On Having A Life

At this point of my life, I maybe considered as an adult. I may not act it now but I am really working on it. It is merely a part of growing up. Whether we accept it or not, we will really be old someday. But as we go old, there are those people whom we should really be watching and taking care of. They are the ones who gave us life and thought us the meaning of love even in its rarest form, those who gave the meaning of sacrifice and those who molded us in our way of perceiving life right now. They are called, parents.

Mainly, they are the reason why I am here in this world right now. God is the Great Creator Who gave me life but they are the ones responsible for my living. Why and how did I actually came into this world? Did they really planned for my life to be made at that moment when I was born? What were their insights when I was born?

I am a product of teenage pregnancy. My father was considered to be adult that time but the womb where I was developed was a womb of a teenage girl. Yes, my mom was just 18 that time when she had discovered that she was bringing a life in her womb. She was just becoming into a woman, a woman who could be free and successful but then, I had a life since the pregnancy test she took.

She didn't know what is to be done and whom she should call for help. She of course knew all along that if this news would break, both of their family would be shaken. For in our religion, it is a prohibited act to be pregnant if you and your partner are not yet married, or in other terms, pre-marital intercourse. She prayed. Then, Mom ran to her big brother to share what is happening to her life. Her brother told her to open up with their parents so that appropriate actions could be made. She was actually afraid of what her parents would say or how they would react on the news that she would be announcing. But then Mom had to take the courage to be able to escape from the phenomenon she's in to.

She finally had that moment of truth. Mom told my Grandma and Grandpa the exact problem she's trying to solve by her own that could not be kept the whole time. Of course, as what is expected, they were both shocked of what my Mom had to say. A moment of silence happened. Mom didn't helped it but cry in front of them because of an honest mistake she had made. Blessedly, Grandma and Grandpa accepted my Mom's pregnancy. They've told her that as long as my Dad could promise that she would marry my Mom, they will never be against it. After this event, Mom had took her most deep breath after a long period of holding and trying to stop it.

On the other hand, it is also a crisis for my Dad on how he would open and say truthfully what happened to her girlfriend that time especially that it is the first time for this kind of issue to be introduced in the family. Dad had to look for the best timing he could have for my Grandma and Grandpa were both busy in their works. He had to do such behavior so that it would not be noisy in the whole community.

Dad had to find some other day for my grandparents had to took their sleep time already for they are both tired from the whole duration of the day. The next day around, it is now the very good time to tell them what I really wanted to talk about.

The Real Meaning of Theater Art

Another Brilliant Performance:

SugaTula

Last February 8, 2014, every student was given the chance to watch the live performance of the IPAG (Integrated Performing Arts Guild) students of MSU-IIT. T'was divided into three sessions so that every student could really enjoy the beauty of theater arts. Feb 4, 8, and 15 were the official dates for the students to view their schoolmates' amazing performance held at the MSU-IIT's mini theater.

Upon entering the air-conditioned room, I was actually trembling for I ran so fast to be able to meet my scheduled time on the ticket. The ticket costs php 100 which could be said at that moment as a bit of burden for a lodging student. I just thought to myself "This, I know IPAG would never fail me" and that is to impress me all the time. And yes indeed. They never failed to do so.

While me and some other audiences were walking down to our seats, there, the performers were already portraying their roles as if it has started but the mere fact that the speaker was still reading the rules of the house, it could be said that it has started yet. It seemed to be like one of those horror houses, no, the best horror house I've ever did experience so far. I don't know how the performers did that but even before it begins, there was that feeling of, "I know the amount I paid will just be a number," as an audience.

And because of the variety of role portrayal, the viewers were all wondering on "what is this?" "what is all about?" "what are they going to do?" "is this part of the show or what?" All of these wanders on our imaginative minds. And I salute the producers and the director for that effective introduction.

SugaTula: it was a poem done on a well-performed dancing movements and chants. T'was a series of various poems namely: *Pamahra by Christine Godinez-Ortega, *Southern Cross by Semino, *Crossing the River by Anthony Tan, *Origami by Marjorie Evasco, *Kung Paano Magiging Makata, Pambambo Tusok-Tusok, The Legend of Ma.Christina Falls, all these by Prof. German V. Gervacio. A mix of all these was really  a fantastic idea.

It awaken each students ability to think more than what they already know and how they literally and technically understand each word scripted in a poem. Each poem depict its magnificent interpretation of the content itself through dancing. The real meaning of interpretative dance with a touch of art, is what I saw.

