The Four Kinds of Heart (Part 1)

The four kinds of soils which are the four kinds of heart.

Four kinds of heart the Father is talking about:

1. first kind of soil that received the word cannot understand. And so the fowls of the earth came and just took away the word and it bears no fruit, it was lost.

2. Second kind, are those that who received the word with joy. And there are many kinds of people like that. But they have no roots, they are shallow, they have no depths that went persecution, or hardships, or problems, or trials, or temptation visits them. They withered away and they backslide. These are they which do not understand, they lacked understanding. That’s why many times I have told people,

“Do not use your understanding. Use your faith in receiving the Word of God.” • Because these people who received with joy, they were happy that they came in contact with the Word of God. They came in contact with the Son. But soon, because they don’t have any depth, depth means you are not deep in your following Him because you are just using your casual, natural, and carnal understading about Him instead of your faith. They will fall away when hardships, temptations, trials, persecutions, tribulations, confusions will visit you and you will not be able to understand those things. And then you wither away and you fall away, you backslide, and you bare no fruit.

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The Gospel of Love

We do not have the gospel of hate, but the gospel of love. Because when you sow love, you will reap love. When you sow the orange seed, you will reap the orange fruit. When you plant a grape seed, you will also reap grapes. When you plant an orange seed, you will harvest orange fruits. If you plant the seed of the fig, you will harvest fig fruits. Any kind of seed you will plant, that is the same fruit that you will harvest. Love is also a seed. When you plant love and compassion, what will you harvest in return? LOVE and COMPASSION. So everywhere you go, my brothers and sisters, bring the seed of the fruit with you. Sow peace, although somebody wants to fight with you, you pray for him or her and say, “May the Father bless you. Calm down and may the peace of the Father be with you.” Sow peace and you will reap peace. Sow love, peace, joy and goodness. Sow joy, not hate. If you plant hate, you will also reap the fruit of hate. So, you have to plant the seed of love. Love you neighbor. That is the law of the Kingdom: LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOU HEART… NOT HALF OF YOUR HEART BUT WITH ALL YOU HEART, WITH ALL YOU MIND. LOVE YOUR FELLOWMEN AS YOUR SELF. View Sounds of Worship video: THE REASON WHY THE SON OF GOD CAME by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy For example, you’re driving your car and you’re parking, and you came first, then suddenly somebody just burst in at the side to steal your parking spot, what will you do? Sow love, you tell the guy, “So you want to go ahead of me? Ok, I’ll just give it to you. I love you.” Sow love because you will reap the fruits of love. Many people think that I hate those that have persecuted/and persecute me, but I don’t. I love them and I pray for them every day and because of that, many of those who used to persecute me are now children, sons and daughters of the Father. Have you heard their testimonies? There are many testimonies that say, “Pastor, I persecuted you very, very bitterly before. Please forgive me because I was blinded at the time.” If I hated those who persecuted me, that person will not be testifying and say, “I persecuted you before but right now, I’m enlightened.” I have sown the seed of love that’s why I have harvested the fruits of love. These people began to love me instead of hating me. Sons and daughters, love wherever you go! Fill your bags with the seeds of love. Plants the seeds of love, peace, joy and longsuffering. What is the opposite of peace? Trouble. What is the opposite of joy? Sorrow. What is the opposite of happiness? Sadness. Do not show that even in your face. Don’t be sad. Practice your face to be happy and your feelings will go with you. What is the opposite of longsuffering? Impatience. Short fuse. I have seen people who are short fuses. When I was very small (in Pampanga)… maybe it was not only me but also some of my cousins were very irritable. One of my young cousins was very irritable that with just a drop of a hat, he would become grumpy. One day, my uncle brought my cousin to the doctor. You know why he was so grumpy and irritable? You know what the finding was? Maraming bulate! He had many parasitic worms inside his stomach that’s why he was irritable. In the spirit, if you are short fuse, and you have no patience, you are irritable, it’s a sure sign that you have many, many serpent seed worms inside. One of the fruits of the Spirit comes from the seed of the Spirit, which is longsuffering. You know what is the meaning of long suffering? You suffer long. You are not easily irritated. You have long patience. Praise the Father! What else. Goodness, meekness. What is meekness? Meekness is actually is the cousin of humility. Meekness is when you think everything you have is not yours, it’s God’s. You use everything you have according to the Will of the Father. My life is not mine, so I will use it according to the Will of the One who owns me. I use it according to His Will. My car is not mine, so I use it according to the One who gave it to me. That’s meekness. Everything that is yours is not yours. It’s only borrowed so I use it according to the Will of the Father. Your money is not yours; use it according to the Will of the Father. Praise the Father. Your life is His. Everything we use in this world is His. It’s for the Father, so we use them it according to the Will of the Father. These are the some fruits of the Spirit that you have to sow wherever you go. Sow them in the hearts of men. Let us all plant the seeds of the Spirit. And you do that by faith.

kquote>Faith means, I feel I don’t like it. I don’t feel like I am being happy today, but I will live by faith. By faith, I am happy and I will force myself to be happy. And then you will reap the fruit of that happiness. And then happiness becomes your attitude. Even though you’re in the midst of sorrow but you are happy, you will attract the blessings of the Father. He will bless you, He will give you favor. “By faith” is the language of the Father. What did He say? (Heb. 11:6) “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him…” If you don’t have money and the reality is that you will pay a large amount because you have debts to pay and you don’t have the money, believe by faith. I will tell you how to believe by faith: You owe somebody 20,000 US dollars and that is the amount of debt you have to pay financially. By faith, ask the Father for 20,000 US dollars. By faith, means although I have not seen it, I will believe when I pray that I have already received it because Jeremiah 3:33 says, “Call unto Me … So you have a spiritual cell phone right now. “Call unto Me…” and the other end will answer you. You text the Father, “Father, please help me to pay my debt, make it double. You are very rich, You’re my Father. I owe somebody 20,000 US dollars so I need 40,000 US dollars, please send it to me right away!” Text Him. That is the meaning of“Call unto Me…” Text Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you know not. Be diligent in your prayers and the Father will answer you. He will find ways and means to answer you, my brother and sisters. Let us all walk by faith. This is impossible in front of you. This is impossible because you are just trusting in your salary. But when you trust the Father for big things, He said, “I’ll show you great and mighty things which you know not.” You don’t know them but He will show them to you. And you will be surprised by faith. When there is demand, there is a supply. That is what we call in Economics, The Law of Supply and Demand. The FATHER will meet the demand and He will supply the need for you. He’ll make a way when there seems to be no way, by faith. That is the language of the Father. By faith, all our needs will be supplied according to His riches in glory. By faith, all of these that you don’t see will become a reality. It is just a matter of time. The Father will squeeze time and space and they will come to reality in no time at all. Find out more about PAstor Apollo C. Quiboloy's preaching at his website: click HERE

Soldier

A Soldier's Oath

Have given up life for the great cause. Have lay down oneself offered as a tribute to the Almighty. Have pledge allegiance to commit and render faithful service. Brave. Courageous. Defender. Sentinel. I am for the Father’s glory. I am bound to win every battle to come my way. No room for stupidity. No room to fail the King. Only the promise to fulfill. For the Father, I am a Fighter. I fight for what is right. I fight to win. I win and win more. I have chosen this field. I have chosen to beat losing. I chose to be of service to the King.

