unboundedthought

[unboundedthought]

Women: The Underrated, But Empowered Homos

by Mark Lester Mendez

Photo courtesy: https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.1349909760.9239/flat,550x550,075,f.u5.jpg

The 8th day of March marks the day for recognizing the contributions of women in all aspects all around the globe as we celebrate International Women’s Day. But, even up to this day, the issue of sexism has been and will always be victimizing women as stereotyping their gender roles is still prevalent as if a never-ending cycle of their life. Given their struggles, do they really get the recognition from society that they truly deserve?

Every single day, it always exhausts me to see commercials on television about how they portray gender roles which directly affect the mindset of individuals. It is always in our mind that a woman’s role is keeping the house clean and nurture every member of the family. Thus, it is evident in every advertisement that refers to household cleaning necessities: examples given are commercials about dishwashing liquids or laundry detergents as the hired advertiser is always a woman, to the extent that she is a mother who promotes the product by showing how effective it is. Maybe we can say that there is already a commercial about these products where it is the role played by a man, and yes, we can cite Michael V. who is the brand ambassador of Joy Dishwashing Liquid. But the million-dollar question is does he wash the dishes in the commercial? No, but they hire mothers who will prove the effectiveness of the product and even show comparison together with this ceaseless brand X.

So, how can we attain equality if roles and things to be done are being stereotyped based on the gender of every person? Women do not deserve to be locked up in the idea of being a nurturing mother, the same way on how men do not deserve to be caged in the idea that they should always be strong as if crying is a sign of being gay. Though gay is not a crybaby as the actions committed always depend on every person encompassing their personality that is nurtured by their surroundings and not their gender identity.

We somehow get to think lowly of a woman’s potentialities as they are generally viewed as modest and soft individuals and this idea is structuralized by society. Despite the suffocating limitations that they get from social norms, they are still having the capability in empowering themselves and be equal with other genders. A great example of an empowered woman is Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician, and the first known computer programmer. We somehow see that the field of Information and Technology or Computer Science is mostly outnumbered by men, and women are a mere view. Despite this observation, the founder of computer programming is nothing but a woman named Ada, and with her great talent she could see the broader application and potential of patterns as she created algorithms addressing Babbage (founder of computers) and his Analytical Engine, her achievement is considered as one of the most important discoveries especially nowadays as we are ruled by data industry.

Conversing about big talks, Marie Curie should also not be forgotten as the remark that she left in the world is one of the greatest breakthroughs of Science. Being known as the first woman who received a Nobel Prize, she also discovered with her husband radioactivity together with two new elements which are polonium and radium. These discoveries led to the invention of radiotherapy which could help treat certain illnesses such as cancer, and not just that, it also led to the invention of X-rays. If you ever come to a hospital and have an X-ray, now you know who you should thank.  

The Philippines should also not be left out of this conversation because, throughout its history, Filipinas have brought and will always bring glory to their country. One of the greatest Filipinas that keeps on amazing me is Gabriela Silang. Together with her heroic deed as she acted as a trailblazer despite her gender, she is considered the first Filipina who led a revolution as she marshaled the Ilocano Independence movement from Spain and led a troop of men.

Truly, a woman is a paragon of enthusiasm as they are always willing to go the extra mile and not someone you should underestimate as they can fight with undeniable intelligence, dedication, and strength. They may be seen as having smaller features than men, but it will not hinder them to prove to everyone that one gender will never be a hindrance in achieving insurmountable recognition. As Groucho Marx quoted, “behind a successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife”, meaning, the lives of men are nurtured and driven with the help of their mother and soon-to-be wife until they achieve success, but behind those women are only themselves and their pure aspirations. Keep this in mind. Always.

[unboundedthought]

Poem Sessions

Haikus

Cry

The rain drops by me —

Gliding over my bare face.

Then a tear came by…

Void

Thriving anxiousness.

Mind drift upon the unknown.

You felt all alone.

Spring

Grasses dancing forth

Along with her sweet smile.

Oh, I fall again...

 __________________________

Tanka

Untouchable

If I only knew

You're an angel in disguise,

I would not dare touch

A fragile and clean woman

As I'm your demon.

Falling

Please, do not lead me

To something you're uncertain.

Do not knock the door

If you are not sure of me.

Please, don't break my fragile heart.

 _____________________________

A Poem for Nestine: A Lady in Great Pristine

by Mark Mendez

  None of the tides brings down a lady

Who emblematize a sun that takes everything bright

As her face looks like her name so dandy

Where it is spoken with a smile, so pure and white.

  Her name, Nestine, entails a story,

A never been told tale of lucency.

So light, so good, so sound with fiery.