From the lights, music, props and the presentation of the stage as a whole perfectly defines what theater art is all about. To the director, producers, staffs, and the performers, KUDOS to all of you for a very wonderful and spectacular performance, more power to the group and more chances of showing the world how rich Mindanao's culture is.

The Best Companion

Every people in the world faces different kinds of problems each day. It could be a simple, tragedy or calamity. Whatever is it just as long as it comes along the way which becomes our burden in each day, forms a problem. 

problems

We were born in this magestic world with an obstacles needed for us to pass through to be considered strong and unbeatable. We may not notice it in a single glimpse but the fact that it is a necessity for an individual to experience, we have to undergo those moments in life.

I consider myself as a good example of an individual who most of the time is challenged to face a variety of problems. Every single day, I am engaged to a lot of challenges for me to escape, knots for me to untie, troubles for me to solve. But all through these time, I was never shaken and I never doubted on myself for I am a child of God who always trusts in His will.

Last May 2011, when the house raised by my parents were burnt down by a huge fire that started next to ours. It was not just a simple house for it is filled with love and it is our home. We were born and raised on that house and my parents built that for us to have our living. We were fast asleep when that incident happened. Everything seems to be untrue. I even rubbed my eyes to figure out if is this really hapening to our house. All of a sudden, when we had to leave our home because of the absence of electricity, I asked myself if where did our family go wrong. Why did this happen to us, why my family?

A month after that tragedy, still our family aren't good as we were but at least we had our shelter to sleep in, on my uncles old house. We had to forget and recover from what just happened. Suddenly, a very sad and shocking news reached us. My grandfather who had been a victim of lung cancer didn't make it anymore. He passed away a month after we lost our home.

It was the very terrible challenge that our family had to conquer. The loss of a house could be considerable but a loss of someone you really love is such so grievous for me to handle. I feel so depressed and down that moment especially that I am a lolo's girl. I dearly love ly grandad for he stood for me when I was still a kid. He has been a good role model and has enriched my life with a lot of words of encouragement. I could broke down a lot of times upon remembering a great loss.

I almost give up but when I saw my family still coping up ang fighting with what life has to offer, I just said to myself, "everything happens for a reason." I should have not doubt nor ask of what He is doing for He knows everything. He knew this would happen but He also has better reasons why this had happened to me. He gave us this challenge because He knew all along that we are strong enough to handle such situations in life. Yes, it is not easy but as long as you keep the faith you have and be with your family who's your strength, for sure, you'll succeed in whatever troubles or problems you are in to.

That Day

All of us has our own experiences and moments that we really cherish and treasure the most. Those moments which we even wished to be unending and to happen again. Mine? It would be a pleasure to share one of the moments in my life which I value.

This :">

Philippines, known as the Pearl of the Orient has this city which is known to be the "City of Golden Friendship," Cagayan De Oro City. It is located in the Northern part of Mindanao, Misamis Oriental. Aside from its great ambiance, the people there are so hospitable and smiling even with the fact that we are considered to be tourists in their land. Why we? Well, last May 2012, our whole family had to attend a reunion in my grandmother's hometown, Cagayan. And our journey begins from here. :))

Approximately 5 hours of travel is needed for us to reach the said city for we are residing in Butuan City. I felt so excited and happy upon hearing the invitation that actually needs everyone's presence. I am not fond of traveling to far places because I do get dizzy all the time so after years of not traveling, here I experienced it again. Of course as expected, by the time the bus started its engine, I felt dizzy and about to vomit right away. I hate that feeling actually but there's something in me saying that it has to happen everytime I travel.    -_- But at least, I have my family with me. So I just had to sleep on my mother's lap and viola! when I woke up, we are on our destination already. :) I felt so relieved that time.

Upon arrival, the family that is said to be the host of this year's reunion, basically welcomed us with greetings and foods and a lot of stuff that can only be in their city. I felt the warmth and gladness of my relatives upon seeing us especially my grandparents and parents. The "mano po" manner was really present and the tight hug that is filled with love.

The night before the event, the people were still very busy chitchatting and talking all of the topics that came to their minds that is said to be nonsense yet you can still see the smile and laughters each one could have that is rarely seen.

The following day, the much awaited event has finally arrived. Everybody seems to be happy and joyous upon meeting and greeting everyone that has come on the event. Though it was not meant to be very formal program, still it was organized and well-planned ideas of the organizers. We are considered as guests and treated as one. The food was delightful in the sense that it was so festive and everybody could eat much more than they want for the foods was more than enough the guests. The ambiance was good for it was held on one of the great beaches in CDO. The sea breeze, oh! you could really feel the summer air with that. Of course, the sand that tickles on my toes are awesome.

