Not the best, just the ordinary

I am—well at least I was—that somebody who used to be the center of attraction when I was in high school, surely not because I possess those rare savagely attractive looks, but only because I was then what they called the achiever, and all the other names that might come along with it—the honor student, the studious, the bookworm… always the winner, excellent!

In the same sense, the thought that I used to be the one to be focused on the spotlight has also made me believe that I was exceptional, different from among the others. All was a vivid picture of an ordinary public high school, where ordinary students come and go, and where ordinary teachers just remain for almost the rest of their lives. And at the back of my mind, I certainly knew: I was different.

But soon, a sudden gust of fate might blow everything I used to believe in. I will now be entering college and will be brawling over the hectic and unforgiving routines of a university. I’ll then be wrapped by its school uniform bespeaking that I am a proud Atenista, which will somehow make me appear more scholarly than I thought I had already been. I will soon be poring over the thick textbooks that my subjects would require me and also be scribbling down notes in the conformity of my classes. I will soon be trying myself to be accustomed to commuting from now and then as I pay visit to my town, as well as budgeting my allowance in the wisest way possible.

And the most dreadful of all—yet probably the most exciting and challenging—is that I will also be starting to wear the figure I previously least liked and cared about: the ORDINARY figure. I will soon bear the mask that will identify me as one normal student, not the 'me' who once used to be the achiever, who had gotten used to the fame over the spotlight. I will be under the guise of someone who is not an excellent student, but rather, just under the figure of an ordinary student.

YES! I am fully aware that as soon as I enter the world of college, I’d also have to expect less of myself, because out there lurks a huge heap of students which is definitely as competent—or even more competent—as myself. While I know that this is not a wise and a good option to do, I still believe that the only way for me to get through college is to lower my self-esteem, to wreck my pride and to shatter my confidence in order to be not regretting anything or getting embarrassed in the end.

This might be good for me in the long run. I won’t expect much of myself in such a world where I might be inferior to my colleagues. I won’t dare fight against such strong opponents, for if I do, I know I’ll only end up affirming the fact that I am weak, maybe the weakest. I fear to lose, but I fear more the fact of losing against those whom I already knew are undisputed and unbeatable.

I may be a coward now. But so be it, 'coz I am indeed a coward.

In this new chapter of my life, I am ready—but still afraid—to face what this new twist has in store for me. In college, I won't become the best, and surely cannot be the best. That’s why I’ve decided to wear the ORDINARY STUDENT mask, wherein I will look like just an ordinary student: burdened with pressure, and then eventually defeated by the pressure. I will work on my clearances like an ordinary student, not expecting to maintain my scholarship. I will study my lessons and read my books and still won’t expect to get the highest score.

I will follow the routines of a normal student: school, home, school, home… and yet, I will not expect to be caught by the blinding spotlight and the flashes of praises from the people around me. I will do my best, but I won’t expect to be on the top. There in the prestigious university I will soon attend to, I am not a somebody, I am just the ordinary. And I better get myself up on this piercing truth.

That’s how life would definitely go in college. And as life goes under the sun, I’ll be most comfortable—and most unhappy—to be wearing the ordinary figure. I will just be the normal student--not the best, just the ordinary. =(

'Dear John': The Magic of Letters

What would you do with a letter that changed everything?

