LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

What is love? Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is blind. Love is like a bubble gum. Love is not rude. Love is stupid. Love is God. Love is a special feeling for someone. I have researched in the internet and it states that, " Love is any of a number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection or profound oneness. Depending on context, love can have a wide variety of intended meanings. Romantic love is seen as a deep, ineffable feeling of intense and tender attraction shared in passionate or intimate attraction and intimate interpersonal and sexual relationships. Love can also be conceived of as Platonic love, religious love, familial love, and, more casually, great affection for anything considered strongly pleasurable, desirable, or preferred, including activities and foods. This diverse range of meanings in the singular word love is often contrasted with the plurality of Greek words for love, reflecting the concept's depth, versatility, and complexity.
There are hundreds and millions of meanings of love. Each of us have different meanings of love. But, of course, all of us have loved someone and was being loved. According to Sir Elmer, the common reactions of people when they hear the word "love" ,is a boy and a girl attracted to each other. But, love is more than that. It has many meanings and many expressions. When I tell my father that I loved him, it doesn't mean that I am sexually attracted to my father. There are a lot of ways to express our love to someone. But, always remember, that we must not throw our " I LOVE YOU" to someone we don't even know. This phrase meant a lot to people. Some even shed their own tears just to hear these 3-letter-word from someone. A simple " I love You" can touch one's heart. A simple expression of love can soften a very hard heart.
Love is everywhere and it is felt by everybody. Love is also considered as the "greatest force" in the world. And, yes, it's true! Even the strongest person in the world is pulled off by love. When we start to love someone, we do not mind who he or she really is and we accept all the things that are about him or her, may it be good or bad. That is love. Love is something that you give it away. You do not look the outward and inward appearance of a person. You just accept who he or she really is. The Bible does not only tell us that we must love only those who also loved us. Even our own enemy, we must love them. If somebody hates us, in return, we must love them. Do good to others who have not been good to you. Later on, you'll see the result of your goodness and love being shared to someone who doesn't like you. Just keep on sharing loving because in return, you will also be loved.

HAZARD OF "TOO MUCH" FASCINATION

"ADDICT"—that's what I describe myself, Rosa and Jals. Not addict with marijuana or any illegal drugs, but addict with the animè, " The Prince of Tennis". I think that this animè and our "addiction" to it , bind our friendship together. As if, it was the foundation of our friendship.
Last January 26, Friday, all P.E 1 girls have a practical exam in the two types of services in badminton. This also served as our third periodical exam in P.E. The two types of service in badminton are the forehand and the backhand serve. I have a hard time executing the backhand serve. The forehand service was more easier for me to execute than the backhand service. But, when I execute the forehand service, it does not went "inside" the service line. I have also noticed that some of my classmates and schoolmates, are also having a hard time executing either of the forehand and backhand serve or even both.
We were given 8 chances to execute each of the forehand and backhand serve correctly. But only 5 are credited. If you have executed the forehand and backhand serve correctly, within 5 consecutive tries, you don't need to use the remaining 3. You are already perfect in the exam. Each correct execution of the two types of services is worth 4 points. The shuttlecock must be inside the service line or else, no points will be given. So, the perfect score is 20 points for each type of service. I hope, I can get a high score.
Finally, it was my turn. I was very nervous! What if I get zero in this test? What am I going to do? Oh,no! Then, I tried really hard to execute the 2 types of services correctly. Unfortunately, I got only 4 points for the forehand serve and 4 points also for the backhand serve. This means, that I failed my periodical test! Oh, no! I got only 4 points out of 20!
But lucky are we to have a passionate teacher like Ms. Maquilan. She gave another chance to those who got 16 points below. And, it means that, I have another chance! Yes! But, as of now, the number of tries lacking for that person, is the number of tries that will be given to her. I have executed both the forehand and backhand serve correctly only once, so I will be given 4 more tries to pass and possibly get perfect in the exam. I successfully, executed the forehand serve 4 times and the backhand serve thrice. This means, that I got 16 out of 20 points in the forehand serve and 12 points in the backhand serve.
I have noticed Jals to be very lonely. I sat with her and asked her what's her problem. She told me that she was jealous with Rosa because she serves in badminton the way the service in tennis was done. Then, I began to ask her about her score in our practical exam. She told me that she failed the exam. "You're just kidding. Seriously, what is your score?", I asked her. Then she told me that she really got a low score. She began to blame her fascination to the animè, "The Prince of Tennis". "You, should not blame the animè", I told her. She began to cry. "If I was not too much obssesed and fascinated with that animè, this thing will probably not happen", she said to me crying. Then she began to tell me that from that day on, she will not talk about the animè anymore. I hope that she was just kidding. Hence, I have also learned something from Jals' experience. Don't be fascinated nor obssesed to something very muchh, IT MAY LEAD YOU TO DANGER!

