"The Headphones"

by: Annika Bengzon 9C 

When you meet someone, you have no idea what to expect. Will you love them? Hate them? Fall in love, be friends or mortal enemies with them? No one really knows what the Universe has in plan for two souls that happen to be at the right place at the right time. Sometimes, two souls deeply in love will have that love forever. Who knows, maybe he was everything she was looking for, and she was everything he wanted to avoid. Love breaks boundaries, and that’s exactly what these two were. One lonely, cold night in the middle of January started this journey that these two young kids could never forget. She was in a coffee shop, all alone, browsing through a new book, while sipping a cup of coffee. He was across the room, just observing her. He noticed how lonely she looked. Every time her phone would ring, she would look hopeful, then disappointed. Turns out, they were headed on the same bus home. It was 8:07 pm when he first spoke to her. Headphones in her ear, looking out the window, he tapped her shoulder and said, “What are you listening too?” She took out her headphones and said, “I’m not listening to anything. I just didn’t want anyone to talk to me.” That’s all was supposed to be. Small talk. Turns out, they went to the same school. He was just a year older. He started to see her everywhere, almost like God was telling him something. He caught her in the hallway and said, “Oh hi, girl that wears headphones so no one will talk to her.” She sarcastically replies, “Actually, the name is Annika, not whatever you just said.” He just says, “Hahaha, very funny, Annika. I’m Angelo.” And that’s where it all began, these two would catch each other everywhere, in school, in the coffee shop, pretty much everywhere. One day, he realized he really liked this girl and decided to tell her. At the same time, she was ranting to her best friend how much she likes him but she doesn’t want to. Basically, after a lot of arguing, they went on their first date. One turned into two, then three and then they established they loved each other, a few months after they really got together. They would always fight about the boy she once loved. When he first saw her, the phone call she was waiting for was from him. She was heartbroken when she found out he had taken an interest into another girl in her class, she waited in that coffee shop, where they would always go, for his call to tell her he was joking. He always pulled pranks on her. He was jealous of her relationship with him. She always told him that she was better off without the other guy and she felt so much happier with him. She was not lying, although he didn’t believe her. They got passed it after he saw the guy with another girl, and she was not hurt one bit and actually was happy that they were both happier without each other and happier with the people they were with now. After he graduated high school, he waited for her. They went to the same college, he studied advertising and she studied literature. They went through a rough patch in college. Big fight, massive break up, spent five months not talking to each other, but they could not not have each other. After she turned 24, in the middle of January the next year, they got married in their hometown. Their marriage vows included that same joke about her being anti-social on their bus ride home. He always thanks her conscience that she actually spoke to him on that bus ride home. She said, “As long as the person doesn’t look like he or she would harm me, I would probably reply to them. Don’t flatter yourself.” The priest reminded them about what she was thinking in that moment, “God has brought you together for a reason. You said that she would appear everywhere. God was telling you something. And the second time you talked to her, I bet God was so happy for both of you that you did. He is proud of you both.” A couple of years later, both extremely happy, with a dog, she had a successful book out, him heading the advertising department of a big company. They had a boy. Two years later, two more dogs, a little boy who loves toy cars, more successful books and an advertising business of their own, they had a baby girl. That was exactly what they wanted. God luckily gave it to them. They were proud of their achievements, their kids and even their dogs, but mostly of each other. Looks like the Universe had a really good plan for them after all. 

Reflection: “Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.” That is always why you must be friends first before you date, and much more before you get married. Many marriages are built on the foundation that is friendship. As best and true friends, you must love each other unconditionally despite fights and flaws, the trust and loyalty you have for each other. And the fact you would never ever give up on each other despite all the rough patches you both have. That is like marriage,that is why you must not just be lovers, but friends first. Proverbs 5:18-19 says: “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.”

"The Headphones"

by: Annika Bengzon 9C 

When you meet someone, you have no idea what to expect. Will you love them? Hate them? Fall in love, be friends or mortal enemies with them? No one really knows what the Universe has in plan for two souls that happen to be at the right place at the right time. Sometimes, two souls deeply in love will have that love forever. Who knows, maybe he was everything she was looking for, and she was everything he wanted to avoid. Love breaks boundaries, and that’s exactly what these two were. One lonely, cold night in the middle of January started this journey that these two young kids could never forget. She was in a coffee shop, all alone, browsing through a new book, while sipping a cup of coffee. He was across the room, just observing her. He noticed how lonely she looked. Every time her phone would ring, she would look hopeful, then disappointed. Turns out, they were headed on the same bus home. It was 8:07 pm when he first spoke to her. Headphones in her ear, looking out the window, he tapped her shoulder and said, “What are you listening too?” She took out her headphones and said, “I’m not listening to anything. I just didn’t want anyone to talk to me.” That’s all was supposed to be. Small talk. Turns out, they went to the same school. He was just a year older. He started to see her everywhere, almost like God was telling him something. He caught her in the hallway and said, “Oh hi, girl that wears headphones so no one will talk to her.” She sarcastically replies, “Actually, the name is Annika, not whatever you just said.” He just says, “Hahaha, very funny, Annika. I’m Angelo.” And that’s where it all began, these two would catch each other everywhere, in school, in the coffee shop, pretty much everywhere. One day, he realized he really liked this girl and decided to tell her. At the same time, she was ranting to her best friend how much she likes him but she doesn’t want to. Basically, after a lot of arguing, they went on their first date. One turned into two, then three and then they established they loved each other, a few months after they really got together. They would always fight about the boy she once loved. When he first saw her, the phone call she was waiting for was from him. She was heartbroken when she found out he had taken an interest into another girl in her class, she waited in that coffee shop, where they would always go, for his call to tell her he was joking. He always pulled pranks on her. He was jealous of her relationship with him. She always told him that she was better off without the other guy and she felt so much happier with him. She was not lying, although he didn’t believe her. They got passed it after he saw the guy with another girl, and she was not hurt one bit and actually was happy that they were both happier without each other and happier with the people they were with now. After he graduated high school, he waited for her. They went to the same college, he studied advertising and she studied literature. They went through a rough patch in college. Big fight, massive break up, spent five months not talking to each other, but they could not not have each other. After she turned 24, in the middle of January the next year, they got married in their hometown. Their marriage vows included that same joke about her being anti-social on their bus ride home. He always thanks her conscience that she actually spoke to him on that bus ride home. She said, “As long as the person doesn’t look like he or she would harm me, I would probably reply to them. Don’t flatter yourself.” The priest reminded them about what she was thinking in that moment, “God has brought you together for a reason. You said that she would appear everywhere. God was telling you something. And the second time you talked to her, I bet God was so happy for both of you that you did. He is proud of you both.” A couple of years later, both extremely happy, with a dog, she had a successful book out, him heading the advertising department of a big company. They had a boy. Two years later, two more dogs, a little boy who loves toy cars, more successful books and an advertising business of their own, they had a baby girl. That was exactly what they wanted. God luckily gave it to them. They were proud of their achievements, their kids and even their dogs, but mostly of each other. Looks like the Universe had a really good plan for them after all. 

Reflection: “Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.” That is always why you must be friends first before you date, and much more before you get married. Many marriages are built on the foundation that is friendship. As best and true friends, you must love each other unconditionally despite fights and flaws, the trust and loyalty you have for each other. And the fact you would never ever give up on each other despite all the rough patches you both have. That is like marriage,that is why you must not just be lovers, but friends first. Proverbs 5:18-19 says: “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.”

"Iridescent"

Iridescent
By: A.Martin

Iridescent;showing luminous colors that seems to change when seen from different angles.