Life that is conjured in serenity.

  The lady was once met a lonely lad,

His name’s Mendy, a no one's like.

How good it was as he lend her hand

Offering affinity, a bond so alike.

  How great her charm that affects all

As it spreads joy in the heart and soul

Of everyone who would descry her call

That even Mendy can't resist her stroll.

  She is a sunshine that strikes in the glass;

Producing beam of colors in the eastern pass

Where the midst of dawn forever rises

Soaring high until it eats up the darkness.

  A warm lady with a forgiving heart

Never keeps anger and distress in the ocean deep

Like a sailing boat that will be apart

To the island of home, then adieu for a trip.

  ____________________________________

  I Could Never Imagine If Everything's The Same

by Mark Mendez

  I could never imagine if everything's the same,

Walking in Downtown Road — all walls are painted grey.

Tell me how can my sight be expressed in tame

If all I see is mono-colored boring lay?

  I could never imagine if everything's the same,

Looking at the rainbow radiating only blue ray as it may.

Sometimes it remains unnoticed when clouds are so lame

And the union of the rainbow and the sky is to pay.

  I could never imagine if everything's the same.

As they hear your whisper and everyone thinks the same way.

I bet it's not good when all have same versions for your name —

You'll be condemned of doing one action that they say.

  I could never imagine if everything's the same

When everyone likes drinking nothing but latte.

Does anyone want milk or coffee to be served in game?

It seems that variance in race is not accepted in hay.

  I could only imagine when everything's not same.

As everyone wears varying fashions that they want to play

Or when the sunshine reaches its climactic peak of fame,

Proudly revealing your deep-toned freckles, remaining inlay.

  I could only imagine when everything's not same.

Everyone's sharing of diverse ideas has overflowed a tray,

Yet, thinking that all thoughts are valid like a dame

Instead of keeping everything in isolated space of bay.

  I could only imagine when everything's not same.

Embracing everyone's uniqueness while rancor's a prey.

While the only thing that is keeping everyone the same

Is wishing for nothing but world peace as they pray.

  I could never imagine if everything's the same

'Cause I could only imagine when everything's not same.

________________________________

Kwaranpling (Quaranfling)

ni Mark Mendez

Ito na naman tayo sa 'di matapos-tapos na kwento ni Nena,

Ngayon nama'y nasa kalagitnaan ng pandemyang tinatamasa.

Di maalis sa sarili ang pagkabagot sa oras ng kwarantina

At ito na siya't nagbo-browse sa net ng kaniyang ikasasaya.

  Ika nga ng iba'y netpliks en tsil na lang daw muna

Pero itong si Nena ay may hinahanap pang iba.

Nakalimutan kong sabihing may pagkamaharot itong dalaga

Kaya iyon na siya't nag-DL ng Tinder; nagbabakasakaling makahanap ng jowa.

  "Ay 'di ko bet", sambit niya't sabay swayp pakaliwa.

Makailang minuto'y nabihag na lamang ang interes ng señorita.

"Swayp pakanan tayo riyan, mamang!", aniya.

Nahulog na nga si ate sa binatang may ngalang Juswa Mendosa.

  Maya-maya lamang ay may abiso sa iskrin niya't ito'y binasa,

Mukhang nabighani kay Nena ang binata nating si Juswa

At ito na nga't nag-udyok na ang lalake't nagsabi ng "Hi" bilang pasimula,

At si babae'y 'di nag-atubili't sumagot nang may tuwa.

  Ilang araw pa lamang ay lumalalim na ang usapan ng isa't isa.

Hindi namalayang pumipintig na ang karupokan ni hija

Dahil sa nakalalanggam at nakaaakit na mga salita ng binata

Na mistulang walang pake kung si Nena'y mahulog sa kaniya.

  Matapos ang isang linggo't isang araw, mukhang walang paramdam si kuya

Kaya naman ang ating bida ay nababahala.

Hanggang sa dumating na nga ang araw na kinatatakutan niya,

Ang tuluyang pag-alpas ni Juswa sa kanilang maiksing pagsasama.

  Tila'y Isang Linggong Pag-ibig na mahihinuha sa kanta

Ang panandaliang landian na pinagsamahan ng dalawa.

Oops, lumagpas naman daw sa isa pang araw kaya ika'y mahiya;

Mala-breyk da rekord ika nga kaya sa awiti'y 'wag ikumpara.

  O kaya nama'y ihalintulad sa kantang Kaibigan Lang Pala

Pero iba nga ang kay Nena dahil pang-kwaranpling lang pala siya.