BEING AN HONOR ROLL IN UP

We were created by God in His own image. And being in His own image, we were also endowed with wisdom. But it is for us to use or abuse the wisdom God has given to us.

Since my pre-school days, God has been good to me. I had been awarded the most outstanding award and when I came to my elementary years, He still kept on blessing me. I graduated a valedictorian. I was very happy because I know I made my parents happy too.

I was trained and encouraged by my parents to spend time studying my lessons . During school days at home, I and my brother and sister are not allowed to watch television shows. I have to study and have to sleep early. This has been my training which became a habit to me. And this habit helped me a lot in my stay here in UP.

When I passed the UP high school admission test, I got nervous. I know I ill be going to UP , a school known for its brilliant teachers and students. And, oh my, I will be with the best among the best!
My parents then told me that they will not expect me to excell in UP knowing that there are more brilliant students than I am. They just xpect me to pass and request me not to have a grade of lower than 80. Well, I am glad about the arrangement.

With this in mind, I felt fine.School in UP is very different frm what I had been used to.And it is really true. I have so many bright and brilliant classmates.

During my first week in school, I found out that my Math subject is the hardest. Though I exerted all my efforts in studying this subject, yet I felt that I will fail. And, oh, I cannot even make a grade of 80. But still I keep on doing what I used to do. I participated in all the classroom acctivites and did my studies every night.I spent so much time on my Math subject. I really cried a lot during those weeks. I slept late at night then I woke up as early as 4am to study.

Then First Periodical Exams came. I was glad I got good grades from all my subjects. Then it was card-giving day and I was elated. I ranked second in our section. I almost flew when I saw my Mom telling her of the good news. I know she will be happy. Praise God!Being second in the class and ranking third in the whole level is fine with me.

I still kept on doing my studies until the next grading period came. I also prayed a lot. I know that all my subjects are hard but if I will take time listening to my tachers, following their instructions and studying a lot,I can still make it on top.

My happiest moment was the Third Grading Period when I ranked first in class and first also in the whole first year level. Praise God!

I am not different from all my classmates.I know that they are all bright and brilliant students and they also have an aim to make it on top. But being on top of the class takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

FINDING A FRIEND IN U.P.

"A friend loveth at all times..."--that's a proverb from the Bible. All of us wanted to have a friend. We wanted to have someone whom we can rely on and to be with everytime we feel blue, aside from our own family. We can always have a friend but to find a "true friend" is a difficult one. A true friend is someone who is always there for you, through tears and joy, through ups and downs.

I considered a person as my "friend", if he or she has earned my full trust. Like other people, I wanted my friend to be someone who is almost like me. We have the same likes, dislikes, favorites and others. As much as possible, we have the same religion so that we can readily understand each other. I dont want to experience again one of the worst things that happened in my life.

I used to have a friend and a classmate when I was still in grade six. I really considered her as my friend, even though she has used to say "bad words" and she has cursed me once. She makes me laugh and I was touched with her letters. I never expected her to backbite me. I trusted her so much. She has been a good friend "in front" of me. I was disappointed and at the same time, angry with her when I have known that she backbited me to my classmates. I never, ever expected her to do that to me. As if, the whole world has turned back on me! I don't know what to do with it! Then, I realized that the religion also matters. If you don't have the same religion, there's a tendency that you can't understand each other.

I become a very quiet person in UP at first. I feel lonely all the time because I don't have anyone to talk to and to share my feelings with. It was really hard for me to have no one to consider as a "friend". I wanted to talk and talk . But how can I talk if nobody is there to listen to me?

Honestly, I envy some of my classmates at first, who have their own "circle of friends" like Daisy and Jals, Isabel, Grace, and Eiza and the VIPs(John Rhey, Jurrine, Janelle, Jeny-vi and Irene).