 It was your typical Saturday afternoon, not so sunny yet not so windy it was just right. I was a college student so I never had the chance to catch a break but every Saturday I can actually have peace and relax at the book store and every single time I'm there I see him; the guy that just wanders around looking for books to read and every time I see him he never fails to catch my eye, I can't help but feel attracted to him like somehow, he's going to be a huge part of my life, and today was the day that everything was about to change, I was going to make the first move and ask him out for coffee or maybe even lunch and I know it sounds weird right? The girl making the first move, I usually don't make the first move but with him everything feels so different as if he was going to change my entire life. So I did end up walking over to him we exchanged a few words and caught a glance of the book he was reading "The Great Gatsby" he had excellent taste in literature, he agreed to have lunch with me soon, I couldn't have been more ecstatic that he agreed to go out with me. It was the morning of the day we were going to go out for lunch I couldn't have been more nervous, I couldn't help but think what if he didn't like me? what if he didn't show, I was a mess and I couldn't stop overthinking everything but he showed and after that we instantly clicked, we'd hang out at the bookstore every Saturday afternoon and go out for lunch afterwards every single time, we became best friends and we were inseparable. 4 years passed and we were still the best of friends, I was graduating from college soon, in two weeks exactly and I couldn't be happier to finally relax and start my life. After I graduated we started hanging out everyday instead of just on Saturday's and I couldn't be more thankful for having a best friend like him in my life. 2 more years have passed and it was the day that was about to change my entire life, being best friends with him for nearly 6 years was hard to believe and I definitely didn't expect it to turn out the way it is now, it was my birthday which just so happened to fall on our regular book store Saturday afternoon ritual which ended up being our tradition after our first year of friendship but he wasn't answering my calls MONOLOGUE 1 and he was ignoring all my texts so I just ended up going by myself to check out some books to read and I stumbled upon the book he was reading when we first met "The Great Gatsby" and I smiled to myself thinking "how did I get so lucky?" so out of pure boredom I ended up reading it, in the middle of the book I noticed a diamond ring which was quite odd because you don't really see those in books, but he was there standing behind me asking me to marry him and I did, and I couldn't have been happier with my decision and that is the story of how I met Angelo Buencamino

"Iridescent"

Iridescent
By: A.Martin

Iridescent;showing luminous colors that seems to change when seen from different angles.

 It was your typical Saturday afternoon, not so sunny yet not so windy it was just right. I was a college student so I never had the chance to catch a break but every Saturday I can actually have peace and relax at the book store and every single time I'm there I see him; the guy that just wanders around looking for books to read and every time I see him he never fails to catch my eye, I can't help but feel attracted to him like somehow, he's going to be a huge part of my life, and today was the day that everything was about to change, I was going to make the first move and ask him out for coffee or maybe even lunch and I know it sounds weird right? The girl making the first move, I usually don't make the first move but with him everything feels so different as if he was going to change my entire life. So I did end up walking over to him we exchanged a few words and caught a glance of the book he was reading "The Great Gatsby" he had excellent taste in literature, he agreed to have lunch with me soon, I couldn't have been more ecstatic that he agreed to go out with me. It was the morning of the day we were going to go out for lunch I couldn't have been more nervous, I couldn't help but think what if he didn't like me? what if he didn't show, I was a mess and I couldn't stop overthinking everything but he showed and after that we instantly clicked, we'd hang out at the bookstore every Saturday afternoon and go out for lunch afterwards every single time, we became best friends and we were inseparable. 4 years passed and we were still the best of friends, I was graduating from college soon, in two weeks exactly and I couldn't be happier to finally relax and start my life. After I graduated we started hanging out everyday instead of just on Saturday's and I couldn't be more thankful for having a best friend like him in my life. 2 more years have passed and it was the day that was about to change my entire life, being best friends with him for nearly 6 years was hard to believe and I definitely didn't expect it to turn out the way it is now, it was my birthday which just so happened to fall on our regular book store Saturday afternoon ritual which ended up being our tradition after our first year of friendship but he wasn't answering my calls MONOLOGUE 1 and he was ignoring all my texts so I just ended up going by myself to check out some books to read and I stumbled upon the book he was reading when we first met "The Great Gatsby" and I smiled to myself thinking "how did I get so lucky?" so out of pure boredom I ended up reading it, in the middle of the book I noticed a diamond ring which was quite odd because you don't really see those in books, but he was there standing behind me asking me to marry him and I did, and I couldn't have been happier with my decision and that is the story of how I met Angelo Buencamino

"Bea"

By Mattheus Marcial 9D CN:26

We were classmates I first saw Bea. It wasn't love at first sight, but I admit that I did take an interest in her. I wasn't confident though so for some time it was just that at most. I don’t remember what specific event made us talk though from whatever it was we talked more and more frequently. We talked about pretty much anything honestly, from what happened in school to past stories but there were still a lot of awkward moments. It was not all good though with a lot of moments gone wrong (mostly by my fault). I can’t say for sure when I first fell in love with her, but "fortunately" my friends knew. With their "help", I was able to give gifts to her until I finally admitted that I like her.  A few years like that passed, my courage grew even more and more until I finally asked her out on a date. I took her to the countryside, in a breezy grassland under the night sky and we just lay down on the grass and talked and talked and talked the night away. It wasn’t over the top, but it felt right. A couple more years of dating and a college degree later, I finally proposed to her. It isn’t a perfect relationship, but it was one that was worth it.

After the proposal would come some of the most hectic months of our lives. From planning the seats, to meeting with the pastor, to reserving Manila Cathedral, it was 6 months of stress and work. It was only until the wedding day where I finally felt all the burdens of the past months fade away. Seeing Bea, the girl I've spent so many years of my life with, walk down the aisle to join me to proclaim our union in front of God and everyone important in both our lives made me feel light-hearted. The reception in Villa Immaculada was a grand celebration with all our friends and our now common family. We then spent the rest of our lives with our 2 children who we treated to be good and kind. It was not the best of marriages, but it was perfectly imperfect.

This project helped me think a little more about not just the future, but also the present and past. What I do now is because of my past and will affect my future. Thinking about this, I must learn from my past to use in the present to help make my future better for not just me, but for others as well. Being married is something very serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Finding someone that you will spend the rest of your life with is not hard but working to be with that person for the rest of your life is and is very worth the trouble. 

"Bea"

By Mattheus Marcial 9D CN:26

We were classmates I first saw Bea. It wasn't love at first sight, but I admit that I did take an interest in her. I wasn't confident though so for some time it was just that at most. I don’t remember what specific event made us talk though from whatever it was we talked more and more frequently. We talked about pretty much anything honestly, from what happened in school to past stories but there were still a lot of awkward moments. It was not all good though with a lot of moments gone wrong (mostly by my fault). I can’t say for sure when I first fell in love with her, but "fortunately" my friends knew. With their "help", I was able to give gifts to her until I finally admitted that I like her.  A few years like that passed, my courage grew even more and more until I finally asked her out on a date. I took her to the countryside, in a breezy grassland under the night sky and we just lay down on the grass and talked and talked and talked the night away. It wasn’t over the top, but it felt right. A couple more years of dating and a college degree later, I finally proposed to her. It isn’t a perfect relationship, but it was one that was worth it.

After the proposal would come some of the most hectic months of our lives. From planning the seats, to meeting with the pastor, to reserving Manila Cathedral, it was 6 months of stress and work. It was only until the wedding day where I finally felt all the burdens of the past months fade away. Seeing Bea, the girl I've spent so many years of my life with, walk down the aisle to join me to proclaim our union in front of God and everyone important in both our lives made me feel light-hearted. The reception in Villa Immaculada was a grand celebration with all our friends and our now common family. We then spent the rest of our lives with our 2 children who we treated to be good and kind. It was not the best of marriages, but it was perfectly imperfect.

This project helped me think a little more about not just the future, but also the present and past. What I do now is because of my past and will affect my future. Thinking about this, I must learn from my past to use in the present to help make my future better for not just me, but for others as well. Being married is something very serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Finding someone that you will spend the rest of your life with is not hard but working to be with that person for the rest of your life is and is very worth the trouble. 