Sa kabila ng lahat ay 'wag mong isiping wala kang halaga

Marahil ang tunay mong halaga'y nakikita ng Diyos sa Kaniyang mga mata.

  Ang kulit-kulit kasi, hindi na nadala.

Si Nena'y parang kaibigang may relasyong bukas-sara

Kung sa'n nakailang payo ka nang 'wag nang balikan pa,

Kinabukasa'y malalaman mong sila'y magkasama na.

  Sana ay dumating ang panahon na maisipan niya

Na ang halaga niya'y marilag gaya ng kislap ng bituin sa t'wina,

Walang pahimakas marahil 'di natutuyo ang tunay na ganda

At ito ang siyang tutuklas sa pag-ibig na umusbong sa dakong hiraya.

   _____________________________

Sa Likod ng Alaala'y Nakakubli ang Pighati

ni Mark Mendez

  Tila'y nanlalamig sa kwartong kinalalagyan

Na kung saan ako lang ang nilalaman

At ang puso ko na patuloy na nasasaktan,

Sa kamalayan na ako ay iniwan.

  Isa sa mga 'di ko makalilimutan ang mga pinagsamahan natin.

Lahat ng iyon ay malinaw pa kung aki'y iisipin.

Noong tayo'y magkayakap sa loob ng iisang kumot at sapin,

At nakatali ang mga bigkis nang hindi makawala ang isa sa atin.

  Ako'y nananabik sa 'yong mga halik,

Na tila'y upos ng pag-ibig na pumipilantik

Sa tamis ng pagmamahalan na pilit na nagtatapik

Sa aking memorya na sa puso ko'y isa ng tinik.

  Ako'y nagdadalawang-isip kung minahal mo ba talaga ako?

O isang panakip-butas mo lang dala ng sakit sa dating mahal mo

O minamahal mo pa siya hanggang ngayon kaya ito ako

Oo! Ito ako na hindi laruan pero iyon ang saki'y ipinaranas mo.

  Sana'y kayanin ko na tuluyang burahin sa isip ko

Ang mga alaala na ikaw lang at ako ang bumuo

Kaya ika'y tumalikod na nang walang pag-aalinlangan sa tabi ko

At ito ako ngayon na tatalikuran na ang mga alaala noong ako'y nasa piling mo.

[unboundedthought]

Visual Literature

Hi there,

I just wanted to show you a few of my artistic visuals taken thru my mobile phone. 

The first one, I call Balance in Nature:

This was taken in my aunt’s garden in her house in Bicol. My father was the one who made this landscape, though. He’s the greatest carpenter I know! 

For the second stop, here’s The Shades Revealed By The Moonlight:

This was taken when my friends and I hang out in SM Aura. I accidentally captured the moon out of nowhere, and I just find it mesmerizing to look at.

Last, here’s A Good Time With A Friend In The Shore:

This photo was taken near the seashore at my relative’s home. I find it like a picturesque painting that it feels like you’ll end up being eaten up with the idea of standing right beside there with your friend as you both talk about life happenings. Those two strangers really made this picture better as they did great being the main subject.

I hope I can share more. You may look for my other pictures in my IG account. I post strange and various stuffs there, tho.

Have a good day, fella!

Best,

Mark

[unboundedthought]

“Continue Learning Because?”: Education Sectors Should Be Held Accountable

by Mark Lester H. Mendez

The quarantine period is one of the main reasons why we are stuck at home that resulted in us browsing all over our Facebook feeds throughout the day as it also becomes an everyday habit. We cannot deny the fact that some of us have encountered the circulating meme of Kris Aquino in her one-on-one interview about the bashing incident with Kim Chiu. The meme-worthy line and expression of Kris which is “na-touch ka because?” has paved its way to the public as it is added with her remarkable conyo ways. What if Kris asked you a debatable question in her own way? Like, continue learning because?

On the last month of the year two thousand and nineteen (2019), the first-ever case of the occurring pandemic, Corona Virus Disease, finally took its own flight as the first patient was recorded coming from Wuhan, China. During those troubling glimpses of times, the world was fueled with fear of contracting the disease which reasoned for governments to authorize a total lockdown in their respective country. While we were under securement, every bit of societal institution adjusted to what was happening even the education system bent its structure just to continue the learning of students amidst the pandemic as it resulted in a sudden upsurge of undertaking online-based classroom setup. Though it was evident that those rich countries got to easily adjust as if they are like billionaires who got acquainted with their broke friend and said “hey, I’m doing great! How ‘bout you?”. The broke friend, of course, has a response, “Uh… I’m still broke, can I borrow some money?” – and it will always go like this. It is obvious that the broke friend portrays those who are secluded in the limelight and that includes the Philippines.

