You just can’t eat the butter without bread and the cookie without the glass of milk. You can’t wear the left shoe without putting on the right one as well. The pepper is always next to the salt. The sea is next to the sand. The lock has a key and that girl has her make-up. There are always things in life that go together. You can’t separate them. If you do, the other will become dull or pointless. You probably think that it just goes like this when it comes to material things. It’s hard to let go of one or the other. However, there are also things that are inseparable but are not earthly goods. Examples of these are ideas and action, joy and sorrow, values and faith. The former is easy to understand but the latter has a few questions at hand.  Faith is to believe in things that we cannot see but we can feel within our hearts. According to the Bible, faith without action is dead. On the other hand, our actions and decisions are determined by our values.  According to my reliable notes in Religion class, values are the good and beautiful things that we consider important in life. They are guiding stars with each step we take. Growing up, I’ve learned that values aren’t just love, peace, charity, friendship and the like.  Our values can either be good or bad. If our values are bad then that would mean that our decisions are affected negatively as well. Instead of choosing wisely, our actions are directed to evil. If faith and values are connected, what will happen to our faith if our own values are negative?Personally, I have my own set of values. With every step I take, these values tell me what I must do. I value life, friendship and family. The Catholic faith tells me that I should respect and love all of these. I value hard work and honesty. My faith tells me that I should do my best and God will do the rest. I value love and happiness. Faith tells me that loving God and others is the true way to happiness. I can’t always follow all the values I want to apply in my life but I’m trying my best to live out my faith. People cannot say that they have built a strong faith in God when all along their values are distorted. If you value money, fame and all the luxuries in the world, you cannot say that you are a faithful person. A true man of faith knows how to prioritize according to his good values in life. Our values shouldn’t contradict our faith because then you cannot call it faith. I call it belief.   The king has his queen while the bees have their own flowers. The spoon goes with a fork and the popcorn has butter. Our values go hand in hand with our faith. Values without faith are incomplete. Faith without values is blind. Never leave home without one.                                                                                                                                                                                              

“Sloth is what I used to call myself. I have always been too lazy to keep up with a journal or a diary. I’ve wasted a couple of notebooks since elementary thinking that each new one will actually be continued. How wrong I was. I never had the time or the determination to keep each moment alive. As I had long predicted, I shall always regret this simply because there are so many memories I wanted to keep alive.”  These words sprang at me when I opened my Vox account which is similar to Blogspot except for cooler features. Suddenly, it all came back. This was part of my very first blog. Keeping a cyber journal seemed to stitch my life back in place. It’s true that I’ve often tried to write entries in my diary as I grew up. I cannot deny as well that I’ve been throwing away notebooks out of disappointment. All I have to show now is my misery for having left a part of my life unrecorded. Nowadays, I enjoy surfing the internet a lot. You should have seen my face when I first learned about blogs. As I read the past entries in my personal yet cyber journal, a sense of delight and pride overwhelmed me. I had forgotten about the things I said and the stuff I did. I felt glad that I finally overcame that feeling of giving up. In a sense, I realized that this wasn’t only in my passion as a journal keeper. Giving up isn’t in my daily planner or in my to-do list.   When I was a kid, I gave up easily at the sight of defeat. Poke me in the back and I’ll attack you. If you’re stronger, I melt by my own will on the floor. When I entered high school, I was shocked. The expectations they asked of me rose sky-high. Having a family of achievers didn’t help reduce my anxiety. My mother is an instructor at my school though at a different department. Everywhere I went, people knew my name. They know very well about my mother and sister’s admirable reputation. I had to be perfect. There was no room for mistakes. Being in the pilot class, I felt as though I had to compete with my fellow classmates. Well, that was how I used to think. After all, I was just a freshman. I didn’t know any better. My classmates became my best friends. Every single one of them became precious to me. After 3 years of being together, I felt myself change. I didn’t have to work so hard to earn the best grades. I didn’t have to please anybody by changing my attitude. I didn’t need to feel depressed every time a teacher erroneously called me by my sister’s name. I just had to be myself. That was all. I was thrilled. When I reached my junior year, I knew my efforts paid off. I can’t recall the last time when someone addressed me with a name other than my own. I heard my mother say that she has never been this proud of me. My sister was so happy because I was able to do something she had never done in high school. I became the top of my batch. To my relief, I didn’t become a nerd along the way. I retained a social life as well maybe even a little love in between. This was something I learned from my sister. Read all the books you want but return to reality and enjoy life. Maintain balance or forget everything. High school wasn’t a breeze and the future isn’t only a drizzle. Inspiration, just like in writing, is a key tool in life. The thrill of performing with my club, the Dulaang Kumbento, made me look forward to the school year. The thrill of writing made me reminiscent often. Preserving memories in my online journal made me realize how much my life is truly worth. Actually, blogs saved my life.   