"Outerspace"

By: Ria Ramos

Another rocket ship soared out of the planet again. I gazed upon it in my spaceship and pondered about how Earth is like now. Everyone was leaving the Earth. They were all journeying through the galaxies with their rocket cars or ships. My team captain asked me earlier to bring up the typewriter and type about my happiness. I was listening to Girl by The Beatles and when I came to think about it, I was actually unsure of what I really wanted to be happy. The time I felt overjoyed was maybe when I had my first love. It was mixed with puppy love and true romantic love. I was so sure of myself when i was talked with that person. My science teacher once said to me, “Romantic love is when the chemicals in your brain kick in and you feel an emotional high, exhilaration, passion, and elation when you and your lover are together.” I was a kid that time and felt disgusted, I told myself I wouldn’t fall in love.

I met Luis Benedicto in studying to be an astronaut. I started to type in the typewriter making the click-clack sound. When he introduced himself to the whole class, I asked my friend, “Do you know that Benet guy?” She couldn’t stop laughing and told me that his name was actually Bene. I was seated in front of him. I made an effort to turn my back around just to talk to him. He always told me jokes and he’d just keep trying to make me laugh. He asked me, “What kind of shoes do ninjas wear?” and he said, “Sneakers.” He became my closest guy friend in class at the same time I developed feelings for him. I kept it as a secret and saw him as my pal. One day, my friends asked me what was my favorite color, I said it was cherry red. My friends giggled and rushed to Bene and I heard him say that he doesn't have the color red. He sighed and he seemed so frustrated. Hours later, the professor dismissed the class and my friend dragged me to go outside. When I went outside, I saw Bene holding a blue plane for our project in class. He gave it to me and immediately ran away. Inside the blue plane, there was a doll holding a letter and the doll said, “Bombs away!” I opened the letter, it was all doodles on the top, on the bottom it said that he likes me. The letter said, “I like like you.” I laughed and became lighthearted. I couldn’t wait to tell him also that I felt the same. The next day, the whole class was training in the gimbal rig to learn how to recover if the space capsule spun out of control, every person had to reconnect the wires orderly to fix the space capsule. It was Bene’s turn, I told him good luck. At first he was getting really dizzy in the test and couldn’t focus at all. I was looking at him and shouted, “I like you also!” He looked at me smiling and I told him to continue the test. He looked at the gimbal rig and started to reconnect the wires. 

When his test was done, we did a highfive and we both blushed and felt delighted. I got an alarming sound from the space ship and I stopped typing. there was an announcement to deliver a package to the medical room. I got a package saying, “vaccination” and placed it in the vacuum mailbox. Back to my story time, time came that they had to recruit new people to go to missions in space. The JPGR Space Company asked me to be a recruit of theirs. I needed the money to support my mom and dad so I immediately said yes. I told this to Bene, he became depressed because he wanted me to be safe. Ever since the NASA accident, when they sent 44 people on a special mission outer space, unfortunately they died and their ships were never found. I told him I had to do it for my parents. He didn’t say a word after that. “5, 4, 3, 2,“ the people started the countdown to the rocket ship’s lift-off, my very first adventure out of the planet and I was frightened. On the last second, everything became in a slowmotion. The rocket made a roaring sound during the take off. I held my seat as tight as I could. My first stop was the moon, I was so cheerful when I landed my foot on the surface of the moon. On one spot which had a little crater that I admired I wrote, “The moon always reminded me of you, a tiny brightness in the darkness of the night.” 

My teammate caught it on her video which would be sent back to Earth in a few minutes. I told my teammate that she should delete that immediately. She refused and spent the whole time there chasing my teammate for the video. My team captain told us to get back to our station. My teammate quickly broadcasted the video in the rocket. She called me with an irritating sound. I came to the ship and covered her mouth to be quiet. She pointed at the television. There I saw Bene being interviewed by a news reporter. He was holding a poster saying, “Take care always and I hope you’d come back soon Ria!” While he was being interviewed, one of my colleagues interrupted and said, “He’s actually asking you to be his girlfriend!” Bene shooed my colleague saying not to butt in to the interview. I chuckled and suddenly it was interrupted by a breaking news, it was the one my teammate uploaded. I got embarrassed and at the same time was joyful. When I came back from the mission after a whole year, I saw Bene waiting in the station, holding balloons and a Beatles vinyl record which I’ve been bugging him to listen to. I spent the next day as my first date in the cinemas in ATC. Bene and I watched Frozen. I think I was actually in love with him. I read from a dictionary a definition of love which is an intense feeling of deep affection. I realized the meaning of several love quotes sung by The Beatles. 

One quote I’d take note was from John Lennon himself, “It matters not who you love, where you love or how you love, it matters only that you love.” I had an idea what love was, it was like a sort of attachment. I spent the next years with him. It was 12 AM on June 18, 2020, my 20th birthday. I received a call from JPGR Space Company. The whole world was in a disaster, we ran out of oil and it increased the demands of astronauts to discover more oil in the other planets. Bene was recruited by 001 Corps, we didn’t see each other for 5 years. Then on March 16, 2025, NASA brought back the life of the world again, several Koreans discovered a planet which offered more resources than the Earth could ever have. They called the planet “Walrus”. With the good news, all the astronauts were able to go home. When I went out of my rocket ship, I saw Bene. He held my hand and brought me inside the elevator. He put his knee down and said, “Will you marry me?” and then the elevator door opened and everyone was cheering saying congratulations. Bene shouted, “She didn’t even say anything yet!” Everyone became breath then I took a breath and said yes. I wasn’t nervous at all with the whole situation. I was happy that I said yes to him. We first told our parents about our engagement. 

Both of our parents approved of the marriage and offered to help with the planning. Bene’s mother taught me that I also have to be ready in my faith to be able to receive the sacramentWe had to plan the weddings and everything. My parents scheduled the initial interview. In the interview, we talked to the priest and the priest talked about how important marriage is. The priest told us, “Husbands and wives share a self-giving, love-giving and life-giving relationship with their spouse and are committed to helping their spouse grow to human and Christian maturity. They seek to form a family home, and are together the first teachers of their children in Christian faith and values.” We planned that the wedding would take place in the Mary Help of Christians Church. We completed our premarital inventory, it reflected our attitudes, we also had a wedding rehearsal. Nine months passed and I was inside my room wearing this lengthy gown in a shade of pearls. I wore my mom’s favorite silver necklace which she also wore on her marriage. I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror. All of the flower girls, bridesmaids kept asking me if I was excited. I smiled and said that we should leave already. 

I was entering the Church and walking down the aisle, everyone was looking at me and I looked at Bene. He was surprised with my gown. I felt so lucky. I heard the liturgy of the word and sang merrily. I couldn’t describe what I was feeling. In the rite of marriage, the priest said the words “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death.” and we both answered, “I do.” After that, like any other mass we had the eucharist and the mass ended. We went to BGC for our reception, my family was there and Bene’s family also. I looked at the whole place, thinking that this could be the best part of my life yest. After the reception, the first thing we did was that we went to our own apartment and listened to our favorite music by The Beatles, The Queen, Nirvana and Led Zeppelin. We danced, sung, hummed and ate with it. Two years later, the world needed help again. After the discovery of the new planet, “Walrus” the planet turned into a tremendous gas planet. The scientists tried to investigate what was the cause of it. The space companies dragged Bene and I to go on a mission to visit the planet Walrus. 

When we got there, we heard a drilling sound and all of a sudden the planet’s craters started exploding with lava. Bene got separated from me. I couldn’t find him at all with all the steaming smoke. I shouted his name over and over but no response. My team captain called my radio telling me it was time to go. I told him that I needed to find Bene, and the team captain said that he was in the rocket ship already. I looked around and couldn’t see a glimpse of the rocket ship. All I saw was the color red. I fell down and my radio went to the crater and got destroyed. I didn't know what to do so I ran as fast as I could. A crater right below me exploded. I couldn’t feel my legs anymore. I sat down beside a rock, I had no legs. I wrote in the crater, “The moon always reminded me of you, a tiny brightness in the darkness of the night.” I closed my eyes thinking that I would be brought back to the time I first wrote that. I opened my eyes to see a tiny light. I was surrounded by my whole time saying what would they do to me. I saw Bene and he lied down next to me, he held my hand then I felt a distressing and pain in my lower body. He heard me tearing up. He leaned to me saying that everything was going to be ok. I asked him if he read the thing I wrote beside myself and he said he would always remember those words. I closed my eyes and when I opened them we were in a space shuttle and I was in a wheelchair. We weren’t able to return to Earth and everyone was going out of Earth. Bene was the one who’d always push my wheelchair. He changed his job. 

