rasthegreat

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Entry no. 1 – Why is it important to read fiction and poetry ?

Why is it important to read fiction and poetry ?

There is a need for people to read fiction and poetry mainly because these particular literary works contain/ reflect knowledge, ideologies, and culture. If one seeks knowledge coming from different parts of the world, one must be able to read fiction and poetry because these precious works are based on the experience/life of a human being. Besides, reading such works would develop one’s critical thinking and interpretation ( especially in poetry that usually utilizes figurative language and connotations). Reading fiction and poetry is a great way of opening oneself to the wonders of the world. 

                                                                                                 -Wesley

For me, it is important to read fiction and poetry because it entails the message to the people with a different perspective. It helps us gain tinge of understanding the message through melding the writers wanted to express to the readers. It is also important because through poetry and fiction we are free to express what are the things we want to share with other people. And it is also challenging in the way this poetry and fiction are sometimes broken short words but strategic sentence enables us to determine the meaning of the piece, makes one understand the significance of every single word that had been used to express. It is all about the mood of the writer on how the author will use the magic to express his/her thoughts to the readers. 

                                                                                                     -Ras

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Entry no. 2:Constructive Response A ( from midterm exams )

“ Why is reality often stranger than fiction ?”

For instance, there was a girl named Mui Mui and she was a thrill-seeker when it comes to literary works: she prefers works of fiction ranging from sci fictions and more in hopes of finding wild themes. Mui Mui later realized that fiction seems to be very mainstream and has this tendency of having redundant themes already. But when Mui Mui read about life stories of WWII survivors via their biography, thrilled was an understatement of what she felt. Reality has this capability of being stranger and unpredicting than any other fiction coming from any writer’s imagination. 

                                                                                                              -Wesley

Sa mundong ito ay puno ng population ma hindi kaaya, aya ma nakakasira sa ating kalikasan, makakapal na usok, nawawalang mga puno, nasusunog na mga plastik. Hindi maintindihan ang gusto ng mga tao, Maginhawang buhay o masira ang kanilang buhay. Ang realidad ay minsan hindi maintindihan at maipaliwanag kaysa sa (Fiction) Kathang-isip.

                                                                                                              -Ras

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Entry no. 3 - Constructed Response B ( from midterm exams)

“Change”

Standing up in unison,

to stop pollution, Carbon emitting, 

trees disappearing; It is our doing. 

A devil silent killer like a prowling tiger, 

devouring us to do bad

on our environment. It’s sad

Change is the solution,

Stop the hallucination

We must stand up in Union.

                                                        -Ras

  “  Not Your Ordinary Chic. Lit. “

The rain was pouring violently and the thunder was roaring defeaningly. In the midst of such dissonance emerges a warm and cozy home where a heartbroken girl named Han dwells. Unfortunately , Han was experiencing some sort of post break up anxiety and depression after her boyfriend decided to dump her for not being ” sexy enough" anymore after their five years of being together. Han finds it very suspicious. Two weeks after her break up, Han being in the “ moving on” state , was horrified after finding out that her boyfriend had been cheating on her all this time , according to a concerned friend of hers.

 It was 2 am and Han cannot bring herself to sleep for some reason. After hundreds of tossing and turning in bed, Han finally gave up and grabbed some of her fictional Chic. Lit. books where she seek peace and comfort from whenever anxiety takes over her. Han is a bit weirded out because at that moment these type of books that she’s reading isn’t helping her at all , like seriously. She just finds it really uninteresting and unrelatable ; who reads about prince charming and happy endings just after their break ups anyway? These chic. lit. books that she have once cherished are no longer nourishing and inspiring her. With this , Han pursued something that is way more realistic , authentic and relatable ; something that she can relate to. Fictional works are no longer helping with her condition right now apparently.

 After several minutes of contemplation, Han decided to browse through internet articles about relationships particularly break ups. Han was mesmerized. Browsing through testimonies of REAL people that have experienced the pain of dealing with break ups, surprised is the understatement of what Han felt after such discovery. She started reading these real life testimonies and was glued until the last one. Han found out that there were worst cases than what she had experienced; some were devastating. She just felt normal after reading them. She realized her importance and that other people would have felt feelings like she did when they ended their relationship. It was just so relatable and authentic. These testimonials are no fiction ; these stories are experience by real people and no chic. lit. can be compared to the genuineness of what she have read. Reality is indeed , way stranger than fiction.

