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#Travelogue

#MemoirTravelogue

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮

by Justin Kurt Dela Vega

"Simply, there is no place like Manila," the band, namely Hotdog, says. This place brought out the best in me and showed how I grow in different streets, corners, and avenues of my life. Manila is a life changer, and it provokes me to cope with the challenges this place could offer. Regardless of its downturns, I'll keep coming back to Manila.

 

I was raised here in Manila; I saw this place grow, and this place saw me grow. In the corner of Cayco Street, near National University-Nazareth School (NUNS), where I lived before, I witnessed every smile, laugh, and tear fall down on my eyes as I got older. ay back when I was 7 years old, my cousins and I usually played outdoor games such as tumbang preso, tagu-taguan, and langit-lupa. Those games made me explore our barangay, the nearest barangays, and go to the famous "𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘯𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯" which is the Loreto Church where I was baptized, and the Saint Augustine Churche because they are so close and identical to each other. The yell we made as we crossed those places is incomparable because it signifies that we are happy playing. This place made us feel comfortable and let us be ourselves when we were kids. Should I be proud that, when I was a kid, I was one of the people who contributed to some noise pollution in the city? Because the enjoyable and thrilling experience Manila gave me will definitely make me scream and shout. Indeed an "𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘰 𝘯𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘴𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢".

 

Hence, as we grow older, the more we understand everything, the more we go through different difficulties that help us be the people we are today. We moved out to our new home on Lacson Avenue. Well, I can say that this place is less fun because it is more vehicle-friendly and considered one of the main roads here in Manila. This restriction made me explore the beauty and wonders all over the city.

 

España Boulevard is where my elementary school and junior high school were placed. When I am studying at Juan Luna Elementary School, I am always crossing the famous España Blvd.-Padre Noval St. pedestrian. When the light turns green, I'll start running while crossing the pedestrian lane. My father used to work in a clinic located on Padre Campa St. That's why I am agitatedly running the crossroads for me to see my father. After my class in elementary school, he always gave me soft drinks and foods that truly put some joy in my face. How I miss those days before everything turns dark between me and my father's relationship as I grow older.

 

Ramon Magsaysay High School on España Blvd. is the place that let me be myself. There were a lot of academic struggles and personal development cases that stressed me out when I was in junior high. There's an identity crisis and an existential crisis in my life, but thankfully hanging out with my friends in different places here in Manila helped me cope with this. After class, we are going to Luneta Park and Intramuros to enjoy the scenery and historical views of this place. Arroceros Park, the last lung of Manila, let me breathe like I was in the province. The fresh air and the good ambiance it shares definitely help me to be okay. Different malls where we always eat are something that we mist remember. And there were a lot of places where me and my friends did hang out that I can proudly say made me feel better than I used to.

 

Although there are a lot of struggles that you might encounter in the city, such as the unwalkable streets in Manila, pollution and overpopulation are some of the hassles that a Manileño or some tourists can experience here in this place. Nonetheless, the experience from those will open our eyes to being politically aware. Those circumstances prevent me from being a student leader and community volunteer. Thus, I am hoping and thinking that people can be like this if they see the problems that continue to ruin the value of Manila. I joined a lot of foundations and organizations that help people grow in foster and rehabilitate the city for the most part. I was there when there was a clean-up drive project in our barangay to showcase the city's full potential and make people appreciate this city more.

Even though I go to different wonders and places in the Philippines, I am still longing for this city that is considered chaotic by many. "𝘏𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘱-𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘱 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘢, 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢" will always lock up in my head because this place has something to offer. This place helped me grow fonder and learn more about life, which shaped me into the person I am today. Manila let me feel the freedom and liberation; thus, this urbanized city will always have a space in my heart. I will always reminisce about the memories that will make me keep coming back to Manila.

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#ReflectionEssay

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘂𝘁?

by Justin Kurt Dela Vega

Does anyone wonder what's going on inside their head? This senior year of high school made me feel like I was part of the most anticipated cartoon movie, Inside Out. We felt different emotions that helped us understand more about the essence of life. I am 17 years old, still a kid, and still growing. We reflect on different experiences and adapt our own learning. I am thankful that this stage is part of the game to move forward and take advantage of to improve.

 

I felt the joy. Ever since I was a kid, I have been an achiever. It felt different for me because, as we grow older, the harder the challenges are. which means you need to strive harder in order to maintain the momentum where you are. There is a lot of pressure to achieve more; hence, I succeeded. I am happy because I accomplish a lot. There are a lot of opportunities that open the doors for me to know more about myself. I achieve those because, regardless of how hard it is, I tried and took the risk to be better, and learning some skills in different specific tasks will help you a lot.

 

I felt the sadness. There are numerous factors that contribute to my sadness. Especially when you are experiencing pressure and personal problems, it will add up. For example, my best friend died last month. It was my demonstration day as a student teacher when I found out that my friend had died. I was shocked and out of momentum. I tried my best to act professionally or in character. Hence, I felt that I was very distracted by my emotions at that time. I do manage that because I prioritize my purpose that day, and keeping up with others as to who you should be that day is a must. It's definitely the worst part of the year for me, but that experience helped me to be resilient and pessimistic in terms of the darkness I am experiencing.

