Kristel Fuentes

     In 21st century world we are all using technology in our everyday lives we used it to have some past time we also used it as a way to improve our lifestyle and mostly we use technology to communicate and we all know that we people who lives in the 21st-century era we know that Media and Information are easily to access some sort of information and it helps the improvement learning environment brought by media and information and it helps us to be convenient. As we live in this era we are all aware that the information that we have is too much and it has the possibility that it is not reliable and we as a student we need to become a Media and information Literate individual where we spread information that is relevant, reliable and do not mislead by false information that has on the internet now.

     As a person who is in a community, living with technology, and socializing with other people, being information literate is a must. It helps us to uncover the truth which is wrapped by false information. We're not going to be a fool believing the people who want to manipulate the information we want to get. It doesn’t matter whether you are poor as long as you are in a good state of mind you can embody an information literate individual to avoid oppression from the high social status and at the same time lessen the target of false information. We can obtain the essence of modern media that even the information is overflowing still seek the truth which is the purpose of what news should be. The value of media information literacy is very important to apply in every person because information literacy allows for a flow of information that comes from a wide variety of sources to millions of people. Because people are giving information but not information we can get in social media is dependable some of the news is fake.

Fuentes, Kristel Nissi 

Martir, Jolina Grace 

Andare, Diana Mae

Soriano, Carlos Jay 

Daposala, Angelo 

    “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” – Mahatma Gandhi. In this quote he stated that we must not lose faith in humanity and many people right now lose hope because of loss of connections, when we encounter this we start to feel hopeless and these problems can come from change, death, divorce, and other valid causes.

    What does hope for humanity mean? According to the urban dictionary, the Hope for humanity is a beautiful thing and can create peace. Sadly, it disappeared years ago and is only used when exaggerating but for me, hope is an essential thing to humanity because it is the one that can build our confidence and give us trust in ourselves.

    We are still discovering that the hope of humanity lies not in programs or ideas and teachings. It is that lies at the beating heart of the spiritual traditions in the world have a great work of allowing our actions of the hidden energy of love. A world that is completely puzzled and scarred by violence in religion begins to realize that the earth needs genuine human beings that only the Lord will save us. It is a sign to remember what is necessary for oneself that it is only by coming into a relationship with the inner preeminence of oneself that can be possible to act in a way that can make disparity. Compare to what we are, we cannot love, help beyond at one point to what we are. It is possible to allow new life to enter the life of our violent being, a cruel world. We still don’t have enough ideas about the higher force that humankind is made to acts into the earth. We may be very close to the critical moment. But we are speaking about basics and not just words.

    Why is hope so important in our daily lives? It is important to have hope in our lives because it can make your life much better in some ways. It is not only to make a tough situation or decision more bearable but it can also improve our lives in the way of imagining as a future possibility to have a better future and motivates you to take the steps to make it happen. Whether we think about it hope can also be a part of everyone’s life and all of our hopes for something. It’s an essential part of being a human being. It can help us define or describe what we want in our future and it is part of our lives that we have been thinking inside of our minds. Hope is not just the same as the hopefulness and confidence about the future or the outcome of something. An optimistic generally is more helpful and kind than others. On the other hand, the most optimistic person you will ever meet can still be hopeful for something. Hope is very specific, it’s usually on one issue. Most people connect hope with an awful situation. People hope to avoid and escape difficult circumstances and their problems. It is often that people had to find themselves hoping passionately, but it can also provide the key to make their life even better than before. That’s because they think of something hopeful, the child seeing herself riding a new bike for example it gives a child a moment of joy and happiness. It can make present difficulties much easier to endure all of it. An example of that is reported by the APS or American Psychology Association that children who grow up in poverty but had been successful later on in their life had one thing in a common hope. According to Dr. Valerie Maholmes who worked on this research said hope includes planning, motivation, and determination to get what your hopes for. In this way, having hopes that connect in your past, present, and to the future. We have a vision for what our hope will be supposed to happen, whether it does not just to think of making yourself feel better, and if something you can somewhat control like the kids that are working hard to get out of poverty to have a better life. Hope can motivate you to take whatever circumstances and steps that you take you can do it.

     What makes us lose hope for the humanity? “Society” Humanity implies two meanings, one is the collective category of human beings, and the other one is quality of humanitarianism. So, society defines the second category. Each of the society follows a different criterion to measure this quality based on its values, norms, customs, and traditions. Humans are the products of society and they behave in a particular way since they are socialized in that way. I counter your question with mine. What makes you hope in the humanity, who made you do that? The one which creates that can be destroy. A final clarification of the hopes itself expects something, adding to that you are attributing certain qualities to humanity which are time and culture-specific, so with the different experiences of abnormalities you tend to lose hope in humanity. Problem with your perception (functionalist stand). Capitalism makes you lose hope in humanity because of the increased alienation (Marxist view).

     What makes people lose hope? So here are some possible why people lose hope;

1.Lack of sense of power- When there are problems, and when you can’t find the solution to it, you start to demonstrate ‘learned helplessness’, and lose the confidence in yourself to solve life’s problems. When you feel that you are powerless to steer your own life’s direction, you get overwhelmed, you lose hope.

