watch tv or surf the net... talk about radiation.

The first day of class was great. Full of surprises. Last Tuesday, I played Volleyball for the first time and scored 5 points for our group. haha. It was really hard for me to hit the ball. Like, most of my serves go off-court. Despite these, I consider this as a big step for me. At least I got to try playing ball games. And I did pretty well pa for a first timer ha (at least for myself).hahaha. Though they say my height gives me the advantage in a lot of sports, I'm not really that interested. But I do want to try playing sports like soccer, lawn tennis, marathons, softball, fencing, swimming, and basketball?! For the sake of experience lang. haha. Anyway, It was very tiring. We had to do field work pa talaga in the afternoon. I was really sweaty the whole day.

My wednesday was quite normal. We had a lot of new lessons. As in, NoseBleed!! But 'twas not severe naman since I understood them easily. haha. I had a short moment of foolishness with Mr.T while we were walking home with some classmates. He took candid shots of me and threatened to show it in public. So, I got his Mp5 which was dead by that time, put it in my pocket and let him follow me through the road. He kept asking me to hand it over but I refused- not until he deletes the pictures. So, because of his slight mental defect, he gripped my bag with both hands and just stood there, holding me back. I couldn't continue walking coz if I tried, I would still be in the same place. He was quite strong noh. haha. But I still refused to give it to him so he had this weirdest idea to pull me in the middle of the street!!! Like, there were a lot of passing tricycles there since it was just near the school. So, I didn't have a choice. I surrendered!! huhu.But 'twas ok since I know he won't display them in public. I have my panlaban din kaya! we were just patas. haha.

Yesterday was quite dramatic since I cried while relating what happened to me last December in the RSPC with my friends. I can't really control myself coz I haven't got over the hurt until now. But I ended up laughing about it. My experience wasn't all that bad naman, I still had those great moments with some new as well as old friends that I only get to bond with in these kinds of events.

I thought my weeks had this certain pattern. Like, I'd be very lucky on monday then end up with tears on friday. So, i really hoped that this week would end up differently coz I was expecting the UPCAT results today. But I think the site posted the wrong info since it's still not there. Oh well, they're prolonging the agony ika nga. haha. paBitin, grabeh! haha. Anyway, we had our general cleaning today. I cleaned and painted some plant pots and the window grills. Like, my hands are now stained with white and green paint!! haha. But I had a lot of fun! My classmates and I had the chance to bond. Plus, our teacher bought us snacks! Aside from that, we ate free donuts courtesy of Golda. I was so busog na jud! hahaha. My head is still aching now because of the smoke from the burnt trash. I really hate it when people do that. Coz aside from the baaddd smell, it releases harmful chemicals to the air that contribute to global warming diba?! Wow, nature-lover mode. hahahaha. This day was very tiring. as in. I even ended up having a nap after lunch. Good thing I woke up before 1pm. After an exhausting afternoon, I walked home with some friends. Grabeh talaga ang exercise ko today! haha. Ang saya. Kaya nga I'm planning to sleep early tonight to get ample rest. I still have a research project to make tomorrow.

I'm so blessed to have a very great week!! haha. Every little thing that's happened is truly God's grace and a sign of His extreme love..

-miCh^^-

New year, New MEH?!

It’s the 3^rd day of 2009 and still, I can’t see any difference. Well, the 2008 calendar was already thrown out and I got a 2009 planner entitled ‘Alamat at Mitolohiya’. Thanks Insular Life!. Oh yeah, new coupons from Mercury drug! We don’t use ‘em though. Anyways, I do believe that the new year is not just the time for us to change calendars nor just receive new stuff , it’s actually about saying goodbye to a lot of things we got used to and hello to the unknown or to the expected maybe. It’s an “out with the old and in with the new” thing . So, the past 2 days, I’ve been thinking about some New Year’s resolutions. Well, I’ve been having resolutions since forever but I don’t really keep track of them. So this year, I’m gonna be a lot serious about this. Of course it’s already understood that I’ll carry on my past resolutions like getting closer to God and being a better daughter, sister, friend, student, leader etc. I guess I’ll never stop having these until I become the Best! That will take forever… hhmm.. Now, here goes:

• Lose weight. Live a healthy lifestyle. I’ve been eating a lot of food last year and gained much weight. Now, I just want to cut down on my eating habits and focus more on greens. I’m also planning on having an exercise routine. Going to the gym maybe or biking. Early morning stretches of course. ‘coz I think my whole body’s getting weak. hahaha. My aim? A model-like body. ‘yung tipong pwede na sa Project Runway. Haha

• Study more. The first quarter of this year’s gonna be my last months in hs. My last shot to being on top. But I kinda accept just being 2^nd best already. I just can’t expect too much coz I might disappoint myself and the others. Just the thought that a lot of people are on my side already contents me. And for the rest of the year? 2^nd quarter will be my summer preparation for college and the succeeding half will be NOSEBLEED college freshman days. Wish me luck!

