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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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DREADFUL REGIME A Draft of Argumentative Essay about the Duterte Administration

Throughout his five year dreadful leadership, President Rodrigo R. Duterte had browned several programs that merely helped the poverty stricken Filipinos to partially arise from the poverty. His policies on the public safety and infrastructure was the major pinnacles of his six year regime. This notions could be reflected on his high approval service ratings beyond PulesAsia’s 2021survey. Although some of his politically inclined programs became a success, there are also a lot of issues and anomalies that engulfs to his administration, such as the Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK), human rights violations, and suppression of the press freedom, corruption and his incompetent leadership during pandemic. This actions truly prove that Mr. Duterte had imposed a six-year hatred governance.

Pres. Duterte started his presidential term with the enactment of his War on Illegal Drugs and Opan Tokhang in order to fulfill his promise that he will end the drug problem in the country within three to six months. According to the Pulse Asia Survey, as of January 2020. Within two out of three Filipinos believed that they are safer because of the way of thinking of that the number of drug users in their area has been reduced since Duterte came to power in 2016.

Apart from his war against the illegal drugs, Pres. Duterte also prioritize the enactment of the BUILD. BUILD. BUILD program of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The said program aims to establish such public infrastructures that will help the Filipinos to had better way of living and create new job opportunities. As of 2019 there are 9,845 kilometres of roads, 2,709 bridges, 4,536 flood control projects, 82 evacuation centers, and 71,803 classrooms under the BUILD. BUILD. BUILD program were completed. On the other hand, some of the said completed projects were just a continuation of Aquino Administration’s infrastructure projects.

Alongside with those programs and policies, Pres. Duterte also impose his power upon the healthcare system of the country. He signed the total Smoking Ban on the public places throughout the country that led into decrease in smoking related deaths and illness. Duterte also impose the firecracker ban that caused a massive decline on firecracker related injuries every New Year. The Universal Health Care which was aimed to help the struggling Filipinos who were living under the poverty line to achieve such medical assistance was also passed during his administration. The TRAIN Law that pointed out to collect higher tax revenue in order to lessen the income taxes of the 99% of the tax payers was also enacted during his term.

The 16th president of the Philippines went also against the basic utility provider like water and telecommunication companies. He sought to scrap the long-term contracts, secured in 1997, of the two major water concessionaires serving 16 million customers in the Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The Maynilad Water of the First Pacific Ltd group of Antoni Salim of Indonesia and Filipino CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, and the Manila Water Co. of the old-time Ayala family and the Singapore government unless they accepted new contract with better terms to the Philippine government. Stung, the two water companies gave up P11 billion in arbitral awards refund from unapproved rate increases. Ayala’s Manila Water sold 25% of its equity to ports tycoon Enrique Razon for P10 billion with the latter eventually taking control of the utility.

Pres. Duterte’s leadership was also establish a savvy fiscal management. Under Duterte Regime, the Philippines achieved its highest ever credit rating BBB+ in April 2020, despite COVID-19. In June 2020, Japan Credit Rating Agency even upgraded the Philippine rating to A-, with a stable outlook.

On the contrary of the President’s note of partial success. There are a masses of issues, anomalies and oddity under his administration. Although much more Filipinos conceives that they become safer during the Duterte Administration due to his war against illegal drugs, the illegal drug addiction rate on the Philippines were still on the moderate level. Alongside with that, based on the latest statistics that released by the Numbeo, the crime and drug index rate of the Philippines is 43.64 percent which can be considered as arduous. This percentage level was also higher than the Singapore’s 12 percent drug rate.

Aside from the foisting of the false hope on a safer country, Duterte’s War on Drugs and Oplan Tokhang resides a record high human rights violation and exploitation of the Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK). According to International Criminal Court (ICC), the Duterte Administration and the Philippine National Police (PNP) had killed about 27,000 illegal drug dependent without any necessary investigations. Because of their bloody drug war and EJKs, the ICC finds evidence of crimes against humanity in the Philippines.

Pres. Duterte also said that aside from the eradication of the illegal drugs he will also impose a cleaner government by the elimination of the corruption under his administration within three to six months. But in the reality the corruption and bribery under his leadership arise by about 67% in 2020 according to the ICC. The 15 Billion Peso corruption scandal on Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was the great exemplar of Duterte’s incompetency on the prevention of corruption within the government. This corruption scandal also showed his unmanly competency on imposing the accountabilities beyond those persons that was involved in the crime.

The TRAIN Law that he was enacted was also created a massive impact on the decisive poverty within the Philippines. Due to the higher Value Added Tax (VAT) into staple products and the inflation rate in the country arise for about 6.7% on October 2018. The said law mainly benefits the government workers because of their reduced income tax, but the masses who was striving through poverty was mainly affected by the decisive side of the law.

Duterte’s impunity among the PNP caused a higher number of cases of police brutality and their abuse of power. Pres. Duterte assured the Philippine Police Squad a protection in every legal and illegal deeds that they will do as long as it was for their own safety against those drug dependents. Duterte also guaranteed their salary hike in order to them to have a better service to the nation. The Gregorio’s death with the hands of Nuezca, a policeman was the outmost example of the negative effect of Duterte’s impunity on the PNP.

Red-tagging and his failure to contain the terrorist insurgency was also one of the highlights of Duterte’s negligence on ensuring a much safer country. As he signed the Anti-Terror Law (ATL), the basic human right of a person that deals with their writ of habeas corpus had already violated. Any person who expresses their opinion and practice activism can fall behind the bars and identified as communist supporters/Red-Tagged without any necessary investigation because of the ATL. Although the ATL had been implemented, the surging number of cases of rebellion in the country is still in place.

Aside from the excessive practice of Red-Tagging under his administration. Duterte had also impose the suppression on the press freedom as he support the shutdown and non-renewal of the ABS-CBN’s franchise and Maria Ressa’s conviction. A subdued press freedom that could cause political chaos and widespread of fake news that can cause such disarray within the nation.

Even though that he was able to decrease the influence of the western imperialism within the country, the rise of Chinese affection had greatly modify the nation. The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) of the rich Chinese businessman had altered the fate of job of the most of the Filipinos as they hire their fellow countrymen. Aside from that according to the Bureau of Immigration (BIM) there are about 50,000 illegal Chinese workers and citizens in the country with an expired visa. The dispute between the Philippines and China had been resolved in a contrary that the foreign claimants will get most of the West Philippine Sea’s Island.

One of the latest outmost failure under Pres. Duterte’s regime was the government’s incompetence on addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic. On January 2020, the Association of Medical Doctors in the Philippines had already warned the president and the health department to impose a total travel ban from the persons that will come from China. Instead of enacting a strict travel restrictions, the president had chosen to do not impose any restrictions and travel bans in order to protect the strong bond of relationship between the Philippines and the China. During the spike of the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, the Duterte Administration was not able to for see any tangible and feasible plan of action on addressing the pandemic. The mass testing among the frontliners were not also fulfilled by the government and even the continues support on the basic needs of the Filipinos.

As Pres. Duterte had entered into his last year at the office, the nation awaits to the continuation of the good deeds imposed his administration. Aside from that the Filipinos also demands for his accountability among those issues and anomalies under his dreadful regime. In order to avoid the dismissive notions that had imposed by this dreadful administration, the Filipinos should had a more logical political enigma with the upcoming 2022 Presidential Election. They must elect a more sensible person that will resuscitate the dying economy and stop increasing poverty intrusion rate of the Philippines.

