miss seventeen

you will find that a bloodstained war - lethal in its process

and archival in its reign

remembers no archaic tale except for courage

battles leave no visible trail of embers

but it honor the hands that held the sword of prowess

the backs that carried the shield of allegiance,

the minds that orchestrated the conquest of freedom

the lungs that yearned for the pungent smell of ease and solitude

in the intersection of what has been and what will be,

you will see this land - once imbued with ammunition and rubble,

reverberating tremor and turmoil,

is now a sanctuary embedded in foliage and blossoming dandelions.

so we vaunt the revolution's lone descent

this land warm enough to nestle our dry bones,

frigid enough to keep the gallantry in our chest

in the end,

all it asks is for an insurmountable valiance to berth on our soul

for everything else will ripple across the cascade of time

void of luminance saturated with darkness drenched in utter complexity yearning for an old light

WONDER: A Movie Review

“When given the chance between being right & being kind, choose kind.”

Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.

This movie had definitely left my eyes slightly moist with tears and my lips partially opened because of amazement. This movie definitely got my whole body and soul hooked on its spectacular and exceptional plot. This is a story of acceptance, family, and friendship.

August Pullman ‘Auggie’ is just a typical fifth grader boy that has a facial deformity that is why he wears his helmet all the time. As he enters an elementary school for the first time, he was welcomed by unusual stares from his schoolmates. The first conflict had already got me because we live in a standardized society that treats physical appearance as something that is essentially important. People value physique as if it is all that there is in a person. It degrades one’s self esteem and confidence and this will lead to a more serious problem wherein we try to live by the society’s standard. And living by this standard will only make us seek for others’ validation.

When Auggie’s family noticed that he’s having a difficulty in school, they immediately approached him and ask him which led his older sibling, Via, feeling alone and deserted.The scenario shows how family is more important than any other thing and how a child can feel melancholic when the family is not there for him/ her.

The importance of friendship was highlighted when Via’s friend, Miranda, started slipping away from their friendship and when Julian said mean things behind Auggie’s back. This led the Pullman siblings from feeling desolate and unworthy.

The best part of the movie was the rising point where the conflicts, mainly, acceptance of the society, family, and friendship were resolved. Wonder is such a great movie and the actors and actresses really did great in portraying the characters. As I watch the movie, I instantly fell in love along with the characters especially Auggie, because he showed courage and boldness despite the judgments and rejection of the people around him. 

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.” — Aaron Siskind

Memories are like bullet train passing by on the streets of Osaka. One minute you’d see it, then the next minute it would disappear. It has an inevitably fast speed and no laws of motion could ever stop it. No matter how high our intelligent quotient is, our mind would still come to a point where it would fail to remember the memories that it stored for years. Because no matter how much we deny it, our mind is not a hard drive that can store every single memory that we have experience, our mind has its own capacity. 

When I was young, I used to ask my grandmother to buy the pack of hotdog that has the free camera toy inside it. I did not know what was the camera’s purpose back then, I was just astonished by the fact that there is a toy inside the pack of the hotdog. I was eleven when I first held a real camera, not a toy nor a cellphone that has a built in camera inside it, I mean a reeaal camera. The moment my fingers touched the lens, I instantly felt the connection. My hands fell in love with that tiny product of technology and my ears easily got used to the shutter sound of it. It was destiny, I guess, because it instantly became my favorite. Maybe because its essence is far from all the mobile phones and computers that I am used to.

The first partially successful photograph of a camera image was made in approximately 1816 by Nicéphore Niépce, using a very small camera of his own making and a piece of paper coated with silver chloride, which darkened where it was exposed to light. Camera is not like any other technology. It’s far from cell phones that are good in entertaining and helps us in surfing the internet. It is far from desktop computers that are way too heavy and complex to carry where ever you go. Cameras help us to capture moments that we cherish. It is a way for us to rewind the past, relive the radiant memoirs of our childhood, and capture the moments that we may not be able to remember once we get old.