This day, I was given the chance to meet my third degree cousins and uncles and aunties that I've never met before. They are much more like our first family, happy and joyful as it can be. You could really feel the remarkable smile on them upon seeing everybody on that day.

By the time we had to go home, everyone was still cherishing the few moments that could be experienced through chitchat and laughters. Though we had to bid our goodbyes, a lot of reasons for us to smile with the HAHAHA's we had on that day we went to Cagayan.

Strike the Iron while it's Hot

Way back my senior year upon being high school, when I had this terrific experience...

T'was just a normal and fine friday afternoon when my mom told me to buy the family a bread for sort of snacks.Without hessitations, I immediately asked for the money and went ahead for I don't wanna make them wait. I ran so fast, as fast as I could but then suddenly, *whooosh* I slipped off on the road. Misfortune.

What I felt that moment was, "kill me now" for I don't know what to do next. Upon standing up, I acted like nothin' happened. People were looking at me but then I said to myself, "this is what I get for being so careless on my moves." I had to stand erect but this time, walk like a queen.

"Do I deserve these beams from the surrounding in which I stand right now?" I went through the stares and giggles by those people who seemed to witness an embarassing moment. And this time, I'm halfway to the bakeshop that is really my destination. Upon reaching it, "Ahh, thank God! I've made it!" I hurriedly call the attention of the saleslady. "Hello Miss, good afternoon, can I have this one please?" I payed a smile but that girl seemed to be deaf in a way that I am already reaching out my voice for me to be heard yet no response.

Few moments later, "Good afternoon sir, may I know your order?" She said to the newly came in customer. "Can I have this one please" while pointing on the bread he'd like to buy. "Sure, for how much sir?" she asked. "Just for 20php." Upon listening to them, I was like "Huh? He was entertained first with the fact that I came prior him, amazing!" ironically. Then, when the man was no longer around, the saleslady f'nally asked, "What's yours?"

I am obliged to answer her. "This one please," while choosing the bread. Not yet finished packing, I changed my mind, "Can I have this one instead?" But then she murmered right away, "You must choose carefully so the transaction would be fast!"

Whew. My nerves have gone through me so I had to stop my temper and just let her finish. "G-R-R-R-R" Without noticing it, I got so hot. Maybe that was because I wasn't able to talk. But still, I had to stop myself from getting mad because I don't want an argument especially with those who are older than me. I had to fake a smile though in my heart, a boiling water is about to spill, payed the goods and walked out.

Upon walking back home, I'm still distracted by how the saleslady treated me. "You must....." "Urgh! it keeps on lingering to my mind!" Knowing the rights of the customer, I am distressed. I didn't even say a single word then. But at the back of my mind, "I know I was disrespected" that could maybe because I was still a kiddo that moment.

Essentially, being a customer means being always right. This is what I've learned since our family had our own kind of business. It is my right to choose and select the best goods that would suit my budget and taste. I didn't mind now the stares of the same people who saw my moment a few minutes ago. "Who the hell cares if they watch me walk and stumble," and I went through them.

Back on our home, my mom saw the distress on my face. She asked, "What happened?" then I told her the whole story and she said to me, "It is better to remain quite but it is not applicable all the time, it is only when the need arises." She was then satisfied for what I acted for she cited, "I am happy that you know how to stop your temper but I don't prohibit you upon defending yourself, ok?!"

Since then, I said to myself, "All is well" quoted from an award-winning movie, The Three Idiots. The message that keeps me remember that all things will be well.

Towards SARIMANOK

On my point of view

Sarimanok: One Bird's Dream Tears a Tradition

On its 36^th year of celebration, from the resident theatre company of MSU-IIT, Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) proudly brings you Steven Patrick C. Fernandez’, SARIMANOK

It is a dance musical that is divided into two sessions. First is the gala night that happened last Nov. 28 and with the matinee session that happened the following day, 29.

Presenting: the internationally-acclaimed IPAG

The initial impression I could put on upon entering the gymnasium was the spectacular light up effects on the stage. It was the very first time that I’ve witnessed that stage on a vibrant manifestation with a huge cage-like formulation on the interior aisle. It would really capture the viewers’ eyes. Together with it is the fastidious shade over the entire stage that combined with the outward show. Moreover, the illumination applied on it was perfect for the said event that persuades the audience to appreciate it.The harmony and choice of music is well thought-out that suites a specific scene on the play. The dancers were all astonishing. They’ve danced with control of the show as a whole. The props and everything they wore added to their stunning effect on a viewer’s point of view. They made snappy actions to glide with the play which really astounded me upon watching them.