During the early months of experiencing the detriments given by the virus, the Philippines was really having a hard time adjusting, and for the citizens of this country, that is clearly something to expect. We even borrowed money for funding government activities that will secure the welfare of the nation. In terms of the education system, the postponement of starting another school year was taken several times as we are not ready for it even though it will undergo an online setup. It is because not all citizens are privileged as some of us fall under the marginalized group. Added to the issue of allocation of every internet provider in the country, we casually experience an intermittent internet signal and that really stresses us out. Imagine a student who cannot attend an online class due to a poor signal. She may be known as a topnotcher in the class but because of her reason for not attending and learning in online meetings, her grades will fail. This does not only take place to students but to the teachers too as we experience that always with one of our professors as she could not teach us due to poor connection; we mostly did not have an online meeting at all, and her schedule was not being followed so all she ever did was leaving us with activities and lessons for us to study on our own. With this given struggle, we cannot blame the student or teacher for it. What we can only do best is to understand the situation we are in.

Given those factual situations, if we are going to look at the bigger picture, is the Philippines ready to take its shift to online classrooms? The way I see it I strongly disagree because knowing the fact that there are cases of suicide and death that are linked to virtual learning is already a big call for a national academic break as this online setup is apparently anti-poor and it can only be accessed by those who can afford, with that, you could not really find the context of DepEd about “No Students Left Behind”. At the same time, I think we do not have any other option. There was even a loud call for an academic freeze, but this idea calls for a bigger risk as it gambles the economic status of the following years predicting the grievance of life in the society and will lead to neglecting the future of younger generations. In support of this, According to research estimated by World Bank, learning losses of students during the pandemic could stand up to losing $10 trillion in labor earnings over their work life (see article for more info: https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/learning-losses-due-covid19-could-add-10-trillion). The academic freeze may seem like freezing a current problem and will melt down later and reoccur, or to simplify, it is like a previous government has left a large debt to be problematized by the next reigning politicians — and yes, I am pertaining to how history repeats itself contextualizing the recurring debt issues of Philippine government.

Then what can I say if I were asked “continue learning because?”. The academic freeze seems to be our best option, but it will never be a good one if what at stake is the life of our children and the life of those who are destined to be born and raised. It is always the duty of the government in keeping the welfare of everyone. The best solution that I could think about this kind of issue is that the education sector should be held accountable for their decision in continuing the learning of students and by that, they should effectively designate their project about modular learning amid the pandemic. They should by far reach out to those marginalized groups and create inclusive programs that would still be able to cater to their studies. If we are making a big move in safeguarding the citizens in times of health crisis, why not do both as education and health share the same percentage of importance in bettering the nation. This idea hereby calls for a healthy argument.

[unboundedthought]

[OPINION] No One Wants to Hide in the Macabre Closet

by Mark Lester Mendez

Illustration made by Lars Leetaru.

Paminta — the term used to pertain to the person who keeps their true gender identity a secret. Questioning someone's gender seems to be a mere deal for us, but do we even consider its impact on the person being suspected and put into the spotlight of judgment? Interfering someone's gender should be taken as a sensitive issue, given that it is personal. The thing that we can only question ourselves about them is why they try to hide from their closet, and I guess we should understand their situation.

Before, I have a junior high school friend who hid his true gender identity from his family and friends because he was scared. He had no one to talk to about the restrained transcending colors that he had inside except for me. I once asked him why he was scared of coming out of his closet, and I never expected the answer that he gave me as he said that it felt like he is being threatened every time they drop that pressuring bomb on himself.

"Bakla ka ba (Are you gay)?!", is the question that they kept on asking him every moment that he shows his clumsiness. He said that the way his family asked him that question was like being gay is a crime, where there were wide eyes open, and their tone of voice was deadly serious and loud. Just imagine that you are being bombarded with suspicions inside the court where one wrong move and statement will put you in lifelong danger; that was what he always felt. In his current situation, I am glad that he already came out of his shell; though his father is still against it, now he is busy proving to him that one's gender is never a hindrance in reaching the peak of triumph. 

Since the Boys' Love series is prominent nowadays, one best example of this kind of topic is Gaya Sa Pelikula (Like In The Movie), written and created by Juan Miguel Severo. The story revolves around an architecture student named Karl who has an identity crisis that later acquainted himself with Vlad, an openly gay, as they shared a room since Karl can't pay his bills as he faced mishaps. One of the lines that calls my attention here is when Karl kept asking Vlad if he is gay and being reluctant to use the term "gay" as if it is an insult. He followed it with a line saying, "In fairness ha, hindi ka halata (In fairness, you are not that obvious)" as if it is a compliment when it is not as we are used to stereotyping LGBTQIA+ culture accompanying it with antediluvian conventions. 