But as of now, I have my new and own pal. Even if we sometimes argue, I love being with her. And her name is Rosa, our mathematician. Rosa and I always quarrel and argue about Tezuka Kunimitsu. I always tease her that Tezuka likes me and not her. We will be married soon and many other things. When she hears me anything about Tezuka, she became active. As if, it was her stimulant. Actually, Tezuka Kunimitsa was only an animè character.

Since we have been arguing each other for that animè character, we became close friends. It served as a bridge for two different people to be close with each other.

Honestly, I never expected Rosa to be my closest friend in U.P. My first impression when I first saw her, was that she is a very noisy person. Her noise irritates my ear. But, as of now, I was already used to it! Our friendship has been a very BIG SURPRISE to me!

FAMILY DAY 2007

A family is the basic unit of a society. It is where a person takes comfort and shelter through all lifes' storms.
It is the family who also shares all the happiness and sorrows that one bears. And a family is of great importance here in UP hence, a family day is made. It will be a time for knowing each other's family.

February 25 is the scheduled Family Day. Two weeks before the said date, a PTA meeting was held. Our parents were made to decide how much will be the contributon. The amount will be paid for the rental of the tent, chairs and tables. They have agreed that a minimal amount of P300 ill be contributed. It will be a BYOP(bring your own provision ) affair. The food that will be brought will be gathered together and it will be placed at the tables. There will be sharing of foods. The amount contributed will also include two pieces of lechon.Wow, what a grand celebration!

It was also discussed and agreed that each parent are required to sell three raffle ticket stubs. Each stub costs P50 only. The proceeds of the tickets will be used for the improvement of the comfort rooms and others. But if the parent can afford to sell more than three stubs,then were encouraged to do so. And sell as many tickets as they want. My parents took 8 stubs only.

Wow! A family day! It will be another first experience for me!We don't have such an affair while I was in my elementary years. We had outings like the field trip but not a family day. I am very excited!

On February24, we were in school for the practice of our dramafest.My Mom volunteered to help in the preparation and decoration of our tent. We met in school at 2pm. There were also parents who came and helped. They also took time talking and knowing eacch other. I had observed that the parents were of the same mind in their decoration. They easily agreed on certain tasks and I am glad about it. We were treated by Madam Gallo to a snacks and it was fun! We finished our decoration by the late afternoon.

Every Sunday, our whole family attends church, a born-again Christian church.But on that day, we excused from our church and attended the family day.

When we arrived at the UP ground, the mass was ongoing. I can see the happy faces of parents. I know, like my parents, they were also looking forward on this memorable day.
We, the students, will be having our field demonsatration. Again! This will be my first time, to dance! A week before, we had a hard time doing our practices. I find thedance excciting but I have 2 left feet. I do not know how to dance. Oh,no!I have to dance and it will be with my family watching. I have "butterflies" in my stomach, but I have to do this!

I did the dance with all the grace I could muster. I breathed a sigh of relief when our number ended. At last, it's finished!My Mom and my sister kept kidding me about my dancing but I know they were also excited to see me dance my "first dance".

I shed tears when Madam Gallo was given a certificate of appreciation by the PTA. I am sad to know taht she will be leaving UP after so many years of service. I have learned a lot from her being my adviser and at the same time my Science teacher.

Lunch time for our section was a feast. We had a great time choosing the food we want. Wow, the lechon tasted good!Everybody enjoyed the meal.

The parlor games was also fun. But our parents were not in the mood of joining. Maybe they were still full after a hearty meal. It was really a great celebration and I am again looking forward to the next year Family Day!

CHANGING OF EMOTIONS

Jals have pomised me last January 23, Friday, that she will never talk about the animè, "The Prince of Tennis" anymore. I hope that she was just kidding but, unfortunately, she was not. I believe that she will not forget the animè easily since we have kept on talking about it for weeks. But I was wrong. Everytime, I talked to her about the animè she reacted nothing. As if she did not hear anything. Then she'll tell me " Joni, kindly stop talking to me about that animè. I don't have time for that anymore." I understood her. She had been a victim of fascination. She got low scores during our Third periodical exam in P.E because of that animè.

Even if Jals was not fascinated with the animè, The Prince of Tennis anymore, Rosa and I were still very obssesed with the animè especially with Tezuka Kunimitsu, the handsome captain of the Seigaku Tennis Club. We still quarrel because of him. One day, Rosa urged me to go with her to an internet cafè to watch some videos about "the Prince of Tennis". Well, fascinated very much with the animè, I went with Rosa without doubts in my mind.

