Keepers Club International Members from the National Capital Region

The energy from the YOUTH. TYF!

ACQ Education yields Champions Victory Shout!

ACQ Education yields Champions

In just a short span of operation, Jose Maria College has become an institutional byword in the education industry.

With a humble intention of giving quality education first before profit and with strong passion for academic excellence, the founding President Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy established JMC in 2002.

JMC humbly started as an academy. The school in just less than a year turned out to become Jose Maria College. Today, JMC is continuously developing its curriculum and other relevant courses for the purpose of what the Founding President call ACQ Education or Assured Consistent Quality Education.

The campus as observed is a milieu of beauty and serenity making it conducive for learning. With its beautiful and clean environment, the school has become a venue for conferences and tour visits of students and faculty coming as far as Southern Mindanao.

The school has become a ground of young achievers. For the school year 2006-2007 alone, the school has already produced a score of champions in various fields. Names after names are continuously added as the current school year is coming to a close.

BRAIN PATTERNS?!

As I browse the cyberspace, a website which promises readers to read brain patterns painted mine with these words:

You're a simple thinker, and this is actually a very good thing.
You don't complicate matters when you don't have to.
You look for the simplest explanation or solution, and you go with that.
As a result, your mind is uncluttered and free of stress.

You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy.
You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts.
People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused.
But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination.

Hitting the Nail

Alan Cayetano Gambit: make accusations without evidence, engineer hysterical confrontations, catch media attention, build name-recall and win the next elections. Although it degrades the quality of public discourse, it is apparently an effective way to win elective office.

Uncivilized
FIRST PERSON By Alex Magno
Saturday, September 29, 2007

Merry writing

Study: Simple Writing Makes You Look Smart

By Robert Roy Britt, LiveScience Managing Editor

posted: 31 October 2005 08:26 am ET

Many fledgling writers have been taught the mnemonic KISS: Keep it simple, stupid. A new study backs the wisdom of that advice.

Long words used needlessly along with complicated font styles -- two tactics employed routinely by students trying to pad their work -- are perceived as coming from less intelligent writers.

Or, to put it simply: Short words and classic fonts make you look smart.

Daniel Oppenheimer at Princeton University conducted five experiments manipulating the complexity of vocabulary or font style. Samples included graduate school applications, sociology dissertation abstracts, and translations of a work by Descartes.

Times New Roman, the default font for Internet text and writing programs like Microsoft Word, was contrasted by the italicized Juice font (the sort of font you might see in a homemade newsletter that's trying to be more than it is).

The simple writing done in the easy-to-read font tended to be rated as coming from a more intelligent author than the more complex drafts.

"Anything that makes a text hard to read and understand, such as unnecessarily long words or complicated fonts, will lower readers' evaluations of the text and its author," Oppenheimer said.

He added, though, that the study does not suggest long words are inherently bad, but only that using them needlessly is a problem. So why do so many people do it?

"The continuing popularity amongst students of using big words and attractive font styles may be due to the fact that they may not realize these techniques could backfire," Oppenheimer said. "One thing seems certain: write as simply and plainly as possible and it's more likely you'll be thought of as intelligent."

Widening our horizons

Geniuses are Just Like Us

By Robin Lloyd, Special to LiveScience

posted: 11 January 2006 07:49 am ET

Everyone has heard of the mad scientist or the absent-minded professor. But a look at some of the ordinary and extraordinary imperfections of a few great minds reveals that geniuses are just like us.

Albert Einstein, who came up with the theories of special and general relativity, enjoyed the company of other women while he was married. His second wife was his first cousin. He lived with her for five years before divorcing his first wife with whom he had a child before they were married.

Charles Darwin, father of evolutionary theory, agonized as a single man over whether or not to marry at all. He drew up a list of pros and cons, saying a wife was “better than a dog anyhow ... but [a] terrible loss of time.” He married soon thereafter, his lifelong mate.

More of the same

Richard Feynman, a Nobel prize-winning physicist who helped develop the atomic bomb and figure out the source of the shuttle Challenger explosion, visited strip clubs nearly daily near his home in California. He mainly worked on lectures and equations there.

January is Genius Month at LiveScience.

But for breaks, Feynman would watch the dancers and draw them. His wife, his third marriage by this time, was fine with this.

Sigmund Freud, who revealed the psychology of the unconscious in his numerous writings and was generally a nice guy, got into intense verbal scraps with his male friends due to his unresolved feelings of omnipotence, according to John Simmons, author of “The Scientific 100” (Citadel Press, 2000).

On the home front

Isaac Newton, who arrived at three laws of motion and a law of gravity that explained that the physical world was governed by mathematics, was reared by his grandmother after his father died and his mother remarried a man whom Newton loathed, Simmons writes.

Newton had a tendency toward unnecessarily bitter and violent rages with his colleagues and friends, and he did some mid-life career hopping, including a lackluster stint in Parliament.

Marie Curie, who discovered radioactivity, lived with her husband in a sparsely furnished apartment because she hated housework. While the couple did their research in a leaky shed, they had little money and would cheer themselves up by sitting next to the stove with a cup of hot tea. She later received two Nobel prizes.

Paul Erdos, one of the 20th century’s greatest mathematicians and whose work laid the foundations for computer science, lived out of a suitcase and was a poor earner for most of his life. He said property was a nuisance and relied on the kindness of friends for food and clothing.

What makes genius?

Not convinced that geniuses are just like us? Simmons says the true similarity lies in how nurture meets nature.

In other words, the talents that geniuses are born with, such as math, cognitive and creative skills, must be nurtured socially and economically in childhood or they die on the vine, with rare exceptions, Simmons told LiveScience.