I realized that I shouldn’t cry over spilled milk which in my case is my lost memories. I still have a full life ahead of me. I can only prove that I am really a sloth if I have this thought in my head and yet I didn’t even bother to record it. If I was able to find a way to combine my interests, my passion and my inspiration through blogs, I know that I can definitely do the same in my life. If I am able to overcome my fears and weaknesses in high school, what stops me from doing the same for the rest of my life?  Giving up won’t be an option. It is only a pitfall to snare those who are too indolent or apathetic to strive. After all it’s your attitude and not your aptitude that determines your altitude. You may say that again really fast a zillion times but keep that thought in your head forever like I will.   >> admission’s essay to ADMU                                                                                        

His Excellency, Most Reverend Francisco San Diego, Bishop of Pasig, Reverend Msgr. Dr. Gerardo O. Santos, College President, Mrs. Virginia Cacananta, Executive Vice President, Dr. Rosalinda Natividad, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Asuncion S. Cansana, High School Principal; Members of the President’s Council, Members of the High School Principal’s Council, honorable guest, faculty members, parents, fellow graduates, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.  This moment is indeed a very significant one for all of us. It is our final curtain call as high school students. Today, we witness the fulfillment of our dreams, the passion of the times and the revelation of the anticipated unknown. Our very lives were intertwined; each one leaving a mark so unforgettable that the journey could not be imagined if without. Together, we learned from the masters. The greatest teacher of them all, our experiences, incessantly taught us at our own pace, from baby steps to potent strides. What an excellent teacher, don’t you think? Well, they teach best when we are willing to be taught. As Aldous Huxley once said, “Experience is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you.” Each one present at this gathering has a fair share of the bitter and sweet taste of experience. The serene moments and the arduous days, the pangs of disappointment and cheers of success; all these and more brought our batch to considerable learning and closeness.  We may not be the greatest but this batch endured hardships, surmounted fears, achieved the unexpected and developed bonds that will last a lifetime. Literally and figuratively, rain or shine, we made the most out of each instance; the memorable third year promenade with its unexpected downpour, the uplifting Life in the Spirit Seminar at Nazarene Catholic School and retreats at St. Michael’s and Maryhill, the instructive outbound trips at Cavite and Mt. Banahaw, trekking at Mt. Makiling and caving at the Tunay na Biak na bato, even the year round activities which unleashed innate abilities within us. Some of the unforgettable were the United Nations Classroom Diorama, the Physics Olympics, The TLE food festival, the Language Game show, the quizbees, writing contests, the MathTalino, even the Awit Interpretasyon and choral recitations. We have proven to ourselves and to others that if we give our best and do away with mediocrity, we can do so much including the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that we have performed through this scholarly undertakings. It is in doing such that we truly find self-fulfillment. Remember the Jail Apostolate, we are able to visit those in prison and comfort them. How about the Pondo ng Pinoy? Through a simple 25 centavo coin which seems worthless to some, we were able to feed, give drink, clothe and shelter others. When we participated in simple class discussion, did we not instruct the ignorant? In the Life in the Spirit Seminar, did we not learn to forgive offenses? Everything started here in school. The seeds were sown and we are the rich soil. It is up to us to nurture what has been planted and continue the road of becoming true servants of God. The grasp upon us were loosened at times so that we may falter on our own and rise again. In each day that passed, we were taught to decide for ourselves and be held accountable for all the adverse or favorable outcomes these may bring. We hold more power in our hands than what we think and we can use this power to bring forth the betterment of all. We cannot please everybody and we have to accept the things we cannot change but we must remember that we can succeed in our endeavors if we just believe in the strength within us and in the one true power, the Lord Almighty. Pasig Catholic College has provided us countless opportunities to burst forth from our shells, to enhance our skills and offer experiences that elevate social responsibility, enrich spirituality and become morally upright. Let us not fail our beloved Alma Mater.                         So much has happened in just a few years. It is hard to believe that the curtain shall soon close. After four indelible years, today is finally the moment, our graduation day. On behalf of my fellow graduates, I thank each and every one of you for being at this year’s Commencement Exercises. We are all delighted. We are all grateful. We are all here because of you and with that, PCCians… We are!                                                                                                                                                                             