As of this writing, I would have already watched ‘Dear John’ twice. But no matter how I think my taste would have changed this time, I was still utterly certain of one thing: it was mesmerizing, as ever. Even if I’d watch it over and over again, I know I wouldn’t get tired of it.
Well, I guess I have no right to be obsessed with his works since honestly, I never had read any of Nicholas Sparks’ novels. I’ve always seen only the cover of his books in the bookstores but I really didn’t get the chance to read though their pages. I have to admit that I’m not that really much of a bookworm. I get easily tired of reading verbatim, and I’d rather watch it on actual, on movies.
Well anyways, I am writing this article to express my praises for the movie ‘Dear John’. It magically hooked my being. Watching it on the TV’s screen was not far different from being on the story itself. I was really ‘into’ it. I was caught on it. I was all but loving ‘Dear John’.
Okay. So ‘Dear John’ is starred by Channing Tatum, who was playing as the main male protagonist ‘John’, and Amanda Seyfried, who was breathing life to the character of ‘Savannah’. Since I am not that good in storytelling, I guess it would be better if I leave things vague, and not narrating the entire story detail by detail. But I wonder… how would I let this article end on such a way? Well now, I guess you really have to watch the movie for yourselves. Probably because of how deeply it penetrated down on me, I simply cannot pour down into writing my brimming love and praises for ‘Dear John’.
Nonetheless, as a generalized introduction, the story somehow revolved around writing, sending, receiving, then finally reading ‘letters’. Yes. LETTERS!
But before the ‘letters’ stuff, John met Savannah in the beach near their respective homes. The movie opens with John, surf boarding through the waves; when Savannah enters the scene accompanied by her friends. A friend of Savannah accidentally dropped Savannah’s bag into the waters. John sees it, and immediately, he expertly dives into the sea to retrieve Savannah’s bag. Right after rescuing Savannah’s precious bag from sinking into the sea, John reluctantly returned it to her. Savannah was very grateful to him, saying that she greatly owed him. And from there on, their romance blossomed, growing profusely within just two weeks, before John returns to the Army while Savannah back to school.
That’s all it took them. Two weeks. And they easily fell in love with each other. It seemed very short from a normal perspective, but a lot of things had happened within such duration. John met Tim, the fatherly-figure in Savannah’s life; Savannah met John’s dad; John got to help Savannah rebuilding their devastated house; et cetera, et cetera. It would be a very long list to elaborate them all.
Well, you see, since John was assigned in the US Army - Special Forces, he needed to be far away from Savannah most of the time. And as their two weeks of being together comes to end, before John flies back to the Army, he wrote a tattered letter for Savannah. It wasn’t an official letter, but it gave Savannah some good idea. She then made John promise her to make her know of everything that was happening to him while he was away. She told John to scribble down every detail of his life in letters. In this way, no matter how far they were from each other, it seemed to bridge their lives together. COMMUNICATION. It was what the letters would be for. To let both of them know what’s going on with each other. So that somehow, they’ll be connected.

BUT FOR HOW LONG?

Were the letters enough to keep the relationship going? Well, that’s how it would lead the story to a lot of twists. Through the letters they wrote for each other, the story progresses. Through the letters they sent and received, both lives will be changed.
***This is all where the magic is. In the LETTERS. And personally, I was always greatly carried away by the magic. ‘Dear John’ meets my heart in a close-up.
What would you do with a letter that changed everything? For me? I surely will take chances. I’ll certainly respond to it, as long as I would be happy with such life-changing endeavor.
Well, I know I wouldn’t be able to end this article in a good way, partly because I don’t know the exact words to say, and partly because I am so much ‘into’ it that I don’t even know how to start and how to end praising such great movie. But anyhow, ‘Dear John’, on my intuitive perception, is definitely more than a STORY itself, it got its own life. It reveals a LIFE in the letters. And there’s the magic of LOVE, too.

O' Great Mountains of Sampiano

"Hoy, manlaag ta ilang Irene sa Sto.Nino!"

No one seemed to care about the idea.

No one even showed the slightest interest to accept this jurag-jurag scheme.

But before we knew it, we were already a group of seven riding in a white multicab headed to Sto.Nino. With only a scanty supply of food. No water. Just the enthusiasm to escape from the boredom prevailing at our respective homes. And of course, with the thrill and excitement of embarking into such out-of-the-blue scheme.

Well, the road when we got to Sto.Nino was all fogged by so much dust. The scorching heat of the sun was like opening every pore of my skin that it could really pierce down into my bones. But all of it was nothing compared to what was waiting ahead of us, the exciting unknown we were about to explore.

On the way to Sampiano (a sitio of Brgy. Sto Nino), the very location of our trek right below Sto.Nino itself, we momentarily dropped by at some stores along the dusty road to buy ourselves some stuff--ice water, bread, snacks. Of course, like someone who plans to enter a war, we also needed to fully equip ourselves for this tough battle.

Walk. Walk. Walk.

And now came the ultimate test… the real battle against nature.

We were on the cliff, right before descending the mountain. At the outset, we found ourselves on an amazing panoramic view of nature’s hidden beauty. With such rare façade, we took a brief halt and contemplated the breathtaking natural wonder that was laid right before our very eyes. It was such a gift – a heavenly sight of pure serenity.

From there, we took our first step in going down. With the beautiful Ms.Irene Gaspe as our ‘tour guide’, we started descending the very steep, barren mountain. The spectacular view around us entranced us so much that we forgot what we were getting ourselves into. But there was no chickening out now. And advancing together, we bravely passed the rocky, narrow paths going down of the mountain. It was so windy out there, that it seemed nature itself is whispering right directly into your ears. The grasses were strongly glued on the slopes as if they’ve been there from the very beginning. The birds were swaying gracefully with the wind, not even scared of the altitude of their flight. I hardly noticed the exact moment when I begun to envy those birds because they don’t need to feel what it was like to descend from the mountaintop. I could really feel my knees tremble so hard. Even my heart’s pounding was very much audible in my chest.