-END-

JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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BREAKING THE NORM The Autobiography of Jonard James L. Saria

Throughout a decade and eight of my regimen in this world, I was able to foresee the true connotation of life and its underlying discernments that will make ourselves more logical and rational towards the realities of our existence.

Since I was born on the 27th of October 2002 in the historical city of Imus. My parents, Jonard and Ma. Rosita have already shown me the realities of life by inculcating upon myself that our society was divided through social classes. Aside from that, they also always induces upon myself that the perseverance and diligence was the important traits to possess in order to achieve our dream and break the social classes.

I came from a peasant poor family. The Saria ancestry have been linked on the agricultural sustenance in Imus since the end of the Second World War.

During my childhood days, I was able to play around our small farmland in Bucandala. The sceneries was truly beautiful and peaceful since the city of Imus was not already densely populated by the other Filipino migrants. My cousins and I were using the said area for fun and other leisure physical activities. Our grandparents also thought us how to cultivate plants and raise farm animals. However, the said agricultural land was soon sold upon the rich housing developers from Manila. The money that we had able to gain from the said deal was used upon my father’s college education.

When my father was graduated as a teacher, he immediately applied to a private school. Within this circumstance, I was given a chance to study at St. Odilard School, one of the prestigious private school in Imus at that time. The said educational institution was also offering a full scholarship grant for every children of their teachers.

Beyond my venture as a student from the said reputable school, I had perceived the difference within our social classes. Most of my classmates came from a wealthy families in Imus. There was a major dissimilarity upon our lifestyles. During that time, I had discerned upon myself to impose an intrusive perseverance in my studies in order to excel in our class and prove that intelligence were not based on our social status. And, because of that, I graduated on the said school as the Class Valedictorian in pre-school.

When my father appealed for a teaching position in Imus National High School, I immediately transferred into a public school since we do not have enough monetary fund to sustain my education on a private school.

Bukandala Elementary School (BES) helped me to take on the grasp of the deeper realities in our society. My first three weeks on the said public school induces hardships on me. I am not subtle with a larger classroom size and a closely ventilated room. My issues and concerns with those norms on a public school classrooms can be reflected upon the educational infrastructure problems that were currently facing by the Department of Education (DepEd).

On the other hand. Apart from those circumstances, I had also observed that the public schools were imposing the eradication of social classes upon its students. Public school teachers treated its students equally and unbiased. Most of my classmates were also unselfish and more open minded rather than my stagy and brat colleagues from my previous school. BES opened my eyes that first impression isn’t always right and will last. I have also learned that bringing positive outlook on life over debilitating situation is a must.

BES also opened its door to let me excel on my academics and join on various quiz bees. I had represented my school on various Science and Mathematics related competitions. Aside from that, I had also able to secure the First Honor Roll on my every section since grade one and inducted as the Class Valedictorian of our batch.

BES also gave me an opportunity to excel on various extra-curricular activities. When I was in Grade Four, the Campus Journalism adviser of our school offered me a writing position on Ang Uhay-Official school publication of Bukandala Elementary School. At that time, I was selected as the official sports writer of our campus and represented our school on several schools press conferences. After my term as the sports writer of my school, I had altered my category and became a Feature Writer and Editor-in-Chief of the said school publication.

Apart from campus journalism, I had also joined several student organizations in BES. During my venture as an elementary student, aside from being the EiC of our publication, I was also elected as the President of Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) and Youth for Environment School Organization (YES-O). It was truly an honor to serve my fellow schoolmates and my school that made me a great leader.

My childhood were not just embedded and inclusive upon my education. Just like the other child at that time, I mainly spend my time playing with my cousins. I do not have a close friend within our community since I was residing on a family compound. At that time, I consider my father and my other family relatives as my friend.

Our family’s outmost shared bond was cycling. We mainly toured the whole vicinity of Imus. I was able to see on my naked eyes the alterations that had happened in Imus. The appearance of our city at that time was truly different upon its current state. To this day, I still clearly remember the peaceful green fields that you can see at every corner of Imus at that point of time. Most of the farmlands in Imus nowadays were converted into an enormous residential and industrial sites because of the intrusion of intrusive capitalism in our city.

Alongside with those various happy memories that I had rendered during my childhood, I had also encountered some tragic and sad circumstances in my life during my younger years.

When I was in Grade Five the head of our nuclear family died. I mainly consider my grandfather as the greatest public servant that I had met. He always induces us with his ideology that mainly favors the welfare of the poor since he was also promoting the common good within our community. There was a particular point of time wherein he said this sayings; “Hindi na bale na mahirap, basta walang tinapakang tao’t nakatutulong sa kapwa” in order to persuade us to always set aside our personal interest and nurture the induction of the public interest.

Moreover, apart from those narratives during my childhood. My memorable accounts during my teenage and adulthood junctures had also a major impact on the overall flow of my life. I’ve experienced valuable encounters and learned a lot of essential skills and knowledge from those that I applied in my everyday life.

On my teenage years, I was able to perceive my broader mindset upon dealing with the deeper realities of our lives. I had also discerned that I had a bigger role to portray within our society, so it’s truly a must to turn myself into a more responsible individual.

During my ventures at Imus National High School as a student, I become more logical beyond those circumstances that I had mainly encountered on my daily life. I always take on considerations the notions of other before I come up with a decision on a certain circumstance.

Apart from that, our teachers on the said Junior High School also had valuable competencies upon ensuring a great learning within their learners. They were helping the students to become more competent 21st century learners.

I also considered Junior High School as the biggest turning point of my life. From being an introvert person, I became more extrovert as I learn how to communicate with others. My knowledge and ideas about the realities on social classes and societal issues also become more rational and logical. I was also able to make friends and companion during my time in INHS.

My junctures on Campus Journalism doesn’t stop when I graduated from BES. When I was a Grade Seven student, I joined Ang Trailblazers-Official School Publication of Imus National High School. I entered the said publication as an editorial writer. My School Paper Advisers mainly conveys into myself the ways upon comprehending societal issues in order to create a logical editorial write-up. Aside from that, the trainings and seminars that I had attended also helped me to engulf a broader mindset and enigma into various societal issues.

The nameplate of our school publication was altered at the succeeding year because a new set of SPAs were assigned by our school administration. I thought that it will be hard for me to keep up with those changes, but those distinguished substituted SPAs proved me wrong. Instead of dragging me beyond the darkness, they helped me to become a better journalist and a leader that truly a remarkable experiences that I honoured and acknowledged for the rest of my life. They give too much positive impact to me that helps me grow as myself today.

During my time as a member of Panitik Imuseno-Official School Publication of Imus National High School, my SPAs had chosen me to become the Editor-in-Chief of the overall school publication for SY 2017-2018. My journey as the EIC of Panitik Imuseno was truly fruitful since we were able to gather various awards that can prove that I had greatly managed the said publication. All the achievements that the publication have received are not just our pride, but for the whole school as we carried the name of our beloved school. I am very happy and proud for the success of my tenure as the EIC since I just don’t enhance my skills as a writer and a leader but also, I found and build friendship from it. Most importantly, I’ve met different people that gives me an understanding for diversity.

As a normal teenager, I also got crushes. 2nd year of my Junior High School, I have met Keyen. She caught my attention due to something special in her aura that I’ve found interesting. At first, I kept it as a secret, but my friends don’t do the same. My friends always tease me when she’s around that makes her uncomfortable. Eventually, I’ve develop special feelings toward her, with full courage, I confessed my feelings to her. We talked about it privately and I asked her if it is okay, and fortunately she answered yes.