              What do Marcos, FVR and GMA have in common? Marcos was the innovator. Ramos was the general. On the other hand, Arroyo is the economist. These Philippine presidents are known to have very distinct administrative styles but there is still a common ground between them. Did you know that these three heads of state traveled the most to promote our own country? They were often abroad to meet with other world leaders but as they did, they also endorse the Philippines in an international level. If the president travels a lot, critics complain that he is wasting the people’s hard earned money. Still, we forget that through these excursions, the president is able to invite more tourists and investors. The three mentioned presidents knew that boosting our tourism could solve a number of major problems in the country.  For a country filled with convivial hosts but high poverty rates, what can tourism truly do? I remember fairly well a former ad by the country’s government stating, “Tourism means JOBS!” I cannot disagree with this slogan. First of all, from vendors to waiters, ushers for transport to farmers in distant regions even the taho vendors (magtataho) and physical therapists (masahistas) in Boracay earn an income through tourism. Directly or not, a lot benefit and a lot continue to live through tourism. The different industries and sectors like business, agriculture and education simply aren’t enough to provide jobs for everyone. Tourism can help fill the gap while giving life to all other industries in the Philippines. Additional jobs can be a starting point for firing this economy of ours. One of the continuous aches of the country is the brain and brawn drain which happens when our work force seeks greener pastures. The exodus of good laborers and skilled professionals leave the country crippled. Tourism can help Juan dela Cruz take hold of these workers. With the rise of new establishments and tourism related affairs, more jobs are created. As the inflow of tourists increases, a proliferation of higher paying jobs shall transpire as well. Instead of going abroad, our workers will choose to stay. That’s definitely good news, right? In the industry of tourism, not only do we usher in tourists but also development itself. Take a look at the Global City in Taguig. At first, it was a bare and unproductive area. Now, it is not only a promising business quarter but also a metropolitan tourist getaway. Establishments after establishments are built to cater to the large number of tourists and foreigners who mostly invested in the vicinity. New hotels, restaurants and even parks like the Manila Ocean Park near the Quirino Grandstand are designed, constructed and opened. Already famous must-see destinations continue to improve and expand to accommodate the wide range of target markets. We, Filipinos, invest in these places by building new infrastructures, adopting new technologies, renovating the old and simply beautifying the spot. All these developments take place as we import more visitors. With development comes innovation. New industries are born and become self-sufficient. Cebu, for example, controls its own capital. It is independent because of the number of tourists who serve as a market for their local goods. Our local industries are not as export dependent as before because they have a market in the area itself. With tourists itching to buy and try Philippine products and memorabilia, our small time producers have customers too. Our dear pearl market now thrives in the coastal tourist spots while the delicacies of the different provinces are bought by tourists who want to taste something new.  Economics tells us that we have very limited resources that continue to diminish by the second. With all these developments in line with tourism, our environment suffers. The degradation of our natural surroundings cannot be avoided if we want progress. This problem relating to tourism is being answered little by little by the government and private organizations. Boracay with its white sand beaches has been the talk of the town after several organizations pointed out its rapid destruction and pollution. The construction frenzy received a moratorium. The environmental problems must be faced first. Since people realize the value of their environment as their source of income and life, they learn to regulate resources. No tourist would want to swim in a polluted sea. No tourist would want to climb barren mountains. Filipinos learn to balance their endless needs with their limited resources. We learn to take care of our environment which is the only resource we have. With development, there is a price to pay but with proper care and handling, we can still save and conserve our resources. About 1.2 million tourists visited the country in 1992. In 2000, a whopping 2.2 million arrived. As more visitors come, the Philippines gains further. As we all know, a huge part of the economic sector relies on the country’s tourism. With so much culture and beauty, the Philippines still has more to offer. Tourism is the thriving panacea of the Philippines. Our presidents, including the economist, saw the possibility. It can solve a number of economic problems but we need to invest on this industry. We need to unlock all potentials. Our economy needs a boost and tourism will do the job. Tourism will fuel the country’s departure for economic take-off.      