                                                                                                  - Wesley

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Entry no. 4 - Vignette

                            “A Step Closer to my dream”

t was the second day of enrolment in ADNU for incoming senior high school students.The Phelan building was buzzing with busy students, queueing inside the assigned enrolment rooms. I am impatiently waiting for my interview with the admission staff. I was a deer caught in headlights, my palms are sweating profusely. Finally; it was my turn to be interviewed by the staff. The admission staff started scanning my junior highschool records including my NCAE test results while I was observing her intently; she looks quite amiable. “Are you really sure about this?” Asked the lady suggestively. “Yes ma'am, I am very sure about taking the General Academic Strand” I replied sincerely. I’ve finally finished enrolling after the interview. I felt relieved after going out of the enrolment room. I may not be sure about the things that would happen to me in the future but one thing for sure. I will keep moving forward.

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Entry no. 5 - Poem

“I SAW MAMA CRYING”

I heard the trees 

swaying violently,

 and heard the thunder growling ferociously.

 Mama was nowhere to be found

 and the unbearable ache in my stomach ,

seems to be very profound.

 A figure may be seen nearby,

 in the midst of my brother’s cries and the heavy rain.

 Alas! gone was my pain. 

Cuddling my little brother 

six months of age,

my mother’s arrival seems to be late 

I handed my unmoving brother to my drenched mother

“ Rest well my child “ she replied  to me .

I cannot sleep the whole night seeing my mother crying .

[rasthegreat]

Entry no. 6 Interview (application of literary tone, personal style , leads and titles)

               “ THE RESILIENCY OF THE BATANGUENOS “

On January 12, 2020, the Taal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines located in Batangas, started manifesting an effusive eruption. Many people near the volcano’s proximity were greatly affected and devastated . According to some, the government was not able to maintain its support for the victims .Most of the people near the eruption’s epicenter had their livelihoods destroyed thus, they cannot support themselves. This results to them being dependent on the help coming from the governmental and non-governmental units. According to Xavier Bon Castroverde, a grade 12 student of the Ateneo de Naga University, social media platforms really do serve as an avenue for the Filipinos to get updated and be aware of the things happening in Taal. It is nearly impossible for a netizen and technologically-inclined student  like him to miss events like that in social media. Xavier Bon is very much aware of things happening in Batangas and he is also one of those people that noticed the deficiency in the government’s aid and system . If normal citizens of the country like him are very much aware of the things happening during the  eruption, then why does it seems like the government is not aware of this and is just turning its back on the people affected?

Type of Lead/s used : Description

Literary tone : Serious and Concerned

Style used : Formal

 Social Issue : Taal Volcano Eruption in Batangas

Notes :

Questions asked:

1) What can you say about the Taal volcano currently happening in Batangas that made countless people evacuate in haste and leave their houses, possessions and livelihood for the sake of their safety?

2) As an Ignatian student, enumerate some things that you are capable of doing to help those affected by the volcanic eruption in Taal.

Interview transcription

Name of Interviewer : Xavier Bon Castroverde 

date of interview : Jan. 29,2020

Interviewer : Hello Bonx, may I conduct an interview?

Bonx : Sige na. About saan ba?

Interviewer : About those affected by the Taal Volcano Eruption.

Bonx: OK.

Interviewer :  What can you say about the Taal volcano currently happening in Batangas that made countless people evacuate in haste and leave their houses, possessions and livelihood for the sake of their safety?

Bonx: I am sad because kulang ang pag asikaso ng gobyerno, tapos nalulungkot din ako kasi yung kabuhayan ng mga taong apektado hindi sila makalabas ng bahay, lalo na sa mga farmers. Tapos yung shortage mg face mask sa Pilipinas. Ang nakakagulat ayon sa balita nag donate pala ang Pilipinas ng face mask sa China ng 3 milyon na face mask. Ano kaya ang priority ng gobyerno China o Pilipinas.

Interviewer : Wow, salamat sa matapat na sagot. As an Ignatian student, enumerate some things that you are capable of doing to help those affected by the volcanic eruption in Taal.

Bonx : Help the people , pray for them tsaka hindi lang bilang estudyante kapag ako naging isa sa gobyerno, ma bigay ako ng maayos na evacuation center na iistayan nila tsaka kadakol na relief goods. Yun lang.