He always came home with something to give me. I always waited for him to go back home, I waited outside of the house when it was the time he was dismissed from his job. I was in the bottom part of the paper I was typing on and Bene opened the door. He gave me flowers and saw the whole paper I was typing on. He smiled and I hugged him. I told him that I’m glad I chose him as my moon. Another person knocked on the door and Bene opened the door. Two kids went inside, the girl was named Bea and the boy was named Lui. A married life can be tough for everyone, it would be a contented life with lots of bumps but in the end it will be ok. My ideal married life would be my parents, I always wanted a married life like theirs. My dad is a pilot while my mom was a housewife. He flies everywhere and stays home once a month for a week. My mom is always loyal to my dad, she would always wait for him to come back. She’d stay awake until 12 am just to fetch my dad from his flight. My dad would never stop messaging my mom online just to say that he loves her. Even though they always fight, my dad would always say sorry. They were the real definition of happy and romantic love.

"Outerspace"

By: Ria Ramos

Another rocket ship soared out of the planet again. I gazed upon it in my spaceship and pondered about how Earth is like now. Everyone was leaving the Earth. They were all journeying through the galaxies with their rocket cars or ships. My team captain asked me earlier to bring up the typewriter and type about my happiness. I was listening to Girl by The Beatles and when I came to think about it, I was actually unsure of what I really wanted to be happy. The time I felt overjoyed was maybe when I had my first love. It was mixed with puppy love and true romantic love. I was so sure of myself when i was talked with that person. My science teacher once said to me, “Romantic love is when the chemicals in your brain kick in and you feel an emotional high, exhilaration, passion, and elation when you and your lover are together.” I was a kid that time and felt disgusted, I told myself I wouldn’t fall in love.

I met Luis Benedicto in studying to be an astronaut. I started to type in the typewriter making the click-clack sound. When he introduced himself to the whole class, I asked my friend, “Do you know that Benet guy?” She couldn’t stop laughing and told me that his name was actually Bene. I was seated in front of him. I made an effort to turn my back around just to talk to him. He always told me jokes and he’d just keep trying to make me laugh. He asked me, “What kind of shoes do ninjas wear?” and he said, “Sneakers.” He became my closest guy friend in class at the same time I developed feelings for him. I kept it as a secret and saw him as my pal. One day, my friends asked me what was my favorite color, I said it was cherry red. My friends giggled and rushed to Bene and I heard him say that he doesn't have the color red. He sighed and he seemed so frustrated. Hours later, the professor dismissed the class and my friend dragged me to go outside. When I went outside, I saw Bene holding a blue plane for our project in class. He gave it to me and immediately ran away. Inside the blue plane, there was a doll holding a letter and the doll said, “Bombs away!” I opened the letter, it was all doodles on the top, on the bottom it said that he likes me. The letter said, “I like like you.” I laughed and became lighthearted. I couldn’t wait to tell him also that I felt the same. The next day, the whole class was training in the gimbal rig to learn how to recover if the space capsule spun out of control, every person had to reconnect the wires orderly to fix the space capsule. It was Bene’s turn, I told him good luck. At first he was getting really dizzy in the test and couldn’t focus at all. I was looking at him and shouted, “I like you also!” He looked at me smiling and I told him to continue the test. He looked at the gimbal rig and started to reconnect the wires. 

When his test was done, we did a highfive and we both blushed and felt delighted. I got an alarming sound from the space ship and I stopped typing. there was an announcement to deliver a package to the medical room. I got a package saying, “vaccination” and placed it in the vacuum mailbox. Back to my story time, time came that they had to recruit new people to go to missions in space. The JPGR Space Company asked me to be a recruit of theirs. I needed the money to support my mom and dad so I immediately said yes. I told this to Bene, he became depressed because he wanted me to be safe. Ever since the NASA accident, when they sent 44 people on a special mission outer space, unfortunately they died and their ships were never found. I told him I had to do it for my parents. He didn’t say a word after that. “5, 4, 3, 2,“ the people started the countdown to the rocket ship’s lift-off, my very first adventure out of the planet and I was frightened. On the last second, everything became in a slowmotion. The rocket made a roaring sound during the take off. I held my seat as tight as I could. My first stop was the moon, I was so cheerful when I landed my foot on the surface of the moon. On one spot which had a little crater that I admired I wrote, “The moon always reminded me of you, a tiny brightness in the darkness of the night.” 

My teammate caught it on her video which would be sent back to Earth in a few minutes. I told my teammate that she should delete that immediately. She refused and spent the whole time there chasing my teammate for the video. My team captain told us to get back to our station. My teammate quickly broadcasted the video in the rocket. She called me with an irritating sound. I came to the ship and covered her mouth to be quiet. She pointed at the television. There I saw Bene being interviewed by a news reporter. He was holding a poster saying, “Take care always and I hope you’d come back soon Ria!” While he was being interviewed, one of my colleagues interrupted and said, “He’s actually asking you to be his girlfriend!” Bene shooed my colleague saying not to butt in to the interview. I chuckled and suddenly it was interrupted by a breaking news, it was the one my teammate uploaded. I got embarrassed and at the same time was joyful. When I came back from the mission after a whole year, I saw Bene waiting in the station, holding balloons and a Beatles vinyl record which I’ve been bugging him to listen to. I spent the next day as my first date in the cinemas in ATC. Bene and I watched Frozen. I think I was actually in love with him. I read from a dictionary a definition of love which is an intense feeling of deep affection. I realized the meaning of several love quotes sung by The Beatles. 

One quote I’d take note was from John Lennon himself, “It matters not who you love, where you love or how you love, it matters only that you love.” I had an idea what love was, it was like a sort of attachment. I spent the next years with him. It was 12 AM on June 18, 2020, my 20th birthday. I received a call from JPGR Space Company. The whole world was in a disaster, we ran out of oil and it increased the demands of astronauts to discover more oil in the other planets. Bene was recruited by 001 Corps, we didn’t see each other for 5 years. Then on March 16, 2025, NASA brought back the life of the world again, several Koreans discovered a planet which offered more resources than the Earth could ever have. They called the planet “Walrus”. With the good news, all the astronauts were able to go home. When I went out of my rocket ship, I saw Bene. He held my hand and brought me inside the elevator. He put his knee down and said, “Will you marry me?” and then the elevator door opened and everyone was cheering saying congratulations. Bene shouted, “She didn’t even say anything yet!” Everyone became breath then I took a breath and said yes. I wasn’t nervous at all with the whole situation. I was happy that I said yes to him. We first told our parents about our engagement. 

Both of our parents approved of the marriage and offered to help with the planning. Bene’s mother taught me that I also have to be ready in my faith to be able to receive the sacramentWe had to plan the weddings and everything. My parents scheduled the initial interview. In the interview, we talked to the priest and the priest talked about how important marriage is. The priest told us, “Husbands and wives share a self-giving, love-giving and life-giving relationship with their spouse and are committed to helping their spouse grow to human and Christian maturity. They seek to form a family home, and are together the first teachers of their children in Christian faith and values.” We planned that the wedding would take place in the Mary Help of Christians Church. We completed our premarital inventory, it reflected our attitudes, we also had a wedding rehearsal. Nine months passed and I was inside my room wearing this lengthy gown in a shade of pearls. I wore my mom’s favorite silver necklace which she also wore on her marriage. I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror. All of the flower girls, bridesmaids kept asking me if I was excited. I smiled and said that we should leave already. 