Same goes for “the rest of us” and our slightly less spectacular talents.

“The scientific genius who grew up in grinding poverty is an exceedingly rare bird,” he said. “If it seems there was a great flowering of scientific genius out of Eastern Europe beginning in the late nineteenth century, it was due in large part to a developing middle class, a stable family life, and secular opportunities for both men and women."

sounds interesting!

Recipe for Genius Revealed

By Sara Goudarzi, LiveScience Staff Writer

posted: 19 December 2006 03:38 pm ET

If you think the innate talents of your child alone will produce the next Albert Einstein, think again.

The real recipe for producing a bright-minded adult, according to a new study, calls for a few ingredients—cognitive abilities, educational opportunities, interest, and plain old hard work.

The 35-year study, published online on Dec. 18 by the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, tracked 5,000 mathematically gifted individuals throughout their lives, beginning at age 12. Success was measured by the number of patents earned, tenures secured at universities and income, among other factors.

“We found that mathematical gifts and a variety of aptitudes have a significant impact, but that special educational opportunities and commitment can dramatically increase this impact,” said study co-author David Lubinski, a researcher at Vanderbilt University. “These students are intellectually gifted, and those gifts are best fully realized when they have the full support and understanding of their teachers, their parents and their social network.”

Lubinski and his colleagues also found that even amongs the cognitive elite, individual abilities vary. Previous theories stated that differences among the very top students are doubtful.

Individual differences in that range have a lot of educational and vocational implications and they even have implications for creativity, Lubinski told LiveScience. “What we have done, for example, is compare the top and bottom quartiles within that range and we find that the top quartiles earn many more patents, are more likely to get a Ph.D., and have higher incomes.”

In all these cases, however, the gifted kids identified by the researchers learned at rapid rates and needed their educational curriculum structured so it matched with their learning rates to avoid boredom and enhance their maximum development.

But after that, these kids are individuals and have all the strengths, weaknesses and variations in interest and personality that you see in the human condition and they shouldn’t be treated as a categorical type, Lubinski said.

DEEP

KILLING MYSELF

Chelyn Torejas

I AM KILLING MYSELF!

TO GET OVER WHO I AM.

I AM IN COMPETITION OF MY REFLECTION

TO COVET A VICTORIOUS CONCLUSION.

BE +++!

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your
optimism come true.

Think only of the best,
work only for the best,
and expect only the best.

Forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

Give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.

Live in the faith that
the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true
to the best that is in you!"

- Christian D. Larson

killing myself!

"If you don’t have the killer instinct in this business...

you are all dead.

I am a killer everyday in my life.

I want it

and I just don’t really want it,

I’ll kill for it.

Not by stepping on people

but I’ll kill for it because I’m going to kill myself

proving myself

that I DESERVE to be here."

Jose Javier Reyes, Director.

From Kookie

from Kuki

Magkabilaan ni Joey Ayala.

ang katotohanan ay may dalawang mukha
ang tama sa iyo ay mali sa tingin ng iba
may puti may itim, liwanag at dilim
may pumapaibabaw, at may sumasailalim

ang tubig ay sa apoy, ang lupa ay sa langit
ang araw ay sa gabi, ang lamig naman ay sa init
kapag nawala ang isa, ang isa'y di mababatid
ang malakas at ang mahina'y magkapatid

magkabilaan ang mundo
magkabilaan ang mundo
magkabilaan ang mundo

ang hirap ng marami ay sagana ng iilan
ang nagpapakain, walang laman ang tiyan
ang nagpapanday ng gusali at lansangan
maputik ang daan tungo sa dampang tahanan

may mga haring walang kapangyarihan
mayroon ding alipin na masmalaya pa sa karamihan
may mga sundalo na sarili ang kalaban
at may pinapaslang na nabubuhay nang walang hanggan

magkabilaan ang mundo
magkabilaan ang mundo
magkabilaan ang mundo

may kaliwa't may kanan sa ating lipunan
patuloy ang pagtutunggali, patuloy ang paglalaban
pumanig ka, pumanig ka. huwag nang ipagpaliban pa
ang di makapagpasiya ay maiipit sa gitna

bulok na ang haligi ng ating lipunan
matibay ang pananalig na ito'y palitan
suriin mong mabuti ang iyong paninindigan
pagka’t magkabilaan ang mundo

magkabilaan ang mundo
magkabilaan ang mundo
magkabilaan ang mundo

.joeyayala.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I wake up today with the jingle of the bells. Our neighbor has been playing songs of Christmas! Time is really skyrocketing! Without knowing it, its Christmas, my favorite holiday. The song has added a sprinkle of happiness, a dash of celebration, a glimpse of excitement and a time to contemplate

It is the time when monsters become good. When people become givers. When there is sharing. There are a lot of things to talk. I need to express every detail of it. Next time….

Questions

????????????????

Two years after being freed from martial law, I was born. Today, in the clashing of gadgetry, in the fast assimilation of diverse cultures, in pursuing the unkown, in the metamorphosis of fashion, in the revolution of politics, lays my freedom to be SIMPLE!

I can’t understand as to why people with intelligent minds, choose to prefer the other meaning of beauty. The world has a twisted contention about it. I can’t understand why a great university chose to use their minds to destabilize power. I can’t understand as to why media prefer to choose to act as an adversary hitting our country badly. I can’t understand as why life should be lived complicatedly. I can’t understand as why people need to brag this and that. I can’t understand as to why some people act like animals do.

Aren’t people good for helping people? Aren’t we learning from our past? DO we really need to commit big mistakes before we can learn? Are we abusing too much freedom?

I don’t know. That is why I am painting all the questions I have today. But one thing I am sure of knowing… Some questions needs to remain unanswered. Time will come in my sojourn when I will know every inch of it.

