Week 02 – sixtyfifty2021

Miss Independent

She got her own thing, that’s why I love her…
Ne-Yo, “Miss Independent”

And all I know is that the hardest thing is writing about ourselves. If I were to describe her, she’s kind, simple, young, wild, but not really free, as cliché as it may sound, but that’s who she is. A rainbow to everyone’s clouds yet a storm to her own. She gives smiles, laughter, and kisses, and to tell you, her laugh is funnier than her jokes, but her life is full of stitches and rain clouds too. She’s a little dreamer, a strong and empowered woman bigger than her fears, and a fighter. She made it through all the heartbreaks life has stored for her. At such a young age, she fell in love, got distracted, and lost her track, but she made a comeback. She loved herself more than anyone else and realigned her goals and priorities in life. It took her years to finally realize that the world doesn’t revolve only around a man, but she is the one who makes the world go round. She turned all of the pain into lessons. She now values herself and enjoys her solitude more than anything else. She’s now wiser, fiercer, and better than ever. She is none other than me. I am her.

Maayong Adlaw! Halu, Higala!

I am Maura Antoinette D. Abellanosa. You can call me “mauradei,” that’s my trademark and how everyone around used to call me. I am 19 and proudly from Northern Mindanao. I have been a campus journalist since elementary and won numerous contests and joined press conferences all over the region. I wasn’t able to set foot in the national scene since my closest win as an individual writer is in 4th place. I have tried other fields such as broadcasting but it’s not really my forte, editorial, feature, and photojournalism, but ended up in Science and Health writing. The field later became Science and Technology when I was in junior high school. What’s even more interesting is that it was in 2014 when I tried my shot in the field and that was also the year when after a decade, the category was back in the game. My adviser called me to be the representative for the division level. I only had a few weeks to prepare since I was chosen to represent Jasaan instantly without any trial and error. I was actually an editorial writer but I wasn’t lucky. I can still remember how I was a bit hesitant at first because I don’t have any idea aside from it’s the same thing as feature writing, only that it’s in line with Science and Health. Surprisingly, I won 2nd place and competed in Camiguin for the regional level where I got into the 4th spot. It was a great experience after all and I continued it, even became the Editor-in-Chief during my last year in junior high school. I joined seminars, workshops, and eventually won some schools’ press conferences. After finishing junior high school, I became a part of the official publication of Lourdes College but stopped due to personal reasons but that wasn’t the end because I am still into writing, as it is my passion and remained a contributor. Ever since, I love to write and talk a lot. I love collecting journals and diaries to write about my day, my experiences, and ultimately, everything I have in my mind and heart. I even made my own blogs and vlogs, that’s how I am so invested into writing, talking, and being in front of the camera, sharing my life to other people. My life has always been an open book. Before, I almost always shared everything about the happenings in my life. Everyone knows about what I’ve been through because I am so transparent with everything I did and do. I didn’t really care about what other people would say, social media has been my “home” because I wasn’t born in a family that shares their feelings and problems. Not until something happened when the pandemic started, 2020 hit me right to the core. I thought I was a strong independent woman back then but my world turned upside down when things happened to me and my family. I underestimated life and thought it would always be easy, never anticipating that from an almost perfect family, a turn of events would twist the strong foundation of love that we have.

Due to everything that happened, I found myself too exhausted and drained from everything. I lost my interest in writing, doing videos, and enjoying my hobbies. I placed myself in a bubble and isolated myself away from my dreams and lost my sense of purpose in life, losing my passion in everything I used to do and love. I was drowning in my thoughts and worries, helpless and hopeless in pain and anxiety. I blamed myself for everything that happened to me in the past but what can I do? All I can say is that I’ve had enough. Indeed, been there, done that, to be exact. When this semester ends, I hope to go back to my interests and start again with my passion. I want to read self-help books, rediscover my sense of purpose, and find myself in the midst of chaos. Before entering college, I was too devastated with all of the challenges I went through and I am still experiencing, the very reason why I became practical and realistic with my dreams and aspirations in life. I chose my dream school over my dream course in the hopes of finishing school with a good taste of quality education. I entered the door to an opportunity that is once in a blue moon. More than the great character I possessed, is the extraordinary talent and skill of writing that inspires many people to keep going. I am hoping to restart, recalibrate my ways, and aspire to be happier in life with the little things and my winnings. To finish school and do what I love is what I aspire to be, no matter how rough the road may be and may take longer, but I know in my heart it won’t take forever. I pray that I will fulfill all of my dreams, plans, goals, and everything and I will make a very beautiful life for myself and my family no matter what it takes. The efforts and sacrifices will all be worth it soon, just enjoy the process and take baby steps, you will get there soon. I believe in “struggle now, enjoy later,” just don’t forget to serve the people! Now that almost 2 years have passed since all those heartbreaks, I am now ready to move forward, find, and conquer the right path for me. Realizations may hit at the most unexpected times, but faith and courage will grow bigger. Not a day goes by that I’m not proud of what she has become.