I was entering the Church and walking down the aisle, everyone was looking at me and I looked at Bene. He was surprised with my gown. I felt so lucky. I heard the liturgy of the word and sang merrily. I couldn’t describe what I was feeling. In the rite of marriage, the priest said the words “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death.” and we both answered, “I do.” After that, like any other mass we had the eucharist and the mass ended. We went to BGC for our reception, my family was there and Bene’s family also. I looked at the whole place, thinking that this could be the best part of my life yest. After the reception, the first thing we did was that we went to our own apartment and listened to our favorite music by The Beatles, The Queen, Nirvana and Led Zeppelin. We danced, sung, hummed and ate with it. Two years later, the world needed help again. After the discovery of the new planet, “Walrus” the planet turned into a tremendous gas planet. The scientists tried to investigate what was the cause of it. The space companies dragged Bene and I to go on a mission to visit the planet Walrus. 

When we got there, we heard a drilling sound and all of a sudden the planet’s craters started exploding with lava. Bene got separated from me. I couldn’t find him at all with all the steaming smoke. I shouted his name over and over but no response. My team captain called my radio telling me it was time to go. I told him that I needed to find Bene, and the team captain said that he was in the rocket ship already. I looked around and couldn’t see a glimpse of the rocket ship. All I saw was the color red. I fell down and my radio went to the crater and got destroyed. I didn't know what to do so I ran as fast as I could. A crater right below me exploded. I couldn’t feel my legs anymore. I sat down beside a rock, I had no legs. I wrote in the crater, “The moon always reminded me of you, a tiny brightness in the darkness of the night.” I closed my eyes thinking that I would be brought back to the time I first wrote that. I opened my eyes to see a tiny light. I was surrounded by my whole time saying what would they do to me. I saw Bene and he lied down next to me, he held my hand then I felt a distressing and pain in my lower body. He heard me tearing up. He leaned to me saying that everything was going to be ok. I asked him if he read the thing I wrote beside myself and he said he would always remember those words. I closed my eyes and when I opened them we were in a space shuttle and I was in a wheelchair. We weren’t able to return to Earth and everyone was going out of Earth. Bene was the one who’d always push my wheelchair. He changed his job. 

He always came home with something to give me. I always waited for him to go back home, I waited outside of the house when it was the time he was dismissed from his job. I was in the bottom part of the paper I was typing on and Bene opened the door. He gave me flowers and saw the whole paper I was typing on. He smiled and I hugged him. I told him that I’m glad I chose him as my moon. Another person knocked on the door and Bene opened the door. Two kids went inside, the girl was named Bea and the boy was named Lui. A married life can be tough for everyone, it would be a contented life with lots of bumps but in the end it will be ok. My ideal married life would be my parents, I always wanted a married life like theirs. My dad is a pilot while my mom was a housewife. He flies everywhere and stays home once a month for a week. My mom is always loyal to my dad, she would always wait for him to come back. She’d stay awake until 12 am just to fetch my dad from his flight. My dad would never stop messaging my mom online just to say that he loves her. Even though they always fight, my dad would always say sorry. They were the real definition of happy and romantic love.

"Lucky I'm In Love With My Bestfriend Bene"

Marianne Renee A. Valdes cn:40 of 9A

          My love story is quite different as everybody else's – it’s very special. Let me tell you how I fell in love with my best friend and ended up marrying him despite many struggles we had during the past. It all began when I was 5 years old.  It was my first day of pre-school and as any kid would be, I was terrified and shy. When it was recess, I was all alone, no one to talk to, just me all by myself just sitting down, watching all of my classmates play. One little boy who had tan skin, brown hair and had big brown eyes approached me and asked me if he could stay with at first. I was shy but a few minutes later I was comfortable with him and we became friends. His name is Bene. Ever since that day, we would hang out every break time.

When we were in elementary we transferred schools. Bene went to an all boys school while I went to an all girls school. My parents were always over protective and wouldn't allow any boy to go near me except Bene because my parents trusted him. Every Friday, me and Bene would always go to this tree house and tell each other’s stories, have a picnic, and hang out there.

As one day passes, we began to build a stronger relationship. I began to feel something, something I never felt before.  It is something I couldn’t understand.  But now I understand that I was falling in love with my bestfriend.

2014 was a painful year. It was the year I had to leave the Philippines and go to Canada for my parents work. A week before I left, Bene and I would hang out together as much as we could because we knew we wouldn’t see each other again. At the tree house, the night before Ileft, Bene confessed his love to me and I just couldn't say anything.  I was speechless with nothing to say. All I said was "No, I’m sorry I just can't do this". Right after saying that, I knew I would regret it but I just didn't. I knew it wouldn't just work it would break our relationship as friends.

The first two months we would always contact each other despite the time difference.  We would stay up late talking to each other with endless calls and texts but on the third month I stopped contacting him and ignoring all of his messages. I did it because I secretly love him and it just hurts to see the person I love not with me and will never be together.

After 5 years I went back to Manila. I forgot everything about my best friend that Isecretly loved.  While I was walking, some guy bumps me and my drink making it fall. The guy apologized and bought me another drink. The barista asked for my name so I said my name then the guy looked at me and smiled. I found it weird because I think I knew the guy but I don't remember. After all, I was gone for a long time.  When I sat down, he sat down in front of me and smiled and we chatted for awhile. It was then that I realized it was my best friend, Bene.

After years of being together we decided to make a big decision. We decided to get married and live together forever. We both wanted to get married in a big, beautiful and the church where both of our parents got married in. The church we got married in was at San Agustin Church of Manila. While I was walking down the aisle I have mixed emotions.  I was happy and nervous at the same time. As soon as I sat down for the sacrament of matrimony to start I could feel the presence of God so my nervousness was gone and I knew he was watching me as I get married. Now I am a mother of three beautiful children and married to the love of my life. Bene and I went through the struggles but everything would always come out well. Who knew I would marry my first friend, first boy friend and last boyfriend. Every single day of my life I thank God because He gave me a wonderful life and family.

Reflection

Even though all of this is just fantasy and in the future, this project made me realize how marriage is a big deal. It is a life changing decision because once you get married there is no going back to being single. Choosing who I would marry is a very difficult decision. Before getting married I would ask these questions to myself, Is he the right partner for me? Am I willing to give up things for him? And the most important question is, Will I be able to live my whole life with him and be faithful to him? All these questions would apply to our marriage so it’s a must for me to answer these. This project also taught me to how to be wise in my future married life and that the secret to a successful married life is having God as the center of our lives.

"Lucky I'm In Love With My Bestfriend Bene"

Marianne Renee A. Valdes cn:40 of 9A

          My love story is quite different as everybody else's – it’s very special. Let me tell you how I fell in love with my best friend and ended up marrying him despite many struggles we had during the past. It all began when I was 5 years old.  It was my first day of pre-school and as any kid would be, I was terrified and shy. When it was recess, I was all alone, no one to talk to, just me all by myself just sitting down, watching all of my classmates play. One little boy who had tan skin, brown hair and had big brown eyes approached me and asked me if he could stay with at first. I was shy but a few minutes later I was comfortable with him and we became friends. His name is Bene. Ever since that day, we would hang out every break time.

When we were in elementary we transferred schools. Bene went to an all boys school while I went to an all girls school. My parents were always over protective and wouldn't allow any boy to go near me except Bene because my parents trusted him. Every Friday, me and Bene would always go to this tree house and tell each other’s stories, have a picnic, and hang out there.

As one day passes, we began to build a stronger relationship. I began to feel something, something I never felt before.  It is something I couldn’t understand.  But now I understand that I was falling in love with my bestfriend.

2014 was a painful year. It was the year I had to leave the Philippines and go to Canada for my parents work. A week before I left, Bene and I would hang out together as much as we could because we knew we wouldn’t see each other again. At the tree house, the night before Ileft, Bene confessed his love to me and I just couldn't say anything.  I was speechless with nothing to say. All I said was "No, I’m sorry I just can't do this". Right after saying that, I knew I would regret it but I just didn't. I knew it wouldn't just work it would break our relationship as friends.