5 Valedictorians in the family

Dr Ronnie Enriquez BaticulonDr Ronnie Enriquez BaticulonToday (March 22), my youngest sister will graduate as valedictorian of her high school class. As she delivers her valedictory address on the podium, my engineer father and my homemaker mother will be listening from dedicated seats in the front row. Dapper in his polo and regal in her blouse handpicked just for the occasion, they will share the spotlight as my sister accepts her gold medal. My parents are used to the attention. After all, I achieved the same recognition in 2001, as did my sister in 2002, my other sister in 2005, and my brother last year. My parents could not be any more proud as they march with their fifth consecutive valedictorian [and 5th UPCAT passer, too]. It is a feat never before accomplished in our school, and I daresay never to be replicated, considering that 300 to 400 high school students graduate each year. A family of geniuses? Teachers, parents, and students have labeled us a family of geniuses. Acquaintances often ask, “Kanino ba nagmana ng talino ang mga anak niyo? (From whom did they inherit their intelligence?)” or “Paano ba magpalaki ng mga matatalinong anak? (How do you raise such smart children?)” To which my mother or father would reply in polite jest, “Hindi ko alam. Pinipigilan ko na nga mag-aral ang mga iyan sa bahay! (I don’t know. I even try to stop them from studying at home!)” Truth is I prefer that we be known as a family of hard work and determination. Of hard work and determination Back when I was in high school, my father earned between 12 to 15 thousand pesos a month working in the construction site. Even with overtime pay and occasional bonuses, the amount was barely enough for a family of seven, all five kids studying. On my mother rested the burden of having to budget my father’s salary. On weekends, she sold pancit (noodle-based Filipino cuisine) and other food items in the village wet market to augment our family income. We lived with my paternal grandparents because we never had enough money to rent or buy a house to call our own. Often, my father had to ask for bale (partial advance payment from salary) from his bosses and my mother had to approach relatives and friends, to borrow money for tuition, dormitory fees, or allowance. June [enrollment] and March [graduation] were perennially difficult times. They bowed their heads, begged for consideration, swallowed their pride, and bore every harsh word; what’s important was that every quarter our respective class advisers would allow us to take our periodic exams. My parents would then say to us, “Kaya mag-aaral kayong mabuti, kasi kayo lang ang pag-asa namin (Study well, because you are our only hope.).” We children never asked for new books or uniforms – these things we obtained second-hand from generous friends we met by becoming active in the student council and other student organizations. We saved part of our allowance if we needed supplies for a school project. Every book, intramurals jersey, field trip, or JS Prom had to be justified. But these “shortcomings” [if one would even dare to label them as such], never left any of us wanting. Recognizing parents’ sacrifice and love Despite being obviously tired from work and having to commute to and from his project site, my father would help us with our Math and Science assignments. His skills always came in handy for school projects that involved woodwork and electricity. And if we wanted to attend an extracurricular activity that had a registration fee, he always fulfilled his promise to find the means to pay for it. Every morning my mother would wake up to prepare our baon (packed lunch) [cheaper than having to buy lunch from the canteen every day], and every night before she slept, she made sure that we had clean and pressed uniforms to be worn the next day [because we only had two sets each]. When we needed formal clothes for school programs, she would ask among her friends until she found two or three we could choose from. She scoured bookstores for urgently needed project materials and processed our college application forms. My father and my mother have never missed a graduation or recognition ceremony. The key to raising five valedictorians is that our parents never forced us to study. We studied hard and we studied well because seeing our parents’ sheer dedication, each of us wanted a better life for the entire family. A new life: reaping the products of pursuing excellence BATICULON FAMILY. Producing five valedictorians come from a combination of hard work, determination, support and love. Photo by Ian DV PhotographyBATICULON FAMILY. Producing five valedictorians come from a combination of hard work, determination, support and love. Photo by Ian DV Photography There was no need to dictate which path to take. We pursued excellence, because at the end of each school year, every medal, plaque, and trophy was a token of gratitude to them. Having just celebrated 30 years of marriage last December, my parents stand proud with one UP doctor and two UP engineers, all graduated cum laude, with two more engineers on the way. While debts remain to be paid, life is beginning to change for our family. We have been able to acquire our first car. My youngest brother and sister can go through college without the anxiety of lacking money to pay tuition. My father can now buy his polo and my mother her blouse without having to worry about scrimping on our budget. And we no longer have to fret about having to divide 1 liter of soft drink or the meat pieces in the sinigang equally among us children. What remains constant is how we learned to rely on one another for support, be it “Pautang muna, OK lang? (Can you lend me some money?)” or “Puwedeng patulong ako sa project ko? (Can you help me with my project?)” Faced with the tough challenge of having to best four prior valedictory speeches, my youngest sister will brandish the most important gold medal in today’s graduation ceremonies, but there is no disputing that two persons in the audience deserve as much awe. My father and my mother—for their love and support that know no bounds—to them we owe all recognition. – Rappler.com Dr Ronnie Baticulon is the eldest son of Engr. Pablito and Rosemarie Baticulon. A neurosurgeon in training, he writes his stories and histories at ronibats.ph. This article is re-published from Ronnie’s blog.

Kara David

Through Kara’s eyes
Peabody Award winner Kara David
By ANGELO G. GARCIA, INA H. MALIPOT, and JASER A. MARASIGAN
August 21, 2010, 6:39pm


Kara Constantino David is never really content in being just a journalist. She has always aimed to make a difference.

More than a teller of tales, she matches her documentaries with a deep passion for change and a commitment to action. Her work “Gamu-gamo sa Dilim” resulted in bringing solar power to a community; “Selda Inosente” paved the way for the release of an NPA detainee together with her five-year-old daughter; and “Buto’t Balat” kicked off a feeding program in one of the most malnourished towns in Bicol.

More recently, “Ambulansiyang de Paa,” the I-Witness episode that won Kara and her team the prestigious Peabody Award last April, brought about a message of hope and highlighted the unique Filipino trait of “bayanihan” to the world. The episode, shot in the poor Mangyan town of Apnagan, Oriental Mindoro, showed residents bringing their sick to the nearest health facility — by foot.

Since becoming a full-fledged broadcast journalist in 2001, Kara has made it her mission to cultivate patriotism and solidarity, and to defend children’s rights through her TV shows I-Witness and OFW Diaries on GMA-7. It is her documentaries on children that have made the most impact. Kara has already garnered a number of local and international awards for her work and advocacy, including the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award in 2007, the UNICEF Child Rights award, Best Social Awareness Program at the Asian Television Awards, Silver Medal at the US International Film Festival and Finalist at the New York Festivals.

Realizing that showing images of despair on TV just won’t do, she took it upon herself to change the lives of her subjects for the better. “Are you here in the media to win in the ratings and the awards? Or are you here to save these children? I realized na hindi enough para sa akin na pumunta sa isang lugar at mag-interview, pack up at wala na akong connection,” she says.

So Kara put up Project Malasakit Foundation to give poor but deserving kids she meets while doing her documentaries, the education they deserve. Her foundation now has 15 scholars.

In this 60 minutes interview, Kara shares learnings from her father Randy David and mother Karina Constantino; from the children who taught her things she never expected she would learn from; and the fulfillment of a life-long dream of becoming a teacher, only in a bigger classroom called television. (Jaser A. Marasigan)

STUDENTS AND CAMPUSES (SCB): What do you think it is about your documentary “Ambulansiyang de Paa” that won over Peabody judges?
KARA C. DAVID (KCD): The president of the awards committee said, almost all entries from Asian countries were about poverty. Naiba raw ‘yung “Ambulansiyang de Paa” because it had a bayanihan angle to it. Hindi lang siya about poverty, it’s about people rising above poverty, kahit hindi sila tinutulungan ng gobyerno. There is that spirit of community and volunteerism dun sa mga Mangyans. I told myself that I’m not going to do another poverty story, it has to be something more.

‘Yung “Ambulansiyang de Paa’’ is really not so shocking to me. Lagi akong umaakyat ng bundok at palagi akong nakakakita ng ganun, nag-iiba lang ang mode ng ambulansiya. Minsan duyan, minsan kahoy siya na merong tela, minsan stretcher, pero palaging may paa kasi binubuhat.

SCB: What made you decide to do that story, considering that you’re used to seeing that happen?
KCD: Sometimes, when you see something on a regular basis, you get numb. But when we brainstorm, tinatanggal namin ang mga sarili namin sa mga nakita na namin at nilalagay namin ang sarili namin as a viewer. Ano pa ba ‘yung hindi nakikita ng ibang tao?

It’s the same thing with my second documentary, “Selda Inosente.” Na-assign ako sa sa jail beat. Naging close na ako sa mga preso sa Muntinlupa, naging ninang na ako sa maraming binyagan. Until minsan nagtanong ang nanay ko kung saan ako papunta. Sabi ko sa binyagan sa Munti. Nagulat siya, “Binyagan sa Munti? Ibig sabihin may mga bata sa Munti?” Then it dawned on me, oh my God, mali nga ‘yun ano?! Then we did “Selda Inosente” about children born inside prison, na pagkalabas na pagkalabas nila sa womb ng nanay nila, they’re already in prison.