Now I know better. I’m Stronger
Layla, Mobile Legends

ten

Hello! I would write a catchy opening statement here, but I could not think of anything that fits so I better stick with what I usually say: My name is Christen Lomibao, but I prefer to be called Ten!

Please do not get me wrong, I love the name that my parents gave me, but I often find it to be too long even it would just take two syllables to pronounce. It is probably rooted in my fondness for keeping things short. Whenever somebody calls me “Ten” they immediately get my full attention and I also tend to present myself in a more laid-back manner towards them, and this also somehow defines me as a media writer.

When I write, whether it is for media or not, I must do it briefly and straightforwardly. Since I am the type of person who does not take joy in reading non-fictional work that twiddles with a reader’s mind, I do not beat around the bush when writing. That is also why it will be too tough for me to walk on a career path—not that I already have one in the first place—that stems from creative writing. I am still unsure of what career path to pursue in the future, but I want it to be as close to technology as possible because I am certain of my interest in it.

I guess am most proud of my ability to take criticism constructively and discipline towards my craft; both I took years to refine. I know this sounds a bit vague, but I aspire to contribute to people’s comfort, and I will use writing to be able to do so.

Simply Me

A young lady having her journey, molded by the time, experiences, and people she met. Irish Luise L. Reyes is simply Irish, an optimistic person enjoying most of her life and loves to explore various things. Imperfect in a way but that does not keep her from trying and living, loves to dream and have a future, a future that will make her happy and spread happiness to people around her. She is not showy, but she is observant and appreciative. She is now smart but she loves to learn. There may be times where her light is dimming, but she knows how to rest and when to pause but she is not a quitter.

Who am I? I am just an ordinary person living an ordinary life, and I am ready to face the harshness of life. Through the wisdom she gained from her past battles, she is ready to put up a fight and to succeed.

Dana: Ang Tiyak sa Isang Libong Duda

Eto na nga ang tanong na hindi ko alam ang sagot.

“Sino nga ba ako?”

Binubulong ng isip ko, “kailanman ay hindi ako naging magaling sa pagpapakilala ng sarili ko.” Gayunman, susubukan ko at lalakasan ang loob.

Ako si Dana, isang babae na hindi pa nawawari ang kanyang landas. Lumaki akong tila nasa loob ng maliit na mundo—maliit na syudad, paaralan, at grupo ng mga kaibigan. ‘Di gaya ng iba rito, sa totoo lang ay wala ako masyadong karanasan sa mga bagay na sa kanila’y tumbad at ordinaryo. Mula pagkabata, ako ay mahiyain na talaga. Sigurado din akong ito ang sasabihin ng iba ‘pag sila ay tinanong kung sino si Dana.

“Si Dana? ‘Yan yung batang tahimik pero consistent honor student. ‘Yan yung valedictorian nung elementary na madaming inuwing medalya. ‘Yan yung may mga kapatid na matalino at talented. ‘Yan yung marunong tumugtog ng gitara at ukulele.”

Sa paulit-ulit na pagrinig ko nito, akala ko noon ay nasa langit na ako. Akala ko ay nasa mataas na ‘kong rurok. Ngunit hindi, nagkakamali pala ako.

Madami akong naging pagkukulang sa aking sarili. Madaming katanungan. “Paano kaya kung noon pa lamang ay naging passionate na ako sa mga hangarin ko sa buhay? Paano kaya kung nagkaroon ako ng tiyak na pangarap? Paano kaya kung pumasa ako sa science high school noon? Nasaan at sino kaya ako ngayon?” Naramdaman ko ang tindi at sakit ng mga katanungang ito nang muli akong hindi pumasa. Tila sinampal ako ng katotohanan. Mabuti na lamang ay nabigyan ako ng pangalawang pagkakataon at nakapasok sa UP sa pamamagitan ng reconsideration (o mas kilala sa katagang “recon”).

Nabuhayan ako matapos nito. Natutunan kong kilalanin ang mga “pagkukulang” ko bilang grasya na nagdala sa ‘kin kung nasaan ako ngayon. Siguro nga, nagkaroon ng lang ng detour sa aking paglalakbay.

Sabi nga ni Ebe Dancel sa kanyang kantang Bawat Daan, mayroong “nag-iisang tiyak sa isang libong duda.” At sa aking bersyon, ito ‘yon: madami pa akong matutunan at mararating. Hindi man perpekto ngunit masisilayan ang makulay na kinabukasan. Hindi man ang pinakamatapang, tiyak na kakayanin pa rin ang anumang hamong ibabato ng buhay.