The first two months we would always contact each other despite the time difference.  We would stay up late talking to each other with endless calls and texts but on the third month I stopped contacting him and ignoring all of his messages. I did it because I secretly love him and it just hurts to see the person I love not with me and will never be together.

After 5 years I went back to Manila. I forgot everything about my best friend that Isecretly loved.  While I was walking, some guy bumps me and my drink making it fall. The guy apologized and bought me another drink. The barista asked for my name so I said my name then the guy looked at me and smiled. I found it weird because I think I knew the guy but I don't remember. After all, I was gone for a long time.  When I sat down, he sat down in front of me and smiled and we chatted for awhile. It was then that I realized it was my best friend, Bene.

After years of being together we decided to make a big decision. We decided to get married and live together forever. We both wanted to get married in a big, beautiful and the church where both of our parents got married in. The church we got married in was at San Agustin Church of Manila. While I was walking down the aisle I have mixed emotions.  I was happy and nervous at the same time. As soon as I sat down for the sacrament of matrimony to start I could feel the presence of God so my nervousness was gone and I knew he was watching me as I get married. Now I am a mother of three beautiful children and married to the love of my life. Bene and I went through the struggles but everything would always come out well. Who knew I would marry my first friend, first boy friend and last boyfriend. Every single day of my life I thank God because He gave me a wonderful life and family.

Reflection

Even though all of this is just fantasy and in the future, this project made me realize how marriage is a big deal. It is a life changing decision because once you get married there is no going back to being single. Choosing who I would marry is a very difficult decision. Before getting married I would ask these questions to myself, Is he the right partner for me? Am I willing to give up things for him? And the most important question is, Will I be able to live my whole life with him and be faithful to him? All these questions would apply to our marriage so it’s a must for me to answer these. This project also taught me to how to be wise in my future married life and that the secret to a successful married life is having God as the center of our lives.

"My Angel Angelo"

DENNISE GABRIEL 13 9B

I met Angelo when we were both 13 years old, we weren’t immediate friends but we were quite good acquaintances, at the time we were both interested with someone else, me with an old friend and him with a new one. We really started to become friends when we were asked to group ourselves for our music class; me, him and our other friends, we were quite close back then. A few days hanging out with them and I realized something, I fell for this boy, I fell for him so hard that looking at him physically makes me want to look away and bury my head into something soft because I liked him that much, it pretty much ruined my life in the sense that my heart could never stop beating around him, realizing I liked him was pretty painful though, i kept helping him in the person he was interesting and suddenly, every time I helped him I felt like there was a heavy weight on my chest slowly crushing me inside out. Luckily, I managed to confess to him...via my friend but that still counted. I was pleasantly surprised when the next Monday he told me he liked me back, it was awesome, until I got to thinking that maybe I was just a rebound, but he reassured me that I wasn’t. He asked me out in the weirdest way, I was really curious about what he was hiding from me so he told me that if i got perfect on my math activity sheet he would let me know, and boy did I shock him with my perfect score –minus the fact that I might have copied off of someone?- . We proceeded to date and he proposed to me and it was awesome, it was after college when we both got jobs as lawyers and he asked me during a family dinner with my parents and his and it was very embarrassing but also very very sweet.

Our marriage was very happy, we married near Christmas and it was a very joyous celebration, all our friends were there and our families were very supportive and it was great. We married in our home country, when I walked down the altar towards the priest and my soon-to-be husband and then said my marriage vows, I felt like nothing could kill my mood. Afterwards, we moved to a place where we could both work our separate jobs, although we were both lawyers, he was a defense one. One day I was feeling very sick, I didn’t really think much of it because I’m usually a very sickly person, always needing to be rushed to the hospital. A few months later, I was looking at the mirror  and realized that my stomach was getting pretty big, I got scared and decided I wouldn’t tell him about it yet until I had my suspicions confirmed so I went to my mother who brought me to a hospital, we got it checked and it looks like I was pregnant, 3 months pregnant in fact. I told Angelo about it and he was really happy and it was great..until one day. I woke up one night 2 months later feeling a burning fever and pain on my stomach, I though I was going through labour but that couldn’t be right..I was only 5-6 months in. He brought me to the hospital and I felt so numb as they took my child out of me. My child who would never be able to spend time with his mother and father.. Days after that incident, we were both so depressed, he was becoming so angry and came home late and overworked himself, it was a really horrible phase of our lives..

Slowly, we recovered. We found comfort in each other and slowly started to gain hope, we helped each other with our problems and picked each other up. We eventually started living our lives with happiness again, and eventually I was pregnant again.

I became a mother of two children, twins in fact. When they were born it was the happiest day of my life, we named them Camille and Joshua, the names we agreed on all those years before. I was so happy then and I am still happy now to be able to live the rest of my life with someone that I truly love and care about.

Reflection: marriage is really important, it is a way for people to confirm and strengthen their love for one another. It is a way for people to make sacrifices for one another for the sake of their love. This project made me realize how wonderful it would be to grow old with someone that you love and care about, to see them happy and smiling and not sad. I think that God makes people in pairs and that we’re meant to find soulmate.  

"My Angel Angelo"

DENNISE GABRIEL 13 9B

I met Angelo when we were both 13 years old, we weren’t immediate friends but we were quite good acquaintances, at the time we were both interested with someone else, me with an old friend and him with a new one. We really started to become friends when we were asked to group ourselves for our music class; me, him and our other friends, we were quite close back then. A few days hanging out with them and I realized something, I fell for this boy, I fell for him so hard that looking at him physically makes me want to look away and bury my head into something soft because I liked him that much, it pretty much ruined my life in the sense that my heart could never stop beating around him, realizing I liked him was pretty painful though, i kept helping him in the person he was interesting and suddenly, every time I helped him I felt like there was a heavy weight on my chest slowly crushing me inside out. Luckily, I managed to confess to him...via my friend but that still counted. I was pleasantly surprised when the next Monday he told me he liked me back, it was awesome, until I got to thinking that maybe I was just a rebound, but he reassured me that I wasn’t. He asked me out in the weirdest way, I was really curious about what he was hiding from me so he told me that if i got perfect on my math activity sheet he would let me know, and boy did I shock him with my perfect score –minus the fact that I might have copied off of someone?- . We proceeded to date and he proposed to me and it was awesome, it was after college when we both got jobs as lawyers and he asked me during a family dinner with my parents and his and it was very embarrassing but also very very sweet.

Our marriage was very happy, we married near Christmas and it was a very joyous celebration, all our friends were there and our families were very supportive and it was great. We married in our home country, when I walked down the altar towards the priest and my soon-to-be husband and then said my marriage vows, I felt like nothing could kill my mood. Afterwards, we moved to a place where we could both work our separate jobs, although we were both lawyers, he was a defense one. One day I was feeling very sick, I didn’t really think much of it because I’m usually a very sickly person, always needing to be rushed to the hospital. A few months later, I was looking at the mirror  and realized that my stomach was getting pretty big, I got scared and decided I wouldn’t tell him about it yet until I had my suspicions confirmed so I went to my mother who brought me to a hospital, we got it checked and it looks like I was pregnant, 3 months pregnant in fact. I told Angelo about it and he was really happy and it was great..until one day. I woke up one night 2 months later feeling a burning fever and pain on my stomach, I though I was going through labour but that couldn’t be right..I was only 5-6 months in. He brought me to the hospital and I felt so numb as they took my child out of me. My child who would never be able to spend time with his mother and father.. Days after that incident, we were both so depressed, he was becoming so angry and came home late and overworked himself, it was a really horrible phase of our lives..

Slowly, we recovered. We found comfort in each other and slowly started to gain hope, we helped each other with our problems and picked each other up. We eventually started living our lives with happiness again, and eventually I was pregnant again.