I could only wish that my eyes were blindfolded so that I wouldn’t be able to see the view below – the trees and houses which seemed to be so tiny like an army of ants in a constant parade. But no matter how I tried, I could still see the view below. I had to carefully watch my every step so that I wouldn’t trip down and end up rolling to the footsteps of this gigantic mountain. For now, I guess there is no reason at all to deny that I really do fear heights.

Down and down we went, and we even hardly noticed that we were nearing the bottom of the mountain. When we finally reached the base of the mountain, all we could think of was that: it was energy-sapping. Rappelling down the mountain was like an endless torture of the every joint of our bodies.

Nonetheless, the prize of making it down there was really an unforgettable treat for all us. It personally gave me so much relief when I saw the crystal-clear waters of the wide rivers that was literally stretched out to the far end of my sight; while the pure air that was enveloping us soothingly caressed our tired bodies. In my mind, I was certain of one thing: it was all worth it.

To burst the excitement out, we passed a narrow, long hanging bridge. The strong winds easily swayed the bridge, tremendously scaring us all to death. Things were made more severe when we got to see the river's fierce current right below the bridge. It actually made me nauseous.

It was about one o’ clock when we officialy passed the bridge and decided to take our lunch. But thirsty as we were, we decided first to seek for a store that would have to sell ice water or any other softdrinks that would quench our dry throats. Not far from the bridge and river, we came to the sitio proper of Sampiano where only few houses can be seen. It was very hot as the sun rose above us, when we finally found ourselves in a small store which luckily sells ice water and softdrinks. And there, at last, we were once again energized.

We also bought two cans of sardines that would somehow increase the very little food supply we had. From the sitio proper, we hiked again back to the bridge. This time, it was a lot easier for us to pass the bridge because we already learned the maneuver tricks the first time we crossed it. When we made it across, we then immediately devoured our lunch. We got to finish our lunch inside a small cave by the river.

By then, we were already so tired. But as they say, nothing’s gonna to stop us! We then enjoyed ourselves in the cool, pristine river as we started soaking ourselves onto it. We splashed waters to each other’s faces; started swimming against the current; and even challenged ourselves to dive into the deep portions of the river (but then decided not to). It was only Donessa and Maegan who did not plunge themselves into the water, maybe afraid of getting wet. But Al, Tisay, Ate Beth,Vevian, Wena, Jireh, Irene and I, hesitated no more in playing with the refreshing waters. With the magnificent view of nature as bonus, we savored every second of our swimming escapade in the river.

After all the enjoyment below, we then needed to hike up back to the top of the mountain. It was not easy returning home especially when you see right before you a mighty bulge of mountain you need to surpass. Just seeing it drains one’s energy. But in no time, against all odds, we made it back on top. So exhausted. Now soaked in sweat and even racing to breathe. But what counted for us back then was that we were able to successfully win over the battle against our nature trek.

As our consolation for this jurag-jurag plan, Irene’s family which resides at Sto.Nino, treated us with the delicious ‘lamaw’, a recipe of coconut flesh added with milk and sugar. It was just so revitalizing, so melting in the mouth. It really did satiate our growling stomachs after just finishing it off with nature’s strenuous challenge.

It was already dusk when we departed from Irene’s house. Few streaks of sunlight beamed to the dimming sky as we exhaustedly hiked (as in literally just walking) from their house, to wherever our feet would bring us, before we could catch a cab that would eventually take us home. And heaven’s luck! A cab rescued us. By then, our untidy figures were really a picture of poor barefooted beggars. YES. We really looked like beggars from the way our feet and clothes were dirtied and the worn-out expression that our faces were bearing.

Nevertheless, it was not on how tired we were, but on how much fun we had, that matters the most. We may then appeared to be so dirty and exhausted after that long day of jurag-jurag – but every scratch in our bodies, every ache we felt in descending and ascending the mountain, every drop of sweat all through this crazy adventure, and every fraction of time we spent together – all of it will be treasured deep in our hearts. Our happy and exciting EXPERIENCE out there was what matters most.