ONE OF THE MANY

Micha? Who?

“Le vent se leve, Il faut tenter de vivre”
“The wind is rising, we must try to live”
Paul Valery

Masterpiece

Sa totoo lang, halos limang oras na yata akong nakaupo rito. Nakatitig sa screen. Magta-type tapos buburahin din. Posible bang hindi ko lang talaga alam kung sino ako?

“Hi! I’m Jaslynne Giron. I was a campus journalist, and now I’m an anchor for our town’s news program.”

‘Yan ang sinasabi ko tuwing kailangan kong ipakillala ang sarili ko. ‘Yan din kasi ‘yung pinakamadali, pinaka-obvious. Pero bukod d’yan, hindi ko na alam. Ang alam ko lang marami pa ‘kong pwedeng ikwento, marami pang pwedeng pakinggan.

Ako si Jaslynne Giron. Matalik na kaibigan ng rejection.

Pagtapos manalo sa una kong National Schools Press Conference noong Grade 6, tatlong sunod-sunod na taon akong natalo. Sa pang-apat, pasok na sana pero kinapos ng kaunti sa Regional Schools Press Conference. Sa huling subok, naging kampeon ng Calabrzon sa tatlong kategorya. Sa wakas, natupad pa rin ang pangakong makakabalik sa NSPC.

Matapos ang ilang taong paghihintay, hindi ako pinalad na makapag-uwi ng medalya galing sa NSPC. Tila ninakaw din ng pandemya ang oportunidad kong makabawi sa huling taon ng sekondarya. Pero panibagong pinto naman ang nagbukas. Inanyayahan akong maging parte ng Balitang GMA. Sa wakas, natupad ang hiling na maipagpatuloy ang pamamahayag.

Pero ang pinakamasaklap yatang rejection ay ang hindi ko pagpasa sa University of the Philippines College Application. Pagkatapos kong umiyak, pinili ko uling lumaban. Sumubok ako sa “recon” at natanggap. Sa wakas, natupad ang pangarap na maging Iskolar ng Bayan.

Naging best friend ko na nga yata talaga ang rejection. Sinasamahan niya kong mahanap kung saan talaga ko mas bagay. Tinutulungan niya akong malaman kung sino nga ba ako.

Ako si Jaslynne Giron. Marami pang pangarap na pipiliting tuparin. Marami pang kwentong bubuohin.

Sabi nga ni mareng Jessie J…

You haven’t seen the best of me
I’m still working on my masterpiece
Jessie J. “Masterpiece”

Now is now.

“Simple and complicated, as most true things are. Her vulnerability is open, but she’s safe within it.” – David Levithan

I’ve never been good at sharing stuff about myself, nor have I ever completely opened up to others. But, as I embark on this new chapter in my life, I suppose it’s time to make some changes.

I’m Naomi (pronounced Nayowmi), 18 years of age, and I reside at Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. Like most other people here, I’ve competed in division and regional journalism competitions. These include, to mention a few, Science and Technology Writing, Copyreading and Headline Writing, and Radio Scriptwriting and Broadcasting. If you ask me why I’ve joined in different categories, I’ll tell you one thing: we learn by our experiences. This resonates with me since everything I’ve gone through, good or bad, has greatly influenced who I am as a person today. Moving on, as an aspiring lawyer, I am enthralled and captivated by legal matters. During this quarantine, my coping mechanism has been binge-watching law-related series and films such as How to Get Away With Murder, Suits, The Paper Chase, among others.

My fav quote from one of my fav TV series, “How To Get Away With Murder” *`https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhyLg4ZXJBjFsjAQ3ux2eXacGuoQ0UctcEhA&usqp=CAU`*

Anyway, life recently was pretty much mundane for me; it revolved around watching TV series and films (as I’ve mentioned before), reading, cooking, baking, and the like. Furthermore, I, like everyone else, enjoy learning new things. I recently began learning to play the organ, and as a result, I am now able to perform a few songs. Random fact: I am also an adrenaline junkie—I cannot express how much I enjoy riding roller coasters and partaking in extreme activities. Skydiving and parasailing are two things on my bucket list. Moving on, as an extrovert, being around people I like spending time with—my friends and family—makes life less stressful and challenging. On that note, through other people’s life experiences, I learn about their various perspectives, which in turn inspires me. I also love traveling because it enables me to learn about other people’s cultures and traditions, which allows me to appreciate the diversity and beauty of nature even more. My most recent trip was in Hong Kong during the pre-pandemic period. Unfortunately, everything went downhill from there.

