yummersbites

[yummersbites]

Reflection Essay

12-Santiago

Jazmine Legaspi

The Deceitful Light of Love

Have you ever made a mistake that became your failure?I made a wrong and disappointing decision in my life that I never thought would be my downfall. I will not forget that one decision that caused my own downfall. I did not listen to my mom who never get tired of reminding me to always prioritize my studies over my boyfriend at that time. I was in grade 11 when I had a boyfriend. It was my mistake that I made him my world. The biggest mistake I made was that I prioritized love before that went to nothing instead of my studies. But there's one phrase that never leaves my mind, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” by Winston Churchill.

It was 3 pm in the afternoon when my teacher massaged my mom. She said that I'm failing on her subject. I know that I'm failing. I have abandoned my studies. I’ve always focused on my Messenger, waiting for my boyfriend’s chat. Waiting for his update and it became my habit. We call each other 24/7, without fail. Sometimes, I can’t even attend my online class because we’re talking to each other. Although, I’m complying with my activities. That time all I was thinking was nothing else but "I'm happy". I didn't immediately think I was wrong. I prioritized the relationship over my studies. When he cheated on me, I felt like a knife pierced through my heart. My life instantly goes downhill. I don’t even attend my online class, and I can’t even submit my assignments on time. I just bawl my eyes out the whole time. I can’t think straight, and I forgot that I have my goals and responsibilities in life. Until my mom received the terrible news that I might fail. She scolded me, but I was stubborn as a mule. One day, my teacher messaged my mom, and she said that I was failing. My mom begged, and that’s when I realized that it was too much, that I must correct my mistakes. I asked my teachers if I could still submit my missing requirements, and luckily they said yes, and I immediately submit all of my lack requirements, even if my heart was in pieces. I fixed all the mess that I made, and even though my mom is mad with me because of what I did, I tried to rebuild her trust.I learned that not everything we think is right is really right. Sometimes it is good that we listen to those who are older than us, even if, in our eyes, they are wrong.

[yummersbites]

Faith in Ruins

By: Lindsay Rayne Jabinal &Jazmine Legaspi

Grace Abbott says, “Child labor and poverty are inevitably bound together and if you continue to use the labor of children as the treatment for the social disease of poverty, you will have both poverty and child labor to the end of time.” Poverty in the Philippines increased, and 51% of families were self-rated as poor people who experienced poverty came from rural provinces (GMA Integrated News, 2023). The majority of poor people from rural places think that their good life is in the city. On the other hand, what they will experience is even more difficult in the city. This photograph tells how these six people have different perspectives on life and why they need to find their food or to make money they can find on the dumpsite. The people living in the slums of Tondo, particularly in Smokey Mountain, are facing unimaginable challenges in their daily lives, the dangers they face daily, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, and they have no other choice but to scavenge in a dumpsite to survive, and the government failed to provide them with basic aid, and their inability to escape their current situation. Looking at the photo, we can create a story like there are six people in the photo that had their own reasons why they dig garbage at the dump site.

The slums of Tondo, particularly Smokey Mountain, are a harrowing sight that exemplifies poverty and environmental degradation. As journalists, this story can be found in the image of the two boys scavenging, representing the younger generation, who have grown up in this environment and know no other way of life, with an older man standing nearby and two other scavengers watching from a distance. Each character in this image has a unique narrative are, conflict, and motivation.

“Kuya Jelo, kailangan natin makarami para makabili tayo ng asin.” Cj said.

“Oo, kaya dalian mo na dyan Cj at para makabili na rin tayo ng sardinas.” Totchi replied.

The two boys scavenging represent the dire circumstances that push children into hazardous labor. They are likely driven by hunger and the need to support their families.

“Kapag may sobra akong pera bibigyan ko kayo tapos bumili kayo ng fish ball, ipandagdag niyo sa ulam niyo.” Mang Kanor said to the two boys.

“Maraming salamat ho!” Cj said with a smile on his face.

“Nako, huwag na ho kayo mag-abala, idagdag niyo na lang po iyan sa ipon niyo” The older brother said to the old man.

“Jelo, minsan lamang ito at huwag niyo ng tanggihan, nakikita ko naman ang sipag at tiyaga niyo, tanawin niyo na rin itong utang na loob para sa susunod na kayo naman ang may sumubra ay ako naman ang bibigyan niyo.” Mang Kanor said to Jelo.

“Maraming salamat ho Mang Kanor!” The two boys said with joy to Mang Kanor.

The older man standing might represent the community's resilience amidst adversity. He may have lived in the slums for a long time and witnessed the changes in the area. His narrative could focus on his efforts to create a better life for himself and his family, while his conflict may center on the lack of resources available to him.