• Blog much. Blogging will truly serve as my venue to practice my writing skills and creativity. It can also train me on proper time management. I want to reminisce more memories and express more ideas this year through my writing. Like an E.diary.

• Vocabulary expansion. Learn to use more words. So that I won’t get short of them whenever I write or say something, get to describe stuff clearer and have a wide choice.

• Express creativity. Try new stuff. Take more pictures. Make more poems. Cut and paste. Draw. More recycling. Mix and Match. Be unique, stylish and original! Travel. Ideas. Ideas. Ideas. Bungee jump?! Fix stuff?! Bake?! Anything!

• Stop Lazyness. It tires me. I don’t get to accomplish a lot. It’s a waste of time.

• Live life to the fullest! enjoy life and use time wisely.

• Make a Difference!! And leave a legacy.

Done! Just have seven so that I won’t have a hard time to keep on track. The last one’s the finale. Stuff may come up and I might add some adjustments but as of now, these are everything I’ve got. God bless me! Wish me luck…

-miCh^^.-

Say hello to 2009!!!

Before anything else, here’s a quick glimpse of how I spent my Christmas break…

Dec.5-7, Regional Math Camp

Gone to Molave with my sisters… I had fun roaming around the place with my friends and spending the evenings playing games and chatting with them. We also had to do some rounds to check on my schoolmates being President and all… But ultimately, I had my regrets.. I even posted something against one of the facilitators of that event… Well, they can’t blame us… they failed to meet our standards...

Dec. 16-18- Regional School’s Press Conference

This event gave me the jitters. Like, press conferences are the only contests I really look forward to every year and this is gonna be my last!!! The thought of it really depresses me.. So I had to give it my best shot!! I had 3 contests to attend, Copyreading and Headline Writing, Feature Writing and the Journalism Quiz Bee… Well, sadly, I went home bathed in tears as I only got 4^th place in Feature Writing and 2^nd in the Quiz… That won’t be enough to bring me to the nationals! But what really saddened me was the thought of my friends not supporting me… Like, they preferred to sleep inside the quarters rather than watch my contest! I guess, you’ll really never know who’s been true to you until these things happen… hhhmm… It’s a long story though before you would really understand what I’m talking about.. hehehe.

Dec. 24- The day before THE DAY

Waaaahhh!!! I woke up early for the last day of Simbang Gabi… NO, I didn’t complete the 9 days… This is the only day that I attended an early mass… why? Hhhmm… Our purok is the sponsor and our family had to bring an offering to the altar… I’m not used to waking up super early… But well, I’m proud that I did… From 7pm till the next day, we had our Christmas party and Noche Buena as well… I held three phones by 11:00 to greet everyone a merry Christmas… I didn’t wait for midnight anymore coz the network might jam… It was Fun!!

Dec. 25- Christmas!!

The busy streets were almost empty. I guess, everyone’s stuck in their houses just like me… As usual, I spent the whole day watchin tv and bonding with the fam… Well, Christmas isn’t really about the decors, lights, balls, santa, gifts etc… It’s the day where everyone unites in celebrating one simple yet very great day in history… The birth of our one true savior Jesus Christ… So rather than complaining about the other stuff going on this season, why can’t we just focus on the true reason of this annual celebration?! I think it’s time that we start renewing ourselves and follow Christ?! Dba?!

Dec. 27- Laag

I had this chance to go around the city with Mona… We went to Gaisano, ate takuyaki and saw Jimbert!!! He gave us p500 to tour him around.. What luck!! Hahaha. After an afternoon of walking around, someone invited me to Golda’s café… He gave me a gift… But it’s a secret… I liked it though… hehehe

Dec.28- Hair!!

