My First Youth for Christ's Youth Camp

When I arrived in school, there were still few who were there, but when it was already 7:30 we were many in population. We started it with a great welcome of the participants and an opening prayer. Then we started our Talk 1 since we have five talks. Talk 1 was about God’s love and his plan for us. Just like us God also has a crazy dream and it is to give us abundant life. Talk 2 tackles about “Who is Jesus Christ to me?” For me he is a best friend and at the same time a tourist guide for me because he leads me to the right path or right track of my journey. Talk 3 gives us knowledge about our sins. This talk let us realize that we should immediately repent on our sins. We had confession with the priest and a one-on-one talk with our facies (short for facilitators). They were inquiring us of our problems and we were asked to choose one gift of the Holy Spirit since there are seven. I chose the Gift of Wisdom, the gift in which our knowledge is applied or applied knowledge. That night we had our Talk 4, the most dramatic talk among other talks we had. We stand up to serve God through serving people and we were baptized as servants of God. We received the “God’s Holy Spirit”. I received the Gift of Wisdom with the aid of Ate Christine of University of the Philippines and Ate Sam of University of San Carlos- our facies. I want to insert something; the name of our group is “Sisters”. Before we were baptized, we first reflect on ourselves, on our sins. Many of the participants cried on that very moment including me. We say that boys do not cry but that very moment I saw boys crying. I just don’t want to mention any names. Then after baptizing us as servants of Go, we worshipped Him. Then, we slept. Before sleeping, in the girl’s quarter, we had a short time for “chikka”. We felt very relief and happy that we stand up to serve God. When we woke up, we thank God for giving us another day. We took a bath then ate our breakfast at the session hall (covered court). Then we had our Talk 5 in which Ate April Dichos of the fourth year in the University of the Philippines was the speaker. Even if we were so sleepy, we still worshipped God and praised Him. Then, later on we were told to make a letter to our parents. At around 3:00 in the afternoon we went to the session hall and we were made to remember the happy moments with our parents. At that time, as we were reflecting, we were told to look back. And what a surprise, parents were there!! But my parents were not there, and I understood why they were not there, it is because as I have said they attended a wedding.
In the mass, the priest had made relevance between the activity done in Manila (Campus Ministry) and our YFC Youth Camp. The activity ended but God’s graces and blessings will continue to flow in each of our lives.
Because of the camp I made new friends and I had strengthened my faith towards God, Mary, and other saints and most of all I belong to those people who were chosen to serve God.
“Many are called but only few are chosen”

My Semestrial Break

Did you enjoy your semestrial break? What did you do during those times? Was it unforgettable for you? Or you consider it as one of your worst experiences?
For me, it was worth remembering and I would not forget those moments. I would tell you the happenings in my life during this semestrial break.
Right after the clearance signing, after it was declared that we could already go home since we are all cleared, I directly went home. Then the day after that, Saturday- October 28, 2006, I just helped my mother in doing the household chores. Until another day came- Sunday- October 29, 2006, I and my family went to church to attend a 9:30 a.m. mass. After that we went to Ayala and went shopping. Then when it was already Monday- October 30, 2006, we just stayed at home and do the things to be done. At October 31, 2006- Tuesday, we went to the cemetery to visit my grandmother and grandfathers and great grandmothers. At the same time, we were there also to prepare for the coming All Soul’s Day. We painted it and cleaned it, too. After that, we went home. Then when I woke up, it was already past 9”o clock in the morning so I ate my breakfast and knew that the cousin of my father died just on October 31, 2006. I was sad for that even if we were not given the chance to now each other very well and even if we were not that close. At that afternoon, about 5 o’clock, we went to the cemetery to visit our relatives that already past away. Then when we went home it was almost 10 in the evening, so we decided to eat our dinner at Jollibee. When we were already home, I came to visit the chapel, and to see the face of the dead cousin of my father. Even if we were not close as I have said, I still prayed for him to rest in peace. I slept late this day. Then on November 2, 2006, I talked with my cousins there in the chapel where the dead body of the cousin of my father was laid. We also played chess, scrabble, badminton, and volleyball there. Then in afternoon, we had a grocery, getting ready for me to join the Youth for Christ’s Youth Camp or YFC and for my mother, father, and sister to attend a wedding- because my mother and father were chosen to stand as principal witness of my elder cousin’s vow, and my sister as a flower girl or to shower their aisle with flowers placed inside a cute basket. That night, I prepared the things I will need to bring in the Youth for Christ or YFC’s Youth Camp. This is the greatest experience of my whole semestrial break and maybe in my whole life. This is what I consider the best experience. Why? Because even it is break but I have done something good and I was closer to God.