2. Narrow worldview/Limited Exposure- One environment greatly affects oneself. Perhaps you come from a not as privileged, or dysfunctional family, and only see the worst examples of people and circumstances. Things that make you lose faith in the world, humanity. You learn from your environment that it will be hopeless because it seems as if everyone around you is failing, and if you have some degree of low self-esteem, you will think that you will fail too. If you seek your inspiration from your immediate surroundings and cannot find it, you will feel that it is hopeless. Venture out of your 50cm radius, go closer to your light, to what inspires you. Your favorite artist, why do you like that artist? Think not about what you don’t like, but what you like. In it is I think the clue to doing a complete reversal.

3. Law of attraction- You have been in a pessimistic state for quite a while, and you have attracted many people with negative energies, and things happen to reconfirm your beliefs that life is hopeless when it could’ve been your energy shaping your destiny.

4.Lack of love/self-love/self-encouragement- It is human to get tired, to only care about the pain at the moment, and not be able to zoom out and see the forest for the trees. Conversely, perhaps you are seeing a scary tree and am zooming out to see a forest full of it. At these times, when people are in a stable support network, full of love and warmth, they have that hope and strength to press on. Perhaps you have thoughts you’ve bottled up and not shared with anyone? Perhaps you have no support, you’re weary, and the worst-case scenario, if you don’t even properly love yourself, you beat yourself up thinking you’re a failure! Please don’t do so! And because you’re asking this question in a ‘Why’ format.

5. Loss of self- The world is a noisy place. Recently I’ve just discovered that I’m an Enneagram type 3, someone who wasn’t allowed to be oneself. When you are in a place with strong personalities, you may lose touch with your most inner core, of yourself. What do you define as success? Do you remember what makes you happy? Are your needs being met? What are your needs? What do you need, do you remember? What hope did you want to grasp onto? The hope of what? Are you putting your happiness in someone else’s hands? Are you the master of your fate? Are you banging your head against a wall, in a futile endeavor or dying industry? Why do you think it didn’t work out? Is there a lesson in it? The night is the darkest before the dawn.

     Dark times are richly packed with lessons. Like a crash course. Usually, the same things repeat again and again in life until you get the lesson. You’re strong from all the difficulties you’ve endured. You think you’re weaker from everything bad that’s happening, that the pain will only continue and you can’t take anymore, but the truth is one can only come out stronger from every obstacle. And eventually, I think why you are losing hope, is your mindset. You are your greatest saboteur. I used to be a pessimist, I wished every day to just sleep and never wake up, and there was nothing I looked forward to. But now I try my best to reframe my thoughts and “let go” and I stay in the joyful present. I think life and future, these sorts of things they are uncertain by default, so don’t ‘lose hope’ so fast and make life something so definite, like a given prison sentence that needs to be toughened out. Life hasn’t decided but you decided in weakness. Watching people helping each other to those who are victims in the calamities, and choose to help others before themselves. Sometimes with mass media focusing on the Big and sometimes really stupid (see Kardashian anything for examples) stories that get clicks, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the foolish and dangerous moves made by those in power, but these aren't the only things going on in the world. When the news gets me down, I deliberately look for the things that uplift me. Videos of cute animals, TED talks, good news sites that collect the beautiful stories…it's important to take time to recharge your emotional batteries so that you don't lean too. These are reminders that all you're seeing is not all that Is.

     Our country has been through many struggles and even challenges and they found a way to reunite and restore. We produce new expectations, current dreams to pursue. It's human nature. Try to become part of the solution. Tomorrow needs your piece toward the better stuff. For humanity, life on Earth is to move on as long as there are hopes that keep us on track in the pursuit of a peaceful existence of the human race.

1. Peace is not just in the physical realm, but also being attained in the spiritual realm.      

2. A balanced global eco-system progressing and revolving orderly in accordance with the laws of Nature.

3. No more sufferings or dying due to hunger.

4. True unconditional equality for all, the awakening to the fact that after all, we are of the same source.

5. Greed becoming meaningless as everyone will treat other fellow humans as part of him/her. In other words, one will see the individuality in every person they meet. A greedy person is extended to the whole means no greed for the self. A selfless greed person will not harm people.

6. No more opinions, attitudes, or judgments arising from man-made differences regarding races, genders, religions, and the like.

7. The laws of the land no longer protecting only the privileged few and at the expense of the underprivileged masses. No more supporting the rich and terminate the poor in the name of justice (fake justice).

8. Permanent global disarmament to be achieved. Arms race among nations will cease to an end. Humans will have a long-lasting peace not because they exist delicate among aggressive nations, but because there is a global sharing of wealth and understanding.

                            My Dream Place: South Korea

     South Korea has been one of my dream places that I wanted to travel to. It is the number one place that is on my bucket list. When I hear South Korea the one thing that comes to my mind is KPOP, I’m a die-hard fan of KPOP groups since when I was a child and I really wanted to meet my Idols there and attend their concerts and have a picture of them and it is always one of my dreams to meet them and had a chance to talk with them.

    The name Korea is derived from Goguryeo, which was one of the great powers in East Asia during its time, ruling most of the Korean Peninsula, Manchuria, parts of the Russian Far East, and Inner Mongolia, under Gwanggaeto the Great. Its citizens enjoy the world’s fastest Internet connection speeds and the densest high-speed railway network. Since the 21st century, South Korea has been renowned for its globally influential pop culture, particularly in music (K-pop), TV dramas, and cinema, a phenomenon referred to as the Korean Wave and it is an extraordinary country filled with beautiful beaches, thriving cities, ancient temples, remarkable natural scenery and most importantly, friendly people with ancient history.