Keyen was good in handling boys that has crushes on her. She don’t make boys feel awkward and do not turn away. She make sure that boys knew that she prioritize her studies and say it in a nice way. She viewed and treated us as a friend and maintained a healthy friendly-relationship. As times goes by, I thought to myself that I don’t like her anymore instead I’m madly in love with her. The time I realized it, I immediately go to their house and asked permission to her parents if I could court their daughter.

Her family said that it’s okay to them and it’s all up to Keyen. According to them, there’s nothing wrong about it, but we should make sure that we will still prioritize our studies and we will always consider them in every action we will commit. After getting her family’s approval, I introduced Keyen to my family, relatives and friends. Courting her for years isn’t easy but I whole-heartedly enjoyed the experience. To make the story short, we are now on the third year of our relationship and still striving together to chase our dreams.

After I graduated from INHS, I entered into my new chapter of my life still with Keyen. I had enrolled at Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School. The said senior high school truly shows upon me the reality of our life. At first, it was hard for me to adopt and adjust with the new environment. New faces, transportation problems, overcrowded classrooms, hot and humid afternoon, and the awful smell of compost pit. Over the time, I used to it and do not complain anymore. The school I thought at first that wouldn’t good for me proved me that I was wrong.

During my 1st year in Senior High School, I really enjoyed schooling despite of my negative first impressions to it. Along the way, I build friendship, met different people, amazed by the teachers, developed news skills and even learned lot of life lessons.

Genpan gives me lots of opportunity that serves as an outlet to share my knowledge and skills to other. It also opens its doors for me to know more my capabilities that I have just discovered in SHS including my skills in Writing Science Related Article. Ms. Shemay Luz Austria, my Filipino teacher and also the school paper adviser of Ang Insurekto, schools official publication encouraged me to try Science Writing. I knew in myself that Science Writing isn’t my forte since my heart was in Editorial Writing which was my writing category for 4 consecutive years. At first I questioned my teachers’ decision to put me in the category I’m not fully familiar with.

I thought it would be hard category for me, but Ms. Mayo was very hard working to teach me the category. She trained me well and brought me to various trainings. I also took it as a challenge, therefore I work hard to ace that particular category. I study hard to know the techniques and improved my reasoning skills in writing. Little by little, I got hooked with Science Writing. After a while, I don’t have idea that I start enjoying it and eventually loved Science Writing.

Fortunately, during the Division School Press Conference, I won 5th Place and made it up to Regional School Press Conference even I am a newbie in Science Writing. I have also tasked to be the Science Page Editor and we made it to be the best Science Page in Imus. I don’t dismayed myself and my SPA and I am very grateful for that. Until now, I’m still amazed with Ms. Austria’s magic. Campus Journalist like me that don’t have an idea to what I have entered made it to triumph because of her patience.

However, COVID-19 Pandemic strike to the Philippines in the year 2020. Due to governments’ incompetence, the health crisis last for years and still don’t have certain date when it will end. The global crisis had also affected my life as an ordinary individual. It changed my everyday lifestyle including schooling. Distance Learning becomes the trend that induce lot of adjustments to every students. The pandemic gives me a glance beyond the hardships that we could encountered because of the differences of our social classes. Apart from that this catastrophe proves within myself to become more diligent and responsible towards foreseeing our dreams.

-END-

JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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FULFILLING THE GAPS The untold life story of Jonard Sabroso Saria

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Every one of us have our dispositions upon fulfilling the gaps that mainly act as the impediment of achieving our dreams. Jonard Saria was one of those persons who had succeeded to eradicate the intuition of apertures upon reaching the beacon hope that he used in order to achieve his lifelong goals.

Jonard Sabroso Saria was born on the 28th of May 1979. His birthday was simultaneously celebrated with the National Flag Day and the feast of the Patrol Saint of Alapan, St. Magdalene. The commemoration of Battle of Alapan were also observed during the day of his birth.

Jonard was the youngest child among the four children of Juanito and Ofelia Saria. He was also born and raised in the historical city of Imus. His ancestry was one of the well-known peasant family on the said locality. The agricultural subsidence on his family had been passed upon them for about three generations since the end of the Second World War. Saria Family was longing upon the alteration that will provide a great improvement upon their lives as a poor peasant farmers.

The childhood of Jonard was generally divergent with the minorities of other children during that time. At the age of six, he was already helping his parents and siblings on farming and tillage on their farmland in Bucandala since the said livelihood was his family’s main source of income. He was designated with the plowing of their rice field and mowing of wild grass that were intruding the soil nutrients from their paddy. Aside from that, he was also raising and taking care of their cows, buffalos and goats.

Poverty was not a barrier on designing Jonard’s cloud castles. When he was young, he always dreamed of raising his family from the intrusion of poverty. He also wanted to give his future child a better life in order to not experience the hardships that he faced during his childhood. Apart from that, just like the other kids he was also dreaming upon procuring a materialistic things. As an Imuseno native, he was aiming to have a Tamiya type Owner Type Jeep.

When Jonard turned seven, his mother enrolled him in Bukandala Elementary School. Those junctures serves as the new phase of his life wherein he begins to study and fill-in the gaps upon his trails on reaching his bountiful dreams. In the beginning of his studies on the said public elementary school, he mainly experienced some difficulties. There was a major conflict with his studies and their family’s sustenance. Until now, he can still remembered a point of time on his life wherein he missed about 12 school days because he was plowing their rice fields for the upcoming plantation season. Aside from that, he had also encountered some financial hardships with in the pursuant of his elementary education. At that time, the capability of the continuation of their lifelong learning was isolated to those students that came from the wealthy families in Imus. With the mercy of God and his incomparable perseverance on studies, Jonard was able to finish his primary education at the age of 12.

Teenage years was truly an amazing phase of our lives. Within this stage of our existence, we are be able to foresee the realities of our regimen in this world. Much like from his experiences during his childhood, Jonard were still experiencing the intuition of poverty into his life. Although his family mainly experiencing financial struggles due to the economic recession in 90s, he continued to pursue his secondary education at Imus National High School (INHS). While he was studying at INHS, he also carries on assisting his family within their livelihood.

Jonard was able to make a lot of friends while he was in high school. He was an extrovert person and very approachable with other people. Marinel Manicio and Jopher Maliksi were some of his most notable friends in INHS. Those persons were part of his circle of friends that includes also his brother, Roel. Their small farmland also used to be their hangout place after their class.

Four years passed quickly. Jonard were able to end his secondary education at INHS on 1996. Beyond this circumstance, his parents were given him a chance to make a decision with regards on his hereafter. His parents specified a two viable options, to pursue his college education or prolong his assistance with their family’s livelihood.

Beyond the intrusion of his severe perseverance and diligence upon his volition to fill-in the gaps on the trail that he will go through in order to achieve his dreams. He had decided to continue his studies in college. His parent’s agreed with his decision. But, there was a condition wherein he will be only allowed to enroll in college after a year in order to make a room on the cumulating of monetary fund for his tertiary studies.

Jonard made a practical choice on pursuing Bachelor of Secondary Education-Major in Filipino at De la Salle University-Dasmarinas. It was truly an empirical decision on going after the Teaching profession because it was the one of the most in-demand job in late 90s and early 2000s.

DLSU-Dasma was the most prestigious university in Cavite. Although the pursuant of education on the said university was truly expensive, his family still managed to provide financial support within his study. His older sister Irene was an alumni on the said school.

Jonard and his siblings doubled their work and persistence on farming while his parents were starting to start a venture on transportation business. His Cow named Pricilla was also sold in order to support his tertiary education. He was truly determined to finish his study in order to give them a better hereafter and end their decade-long hardships.