Who is My Crush?!?

Everyone has a crush. Agree? Like any other individual I also have mine. You may not find this interesting but I would like to give you a picture of what qualities do I want for my ideal guy. Oh, I think he is not that perfect because we know nobody is perfect. But at least he is just being himself and not any other people. Actually, I would not mention his name at all. I just want you to trace you yourself the clues I will give later on. Well, for those who could guess right- pretty good for you for those who could not guess correctly, then do not make it a big problem. I think you would not make it a problem at all except for my close friends who may find interest on this.
We have different crushes at any different time. Before we got crush on this person but later on we find him awkward or someone we dislike. We do not know maybe your most hate person right now will be your crush the next day, next week, next month or just next year( nobody knows except for God).
Time passes by until you find the right one. But as of now I am getting attracted with this guy whom I think in return admires me also. I am not being so proud that this gut also gets crush on me. I just got this news or let us categorized this as a “chismis” from other people. But like any person who discovers that his or her crush in return admires him or her would be really, really happy and would shiver not because of coldness but because of happiness brought by love.
Let me start now on describing this crush of mine. He maybe not that handsome for others but for me he is more than a man. I mean he is not just good-looking but also he is good deep- inside himself. Not like others who seems to be very hunk but their character or attitude is very opposite to their appearance, for short they are not good inside. Oh, sorry for those who could relate themselves on what I have said a while ago. I am not pinpointing anybody but you yourself know who this people are and maybe it is you. Let us go back to the subject of this entry or the person whom I admire.
He is a first year student. As I have said he is a first year student but he is really tall. His skin tone is darker compared to me (only compared to me because there are those who is even darker than him) I think he is friendly. He plays soccer well. For those who says “No, he is not good,” then maybe they are just envious unto him because someone finds him good while for them- nobody sees there efforts. “I do not care anyway. It is there own opinion” that is what I should stand for. He is caring- “I think so” Like boys did, he is sometimes naughty. He is a Christian and because he is a Christian, he has a strong faith. With his faith, it looks like he is religious. I do not know him well but all I know is that he is really a man who could be loved and in return would also love.
I think those description would do for you to know who he is. This maybe incomplete but I think you already know him by now. He is peculiar in his own way and no one can ever take away his dignity.

Tenacity

I would like to share with you an e-mail received from my confrere and as well cousin. “Shake it off and step u” is a modern- day parable which will help us understand today’s Gospel about discipleship and resoluteness in following the Lord (Lk: 9:51-62)
The parable is about an old mule that fell into a deep, dry well. It was impossible to lift up, so the farmer decided to bury it right there and then. Calling on his neighbors, they started filling up the well with soil and dirt. At first, the mule became hysterical, but soon, it discovered that each time they would throw a shovel full of dirt on its back, he could shake it off and step up. Exhausted and dirty, the mule finally stepped over the top of the well and walked through the crowd, because he knew how to shake it off and step up.
- End of parable-
The article continues with reflection that we too should learn to shake off the things that could bury us. Too often, we hold on to what has happened to us for a week, a month and even years! Failures, hurts, bitterness, anger, resentments and disappointments will eat us up if we continue to chew them over and over. To get going with life, we must learn to shake off the entire dirt that fall on our backs and emerge stronger than ever. Anyone who wishes to follow Christ must learn to let go the past, live in the present, and let God take care of the future. Nothing and no one should keep us from our resolve to follow Him. As Jesus was resolutely determined to go to the Jerusalem, we who want to follow Him must also stay focused on Him and Him alone. We must not be burdened by the past. We must accept it all with God’s mercy and forgiveness. Neither must we be paralyzed by concerns about the future, for surely, God will take care of us. Trust, live fully the present in love, and leave the past and the future in God’s hands.
“The evil one is an expert in covert operations and distractions,” she said.
He knows the human heart and its weakness when it comes to attachments to material possessions, relationships, and personal concerns.
What is it that is keeping you from following God? Is it your possessions and desire for earthly comforts? Is it your problems or your guilt, or your sickness that is keeping you so preoccupied with yourself so much that you forget that God is in control?
“Old and often stupid mules as we are, we often fall on these wells of the evil one. The remedy ?
Focus on the Lord, shake it off and step up, emerge stronger and get going !,” she concluded.
It is my fervent prayer that as country and as a people, we will learn to shake of all the dirt thrown at us and get going. We are being left behind because we are allowing our problems to get the better part of us. We must show the world and ourselves the resilient and resolute stuff we Filipinos are made of.