“A creative economy is the fuel of magnificence ”. This is according to the American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson. When it comes to creativity, Filipinos have gone quite far with hopes to gain additional utility, earn more income and attract more visitors. Yes! Filipinos do love visitors, don’t they? They love it even more if their guests are foreigners. Filipinos are born tour guides and guest entertainers. This country surrounded by the seas, blessed with abundant resources, a rich culture and a spectacle of breathtaking views can rely so much on tourism as an industry.                                              I remember fairly well a former ad by the country’s government stating, “Tourism means JOBS!”. Frankly, I cannot disagree because it is true. From vendors in markets to waiters in restaurants, ushers for transport and accommodation to farmers in the distant regions even the “magtataho” and the “masahistas” in Boracay earn a living through tourism. Directly or not, a lot benefit and a lot continue to live through tourism. Tourism opens a lot of job opportunities. Jobs bring revenue and income which then becomes the fuel for firing our economy. Take the well-known Boracay and Puerto Galera resorts as examples. A lot of new establishments were formed and new jobs were created. Tourists who have journeyed, relaxed and been served well not only spend their cash in the country but also advertise their experiences through word of mouth to others. In order to further attract visitors, our tourist spots and potential tourist areas respond to the call. Filipinos usher in development. We invest in these places by building new infrastructures, adopting new technologies, renovating the old and simply beautifying the spot. These worthwhile investments bring more tourists than we could have imagined. However with development, there is a price to pay. The environment itself suffers. The white sand beaches of Bora aren’t as pearly white as before. Environmental degradation cannot be avoided if we want development. After all, we have very limited resources compared to the needs of the country and of the Filipinos. Since people realize the value of their area as their source of income and life, they learn to regulate resources. Exploitation is firmly reviled.                                    Tourism is the thriving panacea of the Philippines. It can solve a number of economic problems in the country. One of our continuous aches is the brain and brawn drain. The country desperately needs our workers yet they continue to leave due to lack of jobs. Through tourism, those workers who were planning to leave stayed because they can find a living here. New industries are born to cater the needs of visitors and people alike. Cebu, for example, controls its own capital.  Since tourists enjoy shopping and checking out what we have to offer, our local goods have found a market. Our local industries are not as export dependent as before because they have a market in the area itself. Our small time producers have customers too. Our dear pearl market thrives in the coastal tourist spots while the delicacies of the different provinces are bought by tourists who want to taste something new.         All hope is never lost even for a country stricken with poverty and debt.  Tourism unlocks our creativity and fuels our magnificence as Filipinos. Our country’s economy is budding as of today but with tourism and accurate economics on our side, for sure our country shall earn development. 

“Before time began, there was… the cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That is how our race was born. For a time we lived in harmony, but like all great power, some wanted it for good. Others, for evil. And so, began the war. A war that ravaged our planet until it was consumed by death. … And just when all hope seemed lost, message of a new discovery drew us to an unknown planet called… Earth. But, we were already too late.”  Yes, the planet which Optimus Prime came from was gravely destroyed. When they lost all hope they were led to this planet, a fairly small planet in this massive universe. The question now is, were they truly too late? Is this world of ours heading for the same fate as their planet?  Our earth used to be such a fertile and lush home for creatures living in harmony. Men were provided with all their needs. One can grow in peace and abundance for Mother Earth never did ask for compensation. However, time itself was like a ticking bomb. The Destructicons soon entered into man’s life and man readily accepted them. Greed, Indolence, Voracity, Frustration and Discontent led the rapid obliteration of the Earth.  After realizing the consequences, man was divided. Others acted while others were apathetic leaving the youth confused and undecided. Is it too late?  No matter what the past has wrought, it cannot be undone. However, in this world lies a hope, the same hope which led the Autobots here. This hope is the future, the youth. Youth, you have the power to correct our father’s mistake. You have the choice to accept the same fate or change our destiny of destruction. In you hands lies the ability to make a difference. In you heart lies the courage to stand up for what is right. You can save this world one step at a time through little ways. Altogether, you are an army for our Mother, our force to break away those who destroy her. You can become a Destructicon yourself but you have the choice to become a Transformer, a Transformer for the environment, a Transformer of society.   