All in all, as we gaze back to that experience - to the mighty mountains and the white threads of rivers, we get to realize that LIFE, in comparison to our memorable nature trek, is also an array of challenges that we need to surpass. That is why, with confidence, we bravely swear to those majestic mountains of Sampiano:

“Whatever life has to throw at us, we will face it with valor and fervor… and then surpass it as victors, just like how we conquered you, o’ great mountains of Sampiano!”

Totong and his Valedictory speech

Delivered: 03/29/10, around 10AM @ MFNHS Gym

High School Graduation was once just a dream. Now that it is becoming real in front of my very eyes, I wish I never had longed for this day; because bidding goodbye to what we have we have gotten used to is unbearably painful. But go we must, for we know that the journey has not yet ended.

Today, our journey takes a pause, as we, the jubilant passengers of this voyage now take some rest. I intend to say this journey to take a pause, and not a full stop, for we all know that Graduation Day is not the end of our story; that this day means something more than the thought of finishing the painstaking four years of high school; and that this day is just another significant milestone of our lives which opens the door towards the wider horizons of greater opportunities waiting ahead.

“Someday it’s gonna make sense,” as one line of our graduation song says. This bespeaks the essence of what we have gathered for at this very moment.

Fellow graduates, we have now finally arrived at the sweetest and most rewarding point of our journey in high school. We are now claiming the moment to rest which we rightfully deserve after four years of hard work and sacrifices in facing and dealing with the innumerable demands of our secondary education. Along with this, I also take pleasure in saying that at this very moment, we not only reap the fruits of our labors and sacrifices, but we also savor the great fulfillment and joy of having been able to make it to the finish line.

To be given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the graduating class, batch 2009-2010 as the class Valedictorian, is a thing that still overwhelms me so much. Even now, the thought of it still triggers my legs and my knees to tremble, not because the information to carry out this task came as a surprise; but rather, because I feel myself to be unworthy of standing on this pedestal and delivering this Valedictory Speech; for I know that many can replace me here, and many could have done far better than what I have done.

But somehow, the four years of my incessant toil and patience in high school has taught me that it was never a question of whether you would march on stage as the Valedictorian or not - but a question of whether you have done your best in this venture or just have played around with the four straight years that passed. It was never a question of how great you were in the four years of your stay in high school, but how those four years have become great and meaningful as you lived in them.

In my part, I learned to put life and meaning to my high school years by expressing my overwhelming gratitude to the persons behind my success. It took me years to realize that any achievement in life would remain as dull as defeat if one doesn’t know how to share them. And I think this piece of speech would not be enough to contain the ever-outpouring thanks I have for everybody who stood by me as I worked for my aspirations, and subsequently conquered my dreams.

As an outset, I would like to thank my teachers and mentors here in Manolo Fortich National High School, my ever so beloved and cherished alma mater, who did not only impart me with the educational armaments in training for life, but have as well molded me into a morally upright individual. I will always be indebted to my advisers from first year to fourth year: Mrs. Lani R. Ua-o, Mr. John O. Urbina, Mrs. Nora S. Gumahin and Ms. Methuselah K. Arenas, whose patience and commitment to teach remain unparalleled as they stood as my second parents in school. I cannot dare forget also my subject teachers from first year up to now in fourth year, whose figures will always have my salute and respect, as they have been the instruments in broadening my knowledge as I take up my secondary education. These great educators have immensely contributed to what I have now become, a student whom they can be proud of. As I speak in behalf of every graduate, a million thanks to you our dear advisers and teachers for freeing us from the realm of ignorance. Thank you!

I also would like to take this rare opportunity to express how thankful I am to God for sending me angels in disguise in the persons of my friends and classmates who have accompanied me in my entire sojourn in high school. My friends, classmates and schoolmates, who have been the set of crayons in my dull school life, brightening up the years of our togetherness and bonding: my first year Aquarian classmates, the second year Sampaguettes barkadahan, the wild Shakespeareans team and now reaching fourth year, the Albert Einsteinerz and most specially to what we have unofficially considered as the fourth law of motion, the fourth year ISATONIX--my bundle of diverse yet united friends who have kept me inspired as I went through my school life. Not long now, we will part ways and go to college, but there is one thing that will surely attach us together no matter how far we may wander apart– and that is the friendship we have strongly established in high school. And all the memories we have fabricated, all the tears and laughter we shared, the memorable times of laag2x, jurag2x, mga kabuang, and all the experiences we had, will be treasured like gems in the vintage chest of our memories.