As a newbie in this adult life (lol), I crave growth—I want to explore more of what life has to offer, to bridge the gap between what I need to know and what I already know, to deepen my passion and enthusiasm in things I love and admire, and, most importantly, to study and educate myself more so that I can take part in being a responsible youth and citizen. Meanwhile, I believe that starting college has aided my personal growth, whether as a student, a friend, or a person. It forced me to push beyond my boundaries and out of my comfort zone. Stepping into a new environment (virtually, for the time being), meeting a lot of new faces, and adjusting to the school’s new teaching practices and study culture, all of which I have no prior knowledge of, have all made me grateful and delighted for this new chapter in my life.

To be honest, I’ve been so preoccupied on the future events in my life that I’ve neglected to appreciate and enjoy the present moment. I frequently look forward to the end rather than the ride. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. However, some of life’s greatest treasures are discovered in the journey rather than the result or outcome. When I started Senior High School, I promised myself that I would always enjoy and trust the process, and that I would carry with me the lessons that would help me become a better person. Fortunately, as I stand before you now, I can tell you that I value the process above everything else. Trusting the process is challenging, especially when you don’t see any good in your perspective, but I ensure you that everything will make sense in time. Indeed, it is always helpful to live in the now in order to become a wiser version of oneself that is prepared for the future.

I was always waiting for something to happen in order for me to go forward. Always waiting for the perfect moment to be happy, always waiting for the opportunity to improve myself, always waiting for the ideal time to love, always waiting—when, in reality, I can always start from where I am. I had no idea that everything was within my reach—even the things that seemed out of reach. So, if you’re going to ask me, when is it? Now is the time. Live in the present moment.

Mediocre

In so many me, and in so many things, I am mediocre. I’m a geek at school; sing but not like those legends; dance but not like the G-Force; play sports but not like in the level of the champions; I am good but not that good—at least at first. Perhaps, if there’s a word that could describe me is adaptive. Adaptive in a way that I don’t want to be preyed on, and competitive that I always want to be in the upper cut.

Anyway, I’m Kenneth Vince Lobin Alonzo, currently taking up BS Development Communication. The truth is this is not the course I aspired to be. I fancy rocks and their formations and all that’s about science. Long story short, I want to become a scientist. Lackaday, I am a media writer. However, it’s not that I don’t want it, in fact I had my experience back in junior high school in a school publication. I was a news writer for a year but obviously, the average one. A confession: I am scared yet thrilled of this course; writing was never of my forte and most of the time I run out of ideas. Even so, I chose Devcom not just because I have to, but also because I find this as an opportunity to work on my writings and improve them.

I guess the pages of my life are yet to be filled. Who knows, apart from science, I might fall in love to the service of the people. Well, technically science also serves people (kidding). But seriously, here in my stay in Devcom, I promise to make this worthy and memorable to improve myself in writing since it will be critical in the career ahead of me.

sit still, look pretty

I’m a fake it ‘til you make it type of person. During junior high school, I was always the intimidating and quiet one. I like observing and studying people, not in a stalker way, but listening to what they have to say and how they act in certain scenarios. But when I entered senior high, I became more present and loud, to say the least. I started engaging more with people and building different friend groups. Moreover, I’ve already talked about wanting to be a doctor of veterinary medicine because I love animals, as well as fighting against animal abuse. Additionally, I could also consider myself a gamer. For the past two years, I’ve been obsessing over Call Of Duty-Mobile and I was actually good at it. It has helped me with my mental health issues and I also gained a fair amount of friends in the game. So, no, game addiction is not always bad, I suppose.

I am a goal-getter. Whenever I fancy something, I always try my best to get it or be good at it. One of the skills that I am really proud of is broadcasting. Since elementary, I’ve been exposed to the world of campus journalism. I am an active competitor in my division up to the nationals. I have worked so hard to achieve what I have now. The medals, recognitions, and fame brought by winning are nothing compared to the knowledge and skills that you will acquire from the journey. Attached below is a snippet of my performance in the 2019 National Schools Press Conference radio broadcasting competition.

Coming from a small town, I’ve always wanted to move out and live a better life away from home. Traveling and living alone overseas have been my two main goals in life. It keeps me motivated and inspired to push for the better and work on myself more. I want to be rich, not only money-rich but also physically and mentally. I also aspire to be a professional media practitioner. It has been my dream since junior high school. This also fired up my willingness to take BS Development Communication in college. I am ready and I will never be afraid of the challenges that I’m about to face in order to achieve my goals and aspirations in life. I believe that women can live independently and I also aspire to break gender barriers. Women can do so much more and we are not only here to sit still and just look pretty. With that being said, I am Nicole Angela B. Anacay, a beautiful fighter and I choose not to sit still and look pretty.