It seems like we are creating a short story out of what the situation is. Elite versus Elite. People versus people. Personal attacks over emotional weakening. Can’t you see, THE SETTING OF THE OUTER WORLD HAS BECOME A GREAT MOTIVATOR AS TO HOW PEOPLE ACT AND THINK. Make your way of how to sing the song “WE CAN MAKE A DIFERRENCE, WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE”.

We plant trees of hope. We sow seeds of tomorrow because we are anticipating the future. Dare to help! Dare to be involved! We study hard because it can make us a better person. It’s the mathematics of economy. Don’t you know that better person equals better jobs equal better salary also equals better tax equals better revenues equals better economy.

Sometimes, in the silence of the night, break a time to contemplate. Analyze things, solve simple problems. That’s the art of exercising your brain. THINK! As I will do the same.

DAVAO WOW!

Literary Criticism - Alice Advetnrue in Wonderland

Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland Analysis

This is a fiction book authored by an English Author Lewis Carroll (1865) that is for many years, enjoyed by many children. However, to some extent, it appeared to be intriguing on the part of some grown-up readers.

The author has captured the near-to-perfection natural mentality of a child. Carroll did really made a wonderland world full of magic, weird characters, logical problems, puzzles, riddles, fancy matters and fantastic adventures. Though colorful and sometimes weird characters take the center stage, the author is consistent to make its readers have a vivid view of Alice as still the main character of the story. The

Alice lonely adventures give us a picture of girl beginning to abandon childhood in exchange for adolescence. In a hidden manner, it also portrays the children’s fear towards growth itself and their psychological fear regarding independence and being placed in an irrational world.

Literary Criticism - The Oak and the Reed

THE OAK AND THE REED ANALYSIS

Jean de la Fotaine

The fable has two characters: the oak and the reed trees. The oak tree is portrayed as something which is confident of its personality. The oak felt secure with its sturdy disposition which keeps him in place. The oak, however, is nice enough to show his compassion by telling that he could protect the reed tree the moment storm may come. The value of humbleness is portrayed in the character of the reed tree.

Even if I don not know the author, Jean de la Fotaine, because my research about her shows me languages which I hardly understand, I can perceived that the author is European. That is because a number of words (diction) particularly in this fable originated from France. This is apparent in lines number 7, 8, 9 and 16 respectively which used the words parasol, Caucasus, buffet and fringe. Aside from that, the author’s last name apparently speaks of his nationality.

In this fable, the art of rhyming is applied by the author. As an example is in line numbers 1 to 4 with the rhyming words of grow and low and unfair and air. The rhyming is not immediately perceived by the reader may be because this fable is not in a meter verse form.

This fable is narrated with a twist which is good for the children. The plot is delivered in an entertaining and light manner. It is also allegorical. There is a meaning beyond what the author is presented. Like other fables, a moral lesson is subtly presented.

Literary Criticism - Araby

ARABY ANALYSIS
by JAMES JOYCE

The short story, Araby, was written by an Irish James Joyce. Readers can sense that the piece was a reflection of the author’s life. It was a story that serves as a mirror of the Ireland society. It has consistently presented the harsh realities during that period. The author further emphasized the dark muddy lanes where night falls early, the blind street, the dead end, dark halls, dark garden, charitable life and where playing hasn’t exactly brought pleasure and freedom.

Dissecting History, readers can apparently see the culture of United Kingdom partly assimilated and depicted in the story. This was especially shown when the narrator became awe struck by the English-speaking attendant at the bazaar. Scenarios like this, implicitly shows the superiority complex of England over Dublin, the capital of Ireland.

The area where the narrator leaves draws a picture of a lonely, stagnant and joyless home. The boy’s home and his sum enough money implies poverty. In general, the story through the author’s creative description is chiefly rich in imagery

However, this gloomy environment was concealed over the narrator’s infatuation towards a girl. The narrator detached himself from the harsh and gloomy realities of his environment by the unfolding light and hope stemming from that girl.

I can sense a slight similarity of this piece to that of Kafka. These literatures tend to preserve confidentiality and promote the style of a writing that leaves characters nameless. A style which often leaves readers pay more attention to the piece or else be get confused.

The nameless narrator gave us a picture of a boy beginning to abandon boyhood in exchange for adolescence. At the end of the story, it seems like that boy was awakened to the harsh realities. It suggested that society is ruled by money and materialism.

The narrator who happened to be mystified and obsessed towards a girl faded as quickly as the lights have been shut. His lack of guidance about topics ranging from love up to the mere realities made him fall disappointed.

The last line, “Gazing up into the darkness I saw myself as a creature driven
and derided by vanity; and my eyes burned with anguish and anger” perhaps gave us a general insight of how the narrator felt. It can also be a reflective association of the narrator’s feelings towards United Kingdom.

Literary Criticism - Batter my heart analysis

BATTER MY HEART ANALYSIS

BY JOHN DONNE

Like other poetry, John Donne’s “Batter my heart, three-personned God; for you,” make used of the figures of speech. Three-personned God is metaphorically used to mean the Traditional Christian faith of the Holy Trinity. Using the first person point of view, viceroy (in line 7) might mean conscience or that small voice coming from the Heavenly.

The atmosphere of the piece is somehow gloomy and even sounds depressing through its consistent use of violent imagery. Its first word, “batter” only represents the first of the following myriad of violent terms like break, blow, burn, imprison and ravish. This is a piece of contradictory. It’s ironic to think that the author has created an impact using some sexual terms to further express his spiritual longingness.