The series also delivers a message that all of us should agree with. It is about the "coming out" stage of closeted individuals wherein we should not put pressure on them as they own it only by themselves. They should be the ones taking their time how to get out of the closet without feeling the pressure, still, remember that no matter what we do, reality will always have its place in our life; and the truth is that the real battle is not in our comfort zone (closet or anyone's safe-haven) as it is in the outside world. The same way how their friend relates to Karl pursuing his filming career because, in film, we want our story to be told, seen, and cared for by the audience, but how will they care if you do not care about what they will say as you do not want them to know you? We better think deeper about that. 

As the series title should be the one saying it all — just like in the movies where everyone has happy endings, this series ends cliffhanging the viewers as the expected cliche, and overused happy endings did not take their flight. Still, the good thing is that the characters are on their way to finding their truest selves (and yes, the storyline deserves a season 2!). 

We may think that it is easy to come out, but if we put ourselves into their shoes, we will understand that our situation is unusual from theirs as they have different things to prioritize, and one factor is the family's approval. For those people who are still in their closet, take your time inside, and if the time comes that you feel suffocated and wanted to be seen, put in mind that there are many people outside who are waiting to welcome you. As quoted in the given series, remember that you are entitled to the love that lets you dance without fear and shame.

[unboundedthought]

Cry of Nature: The Lungs of the Earth are Burning

by Mark Lester Mendez

Photo courtesy: https://nypost.com/2019/08/30/brazil-bans-legal-land-clearing-fires-in-wake-of-amazon-wildfires/

Over the light-years measure of our solar system, only Earth is known for now to be bound to live — having its suitable place to have an equal light beamed by the sun. In the need of every organism living on this planet, oxygen, the life-giving constituent, is a vital element for us to survive. The forests are consisting of oxygen-producing plants and trees. What if the case of deforestation has extremely increased amidst movement?

On the 20th day of August 2019, the Amazon forest has been reported burning for three (3) consecutive weeks all over the media. The said forest is known to be the lungs of the Earth: producing twenty percent (20%) of the world's oxygen and giving sustainable habitats to different organisms for them to live in. Keeping environmental sustainability is the endless procurement of the world, especially for this forest — the hope of humankind.

Due to the conflagration of the Amazon forest, the humanity of everyone has been challenged. "Where are the billionaires?! Will they make action for this?!" — the questions that alarmed the netizens. The business people are benefitting from the resources of the forest but when it needed their help they seemed to be out of nowhere. The news about this destructive wildfire even came out globally when it already destroyed a massive measure of land.

A greater issue came out in the middle of a catastrophe. It is said to be the fault of Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro who promotes the slash-and-burn method (a process wherein the farmers cut and burn trees to make fertile soil, yet negatively affecting the Earth's environment) of deforesting the forest to establish cattle ranches. He even rejected the concerns and entries of other countries to the issue because he suggested that the making of this international alliance to save the Amazon compromised an onset to the country's sovereignty. In his interview, he said that he was known as "Captain Chainsaw" and now he labeled himself as "Nero", the greek emperor who mercilessly caused and watched his people burn amid a blaze.

The battle for keeping environmental sustainability is an eternal war for survival. It is something that we get as a prize as we gamble our lives for it; because the life of the environment means the life of people, if it ends its span then humankind will be freely served to death since we are strung upon to its resources. Facing this tremendous environmental degradation looks hard to be beaten, but if we all believe, have faith, and be brave enough to defeat it like how David fearlessly slingshot Goliath, then we can end this struggle. That is why people are asking what they can do to help in fighting this herculean journey of the human race. Better think of it, discipline starts within YOU (Your Overflowing Union with humanity and nature)!

[unboundedthought]

Mayon on its full course. 🌋 https://www.instagram.com/p/BqBb03hhzLELTgvKo5tRGmrAB73-Tv69SB83lI0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16yvpxl3l906n

[unboundedthought]

This is what my body needs right now, fresh air and sea. #FreshAndPure

[unboundedthought]

The Awaited Celebration of Bountiful Harvest, The Pahiyas Festival

Are you trying to find a perfect vacation spot for you to travel? If you are considering a vacation where you want to feel amazed, be in an adventure, walk in fascination, and travel with your love ones while vacation months are still ticking, here I do recommend the festival of harvest, the Pahiyas Festival.

Pahiyas festival is a Thanksgiving celebration of a bountiful harvest to the patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. The celebration happens in Lucban, Quezon once a year in the date of May 15. Though the celebration takes months of preparation, it only happens for a short period of time. So what are you waiting for? Go and get a grip of yourself then explore the paradise of the festivity as it showcases the bountiful harvest of the province, and be stunned to the main attractions of this event.