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before usCharles Dickens , A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 – 1870) How can you measure the worth of a year? The true value of gold can only be measured once put into the flames. If the metal withstands the intense heat of the blaze, its value and worth is verified. In the same way, the strength of any institution is proven by the great test of time. They say that the number of years does not matter. Instead, it is the life in those years that count. 10 years is lengthy. 50 years is long. Just imagine how long 95 years is. That is how long this institution has been standing tall.  Pasig Catholic College has seen it all. Times came when it almost fell apart. From the lack of classrooms to finally being recognized, from surviving the Second World War to reconstructing the school, PCC has stood firm.  From the arrival of Rev. Fr. Cornelio and the Belgian missionaries, incessant changes came each year. First there was a spare classroom with 28 pupils, now thousands of students benefit from the 8 buildings of the institution. Throughout all of these years, PCC was in good hands, hands that led to further progress. Physical transformations aren’t the only major changes in this beloved school.  Different departments were formed little by little until the school finally established the school of Graduate Studies. The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities or PAASCU has recently accredited the school and its departments further proving the eminence of education in the institution. In 2001, the Diocese of Pasig was formed and PCC became the Diocesan school of Pasig. Just like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, PCC has adopted the Immaculate Conception as its beloved mother and patron saint. Teachers have come and gone leaving a legacy in the hearts and minds of students and fellows alike.  Students have left its halls and pursued their own lives after dwelling for years in this beloved home. Still, more students continue to learn and experience the motivation and purpose of the school’s persistent existence.  PCC as a Catholic school has not only evangelized and taught its students about the doctrines and teachings of the Church but also developed a fervent and personal love for God in every student. In its subsistence throughout these years, it has been an instrument for transforming society.  PCC has strengthened the sense of purpose and responsibility that most importantly transmits into action. PCC responds to the call of the community and of society itself. As the community necessitated education, PCC responded with a true commitment to quality catholic education. It has been a venue for higher learning and development of insight.  It educates to build good leaders and responsible citizens of the country. PCC continuously heeds the call of the under-privileged countrymen. Through different outreach activities, the preferential option of the school for the less fortunate is revealed. PCC is one with the community in making a brighter future for everyone especially the deprived and needy. Throughout all these roles, our dear PCC joins the world in prayer and encourages others in making the world a peaceful place for all.   Inspired by the humble beginnings but faithful evangelizing of the school all the way through, the Pasig Catholic College- Center for the Performing Arts (PCC-CPArts) will show the brilliance and unwavering talents of PCCians in the performing arts through the Grand Musical Variety on February 22, 2008. Through the “We Are” hand gesture, PCCians express their identity as true Persons of Character and Competence. This is what PCC is all about. After a few more years, the road to its centenary shall be completed. A community of persons of character and competence is not only the ideal that this school pursues to produce. This is the reality we are aiming and facing. The three fingers of the “We Are” signal signify PCC’s sense of oneness with nature, its Catholic education and the people-centered community of the school. These three ideals combined provide a sense of belonging that no PCCian can ever forget in his entire life. For nine decades, this institution has seen good and bad times. In each year that passed, failures came and triumphs arrived. Challenges come and go but the school stands firm and proud. The 95 years of molding followers of Christ truly is worth celebrating.   