The sonnet, in its old English version looks like a prayer. The predominant use of “You” which represents God depicts that the piece is directed towards the Heavenly and can be viewed as a prayer. It could be a reflection of the author’s longingness. It is an account of a religious troubled narrator who wanted to be redeemed from sin but is too weak to overcome it. Consequently, this led him to express his desire to renew his spirit by voluntarily submitting himself to be ravished spirituality.

Feminist and moralist may interpret this work differently. In this poetry, Modernism and wild imagination is implicated towards faith. Many may react on how the author incorporates “Disturbing rape” towards his religious topic considering that in Christianity (during Donne’s time), Religious topics are seriously viewed as sacred and holy. Religious sectors may posed questions like, “Is it ethical or possible for the narrator to attract Divine grace by the way he writes?” But the author’s way of applying the art of subtleties makes the gist of the topic harder to grasp.

Literary Criticism - La Mere Sauvage

LA MERE SAUVAGE by GUY DE MAUPASSANT

La Mere Sauvage has a unique structure. It has two stories rolled into one. The first was narrated using the first-person point of view in which the nameless narrator expressed his emotions about the Virelogne. A shift occurred when the second story was foretold using the omniscient point of view. The author uses the house to usher the first story to the second one.

The characters were well-described by the author. They have a clear character sketch. An example are the four Prussian boys, they are described as four great boys with blond skin, with blond beards, with blue eyes, stout, kind, gentle and full of consideration.

Aside from the characters, the events and situations were also described clearly. This further includes the details and description of the dead bodies of Victor and his Father. The story also showed an extreme description of how the rabbit was killed, the details of how the four Prussians died up to how the mother Sauvage was brutally murdered.

Maupassant’s clear description of each event created an extreme picture leaving imprints of sorrow. This further created a gloomy atmosphere. Throughout the story, we can feel characters longing for happiness. Death, war, brutal killings can also be read in this story which further intensified the story’s dark atmosphere.

It is an irony how the muzzle of the gun piece extending beyond the black head dress of the old woman pressed closed up to her head and imprisoned her white hair.

The story shows violence. It has portrayed the tragic death and brutal killings and pictures of events. The story might appeal traumatic to the younger readers.

Mother Sauvage showed a dynamic character. Her character makes a dramatic turn at the later end of the story. However the author gives reader a hint at the beginning of the story of her character. She was pictured as someone who is mysterious.

Revenge is one of major themes of the story. Mother Sauvage killed the Prussian boys which she described as good sons as a form of vengeance.

The setting has widely affected the whole story. The cottage where the les Sauvages where living was situated away from the city. It shows loneliness. It further shows no security that mother Sauvage as old as she is has to bring with her his son’s riffle every time she goes out. The presence of war was further maximized by the presence of the Prussian boys, the strangers.

It was the Prussians who have killed Victor, the son. The story pictured the Prussians as someone who are cruel. This contention however is a paradox of what the four Prussians were showing to mother Sauvage. The four where described as good, kind, gentle and considerate. They even were seen cleaning the Kitchen, rubbing the tiles, splitting wood, peeling potatoes, doing up all the housework. One of them even showed his compassion for the old woman when she was not eating.

The emotions of the old woman dominated her which lead to her planned and intent killing for the four Prussian boys. This somehow illuminated racism. She avenged the death of her son by killing those people of the same race who have killed him. It is an irony of how the old woman intently killed the four boys which she assumed for a while as his four good sons.

It can be seen that mother Sauvage has no intention of keeping what she had done as a secret and it can be seen that she is satisfied about it. The Prussians, however take it seriously regardless if she is an old woman. Her vengeance caused her her life.

Readers can also spot figurative language. Examples are these lines, “…flashed in the sun and looked like veins carrying blood to the earth.”, “…walking lightly as a goat…” and “He came with his long strides like a crane”.

Literary Criticism - Mateo Falcon

MATEO FALCON ANALYSIS

The title itself suggests what the story is all about. As narrated by a nameless narrator two years after the event, this story is focused on its two main characters, the Father Mateo and his ten years old son Fortunato.

The first paragraph serves as an establishing period filled with descriptive words portraying the story’s setting. Partly, the story shows the typical way of life in the mountains in the story’s particular setting.

Paragraph 3 shows a vivid view about the physical appearance and the special shooting ability of Mateo Falcone. His last name, Falcone, is a metaphor to a falcon bird which somehow shows the readers an abstract picture of his hunting-for-prey ability.

Aside from Mateo, the author was also able to descriptively portray a picture of each character including Fortunato. Considered as the “hope of the family” as cited in paragraph 4, the name Fortunato may stand for the word “Fortunate”. His name Fortunato, however, is an irony of his fate of the story.

This short story can be regarded as a cruel story yet it leaves emotional imprint. This is maybe because of the act of brutal killing done by the Father to his only son. “Mateo Falcone” is a story that deviates from the traditional stories with happy endings.

The French author Prosper Merimee’s way of writing this tragic story might be credited to the influence brought by Napoleon’s war that devastated Europe. Some words of this story have roots coming from France. As an examples are the words, maquis, embroil, savage, sang-froid, dungeon, guillotine, epaulet and fagot. Porto-Vecchio, Corsica and Bastia are even places located in France. Further, characters in this story have been named with French names. The French culture of recognizing relatives even up to further degrees of relationship is also presented in this story. The bandit Gianetto used franc, the currency of France, to bribed the young Fortunato.

The watch, which Gamba used as a bait to bribe Fortunato stands as an abstract symbol for time. If Fortunato could only turn back time, he might still be alive. The two weapons of Mateo, the presence of a bandit and the law enforcers gives viewers a picture of an unsecured place.

Looking on the story’s atmosphere, readers may notice how the atmosphere evolved. At first, the story was presented lightly but readers are thrilled as the author bring them to an equally opposite situation.