The main attraction here is the entries of neighborhood houses that are decorated in different fruits and vegetables, that you can sing aloud the 'Nipa Hut' folk song of the Philippines just to count the decorations that are used in the houses. But the decorations somehow exceed the song as the houses are decorated not only with variety of fruits and vegetables, but with different crafts and baskets. Not just those, kiping which looks like a dyed leaf that is made of rice is the main design that you can see all over the houses, and it is presented in different colours that make the town looks vibrant. The most beautiful, creative, and authentic houses will be on a top choice and get a big cash reward.

On the other hand, the festival also flaunts their famous cuisines, the pancit habhab and longganisang Lucban that are offered all around the place. I assure you, as you taste these, you will surely pleasure them to your savory buds then sense the taste of Filipino within you.

Some of the most-awaited attractions here are the parade of beautiful ladies and gentlemen wearing their applaudable gowns and suits with pahiyas themes. There they have the parade of carabaos--not just a typical carabao that you have seen, but these are all humongous, their sizes are what you can amaze and afraid with, so better watch out and give way for them if you don't want to get hurt with their gigantically long horns. They also have the parade of giant mascots and creative and colorful carts as they present the pancit habhab that is popular within the town.

After all of these very long parades you can have a chance to go in some tourist places in Lucban. They feature their very own 'Kamay ni Hesus', a 305 steps grotto to reach 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ. The statue is classified as the third tallest Risen Christ Statue around the world. As you reach the top, there you can have satisfaction as your eyes be astonished within the 'birds eye view' of the town. The place have a five hectare property and there you can also astound yourself with other attractions like Luklukan ni Maria, Noah’s Ark, Resurrected Christ, Gallery of Saints, Garden of Eden, The Angels Hill, The Marian Park and the religious Murals.

As you go there, you must not forget to go in Lucban Church, the oldest church of the town where the Thanksgiving is held. Here you can pray and thank the Lord for the beautiful harvest, because without it, this big celebration that takes once a year is not possible to happen. Be thankful that you celebrate this with other people, seeing their genuine smiles and laughters within their faces and feel the warm welcome of the folks of the town. Be thankful that you got a very long and unforgettable journey, and a different kind of experiences that you can't find in other places. And be thankful that you become a part of the festivity.

I assure that you won't feel dissatisfied and disappointed because with the attractive attractions and beautiful places, the uprising feeling that you will get as your eyes and heart get attached is undoubtedly possible. You better start the countdown, plan about it with your family and friends, and prepare your pair of sneakers, comfortable attire, travel bag and liters of water bottle, because this will be a long but not tiring journey as you walk wide-awake with the beauty of Pahiyas Festival.

[unboundedthought]

My Take to T.S.T.F

Whenever I watch a romantic movie, there's always a scenario that I encounter when two people bump each other that may causE for the other one to fell his or her books, and by that, the other person will help the other one, and they will look into each other's eyes as they'll also feel the spark and so-called "chemistry" within themselves as they attract each feeling. This may be the way how people start their love story in romantic books or movies. They will even face many quarrels and obstacles in their relationship, but their love into each other is the one that will ignite and last. Lately, it will end for their eternal love and believing that there is forever.

But when we put it in reality, it is not how it starts and ends. The people who bump each other may just say sorry, or serve his or her hands for help, then just leave. Those whimsical and fairytale-like events will stay as a fantasy and will never become a reality. It's not that I'm not believing fantasy feels, but what I believe is that when we loved someone and being loved back, that feeling is what I can conclude that you are totally and undeniably living in a phantasmal reality. There is no fantasies that will be greater than being loved by someone you loved. And reality is much more exciting and irreplaceable than just a mere and whimsical fantasies of your gullible imagination.

[unboundedthought]

My Family Reunion Cake

It's very memorable to have family gatherings with your grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, and especially your family as you all join together as one to celebrate the family bonds and descends. But what do we need to make up a good start for the family reunion?

Here are the ingredients:

10 bags of Love

5 tbsp. of Interest

5 pcs. of Trust

7 cups of Strength

5 tsp. of Family-oriented

1 cube of Value

2 minced Gratitude

Procedures:

1. First, get a one, big mixing bowl then add together the 10 bags of Love and 7 cups of Strength to make the family foundation firmer.

2. Then, in the mixing bowl, add again a 5 tbsp. of Interest and 5 tsp. of Family-oriented to have the family members have the guts to join the family gatherings.