If you wanted to travel to South Korea here are the top 5 various attraction that I have been researched;

1.Big Buddha Monument of Sinheungsa Temple in Seoraksan National Park, it is the Great Unification Buddha in Seoraksan National Park, South Korea. The Buddha is the largest seated bronze Buddha statue in the world, at 14.6m high, excluding the halo, lightning rod, and pedestal.

2.Deoksu Palace, for a modern exploratory opener, begins your tour of Seoul at the central and historical Deoksugung, the Palace of Virtuous Longevity, whose gate faces City Hall Plaza.

3.Gyeongbok Palace, Gyeongbokgung, the Palace of Shining Happiness, was Taejo’s residence and the seat of power. He and his successors used it until 1592 when it was burned during warfare with Japan.

4.Changdeok Palace, between Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces, is one of the city’s largest surviving areas of traditional Korean housing (hanbok).

5.Traditional markets, any foreign visitor to Seoul should venture into a proper market; if not one of the neighborhood markets, then certainly into one or both of the great central markets downtown.

Culture and Tradition;

    South Korean culture and tradition are really interesting to learn, including their language which is hangul. Hangul is the name of the Korean alphabet. Although the spelling, alphabet, and vocabulary differ slightly between the two countries. There are five major dialects in South Korea and one in North Korea. Despite differences in the dialects, speakers from different areas can understand each other. The Korean alphabet is easy to learn and Korea enjoys one of the highest literacy rates in the world.

     Despite the political unrest that resulted in the division of the region, these two countries still share the same culture and traditional values. Korea is divided by boundaries but still united by culture. Korea is greatly influenced by Chinese and Japanese cultures. This influence can be seen by Confucianism, which established many traditions that can be seen in modern Korea today. These traditions include the ethical code of conduct in social life and showing respect to the elders and family. Koreans also believe in sincerity and loyalty and follow certain codes of conduct while meeting, eating, praying, and even celebrating. At times when many other cultures would shake hands, Koreans bow. They bow as a sign of gratitude and respect to the person they are meeting.

    Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity are the main religions. Buddhism is the religion in Korea with the most followers and its teachings have a great impact on Korean lifestyle, culture, and art. Yungdrung is the main symbol of Korean Buddhism and can be found in all temples and religious places in Korea. The division of Korea has also caused a divergence in religious life in the two countries due to the different political structures. South Korea has been characterized by a rise of Christianity and Buddhism, while North Korea is considered a secular state.

    Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, vegetables, and meats. Some of the famous Korean dishes include bibimbap, bulgogi, and dakgalbi. The Korean culture is based on politeness and respect and this is evident in Korean table manners.

These are the Do’s and Dont’s when you travel to South Korea;

Take off your shoes when entering inside- It’s a basic courtesy to take off your shoes when entering someone’s house or even some restaurants. It is in most Asian cultures. You’ll be required to take off your shoes at some of the restaurants or even cafes but it’s completely natural in Korea so embrace it.

Do not sit on the elderly’s seat- A lot of Koreans still have a very Confucian mindset where the elderly should be highly respected. You will hardly ever see a young man or a woman sitting on the elderly’s seat even when the subway is crammed. The seats are called “priority seat” but somehow they are always occupied by old people in Korean subways.

Recycling is not an option- Did you know that South Korea is the world’s second recycling leader by achieving 59% of the recycling rate? Koreans do not toss everything in one bin and if you do, you will be frowned upon by someone right away. Koreans are super strict when it comes to recycling and even the trash bins on the streets are separated; recyclable and regular waste. Help the country keep its reputation as a recycling leader of the world and keep on recycling while traveling in Korea.

Some of the public toilets are unisex- Don’t freak out! Surprisingly enough, unisex toilets are not a rare thing in South Korea. It’s awkward for Koreans, too. It may be far from the unisex toilet you’re picturing right now because they are usually like one bathroom that men and women share at the same time. Coincidentally. There IS a door though, for the ladies toilet and outside there’s a urinal for guys, all inside one bathroom. It still means that someone could walk in while you’re doing your thang though, which would not be the most pleasant experience.

No need to tip your server- You don’t have to tip the server when you dine out at a restaurant. Even at a bar, tipping is not required and young Koreans would not tip the server or the bartender. In some fancy restaurants and bars, you might be expected to, but still not a must. In extreme cases, some servers might feel offended by getting tipped. Tipping can be perceived as pity or an arrogance since there’s absolutely no such culture here, so just don’t bother tipping when dining out.

Speak basic Korean when asking for help- Some people from English speaking countries tend to speak English right in the face of a Korean. Like, I mean, you’re not in your country, you’re in South Korea where 99% of people speak the Korean language! A, not all Koreans are good at English, B, it’s not very polite to ask a local Korean for help as if the Korean should be able to speak the language for you. Most Koreans would still give you a hand but there’s a better, more respectful way. Keep this phrase in mind “Choisonghamnida, young-eo hal jul aseyo?” (죄송합니다, 영어 할 줄 아세요?). It means “I’m sorry, do you speak English?”

Do not write a name in red- It’s a taboo to write someone’s name in red color. The history of the reason is debatable and not clear but still, most Koreans find it offensive and unlucky. Just letting you know, number 4 is considered unlucky, too. Some buildings do not have a button for the 4th floor and just replace the number with the letter “F” which stands for “four”.

Do not blow your nose in public- I know you can’t help it, but Koreans do not blow their nose in the subway, at a restaurant, or in class! I have so much respect for Koreans holding it in so well but anyhow you will see zero Korean blowing their nose in public. Some older people do but not the young Koreans. They would just sniffle until they can go to the bathroom and blow the heck out of it. When having a meal, in particular, don’t even try to blow your nose on the table and just go to the bathroom and take care of the business.