SCB: How important is this award to a journalist like you?
KCD: Wala siya sa range ng pangarap ko, para na siyang Pulitzer! ‘Yung Christianne Amanpour lang ang mga nananalo diyan! Nung bago ako sa GMA, natatandaan ko nung nanalo si Ma’am Jess (Jessica Soho), sigaw siya nang sigaw “Nanalo ang I-Witness ng Peabody!”

Sabi ko, “Wow, ano ‘yun Ma’am?” (laughs). “Kara, ano ka ba, it’s like the Nobel Prize for electronic media, for broadcast journalism.”

After that, I associated Peabody with the Nobel Prize. And I’m not going to win the Nobel Prize (laughs)!

SCB: What did you say in your acceptance speech?
KCD: Sinulat ko sa CR (laughs). I had it in my mind pero hindi ko pa siya nasulat, kaya sa CR sinulat ko tapos minemorize ko siya nang bonggang-bongga. Tuwing tumatanggap ako ng award, it’s very tempting to thank your family and friends. Pero alam ko naman na hindi ako nanalo dahil celebrity ako. I won because I became a microphone for the people that I interviewed. So it’s really an award of the people who worked for that story. Binigay ‘yun ng Panginoon para sa mga taong ‘yun for their voices to be heard. And I always say, lalo na ‘pag international award, this is the only chance for other journalists to hear what the Philippines is really all about. Kaya ang sinabi ko, yes we are poor, there is poverty in my country pero marami pa rin kaming compassion, marami kaming bayanihan and it’s the trait that make Filipinos unique and it’s the trait na karapat-dapat lang parangalan. We are proud, we are inspiring and you should be inspired of our experience. Natuwa naman sila, applause sila, ang daming nagsabi na that was a very moving speech kasi it was different.

SCB: Who were you wearing in the awards?
KCD: Tuwang tuwa sila sa damit ko, may mga pictures pa na pinaghahawakan nila ‘yung damit ko. The gown was made by Oliver Tolentino, a finalist in the Oscars designer challenge, and forte niya ay piña fabric but modernized.

He made strips out of the piña fabric, dyed it violet, purple, iba-ibang shades. Tapos tinahi-tahi niya, wove it and made it into a tube dress. ‘Yung itsura niya, iba ‘yung texture, ‘pag nakikita ng tao, “What fabric is that?” When I say it’s made of pineapple fiber, they say “What?! What else can you guys create?” Ang sabi ko, “Well, Filipinos are miracle workers!” Kaya namin gumawa ng tela sa pinya, labanan ninyo ‘yun, di ba (laughs)?

SCB: Winning the Peabody, are you now more pressured to make excellent documentaries?
KCD: Lagi naman ako pressured, may Peabody man o wala. Hindi ako magpapa ipokrita, masarap manalo ng award, gusto kong umaakyat ng stage at speak to the audience. It’s an opportunity to talk to the world. Pero hindi ‘yun ang dahilan kung bakit gumagawa ako ng docu.

The reason I do I-Witness, it’s the love for the mountains, the love for Filipinos, and the hope that our story will contribute for other Filipinos, to be compassionate to their fellowmen. It’s an advocacy, in one word. It’s a privilege given to me by the Lord, by GMA, by the people to talk to the Filipino people for one hour every month.

Always the children
SCB: You are well-meaning when you do your docus, but have you gotten any negative feedback?
KCD: From mayors (laughs) pero hindi naman sila ‘yung subjects. One time, mga batang prostitute ang subjects ko. Tinakpan ko ‘yung mukha nila, but the children got mad at me! Kasi nakilala daw sila ng mga tricycle drivers sa paligid nila. We did not violate any laws, pero kung taga dun ka, at naririnig mo ‘yung bata, alam mo ‘yung bihis ng damit, makikilala at makikilala mo siya kahit gaano mo siya takpan.

They felt betrayed. “Sabi mo ate hindi mo kami ipapakita eh bakit nakilala pa rin kami.”

It was a big lesson , na ‘pag bata, hindi lang dapat tatakpan ang mukha, pagpa palitin ng damit, i-relocate sa ibang lugar, at papalitan ‘yung boses. Ang hirap, ang hirap, hirap, hirap. ‘Yun, na depressed ako nang sobra. Also when my child-subjects die, I get totally depressed.

SCB: Children dying of natural causes?
KCD: Of malnutrition. “Buto’t Balat” is my most awarded documentary. It won the Asian Television Award, in Japan, in New York, nanalo dinsiya dito sa Pilipinas. It was about three children, one died after we aired the interview. We were rejoicing about the high ratings, then may biglang tumawag, namatay si Angela.

Nung namatay si Angela, sabi ko, kukuha ako ng maraming pera, magfi-feeding program ako dun sa Bicol. So I joined the show Extra Challenge so I could give the prize. ‘Yung last leg ng race, mananalo na kami, sabi nung producer “Ms. Kara may message ka nga pala, namatay na si Jeremy.” When I won the Asian Television Award, the last kid died.

SCB: During these times, do you question yourself why you are in media?
KCD: Yes, I ask if we are here to win in the ratings, to win in the awards or are you here to save these children? Na question ko talaga sarili ko kasi namatay sila. I realized na hindi enough para sa akin na pumunta sa isang lugar at mag interview, pack up, at wala na akong connection. After that gumawa na ako ng foundation ko...

SCB: What is the foundation for?
KCD: Kasi hindi ko na kaya ‘yung guilt. Hindi ko na maatim na wala akong gawin. May ginawa naman ako to tell their story, ‘yun lang naman ang trabaho ng journalist, magkwento. Pero sometimes you cannot detach and I feel that the Lord put me there to do more than just to tell their story. Kaya gumawa ako ng Project Malasakit in 2002, nagpapa-aral, feeding, etc.

SCB: Who benefits from Project Malasakit?
KCD: When I did the documentary “Gamu-gamo sa Dilim,” meron doong valedictorian na bata na pagkatapos namin mag-shoot sa Mindoro, sinundan ako sa Maynila kasi ayaw na raw niya sa Mindoro. Iniuwi ko siya ng Mindoro and then sabi ko sa kanya, I will be your ate forever, papa-aralin kita but you cannot live with me in Manila. Ginawa ko siyang scholar. Pina-aral namin siya hanggang college. May asawa na siya at anak ngayon. Naunahan pa niya ako (laughs). When she graduated from high school, that’s when I started getting more scholars. Ngayon meron na kaming 15 from all over the country. Meron kaming child laborers, child prostitute, meron kaming malnourished kid na pinapataba namin. Tumaba na sila ngayon, nag-aaral naman sila.

SCB: With Project Malasakit, do you now feel more fulfilled with what you do?
KCD: Kapag binibigyan ako ng card, ng grades, you feel na kahit na hindi ka nanalo sa ratings, alam mong you are able to changesomebody’s life. Kahit na hindi nagpa-interview sa’yo ‘yung isang pulitiko. It’s what keeps me sane. When you see these children na nagbabago, hindi na nagbubuhat ng uling, hindi na nagtatanim ng tubo, nararamdaman mo na hindi ka dapat maging jaded as a journalist kasi may pagbabago na puwedeng magawa, one child at a time.

SCB: Obviously, children are your favorite subjects…
KCD: It’s always children. Lagi nilang tinatanong why? Sabi nila kasi nanay ako, pero hindi. It’s more than that. Children kasi are the hardest to interview but very challenging ‘pag nagsalita ang bata, alam mong totoo ‘yun.

Sila ang barometer ng poverty at ng kung anu-ano. Mga bata din ang pinakamahina sa society, they’re the weakest. Pero they’re the ones who give us hope and strength. Sila ‘yung hindi napapakinggan, pero kapag nagsalita sila, sila ‘yung pinakatotoo. It’s a challenge and it’s an advocacy.

SCB: But children are also prone to exploitation by some journalists…
KCD: Kasi sabi nila mananalo ng award ‘pag bata ang subject kasi nakakaiyak. I have nothing against journalists who do stories on children, sana lang kapag nag-interview sila ng bata, huwag nilang i-exploit at utus-utusan na gumawa ng kung anu-anong mga bagay, huwag nilang i-feed ng sagot. Sana genuinely gusto mong maging mikropono ng boses ng batang ‘yun, hindi dahil may potential na manalo ng award.