Corruption is also showed in the story. It tells us that corruption is an act practiced not only by government officials but also by ordinary people whether young or old.

The story has showed the concept of betrayal. Originally, treachery came from old French word trecherie meaning cheat or trick. Man’s weakness to resist temptation is also shown in the story. With this, the nature of money as the root cause of evil is shown in the story.

The creative way of Merimee to portray the story’s various actions, especially at the ending portion of the story, is commendable. His way of writing is somehow similar to Aristotle’s concept that leaves emotional imprint through injecting pain and fear towards its readers.

The story also presents violent actions and words. To take as an examples are statements like, “He acted, further, with the ingenious cunning of a savage.” and “Come, hide me, or I will kill you”, “Do you know, you young scamp that I can take you away to Corte or to Bastia? I shall put you in dungeon, on a bed of straw, with your feet in irons, and I shall guillotine you…” which is addressed to a young boy.

Fortunato’s death at the later end of the story is considerably horrible. The author is so harsh to used Mateo, the Father to kill Fortunato, his only son through Mateo’s “conspicuous talent”, shooting. Figuratively, the brutal killing is a paradox to Mateo’s good reputation as cited on the story’s opening paragraphs. Beyond that is the character’s concept of justice. How can he justify justice through imploring unjust action? Killing the innocent is beyond justice. Mateo can still give his son a chance. However, the story revolved according to how the author thinks. It’s beyond the control of the readers. Fortunato’s death is disturbing. And I can see that this is what the author wanted to happen. Disturbing and provoking the readers might be the author’s way of making the readers remember him and his story.

The story’s concept of justice, however, might raise protests and questions from various readers. Morality of each character’s actions are subject for questions.

Literary Criticism - The Standard of Living

Torejas, Chelyn R.

IV-ABMC

THE STANDARD OF LIVING

DOROTHY PARKER

Written by Dorothy Parker, this story is about the two working girls. By just roughly reading it, readers may say that the story is primarily meant to entertain. This contention, however, will be proven false if the readers will analyze the story and see it in a larger perspective.

In this story, Parker can be noted on her impressive way of describing. The first paragraph shows a vivid image of foods painted through words. Beyond that, this can be noted on how the author use words to portray clear character sketches of Annabel and Midge –the focus of the story. The game was also clearly described. Aside from that, the character’s friendship was also finely described by the story. A line in paragraph 4 says, “Constant use had not worn ragged the fabric of their friendship”.

The story talks about the two working fashionable girls who take pleasure in playing a game by asking the question what-would-you-do-if-you-had-a-million-dollars? This question comes with a condition that they would spend the money only for themselves.

It is clear that the idea of materialism and self-indulgence was presented in this story. This may only prove that these concepts were already existing even before we have felt it today. Though the story was written in early 90’s, the story’s themes remain to be true in our time today.

It is interesting to note, how the character consistently stayed hopeful and positive even up to the end of the story.

As narrated by a nameless narrator primarily because the author employed the third person point of view, this story can be a good example for aspiring writers as to how a setting would affect a certain story. As you look at it, the story’s setting was purposefully employed. In this story, the girls were noted enjoying “Fifth Avenue”. The setting which also suggests class has created an atmosphere filled with glitz and glamour. It seems that the characters’ appearance and behavior has been influenced by its setting.

This situation illuminates the concept of social class. Real pearls can symbolize confidence and a superior social class. The make-ups and the coats may symbolize things to put or wear on for the purpose of covering something.

In a limited extent this story has employed figurative language. To quote a simile from the story, a line in paragraph 5 says, “…they held their heads higher and set their feet with exquisite precision, as if they stepped over the necks of peasants.”

The plot of this story is presented in an entertaining and light way. I consider this story brief and simple with a not-so-strong conflict.

The Death of a Bachelor

Torejas, Chelyn R.

IV ABMC

The Death of a Bachelor

Written by Arthur Schnitzler, the Death of a Bachelor depicts the concept about erotic relationship. It has shown how typical men with so many mistresses die alone in a cold a night. This story has also shown the side of the bachelor who was nearly dead throughout the story his yearning to tell the truth before he leaves.

After reading this story and after reading a short summary about the life of the author, I am now considering the notion that the story was based on using, modifying and playing the different sides of the author. To make it clear, the author in reality is a writer and a doctor and with that he is also a merchant. Schnitzler, to add, is often described as man who was often in relationships with several women at once. Looking at it, I can see that all the men characters presented by the author shows the reader a reflection of the author.

From the beginning up to end, the author has been consistent in putting up clues reminding the readers about the story’s setting. Examples are “the soft heavy air of that spring night…”, “swaying in the night air…” and “dark air of the spring night…” among others. The whole story happened throughout the entire dark night with lampshades and moon as the only source of light. With this, it has created a picture of a gloomy atmosphere. The story started with the gloomy death and ends up with the revelation of the bachelor’s wickedness. In general, this is a story presented in a gloomy atmosphere with only little tint of humor in some parts.

Not one major character has been specifically named in the story. They have been all called by their professions instead. Almost all characters dynamically evolved as the story develops.

The author has been gradually revealing the plot which slightly intensifies the conflict. I consider the falling action and the conclusion, however, as weak. These parts keep the resolution blurry and have leave questions unanswered. The theme is more on promiscuity which is an issue generally opposed. So with this notion, I have expected that the author could have injected his particular stand on the issue using his characters.

The Doctor said that whenever he left a sick-room at night, the first thing he did was to light a cigarette. With a mission of lengthening others lives, his character was ironically self-shortening his own life.

Schnitzler was able to give an imagery of vivid pictures of the dead man, the way how the bachelor died and the clothings of the characters using descriptive words.