Jennie Kim is a South Korean singer and rapper in a girl group called Blackpink. She was born in January 16, 1996, raised in South Korea and studied in New Zealand at the age of eight for five years, before returning to South Korea in 2010.

She later debuted as a member of the girl group Blackpink under YG Entertainment in August 2016. When she was eight years old, she went on a trip with her family to Australia and New Zealand. While in New Zealand, her mother asked her if she liked the place and if she wanted to stay, Kim replied "yes". A year later, she was sent to study at Waikowhai Intermediate School in Auckland, New Zealand and lived with a home-stay family.

During her adolescent years, she dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. Jennie heard of K-pop while residing in New Zealand, particularly finding an interest in YG Entertainment's music. Her mother planned to transfer her to the United States in Florida at the age of 14 to continue her studies leading to an occupation of a lawyer or teacher, however, the idea wasn't to her liking as she may not find work she liked while residing alone; her family supported her decision and soon had her moved back to South Korea in 2010.

Jennie auditioned to join YG Entertainment that same year and performed Rihanna's "Take a Bow", later succeeding in joining the label as a trainee. Through High Cut Korea, she once revealed how she was afraid of strangers and terrible at taking initiative and so could barely greet during her audition. Initially auditioning as a vocalist, the company believed she should embrace the role of a rapper as at the time she was the only trainee capable of speaking English, while most songs she covered included raps.

On April 10, 2012, Kim was introduced to the public through a photo titled "Who's that girl?" via the official blog of YG Entertainment. As one of the most popular artists under YG, Jennie is often referred to as the “YG Princess”. She has been known for her excellent rapping skills since she was a trainee; many fans believe she is one of the best female rappers in K-pop. Having lived abroad, Jennie often speaks English during interviews and in videos addressing her fans.

She’s also the fashion influencer of the group, and is often dressed in brands such as Gucci, Lanvin, Chanel and Givenchy. Jennie, instrumental in Blackpink's fashionable image, has been nicknamed "Human Gucci" and "Human Chanel". Her style portfolio ranges from Gucci and Saint Laurent to niche labels such as Marine Serre and Richard Quinn. Jennie's sense of fashion earned her invitations to fashion events such as Saint Laurent's 'Summer 17 Collection Launch Party' by Anthony Vaccarello, Chanel's 'Mademoiselle Privé' exhibition, and Prada's 'Comics Collection Launch Party'. House of Chanel chose Jennie as "House Ambassador" after eyeing the ripple effects she had. She has significant selling power; photos on her social media become articles and the items she shows become trends. The hairpins Jennie wore in a 5-by-5 partition during her performances of her debut single "Solo" instantly became a trend in South Korea and were referred to as "Jennie's hairpins" due to their popularity.

Do you know this cebuano/visayan expression? Purya buyag. Some people mostly used this as a response when their babies are being complimented. For example, "hala ka gwapa ba sa imong baby uy" she said with a smile; "purya buyag", mother replied. This is the usual word that a person would utter when his/her baby was complimented. Purya buyag is a common phrase in the Philippines. It is a history of supernatural beliefs. The phrase is hundreds of years old, pre-exist the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. What does the word "Purya buyag" means? It is used when spoken to someone for example, who sees an infant, or a baby or a child who looks very cute and that person gushes over the baby, infant, or child. The mother or the guardian of the child responded, 'buyag.'

According to common belief, this will drive away from the evil spirits that will cause something bad to happen to that child. There are different situations where we usually use the word " purya buyag". It is rooted in the belief that elementals or unseen spirits of the earth dwell in the ground. “You look really good today!” “Your child is so pretty”, “Your baby is so cute”, “You have very nice skin!” Such greetings should be countered with a special expression so as not to be afflicted by a mild sickness or even a malady. You can say: “Purya buyag” (means – “Buyag - go away”). It could be related to the loanword in Spanish: “Fuera” buyag. Sa usa ka lugar sa Compostela, naay inahan nga nagkugos sa iyang babayng anak, nagsugatay sila sa ilang silingang batan-ong lalaki: Batan-on: Mayng buntag te, imo nang anak? Inahan: O dong, ngano diay? Batan-on: Gwapaha sa imong anak te uy! Inahan: hoy, purya buyag dong, Biyernes baya karon. Somewhere in California, a mother is carrying her baby girl meets a young boy on her way home: Young boy: Hey madam, good morning, is she your child? Mother: Yeah, little boy, why? Young boy: Your daughter is so beautiful, madam! Mother: Oh, thank you so much boy, and Thanks God It’s Friday (TGIF – hehehe, singit rani ha kay Biyernes baya karon, laag na ugma!)Buyag is another form of superstition that stems from animistic or traditional beliefs not only among Cebuanos but also to most Filipinos. It is their way of understanding natural occurrences, especially on somebody for which they don’t fully understand what the main causes are of the medical/scientific explanation of such an occurrence. One sign or effect of a ‘buyag’ is a physical illness on someone who is afflicted by it. One of the main reasons for ‘buyag’ to occur is that the person afflicted did not ask the permission from the spirit living in a particular place where the person did something. Another reason is that the person afflicted did something disturbing in a place which is secluded or enchanted – where some spirits live in that realm.Sources Or Causes Of Buyag actually buyag can come from the spirits who live in some special places, or it can be caused by someone who made a comment to someone. The comment or greeting could be the greeting-inducer of a malady. For example, the verbally-induced malady (or ‘buyag’) can come from a greeting or comment as benign as saying.Some results caused by buyag could be both mild or serious… mild cases: skin rashes, strange discoloration, itchiness, sudden occurrence of boils, etc. serious cases: getting fever or sick suddenly; or, one could get sick for a long time and that she needs a cure from someone who is expert in driving away that sickness or appease the spirit that caused that sickness – an ‘arbularyo’. This person is thought to have some special skills to heal by using indigenous medicine combined with his seemingly extra ability to communicate with spirits in another realm. ‘Buyag’ can afflict both young children, babies, and adults.