“Nako, itong si Kanor imbis na iniintindi ang sarili at ang pamilya niya panay ang bigay doon sa dalawa kaya hindi siya makaahon sa kahirapan.” Harold said to Baron

“Hayaan mo siya pre, kung gusto mo kumuha na lang tayo ng sa sako nila Jelo, mukhang naka-tsamba na naman yung dalawa.” Baron said while looking at the two scavenging boys.

“Magaling ka talaga pre, ayos yan para makarami tayo at para hindi na rin ako bungangaan ni misis.” Harold replied.

The two watching scavengers could represent the specter of competition that looms over the slums. They might be wary of the boys and their potential to find valuable items. Their narrative arc could focus on their attempts to maintain their livelihoods, while their conflict may center on the scarcity of resources in the area.

The excellence of Smokey Mountain is a heartbreaking one, brought into the world of the versatility and soul of its kin. In the midst of the mountains of trash, kids play and giggle, apparently neglectful of the risks around them. The trash is sifted through by ragged, barefoot women in search of valuable items they can sell. With long metal hooks, rag-covered men search through the trash in search of metal scraps that can be sold for money. It is a position of hustle and endurance, where consistently it is a battle. However, there is also a sense of belonging in the midst of the struggle. Despite the filth and poverty, people here care about one another.

Children play together in the streets and neighbors share what little they have. It is a position of warmth and neighborliness, where guests are greeted wholeheartedly, and nobody is an outsider for a really long time. Stories of perseverance through hardship, love through loss, hope through despair. Even in the most bleak of circumstances, the human spirit shines there. Heroes and heroines, ordinary people who do extraordinary things every day just to survive, can be found there. However, in the midst of all the magnificence, there is likewise risk. The contaminated water can spread disease, and the toxic fumes from the garbage can cause respiratory issues. The danger of injury is always present when children play among piles of sharp and dangerous objects. Smokey Mountain is a place where death and survival coexist and life is both fragile and resilient.

As journalists looking at this image from a distant vantage point, the story reveals the stark realities of life for the people living in the slums of Tondo. The narrative arc, conflicts, and motivations of each character illustrate the complex nature of poverty and the challenges that come with it. As we looked at this scene, we couldn't help but feel a sense of despair.

The people living in this community are facing tremendous challenges, and it's clear that the government has failed to provide them with basic support. The characters in this story are all motivated by the need to survive.

[yummersbites]

Jazmine T. Legaspi

12- Santiago

Hundred Adventures

"Gusto mo bang sumama sa mga pinsan mo sa Pangasinan?” my mom asked me.

Have you heard that the national park was created by Presidential Proclamation No. 667) and signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on January 18, 1940, for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the Philippines and known as the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP). The Pangasinan city of Alaminos is home to the Hundred Islands National Park. These little Islands, sometimes referred to as "Kapulo-puloan" or "Taytay-Bakes," are among the most beautiful natural geological formations in the Philippines. The islands have a total land size of 1,844 hectares, or 18.44 square kilometers, and are scattered around the Lingayen Gulf. Despite having 124 islands, one is submerged during high tide. They resemble enormous umbrellas or mushrooms. This island is thought to be roughly two million years old. Only three of the islands—Governor Island, Quezon Island, and Children's Island—have been developed as tourist destinations. As of now, none of the other islands have names.

When we arrived at mama Lai's house, we just rested for a while and ate lunch. After we ate lunch, my cousins hurriedly changed into swimming clothes. While I was still enjoying the picturesque view and the breeze while I was on the porch. My appreciation of the view was interrupted when my aunt entered the room and told me to hurry and get dressed.

"Jazmine, bilisan mo magpalit ha aalis na tayo after 5 minutes", my Aunt said.

"Sige tita, magbibihis na ako" I said.

"Tsaka nga pala tita, saang isla tayo pupunta ngayon?" I asked her before I entered the bathroom.

When we all finished changing into our swimming clothes, we left the house and boarded the boat that was assigned to us. The view we see is marvelous, it's just a bit scary because the water is dark blue in the middle of the sea. It's like in the movies where the sharks are going to eat the boat we're on. Kidding aside, the island we passed by before we got to crocodile island was spectacular. The shape is amazing. It really shaped like a crocodile . When we got off the boat, we went to smam in the sea. Swim here swim there. We had a very happy experience at crocodile island. In the afternoon, we went home to Mama Lai's house and we all went to sleep, tired from the activities we did in our swimming. When night fell, we ate dinner together and got ready to travel home to Manila.

The Hundred Islands, a paradise in the Philippines, is a dazzling gem that shines in the midst of the vast ocean. Its emerald waters glisten like a sapphire under the sun, while the lush greenery that surrounds the islets creates a stunning contrast against the blue horizon. The islands are like a necklace of pearls, each one unique and magnificent in its own way. As you sail through the calm waters, you'll be mesmerized by the playful dance of the waves and the gentle sway of the boats. The Hundred Islands is a true masterpiece of nature, a symphony of colors and textures that will leave you in awe. In Alaminos, Pangasinan, the Hundred Islands National Park offers a variety of water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, helmet diving, kayaking, banana boat rides, ziplining, and cliff jumping. Additional adventures include wall climbing, rappelling, camping, caving, bird watching, and spelunking.