“Where do you see yourself ten years from now?” “Honestly, I still don’t know.”

I am not a fan of daydreaming.

Once, when I was fifteen, I daydreamed of a particular day being perfect and extraordinary, but the moment that day came, I just found myself disappointed and upset. I realized that it’s not that day being not perfect and extraordinary that made me upset, it was the mere fact that my expectations and standards were not met, so all the lines that I built on my complex mind came crashing down on me.

So when people ask me, “Where do you see yourself ten years from now?” I usually answer, “Honestly, I still don’t know.”

Maybe, I am still working my butt off to finally finish Medicine, carrying tons of books and reading them all once I get home, desperately praying for enough sleep while I mumble those scientists’ and microorganisms’ names inside my head, highlighting all those important terms in my encyclopedia which for me, is basically everything.

Maybe I now have a job that is flexible enough for me to keep on traveling from places to places, exploring beaches after beaches, climbing mountains and shouting my heart out once I reach the top, hopefully riding a first class on my way to another country, exploring different cultures and trying them out.

Maybe I am now a working girl still finding her way to be the boss, wearing the typical pencil cut skirt paired with a button down blouse and maybe a bag that shouts an absolute professionalism, having my own money stuck on my bank account and a pad full of fashionista clothes and chocolates.

Maybe I am now a ‘Mrs.’ to someone (ayyiiee) and a ‘Mom’ to my cute little kid/s. Maybe I can now cook, or maybe I have now accomplished my goal to be a chef when I was fifteen, not for the public but for my own family.

Or maybe I can have all that in one.

I can see myself on different types of clothes that labels my role in the society, but at the end of the day, I find myself succumbing to the sea of uncertainty. I find myself drowning in this sea of questions that are clouding my mind, like: What if I fail? What if I don’t make it? What if it’s not meant for me?

Maybe daydreaming is not my thing.

I am still seventeen, and I still have a lot to learn. I still have a lot of options and choices laid down in front of me. Maybe a month from now, or two, or maybe a year, through the help of this university I am currently enrolled in, and through this strand I chose, I’d be able to choose which path should I take and work really hard to reach my destination.

I maybe uncertain on a lot of things, but there is one thing that I am sure of, we don’t know what the future holds, but we all have the options to choose the best path and wade our way through the future that we have always dreamed of.

" we didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun "

Andrew, the smartest among all! Continue being humble amidst all your achievements. Continue excelling in your studies.

Ronnie, our future lawyer! Stop humiliating yourself, pls lang... char! Never stop dreaming until you reach it. I know you can achieve everything through Christ. Our start may not be good, but at least we were able to fix it and even develop a nice friendship. Thank you for being a true friend!

John Roe, I salute your patience and perseverance. Continue praising God and you're way to go. I know you can achieve everything even though some things are blocking your way.

Jonard, one of my closest friend, literally. I am thankful that you've become one of my truest friend that I can count on when I have problems. Thank you for everything and I hope we can keep our friendship forver.

Kenneth, I love the way you throw punchlines. Continue being funny because that way, you can uplift the mood of the people around you. God bless and I hope you will achieve all your dreams!

Aaron, nurture your drawing skills more and I know people will appreciate it. Continue doing what you love! Also, thank you for all your advice when we were in Grade 9. I really appreciate it. Thank you for all!

Daryll, do everything that you love but never forget your priorities. Focus more on your studies and I know that you will excel. God bless!

Yran - Even though you keep on mocking me, you have become one of my good friend. I admire the way you are able to accept your mistakes and even apologize for it.

Harvey, you're funny and a true gentleman.

Laurence - I admire the fact that you can defend what you think is right. You may not believe this, but I have never hated your attitude or the way you act sometimes. You may not sound humble because of the way you talk, but that's what makes you. Never change yourself just because of others.

Joshua, the Au's boy next door. Keep dancing because you are really good.

Felmar, you have been a good friend since 2014. I am thankful that you are my friend. Stay kind and humble!