Announcing your presence and telling them to step aside is a precautionary measure so that you will not accidentally step on them, hurt them, or grievously offend them by accidentally peeing or stepping on them. Elders believe that accidentally offending these supernaturals by stepping or peeing on them will result in the painful enlargement of your offending body part. How does the purya buyag being used? It is used to terminate all the unseen evil spirits for example when you are on an adventure with your friends in a forest some people utter "purya buyag" to avoid a curse aside from saying an admiration on something. Some also used the word "excuse me" or "tabi apo" in visayan term. Roughly translating to “excuse me,” saying “tabi tabi apo” is a polite way to request spirits to move to the side. In doing so, we pay respect by acknowledging their existence, avoiding accidents or infringing on their territory. It is a way of saying “excuse me” or “pardon me” for fear the beings may inflict upon you some illness, fever, rash or other malady if they are not acknowledged or given respect. Tabi tabi po has also be translated as “move to the side, sir”. After all, it is believed you may possibly offend a spirit if you spit on the ground, urinate on the ground, walk near a dirt mound, pass under (or near) a balite tree, bathe or cross through (or near) water, step on a rock, or move through tall grass. To the modern mind, the cynical soul, or the plain agnostic, the expression "Tabi Apo" may be dismissed as just another remnant of an outmoded lifestyle or a product of folk imagination. But to someone interested in culture, it is an artifact that reveals many interesting details of Filipino life, tradition, and values.Literally, Tabi Apo means "Excuse Me, Old One". When passing by bushes, thickets, and other wooded areas or out-of-the-way places, young and old utter it aloud, as if talking to someone. Before taking a dip in a river or stream, or when picking wild fruits, collecting firewood, gathering leaves, roots or tree bark for medicine, and cutting trees, they also say it. The same is true when they pee behind a bush or tree, or when they run for cover (during rain) to or hide (in the children's game of hide-and-seek) among bushes and trees. It has become such a practice among many people that the expression has become part of their ritual. The Tabi Apo expression and all the beliefs closely linked with it - is fascinatingly rich in meaning. It attempts to explain the mysteries in the universe, or events like, for example, unexplained illness or death. It is also an effective means of social control. Passerby learns to refrain from doing acts that may harm or hurt the taong lipod: pulling leaves, breaking off branches of trees, and throwing stones anywhere, for example, which are practices quite common among the local folk. The people are encouraged to treat their surroundings with extra care and concern: not just spitting, peeing or throwing garbage anywhere lest they offend the unseen creatures. By not cutting old trees, clearing the woods and building houses in the forest, not only the creatures left untouched, nature is unharmed as well. By avoiding leaving the house by late afternoon or evening when these creatures are supposed to be most active, and by avoiding wooded areas and out-of-the-way places where snakes and wild animals live, the danger is likewise avoided. In the process, safety, order, and balance are thus maintained and ensured in the community. Discipline is also instilled among people.

Tabi Apo proves the early belief in environmental spirits, the covered or unseen creatures which inhabit woods, rocks, rivers, and other aspects of nature. It clearly underlines the fact that as far as back those times, even in ways that appear crude to modern considerations, people have already acknowledged the realm of the unseen, the presence and power beyond theirs and they have discovered that they are not the only life that inhabits the world, but that they share it even the unseen others. The people's emphasis on respect for others is evident. The courtesy one is expected to pay the taong lipod is like the courtesy expected in relating to people young and old. Saying Tabi Apo is reminiscent of Makiagi! (May I pass) which people greet the residents of the houses they pass by. It is also remisniscent of the customary knock on the door and greeting Saindo po! before one can enter the threshold of another's house. To do otherwise is considered impolite and unbecoming. There is indeed so much wisdom in the folk expression Tabi Apo. There are many terms and expressions that can be used in many different ways but purya buyag is the most commonly used by the parents. It is one of the most unique Cebuano or Visayan terms. Cebuanos or visayans speakers always use this as an expression and it is being part of our culture used by many generations in some parts of Mindanao.

"Inflate a cow" means it is simply a way of saying they're bragging or talking something up to be bigger than it actually is.

My Childhood Experience

I was once a child

When I used to play in swing

Alone in a torrid heat of the afternoon

In a park as boring as an abandoned house.

When playing in a swing is not enough for me

As active as an energetic youngster

Oblivious of the all things that surface

Even under the burning heat of the sun

I loved stepping through the stairways up and down

Then sliding down into the ground

In my mind, I love doing it again and again

But I realized I couldn’t do it on my own way.