To my family, I will eternally be grateful for the gracious support, guidance, and love that you have unconditionally provided, as I take head on in this journey. Together with my supportive relatives, you all have become my driving force, my inspiration, for me to exceed beyond my limits, to take greater heights and to achieve all that there is to be achieved. Thus, it is just but right that I dedicate all my accomplishments to you, since honestly, I would be nothing if you were not there, to tap my shoulder and remind me that I am more than what I can be, and that I can be the best among the rest. Thank you so much for letting me experience what it is like to be going to school, and eventually be educated. A big fraction of my life will never stop thanking you, as I will now be heading to the uncertain world of reality.

Above all, I want to thank Him for definitely showering me with all the blessings in heaven – for the strength which allowed me to push through, for the patience which made me learn to make sacrifices in many aspects of life, and for letting the paths of those crucial persons who helped me overcome the odds to coincide with mine. In this day, we praise and glorify our most powerful and benevolent God as He makes our paths always level and victorious, leading us right now to our Graduation Day. And for His glory, we are now chins up, proud and glad, to march on stage and take our diplomas.

In the end, the road to El Dorado has not been easy. It was never been a promise of a bed of roses. Nevertheless, behind all the hurdles that barred us in getting through, we still have made it today. Yes! There may have been times when we felt uncertain of ourselves; when we were so tired of going to school; when we got trapped in studying our lessons and making our assignments or projects; when we were sandwiched between our financial and family problems; when we couldn’t help but think of quitting; when all of our strengths have been totally drained and our spirits have gone low; when our days have gone dim and our hopes faded – but – fellow graduates, let us think of now, and observe our cheerful surroundings, and there look at the happy faces of our fellow graduates, the genuine, wide smiles of our mentors, and the proud, inexorably joyful looks of our parents.

Today we take a brief halt. Today we harvest our yield out of the four years of working so hard in high school. Today we cross another threshold of life and unfold history, as we challenge ourselves to create our own. Let us all be glad. Today is indeed your day. Our day. Our GRADUATION DAY. The mark of what we have become. The happy ending of our high school tale. The moment when all things, both the little and the great, have finally made sense.

“Someday it’s gonna make sense” so the song says, and that someday... begins today. =)

Thank you.








TTT.TTT

On that bench...

“That bench,” I muttered to myself. “That was the sole witness of our friendship.”

I am now the CPA I dreamt once of myself to become. I am now twenty-five. Ten years ago, I was sitting on that bench – that bench that was used to be painted with no hue, just the natural color of the concrete it was made out of - not just with myself, but also with the people whom I called friends. Now, as clearly as I remember, we were there laughing boisterously, chatting incessantly... and doing stuffs that afterwards or by tomorrow, would just become another forgotten fragment of our innocent memories.

It was on that bench that I learned the real essence of having friends and of being a friend. Life is not merely a sojourn that one is to endeavor all by himself; rather, it is a voyage of a pack... a journey of a flock of birds or a school of fish... a pilgrimage of a multitude... an instantaneous story that one creates together with the cherished persons he refers to as FRIENDS. And in my part, testified by the earth beneath it, that bench I am now looking at had witnessed the different stories I consciously and unconsciously fabricated back then with my friends.

And then for an instant, vivid memories of high school started to flashback overwhelmingly, like a fall profusely cascading its white waters down on earth.

On that bench, I saw Archie Cabacab expertly trying to adjust the sling of his sling bag. I never saw him do this on a backpack before for I never saw him carrying one on his back. He is now ready to go home, hurriedly leaving to catch a cab that would take him to his destination. Archie is a diligent and a comical friend who showcases an array of talents such as acting, singing, dancing and even mimicking. Loyal and true – that’s definitely him!

On that bench, I saw Judel Cleopas. In deep contemplation, he observes his crush who is now busy on sweeping their porch. Judel has long been eying this lady from the neighborhood, but hasn’t taken any action over her in the fear of being rejected. Judel is certainly timid, but he sure is wise in many aspects, an ideal character of being leader. No wonder, as early as this stage in high school, he’s already being hailed as ‘Kapitan Judel’.

On that bench, I saw Alvin Coñado, small in size but large at heart. As usual, he’s now bubbling jokes, with a wide smile etched up to his ears. Like a “Black Phoenix,” his signature in his text messages, Alvin dares to be fiery especially when he cheers up the strained atmosphere of his surroundings, as clearly depicted by his smiley, cute face. Optimism is certainly what Alvin is made of, despite the dimness which persists to overshadow the scene.