 

I felt the fear. I am scared that someone will throw off some eyes that perceive disappointment. During these senior high school days, I am trying my best academically and in different forms for them to be proud of me. Hence, I am still making mistakes. Regardless of how I try, I misunderstand different concepts. My ego is the one who is operating my whole body, which makes everybody feel disappointed in me. What they feel about me is valid, especially being disappointed in me. Even though I have a fear of disappointment, I do accept their viewpoint on me because it is my fault that I made them feel like that. Not everyone will like you, and that's okay. What matters is that you be yourself and improve day by day.

 

I felt the disgust. I saw many students who were cheaters in their examinations. As a student who is struggling to do his best and continuously trying everything for me to achieve something with sole hard work, it is truly disgusting for me. Hence, I'll never let that emotion cover me up, but I'll use that as inspiration to do more than my best to excel and fight for what's right.

 

I felt the anger. Maybe for some, because it's normal to feel that way, but I am angry the most with myself. One of my personalities is candor. I love frankness because I am able to convey what I want to say with the emotions that I have. One of the examples is in the recent issue I had, where I became frank with a teacher privately. When I say something, I just want to say it honestly. I say that the teacher is only reading instead of teaching based on my observation and observation of many—especially some of the students in other sections who notice that too. The fact that I said that criticism behind his back is wrong, and I admit that. I am angry because my candor can make someone feel negative. Thus, this anger keeps telling me that backstabbing is wrong, and if you have concerns about someone, say them directly to them.

 

I felt a lot of emotions. I conclude that this senior high school life is such a roller coaster ride. We learned in different aspects, whether it's good or bad. As long as you're willing to digest and reflect on every inch of emotions, actions, and thoughts you have, you can show the brighter hue inside out.

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#FashionArticle

𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿

By Justin Kurt Dela Vega

Comfort can be a person, a place, or a pet, but for some, it's how they dress and what they wear. Everyone wants to be more comfortable because they see themselves in a brighter light when they wear something that reflects their emotions, vibes, personalities, and safety. Therefore, a hoodie is a great example of that because it is more versatile than you might imagine.

Hoodies are considered as aesthetic fashion in the modern world. It can be worn to different hangouts with families, friends, and acquaintances. Yet, hoodies are not accepted in a formal event because they're comfort attire that everyone might like because of their aesthetics, which share emotional attributes with those who wear them. When you feel sad, the texture of the hoodie is as soft as cotton and as warm as your body temperature, so it feels like someone is hugging you without a person who really can do that. In this modern generation, it is mostly romantic to give someone a used hoodie of their lover. It will act as a reminder to remember the person they love or the person who owned that hoodie.

It's not only an emotional comfort but also a low-temperature friendly cloth. According to Attire Club, hoodies also provide you with a great deal of comfort when you feel wintry, which is another benefit. You don't actually need to wear a blanket to feel like you're wrapped in one when you have a warm, cozy hoodie on. The soft texture of the cotton fabrics can make them more health-friendly because they complement the Amihan season in the Philippines and the winter season in some countries.

Hoodies can also be fashionable, aside from the solace they can provide. In the 21st century, most of the male population enjoys wearing a hoodie because they believe that it reflects their personalities; men love being mysterious. According to Aeone Laura in an interview with the writer, a teenage man who loves wearing a hoodie says, "Nararamdaman ko na medyo attractive siya at gusto ko rin talaga mag-suot ng hoodie dahil gusto ko maging impression nila sa akin ay yung pagiging lowkey, which is yung personality ko." The confidence was driven because he wore something that showcased something about him, which is a proof that they found themselves in those hoodies.

The ideantity and characteristics displayed in the hoodie might not be a holistic idea for everyone, but it can share a comfort every time you feel in danger. Hoodies can somehow protect your identity because of their hood. Thus, it helps some people who are not comfortable showing off themselves. In the outdoor world, a hoodie is also considered a protection against different hazards. As for rain, there are many waterproof hoodies that can act as raincoats. Also, from the air pollution outside, as the air flew with some invisible dirt, hoodies protect us from those pollutions to cover up our bodies, especially if you have sensitive skin.

People always have the right to choose what they want to wear, as long as they are comfortable. Yet, it was suggested that hoodies will exceed your expectations in terms of comfortability. I don't know any kinds of clothing that can be as versatile as hoodies, but once in for sure, we enjoy how we dress, and that's enough to reflect who we are and what really makes us happy.

Photo from: Justin Kurt Dela Vega

Sources:

Attire Club (2015). Style and Comfort: 4 Advantages of Wearing a Hoodie (B).

https://attireclub.org/2015/03/23/style-and-comfort-4-advantages-of-wearing-a-hoodie/

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Achievements and excellent disrinctions are driven us time by time. It might describe us, determine our characteristics or tor describe the truth about you.

Wanna get to know Rio? Take time to overlook and see what Rio got by checking and understanding the essence of his hardwork and hardships.

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𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀!

Do you want to get to know Rio? Lean on and read about his interests and hobbies to learn more about him.