Interviewer : That will do. Thank you for your honest and sincere answers.

Bonx : Sige po. Welcome !

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Entry no. 7: Constructed Response (from pre-final exams)

“Hope Amidst the Plague”

                  “Help! We need a nurse! Quick! “ Richard’s mother shouted at the group of nurses walking by the hospital’s hallway. “My son’s dying! please help!” criedthe mother desperately. Unfortunately, Richard was having great difficulty breathing and was wheezing violently these past few minutes.In a faint whisper, Richard spoke to his mom “I won’t die like this wouldn’t I?”Richard Lin, an international violin soloist has been to the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China during one of his concerts. He fledback to Taiwan after the event and just right after that, Wuhan was declared with a plague. A week after his travel, Richard experienced old man symptoms(flu- like symptoms). It grew worst and he was confined at the hospital. He was positive for coronavirus. More blood tests and urine samples were gathered.All throughout his time at the hospital; He was reminded of the virus’ low fatality rate. Like the Chinese tourist from China who recovered from the virus and many more. He believed he would recover from this too anytime soon.

                                                                                                 -Wesley

“Outbreak , Breakout”

Corona Virus has been a threat to society, this disease literally can affect dozens of lives if no one does anything from it. Many cases of NCov had been a very falling part for the victims. This disease is very new to all of us, and one of the problems is that Doctors are presumably studying the disease and I think it consumes time, Doctors are like a deer running on a hill pack of wolves chasing until the deer get tired out of nothing, and was eaten by the wolves. They should be aware of diseases like this.

                                                                                                     -Ras

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Entry no. 8 – Literary Reportage

SPEAK UP

Andrea Nunez, together with the rest of HU23, delivers her spoken word poetry inspired by the advocacy of Gender Equality last February 17,2020. “ Speak up, because the day that you don’t speak up for the things that matter to you is the day your freedom truly ends. “- Anonymous

MOCKINGJAY

Julienne Auro , the voice and mockingjay of HU23 towards the FIGHT FOR GENDER EQUALITY speaks on behalf of the heterosexuals and the LGBTQ+ community during the Mr. and Mrs. Constellate 2020 held last February 18,2020.  Amidst the crowd’s cheers and high expectations, her truthfulness is what most of the judges admired her for.

ADVOCATES

Here are the students of HU23; Edward Doroin(L) and Oliver Clutario(R) holding the iconic flag of the LGBTQ+ during the Gimmick presentation held at the Belardo Building’s ground floor last Feb. 17,2020. HU23 was able to showcase one of the Sustainable Development Goals which is Gender Equality.

MUSIC

The trio ; Mike Ras (guitar), Cja Escote (vocals) & Wesley Paligar (violin) plays for the gimmick presentation held at the hearth of the Belardo Building last Feb. 17,2020, realizing that their talents and skills may serve as an avenue for them to uplift their voices towards their advocacy.

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Entry no. 9  - Micromemoir

                                              BREATHLESS

It was the 14th of April, like any other summer day, the temperature was scorching like hell and the air was uncomfortably humid. This day though was unlike any summer day; because it’s the day I’ve been waiting and preparing for so diligently. 

You know I just find it fascinating that lifelong decisions are capable of manifesting in ordinary days like this. Pathetic as i may seem but despite the dullness, the feeling that I have inside me is saying otherwise;  I was in ectasy. Apparently today’s results would determine if I can afford studying in a school that I would wish to spend my senior high school years with. 

I’ve been thinking about these things for a while not knowing that I’m certainly going to be late soon if I don’t hurry up an leave the house . I hastily grabbed my bag full of music sheets and my flute case, making sure that I didn’t forget something important .

Fortunately, my commute to Ateneo de Naga University was uninhibited and I was able to arrive at the gate two minutes before the time. I was such in a hurry that I didn’t realize I was running with my bag full of music sheets open. The security guard was able to notice this and was gonna tell me about it but too late; papers swirled around me like dried leaves in autumn , each of them falling on the ground slowly , much to my horror.I started feeling anxiety, the fear of not going to make it in the event took over me and I was sweating profusely. I was able to stuff all my papers back in a minute. Continuing my way towards the band room , I involuntarily thought about my current disposition and the things the band director would think of me seeing like this; drenched in sweat and all flustered. Coming to a halt near the door, I was gonna reach for the door knob already but I just felt that something isn’t right. The need to stop and think of the things took over me. The fact that the things I’ll be doing inside the room would greatly affect my access to education , particularly the scholarship. I might need to catch my breath and properly dispose myself before anything else.