When Jonard was on his third year at La Salle, he crossed paths with Ma. Rosita, a beautiful and smart woman from Ilo-Ilo. He was able to meet Ma. Rosita because they were both studying in Dasmarinas. Rosita was taking his college degree in accountancy in Philippine Christian University, while Jonard was pursuing his teaching education in DLSU. They become a lover and eventually get married on the 21st day of June 1998.

Although Jonard got married, he mainly continued his studies. He applied for several part time jobs in order to support their marital needs. His wife, Ma. Rosita had decided also to stop on studying and make herself a fulltime wife of Jonard.

After his four years of hardships on college, he finally graduated from his chosen course. He never expected upon the course of his life that he will be able to become a teacher. On the other hand, although he had already finished his studies, he was still studying and reviewing for the upcoming Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

While completing his review for LET, his handsome with an angelic face son was born on the 27th of October. He named his first and only child, Jonard James. Jonard named his son after him since he wanted to pass the greatness that were inculcated beyond the said name. He added the name James on his son in order to commemorate St. James the Great. Aside from that their farmland were also sold with those Residential Developers from Manila in order to support his reviews

Jonard passed the LET and gained his PRC identification card for educators. He started his teaching career in St. Odilard School. While pursuing his teaching career, he and his wife were helping each other in order to raise their child. Aside from that, he was also acting as the very first child teacher of his Son. He want to assure that his son will grow with an intelligent and righteous mind.

After his stint in St. Odilard School, Jonard had appealed for a teaching position in Imus National High School (INHS). Before he was transferred in INHS, he became a part of the teaching workforce of Imus National High School-Alapan Annex (Hipolito Saquilayan National High School). He had faced struggles on teaching since there was a bigger classroom size in public schools rather that the private schools. Aside from that, since he was a new teacher in the Division of Cavite, most of his salaries were delayed. He mainly worked as an LSB. There was a particular point of time wherein he did not received any monetary salary for about three months. After two years of being a teacher on the said school, he was able to start his job as an educator in INHS-Main.

On the other hand, while taking the hardships on teaching in public schools. On the seventh of May 2014, his father died due to heart complications. It was truly a heart breaking day for him, since he was very close to his father. Apart from that, he mainly considered his father as his mentor, especially on imposing the public interest into the society. The knowledge and grasps that he had given by sir father was truly valuable and important to him.

As of today, Jonard was a full-pledged Teacher III, Supply Officer and Property Custodian of INHS. He is one of those persons behind the disciplined change that had happened on the said school. He was currently taking his Master’s Degree in Cavite State University.

Apart from being a successful teacher, he had achieved his dream to help his family to take out from the intrusion of poverty and raise a child on a rightful manner without experiencing any hardships that he went through. Alongside with that, he had also achieved his dream to own an owner type jeep. And, because of the mercy of God, he was also given a chance to procure a house and a car.

So far, within Jonard’s life achievements. He can truly prove that he was able to fulfill the gaps beyond reaching his valuable and bountiful dreams.

-END-

JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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UNDYING DISCERNMENT A Reaction on Keyen Marie Miguel’s Narrative Text about the Political Career of late Senator Meriam Defensor-Santiago

Reading upon Keyen Marie Miguel’s narrative text about the political career of the late Senator Meriam Defensor-Santiago. I had mainly perceived that the said Senator from the province of Ilo-Ilo was truly a symbol of braveness and fortitude. Aside from that, the said legislator was also contemplated as an avid supporter of a fair and equal justice. It was also mentioned into the introductory part of said narrative text that, Sen. Santiago embodies a bold character, smart sense of humor and a great competency on debate that mainly made herself as a remarkable lady in the National and International Politics. Beyond reading the overall narrative essay, I had appraised that the undying discernments that were inculcated by Sen. Santiago into the enigmas of the Filipinos could never be replaced. Undeniably, Sen. Santiago, the ‘Iron Lady of Asia’ could never be forgotten because of her great deeds that proves that the Philippine politicians can attribute a change for a better hereafter of their nation.

Sen. Santiago had become the ideogram of change within the Philippine Government. It was stated on the essay of Keyen that Meriam have proved that not every politicians had the same motives on procuring a government position. Beyond the leadership of the distinguish political leader in Bureau of Immigration (BI) to a steward of equitable justice of being a judge of International Criminal Court (ICC) and a Senator to the Republic of the Philippines, Sen. Santiago was able to impose her virtue of having an ethical and accountable governance. Keyen had also mentioned on the write-up that, before Sen. Santiago was able instituted in various government positions, she become a Legal Officer of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a presiding judge and a professional lecturer in University of the Philippines-College of Law. Beyond those professional careers on those prestigious positions, Sen. Miriam inducted herself to build a strong reputation and integrity that will help her to suite-in to become a civil servant in 1988.

Throughout Sen. Santiago’s career in the government, she had been encountered numerous enemies against her righteousness on politics and governance. As the commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration in 1988 to 1989 she was able to battle the corruption within her department. She also captured thousands of illegal migrants during her term as the commissioner. Those illegal migrants mainly cause the surging increase of unemployment rate in the Philippines during that time. After her service in the immigration bureau, she became the Secretary of Agrarian Reform where she had fought the rich landlords and oligarchs that mainly controls the flow of production of the agriculture sector in the Philippines.

In 1991, beyond the creation of her People’s Reform Party. Sen. Santiago turned his path on a different direction as she aims to run for presidency the following year. She was determined to beat President Fidel V. Ramos, the Aquino administration’s standard-bearer. But just what does the political analyst had been already predicted, Sen. Santiago lose the presidency beyond the scandalous canvassing in 1992. But on 1995 she regains his hope of promoting the ethical governance as she was able to be elected as the Senator of the Philippines in 1995.

As a steward of change beyond the most autonomous department of the Philippines, the late Senator Santiago was able to become the legislator to file the most number of senate bills and resolutions that mainly tackles the feasible solutions on the education problem and unequal induction of a fair justice among the Filipinos. According to the Official Website of the Senate of the Philippines,

Santiago had filed a total of 1,007 bills and resolutions. One of the most noticeable bill that she had been filed that never had a chance to passed by the senate is the Senate Bill 1573 or the Pandemic Preparedness Act that mainly foist the readiness of the country on addressing the possible dismissive effect of a pandemic. If this bill was able to be signed during Sen. Santiago’s term on 2014, the Philippines could prevent the pessimistic alterations of the COVID-19 Pandemic into the Filipino’s lives.

Keyen also elaborated on the write-up that, there are a lot of laws and senate bills that Sen. Santiago was able to authorized and enacted as a senator aside from the Pandemic Preparedness Act. One of the foremost famous law that she had been authorized was the Republic Act 10354 or the Reproductive Health Act of 2012. The said law was able to reduce the increase of the Philippine population since it was enacted into a law. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there was a seven percent decrease on the population growth since 2013. This decrease on the population helps the Philippines to combat the lacking of supplemental supplies of basic needs of the country. This law also helped the nation to avoid the economic recession that they could had been faced in 2013.

Aside from the RH Law, she authorized also the Sin Tax Law that foisted a higher tax on tobacco and alcoholic products in order to promote the importance of help by discouraging their vices. Beside from the public health concerns, Sen. Santiago was also authorized the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 that mainly induced to help the ailing environment.

As the representative and a promoter of women’s right, Sen. Santiago was also able to authorize the Magna Carta for Women. Beyond this law, the eradication discriminations against women could be achieved by penalizing its violators and the promotion of the rights of women. This law was mainly protect the rights of every Filipinas.