On that bench, I saw Jireh Cuarto. As if letting the wind caress him, Jireh is now again being deeply absorbed by the enigmatic songs of Mariah Carey that his MP4 has been playing repeatedly. Jireh as well loves composing songs. He is a humorous person and is undoubtedly easygoing himself. Living life to its fullest makes a big deal of sense for him as he himself simply does what he can in everything that he might be into.

On that bench, I saw Haryl Stephen Daluan with his dearly treasured drawing tools. He’s now again up for scribbling lines and curves on his drawing pad. You bet he wants to take over his parents’ profession as engineer. Haryl is an artistic and creative fellow who also shows the potential to lead the group. Moreover, his groovy talent in dancing is stunning, as his being independent in various things is as well amazing.

On that bench, I saw Joemar Dellaban soaked in sweat. Their basketball practice must have probably just ended. Aside from the court, the next arena for him is the internet cafe - a battlefield where raging wars of computer games take place. Joemar is sporty, physically fit guy who, despite his sturdy features, can also be as tender and sweet as anyone else whenever he decides to do so.

On that bench, I saw Al Savior Dimo. As usual, he’s now again busy singing Lady Gaga songs, unmindful of the their correct tone and melody. In euphoric reverie, he assumes himself as a versatile singer, singing songs of extremely high pitch. Ambitious? Perhaps just too optimistic. Al is anyway an intelligent and extrovert lad who can deliberately be very serious unto something when he sees the need to do so. ‘I get what I want’ – that’s him.

On that bench, I saw Anthony Edmund Dumaog somewhat like rehearsing another dance presentation. While waiting for the bell to ring, he possibly might have decided to consume his free time in a stuff that no one but himself alone can really appreciate – the hip-hop dancing. For he aspires to be a Dance Instructor someday, he sure is wise enough to start off his venture in the grounds of school.

On that bench, I saw Glen Mark Enloran. With seemingly impatient look, he is now waiting for the school gates to open so that he could immediately check out his farm and aquarium on a popular social site in the nearby internet shop. Glen is a practical and a diligent schoolboy who is also perceived as an approachable person. Hardworking and determined – qualities of Glen which propel him in achieving what he wants.

On that bench, I saw Alemar Genabio literally engrossed with his cellular phone. With the peculiar joy portrayed by his face, he is again no doubt exchanging text messages with his talked about girlfriend from the neighboring class. Alemar is a keen, silent-type of guy who prefers to cage himself in the solitude of his own world. Nevertheless, he is an organized fellow who does things in a systematic mode.

On that bench, I saw Jaime Hayson. With a facial expression so hard to interpret, Jaime is now whimpering in front of his mirror, somewhat agitated with the small pinkish pimple popping out at the tip of his nose. Jaime has always been vain about his looks. But truly, Jaime is a very funny lad who is always fond of showing his reactions exaggeratedly. Sorrow? That’s absolutely not his word.

On that bench, I saw Ronnel Lumintad, once again being so preoccupied with the company of his cellular phone, and probably stealing glances to any pretty girl schoolmate that would luckily pass by his sight. Precariously silent, Ronnel is surely a boy whose words are as sharp as that of a double-edged sword. He is just simply full of mysteries. If one word can mirror his personality, the would be ‘unpredictable’.

On that bench, I saw Arvin Pagutayao. Now, or perhaps as always, no one can really tell what he might be into as he strikes up conversations that seem nonsense for everyone. Arvin speaks English very exaggeratedly and absents from his classes very frequently. His towering height eclipses with others, as his changing moods sometimes annoy them.

On that bench, I saw Ellsworth Miller Orlasan. With voice so loud and sharp, his naughty giggles about the girls he fantasize about, and the squeaks made from yelling “Regards lang ko!,” are very audible no matter how far you may be from him. But definitely, he is a magician of numbers as shown in his Mathematical prowess during classes. Ellsworth is however very delicate and sensitive with a lot of things – ‘war shock’, so they say.

On that bench, I saw Norman Umala Jr., now strumming the guitar as he soothingly caresses everyone’s aura with his versatile, powerful voice. As much as he acts independently on many things, he also remains firm in his principles despite having the world go against him. In addition, Norman wonders on a lot of things that surround him. Curious and eager – that’s how his personality is summed up.

On that bench, I saw John Rey Viola, a lad whose totality remains a puzzle for everyone. But to think that he’s able to magnetize heaps of girls, many should learn then that being a silent-type of guy can afterall serve as one’s sure weapon in attracting a lot of admirers. Apart from this, John Rey sometimes tends to be overly serious with things he considers as his own business.

(wala pa ang girls ! hehehe !)