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.

Life’s Bitter-sweet Harmony

by: purple_chiq

My heart just can’t stop beating

My feet tapping out of control

My fingers incessantly snapping

To a tune my ears cannot withhold.

Step up, enjoy the ditty

Convey what doesn’t show

Delight with simple company

Constantly go with the flow

The soul seeks ways to escape

Treacheries it just can’t take

With just a simple note it finds

Freedom the will confines

Feelings kept within me

For long they might explode

Unleash sentiments at liberty

In a rather artistic mode

Listen and feel the rhythm

Of life’s bitter-sweet harmony

Can you hear the music?

A rather indefinite melody

For life is but a song

Of love, sorrow or bliss

Press play, follow the music

Tune up without amiss

exceptional?!

The Exceptional Lass

By Feliciano Ababon III

“Live from the Fruit Basket of the South, Koronadal City, the DXYZ 98.9 teen probe now brings you the hottest news updates in local and national news, business and sports….”

*mic test* ehemm..

Have you ever heard of a radio broadcaster? Yes, they are the people you hear every morning on the radio, delivering news to each and every curious citizen, informing them about what’s happening around us. But do you know how they do their jobs? It couldn’t be easy. But for one of the students here in ZSNHS, it’s just a matter of guts and skills. So as many journalists risked their lives just to impart the news to the many Filipinos, a young and picturesque girl is making her own stardom in the field of journalism- Michelle Dawn Ramos.

At the very heights of Mindanao where soaring mountains emerge, comes the Fruit Basket of the South- Koronadal, South Cotabato where the NSPC (National School’s Press Conference) was held last February 18-22, 2008. This was no more than an ordinary NSPC for our friend Michelle Dawn Ramos.

Of course, there were the same people she could meet in this kind of event- her fellow student journalists, school paper advisers, and celebrity guests. But what kept banging her mind with great exhilaration? Well, this year, she was proclaimed as the MOST OUTSTANDING JOURNALIST in Region IX. Dressed like a Maranao celebrity to represent the region, Michelle proudly received a plaque of recognition, a certificate and a huge amount of cash. It might not be a big deal for us, but for Michelle, it was really a boundless accolade she can get. Just try to imagine – of all the budding journalists out there, she pulled off that astonishing verdict! It might not be such a great shock anymore because, true to her abilities in the reportage side, she has been joining National Press Conferences since her elementary years with pronounced success and honors which serve as great manifestations of a true and prompt journalist.

To prove the reality of the verdict, Michelle was not just proclaimed as the MOJ but had clutched prolific awards in the contests she won. In fact, when she was just a sophomore, she has already clutched the 7^th place in Copy reading and Headline writing in the NSPC. For two straight years, she has been holding the title of 3rd BEST ANCHOR for being in the 3rd BEST RADIO BROADCASTING TEAM in the Philippines. In addition, team Region 9 also won the 3^rd Best in Technical Application last year and 2^nd BEST SCRIPT and 3^rd BEST IN INFOMERCIAL this year. “I was overjoyed!!! I never expected to win considering the technicalities” she ecstatically stated. The NSPC ’08 did not only bring out her talents in writing and broadcasting but unveiled her leadership skills as well. Michelle was then elected as the VICE PRESIDENT for MINDANAO in the National Secondary Editor’s Guild through voluntary nomination. It was by then that she felt her greatest victory for after all these years, she never stroked such winnings.

As Michelle continues to reap awards, she also leaves a dent to every aspiring young journalist. I can still remember what she said when she was talking about her success, “there will be no Michelle Dawn Y. Ramos in the field journalism without my mentors and early training in elementary” she proudly stated. With this Michelle proved that through right guidance, one can achieve the tip of their goals. Michelle didn’t just make parents proud but also her classmates, schoolmates and teachers as well. May she serve as an inspiration to you and to each and every aspiring journalist in ZSNHS.

Kudos, Michelle!

This is an article published in the Feature Page of our school paper, The Reflections.