Apart from the women’s rights, the Iron Lady of Asia was also permitted the enactment of the Philippine Act against the International Humanitarian Law that greatly imposed the strengthening of the criminal justice in the Philippines. One side with those various human rights associated laws, Sen. Santiago was also able to authorize several laws that will impose an alterations on the politics of the Philippines. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Law and the Anti-Dynasty Bill was the noticeable sanctions that inducted the changes on the political system of the Philippines. According to the FOI Law, the Filipino citizens will be given a privilege to access the government transactions and imposing a background checking of the government officials beyond their SALN’s. On the other hand the anti-dynasty bill that she authorized will implement the Article II Section 26 of the Philippine Constitution that mainly implied that "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law." Aside from those bill and law, she also imposed the Anti-Epal Bill that was mainly subjected to end the annoying intrudes of the politicians.

Alongside with those various bills and laws that she had been enacted, Sen. Santiago had become the chair of the several scandalous departments on the senate. As the Chair of the Commission on Appointments, she was able to impose such stricter qualification on the appointed secretaries of the President.

During her time, the appointment’s commission become more ethical on admitting the possible candidates for the executive department’s positions. Aside from her chairwomanship, the also blasted her thoughts on several hearings and deliberations of laws in the senate. During the impeachment of Late Chief Justice Renato Corona, she became famous due to her dismissive comments on the prosecution. The current National Police Commissioner Vitalliano Aguire was able to feel the defiance of Sen. Santiago as his team was not able to present various evidences that will prove that CJ Corona was guilty and equitable for an impeachment. Her ‘not guilty’ verdict on CJ Corona mainly shows her strong adherence of justice and law as she was able to see the lapses beyond the evidences and claims that foisted the prosecution team. Sen. Santiago was also become the adversary of Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, because she questioned the distribution of the Senate’s fund for the Christmas bonuses of some senators. Through her manifestations on the senate she always shows her anger and disappointment against their senate president.

Alongside with her achievements and strong adherence on the senate, Sen. Santiago was also able to show off her talent on the legislation on the international level. In 2011 she became the judge of the International Criminal Court where she had faced several persons with such power on displacing the truth and justice among their countries.

In 2016, Sen. Santiago decided to run again for the presidency. But she was not able to gain the highest position on the Philippine Government because of her health issues. If the table was able turned around and she had a great health during her candidacy, she may had been elected as the president and given a chance to impose her ethical and righteous political agenda in this nation.

Consequently, the narrative essay that were written by Keyen was a great narration on the political career of Sen. Santiago. I can personally perceive that the write-up mainly proves that the ‘Iron Lady of Asia’ truly left us with an undying discernments that we could use in order to craft a better hereafter of our nation.

-END-

JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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PASSIONATELY INCREDIBLE A Reflection Essay of Jonard James L. Saria

Since I enter the world of Campus Journalism when I was in elementary, I had mainly considered the said venture as a beacon of light that guides me towards the deliberation of truth and realities of our society. I had also contemplated the school publications as the awakener of veracity among the students in which it will greatly imply a better decision making to them that could impose agreater hereafter on our nation. Although I appraised Campus Journalism as my lifelong incredible passion, there was a circumstance wherein I almost decided to leave and suppress the said undertaking.

Every campus journalist had a desire to win and qualify to the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC). For every writers, it was a privilege to represent their division to the RSPC since it was a very prestigious competition for the CALABARZON scribes. In 2018, I was given an opportunity to withstand the battle for a spot to the said regional tournament. At that time, I am the Editor-in-Chief of our school publication. That’s why I had an eagerness to win, since I am the one who mainly support my colleagues in order to do their best and bring home the bacon into our school.

When I fought for the qualifying admission for the RSPC as an individual Editorial Writer on the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) 2018, I had only placed seventh. Only the top five winners of the said competition will be given a chance to be chartered as an official representative for the RSPC. Because of that, our School Paper Advisers (SPA) had decided to institute me on our Collaborative Publishing Group as a writer.

I prepared a lot for the said upcoming competition. I asked also an assistance from the former editorial writers of our school. I had also joined several seminars and trainings in order to gain the grasps about editorial writing. Apart from that, our collaborative publishing team were also conducting trainings that tails it way until midnight in order to ensure a better readiness to the said tournament. Our SPAs had also invited some regional trainers and speakers for the indefinite preparation and inclination for clinching a spot to the Regional Press Conference.

I have all the pressure for the said event, since my triumph towards the competition will dignify my legacy as a campus journalist and the EiC of our school publication. A day before the competition, I had a serious conversation with my SPAs. They told me to ease my fear and pressure for the upcoming contention for the RSPC since I had nothing to prove upon my stint as the leader of our school publication. They had also said that, our campus journalism team had also acquired an accumulated points that will secure a position on the top three best performing school in our division. This words from my advisers relieved my agitations and fear towards the tournament. But, I still can't get rid of my desire to win since the said strife was a bout of our pride as campus journalist.

During the day of the said competition, I had readied myself by having an extensive prayer and a short self-training. Before I went to the contest area, I had met some of my fellow campus journalist from our school publication. They did what I did to them in every competitions. They mainly rooting and cheering for my success. Most of them were hoping to make my way to contend for the RSPC. They all want to have a leader that will support and guide them for their battle on the regional competitions. Because of this actions of my colleagues, I become more nervous and the pressure had already went through my veins.

Even though I will be having a competition at that day, I also mainly supervising the school publication for the preparation of the event. Our school was the chosen host for the Collaborative Desktop Publishing Competition of the DSPC. The press conference started at exactly 9 a.m. The topic that was tackled on the conclave was about the implementation of the Green School Program. I mainly thought that having this topic for our competition will imply a huge advantage upon us because our school at that time was the mother implementer of the said program in our division. But, I was wrong. Having too much complacent will just induce a bad and inferior results.

After the induction of the press conference, the facilitators had announced the start of the creation of our outputs. I finished immediately the three articles that were assigned to me in order to help my other teammates. Within our collaborative publishing group, I am the most experienced writer in terms of winning record and practice. When I was in Grade Seven, I was given a chance to qualify for the RSPC as also an editorial writer. During that time, our team placed sixth on the said regional tournament. Our victory within the said competition was recognized by our division.

As we continued to create our output for the competition. Our News and Sports writers asked for my assistance. I helped our news writer for the intellection of the Hammer Head of our output, while the sport writer asked my permission to write a sports-feature article and the Hammer Head of her banner article. I do not hesitate to help them, it was a pleasure upon me to help them and made a better output for the competition.

After two hours, the timer stopped. This circumstance means that all of the outputs that we were creating must be printed and passed into the facilitators. With the mercy of God, we were able to made a copy of our output and give it to the enablers of the competition. Even though we had finished on time our oeuvre it doesn’t guarantee our success and contention for the RSPC.

While waiting for the results, I was able to put up a conversation with my SPAs again. At this time, they told me that after this competition we will start to create our school paper. Even though I do not on the current undertaking, it’s a must for me to make a way to achieve a success for the newspaper that we will about to create.

After for almost five hours of waiting for the results to came in, the facilitators of the contest announced that only the first and the second placer of each category will be having a contention to the RSPC. While declaring the winners for the tournament, I had a great doubt that I will make on the final cut of the qualifiers since most of my competitors were also a well-experienced writers.

Beyond the announcement of winners, the facilitator had announced that I was just a third placer for my category. I was devastated but not shocked for the results. Even before the contest, I had already readied myself for a possible negative discernment for the tournament. Although I accepted my defeat, my pessimistic emotion for the circumstance was raised and I started to cry out loud.