SCB: Parang may angst?
KCD: (laughs) Kasi when I watch, nahahalata ko kapag inuutusan ‘yun bata. Kids don’t lie. May napanood ako recently, may mga batang may hawak na baril, halatang-halata namang pinaglaro ‘yung mga bata. Naiinis ako. I mean, babaran mo sila. Kaya ang I-Witness, we do not do our shoots in one day. ‘Pag pupunta ako sa isang community, limang araw ako dun, inaalam ang schedule nila, nag-aabang.

Last month, alas-kwatro raw gumigising ang mga tao para umigib ng tubig sa Masbate. Gising ako alas-tres. Hintay kami. Nasaan ‘yung pila, walang tao. Maya-maya may isang tao, akala ko ba may pila? May pila nga, ayan ‘yung mga balde, pinila na naming kagabi ‘yung mga balde babalikan na lang namin mamayang alas-siyete. Gusto kong sabunutan ‘yung researcher! May pila nga naman, balde lang!

Knowing Marx at eight!
SCB: You came from a family of historians. Why did you take up Mass Communication?
KCD: My lolo, Renato Constantino is a historian, tapos my lola Leticia Constantino, historian din. My father and mother are both social scientists.

Maging history teacher sa public school, ‘yun lang ang pangarap ko sa buhay. So I took up History but got bored!

SCB: When you were younger, kailan nag-sink in na iba ‘yung family mo?
KCD: Ikaw ba naman, pangalanan kang Kara Patria, beloved country. Sabi ni Mama because I was born September 12, 1973, martial law na ‘yun and she was supposed to be jailed. Nahuli ang nanay ko ng military but was not jailed because she was pregnant with me! In a way, the baby in her womb saved her life. So paglabas ko, pinangalanan niya akong “beloved country’’ because ‘yung baby before me, ‘yung kuya ko, namatay because nakunan siya habang nasa demonstration. Kaya ang pangalan nun si Demo.

Buntis siya nagra-rally siya. Nalaglag ‘yung baby. Ako ‘yung susunod, ikukulong naman ‘yung nanay ko. Buti na lang hindi siya kinulong.

Alam namin na hindi kami normal growing up kasi kapag nag-uusap-usap “Nasa’n ang Mama mo? Nasa’n ang Papa mo?” “Nasa abroad po.” “O, bakit nasa abroad? Nagtatatrabaho? Ano ginagawa dun, nagbabakasyon?” “Nagsasalita.” “Nagsasalita ng ano?” “May rally para sa bayan.” ‘Yung mga magulang namin hindi parang doktor o abugado, sa amin nagra-rally (laughs)!

SCB: How old were you when you went to your first rally?
KCD: Mga seven years old, nung ginawa ni Mama yung kantang “Sana’y Mayaman,” a protest song about equality. Bata pa lang kami ine-explain na sa amin ng Nanay ko kung ano ang Marxism, ang socialism. The song goes… “Kung ang tao ay sampu at ang pera ay sampu lamang.

Tig-isa-isa ang mga mamamayan. Walang kaguluhan…Pero paano kung kapag ang isa ay kumuha ng lima, ano ang maiiwan sa siyam na natira?

Paghahati-hatian ang naiwang pera. Ang siyam ay mahirap at iisa ang may kaya,” (sings). She would explain na kailangan pantay-pantay ang lahat. Ang aga-aga ng exposure namin sa kailangan pantay-pantay.

SCB: Hindi ka ba pinag-initan sa school?
KCD: UP kami eh, from kinder to college, so very secular, very liberal, very progressive thinking. Ang hang-up ko lang noon, usong-uso ang mga Tretorn, Reebok tapos wala ako, kasi multi-national company! (laughs).

SCB: Hindi pwede bumili…
KCD: Hindi pwede! Naka-Dragonfly ako, yung pekeng Tretorn!

SCB: Was there ever a time that you asked your parents why they chose the life they lived?
KCD: Oo. Tinatanong namin tapos nagi-guilty lang kami (laughs). ‘Yung awitin ng Nanay namin, that was a response to my brother who asked bakit konti lang ‘yung toys namin eh may pera naman kami. So gumawa ng awitin si Karina Constantino-David that starts with: “Tanong ng anak, Inay mayaman ba tayo? Sagot ng Ina, hindi anak ko.” In essence, sabi ng Nanay ko, mahirap din ‘yung masyado tayong nag-aasam ng more than what we need.

SCB: Do you feel any pressure to live up to what your parents have done?
KCD: Ang kabilin-bilinan lang sa amin ng mga magulang ko is huwag lang namin sisirain or babahiran ‘yung pangalan namin. And to do good. Di naman ‘yun mahirap gawin eh. Di naman mahirap gumawa ng tama, mas mahirap nga gumawa ng mali. Ewan ko bakit ba sinasabi ng mga taong mas madali gumawa ng mali eh mas madaling gumawa ng tama! They said “Ilabas mo kung ano man ang sinabi sa ‘yo, be respectful to them and let the people decide kung paniniwalaan sila or hindi.”

So ‘yung mga pulitiko na na-interview ko na napahiya sila sa mga report ko, hindi ako ‘yung nagpahiya sa kanila, sila ang nagpahiya sa sarili nila.

It’s the pulitiko na kumbaga nahuhuli sa bibig ang isda, di ba?

When I interviewed Mark Lapid or sabihin na lang natin na isang governor ng Pampanga, dati at anak ng action star (laughs), tinanong ko siya,

“Ang sabi ng mga tao, di ka daw pumupunta sa kapitolyo, lagi ka daw nasa labas.” Ang sagot niya sa akin, “Trabaho din naman ang pag-go-golf eh. Kasi siyempre, may mga imini-meet akong mga investors so trabaho din naman ‘yun..”

Inere ko lang ‘yun pero ang pangit ng dating na parang during the time na dapat nasa kapitolyo ka eh nag-go-golf ka. Pero hindi ako ang nagsabi nun. Siya ang nagsabi nun. ‘Yung ang kabilin-bilinan sa akin ng Tatay ko, “Huwag kang magmo-moralize sa voice over mo. Hayaan mo sila to speak for themselves.” Ayun lang naman ang ginagawa ko at hanggang ngayon, buhay pa naman ako (laughs).

SCB: People hoped when your father said he would run in Pampanga against Gloria Arroyo?
KCD: Yes. Thank God hindi natuloy. Hindi namin gusto. I think we could better serve our country by not being politician. We’re not a political family, lalo na ang tatay ko. Mas kailangan siya ng bayan, as critic, as an intellectual, kaysa ‘yung kasama siya ng dalawang daan na kongresista. And ako rin, I believe mas mase-serve ko ang bansa ko being a journalist.

Mommy cool
SCB: You spend three to five days doing your documentaries, how does that affect your being a mother?
KCD: Alam na nila (laughs). Every month mawawala ako. I’m a single mother but very blessed with a very supportive family. Julia is turning 10 and she knows. You’re going to the mountains again Mama, which mountain are you going to this time? On both our birthdays, we don’t hold parties, I take her out to see her country. Kapag birthday niya, happy trip ‘yun, turista kami — Palawan, Davao, Bohol. Kapag birthday ko and Christmas, outreach to the Aetas, Mangyans. Kapag Christmas, outreach din ‘yun. Mamimigay kami ng old clothes, magre-repack kami sa bahay. I hope that when she grows up, she will develop the same love for her country and her people. Umuubra naman. Mukhang mabait naman ‘yung bata. (laughs)

SCB: Were you exposed to this kind of work as a child?
KCD: Yes. DSWD Secretary ang nanay ko when I was young. Nagra-rally si Mama sa kalsada, nandun din kami. Memorize ko ang mga aktibista songs, pati tula ni Amado V. Hernandez. Nire-recite ko siya sa taas ng jeep tuwing may rally noong 80’s (laughs). Tapos kumakanta ‘yung nanay ko. Ini-explain ni Mama kung anong ibig sabihin nun. Of course, hindi ko naintindihan lahat ng mga laot, ang langit sa piling mo, hindi ko naintindihan lahat. Ang corny ba ng childhood ko?