Karlos, I've known you since we were in Grade 7, but I don't have a memory of you talking to me (lol). Continue excelling!

Timios, thank you for being the best class president! Stay kind.

Charlemagne, we may not be close but I know that you are kind. God bless.

Freidrich, I don't really know what to say but I know that you are kind and a true gentleman.

Darylle, we may not be in the same squad anymore but you are still my friend. Thank you for all the laughters and for being with me when I'm not on my usual self (pag kalog). I love you!

Karen, my conversation buddy. Thank you for all the song recommendations!

Precious, you are beautiful inside and out. I know you can achieve all your dreams because you are very good and talented.

Grace, my then best friend, I want you to know that you have become such a nice friend to me. Thank you for everything, Miss Universe!

Salve, let's keep our friendship!

Niña, thank you for bringing out the brave side of me! You may not be aware, but yes. I just hope that you'll stop telling me that I look like Jesus Christ (lol hahaha). Thank you for the memories!

Karissa, thank you for all your punchlines! Thank you for listening to all my rants and for giving some advice. Thank you for being the best seat mate!

Jemarie, continue reaching for your dreams! I know that you can do everything.

Katreena, you are the perfect example of a good leader. Keep being humble and kind. You are an inspiration for other aspiring leaders.

Editha, you may be small but I know that you are brave. I love your smile, btw!

Angelica B, you are beautiful inside and out. I admire your simplicity and humility. Stay kind and pretty!

Felmar Portillo, the embodiment of passion, dedication, and hard work. I decided to describe him using the figures of speech because it's more like him: complex yet simple.

Simile He speaks like a politician everytime the teacher asks him; he makes everyone around him believe or be amazed with his thoughts and ideas.

Metaphor He was drowning in his own thoughts, desperately finding enough words to describe it.

Hyperbole He is the perfect example of a sky with a million of stars shining brightly in the middle of the night.

Personification His eyes dance everytime he is happy.

Irony He's dark but he gives light. (sorry wala na kong maisip huhuhu)

Oxymoron A brave weakling.

Paradox He works hard in silence and let his success do the noise.

" 12 new chapters, 365 new chances "

2017 has been a perfect mixture of feelings and emotions for me. It has become a year full of lessons and memories that I can surely keep. It was the year of sadness and joy, of failure and success, of cries and laughs, of meeting new people and just being alone, of mistakes and realizations, of impulsiveness and perseverance, of helplessness and hope, of difficulties and enjoyment, of ups and downs.

It was tough, yes, but 2017 became a part of me. Now, I can proudly say that I am ready for 2018. And instead of looking back, I shall look forward to the 3 simple things that i expect to happen this year.

1. To treasure the memories instead of being materialistic. This year, I want to focus more on making memories with my family and friends.

2. To take things seriously whether its about studies, family problems, and simple misunderstandings. Being mature enough for my age is also one of my goals or one of the things I'm looking forward to this year.

Sampung bagay na gusto kong sabihin sayo sa February 5, 2018

Una, hindi man halata, pero ggss ka talaga. Naalala ko na minsan mo na palang akong sinabihan na ‘Hindi ka talaga confident’. Hiyang hiyang naman ako sa umaapaw mong confidence, diba.

Pangalawa, nakakainis yung pagkamoody mo. Di ko sure bat di kita nilalayuan e. Siguro kasi wala na akong choice? Charot hahahaha. Pero sana magmature ka na ngayong 16 ka na. Para life is good.

Pangatlo, di ka lang talksht, toxic ka pa. Sabi ni Say tioco dapat daw nilalayuan yung mga kaibigang toxic. Pero dahil ako ang number one hater mo, hindi kita lalayuan. Hihintayin nalang kitang magbago (Warning: bawal kiligin)

Pang-apat, alam kong nasa priority list mo ang love life mo, pero sana mag-focus ka muna sa sarili mo. Chill lang. Sabi nga ng ExB, wag mong gawing mundo yung alam mo na tao lang.