For almost an hour, I was crying on my father’s office. I was just relieved when my mother came in and comforted me. She mainly instituted with myself the intuition of self-contentment and being proud upon my small success.

The following day after the Collaborative Desktop Publishing Contest was the awarding of the best performing schools in the Division of Imus City. I was hesitant to go on the said event since I was still dealing with my disappointment with my defeat. But, there was a small eagerness upon myself that encourages me to attend on the said awarding. When I arrived on the venue, my SPAs welcomed me and gave their approval to let me receive the award for our school. At that time, that was the greatest achievement that I had gather throughout my life.

After the induction of the awards, our team was immediately started to regroup and made some preparation for the creation of our school paper in which we were able to gain the title of being ‘The Best School Paper in the Division of Imus City.’ Aside from that, because of our success on campus journalism. I was able to get an award on communication arts in Filipino during our moving up ceremony in 2019.

This circumstance on my campus journalism stint dignifies my passion towards the said venture was truly incredible. These events also made myself stronger upon the acceptance of defeat and strengthening my competencies on writing and leadership. Apart from that, those knowledge and grasps that I had ponder from this occurrence made myself a better person, journalist and a leader. I had also proved beyond this hap that we must be passionately incredible in order to achieve our goals and success in our every undertakings.

-END-

JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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METAMORPHOSIS OF A WRITER A memoir of Jonard James Lagdamen Saria

I’ve been a part of Campus Journalism for about nine years. I started my stint on school publications when I was in Grade Four. Our School Paper Adviser (SPA) in Bukandala Elementary School encourages me to join the said organization and support the main objective of journalism which is to propagate the truth beyond the issues of our society.

For about a decade of involvement in this kind of venture, I had gathered a lot of experiences and memories to share on other aspiring campus journalist that can act as an inspiration to them. I had also already considered this undertaking as a metamorphosis that makes ourselves day by day. Beyond those momentous stories and memories, I had this distinct circumstance wherein it proves that with the intrusion of diligence and perseverance we can achieve the success on the field of campus journalism.

When I became a Grade 11 student in Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School (GPGSHS) in 2019, I applied for the editorial writer position on Ang Insurekto-Official School Publication of GPGSHS. Even though I am a former Editorial Writer from my previous school publication embedded with experiences and skills. Ms. Shemay Austria, the SPA of Ang Insurekto, denied my appeal for the position. I asked her about the decision and she said that I am not suited for the said category. She also gave me an advice to explore on other categories in order to make myself more flexible writer.

Even though I had a resentment on the settlement of Ms. Austria on my application, I followed her advice and seek for a new category to consolidate. I tried to take on the grasps of Copy Reading and Headline Writing (CRHW), but the mechanics and processes of the said category were inadmissible with my journalistic skills and knowledge.

After I had endeavored the CRHW, I attempted to become a Science Writer. Science Writing was my second most preferred category in Campus Journalism, since I have a competencies on news, editorial and feature writing. When Ms. Austria gave me an activity on the said compartment, I gave my best to proffer her a coercive and meaningful Science Article. She was impressed with my output, and finally decided to institute me in Science Writing-Filipino.

Following with her resolution, she immediately registered me on a Division Campus Journalism Training. Although I had a doubt with my new category, I decided to accept her invitation and join the training. Most of my comrades on the seminar was an oracle on the said field. Some of those science writers that joined the seminar was national winners and qualifiers. The announcement of our proctor that our outputs will be ranked added more pressure through my veins.

I did not expected the outcome of my first campus journalism training as a science writer. Throughout the two day seminar wherein we are tasked to write four different science articles, I ranked first on one of those activities. The proctors also declared that I am the Third Placer for the Science Writing Category on the said training. Those circumstance strengthen my motives towards making myself a more diligent and skillful science writer for our school publication. I had also finally decided to take on my writing path in science and make it my main medium of category for campus journalism. Aside from that, Ms. Austria had also made a resolution that inducting myself as the official Science Page Editor of Ang Insurekto.

Subsequent to those events, Ms. Austria conducted a weekly trainings for campus journalist. Beyond this undertaking, I gave everything in order to make myself the best Science Writer in the Schools Division of Imus City. On training days that I had attended, I gave my best to produce an output that will satisfy the standards of Ms. Austria on Science Writing. Aside from the school-based training sessions, I also undergoes mentoring with some of the most notable journalist/trainers in CALABARZON. Within this circumstance, I was able to meet Rhandee Garlitos, a book author and a writer from Manila Bulletin and Dennis Vidar, the national and the official trainer of our region on CRHW and News Writing. With those experiences, I was able to induce a massive improvement on my writing styles and techniques. My passion towards campus journalism had also grew even stronger.

A day prior to the Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC), Ms. Austria called a meeting. She wanted to tackle the official game plan of the school publication for the said competition. Within the meeting of the organization, she assigned me to lead the Grade 11 scribes of the campus. Ms. Austria wanted me to supervise my fellow writers in order to make themselves comfortable and confident during the contest. Although it may be an additional burden upon me, I take this responsibility as a challenge.

Aside from being the chosen leader, Ms. Austria had also given her trust to me. She believes that her decision and my dedication towards science writing will make its way to give me a contention towards the upcoming Regional Schools Press Conference. Alongside with that, she also wanted to prove that she had an admirable talent on producing a skillful and successful writers. Three years prior to the events, she was able to produce two journalist that had qualified on the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

During the day of our contest, I readied myself by writing a four paged article. This kind of training style will help myself to become more prepared on the upcoming tournament. There was a rumor before the DSPC that the topic that will be discussed on Science Writing was about Vape or E-Cigarettes. These gossips made myself more comfortable, yet not complacent for the possible outcome of the contest because although I had already written an article about e-cigarettes. It will not guarantee that I can give the best and the most unique angle for my science article.

After some few minutes after the opening program of DSPC, the proctor started to call the names of writers that will compete for Science Writing. My nervousness towards the completion arise and my concentration with the contest had also affected.

While we are piling a line before entering our contest room, I saw a paper on a table. It shows an infographic about the benefits and the negative effects of using vapes and e-cigarettes. My gut feeling about the possible topic for the contest grew stronger. I started to recall all of the data and information that I had taking while practicing a science article that deals with electronic cigarettes.

Just soon as a blink of an eye, the facilitator of the contest called and let us enter to the contest venue. While waiting for the fact sheets to be distributed, I started to draft my outline that will tackle the contemporary issues, history, benefits and the negative effects of smoking vapes. My action with this circumstance gave me a huge advantage against my 25 opponents.

For almost a minute of waiting, the distribution of the fact sheets had started. And then, when I opened the enveloped that contains the informational graphic. I was surprised that the paper that contains an infographic about vapes that I saw before the tournament was the contest material that we are about to use.

We were given a one-hour grace period on writing our science article. I needed to maximize this allocated time in order to craft a coercive and valuable write-up. My target output for the contest was an article that contains 20 paragraphs and five subheads. Even if it seems impossible to do, I stick with that plan. That kind of lengthy scientific article will cost a normal writer about three hours in order to write it coercively. But for me, I had a belief that I could do it for just one hour.

During the writing phase of the contest, I tried everything to manage effectively the allocated time for us. On the first 20 minutes of the contest, I was able to write the first three subheads with four paragraphs on each line of the article. As the time goes by, I did not noticed that the given time was running out and I needed to finish the write-up immediately. Although the proctor added 10 more minutes on the given time, it wasn’t enough for me to do the impossible thing on the field of science writing. With the grace of God, the facilitators of the contest given me a chance to finally conclude my article even though the time limit had already exceeded. I was also the only student left at the contest venue.