Part II: "My Elementary Classmates were Diffrent"(row two only)

Jurrine Valencia was first in row 2. She was a bit of a joker but during exams, of course, like anybody else who aims much would be really, really serious. She was our school bet when it comes to chess and she have won in different competitions that led her to compete in the CVIRAA which was held in Bohol. She was a consistent honor student in our elementary years and as you can see until now. She is a good friend.
Jao Hallen Bañados, Jurrine’s seatmate is next. He was very good in Math and also, like his seatmate a bit of joker. He is small but take note he is terrible for short he is short but terrible. Both of his parents work as teachers. Now he is studyimg in the Science High School in Labangon since he was not qualified here in U.P. because he is rich. He was also artistic. He draws very well and he is also very good in color blending and color shading. Know the difference between them!
Next in line is the happy, go, lucky Janelle Faith Pestaño del Mar. She did funny stuffs that gives laughter to every individual. She was one of the Girl Scout of the Year 2005-2006 since we were three. She was good in essay writings but she just need a great polish on her spelling. She always passes a neat work with simple but creative and girlish designs.
Then, Janelle’s seatmate who was John Elmar Landiza who was indeed naughty was also in Row two. He was good in Math but he lacked moral support and assistance from his family especially from his parents.. He always loses his valuables. At his young age he forgot where he placed them. He loved to go to internet cafes to play online games. Now he have changed a lot. He is now the competitors for the high school division Math Challenge. But until now he still plays online games but at least!
Then behind them on the left side is Jeny- vi Bartolome. She was our treasurer. Since she was our treasurer , some of our classmates borrowed money from the sinking fund and promised to pay it tomorrow and others would pay in the afternoon. She was trusted so much by our Grade five(5) teacher and so with our adviser. She was responsible. The teachers usually requested her to buy food for them. She was silent during classes but was talkative when there are no formal classes.
In the right side was John Rhey C. Balmori. He was gay, I mean not gay that means a gender but gay which is happy. She, I mean he, tells the other classes as well as our class that he is the sexiest person but just in a joking mode. He walked, moved and spoke like girls did. He foolishly enticed our classmates which were firm boys especially Fidel whom the used to laugh at. He was really funny.
Then last but not the least in thi row, Row two, are the two naughty girls namely Rheena Maye B. Sesbreño and Mia Jane Manlangit Lora. They understand each other in many matters or let us say in almost all matters. Whenever we were given leisure or free times, they always laugh like a drain. They would be very noisy. During checking of papers they sometimes made a secret agreement about it. But later the beans would spill out. Rheena Maye Sesbreño finds happiness with a very simple thing. Mia is fat. Sha has a long hair. That is all I can say!
Read the last part of this “My Elementary Classmates were Different” to complete it.

Part I :My Elementary Classmates were different!!(row ones only)