SCB: How did your parents react when you got pregnant?
KCD: Nagalit, siyempre. But I was already 27 when I got pregnant pero devastated pa din ang parents ko. My mom was very, very supportive, ang tatay ko ang di niya matanggap kasi…

SCB: Traditional?
KCD: Di siya traditional. Kasi pinalaki kami na alam namin ang contraceptives. Pero ang hindi matanggap ng parents ko, bakit ‘di ako nag-contaceptive! (laughs) weird ba? ‘Yun ‘yung naiinis sila na parang ang tanga-tanga ko. They gave us all the freedom.

SCB: Was your relationship with your dad strained at that time?
KCD: Oo, habang buntis ako di niya ako kinakausap. Pero meron kaming medium na parang, “Pakitanong nga kay Kara kung gutom siya.”

“Gutom ka daw ba Kara?” “Sabihin mo gutom ako Papa.” “Gutom daw siya, Papa.” (laughs) Pwedeng yung kapatid ko, yung yaya. “Sabihin mo kay Kara namumutla na siya.” “O, ito ibigay mo ito sa kanya, magsabaw siya.” Di nga niya ako kinakausap pero alam kong concerned siya but he was really very, very disappointed. Sa bahay kasi, kung ano ‘yung pinasok mong sitwasyon, ikaw ang bahalang lumabas diyan. Panindigan mo ‘yan.

SCB: Nag-iba ba how you do your stories after you gave birth?
KCD: Yeah, lumawak ang mundo ko. Hindi lang sa how do I make my stories, how I conduct my life. Before I got pregnant, I use to sky dive. Nagpapa-tattoo ako kung saan saan. Here (shows her ankle) and here (shows her lower back). Ano siya, iconic sign of a rebel parang Magdalo (laughs).

SCB: Nagalit ba sila nung nakita nila?
KCD: Si Papa nagalit kasi I’m mutilating my body daw, whatever (laughs). Pero tanggap na nila na weirdo akong tao. Actually, ‘yung mama ko sobra siyang supportive. Nung nakita niya yung tattoo ko, sabi niya “gusto ko din! San ‘yan, san ‘yan?” galit na galit ‘yung tatay ko. So my two other sisters, they have tattoo tapos yung nanay ko, gusto niya talaga pero di na niya tinuloy. My mom, groovy siya talaga. Super, super cool person. Siya din ang nagsabi sa akin na huwag magpakasal nung nabuntis kasi you should not get married just because you got pregnant, kailangan love mo din ‘yung guy. Sobrang supportive si mama. Kasi Lamaze ako. Wala akong anesthesia nung nag-deliver ako kasi gusto ko din.

Gusto ko din ma-feel lahat ng pain (laughs)!

Effective Listening

Effective listening means:
Hearing the words.
Understanding the message.
Putting it into action.

Before you decide whether to accept or reject an idea, before you argue, before you make statements, before you decry – first make sure you're being objective. Otherwise, you're expressing an emotional prejudice – not an intelligent opinion.

From: Ms. Cristina San Pedro's Post

Apostle Paul

Apostle Paul said, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” ( 1 Cor. 9:22) To the child, we speak childlike illustrations, to the scientist we speak scientifically, to the unloved, we highlight the Father’s love, etc.

Cherrielyn Torejas

Meet my Sister:

International Youth Congress 2012

Congratulations!

Excerpts from The Art of War

10. To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength; to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear.

11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease.

12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage.

13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.

14. Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy.

IYC 2012

International Youth Congress 2012

The Essence of God

God is a spirit (Jn 4:24) and has a Word (Jn 1:1). In the Old Testament we know God through His Word. We cannot see the spirit but we can hear the Word. In the New Testament, the Spirit produced a body (Matt 1:18), so the Word was made flesh (Jn 1:14). So in the Spirit became the Father and the Word became the Son. The Word of God is now called the Son of God. As the spirit and the word are One, The Father and the Son are One (Jn 10:30).

By: Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy

The Rock

once upon a time, there was this big piece of rock living peacefully on a mountaintop. one day, he gets transported somewhere far, far away. all of a sudden, he receives multiple blows around his body. he gets hurt once, twice, more times. he’s hurt bad. he doesn’t know why he’s being beaten, but it goes on and on. one day, it suddenly all stops. everything becomes peaceful just like it was before. after some time, he notices that people start to look at him, they stop and stare, and he’s wondering why. one day, there were two workers walking by, and they were carrying a big mirror. the rock saw his reflection, and saw, he was now a beautiful statue.

Learning

“If I could use a time machine, I would go back to the time when the grading system was invented and I would destroy it. Because of its invention, teaching ceased to be a calling and became a profession. I can only imagine the amount of potential we kill every time teachers give a student a grade of 5. A grade is but a number. Never let anyone judge you by a number, much less yourself. The day you start caring about your grades is the day you stop learning. A card of excellence is just a piece of paper. It will rot. But the knowledge you get because you wanted to learn—that’s yours forever, or you could pass it on.”
--When learning ceases
By: Raiza Michaella Kasilag
Philippine Daily Inquirer
9:24 pm | Friday, July 8th, 2011

STARS

25 things I know about stars
DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star) Updated August 10, 2011 12:00 AM

As The Philippine STAR turns 25, I would like to share an updated version of a piece I wrote a few years ago, 25 Things I Know About Stars. This was actually culled from a talk I delivered for PBA players who at that time were being challenged to take a hard look at themselves in the context of basketball players being stars. After all, in the country, basketball players are treated like movie stars – until of course the Azkals, the gorgeous footballers kicked their way to superstardom. At that time, they needed to be reminded that if they wanted a loyal public for basketball, they had to behave and look like stars. Here are the 25 Things I Know About Stars (2011).

1. Stars are born to be stars. Whatever they do, whatever is done to them, they become stars. But some stars are made, manufactured, sculpted and invented by inventors who have a powerful network of contacts and who have the groove — they know when to attack and when to retreat.

2. Stars want to be stars. They crave for it. It’s not enough that they want to be stars. They want it bad. They are driven and determined. Anyone who gets in the way can get hurt badly.

3. Stars are visible but they are invisible and mysterious. They give but they don’t give all. Stars are comfortable with their contradictions. Visibility is a fundamental tool in a milieu that thrives in visibility.

4. Stars are good looking. They are beautiful. They smell good. They are fashionistas. They have the license to look like no one. People gape in awe when they walk on the red carpet. Ordinary fashion sense is criminal.

5. Stars have beautiful partners, friends and they go to places where they mingle with other stars. Some get intoxicated, they lose their way home and end up in rehab or in jail.

6. Stars are naturally controversial. They know how to manage controversies. They fight back or they ignore. Whichever way they go, they are always fierce.

7. Stars don’t linger. They know when to enter/exit. Anyone who overlingers is a starlet or a has-been.

8. Stars know how to love and respect their fans. They acknowledge the applause. They play to the gallery. They know that someone is always watching them. But you wouldn’t know that they know. They have mastered the art of being private even in public.

9. Stars are media savvy. They study/learn how to handle media. They are not afraid of media. They cavort with it.

10. Stars have a strong sense of occasion. They know when to hold and when to fold. And they do it in style. They know their audience is temporary. They seize the moment.

11. Stars are unique. They don’t blend with the crowd. No matter how they hide, they stick out like a thorny 10-meter cactus amidst a million roses.

12. Stars respect their game. After the blood, they shake hands. But timing is key here. They know when it’s time to bow and where.

13. Stars perform. They work hard. They talk hard. They love hard. They pray hard. And they fall hard.

14. Stars are loved/hated, never ignored.

15. Stars go for the kill. They know they don’t stay forever. Someone is always ready to take their place — someone younger and cheaper.

16. Stars don’t get mad. They win.

17. Stars know their strengths but they know better their weaknesses. They turn weaknesses into their brand equity.

18. Stars know their camera. They are never distracted even if lightning strikes a meter away. They are focused.

19. Stars know they are never ahead until the game is over. And there is no guarantee for victory until the game is won. They don’t let go of the trophy. They hang on to it for life.

20. After a victory, another game has to be won. Stars love to compete. Their fiercest rivals are themselves.

21. The strongest is not always the biggest star. Strength that comes from a smart mind is the best strength there is. The biggest stars are the smartest ones.