When I had finally finished my write-up, I immediately goes through Ms. Austria and I tell her the things that happened during the contest. Our SPA had a doubt about the circumstances since I exceed for the given time limit. She also told me that, what I had done was a ground for disqualification.

24 hours had passed and the results of the contest had been already submitted to the Division Office. At first, I do not want to attend the awarding since I have a great doubt beyond my performance on the DSPC. But, my colleagues and other co-journalist deeply encourages me to attend the awarding ceremony since they had a feeling that the proctors did not disqualify my write-up.

When we arrived on the awarding ceremony, the program had already started. At that time, they are already done with the announcement of winners on CRHW. The next category to be presented was science writing. Even though I had a grasp that I will not won, the announcer called my name and stated that I am a contender for the upcoming RSPC.

I was so happy with that news since I had finally proved into myself that I can become a very flexible writer since I had won and qualified on the regionals on three different categories. Ms. Austria was also very joyful with my achievement and told me that since she denied my application for the editorial writer position. She had already foreseen my success on other related category on campus journalism.

This circumstance on my campus journalism career was truly unforgettable. I was able to prove that though diligence and trust on our mentors, we could achieve our own different goals. Apart from that, this events also made me more confident and established towards my role as a student journalist. This memoir could also act as the guiding inspiration for other aspiring writers. This occurrence also proves that I am already at the end of my metamorphosis as a writer since I was able achieve various awards and recognitions within my nine-year stint as a campus journalist.

-END-

JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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CONCEALED TRUTH A facial recognition essay of Jonard James L. Saria

Sometimes truth can be hidden behind our joyful smiles. In fact, most of the people have a great skill in keeping true emotions through grinning in order to avoid great suspicions and concerns from others about the hardships that they were going through in life. My mother, Ma. Rosita Saria is that kind of person. In every moment, she always shows her bright smile toward us just to not make us worry about her even though she was suffering from problems.

Since I was young, my mother had this habit of concealing her hardships that she goes through in order to keep us away from implying our concerns to her. She hides her true emotions with her mesmerizing smile, just to fake it. There was no particular moment in my life that I had seen her sad and depressed. Although her actions may imply positivity upon us, it was truly unfair for herself to suppress her personal emotions just to make others happy and comfortable.

Beyond looking with her eyes, it was impossible to foresee the underlying difficulties that she were experiencing. Apart from that, it was also hard determine the true emotion of a person with their eyes. Because, I believe that our eyes could also lie. I had already proven this notion with a particular circumstance in my life. My mother was able to hinder me the truth with the true financial situation of our family through her joyful eye articulations. Whenever I asked her if there was a problem with our monetary sustainability, she was just always cheerfully looking at me and says that everything was just fine even though it’s not.

Apart from her eyes, her lips also obscures the emotional pain that she feels just to make other feel better. For her, her facial expression was the main basis of the possible psychological sentiment of our other family members. There was a particular point of time wherein she induces a bountiful smile although our dog, Choc-O died. When I questioned her about her action, she just consequently said that she wanted to make us feel better through her grins. Those gestures of my mother was truly commendable and yet very non-selfish. She always taken on consideration the feelings of others before her own fondness.

Moreover, her pinkish rotund cheeks was her main facial asset that gathers my father’s attention when he first saw her. My father, Jonard Saria had fallen in love with her joyful smile and very cute rounded cheeks like a newly baked muffin. Throughout their 22 years of marriage, my father never get surfeited with her looks and strong personality. Aside from that, even though my mother was always obscuring her true emotional feelings by smiling. My father never gets tired from it, but instead he take those actions as a way of implying such positivity within the family.

If I had any inherited traits from my mother’s face, it was her nose. It can be easily observed that we had the same shape of our nose even though most of the people told me that I had a Spanish-like pointed nose. Aside from the physical similarities of our noses. My mother and I had also this mannerism of indefinite enlargement of our nostrils whenever we were trying to lie. It was hard for me to hide something from my mother, since she can easily distinguish if I were lying. I had noticed this uncontrollable habit from my mother on the day that she lied upon me with the death of my rabbit. On that particular circumstance, I was just a nine year-old child. She told me that pet rabbit was fine and still alive, but in reality it was already dead. I got mad with her because she lied on me. But, I easily forgive her since she bought me a new pet rabbit.

Aside from her nose, majority of our relatives said that I had also copied my mother’s eyebrows. According to my mother, our eyebrows was very unique and significant since it was the affirmation that I was a true-blooded Lagdamen. Even our eyebrows could also hinder our emotions. My mother and I had this customs of having a cheerful formation of brows even though we were sad. According to my mother, it was a family’s mannerism that had passed through different generations since it was a practice on our ancestry to hide our true emotion on a diverse scenarios.

As we further look into her face, we could easily noticed that she had battled a lot of problems within the course of her life. She had a lot of wrinkles on her face that symbolizes her personality as a hardworking and selfless kind of mother. There was some circumstances in her life wherein she forgets to take care of herself because she always wanted to give me a better life. When I was young, my mother always take on consideration the welfare of each family rather than her own well-being. She do not have time to put-in some beauty regiments that will avoid the incorporation of her wrinkles. Those furrows on her forehead was a symbol of her incomparable love upon us.

Alongside with her wrinkles, we could also observe that her hair was very thin. When she was young he had a very thick and nourished hair. As the time goes by, and because of her age her hair was slowly falling off. Although our hair do not had an interconnection with our facial expression, it can also conceal our true colors. My mother’s thin hair was a representation of her continues dissimulation of her problems that she were battling. During my childhood, my mother was so worried beyond the financial difficulties of our family. There was a circumstance wherein my mother became insomniac since she was always thinking on my hereafter. Due to stress and lack of sleep, her hair slowly fallen off. She never told us with those occurrence. We only found out the truth when we noticed a lot of fallen hair on our comfort room.

On the other hand, as of today she had already recovered from her insomniac disorder and distress. Her hair was also gradually growing since she undergo through a treatment. She also put some hair extensions in order to make her hair thicker.

Indeed, truth can truly hinder behind our physical appearance and the way on how we act and my mother was the best person to undertake that kind of gesture. Even though my mother could conceal her truthful emotions through facial expressions and gestures, her matchless love upon our family can be easily felt and perceived. I am very lucky to have a mother that constantly brings joy and positivity upon us. No matter how hard she will try to fake her feelings, I will still do my best to check on her always and make her feel that she is loved and appreciated.

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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THE CITY OF GRACE A Travelogue write-up of Jonard James L. Saria about Baguio City

The City of Baguio’s beauty was truly amazing and mesmerizing. Each year, whenever the month of December comes. The total human population of the said city almost doubled due to the sudden influx of tourists from other localities in the Philippines and even from the other countries in the world. So, when I was given an opportunity to visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines in 2019. I did not hesitate and immediately accepted my family's persuasion to look in with one of the most wonderful city in the country.

Baguio City was distant from CALABARZON. It was approximately 500 kilometers away from the City of Imus. According to some elderly travelers who used to visit the City of Pines in the 90s, their trip took them about twelve hours. I had felt a mixture of joy and excitement when I learned those information because I was not used to go through long journeys. I was also tasked my father to be his relief replacement driver for our expedition.