This story is analytical. It leaves a room for the readers to solve questions. It somehow gives clues for the readers to solve questions like when did their dishonest relationships happened? Was the Doctor already aware of his wife’s action before? Does the word “bitterness” in the fifth paragraph signify that he already knew it?

The repeated presence of cigarette including the smoke could mean that people can not keep or take hold of smoke the same as people can not hold secrets. Believing that people came from dust and certainly will go back to dust in due time, ashes presented by the story can also symbolize death. “Swine” is a metaphor for something that is akin to erotic relationship. The words “another world” in the story would also mean that the three of them are about to face the world of reality.

The bachelor could have chose to die without divulging his secret but he choose to divulge his secret awkwardly. After doing those wicked things, he has still the guts to call the three men his “friends”. At first I taught, the author wants to show the value of honesty yet this has not been reinforced by the showing the value of regret. The bachelor even give brief details how was his relationship with their wives as if he wanted to annoy the three.

This story which utilized the omniscient point of view has also utilized the style of flashbacking and of self-monologues. The death of the bachelor, however, does not show the heavy use of figurative language.

The Chief Test Mourner Analysis

The Chief Test Mourner Analysis

Torejas, Chelyn R.

This is a short story authored by Aida Rivera Ford. The story is all about the death of the narrator’s uncle. It is a story with a focal point focused on love and innocence in the context of death.

At the establishing point of the story, the first story lines already shows a tint of innocence and simplicity but the gloomy tone of the story is already felt. The situation is just a very typical scenario in the Philippines but through the writer’s prolific used of diction and imagery a common situation is turned into something new – a work of art. As you look at it, the plot is so simple. But what will move most of the readers is the author’s command of language and smooth flow of situations.

In economic terms, the reader can easily predict that the characters are somehow wealthy considering that the narrator, who happens to be the niece of the dead poet is boarding at the big girls’ college in Manila, the presence of a conference room and the regular use of Spanish language. These are matters that only well-off families can afford and practiced.

The story is so culture bounded and is so reflective of our society. Some reflective traits are the delicadeza system being practiced, the unfaithfulness of husbands, presence of gossipers, scandals in public and ridiculous funeral set-up with two different camps in opposite sides.

A minimal Spanish colonialism practices is also being reflective in the story through the practiced of delicadeza system and the regular used of Spanish language.

Along the way, the reader can feel that the narrator itself is being caught between love and disloyalty.

Three Arshins of Land

Torejas, Chelyn R.

IV-ABMC

Three Arshins of Land Leo N. Tolstoy

The “Three Arshins of Land” is just one of the works of the renowned Tolstoy. It is clear that this story is being influenced by the author’s life. The story partly shows the typical life of a peasant who works, who dreams and who fails. This has been smoothly narrated using the omniscient point of view. It has been foretold in an entertaining and simple way.

Obviously, the author wants to exemplify its theme. It talks about greed. With the author’s use of simple English, both young and old can easily understand the message of Tolstoy.

This story preaches a universal message that man can never have enough. It tells readers that reaching for too much can result to the loss of everything. Anything that is in excess is not good. Tolstoy seems to remind people to take only according to what he can accommodate.

The story has also touched the topic of freedom of choice. It has been clear that Pakhom’s decision and action in this story has been a product of his freedom of choice.

If we analyze it, the general theme of the story withstands time. It keeps on reminding readers about an attitude commonly practiced and enjoyed by people. This story seems to stress man’s nature of greediness. The author, however, warns readers using the scenario of Pakhom’s death. The message has been wrapped by the character and transformation of Pakhom.

Other lesson may include the contention about the limits of human body. Pakhom did not die of running. He may die due to heat stroke, dehydration or other heart related malfunctions. This tells readers that the human body has limits but greed doesn’t. Because of greed, Pakhom tried to reach a matter that is way too much for his grasps.

Sometimes greed comes together with pride. This, however, is true for this story as Pakhom has been aware that he can not make it. Several lines like “I was too greedy”, and “Did I not make a mistake? Did I not try to grab too much? If I only get back in time”. Though aware, Pakhom still continues because of pride as reflected on this line, “…he could not stop. “I have run so much that if I stop now they will call me a fool.” It is ironic how he feared to be called a fool even to the point of sacrificing his own life. With this, the poor Pakhom died miserably.

The topic of greediness has been stressed even more through the presence of a devil in the story’s different characters particularly narrated on Pakhom’s dream. The appearance of a devil created a dark atmosphere in some parts of the story.

The story proves that temptations do not come as it is. Mostly, it is wrapped in vibrant and palatable offers. In this story, it is narrated in these lines, “For one day, we sell you as much land as you can walk around in one day. The price of one day is one thousand rubles.”

Pakhom, the lead character, made a gradual transformation all through out the story. At first, he was a character of hard work. But later, he turned out to be a character of dissatisfaction. At the end, his character turned opposite.

It is ironic how Pakhom’s walk which is aimed for the acquisition of vast land turned out to be a willful walk for his three arshins tomb. Sometimes it gives readers a chuckle but it is usually counteracted with Pakhom’s miserable death.

The race of Pakhom prior to the deal he made with the Bakshir may symbolize his race against time. It may also symbolize his race against life. The dream of Pakhom may stand as a form of warnings a number of people including Pakhom normally disregards.

Some figurative language employed by the author can be spotted in these lines, “his bosom was heaving like the bellows in a forge, his heart was beating like a hammer, the knees felt as though they were another’s and gave under him”, “he ran as though someone were driving him”.

The Three-day Blow

Torejas, Chelyn

IV-ABMC

The Three-day Blow

This story is filled with symbols. The author utilizes the concept of nature to illuminate some of the story’s elements.