Pang-lima, baguhin mo na ang overall personality mo na nakakaiinis at nakakasulasok everytime.

Pang-anim, madalas gusto kong sabihin na “Shet, ang tagal ko ng kaibigan to, nakakasawa na” pero ang totoo, “shet, ang tagal ko ng kaibigan to, bat di manlang magsawa sa akin? ”

Pang-pito, ikaw yung taong tatawanan yung panlalait ko sa iba. Yung imbes na ipamukha mo sakin na mas kalait-lait naman ako sa nilalait ko, e tatawanan mo pa yung panlalait ko.

Pang-walo, ikaw rin yung taong sasabihan ako na “Yaan mo na yan,” kapag naiinis ako. Feeling mabait ang gaga pero pag ikaw naman ang nainis…

Pang-siyam, alam mo ba na mas inuna ko pa tong tapusin kesa sa January blog ko? Bigla kasing lumabas yung idea so ginawa ko na para di ko makalimutan. Kaya sana (please lang) e maappreciate mo to (na alam kong oo).

Pangsampu, ako lang ang kaibigan mong hater na irirealtalk ka ng ganito. kaya sana isapuso mo tong long message ko na parang SONA na sa sobrang haba.

Ps. Happy birthday pala! Ang dami kong pakeme, nalimutan ko ng bumati.

Pps. Libre ko ha.

I hate the way she smile when she's staring at the mirror; she looks so full of herself. But one day she'll wake up and feel that she's the ugliest person in the world.

I hate it when she says that she's so fat and still manage to eat sweets.

I hate it when she tries to be someone that she's not. And I hate it more when she tries to do things for others and not for her own.

I hate it when she asks me if she could go home. I hate it when she sings all of a sudden. I want to shut her up most of the times.

I hate it when she tries to distant herself from us. I hate the fact that I couldn't go to church with her anymore. I missed the old times. Back when she's still singing in front of everyone, raising her hands and surrendering herself to God.

I hate it when she says "Micah, may boyfriend na ako".

I hate the fact that even though she always annoy the hell out of me, I still want her company. Even though I want to shout at her, I still want to comfort her at her difficult times.

I hate the fact that even though there are many 'hate-able' things about her, I still want her to be my bestfriend.

"Partnering for change, engaging the world" was the theme of the 31st ASEAN Summit that was held last November 13-14 2017, in Manila, Philippines. With one vision and desire, cooperation and support of the ten countries involved, everyone was able to set their hopes up that the goals of this union will soon be achieved.

It is no secret that Philippines is experiencing different problems such as terrorism, piracy, poverty, human and illegal drug trafficking. And the goal of ASEAN Summit 2017 will really help Filipinos to achieve more peaceful community.

ASEAN also aspires to remove all the barriers to trade among ASEAN countries. This will improve the economy of the countries joining ASEAN. Business and private investments are also discussed, thus, making the economy better.

Terrorism, extrimism, and piracy are also one of the highlights of the summit since some of the countries are experiencing terrorism. Philippines and Indonesia have had to deal with Muslim extremists perpetrating acts of terror on their soil. More and more blood were shed, more people were deprived of the life that they should be living right now.

Moreover, transnational crimes, sustainable development, climate change and disasters are also one of the major talking points at the summit.

With the cooperation and aspiration of the ASEAN members and the support of everyone, we will soon be able to experience change. ASEAN countries will be successful and be more peaceful just as how we envision it.

Before anything else, I just want to introduce myself: I am Micah, a simple student who witnessed the beauty and love of our beloved mother earth before she died.

She had given me everything that I need even before I was born. She had supplied enough food and oxygen for me to live, she allowed me to build a house on her land, and to use everything that she had for my own enjoyment. But then, never did I felt fully satisfied with her gifts even when it's way too much. I abused her and asked for more than what I need.