I became a mother of two children, twins in fact. When they were born it was the happiest day of my life, we named them Camille and Joshua, the names we agreed on all those years before. I was so happy then and I am still happy now to be able to live the rest of my life with someone that I truly love and care about.

Reflection: marriage is really important, it is a way for people to confirm and strengthen their love for one another. It is a way for people to make sacrifices for one another for the sake of their love. This project made me realize how wonderful it would be to grow old with someone that you love and care about, to see them happy and smiling and not sad. I think that God makes people in pairs and that we’re meant to find soulmate.  

"Aileen"

by: Paul Ona 9-C 32

     Richard lived a normal life. As a young boy, he would always be at home or exploring the woods in his backyard. He liked to study nature and would often venture deep in the forest to find some peculiar trees which to him were landmarks. He was a fairly obedient child, a good listener and very shy. He only had one friend in the whole neighborhood, the only child his age that insists on chatting with him… his friend’s name was Aileen. During their early teens, Richard and Aileen began talking very often, having private meetings in the local park and what not. After a while, they’re friendship began taking shape, and grew into a romantic relationship. By the time they were in 4th year high school, they were already identified as an inseparable couple, after all having their roots way back to when they were still children. For Richard, Aileen was his world. They would often be seen together and were very happy. Their relationship however, was disapproved by Richard’s parents. The intensity between their fights eventually earned Richard a place of exclusion in the soon to come family vacation. Enraged, Richard cursed them before they left, and planned to make a mockery of them while they were gone, all in a fit of anger. Unbeknownst to him, it would be his very last encounter with them. News came of his family’s road trip, the car slipped over a mountain path and fell. Nobody survived. As soon as he had heard this, Richard’s head rang like a bell. Memories of him and his family flooded his mind, from when he took his first steps up to the day he had an ill received argument with them. His eyes swelled up and denied the reporter and his words. He immediately slammed the door against them and locked himself in his room, his depression lasted for a week until Aileen decided to visit. It was at that moment when he heard a knock, followed by her sweet voice that Richard began to find comfort in. Aileen helped him get through the tragedy, and together they journeyed through life. It was at the eve of the 31’st, December 2026 that Richard proposed to her. Rejoiced followed, and a marriage was arranged at the local church. It was a rushed preparation as they didn’t have a lot of time to freely prepare, they wanted to get married as soon as possible. On that day, April 23, 2027 the marriage took place at the local church. As soon as they entered the reception area, followed by the ballroom they were both greeted with familiar faces, good friends and close to far relatives who have all decided to attend this joyous occasion. Throughout the ceremony, a joyful ambience filled the air and when they exchanged their vows, everybody in the room really did feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The rest of the celebration was joyous, with plenty to eat and drink, and many games and other shenanigans were played. As soon as Richard stepped out the grand door with his lovely newlywed wife beside him, he knew that even though he had faced many hardships in his life, this was one of his best moments, and he would not let anything get in the way of it. Even though he knew that there would be many things to come in the future that would challenge his faith, personality and overall marriage… he realized that he found strength in his wife, and this huge stepping stone will simply be one of many towards the path that God has set for him. That night as he laid in bed with Aileen, he softly clutched her hands together, as they both said to each other, “I love you.” Indeed, Richard might not have lived the perfect life… but it was a good life. 

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Reflection: Although the celebration of marriage differs from many cultures and religions, the sacrament of marriage done by the Catholic Church is also a unique testimony of a man and a woman, both children of God being united for his great glory and purpose. As the groom and the bride exchange each other’s vows, they are also symbolizing their commitment to each other and identification as a married couple in the Catholic Church. The rich ambience in which the celebration takes place is also unique as the Holy Spirit abounds to the to-be wedded couple with a glorifying sense of comfort and security within each other’s company. Making this commitment also means, especially for the groom to take care and be loyal to his bride, as for the bride to be loyal and faithful to her husband. It is in the holy essence of these marriages where the celebration flourishes and hopefully, as do to the newlywed’s relationship. 

"Aileen"

by: Paul Ona 9-C 32

     Richard lived a normal life. As a young boy, he would always be at home or exploring the woods in his backyard. He liked to study nature and would often venture deep in the forest to find some peculiar trees which to him were landmarks. He was a fairly obedient child, a good listener and very shy. He only had one friend in the whole neighborhood, the only child his age that insists on chatting with him… his friend’s name was Aileen. During their early teens, Richard and Aileen began talking very often, having private meetings in the local park and what not. After a while, they’re friendship began taking shape, and grew into a romantic relationship. By the time they were in 4th year high school, they were already identified as an inseparable couple, after all having their roots way back to when they were still children. For Richard, Aileen was his world. They would often be seen together and were very happy. Their relationship however, was disapproved by Richard’s parents. The intensity between their fights eventually earned Richard a place of exclusion in the soon to come family vacation. Enraged, Richard cursed them before they left, and planned to make a mockery of them while they were gone, all in a fit of anger. Unbeknownst to him, it would be his very last encounter with them. News came of his family’s road trip, the car slipped over a mountain path and fell. Nobody survived. As soon as he had heard this, Richard’s head rang like a bell. Memories of him and his family flooded his mind, from when he took his first steps up to the day he had an ill received argument with them. His eyes swelled up and denied the reporter and his words. He immediately slammed the door against them and locked himself in his room, his depression lasted for a week until Aileen decided to visit. It was at that moment when he heard a knock, followed by her sweet voice that Richard began to find comfort in. Aileen helped him get through the tragedy, and together they journeyed through life. It was at the eve of the 31’st, December 2026 that Richard proposed to her. Rejoiced followed, and a marriage was arranged at the local church. It was a rushed preparation as they didn’t have a lot of time to freely prepare, they wanted to get married as soon as possible. On that day, April 23, 2027 the marriage took place at the local church. As soon as they entered the reception area, followed by the ballroom they were both greeted with familiar faces, good friends and close to far relatives who have all decided to attend this joyous occasion. Throughout the ceremony, a joyful ambience filled the air and when they exchanged their vows, everybody in the room really did feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The rest of the celebration was joyous, with plenty to eat and drink, and many games and other shenanigans were played. As soon as Richard stepped out the grand door with his lovely newlywed wife beside him, he knew that even though he had faced many hardships in his life, this was one of his best moments, and he would not let anything get in the way of it. Even though he knew that there would be many things to come in the future that would challenge his faith, personality and overall marriage… he realized that he found strength in his wife, and this huge stepping stone will simply be one of many towards the path that God has set for him. That night as he laid in bed with Aileen, he softly clutched her hands together, as they both said to each other, “I love you.” Indeed, Richard might not have lived the perfect life… but it was a good life. 

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Reflection: Although the celebration of marriage differs from many cultures and religions, the sacrament of marriage done by the Catholic Church is also a unique testimony of a man and a woman, both children of God being united for his great glory and purpose. As the groom and the bride exchange each other’s vows, they are also symbolizing their commitment to each other and identification as a married couple in the Catholic Church. The rich ambience in which the celebration takes place is also unique as the Holy Spirit abounds to the to-be wedded couple with a glorifying sense of comfort and security within each other’s company. Making this commitment also means, especially for the groom to take care and be loyal to his bride, as for the bride to be loyal and faithful to her husband. It is in the holy essence of these marriages where the celebration flourishes and hopefully, as do to the newlywed’s relationship. 

RIDE BMX MAGAZINE: FROM RAGS TO RICHES

By: Cloyd Uyson

Sheer desire breeds marvelous, unexpected and even herculean endeavors. This was exactly what happened 18 years ago to Brad Mcdonald founder and publisher of the world renowned Ride BMX Magazine. In 1991, just a year prior to the birth of Ride BMX Magazine, Brad Mcdonald found himself doing his dream job at Wizard publication as the staff photographer. His passion for reading Freestylin’ and BMX Action, coupled with his intense craving to capture the best tricks and styles of BMX bike performances, hooked him into the world of BMX biking. But, it was only for a year since the economy and the dwindling BMX business cut short his stay with Wizard Publication. He was a college student then when the said publication closed. Armed with courage and determination, he braved in opening his own publication: the famous Ride BMX Magazine. 