“Susmaryosep!” Iyan ang bukambibig ng ilang mga Pilipino tuwing nagugulat, namamangha o kahit nagagalit. Ang katagang “sus” ay nanggaling sa pangngalang “Hesus”. Ngayon, ito’y nagiging “susme” at “asus” sa mga kabataan. Kahit hindi sinasadya, nababanggit pa rin. Hindi maiwasan kasi nakasanayan na rin. “O, Hesus, Hari ng awa, kami ay nananalig sa Iyo.” Karaniwan natin itong naririnig tuwing papatak ang alas tres ng hapon. Sa paaralan man o sa bahay, nariyan ang mga dasal na ito. Sa pagbubukas ng mga telebisyon, ang dalangin ay nariyan pa rin. Kahit gaano kasikat ang programa o palabas, ititigil pa rin upang makapagdasal. “Ang Panginoon, ay aking pastol, pinagiginhawa ako”. Ito naman ang mga salitang nagmumula sa bibliya ngunit inaawit kadalasan tuwing may misa. Ang mga kantang ito ay napakaganda’t puno ng inspirasyon. Kay sarap awitin lalo na’t nagpapalubag ng kalooban. Madalas ang misa ay nabubuhay dahil sa mga kantang puno ng kadakilaan ng Panginoon. Tignan mo nga naman, kahit saan ka pumunta, hindi mawawala ang pangalan ni Hesus sa telebisyon, sa aklat at maging sa ating mga kuwentuhan kasama ang mga kaibigan, ang ngalan ni Hesus ay buhay at binabanggit.  Sabi ng iba, madali silang magkaroon ng “nose bleed” tuwing nagsasalita sa Ingles. Minsan, sila ay nagkakaroon din daw ng “nose bleed” kapag puro tungkol sa relihiyon ang pinag-uusapan. Ganito ang kadalasang sinasabi ng kabataan ngayon. May mga kabataang umiiwas na mapag-usapan si Hesus. Hindi nila maipagmalaki ang kanilang pananampalataya kahit na alam nilang sila’y puro Katoliko naman. Bakit nga ba? Kahit ako’y napapaisip na rin. Si Hesus ay bahagi ng ating buhay noon, ngayon at magpakailanman. Nariyan Siya palagi sa ating tabi upang gabayan tayo’t iligtas at patawarin. Ang pagmamahal Niya’y walang katapusan ngunit sa kabila nito hindi pa rin Siya lubusang minamahal ng mga kabataan. Maraming kabataan ang tunay na ipinagmamalaki Siya ngunit marami din naman ang hindi. Ang mga estudyante ngayon ay nahihirapan na ipahiwatig ang tunay na saloobin sa Ingles. Nasanay na kasi tayo na magsalita sa ating sariling wika. Kapag may kuwentuhan, kasiyahan at iba pa, hindi ba’t Filipino ang ating wikang ginagamit? Kung mas kumportable sila sa wikang Filipino sa pananalita, iyon ang gagamitin nila kadalasan. Karamihan ng mga kabataan ay nasanay na sa ganitong gawain.                                                                                         Bahagi na ng buhay ang wikang Filipino. Malaking bahagi rin ng buhay ang Panginoon. Bakit hindi natin pagsamahin ang dalawang elementong ito. Bakit hindi natin gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa pagkukuwento tungkol kay Hesus? Kung ang mga napapanahong libro’t pelikula at napag-uusapan, bakit si Hesus ay hindi natin maisama? Kilala natin ang mga sikat na banda’t musikero, ngunit ang pinakasikat sa lahat na si Hesus ay hindi lubusang kilala ng ilan. Alam ng marami ang pinakabagong nangyari sa buhay ng mga artista ngunit hindi nila pinakikialaman ang mga pangyayari sa buhay ni Hesus. Kung ang wikang Filipino ang ating gagamitin, may magbabago ba? Mahihiya pa ba ang mga kabataan na pag-usapan Siya? Mas makikinig ba ang mga Pilipino kung ang wikang Filipino ang gagamitin? Ano ang iyong palagay? Malamang, oo. Tayo’y nasanay na sa wikang ito. Sa ating mga kaibigan, tayo’y nagkukuwento sa wikang ito. Kung si Hesus lang din naman ang pag-uusapan, gamitin na rin natin ang wikang Filipino.  Aminin natin na hindi lahat ng Filipino ay dalubhasa sa Ingles. Totoo naman di ba? Minsan ay nakakatawa, minsan ay nakakalungkot na rin. Hindi lahat ay nakakatamasa ng sapat na edukasyon. Iyan ang katotohanan. Iyan ang kasalukuyan. Ang masang Pinoy ay wala pa rin sapat na kaalaman sa Ingles. Oo, marunong sila ngunit hindi sila kumportable rito. Hindi nila maipahiwatig ang kanilang nais sabihin. Bilang mga mag-aaral, paano natin maaabot ang masang Pilipino? Paano natin maipapamalas sa kanila ang tunay na pagmamahal ng Diyos? Paano natin maipapaliwanag sa kanila ang ating nais sabihin kung hindi naman nila tayo lubusang maintindihan? Ano ba ang paraan upang tumagos sa kanilang puso’t isipan ang salita ng Diyos? Siyempre, kailangan nating gamitin ang wikang ating kinagisnan. Kailangan natin gamitin ang wikang Filipino sa pagpapalaganap ng kuwento ni Hesus.   Ang ating wika ay napakayaman at napakaganda. Ano ba ang maaari nating gawin upang higit pa itong mapagyaman at mapabuti? Kailangan natin itong gamitin sa makabuluhang paraan. Kung gagamitin mo lamang ito upang siraan ang iyong kapitbahay, huwag na lang. Kung gagamitin mo lamang ito upang saktan ang iyong kamag-aral, huwag na lang. Kung gagamitin mo lang pala ito upang magmura tungkol sa kung anu-anong mga kabiguan at suliranin, huwag na lang. Ang payo ko sa iyo, gamitin mo ang napakagandang wikang ito para sa pagdakila sa Diyos. Siya rin naman ang nagbigay sa atin nito.  Ipamalas natin sa iba na ang pagmamahal ng Diyos ay wagas. Ikuwento natin sa iba na ang Diyos ay mapagpatawad. Sa halip na ikuwento mo ang mga kakulangan ng iyong magulang, ikuwento mo kung paano ka biniyayaan ng Panginoon at kung paano binibiyayaan ang kausap mo. Sa halip na magtatatarang ka sa dami ng iyong ginagawa, ikuwento mo sa iba ang dami ng ginawa ng Diyos para sa iyo. Ikuwento mo ang buhay Niya. Ikuwento mo ang pagmamahal Niya. Ikuwento mo dahil Siya’y isang kaibigan rin naman. Siya ang bida sa lahat ng telenobela. Siya ang pinakasikat sa lahat ng musikero’t artista dahil siya ang lumikha sa musika at sining. Hindi ba’t napakasayang ikuwento ang buhay ni Hesus?  Aminin mo man o hindi, marami tayong natututunan dahil sa buhay Niya. Kahit gaano ka kalungkot, darating ang panahon na hahanapin mo Siya. Kapag nahanap mo Siya, hindi ba’t napakaginhawa? Sana’y ang kaginhawaang ito ay maranasan din ng iba. Sana’y malaman nila na kahit gaano kasaklap ang buhay, kahit gaano kadilim ang iyong landas, nariyan Siya. Andyan lang, tulad ng isang kaibigan. Hindi sapat ang “sana”. Kailangan nating gumawa. Lahat tayo ay makakatulong sa iba kung ikukuwento lang natin sa kanila ang buhay ni Hesus. Magsilbi tayong inspirasyon. Upang maabot ang lahat ng Pilipino sa lahat ng estado ng buhay lalo na ang mga mahirap, siyempre, gagamitin natin ang wikang talaga namang Pinoy na Pinoy.  