22. The wisest star is the star that lasts. He is risqué. He plays with fire but he knows when to stop.

23. The biggest star is not always the best. But the best lasts.

24. Legendary stars are the most generous and most humane. They are great listeners.

25. Stars know that no great performance happens by accident. They practice it.

I will continue to watch stars intensely and intently. They remain some of the most fascinating, endearing, inspiring, intriguing and mind-boggling people on this planet. And I will always be a rabid fan.

10 Signs Your Child May Be Gifted

10 Signs Your Child May Be Gifted

by LilSugar, on Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:06pm PDT
989 CommentsPost a CommentRead More from This Author »Report Abuse



Source: 10 Signs Your Child May Be Gifted

Many a proud mama and papa have deemed their tot advanced or ahead of the game, but most babes are only geniuses in their parents' eyes. However, some tots actually are branded as gifted. Is yours? There are a few developmental guidelines that often indicate giftedness in children, so here are ten signs that your child may be headed to the head of the class.

Retains Information: The term "in one ear and out the other" seems to apply to most children. Those who are a cut above when it comes to intelligence actually retain a wide variety of information and are able to recall it at a later time. An example from the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) is: "One six-year-old returned from a trip to the space museum and reproduced an accurate drawing of a space rocket he had seen."

Wide Spectrum of Interests: Gifted kiddos display an interest in a wide variety of topics. They may like dinosaurs one month, space the next month, and so fourth.
Writes and Reads Early: If your tot is a smarty pants, she may be able to read and write very early on and without having had any real formal teaching.

Is Musically or Artistically Talented: Children who display an unusual talent for music and/or art are often considered gifted. Tots who can draw things to perspective, have perfect pitch, or display any other higher perception of forms of art usually fall into the gifted category.

Shows Periods of Intense Concentration: Children are not known for their long attention span, but gifted wee ones are able to have longer periods of intense concentration.

Has a Good Memory: Some gifted tots are able to remember things from when they were smaller. For example, a two-year-old may remember and bring up (unprovoked) an occurrence from when he was 18-months.

Has an Advanced Vocabulary: A tot who's early to speak is not a sign of giftedness alone, but if your lil talker is using advanced vocabulary and sentences, then he or she may be as bright as you think. According to the NAGC, "Children at age two make sentences like: 'There's a doggie.' A two-year-old who is gifted might say, 'There's a brown doggie in the backyard and he's sniffing our flower.' "

Pays Attention to Details: A gifted child has a keen eye for details. An older child may want to know specific details about how things work, while a younger child will be able to put away toys exactly where he got them from or notice if something has been moved from its usual spot.

Acts as His Own Critic: In general kids are not too worried about themselves or others, unless their friend has something they want. Gifted kids are the opposite and are concerned with others, but are most critical of themselves.

Understands Complex Concepts: Tots who are highly intelligent have the ability to understand complex concepts, perceive relationships, and think abstractly. They are able to understand problems in depth and think about solutions.

Keepers' Club International

Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries
The Story of the First-born SON
(Overview only. Not the full throttle version)


In this modern era of wifi, dota and the likes, who would ever think that a princess still lives and a kingdom do exist? I have the most beautiful story to tell my friend, fairy tale you may say. This is a fairy tale that has ended happily ever after, a victory until eternity. And the storytelling now starts with me reading…

In a Kingdom sent down on earth, there lives a princess. Living with this princess are her siblings, Kings and Queens in their own right dominating territories. The patriarch of this royal highness, the FATHER is mighty that even mountains bow down and the seas roar at the sound of His name. He was full of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He owns everything. H e was simply GREAT. No one has ever surpassed His greatness, not one from the historic times, not even from the current modern period. The Mother named New Jerusalem is the mother of us all, a provider of comfort and shelter to his flock. In this Kingdom, the Father has total connection to His people. This is a connection that binds the Father and His people.

The beloved Father, King of all Kings, is the supreme owner of a certain Special Powdered Milk Factory. This is special in the sense that the powdered milk, is the only antidote to the virus that is infecting the entire people inside EDEN. He is training meticulously the First-born, His anointed, to become the inheritor of this huge business. And like the Father, the first-born after learning all the tricks and trade is nurturing his younger siblings to defend and to fully understand inch-by-inch the nature of the Father’s business.

From the beginning the Father has already established a perfect plan for his kindred and for the entirety.

But there is a lying problem and the answer to this problem has been sought for centuries. The Father’s perfect plan was hampered and hindered. The man of the dark was so subtle and cunning that he was able to trick and deceived the Father’s people. This resulted to the lost of the Father’s dwelling place called temple. It was taken by another occupant, the greatest deceiver, the liar; he was the man of the dark. This resulted to a total wreck. The Dynasty of Eden was totally lost.

The perfect plan of the Father to give his sons and daughters dominion and rulership over all things called Kingship was not fulfilled, in fact it was lost also. The royalty was taken by the man of the dark. Unfortunately, the connection of the Father to His people, to his sons and daughters was also totally disconnected. This means a change of government. The governance of the Father was usurped by the Man of the Dark. This means that the people once ruled and governed by the Father was now governed by the Man of the Dark. The crown of man was taken and handed to the man of the dark. Royalty was lost. What was made to rule as Kings and Queens has now become the ultimate slaves of the man of the dark.

Man under the governance of the man in the dark became evil also. They were bedeviled. Each one was injected by a virus that triggers them to voluntary do what is EVIL. Man bedeviled has now become the main agents of the Man of the Dark. Their new ruler was so devil that he required each one to plant seeds of conflict and demonic actions. This resulted to wars, chaos, envy, jealousy, death or simply what we call curse. In the Dynasty of the Man of the Dark, automatically each one, even a new life conceived, has been injected with this devilish demonic satanic VIRUS. This is so devil that no one escapes this. Everyone has been injected. So evil that the virus has made man a devil. Men have become small Gods of the monster, the man of the Dark.

Man is now living a life of curse. The very essence of man has now become the Father’s enemy. In the governance of the Man in the Dark, no one has ever known who the real Father is. He was unfortunately forgotten by everybody. His greatness just fades into oblivion making the man of the dark the new dominant character in the kingdom.

Like our country conquered by the American and Spanish conquistadors, this place was now ruled by the evil. Our beloved land was now shattered and lost. It was dark and stinky, a picture of hopelessness, a movie of people being physically alive but which in reality are DEAD. These dead people or zombies are awake but totally are not aware, blinded from the truth that they are under cursed, they are under the evil’s slavery. Being the slave of the dark, life is a total misery. Confused, deceived, without knowing, stupid, slave of the dark-- this is a description of man.

Knowing this, the Father was so sad. He was lonely. He has no place to enter or dwell in because His house was already taken by the man of the dark. And because of the Father’s love, comes the beginning of the Father’s plan to take back what was lost his temple, his people and to establish again the lost connection between the Father and his people. He made a strategy, a plan. But this plan will be fulfilled but will take too much time. But the Father was patient enough to wait.

Now, he was eyeing for the perfect person who can help him implement his plant And his finger of Appointment was pointed to the First-born Son. So for this reason, the first-born Son gained the title, Appointed.

I am one of the princesses but this is not my story. This is the story of the First-born son, our Big Brother. His story has become a living history, a legend. And His story lives in eternity. He was once bedeviled. He was once a slave of the dark. He hasn’t escaped the virus. The important thing is that he was awakened. His blindness from the truth was cured. The key to be freed from the demonic, satanic virus was with the Father. But the First-born with his freedom of choice, with His own action, should accept and take the KEY from the Father to unshackle the chain that has enslaved him. He will be the beginning of the exodus from the bondage of the man of the Dark.

But the thing is, he has to weigh things first because if the First-born will accept this, he has to go through a narrow and hard way. He will be engaging himself to a battle. It will be a battle between David and goliath.

But Lo and behold, for the beloved first-born Son of my Father and mother has done the right thing. The first-born was courageous to accept the key and lay down his life and engaged himself in a battle to save the Father’s temple. He sacrificed his life, undergone six long years of battle. And this battle was fought not in the streets but is fought deep down to the very essence of being you as a person. It’s fought inside the totality of who you are.