As I walked home

While singing my favorite lullaby

In a soft and calm voice

Sometime a long time ago, there was a girl named Nissi.  She was very kind, cheerful and friendly.  Aside from being cheerful and kind, she’s clever and very talented.  As a daughter, she is so obedient and helpful to her parents.  And as a student, she is so hardworking and diligent with her studies, that is why she’s always in Honors List at their school.  As a friend, she is so considerate and understanding with her friends.   One day, there was her classmate at kindergarten who eventually became her best friend.   Her name is Kyla.  Kyla was so energetic.  Nissi became closer to her because Kyla is so friendly and bubbly.  For Nissi, Kyla is the kind of person that is so trustworthy and dependable.  They were very close to each other.   Their parents were closer too and they’ve got to bond with each other on some occasions and in the classroom during school activities.   As time goes by, Nissi and Kyla have treated each other like a sister. They’ve always telling and keeping secrets with each other.  When one of them has a problem they comforted each other. When there are some projects or assignments, they always hand in hand helping each other to have it finished.  Sometimes they share their secrets and talk about their crushes in other sections and talking about kpops, news, entertainments, and other interesting stuff.  They were always being together and treating themselves like there is no someone else. But things have changed until such time wherein an instance happened between the two of them and unexpectedly have gotten wrong about their friendship.  And it seemed everything was changed in just a blink of an eye. One day… “Hello, Kyla!” greeted Nissi.  “Hi!” answered Kyla.  “Fren, do we have any assignments or projects?” Nissi asked.  “None.” She answered.  But Nissi didn’t satisfy Kyla’s answer and it took her to ask her other classmates.   “Guys, do we have assignments or projects?“ she asked.  “Yes, there is” they replied.   Feeling disappointed about Kyla's response to her question, it took Nissi to confront her drastically. “Hey, Kyla what makes you treat me this way? I’ve asked you if do we have an assignment or project and you answered me there was none? Why?  And when I asked our classmates, there is.  Why are you lying to me?” But Kyla just answered sarcastically, “Oh? Okay,” Nissi began to feel annoyed with Kyla but still continued to ask her.  “Are you done with the assignment?” “Yes,”  Kyla replied.  Nissi reacted:  “See! I thought we really have no assignment because you said it?”   But Kyla continued ignoring Nissi as if nothing has happened. At first, Nissi felt strange about her.  Then she realized that it all started when she got the first place in their Honors List while Kyla didn’t make it after she tried so many times just to be in the Honors List.  From that time, everything was changed.  Nissi then had in her mind of what makes Kyla so sad and became indifferent, it’s because she doesn’t want to be surpassed or outshined by Nissi.  She doesn’t want Nissi to be on the top while she herself was not.  Kyla was always striving to be on the top or even at top1 just to make her parents proud of her.   From that time on, Kyla always gave Nissi an annoying look and even staring her angrily.   But Nissi keeps on ignoring her and thinks Kyla is just jealous of her for being on the top list.   But there were times that their way comes across with each other. “Hi! Kyla.”  greeted Nissi.  But Kyla seemed didn’t mind.  Nissi then felt their friendship became cold and can’t feel any more warmness as if it was like before. Nissi became sad about what their friendship going through. She felt the coldness between them and don't want their friendship just ending up like this because she considered Kyla as her only one bff.  She realized that she wanted to talk to Kyla and wanted to ask her about, what's wrong between the two of them.  But Nissi has a problem because Kyla was kept on ignoring her and refused to talk to her. Until one day, Nissi saw Kyla's crush.  His name is John.  Nissi felt walking towards her.  And she’s right.  John approached her and they we’re just talking about stuff. John is smart, handsome and caring.  Unexpectedly, after Nissi got home, John’s name pops up in Nissi’s messenger and chatted Nissi. “Hello!” chatted John.  “Hi” replied Nissi. John began to be more concerned about Nissi and began asking if Nissi had already taken her dinner.   “You ate already?” asked John.  “Be sure to eat your meal, huh.  And after you eat you do your homework.  Do not forget!” reminder of John to Nissi.  John began to be more concerned about Nissi like reminding her to take care of herself. At first, Nissi felt weird about things to go around between the two of them.  He felt so awkward knowing that John is Kyla’s ultimate campus crush.  But things then changed because every time they talked, Nissi felt something and her heart is beating so fast.  She realized that she begins to like him.  So when the time has come that John courted Nissi, she also confesses to him that she also liked him.  That is why the two of them become officially on. “Nissi, thank you very much for accepting me.  I didn’t expect.” John gratefully stated.  “Yes, you’re welcome” replied Nissi. Nissi’s days became more colorful and exciting.  She always felt how beautiful life is because of her feeling so in love with John.  John is feeling the same way of what Nissi did.  They’re so in love with each other and became sweeter and sweeter as time goes by. One day, John called Nissi.   “Hello! Nissi can we go to lunch later?” asked John.  “Yes, sure.” accept Nissi. While at the restaurant Nissi and John were intimate while taking their lunch.  They’re closer to each other and were happy together.  Until suddenly, Kyla aggressively grabbing Nissi’s hair. “What’s wrong Kyla?  Did I do something wrong with you?” Nissi confronted her.   “Why are you with him? Huh? Are you flirting with him?” Kyla indignantly asked.   “What? Haven’t you have known that we’re in a relationship?” Nissi proudly proclaiming.  “What?” Kyla is confused and can’t accept that it’s a reality. And John gets Kyla's hands-off from Nissi and restrained Kyla from Nissi.  “Would you please stop?  Look at the people around us they’re watching. Why are you making such a scene? Aren’t you seeing us we’re so happy until you came and ruin that happiness?  Can you just go out and leave us alone?”  John drastically instructs Kyla.  “But you said you love me.” Kyla tried insisted.  “Tell me that all of these are just a joke.  That you to be with Nissi right now and all of that is just a joke. John! These are all a joke?  Aren’t they?  How dare you to play with me and my feelings, John?  You know that I have a feeling with you.  And now?... This is just a waste.  After all these years, I’d just been wasting my time with you, John... Kyla cried out.  “Kyla, I’m sorry, I love Nissi” John stated.   Kyla then cried so hard and walked out embarrassed and tearfully. “Why did you do this?  To me?  To Kyla?”  Nissi confronted John. “Do what?” John asked.   Nissi continued.  “Why did you use her?  You know she's my best friend and you use her just to be with me?”  You know, I don’t want this.  I don’t want to be happy while there’s somebody who got hurt by all of these.  Now I’m decided.  I'm breaking up with you.  Let’s just stop here, okay!  You know, she's more important than you!”   Nissi then walked out of the restaurant. Despite John was following her chasing her at the mall just to ask for forgiveness, Nissi finally decided that she will never entertain him anymore.  Never hear his excuses anymore.   Until Nissi decided to block him off from all social media communications. Nissi just hates him for using her best friend for his personal interest which makes her bff so hurt.   She came to choose her best friend because for Nissi Lyka is the only one she can depend on everything.  And she wanted that their friendship would be back as if it was used to. Then, their breakup came to the knowledge of her best friend, Lyka. One day Nissi tried to drop a message to Kyla in a messenger.  “Hello, Kyla!  How are you?  I hope you’re doing fine.  And…I missed you, my friend!”  She chatted.   “Hi, bff!  I’m really fine.  I missed you too!”  Kyla replied.   Then unconsciously tears felt down in Nissi’s crying eyes.  Because she wasn’t expecting how Kyla responded to her chat.  Nissi explained, “You know Kyla, I didn’t mean to hurt you.  It’s just that… I didn’t know about between you and John.  And he never told me anything…and…”  “No, don’t be sorry” Kyla interrupted.  “No need to say sorry.  I understand.  FRIENDS AGAIN?” Kyla asked.  “Yes, yes, yes BFF!!!  of course, of course, of course!  Nissi exclaimed happily.