“How far must suffering and misery go before we see that even in the day of vast cities and powerful machines, the good earth is our mother and that if we destroy her, we destroy ourselves?”  These are the words of Paul Bigelow Sears as he witnessed the destruction of nature because of the greed of man. This one line reflects the scenery of our world today, devastation. There are hundreds of organizations fighting for the survival of our nature against who else but man, himself. Their efforts have become invain because most of us play blind to the destruction around us. Only some people have seen, realized or even done something about it. Mother earth is paying back man with her fury of calamities. Landslides and floods, these are all because of our doing.   Mother Earth has given us all our needs ever since man had first walked the earth. She has never complained nor stopped producing these necessities but now that man has become greedy and abused her generosity, she is giving her revenge. The landslide in Leyte which claimed the lives of thousands was caused by man’s greed for money that led them to cut more trees than what they needed. A few years ago, a huge flood which devastated Quezon province was also our fault. What else must happen before man will take action? Man has burned, damaged, stolen, and fought her yet Mother Earth has continually sustained us with food and shelter. Man relies on her to survive. When she becomes totally destroyed, we are next to meet our doom.  God has created the earth for us because he loves us so much. He made us superior to other animals so that we can gain dominion over the earth. The only thing He asks from is to love each other and become the caretakers of His creations. We have not done our duty to protect it but instead we have caused its destruction. Man cut down trees which deprive animals of their homes and shelters. We mercilessly hunt them down for the sake of their skin, fur or shells to be sold for again, money. The Dodo bird and the Yunnan box turtle are only some of the animals which are already extinct and erased from the face of this world. There are thousands of other animals that are endangered and fighting for their survival. Some of these are the lovable panda, the fastest animal on earth which is the cheetah and our very own tarsier. Are we really God’s caretakers or are we the earth’s obliterators? If God has chosen some other animal to take over, will these animals’ lives be saved?  Man gets mad when someone takes something from him and does not give it back or even thank him. Why can’t he realize that he does the same thing to his own mother every single day? Not only that, he also destroys her. Conflict between man is given time to reconcile. Man must do the same to the earth. For us to help protect the earth, we must first realize how much we need the earth and learn to love nature. Every morning when you wake up, spare some time to wonder and view the magnificent trees, the fragrant flowers and majestic birds in the sky. Can you imagine a life without them? Can you imagine yourself living in a city full of smoke and noise without a single green leaf to rest you eyes upon after a hard day’s work?  Don’t you just love going out of town to places where you can admire the scenery, smell the scent of morning dew, hear the chirping chorus of birds and gaze upon the endless ocean without a single sight of trash? I know I do.  All these things which I’m sure you still love won’t last forever. Will you wait for the moment when you won’t see these anymore? I say we must take some action right now, not tomorrow because tomorrow another hectare of forest trees will disappear.  If you’re asking what can you do, let me tell you because even if you’re only a student or you don’t even have a job, you can help save and protect our earth, our home. First of all, that trash you threw in the sidewalk isn’t going to help so pick it up and place it the trash can. The fur coat you bought isn’t stylish because an animal died for you to have it. Your backyard could be a relaxing area if only you will plant it with trees. Simple things like these are already helpful. If every person in the world will plant at least one tree in a lifetime, that would mean millions of trees for the generations to come. Mother Earth trusts only us to protect her. We must prove that humans are worthy to be God’s caretakers. You could start right now by watering the dying plant outside you doorstep.  