3. As you mixed perfectly the four ingredients in a mixing bowl, cover the top with plastic foil to make it moist and tender. Make it at least 5 hours because the longer the time, the foundation will be firmer.

4. When waiting, get a small bowl to mix together the 5 pcs. of Trust, 1 cube of Value, and 2 minced Gratitude until it liquefies.

5. After 5 hours of waiting, remove the plastic foil on top of the mixing bowl to add and mix the liquified ingredients from the small bowl to make it tastes like sweetened perfection.

6. Then get a cake pan or container to shape the cake and bake it in the oven for at least 45 minutes at a medium heat temperature.

7. Lastly, serve the Family Reunion Cake warm and moist to your family gatherings.

[unboundedthought]

An arduous life. From the day that I was born until the age of nine, I experienced poverty due to lack of money as my father didn't have any work that he lived for sidelines just to make a living. It was because of poor political rule that corruption spreadeof throughout the politics and resulted to poor economic growth and opportunities. I observed that national occurrence but when the year 2009 came, our life somehow changed gradually because the new leader of the country was better than the former one. The new president focused on economic growth and international relations which gave better opportunity to citizens like us.

As I step back to my old memories, I remembered one of the greatest moments or landmarks of my life. When I was in Grade One, that time I am already six years old, my Auntie Gene's family borrowed me from my parents to escort one of the girls in their family. My parents accepted it. At their place, their family and relatives took care of me and I became friends with their children, especially the girl who will be my muse. I observed them. They were all happy about the preparation for the grand parade where I and my muse are going. As another day passed by, the parade began, and we ended at the main court as every escort and muse of every purok or street danced to amuse the judges and audiences. And I think we also had the “Q & A” segment and I don't even remember what place we got in the competition. All I know is that I joined there.

When I aged and hit puberty, Korean pop and culture became my conformity. I love Korean music and dramas, thus, it makes me relate with many people and even used it to make friends and one of those became my best friend. Major pop culture moments such as the rampant growth of Korean Pop Culture made my life jubilant and unforgettable. The widespread K-pop culture or mostly known as the 'hallyu wave' has a big part in my life that even now it is a part of me, and spontaneously, I don't have any idea where it'll end.

[unboundedthought]

We all know that Anime is one of the famous things on earth as it spreads throughout the globe, and being a total fan of anime is called 'Otaku'. I'm one of the Otakus that is why I tried to learn how to draw an anime character, and what you only need to start sketching anime are sketch pad, sharpened pencil, eraser, ruler and a good pen.

First, draw the shape of the face of the character. Then draw a vertical line between the face and two horizontal lines within the upper cheeks and eyebrows and use a ruler to make it straight. Remember that while you are drawing the figure, use the pencil lightly. In the space between the two horizontal lines, there you can draw the eyes of the character, you must make it big as doll eyes to make it looks puppy-eyed. Draw an eyebrow at the top of the eyes. On the halfway part of the vertical line you can draw the nose and on the downward part is its mouth.

Next is its body. Draw the body according to the pose you want for it and remember to add circles in every joint to make every part connected. Likewise putting a circle on the shoulder and elbow to connect them. The sizes of circles vary to each part. If the body part is small then the circle is also small, and you can connect it to others by making and forming lines.

As I have said, don't use the pencil too deeply when drawing but better use it lightly because the next turn is the costume where you must use the pencil deeper than the figure so that you can emphasize the costume and follow the outline of details. In this step, first, draw the hair or wig, then the top and bottom outfit or dress according to what you like, and last is its shoes.

Lastly, after finishing the process, get your pen and redraw the outline or penciled anime character by just following the lines. And after that, you can use the eraser to remove the pencil marks and make it clean. There you can present your first work nicely and proudly.

P. S: This instruction is just my own technique, and it doesn't mean that this is the effective one. It is just that doing this makes me comfortable drawing. And I'm just sharing it, though. Love you guys. 😘

[unboundedthought]

It was sunset in our province, Albay, when my cousin, Richard, requested us to sleep at their place to stay with his girlfriend, Toots, because he had a work on his office. We accepted it because we know that it'll turn out good as we will have some midnight movie marathon and snacks.

Then it was already 7 o'clock pm when we came to their house, and in the road there was already no people roaming around. We were on the creepy setting that time as we walked outside because you can't nearly see the way out as the heavy fog blocked the way with matching of howls of dogs nearby.

When we got there it was only Toots who's in the house. She was thankful that time because she felt scared of what she heard and saw. My family and our neighbors believed that my cousin’s house was living by some mysterious beings; there were ghosts and a family of Agtas that are mythical creatures and their bodies are black as charcoal with red-sored eyes.