Unexpected, Jals went with us. I was shocked—really shocked! She told me a while ago that she doesn't want to talk about the animè anymore but right now, she wanted to go with me and Rosa. What a SURPRISE! I was really shocked with Jals' reaction but at the same time, I was also happy. "Welcome back, Jals", I told her.

We were all laughing at the internet cafè.Jals teased me and Rosa that Tezuka was a "loser". Rosa and I argued her—just childish arguments. After 15 minutes of staying at the internet cafè, Jals went back to the campus. Rosa and I remained at the internet cafè. After a short while, we went back to the campus. Both of us were still laughing and talking on the way to the campus.

When we arrived at the campus, we saw Jals. Rosa and I began to talk to her everything we saw at the internet cafè after she went back to the campus.We narrated to her everything we saw enthusiastically. I was shocked when she just turned her back on us. I don't understand her at all! She was on a very good mood when she went with us to the internet cafè. But when she went back to the campus, she was not in a good mood already. As if, she was very angry, irritated, and etc., Then, she will laugh to my other classmates. What have we done to her? Did we say something that made her angry or insulted? What did we do? I can't answer all of these questions! If she won't mind talking to us, FINE! I won't spend my time talking to people who doesn't want to talk to me!But I just want to know the real reason. I hope that she'll talk to us later on.

MY FIRST JOB INTERVIEW

Know Your School Day is fast approaching. During those days, the students become the teachers. The principal, secretary and guidance councilor will also be the students. "This is very exciting. I can't wait!",I told myself.

Actually, this is the very first time in my life wherein I will be given an opportunity to become a teacher. I really like to experience the feeling of being a teacher. Maybe, it's nice but a bit exhausting. You must prepare your lessons every now and then. You must have stacked knowledge about the subject matter so that when you will be asked by your students, you can answer them.

Madam Gallo told us that an interview must be conducted first for every applicant. What? An interview?! Oh,no! I thought that we can be teachers immediately without any interview to worry. But that's impossible! When you apply for a certain job, you nust be interviewed first.

What am I going to do? I hate interviews. I easily become nervous. I hate answering questions orally and answering them to the person in front of you."What if I don't have an answer? What will I do? I don't know! Lord, please help me".

Each student is required to apply for a maximum of two subjects. I applied as a Social Science and Science I-A teacher. I first approacched Madam Logarta, our enthusiastic and cunique Social Science teacher. "Calm down. You can do this. This is just an interview. You can do it!Go Joni Joy!", I said trying to calm myself.

I was shocked when Madam Logarta immediately get my application form and handed me the lesson plans. "How lucky am I? Thank You, Lord", I told myself partially smiling. Four of us were accepted as Social Science teachers. Actually, majority of my classmates were afraid to apply as a Soccial Science teacher. Some were afraid with Madam Logarta.

And now, my only problem is my interview with Madam Gallo. Madam told us some questions that would possibly be asked during the interview. I felt nervous again! Oh, no!

Ever since I was achild, I really hate interviews. I hate answering questions orally. I easily get nervous. Nervous, because you are going to answer the questions to the person in front of you. Another thing that I don't like during an interview, is answering the questions in English. Of course, I understand English. But I can't speak English fluently. I easily lack words to say and most of all, I can't avoid myself from using "filler words".

while waiting for my turn, I started to think and ponder. My conscience was bothering me again. I don't know what to do!I wanted to be a Science teacher but I'm afraid to be interviewed. I am afraid to be interviewed by Madam Gallo. Many of my classmates applied as Science A and Science C teachers. But, only 6 teachers must be accepted-- four in Science A and two in ScienceC. I really hoped to be accepted as a Science A teacher. I don't want to fail.

And now, it's my turn. The butterflies in my stomach are awake again. I am nervous again. "Calm down. Just answer the questions well. Smile and be confident", I told myself.

Madam smiled and asked me a few but tricky questions.I answered those questions well. I hoped that Madam Gallo was impressed.

The next day, the result of the interview was given. The Science C teachers were Jals and Patrice and the Science A teachers were Kevin,Grace, Isabel and "ME". Yes! I did it! Iwas very happy. "Thank you, Lord for helping me".