I got a haircut! As in, you can really see the difference… My hair really got shorter! ‘twas ok though… haha. It got super straight because of the blow-drier… I was supposed to have this at the end of the year. Like, it’s already been a culture for me… but it served as a preparation na din for tonight… It’s ate shobe’s debut. Hhhmmm… Kakilig jud sila ni kuya kyle!!!

Dec. 30- Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines

After being stuck inside the house for the whole day, we all went to Tangub to see the beautiful big glowing Christmas thingies there (don’t know what I should call ‘em) hahaha… I had a great time with the whole family!!!

Dec. 31- Goodbye 2008!!

Wow! Time really flies… FAST!! Haha.. 2008 has really been a great year for me… yes, I had my sad and embarrassing times… But I can’t remember them anymore… I guess it is better to view life in this perspective… Why focus on the bad stuff when there’s always something good or even better?! Well, alls well that ends well… But surely, I would be off the pits now if it weren’t for some special people in my life… So I thank:

• God. For all the blessings he has given my family and I. For all His graces and for keeping me strong throughout the whole year. For providing all my needs and for letting me learn a lot in life. There are soooo many things I have to thank Him for. I can’t mention everything here… hehehe. I know I am unworthy of receiving anything from Him but He’s still there… and I couldn’t be more grateful.

• My parents. They’ve always been there to provide, support and guide me in everything that I do. They’ve loved me and will continue to love me until their last breathe. I’m so blessed. I just LoooooVVvvee them! They are simply the best.

• My sisters. I’ve never been closer to them than ever. They are my best friends. I love them so much and always miss them whenever I am away. Yeah. They’re sakit sa ulo most of the time but their craziness is really worth loving!

• My friends. Specially Henritasz- my closest friends. I know I’ve not been a very good friend but I can truly say that I have done my best to be one. They have been there for me whenever I needed them. Sometimes, not. But anyways, I know they care for me and I can’t be more blessed!

• My teachers. For teaching me a lot of things, from lessons to developing myself as a person.

• YFC. For being a very cool family to guide and accompany me in my road to being closer to God. I’m just so blessed to be a part of this.

• Everyone who has been a part of this wonderful year. Even just the thought that you were a part of my life gives me great gratitude for I know that you truly contributed to making me into this person that I am now.

So less than 2 hours from now, I’m gonna say goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009. Resolutions?! Hhhmmm… I’m not really good at these things but there’s one resolution I have to accomplish this year… I have to post more entries in my Blog!!! Like, a hundred?! Hahaha. I hope. Basta, BAGONG TAON, BAGONG BUHAY!! haha

Well, I have limited time so I say Happy New Year to everyone! Hope you’d have a great year ahead of you!!

-miCh^^,-

Unstained: Treading through life's uncertainties...

(I submitted this for the VP Noli de Casto Awards for academic excellence)

Born on the 8^th of September 1992, I, Michelle Dawn Yap Ramos, was brought up with a very loving family. I was raised in an environment where I was not deprived to exhibit my potentials. My parents taught me all the essential values I needed in order to grow with the right principles and beliefs. My early achievements and defeats gave me the confidence to face the consequences of failure and the delights of success. But as they say, “It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them—the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas.”

Entering high school was tough but it served as my venue to further know myself and my passions. One of which is my passion for journalism. At my first year, I experienced a lot of obstacles in achieving my goal as a campus journalist. I was beaten up with words and cursed by many because of false rumors. Everyone was against me and I knew they were wrong but I humbled myself and chose to continue. Like a true journalist, I never let the people around me build a barrier between me and my desire of connecting and informing the public. Thus, as another year passed, I strived to make a difference. And I succeeded. Being the Editor in chief of the school organ was never an easy task for me. I was unprepared and didn’t have enough training and knowledge on the responsibility that awaited me. My co-editors and writers were much older than me. I was afraid. But this didn’t stop me from fulfilling my responsibilities. For two straight years, I burnt my midnight candle and dedicated myself to the field of campus journalism. Its constant demands would always conflict with my academics and other activities but through proper time management and definition of priorities, I have conquered them all.

Leadership has always been with me since childhood. Considering that I am the eldest daughter in the family, I was always in-charge. I loved the concept of teamwork and learned its true beauty through the trainings I took part in. My skills were not overlooked as I was chosen to lead a number of organizations or clubs. Whenever I was given the chance to lead, I always see to it that I give out my best and leave a significant legacy. There were times when I get discouraged because it seemed that my efforts were not enough but I stopped at nothing to encourage everyone to cooperate, function, and help in achieving our goals as a team. For I believe that there can never be a weakest link- only weak governance. I serve for the purpose of letting my co-students feel their importance and act for more productive causes.