Amazing performance

The narration was made so good by the mask man who did his part thoroughly. The lip sync with the group singing agreeably was also magnificent that the voices of the characters keep on lingering to my ears right after the show. The audio was fine however some parts of the script are not well spoken that was maybe caused by a little technical problem of the lapels that they have.The rules were read for the audience earlier before the start of the show. Yet a delay in the starting time of the show made the viewers, who were mostly students, weary in the sense that the thrill they’ve had few hours ago was extended even in spite the fact that they’ve been on the venue already.

As the characters portray their roles

It was entitled, Sarimanok which is a legendary bird that is a popular symbol in the Muslim art of the southern Philippine islands. It has wings and a feathered tail, and holds a fish in its beak or talons. The bird's head is profusely decorated with scrolls, leaf and spiral motifs. This is the show was all about; the bird’s mistaken action which makes it a violation to their tradition was really her aspiration. And that is to explore, to expose and to discover.
At the end of every show, an implication by the viewers should be made for them to understand. Reactions, comments, suggestions are usually done in a show like this. But on my perspective, the notion this event tries to impart is that no one should be stopped from reaching his/her dreams and aspirations in life.
Sarimanok was punished to death not because she had her dream, but because of her bravery upon violating an essential tradition just to follow that certain dream. Are you going to flap your wings and take the risks? Or be what the people around you wants you to be? Are you a Sarimanok? All dreams could come true but only with the courage upon pursuing them. We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.

The Chosen One

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. An educator in the making, that's my dream!

There's always more than meets the eye

                I am Yrrahbell C. Bullecer. My friends fondly calls me "Yrrah." They usually comment on my name saying, "Sounds so familiar yet the spelling seems weird." Well, it's simply because my name is a combination of my Mother and Father's name, Harry and Bella put them all together, creates my name. :) I am a kind of girl who stands for what is I believe is right. Yes, I am articulate at times but I surely know when to speak and when to keep quite. I am into editorial writing. I keep on writing articles and most of it are critics. I am a proud Girl Scout of the Philippines. I am 16 years old, currently residing at P-6, Canaway-Tibanga, Iligan City. I was born on the 25th of January , 1997.My first and extended family are active members of the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) which I consider as a treasure having my entire family in one belief and one faith.

                   We are four in the family. My hardworking father is self-employed and his name is Mr. Harry Bullecer. My loving mother is an office worker and her name is Mrs. Bella Bullecer. I am the eldest of two so I am responsible in making myself as role model not just to my sister but also to my younger cousins. Yes, I am also the eldest among the grandchildren of Tatay and Nanay, as what we fondly call them.

                    As for my life outside the university, you'll most likely find me at Church in Canaway Congregation. I was raised by my family to be a religious one to be able to meet up the daily struggles in life.

                     I am a type of person who is vocal but in a professional way, in the sense that, I know when to speak and when to keep silent. My strength is preaching and talking while my weakness are the backbites from the people I value so much. I like listening to music especially ballad which makes a soothing effect on my mind. I also play my own flute at leisure times.

                      I was born and raised in Butuan City. My family are there right now. I am here for good and that is, for my studies which my parents really prayed for. My stay here is not just to meet their expectations but to reach my goals and visions in life. My vision in life is that, at the end of the day, it is not the destination that matters, but it is the journey. So I am here to experience and explore the world beyond my horizons in our town.

                      One of the profession that most of the people wants to engaged with is on handling children. It is in this field that you are able to mold the competitive individual that would occupy this world in the future. You could be able to touch their lives by the things that you are imparting to them.

                       In accordance with this, one of the good and interesting course that one should be taking is my course, BEED-ENGLISH. Because this definitely fits an individual whose desire is to teach while learning and having fun with the young generation. In addition to that, it would not only help you improve your reading, writing. critical thinking and grammar skills but it could also be one of the ways in which you could reach your goals/plans in life just like, having prominent rank in the future thru Masterals and Doctorate degrees and of course, effective communication takes place.

                       It is my passion to talk, share and preach my knowledge and skills to our future citizens that would enable them to enjoy their living in the most righteous way. It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. I have come to believe that being a teacher is being a great artist for it is teaching is the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. But all of these would not be possible if I'd be alone for I know that God is the driver of my life. All I have to do is to fasten up my seat belt and enjoy the ride of my journey called Life.