I can clearly remember the days when her trees are dancing everytime the wind blows. Her sun shining and giving light to everyone. Her colours showcasing their beauty in their own. She was stunning... so ethereal.

I can still remember the days when I went to one of her beaches she allowed us to swim to. The blue color of the waters meeting with the sky as you look farther, the sun setting and making everything as colorful as I thought it would be. She comforted me just by looking at her. She was giving me hope everytime her sun rises in the east.

The trees were now replaced by buildings almost meeting the heavens. The cystalline waters are now gray because of the garbages thrown at her.

Had i known that she would turn out like this, I would've taken care of her. I should've given her my love and care when she was still here... joining me through happiness, sadness and hope.

She may be gone now, but I'm hoping that this event will be enough reminder for us to take care of the things that we have right now.

Ibarra learns the tragic circumstances of his father’s death and the history behind the animosity held against him by the Friar Dámaso Vardolagas. It is obvious that Ibarra’s father was treated unjustly and died because of it, explains Kabisig.com. Still, Ibarra chooses the higher road, avoiding revenge, only to be harassed by Damaso at every turn. Damaso sabotages Ibarra’s wedding and humiliates him constantly. Another religious figure by the name of Padre Salvi becomes Ibarra’s enemy. Salvi attempts to kill him, lusts after his former fiancée and stages an uprising in which Ibarra is implicated.

Ibarra is imprisoned, loses his friends and reputation and is nearly killed, all through the relentless hatred of two religious figures. At the end of the novel he is deflated, disillusioned and weak. The bright future he envisioned for his town was shattered and he finds himself surrounded by corruption and loss.

This book opens the eyes of the Filipinos who are blinded by the wrong doings of the Spaniards during the Spanish Era. It discusses about family, love, friendship, politics, and society. This book taught me not to trust people because of their good image. This book shows an ideal Filipina, loving, caring and loyal, which was played by Maria Clara. This also made me realize that we should always appreciate our bayani for the things that they did for our country. If not for them, we are still living in a cage. 

The events in this book indirectly shows the violence treatment of the Spaniards towards the Filipinos, which influenced them to fight for their rights. This book will always be a reminder for me to fight for what is right.

My favorite character will always be Elias, because he is a real and true friend. If I am given the chance to ask him a question, I’ll ask him this:

Before I say my thoughts about this movie, here’s the short summary of it: 

Maddy (Amandla Stenberg) is a smart, curious and imaginative 18-year-old who is unable to leave the protection of the hermetically-sealed environment within her house because of an illness. Olly (Nick Robinson) is the boy next door who won't let that stop them from being together. Gazing through windows and talking only through texts, Maddy and Olly form a deep bond that leads them to risk everything to be together, even if it means losing everything.

This movie got me hooked right after I watched it! This movie is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and to just do what you want. I mean, we only live once, that is no secret, so we should live a life worth living. If you want to do it, then go. Just forget your inhibitions, at least once. Because again, we only live once. 

The most powerful and enduring part of the movie is when Maddy discovered that she has been living in a lie all along. But her, taking it all, is what I admired the most. She’s my favorite character! 

Maddy and Olly’s trip to Hawaii was the most memorable part for me. It reminds me of Patrice Averilla, a travel vlogger that I love.

After ten years, I can see myself hopping from one island to another, exploring beyond what the human eyes can see, climbing mountains and just exploring and appreciating the  beauty of the world.

After ten years, I can see myself having a decent job (cause I don’t really know what degree I’m going to take sshhh ) and being an independent woman. I can see myself sleeping in my messy home cause I don’t really have much time to clean it. LMAO.

After ten years, I can see myself marrying someone that is meant for me, or maybe being a proud and cool mom (If it’s God’s plan, of course.)

After ten years, I can see myself falling deeper in love with God. Serving him and giving Him all that I have. Surrendering my life and just let His ways be my ways. I can also see myself being a woman after His own heart, and finally telling the world that I am successful, not because of the things that I have, or my position, but because I have become the woman that He wants me to be.