Yes, I was not raised up in poverty but this did not hinder me from connecting and helping those in need. I believe that one need not be poor to understand how it is to be one. Whenever I had the chance, I see to it that I do my part in helping them gain more confidence and develop a sense of perseverance in order to succeed. It is not at all about the money or food that we provide them but it’s how one could inspire them to seek for a brighter future most especially the young ones. This I have learned through serving the CFC-Youth for Christ community and as a Gawad Kalinga youth volunteer ever since first year. Through the family I have found in the YFC, I learned to appreciate God’s creations more and together with my fellow youth, serve as ambassadors of Christ. Through its activities, I can proudly say that I have used my skills to the fullest, offering them for the good of everyone and for the Lord. Recently, I was installed as the head of our community’s news bureau and am often hosting YFC activities throughout the region.

Throughout my 16 years of existence I could very well say that I have lived a promising life. But still, growing up with people who got used to my maximum abilities wasn’t easy. There were times when I got fed up of the constant reminders that my parents would give me most especially when I can’t meet their expectations. I would just stop and lie down, asking myself why I can’t be just like any other normal teenager- enjoying and learning from life without any of the pressures and disappointments. I wanted to give up.

But every now and then, there’s a voice within me that kept saying, “Why waste the abilities that God has given you? Why strive to be ordinary and walk with the rest when in fact, He gave you these gifts to nurture and develop? You were chosen and blessed by the Father. You are unique. These people are just His instruments to guide you and lead you to the best path that He has reserved for you. Thus, it is your responsibility to stand up and show how God manifested His love through you. Never ever give up.”

Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.

Thus I say, everyday of my life is an unseen battle, a field of confusion, a mirror of tragedy and a struggle for identity. How I get through it is the challenge. How I survive is my victory. I am geared with the finest armor and weaponry anyone could ever have- Faith. My whole life and personality is molded by God’s love and His plans for me. He has made me a concrete and vivid image of imperfection. A normal yet exquisite teenager. I am unique and simply brilliant!

Desiderata

Highschool Love: Fortune or Delusion?

By: Michelle Dawn Ramos

L-O-V-E. When does it all start?

When people first experience falling in love, it often starts as attraction. Sexual feelings can also be a part of this attraction. People at this stage might daydream about a crush or a new “BF” or “GF”. They may doodle the person’s name or think of their special someone while a particular song is playing. It sure feels like love. But it’s not love yet. It hasn’t has the time to grow into emotional closeness that’s needed for love.

Our ability to feel romantic love develops during adolescence. Teens all over the world notice passionate feelings of attraction. At this stage, we long for that intense new feeling of love, different from the love that we give or given by our parents, siblings, etc. Possessing passionate feelings of attraction are a natural part of growing up. However, you shouldn’t get involved too soon for a lot of things can not determine fantasy from reality. They are not in love with the person but only with the thought of being in love.

As students longing for good marks and achievements, high school relationships may come in the way. Most teens are too fickle to commit. Books in hand, any student is able to walk into his high school and see the walls lined with couples engaged in public displays of affection. Socially, teens involved in these relationships are pressured with what the other half would think when mingling with the opposite sex. These teens may have problems in coping up with their studies which, in fact, is the main purpose why one goes to high school. Relationships beginning in high school rarely last and most of the time, those who get caught up in it come out from it broken-hearted, neglected or deserted. If it all ends like this, what’s the point of getting into it when you know it wasn’t going to last in the first place? And why do young people cheat themselves into believing that in order for their high school life to be inspiring or exciting or memorable or even complete, they have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend?

True, some couples who fall in love in high school develop committed relationships that last. Many relationships don’t last, though. It’s really just best and practical if you just stay friends with someone until you are old enough to carry out courtship with marriage in mind.

One really needs to realize how young they are. One should also be focusing on college and what will be happening in his or her life after high school. Getting married and having kids are not far-fetched ideas since you have been intimate in the opposite sex. If these happen, as a child yourself, you would end up ruining what could be a successful future. Think about this: being fast-paced is not completely unhealthy but all important things in life should better be taken slowly, one at a time. Know your priorities and stick to what you know is best for you. Time is the only thing capable of understanding how valuable love is.