When our family started our voyage to the City of Baguio, I was surprised with the brevity of our travel time. The said circumstance was probably caused by the continues establishment of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of Expressways or connecting wide roads that goes through Manila and the Cordillera mountains. Some examples of these roads are the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and the recently inaugurated route, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). After more than six hours of traverse, our family finally reached Baguio City. We immediately went to the Transient House where we were staying. Although it was a just small home, it filled our family's housing needs. These temporary rental houses in Baguio are also popular because of its cheap daily and nighttime fees.

On the afternoon of that day, we immediately visited the Baguio City Museum that were Inspired by Ifugao architecture. I learned there that during the time of the Spaniards, there was already a recorded preliminary summaries of history that discusses the geography and anthropology of the city. Kafagway was the first name given to this place because it was the home of the Kankana-ey and Ibaloy tribes of the Cordillera.

I had also learned from a seasoned tour guide from the museum that when the Americans occupied the country in 1900s. The white subjugators were immediately attracted to the gold mines that could be extracted from mountains. The frigid climate of the place that matches the health needs of western foreigners also allured the conquerors.

Bestowing anew from the narratives of our tour guide at museum, when the foreigners finally besieged Kafagaway (Baguio), the Americans built a road that connects Benguet to Pangasinan. The American Commission named the route as ‘Kennon Road’ in honor of Col. Lyman Walter Vere Kennon, the master planner of said artery. A few months after the construction of road, the American soldiers had also immediately established a military base and named it Camp John Hay. Three years after the creation of various military bases and connecting roads from other cities and provinces, the board of the American Commission has formally enacted the cityhood of Baguio with an identity as the ‘Summer Capital of the Philippines.’

The time I had spent at the said museum was really worthwhile because I had perceived several new knowledge that I could share from my other colleagues. Aside from the significant history that surrounds the city. One of the best things I can say that the residents of Baguio should be proud of was its climate. At an altitude of 1,524 meters above sea level, we could almost take in the grasp of the sky as we embrace by the extremely cold climate of the locality. I had also experienced a severe difficulty on taking a bath in the city since the chilling tap water biting throughout my bone.

One of the vanity features of Baguio that I consider was its stunning green environment and old historic buildings. One of the infrastructure that caught my attention was the Baguio Cathedral. I can compare its architectural design to the Saint Basil’s Cathedral of Moscow, Russia.

To this day, the City of Baguio can still be contemplated as the center of military excellence. Even though some of the military bases on the city had ceased their operations, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) was established there. The said academy is one of the prestigious military and leadership schools in the country. Wherein the officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) train students who aspire to serve the country. The facilities that can be seen on the academy were also astonishing. Because, according to the director general in charge of the academy, their teaching equipment was ‘state of the art’ in order to make our military soldiers globally competitive. My experience in this place was one of the most unforgettable because I was able to hold rifle of the soldier living on the academy.

The dishes that can be eaten from the vanity eateries in Baguio City were also very delicious. I still can’t forget the unique taste of the foods served at the Great Taste Restaurant, a famous eatery located at Otek St, Baguio City. Aside from the courses that can be eaten on the restaurants of the city. The foods that can be given away with friends and other family members are also unique. Some of those are Strawberry Jam, Ube Jam, Peanut Brittle and Strawberry Wine. They are also selling clothes and key chains that can be taken home to some relatives. So that they can feel the mesmerizing cultures of Baguio city.

Unbeknownst to everyone. Apart from being the Summer Capital, the city of Baguio was also known for its second -hand clothes and equipment also known as Ukay-ukay. At exactly eight o'clock in the evening, the night market along Session Road in the city center gradually fills up with buyers and tourists. We could buy quality clothes there at cheap prices.

Even though Baguio is already an urbanized city, the vegetable trade there was still abundant. Their town market is full of a variety of vegetables and fruits. The number of people there was also colossal because the price of goods on the market is three times lower compared to the emporiums in Cavite and Manila.

Due to the massive influx of people in Baguio City, it was inevitable to prevent heavy traffic on the main roads of the city. Our family had experienced the said circumstance. It almost engulfed the entire time that we traveled in the city. This incident reflects that the city was not prepared to receive a plenty of visitors. Because, Architect David Burnham designed the city only for its small city population at the time. Although our experience on Baguio’s traffic was not good, our trip can still be considered a success.

I will never forget our family's trip to Baguio City. I had so many new experiences that I mainly enjoyed while staying on the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Apart from that, I had also learned new historical information from our tour at the unique and historic place. I am hoping that at the end of this pandemic, I can return and revisit the city of grace that gives pleasure and happiness to every Filipino.

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JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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jonardjamessaria · 3 years

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INEVITABLE CIRCUMSTANCE A Self-Obituary Essay of Jonard James L. Saria

Death is truly inevitable. It was considered as a part of our lifelong journey in this world that we must be able to fulfill. There was no such person that has a power and control to determine the day of our annihilation. In order to avoid repentances on the diurnal course of our obliteration, it would be better to live our lives into the fullest and always consider doing good deeds into others. Beyond this self-obituary essay, let me share with you my consequential life experiences and obitual messages that can serve as an inspiration into others in pursuance of implying goodness among others.

Until now, I still cannot believe that I had already died. Although I was just an 18 year-old teenager filled with dreams that I wanted to achieve. The destiny had already decided to take away my life and provide a privilege upon myself to be given a new great experiences on the afterlife. Up to this point, I am aspiring that my kindness that I had implied all throughout my life was valued and appreciated by those people that I had benefited. I am also hoping that most of my friends and family relatives, especially my parents had already relieved the pain beyond my unexpected loss.

My death had great impact on our society because I am one of those people who mainly believes on the value of implying goodness into others. Signifying tenderness and wisdom among other person will make lives more valuable and meaningful since we are able to promote the kindness by doing rightful acts. Apart from that, those actions will also make ourselves a better person for the reason of we were a man of good will.

Since I was young, my parents were always reminding me about the importance of doing great things on the people around me and to the society as a whole. They constantly says that the great things that I can be done all throughout my life will be my legacy that can be remembered up until my death. Apart from that, they also inculcated upon myself the one of the virtue of the Filipinos which is ‘Pagpupunla ng Kabutihan sa Kapwa.’ There was a particular point of time wherein I was able to put on application the grasps that I had taken beyond listening into my parents pieces of advice. I was able to encounter this valuable moment when I was in Grade 11 in which I was able to help my struggling classmate on his studies. His debt gratitude that he had given upon me will be treasured up until my death.

Beyond those valuable notions that I had mentioned about goodness, I wanted to express my deepest gratitude on my parents on making myself a better person despite of the hardships that we had go through.

Apart from that, now that I am already dead. I wanted also to encourage the youth beyond their consideration on imposing goodness and kindness into others. My life was a great example of meaningful and valuable journey in this world. Since I was able to constrain the expense of wisdom and sanity within the society by just being a law abiding citizen and a non-rule breaker individual.

There must be also an intrusion of political standpoint on every ideological nor political issues that enwraps our nation. By just being a logical upon the overviews on the underlying affairs on the government, we can consider ourselves as a good citizen. Apart from that, we must be also critical upon the political leaders that we were supporting since most of them were using their power in order to control the overall flow of our society.

Our passing was definitely an inevitable circumstance. We do not know the exact time and day of our death. To avoid such regrets when we are already on the afterlife, we must be able to ensure that we had done good deeds in others and to the society. We should also imply wisdom and savvy to perceive the value of our existence. I am hoping that this write-up about my life experiences and messages will serve as an inspiration to others and entail the importance of spreading goodness into other persons.

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JONARD JAMES SARIA 2021 (c)

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