Kharenz Bayang

As part of our Filipino sa Piling Larang subject, we had to go through a job application process, write an application letter, prepare a curriculum vitae, and face a real interview. Since my dream job is to become an Industrial Engineer, I applied for that position. I thought I was ready, but there was one challenge I didn’t expect to struggle with so much: the entire interview had to be in Filipino.

I won’t lie, I was nervous. Speaking formally in Filipino felt different from how I usually talk. I kept stumbling over my words, trying to find the right way to express my thoughts. My mind sometimes went blank, and I felt I wasn’t explaining myself well.

Despite the struggle, I pushed through. I did my best to answer every question, even if my words weren’t perfect. The experience made me realize how important it is to be confident and prepared, no matter the language. It also taught me that interviews aren’t just about speaking fluently, they’re about showing determination and a willingness to learn.

Mondays always seem to come around too fast. Today, however, I decided to make it a little different. I bought a pet fish—a beautiful Betta fish with vibrant blue scales. I’d been thinking about getting a pet for a while, but I wanted something low-maintenance. The pet store was full of colorful fish, but I couldn’t resist the Betta.

I spent the afternoon setting up the tank in my room, watching the fish swim around. It was surprisingly calming, and I realized how quickly the day had passed. It felt like the weekend had just ended, and now here I was, already back to Monday. Time flies, doesn’t it?

Despite the rush of the workweek, having my new fish made me slow down and appreciate the small moments. As the days go by fast, it’s important to find time to enjoy the little things. Here's to making the most of every day, no matter how quickly they pass.

Today was the last day of Panagbenga, and I got to spend it with my family. It wasn’t anything too grand, but it was one of those simple days that felt special.

We started the day by attending Mass together, taking a moment to be thankful for everything. After that, we had a nice meal, enjoying good food and each other’s company. Then, we spent the rest of the day strolling around, taking in the lively atmosphere of the festival’s final day. The streets were filled with people, music, and colorful decorations, making everything feel even more exciting.

Family Day felt different for me this year since my parents weren’t there. For me, it came with a mix of emotions. At first, I worried I’d feel left out seeing my classmates with their families. But surprisingly, I still had a great time.

My friends and classmates made sure I wasn’t alone. We ate together, participated in activities, and laughed the whole time. I realized that family isn’t just about parents; it’s also about the people who make you feel happy and included.

If there's one thing I didn't expect this school year, it was seeing my name on the honors list especially this third quarter. The first and second? Nowhere near it. I wasn't failing or anything, but I also wasn't excelling enough to earn a spot. So when my name was announced and I found out I made it this third quarter, my brain short - circuited for a moment. Me? An honor student? Now?

Honestly, I don’t even know what changed. I didn’t suddenly become a straight-90 student overnight. I still had moments of hardships, days when I felt like I was just studying to survive the activities and projectd. But somehow, my efforts added up, and here I am.

Maybe it was the small improvements—the extra focus during classes, actually reviewing for quizzes, or just managing my time better without realizing it. Maybe my teachers saw something in my work that I didn’t. Or maybe it’s just one of those things in life where I don’t notice my own progress until the results are right in front of me.