I first stayed on the terrace to have sightseeing on the beauty of Mayon Volcano as its crater heated up, and what made me feel calm was when I saw the moon in its full quarter. The moon is a very beautiful and precious thing for me as it lightens the dark night and leads you out of the gloomy road.

As I sightseeing, my instinct thrilled out as I felt that someone ran at my back, then I ran to them because of fear and my brother said that he saw a charcoal-like man (which is believed to be an Agta) that was standing outside of the sliding window. We stayed together in the living room and watched a movie to lighten up our mood as the fear kept our inside hearts uneasy and restless.

After we watched a movie, we stayed in one room because of fear, then after a while, we heard a continuous noise down the kitchen as the plates started to grumble. Then we realized what our family and relatives said, that every night we must leave some plates with meals on the kitchen table so that the Agtas will not complain and ruin the plates. Then we all went downstairs to the kitchen, but as we came there the plates were organized. And we did and followed what our family told us, and as we got into our room, the kitchen became quiet.

An hour passed by and we were staying in the same room. We crowded ourselves because of fear as the noise came outside the room. The staircase was making noise as someone was throwing grudges, and we felt the trembling and vibration of the ceiling as we hear someone dribbling a ball at the top floor.

Somehow, I'm so thankful that time because I was the youngest so they kept me safe and put me at the back, away from the door. I even realized that I'm going to die at that time and that if ever I'll die from that moment I will become an unhappy ghost who is full of grudges because I still did not give my parents a better future. But many hours passed by then we got tired until we fell asleep.

Finally, we woke up with a good sunrise as our cousin who came from his office tried to wake up all of us. It was a horrifying but unforgettable experience that we shared.

Yes, it was scary and terrifying but the story and experience must not be forgotten.

[unboundedthought]

A Persuasive Text: Diary Of A Wimpy Kid “The Last Straw” by Jeff Kinney

A doodle fiction that is modernly fascinating where you will only end up mesmerized by your childhood ventures.

Sounds, looks, and contextually enthusiastic. This book is totally a boredom killer; it literally kills your awkward and free time state. I ensure you that when you read it, you will love it more than you expect, and it can be your typical most favorite book that you ever had that you’ll more likely keep and put on the highest part of your bookshelves and labeled as “My Most Favorite Book of All Times”. This book let you wonder what is on the other side of your busy and bustling life. It cracks the confiner of jubilant within yourself and lets you go gaga. Albeit, the book is mostly composed of the nasty and childish imagination of the protagonist, Gregory Heffley, and as the story closedown, it always ends with a realization that you can get so many lessons in life, likewise an old man who learned a lesson to a kid. Thus, I ensure you as a reader, that you will learn lots of lessons from Greg’s experiences.

[unboundedthought]

BROKEN FRIENDSHIP

Teacher: Okay class, I want all of you to listen to the song and write down the thoughts that you will realize.

*the teacher plays a gloomy song*

Me:

As I heard the song, I found myself reminiscing about the friendship I had with my very special "best friend". But it is so sad to realize that our friendship is finally over.

There were things that we had shared. We shared memories, problems, experiences, secrets, and even some properties. We have the same interests such as being a fan of Korean pop and culture, and being fond of eating a delicious, fluppy and rounded siopao, it is either steamed or toasted.

He is a very special friend to me. He was. I found him cute with his height, a good singer and much more a dancer, having the cutest penmanship ever within my friends, and a God-fearing person. But in the midst of suddenness, everything has changed. He became cold without telling me what's the reason behind his cold acts toward us that crush and shiver a heart of mine. It's dumbly unexplainable. He goes among other people instead of mine.

Then a day after, I found out the reason behind his strange acts. I know he had a personal problem, but, everyone has.

In some parts, his reason is so childish and I know to myself that I didn't do anything wrong. Before he also did this, he left without letting us know what is the reason, but later we accepted him when he came back. But now, giving him another chance is somehow stressful. Still, what can I do when my love for him is the one who wins. But this time, my dear, I'm sorry for not feeling sorry. Remember, you're the one who cast me out of yours.

[unboundedthought]

My Very Own Diamante Poetry

It is called Diamante Poetry because its position looks like a diamond.Thus, this kind of poetry is really tough because you really need to follow specific rules and the hardest part is that you must pick great, superb, and magnificent words because it is literally very limited when it comes to usage of words. So be careful though mine is not that good hahaha. Just saying. Muah.

Here is the text form:

She Leaves at Dawn by Mark Lester Mendez

Moon.

Sentimental, solemn,

Companion in darkness.

Though shouldn’t be deceived,

She’ll leave behind.

An uncertain

Moonrise.