The first-born was tested intensely up to the point of no food, no friends, no family, throwing ambitions, no money, ailing health –a true test of life and death, a life of persecutions. He was tested to discourage Him from His commitment. But the first-born with love as his only weapon fought the battle, alone. The commitment of the First-born to save the Father’s place, the temple, to totally establish the Kingdom, was tested by FIRE. His commitment was put to the test.

With the First-born’s true commitment, genuine love and unwavering faith, comes the great victory. The great battle fought for the entirety of humankind, was now finally won for the very first time in the history of humanity. The servant was now finally declared as the Appointed SON for he overcame. Because of this the lost connection between the Father to His people is now finally restored. Lost are the days of the Father’s loneliness, for because of the First-born, the Father has now a dwelling place. The plan of the Father to take back what was lost is now finally completed.
Because of the First-born Son, the royalty or Kingship was now taken back from the Man of the Dark. The crown was taken from the man of the Dark and handed again to the Father. The supreme power was again in the hands of the Father. The government was now the Father’s it’s not of the man of the dark anymore. Now, the place of beauty, the original point of area, the vast garden lost in the time of the man of the dark is now finally restored back into its original pristine and beauty. The Dynasty of Eden lost has now become the Dynasty of Eden restored.

The first-born was a servant at first who was then promoted to become the Son, the inheritor of all things. Royalty here is not by blood, it is earned and gained. There are qualifications, there are rules, and there are opponents to be able to become one of the royal highness. In short, there is a battle that is waiting to be overcome and won before a person can finally be declared, the winner, the overcomer, the inheritor of the Father’s richness.

The course of enlisting oneself to this royal family might not be easy, the road must be rough, you maybe bruised but the most important thing is you are winning. Because you are winning you are slowly freed from the slavery from the man of the dark. You need to go out of your shell, you need to go out of that stinky and dark disposition. Win the race that is set before you. Follow the rules, look to the guide, Focus on the qualifications as to how to become one of the royalties. The course of getting there might be painful but the reward is waiting, a life eternal full of glory, a life of a royalty.

There was feasting and jubilation for the Son has overcome and won the battle. In this Kingdom, everyday is a feasting day, as headed by the First-born Son. The First-born Son gathers his siblings night and day teaching them true goodness, the real way to escape the slavery inherited from the first Physical Parents.

But the condition, men bedeviled with their free will should accept the fact that they are lost, the’re sinners and they need to received the antidote: the POWDERED MILK produced by the First-born Son.

Many have been wanting to be in the King’s and Queen’s seat. They’ve been dying to be with the most great King in the Kingdom. They wanted to be there but the sad thing is they have not passed the test. In their course to comply the rules, they’ve withered along the way, lose hope and decided to quit and become merely expectators. They choose to remain as servants. They choose to remain as slaves.

Today, my family, Kings and Queens all over the globe, will once again gather at the Central headquarters come September, to pay tribute to the King, to offer all the harvest in the areas of responsibilities. Kings and Queens in their own rights, these royalties act as Kings and Queens in their areas but the moment they step to the central headquarters like a soldier in salute to His Master General, the Kings and Queens take off their crowns and lay it down to the throne of the King of all Kings, to pay homage and respect to the Almighty Father, King of all Kings.

Kings and Queens are dominating this business all over the globe, securing prosperity and abundance in its production, come bad and good economy.

I am part of this story and you can be part of this history in the making of this true to life story. Like the first-born, I am also a slave of the man of the dark before, but the First-born untiringly taught me the way on how to be freed from the chains of the man of the dark, the evil. But still, the freedom of choice lies in your hands.

Travelling the Phillipines

With the privilege at hand, I’ve been given the chance to tour so many places inside my country, the Philippines. I’ve been almost travelling. I’ve got the blessing to work while having the great time to enjoy the Father’s creation, to have fun and to simply stop by the woods and smell the flowers.

I’ve travelled and marveled at Mt. Ararat visible in Tarlac, saw the Terraces while heading to Isabella, super enjoyed the cold weather in Baguio, appreciated the vintas, the sand, the sea, and the nature in Mindanao. Further awed by the great harvest of sea life in General Santos City and the jaw-dropping experienced brought by the waters in Timoga, Iligan City. Adding to the list is the addiction brought by the super fast and active life lived in the entire National Capital Region. I so appreciated the Father’s creation here in the Philippines. Philippines shows us a culture in variety. It’s so puzzling to know how all these things come into existence. But some questions are better left unanswered.

Life is a journey. People come and go. My destination today might not be my destination tomorrow, of course. But I thing is for certain, My HEART belongs to Davao City, New Jerusalem. I will come back home soon. I WILL FLY HOME SOON. From where I am standing now, it really feels so close to HOME. Like a soldier, I want to come back with more badges and honors in my area of responsibility and take it all as a tribute to my one and only mentor.

Movie Reviews - Salt, 2012, Kung Fu Panda, Slumdug Millionaire, CJ7

SALT A nice movie of Angelina Jolie. It’s action pack from the beginning to end. This is a well-braided story in which the feeling-of-wanting-to-know-the-story-more in every step of the plot. There was also a smooth transition from each step of the plot.
In the side of the school of thought, it depicts “FEMINISM” considering the dear Evelyn Salt is a lady herself but this lady shows the dominant character portraying Protagonist and not the typical character showing the inferiority complex of a woman making her character the underdog of the story. The movie does mention of the settings Korea, United States and Russia and the conflicts in between.
This further depicts TERRORISM. There was a Russian leader who was training kids to become a swarm of terrorists in the fight of Russia attacking the U.S but in the course the protagonist was caught by Korea alleging her as the Russian SPY. Then there was a story of suicide bomber in wanting to kill the U.S President. There was the story Russian President who died by tarantula venom or something like that as planned by SALT.
It’s a story of Salt conniving by the Russian force to attack U.S. by Salt engaging herself to the American Police Force as a SPY as a deep secret mission. Then came the story of her beloved husband being kidnapped and killed by Her Russian leader himself. Then out of Salt’s disgust, the terrified created terrorist -SALT killed her trainor Terrorist. Then came SALT’s plan to kill and betray the Russian force. There was a changed of personality and of principle on this part. All throughout the Story, different characters have shown different colors of characters from the white side turning to the black side.
Then the end part shows Salt depicted as the character who have decided to stop the destruction of some part of the world.

2012 Watched this on the bus while heading to an election campaign sortie. 2012 is a futuristic movie prophesying the END OF THE WORLD. It’s filled with heavy special effects portraying the movies depiction of the end of the WORLD.
It depicts that salvation will be only via a modern ship in CHINA in which the ticket costs a billion dollars each. It shows the division between the rich and the poor but all along the story shows the goodness of the World’s leaders by making a decision of letting the workers/people enter the ship even in the absence of money.
The story revolves around the story of a family. There was a pending prophesy by a seemingly crazy disc jockey man who have predicted the end of the WORLD. There was also the story of the scientist who found out the scientific basis that indeed it will happen as per the help and study of his Indian friend. His Indian friend who was the main person who discovered the coming END died in course of the story without receiving any help.
Simply, it’s a story of survival.

Kung Fu Panda A cartoon movie depicting China’s culture and tradition. The story of Chinese famous characters like tiger, snake, turtle, etc. acting as the trained warriors. Then the prophesy came that the community will be once again attacked by the jailed enemy.
Then came the day of choosing. Then came the Big Fat Panda, chosen as the dragon warrior, a character in contradiction to the five trained warriors who was prophesied to be the community’s warrior.
The Panda was so restless and is confident that he’s not gonna make it. But the story shows the moral of acceptance, the honor of accepting the responsibility, the moral obligation of protecting the people(in this sense the animals, being them as the characters at play) and simply the honor of being having the faith of shouting “I’m gonna make it, I’m gonna win this battle.”

Slumdog Millionaire

The story is about the journey of young boy named Jamal Malik, an orphan living in poverty in the slums of India who won the Who wants to a millionaire game based in India. The movie uses a lot of flash backs to show the protagonist’s story via his life’s experiences on how he was able to know the answers of each questions.
All along the story, the story shows the life in India having it as the main setting of the story. Then realism strikes showing friendship, luck, corruption, brutality, poverty, child trafficking and simply showing the ordinary way of life in India.
I want to call the director of this movie the director who’s deeply into flashbacks. Guess this is one of the products of India’s Bollywood.