I still remember the names of all my classmates which reached Grade six without failing from Science Class, our section. I even still remember their traits and characteristics. This could prove how close we were in our elementary years. Let us start with Joanna Mie R. Casibo. She is the ex- girlfriend of the desperate drummer and guitarist of our elementary school and maybe until now in our high school campus, the University of the Philippines. She is a moody girl. She usually fought her mother in front of many people. But believe me she is a good friend. I think she idolizes Virganie Oyao, a third year student of U.P. now, for dancing so good and she was the Virganie of our room for she followed Virganie’s body posture which is the” breast out, buttocks out” figure.
Moving on with Gerardo Ray Abatol, during our cleaning time, he could always get a broom. But he never used it for cleaning but instead he threw away lines from the famous movie Harry Potter or sometimes from the W.I.T.C.H. and uses the broom as his props. Speaking of Harry Potter, he was known in our room as the Filipino version of Harry potter and so we used to call him Rarry Potter. He is also very good in dancing but what struck me most is his abilities in dancing ballet.
Then, Emme Angelique Generoso is a high blood girl. But she is a nice person. She talks so fast but despite speaking so fast her words are very clear that anyone she speaks to would really understand her. She always had a quarrel with her seatmate.
And so Franz Maglasang is the seatmate of Emme whom I am referring to. This boy got ultimate crush on Rheena and I think Rheena also does got crush on him. Franz and Rheena did not talk to each other since we were Grade four(4). They seemed that they were not classmates. Back to Franz, his voice doesn’t sound that of boy teenagers but girl teenagers. He was a funny classmate of ours. He has a fair skin .
Then going forward to my best friend namely Girlie May Intano Cale. She was the partner of Fidel Ricafranca for passing projects, exercises and assignments late. Sometimes we confront her and we once told her she was coquette. Know what coquette means? It means flirt. She did not knew the meaning at first but brought by her curiosity she knew it later on. You know what she felt after she knew everything? Right? As we expected, she was really angry at the same time she was embarrassed. But I gave words of comfort to her. Of course as her best friend I need to help her especially that she needed a helping hand that time. Fortunately, it did not mad a big threat on our batch’s bond or shall we say friendship.
Next to her is Fidel Laurence Ricafranca. He was a bit weird and was creative. He could make new things out of recyclable materials. I am not lying! He saying “slowly but surely” really, really fits him because in our elementary years he could finish our exercises in Math at around six o’clock in the evening or sometimes the next day even, just like what I have said a while ago.
And so it is Jessel Marie Canonigo’s turn. This girl has a fair skin. She also has the longest and thickest hair in our room. She was green-minded. She said green jokes. She do not know how to keep secrets. She always spill out the beans. She likes to eat vegetable and it is usually her viand during lunch.
Angelique Limoran, the favorite classmate of all. She was fat and she was funny. She solves math equations fast and correctly but she commits mistakes, of course.
Then, Ronalyn P. Malinao was Fidel’s crush. She has a short hair and she is somewhat boyish. She hates wearing girlish dresses and accessories like miniskirts and shorts. Instead she wears maong pants and long shorts.
Pamela Fe C. Alvarez is a quiet and determined girl. And that is all what I could say. Those were just some of my classmates. Read the Part II of this for the continuation of “My Elementary Classmates were Different!!”

A love Affair with MVDoulos

Have you ever gone to the prevalent floating library? Well, I did. And this time I want to tell you what were my experiences there?
We were told to gather together twelve o’clock in the noon. After the bell has rung, I rushed out of the gateway and took a means of transportation that will fling me home. I took a jeepney and when I reach my destination, at home, I ate instantaneously my lunch. After doing the indispensable things that one ought to take up every after eating, I hurriedly sauntered going to the jeepney stop. When I arrived there at school, the jeepney our section took going to Pier one (1) had already scurried. Then, Madame Baltazar, the high school division principal called me and reprimanded me to go to the faculty. They make contact with Madame Gallo and so with Madame Kerr. They settle on with the thinking of just letting Madame Kerr go back and not Madame Gallo. By the way it is not only me who was behind schedule but there is another one. And we were six in that private vehicle of Madame Kerr, the driver, me and two second year boys. Then when we arrived there they were still lining up and so they advised us just to interleave in the line. Then there was this second year student that said a bombard joke. We know that it is disallowed for us to say bomb jokes. The overseer said that he could be probably sent to investigation for the craze he did. Then, when we entered -at first it just looked like a normal vessel but when we arrive at the library or book’s section, it was really astounding and it was atypical. But for me their superfluous point is their very scrumptious ice cream. Believe me it was very yummy. Even if I wanted to procure books but the 200 peso- budget given to me was not an adequate amount to buy an didactic and functional book. All you could buy with that money are brood’s chronicle volumes. And if you would like a notebook which is believed to be in very excellent quality, you could buy it with your 200-peso budget. While on the craft, numerous apprentices were complaining that they are nauseated or they are likely to heave but I did not feel the way they did. Maybe it was their first time and they are not used to the feeling being onboard of a ship. I have experienced for quite a few times being on a ship. Then the next part of the MVDoulos journey- I find it pleasurable. We went to a branch of the cruise which a diminutive program was held. We were with another school. There was a Question and Answer portion and a life vest game. Then after, we have to say goodbye to MVDoulos because we have to go. We rode on the same jeepneys going back to the University of the Philippines High School university grounds. That affair was really contrasting to my anticipations and imaginations of how that biggest floating library would look. Before I went there of course I thought it was really a floating building built there in water surface. I thought there would also be tables and chairs where one could read and we could also borrow books there and return it at the due time. I thought of it as if it was all the same as an ordinary library but the difference it is floating but it was not.
Even if I haven’t bought anything there except for their ice cream at least I have visited it and I would not be ignorant about it.