We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started. These words say it all. The man behind it is Henry Ward Beecher. Education. Experience. Excellence. What more do I have to say? We, Filipinos have gone through so much ever since the days of our ancestors. A country small in comparison to others has been shining for years because of sheer excellence. The peak may not be as high but the road we Filipinos have traveled is truly remarkable. From the time of our early colonizers to the present age of today, we have sparkled in achievements that are truly inspiring. The legendary achievers of yesterday continue to inspire us, the youth. They teach us never to settle for better but set our sights only for the best.  Education. Experience. Excellence. What more do I need to say? Education. Education has been a major key in upholding our distinction. Schools spread all over the Philippines are doing their best to give quality education for all. I don’t want to sugarcoat your impression of education because the cold hard truth is that despite our efforts, the quality of education in the Philippines is declining. If this continues, there will most definitely be a great effect on our youth’s perseverance. Who else will harness the values integrated in our hearts? Who else will train us to be the best that we will be? To put all our efforts into every single act we partake? Is it not our second home, our schools, our good education? Experience. As I have said, we are no stranger to excellence. We put our best foot forward in everything that we do. Inventors, athletes, artists, businessmen, everybody who is anybody, name it, we have them. These Filipinos who have been recognized internationally show the rest of us that we can do anything. Lea Salonga, Carlos P. Romulo, Rolando Tinio and even Manny Paquiao are just some of these outstanding Filipinos in their own fields. They have been through a lot in life. They have told us many guidelines for success but there is one thought common among them. It is the importance of education. Either they are very thankful to have had the chance to study or they would have turned back time just to have the chance to study. People always tell us that if we want to succeed in life, education is the key. People always tell us that to succeed, we must strive for excellence. These people could never be more correct. Excellence. According to Walter Bagehot, “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.” This is excellence in its purest form. One must know his duties and does them with all his might. Excellence does not come in a snap. It begins with someone pushing you to give everything you’ve got. It begins with a teacher who encourages you to excel. Where else will it start but in the school? It all begins in school. If this is true, why is it that education in our country is declining? We cannot let this continue. If it does, what will happen to the future generations including the generation of today? Excellence begins with experience. Experience molds us to strive in all aspects of life. Experience on the other hand begins with education. Most of our memorable and noteworthy experiences come from our daily schooling. Without quality education to lead us, how will we learn to achieve? How will learn to excel? Who else will tell us that excellence does not mean perfection but instead means working hard and persevering in all that we do?  We ourselves cannot suffice our own questions. We, Filipino students, need someone to form us. If we are not given mentors, we will never learn how to work hard for success. We need people to look up to. We need good education. If our education is given attention, if our experiences in school are given consideration, if the people around us continue to support us, then there is no hindrance to reach the peak. Our knowledge should never be limited to facts or formulas. Our knowledge should be molded into wisdom by competent, concerned and quality-giving schools that prioritize our character. Filipino excellence starts in the school therefore schools all over the country must change and adapt their curriculum for molding hearts, minds and hands to excel for our country’s progress. For the pride of our country, how much effort will you exert? How far will you go? Will you dwell by the pavement or will you arrive at the peak?