A blow as depicted in the title is a storm that brings rain and heavy winds. It can also symbolize change and chaos in a young man’s life. The story started with "The rain stopped as Nick turned into the road that went up through the orchard. The fruit had been picked and the fall wind blew through the bare trees”. With this quote, we can see that it was previously stormy.

The three-day blow can be a metaphor of Nick’s sudden break up with his girlfriend. He realized how his relationship suddenly ends as the wind will end suddenly after it blows. Yet there is always a possibility that the wind will blow again akin to the possibility that Nick might see Marge again. The dying fire can also be a metaphor of the dying relationship between Nick and his girlfriend. The “old man” in this story refers to Bill’s Father. In this story, figurative language is not heavily employed by the author.

The whole story particularly the first paragraph was filled with symbols. The brown grass and bare trees symbolizes death. With this, it has created gloomy and depressing symbols. The shiny apple, however, symbolizes a light of hope.

The presence of the mackinaw coat, fireplace, bare trees, blowing wind and thick sock depicts a cold and windy setting. The gun shooting activity portrays a mountainous or a forested area where the story took place.

In this story, Hemingway uses the act of drinking as a form of expression through his two characters Nick and Bill. The two talk about baseball, literature, and their fathers and about Nick’s inner conflict about his girlfriend, Marge. The two made a male bonding while drinking until they come to their senses that drinking has no meaning.

In the story, Bill was constantly assuring Nick that he has done a good decision about his relationship with Marge. There is a possibility that Nick is unsure of his decision. This stage can be a stage where the readers decide, though it is not clear, whether Nick was confused about his gender –whether he wants to become a family man or a man’s man.

The concept of gossip which causes the breakup was portrayed in the story using the character of Marjorie’s mother. She was negatively portrayed in this story. A line describes her as “terrible”.

When Nick passes a mirror he realizes he was not the same. The later part reveals the dynamic transformation of Nick from being problematic into being optimistic. The lines, "Outside now the Marge business was no longer so tragic. It was not even very important. The wind blew everything like that away". The wind of the storm has somewhat blow away Nick’s problem with his girlfriend. At the end, Nick became hopeful and positive that he began to plan for other things. This is reflected on the lines saying, “He felt happy. Nothing was finished. Nothing ever lost.” Though the leaves are dead, the grass is dead and the rain is heavily pouring, like Eve who chose to eat the other side of the apple, Nick choose to delight seeing the shiny the apple.

IT’S REGISTRATION TIME

BEFORE WE CAN EXERCISE FREEDOM

Filipinos need to exercise their feet and prepare their physical strength and endurance before they can exercise their freedom.

Wow! What a whooping requisite, before I can cast my first vote.

I am discouraged of what I saw from T.V. and was already decided to give up my right to vote. I certainly don’t want to become part of the disgusted crowd or worst to participate with the anticipated and possible stampede. Until my big sister discussed to me her nationalistic views with a tint of spiritual ideas, then and there I was moved.

Since it is registration time, we already anticipated the long wait before our turn, harsh words, hunger, foul smell and sweating bodies fried under the scorching heat of the sun. As expected, I experience them all but enjoyed most the course of running. This has caused me to bargain my whole day class in exchange for this extended registration day.

As early as 2 AM, my 2 sisters and I ready ourselves and hurriedly rushed at the registration center. Surprisingly, we topped them all. Considering all the people in all Davao Districts who wanted to be registered, it is we who felt like three lucky winners for getting the first 3 slots. What a fortune.

But before we can enter at the Magsaysay Park, we amused ourselves talking and laughing while we sit with a shivering body waiting for the gates, which I jokingly called as “barricades”, to open.

As we enter, I was shocked that this registration center has only a SINGLE machine. What? No question why the flow of registration is that slow. And then, we are aiming for a hastely smooth flow of registration? Think twice. That can be above to the utopian assumption. With this kind of system, it’s definitely not possible. How can this government can be so mean to us? Can they stand, watching people fainting? OMG!

At first, I can’t stand the arrogance I felt from the comelec people. I don’t like their INCONSISTENCIES. I really want to hire MAAM DIVINE TO EDUCATE THIS PEOPLE about MANAGEMENT and GOOD MANNERS! I wonder if are they stepping on their brains? I don’t like the way they bang the door and shouts at people. OMG!, it’s very degrading. People are supposedly to be treated as people and not as dogs.

After 7 hours waiting and writing two complete articles, I felt like all hope is gone. But WHEN ALL HOPE IS GONE, AN ANGEL COMES ALONG. A comelec woman accommodated us nicely and immediately processed our papers. That marks the end of our waiting.

This joyful experience makes me smile. What can I do but smile. I giggle as I reminisced the people which we befriended and the hot debated topics we have tackled. I love that comelec woman. The three of us give our BEST SMILE as the photographer click the button. We make fun out of the unfunny things. That’s the secret! Go endure then s-m-i-l-e-!

With truckloads of people still coming one after another, I conclude that this country needs to push for Poll Automation. With a high spirit, I am challenging newly elected public officials to bravely put an iron fist in chartering and pushing for laws that may address this problem. Public service is their job, isn’t it?

Go Legal!

The Author’s mandate

Friends, sisters and brothers, I command you to execute the following on my behalf:

ü I Hereby command you to prick my ballooning head through open and closed rebuke If only it happens

ü I ask you to remind me towards the right way, if you discern I’m heading towards the dark one.

ü If I justifiably need to be spanked, I give you my high order to do it

ü I bestow you the honor to make constructive criticisms for an individual’s development.