The Philippine Drug War refers to the drug policy of the Philippine government under President Rodrigo Duterte, who assumed office on June 30, 2016. This the policy is aimed at "the neutralization of illegal drug personalities nationwide".  His goal is to eliminate if not, to ease off the illegal drug distributors and users of the country.  That is why, this has been the continual content in his Presidential SONAs.

 On his first SONA (Published July 26, 2016)…

President Duterte said, “During my inauguration last 30 [June] 2016, I said that the fight against criminality and illegal drugs and corruption will be relentless and sustained. I reiterate that commitment today. And that is why I call on the Philippine National Police, the barangay chairmen, the Mayors, and Governors and all those occupying seats of power and authority, not to lower their guard. There will be no let-up in this campaign. Double your efforts. Triple them, if need be. We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars [applause] or below the ground, if they so wish. [applause]”

 On his 2nd SONA (Published July 26, 2017)…

The President stresses, “the fight will not stop [applause] until those who deal in it understand that they have to cease, they have to stop because the alternatives are either jail or hell. [applause] And I will make sure, very sure that they will not have the luxury of enjoying the benefits of their greed and madness.

I do not intend to loosen the leash in the campaign or lose the fight against illegal drugs. Neither do I intend to preside over the destruction of the Filipino youth by being timid and tentative in my decisions and actions. [applause]

To the critics against this fight, your efforts will be better spent if you use the influence, moral authority and ascendancy of your organizations over your respective sectors to educate the people on the evils of illegal drugs instead of condemning the authorities and unjustly blaming for every killing that bloodies this country.

But don’t get me wrong. I value human life the way I value mine. Each life that is snuffed out translates into future generations lost. It is like cracking the acorn from which an oak tree grows – which, in turn, produce the seeds to complete the cycle of [life in] perpetuity.”

On his 3rd SONA (Published July 26, 2018)…

The president continually stresses and stipulates, “ the war against illegal drugs is far from over. Where before, the war resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs worth millions of pesos, today, they run [into] billions in peso value. I can only shudder at the harm that those drugs could have caused had they reached the streets of every province, city, municipality, barangay and community throughout the country.

 This is why the illegal drugs war will not be sidelined. Instead, it will be as relentless and chilling, if you will, as on the day it began. These drug dealers know fully well that their business is against the law. They know the consequences of their criminal acts, especially when caught in flagrante delicto and they violently resist arrest. They know that illegal drugs waste away lives, dysfunctionalize families, and ruin relationships. They know that once hooked, addicts will die slowly – slow deaths. And yet, they persist in doing what they do, oblivious to the terrible harm that they cause to the people and communities.

 And when illegal drug operations turn nasty and bloody, advocates of human rights lash at – and pillory – our law enforcers and this administration to no end. Sadly, I have yet to hear really howls of protest from the human rights advocates and church leaders against drug-lordism, drug dealing and drug pushing as forceful and vociferous as the ones directed against the alleged errant [law] enforcers in the fight against this social scourge.

 If you think that I can be dissuaded from continuing this fight because of [your] demonstrations, your protests, which I find, by the way, misdirected, then you got it all wrong. [applause]

 Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives. [applause] The lives of our youth are being wasted and families are destroyed, and all because of the chemicals called shabu, cocaine, cannabis, and heroine.