The Hundred Islands, a paradise in the Philippines, are a dazzling gem with emerald waters and lush greenery. The islands are like a necklace of pearls, each unique and magnificent. The National Park in Alaminos, Pangasinan offers various water sports, including swimming, snorkeling, helmet diving, kayaking, banana boat rides, ziplining, and cliff jumping. Additional adventures include wall climbing, rappelling, camping, caving, bird watching, and spelunking. The Hundred Islands National Park is a true masterpiece of nature, offering a symphony of colors and textures.

Travelogue

[yummersbites]

The Huntress

We are all aware of the pandemic's effect on our life. Finding solution was complex, challenging and difficult. Now I'm going to tell my experience with my mother during pandemic. First off, my mom was our “huntress” since she looked for a work-from-home job throughout the pandemic. She is like a hunter in the woods who won't return home until she got something for her family. She was hired although she only stayed for a short time. Even though she was aware that the situation was risky in those days, she nonetheless applied to be a contact tracer and as a result, we are able to eat twice daily.

[yummersbites]

Satan's Hand

By: Jazmine Legaspi 

I made it through. I'm here. I'm here, confused and twisted up. So how do I move? Experiencing harassment from a family member has an emotional and physical impact. Do my memories or phobias have a chainsaw of the soul that I can use against them?

"You just arrived at your destination," the waze said.

As I stepped out of the van, the smell of burning leaves, the sound of waves, the smell of fresh air gushed from the tree welcomed me.

“Mga apo halina kayo, ihahatid ko kayo sa tutuluyan niyo” my grandma said.

As she walked to her house where we will stay, we got our bags from the van before we went inside to my grandma's house.

“Jazmine, Tracy, Bj doon kayo sa taas matutulog” as she pointed at me, my sister, and my cousin.

When my grandma said her goodnight, we went upstairs together with our cousins. While we are going upstairs, the first thing that I felt and saw was the mist of the clouds, the silence of the surroundings and shimmering stars. 

“Ate jaz, dito yung kwarto na tutulugan niyo” Denise said, as she pointed at the door beside her.

“Okay salamat denise, hindi pa ba kayo matutulog? Madaling araw pa lang ah” I said, and asked her. 

“Kwentuhan muna tayo ate please” she said as she pleased.

“Okay, fine, Basta saglit lang ha kase galing pa kami ng byahe”,I said to her.

Then we started chatting about life in manila. She asked a lot of questions, like, “ kamusta na crush ko” and so on. 

“Denise mamaya na lang ulit ha, inaantok na talaga ako” I said and yawn.

“Sige ate, ligo tayo ng dagat mamaya” she said cheerfully, then left our room.

I set aside my bags and went to bed. I get the blanket and sleep. When I'm in the middle of my slept. I felt a presence behind my back. At first I ignored it. When the person behind me got into the blanket, I was a little nervous. It was a man. It was Bj who's behind me. My body froze an instant when his hand crawled towards my butt. I don't know what to do. My brain is messed up. I didn't know what to do. I trembled even more when his hand went to the bottom of my chest. I'm so nervous. my heart beats very fast. it's like it's coming out of my chest. I don't know how to stop him. I was already sweating a lot. I'm crying. I want to ask for help. I want to wake Tracy up. but I'm afraid he'll know I'm awake. So I counted several times in my mind, when he distanced himself from me, even though I was shaking, I stood up and ran away from my grandmother's house. Even though I'm nervous about Tracy's safety. I ran to my ate Janella's house. I didn't say anything to ate. I'm so scared I'm afraid to say something, especially that it was her brother. Maybe they  won't believe me. I wanted to cry but no tears come out.

I was brought back to the present when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“Hey jaja, I ve been calling you for a while” my cousin said.

Ah I spaced out again. Experiencing harassment from my cousin has a major  impact on me. I learned that "trust” that you can only give even though they are your cousin or they are in your bloodline, because we don't know them that much.

[yummersbites]

God's gift

Jazmine. The meaning of my name is "Gift from god" or "Coming from the flower". My name named after the fragrant flowering plant; Jazmine and my name is a Persian origin. I am like the flower in bloom. I am expressive, optimistic, outgoing and inspiring. My name symbolises love, romance and sensuality. What special about my name? It has been associated with qualities such as grace, elegance, and beauty.

I asked my mother why she named me Jazmine. My mom said she had a favorite singer, named Jasmine. She's so inspired to that singer, she was amazed by her voice, so she named me after Jasmine's name. When I was young my grandfather taught me how to sing, he practiced me so that I can sing like my mom's idol, so now I can sing well like my mom's favorite singer.