ü I will thanks you, if and only if, you air you ideas, suggestions and opinions that needs to be acted upon geared towards our advancement.

ü If my egoistic and boastful personality shows remind me to become humble and influence me to completely depart from it.

ü In case if I become “super” dominant that leads me to abuse my power, slap me with your thunder-awakening words.

ü If I become unprofessional, immediately beat me with your golden words.

ü If my being becomes a hindrance towards the general success, hit me so that I will be moved.

ü I forget to say “Thank you” which I commonly do, remind me to practice good manners and right conduct.

ü If I become rebellious with the ways I think, I feel and I write, I order you to criticize me ‘till I come to my senses.

This mandate is subject for strict compliance. Please obey accordingly. Reading this has caused you a promise to the author to follow it.

SONA na naman!

Actions speak louder than what is in the News!

CHELYN TOREJAS

Various groups of people may have various set of understanding regarding the SONA of Mrs. Arroyo, delivered live Monday at exactly 4 in the afternoon. Many may welcome the president with a smile, handshake, hug or even –a protest!

Since the day I was born, I only knew one president who is fond of making SONA –and she’s the current president. Before I don’t pay much attention to it, but still continues to watch it only to earn good grades for the following day’s undisputed oral recitation (sigh).

As you grow older, you tend to become more mature. You tend to develop concerns for your country as well as your fellow citizens. You also tend develop a critical observation of the things happening around you.

I always commend writers and speakers who can turn their writings/speech into a masterpiece especially those who can deliver messages wherein the majority can relate and the contents are reflective of the true happenings in the present society.

I listen to the Mrs. Arroyo with my eyes wide open. I can’t believe it. How blessed is the Philippines with talented growing and young citizens. How I wish to become one of them (in my dreams). Her works including her completed and on-going projects are impressive. How did she do it? I believe she have already exceeded the projects being done by the former presidents of the country. Throughout the past 12 months, her work is definitely plausible.

Take away your prejudice and take a look on our society today. There you will see a picture where the economy is stable and good job opportunities are increasing. But the society is however, not free from the flaws of the world. There are still a lot of things to be done.

Speech will always remain a speech, unless everything is done! Both national and international sectors are eyeing every word GMA utters. It’s that sensitive that writers and reporters even records how many times the audience gave her an applause. Behind the flick, used film and the spotlight, is the President’s sleepless night in drafting and planning her speech.

Becoming true to her commitment to become of service to the Filipino people, is a hope and desire from every Filipino heart for a better life and a regular satisfied stomach. That can be one of the challenges the present administration should addressed. But that doesn't mean, the President will work on your behalf. Definitely not, let's work for our bread!

True, we can not please everybody. Philippine media, however, seems to patterned the way it delivers news like the America. It's so adversarial that often causes chaos leading to the stemming of protests. I just can't understand why these public-affairs-people are most of the time magnifying the bad side of the government. Why can't they be original and do otherwise?

May the Father’s blessings be upon you madam as we go forward! As much as the president can be strong as she wanted to be, we can move forward for as long as we want to. Since you are the Father’s appointed president for this country, I can promise you one thing, “I’ll go with you.” Promise!

UNVEILING THE TRUTH

CHELYN TOREJAS

Once again, I have tasted the harsh realities of the physical world where people are holding each other for greed otherwise using each other to pull the other downward. Why is the world so mean? Everyday became a person’s struggle towards the survival of the fittest. The world has become a gallery ruled only by the beautiful, intelligent and the money-makers. For the majority who doesn’t have it, it is expected that they are the once taking the backseats, scratching their heads and find themselves as hopeless as a thrash. Everyday seems to be a hazing ritual. Life should not be like that.

Biologists classify us as being part of the animal kingdom, but we should act and be treated much higher from the rest. People should come out dignified. But why is the world so fond of neglecting the basics of good values, right conduct and even proper hygiene. It’s so depressing but in this country it seems that poverty, corruption, the lust of the flesh, injustice, inequality, violence and lowlessness are just a common part of life. Consequently, a significant number of Filipinos go overseas only to search for that green pasture raking in a small portion of the green bucks. While it’s strengthening our economy, It’s breaking the Filipino society.

Life should not be unfair. Everybody deserves to happy and be respected for who he is. But let's face it, it's the reality. As much as there is the ying, there is the yang. It’s the work of symmetry. And the cause of it is the cause of it all: the implantation of the serpent seed virus.

These are all the works of the devil. We always think that we don’t have the power. We don’t have the right to smile completely. We always assumed that tasting the pure meaning of joy is near to impossible. But it’s perfectly wrong my friend.

We should be feasting for the Son of God in the Jewish setting has once come to pay the price of redemption –And he succeeded. That’s why all we call him savior. Satan is no longer in the throne of power. He lost it all and the Father regained it back and has now appointed a Son, the fulfillment of the old and the new.

The Son’s message is so simple yet many can’t get it. A part of the world follow Him, but the pure and the concentrated serpent seed virus persecuted them. SHAME ON YOU! You don’t deserve an iota of respect! You don’t have a single right to persecute. We owe him a lot. He is the way towards each other’s salvation.

Ignorance also takes a part maybe because people didn’t know or simply they are too busy to listen. The media impact is so pervasive and far-reaching. As much as it serve to become a thread that binds and connect people from different parts of the world, it can also be utilized to trumpet the message

Many may raise their brow, validating how true is the message. But sorry, it’s the truth and the truth is hitting us painfully. Every truth hurts and this truth is meant to set us free.

Due to time constraints and it seems like in this wee hours of the dawn majority of the human race are deep asleep. The glory belongs to the Father through His Son! Good night.

Come and follow the footsteps on the Son, online, through www.kingdomofJesuschrist.org . See you there!