 Human rights to me means giving Filipinos, especially those at the society’s fringes, a decent and dignified future through the social and physical infrastructures necessary to better their lives. The lives and freedoms and the hard-earned property of every Filipino whose condition we wish to improve shall be protected from criminals, terrorists, corrupt officials, and traffickers [of] contrabands.

 You worry about the present; I am concerned [about] both the present and the future. [applause] I worry about the future because I know what crimes can do to the youth of this country. If not stopped, crimes can make human cesspools of succeeding generations. I will not allow it to happen. Not during my term. [applause]”

 On his 4th SONA (Published July 22, 2019)…

President Duterte reiterates, “It has been three years since I took my oath of office, and it pains me to say that we have not learned our lesson. The illegal drug problem persists. Corruption continues and **emasculates the courage we need to sustain our moral recovery initiatives.

Years ago, we saw the terrible devastation caused by illegal drugs. On May 23, 2017, our law enforcers launched an operation to serve a warrant and to neutralize terrorists. A group of armed men with sophisticated weaponry and aided by locals radicalized by extremist dogma and teachings fought our troops for weeks. During that Marawi Siege, tons of shabu worth millions and millions of pesos. Drug money killed 175 and wounded [2,101] of my soldiers and policemen in that five-month battle.

 I am aware that we still have a long way to go in our fight against this social menace. Let the reason why I advocate the imposition of the death penalty for crimes related to illegal drugs. Our citizens have begun to do their part in the war against drugs, and through the barangay formation of anti-drug councils, and also actually surrendering bricks of cocaine found floating in the sea into our islands. I call this responsibility. However, the drugs will not be crushed unless we continue to eliminate corruption that allows this social monster to survive.

I respectfully request Congress to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes [applause] related to drugs, as well as plunder.”

 President Duterte himself admitted that he is not a killer, and is only saying colorful words as an expression. "I am not a killer. I have yet to kill one human being. When I say, 'I will kill you,' that's a statement coming from the mouth,” the President said during a forum in Russia.

He has also said there was nothing wrong with him threatening to kill anybody who destroys the Philippines. The President said that there is no law that prohibits him from threatening criminals. He has a duty to preserve the future generations, and he understands that fear has to be elicited from the drug addicts in order to force them to surrender peacefully.

The Presidential Spokesperson also clarified that the government's anti-drug policy is anchored on "national survival" and "accountability of those who bring the nation to the precipice of destruction".

The campaign is widely supported by FIlipinos. An independent survey in September 2017 showed that 88% of Filipinos support the Drug War. As of 2019, it is at 82%. 

Research by media organizations and human rights groups has shown that police routinely execute unarmed drug suspects and then plant guns and drugs as evidence. Philippine authorities have denied misconduct by police.

They’d say, there’s no such thing as perfect family

But in myself I struggled so hard

Thinking that my family would be nice

Like others that I insist in myself to have

There’s a time had gotten wrong

When I woke by my brother’s tantrums

Screaming so hard like trumpeting

I feel with him so bad, filled with annoyance

Things to ponder that night

Questions has come to my way sometimes

Do I hate my brother?

Will the things he had done makes me hate him easily this way?

Then I saw my mom embracing him

Caressing and wiping his tears over his mistakes

Though I know she is struggling and stressed about him

Despite everything mom said, “your brother needs our love and

INTRODUCTION

DEAD STARS IS A SHORT STORY BY PAZ MARQUEZ BENITEZ, WRITTEN IN 1925. ALFREDO SALAZAR IS A 30 YEARS OLD BACHELOR, ESPERANZA THE WIFE OF ALFREDO AND JULIA IS THE 2ND WOMAN WITH WHOM ALFREDO FALLS IN LOVE WITH. DEAD STARS MEANS MEMORIES OF THE PAST, THAT PEOPLE SOMETIMES LOOK AT IT FOR A WHILE AND REALIZED THAT IT HAS ALREADY BEEN DEAD OR VANISHED.

SUMMARY

THE STORY IS ABOUT ALFREDO AND THE WOMEN: ESPERANZA, HIS FIANCEE FOR 4 YEARS AND A YOUNG GIRL NAMED JULIA. ALFREDO IS ATTRACTED TO JULIA WHILE HE HAS A FIANCEE BUT HE IS AWARE THAT HIS FAMILY WOULD DISAGREE TO HIM SO HE AND ESPERANZA GET MARRIED AND HAVE A FAMILY AND ONE DAY WHEN SHE VISITS JULIA HE COMPARES THE MEMORY OF HIS LOVE FOR HER TO DEAD STARS

CRITIQUE 

(FORMALISM)

ESPERANZA IS SO VERY LOVING WIFE EVEN THOUGH HIS HUSBAND FELL IN LOVE WITH JULIA SHE’S STILL WILLING TO FORGIVE HIM. SHE IS AN IMPASSIONATE WOMAN HAVING STRONG WILL AND PRINCIPLES.

(FORMALISM)

ESPERANZA IS THE IDEAL WIFE TO THE IDEAL MAN. ALFREDO HAS PURSUED HER AT THE START OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH INTENSE COURTSHIP, BUT LATER ON, THE FEELING SEEMS TO SUBSIDE. OUR DECISIONS OR CHOICES IN LIFE CAN MAKE US DEAD STARS- WE ARE LIVING IN OUR DELEGATED PLACES IN THE SOCIETY BUT NOT ACTUALLY GLIMMERING, NOT ACTUALLY LIVING OUR LIVES

CONCLUSION