CJ7 This is a movie product of the combination of Realism mixed by Surrealism. This shows the reality of life of an ordinary poor Father, working so hard to send his only child to a prestigious school. On the course of the story came the alien moving creature character that gives hope to the Family.
This story shows the importance of education, of hard work, further depicts the real-life problem of bullying and the power of Faith and of Hope.
A very nice portrayal of the simple way of life being injected in the middle with fanaticism. The mixture simply works.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Watching Movies

(As I see it)

Have watched movies via the bus I was riding on my way to different places for my BIG mission. Then, I realized how I remember the words of my dear College teachers about movies, flick, the school of thoughts, the style, the era or type of government that might affect the works of the directors, the intro to film and the literary criticism subjects, so high I can’t get over it, then back to my senses, I’m watching movies and reality tells me it’s been a loooong time since I’ve watched movies. I might not remember all those notes on my college notes, but right at this time, trying to tinker my mind as a form of mind exercise.

The learning I got from the four corners might be handed for a very good reason, I do believe. In time, whether I like it or not, in some way or another, it will cross my path. If it’s handed to me, I owe to give it back.

I realized that I almost forgot the feeling of making a literary criticism or a movie review or something like that with stipulated adrenaline-rush-mighty-heart-pounding-feeling of “getting it right,” meaning I should make my assignments right or else FAIL the subject. There’s no mediocre grade. Only Pass or Fail, you’re free to choose. It’s all a matter of choice.

By watching a movie (the good ones), THE ADVANTAGES as I see it:

 We have the chance to see the setting, the way of life, the culture, the tourist destinations, the type of government, the type of era, different races, different ways of thinking, different styles, the moral of the story if there is any, the plot and any lesson we can pick.
 Movies can be used to broadcast the TRUTH
 Movies can be used to magnify the Father’s creation. A simple act of kindness shown and seen by many can be so contagious that can touch the viewers to do the same action.
 Movies can be used as a portrayal of a certain hero or a person or a group who have done an incredible thing and invite the world to do the same thing.

But unfortunately not all movies are done to impart wisdom. Others are having a different agenda in mind, THE DISADVANTAGES as I see it are:

 To character assassinate a certain subject. This can be person/s or a country,
 To inject fear, injustice, violence or annoying scenes as the director’s way of getting the attention of the audience meaning to get the viewer’s attention and inject the high feeling by the act of annoyance,
 To induce leftist ideas inviting the viewers to side with the left.
 As a simple form of entertainment to gain profit, nothing more nothing less. It’s all about money.
 To twist the truth and by the power of media smoothly convince the people that the “wrong doing/idea” is sugar-coated being portrayed to the viewers as the “cool and the right thing.” Example: The notion of drinking and smoking is a cool thing, so kids emulate the actors.
 Instead of uplifting the spirits, there are movies that take that spirit away. Be cautious.

I think I have to review my notes. I know I have forgotten a lot of things about this topic.

Bata din AKo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtsnTO1_emQ&feature=related

The Passionate Shepherd to his Love (Christopher Marlowe), Her Reply (sir Walter Raleigh)

The Passionate Shepherd to his Love (Christopher Marlowe), Her Reply (sir Walter Raleigh)



The passionate shepherd to his love is a work of expressionism and romanticism. It sets Love as the main topic of his letter. This is reflected in lines 1 and 20: “Come live with me and be my love”, line 9: “And I will make these beds of roses and line 24: “Then live with me and be my love.

This has been narrated using the first-person point of view. Marlowe shows an extreme positive thinking believing that everything will work good between him and her love.

This letter further shows what Marlowe will do if the his love will succumb to his pleas as cited in the third stanzas which goes this way

“And I will make thee beds of roses

And a thousand fragrant posies;

A cap of flowers, and kirtle

Embroider’d all with leaves of myrtle.



He further promises his unidentified love the hills, valleys and fields among others. The words show passion and extreme longings to possess the object of his love compounded in the atmosphere of a fantasy-romantic atmosphere. The picture of the world which the shepherd drew is so calm and peaceful with flocks, shallow rivers and singing birds.

Marlowe’s letter does not promise any marriage. Lines 1 and 20 say, “Come live with me and be my love” and the last line, “Then live with me and be my love”.

Both the passionate shepherd to his love and the reply observe the iambic meter. Each is composed of six stanzas. Each has 24 lines. The compositions were bounded with strict observance with meter and rhythm.

The woman was conscious enough of the shepherd’s promises. She uses the exact words to reject such offering.

Using figurative language, the woman compared Marlowe’s love to something that is a passing feeling as reflected in the second stanza which runs as follows:

But time drives flocks from field to fold;

When rivers rage and rocks grow cold,

And Philomel becometh dumb;

The rest complain of cares to come.

Once more, the Nymph affirms that the shepherd is lying: “A honey tongue, a heart of gall.” Whatever he says is very sweet but inside, he isn’t that kind, even quite bitter. The nice life he depicted is just imagination; however, the reality is full of sorrows and worries.

The fourth stanza uses the same words that Marlowe offers. She further stressed in the same paragraphs that these may soon break, wither, forgotten and rotten.

Her letter begins to reject Marlowe’s proposal. But as her reply draws to an end, the woman shows an impossible possibility of giving any positive reply considering that staying young is not impossible as reflected on the last stanza:

But could youth last, and love still breed.

Had joys no date, nor age no need,

Then these delights my mind might move

To live with thee and be thy Love.



Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism

The Death of a Bachelor

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.



Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism

The Standard of Living

The Standard of Living

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.



Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism

Mateo Falcone

Mateo Falcone

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.



Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism

The Man of the House

The Man of the House

Frank O’Connor



This is a short story written by Frank O’Connor, an Irish. The story has partly depicted beliefs of Catholic faith which is commonly practiced in Ireland.

Applying the omniscient point of view, this story uses the presence of cathedral and the act of asking for a miracle as a last resort to symbolize devotion and faith. Candles may symbolize for hope.

This story was focused on a ten-year old unnamed boy. His character is torn between being a child and being a grown up. He is a picture torn between either to act responsibly or irresponsibly. His lack for a father figure, influence how his character acts and thinks. In this story, he is the one who stands as “the man of the house”. This is reflected in the line, “It’s a funny thing about women, the way they’ll take orders from anything in trousers, even if it’s only ten”. His character is taking the burden due to a father.

Yet in some parts of the story, his childhood characteristics were also portrayed. Children depend on their mothers and this characteristic was shown in young Sullivan’s character. “… I lay awake, thinking of what would happen to me..” – this is just one of the lines that depicts how the young boy worries losing his mother.

At first, Mrs. Sullivan was sickly portrayed while the young Sullivan was healthily represented. Prior to their health, these two characters took an exchange of role.

Social status was presented in this story. The portrayal of their house, Mrs. Sullivan’s “economical” used of sticks for the coalhole, their long-winded call for a doctor and some scenes of the story illuminates the character’s low social status. In general, it shows the burden of single parenting in which consequences are both experience by the parent and her child. The story seems to picture school for young Sullivan as if it was a thing of the past.

This story was narrated in a dark atmosphere. The condition of his mother made it gloomy. The sunlight that the young Sullivan felt turn out dark. This is best describe in a line, “…all the light had gone out of the day, and the murmuring hillside had become a vast, alien, cruel world”.

“…stealing a glance at the world outside. I could have stood there all day. Of all the profound and simple pleasures of those days, that was the richest.”, Once down there, I tended to forget the real world”, these lines give readers a hint that young boy was under difficulties. His character shows longing for peace.

O’Connor used a female character subtly similar to Eve to cunningly trick the young boy. She even advice him to lie to his mother. But uprightness is depicted in this story. Aside from being portrayed as a good child, as young as he was, he was able to counteract the young girl’s advice to lie though at first he said that he lost the medicine.

The story presented the theme of regret. This is reflected in this line, “We don’t mind them when we have them,’ he added, to my mother ‘and then we spend the rest of our lives regretting it.” Other than regret, it has also presented the themes of forgiveness, faith and humanity’ natural reaction towards death.

Figurative language was reflected in this lines, “like savages than Christians”, “the silence of the kitchen” and the “murmuring hillside.”

Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism

La Mere Sauvage

La Mere Sauvage

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.”



Chelyn Torejas, Literary Criticism