With deep and slow breaths , I was able to calm down and prepare myself for the band auditions. The director greeted me with a nod after seeing me entering the band room and I didn’t waste any time to prepare my music and assemble my flute. The band room’s temperature was surprisingly cold and I was at a great disadvantage because the low temperature is capable of making the flute’s timbre narrow and muted. A lot of things are probably going through my mind but I just can’t fail this auditions. I have prepared a lot and knew what to do when situations like this arise.

By closing my eyes and breathing slowly and deeply, I was able to start my audition piece with such sonority and richness. Music wafted throughout every corner of the band room and I myself was just mesmerized at the moment. I never thought that this piece I’ve been practicing for at least a million times would sound this nice. 

I’ve applied every detail that the composer intended to portray in his music. My playing ended and I was surprised seeing the band director applauding in delight. The rest my time inside of the band room was filled with complements from the director that was mainly about the quality of my interpretation and playing. The thing that flattered me the most is the time when he told me that having me in Ateneo de Naga University’s Symphonic Band would be of great privilege and with that I was accepted.

Things went really fast like a hummingbird dashing through a flourished garden. I was able to continue my studies while being a band member and I really believed that I can continue doing that for the rest of my academic years; turns out I was wrong. Things got hectic , particularly my schedule and the continuous workload I have to deal with. Exhaustion at hand, I had no idea when and where to start. This was the time when I considered myself lost and I don’t have someone to ask for help. The band’s director was not the person I’ve once cherished. He was not the all-smiles and humble human being that I’ve known anymore, but a horrible monster. He abused his power and broke several rules that authorities like him must abide with. Activity bans during examinations were not acknowledged by him and I, together with other senior high school band members were forced to practice in the band room during our lunch breaks, skipping our meals and not being able to review for our incoming exams. My mental and physical health were compromised and I knew that I was indeed,breathless.

One of the most valuable things that flute playing has taught me is the undeniable fact that I am just a mere human being ; I’m not perfect and I have my limitations. Every cell and tissue in my body are supported by air and I cannot live and continue with life without its presence. In flute paying , an effective player must acknowledge the value of a proper breath support in order to deliver his or her melodies with richness and perfection. Proper breath support is however , not enough; a flute player must also know the specific parts of the piece that he or she would be able to have enough time to breathe and gather air support from. Same goes with life I guess, because one can’t continue with life without properly supporting himself and learning when to do it.

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Entry no. 10-Captioning ( part 3 of Final exams)

“An Deboto”

“Oragon as in mauragon ang pananampalataya ay makusugon”

- Ras

“The Miraculous Ina”

Amidst the scorching heat, noise and massive amounts of people brought close together like sardines lies the miraculous image of Ina. On the second Friday of September the image of our lady of Peñafrancia was transferred from her shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral where devotees would honor her and bomboard her with prayers and personal intentions. The Peñafrancia festival attracts millions of devotees from all over the world.

- Wesley

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Entry no. 11 - Paragraph Construction ( part 4 of Final exams)

“Quarrel Love” 

Crossbows and arrows, the smoke in the shadows lose your mind standing on a battleline. We always stand firm for our love ones we fight. Every time that I am with you is like a rocking chair that I am sitting in. Because in ups and downs up you are always there comforting, And in the midst of misunderstanding remember “all the breath in your lungs is much stronger than your tears in your eyes”. Calm, because I will always love you. (FAMILY).

-Ras

“Dear Diary” 

Have you ever been so in love with someone to the point that you’re willing to dedicate your whole diary about him and talk about how adorable he is? Like literally. My name is Anna by the way and prepare to get bombarded with Petty and shallow teenage girl feelings. So like, I’ve met him at school this morning and he’s such a Greek god! Guess what? He even smiled at me and I nearly puked at the number of butterflies flying in my stomach. I know it’s the first day of school and I only share two classes with him but a lot of things can happen in a year, right?. I swear I can see him looking at me, I don’t know, I just felt it you know. well, I’m probably asking him to be my partner in Chemistry class because “Love at first sight is nothing if you ain’t doing anythin!”. xoxo

- Wesley