Rolling up his sleeves, Mcdonald did all the dirty jobs from typing in subscriptions to convincing advertisers to the point of begging from them. He also took charge in taking those magnificent photos that became a notable trademark of Ride BMX Magazine. It was once shared by the founder that during those difficult, early years of the magazine, he never really thought of it as a real business which holds an office and with employees. In fact, everything was done in his apartment bedroom! Due to lack of funds, and at the same time being pre-occupied with his studies, he took advantage to scan his photos at their school’s computer lab before he goes home to work in his publication. 

According to Mcdonald, the first issue of BMX magazine was a disaster from the point of view of professional production. The output was basically black and white with low quality paper and a blurred, dark printing. As a photographer himself who pays much attention with the color and quality of the printed pictures, the said first issue was indeed discouraging. His income from the magazine was obviously meager but it progressed continuously due to his unwavering faith and tireless efforts. He tried his best to improve the quality of the magazine which was the reason why for the first few years of its operation it did not really make money. He spent most of the income of his publication in the aspect of marketing and product development. The selfless help from his loved ones especially his parents motivated him to make Ride BMX Magazine at par with the standards of the world of publication. In the deepest recesses of Mcdonald’s heart there is this intense goal and longing to make his magazine famous and number 1in the field of sports biking. For, less than two decades of existence, this dream of Mcdonald is now a shining reality where everyone can draw inspiration.

At present, Ride BMX Magazine enjoys the high status and title of being considered the famous biking sports magazine worlwide. Published and edited for die hard, fanatic BMX trick riders, Transworld Ride BMX magazine has become the largest BMX provider of everything about the sports. It is a private company under the category of Publishers-Periodical and is presently located in Tustin, CA. Estimates show that this company has an annual income of $5 to 10 million and employs a staff of approximately 20 to 49. 

On the trivial side, Ride BMX magazine possesses all that a person needs to enjoy and excel in this interesting sport called biking. Transworld Ride BMX magazine also informs riders about important reviews on bikes and other bike gear and accessories.

Contrary to some claims in the net, the esteemed magazine is not merely an exclusive issue full of bike information and bikers’ adventures. Instead, it has in it inspiring features such as the twenty two best riders of UK who were interviewed about their role models and advices to the young generation of bikers. This was featured in the 125th issue of the said magazine.

Finally, it is interesting to note that the contents of the July 2010 issue 164 is jam packed with very interesting topics such as a Vans road trip, an adventure from South Africa, a feature about a famous spot, Morgan Wade’s private riding spot, and a lot more. In the meantime, as Ride BMX Magazine followers and fanatics around the world cannot help but be excited for the release of its newest issue, few of them may not know yet about the inspiring beautiful rags to riches story behind it.

RIDE BMX MAGAZINE: FROM RAGS TO RICHES

By: Cloyd Uyson

Sheer desire breeds marvelous, unexpected and even herculean endeavors. This was exactly what happened 18 years ago to Brad Mcdonald founder and publisher of the world renowned Ride BMX Magazine. In 1991, just a year prior to the birth of Ride BMX Magazine, Brad Mcdonald found himself doing his dream job at Wizard publication as the staff photographer. His passion for reading Freestylin’ and BMX Action, coupled with his intense craving to capture the best tricks and styles of BMX bike performances, hooked him into the world of BMX biking. But, it was only for a year since the economy and the dwindling BMX business cut short his stay with Wizard Publication. He was a college student then when the said publication closed. Armed with courage and determination, he braved in opening his own publication: the famous Ride BMX Magazine. 

Rolling up his sleeves, Mcdonald did all the dirty jobs from typing in subscriptions to convincing advertisers to the point of begging from them. He also took charge in taking those magnificent photos that became a notable trademark of Ride BMX Magazine. It was once shared by the founder that during those difficult, early years of the magazine, he never really thought of it as a real business which holds an office and with employees. In fact, everything was done in his apartment bedroom! Due to lack of funds, and at the same time being pre-occupied with his studies, he took advantage to scan his photos at their school’s computer lab before he goes home to work in his publication. 

According to Mcdonald, the first issue of BMX magazine was a disaster from the point of view of professional production. The output was basically black and white with low quality paper and a blurred, dark printing. As a photographer himself who pays much attention with the color and quality of the printed pictures, the said first issue was indeed discouraging. His income from the magazine was obviously meager but it progressed continuously due to his unwavering faith and tireless efforts. He tried his best to improve the quality of the magazine which was the reason why for the first few years of its operation it did not really make money. He spent most of the income of his publication in the aspect of marketing and product development. The selfless help from his loved ones especially his parents motivated him to make Ride BMX Magazine at par with the standards of the world of publication. In the deepest recesses of Mcdonald’s heart there is this intense goal and longing to make his magazine famous and number 1in the field of sports biking. For, less than two decades of existence, this dream of Mcdonald is now a shining reality where everyone can draw inspiration.

At present, Ride BMX Magazine enjoys the high status and title of being considered the famous biking sports magazine worlwide. Published and edited for die hard, fanatic BMX trick riders, Transworld Ride BMX magazine has become the largest BMX provider of everything about the sports. It is a private company under the category of Publishers-Periodical and is presently located in Tustin, CA. Estimates show that this company has an annual income of $5 to 10 million and employs a staff of approximately 20 to 49. 

On the trivial side, Ride BMX magazine possesses all that a person needs to enjoy and excel in this interesting sport called biking. Transworld Ride BMX magazine also informs riders about important reviews on bikes and other bike gear and accessories.

Contrary to some claims in the net, the esteemed magazine is not merely an exclusive issue full of bike information and bikers’ adventures. Instead, it has in it inspiring features such as the twenty two best riders of UK who were interviewed about their role models and advices to the young generation of bikers. This was featured in the 125th issue of the said magazine.

Finally, it is interesting to note that the contents of the July 2010 issue 164 is jam packed with very interesting topics such as a Vans road trip, an adventure from South Africa, a feature about a famous spot, Morgan Wade’s private riding spot, and a lot more. In the meantime, as Ride BMX Magazine followers and fanatics around the world cannot help but be excited for the release of its newest issue, few of them may not know yet about the inspiring beautiful rags to riches story behind it.

Why Was Basketball Created?

By: Cloyd Uyson

Dr. James Naismith never planned to invent this sport called basketball by our world today. His noble and thoughtful desire and his love and concern for children brought forth another reality which later on will be loved not only by the Americans but by the entire world. His game was formerly called duck on a rock he place a rock at one corner where the kid players has to outsmart each other in being the first one to duck an improvised ball made out of paper in the said rock.

During winter, Dr James Naismith saw how sad the children were since they have nothing else to do but their usual boring and mechanical types of games. His bright idea attracted a lot of kids that winter after winter, his duck on the rock game was always played in any parts of the US. People started to took notice regarding the effects and the addiction it caused to so many young kids and even youth who played the game even after winter season. The innovations added to this game brought forth the invention of the basketball game. The sheer desire of making the kids happy was the stepping stone that turned Dr. Naismith into an instant celebrity. It was indeed one momentous event for the world to have such a sport which was finally adopted all throughout the world.

Being the inventor of basketball and the father of this sport, we must therefore honor Dr. James smith for his good deeds and brilliant ideas that made our lives more interesting and entertaining because of this sport called basketball. Who does not know what basketball is? Then that person must be either a mentally ill person or perhaps a person in his mother’s womb. In short basketball is such a famous sports indeed that the entire world simply loves!

Why Was Basketball Created?

By: Cloyd Uyson

Dr. James Naismith never planned to invent this sport called basketball by our world today. His noble and thoughtful desire and his love and concern for children brought forth another reality which later on will be loved not only by the Americans but by the entire world. His game was formerly called duck on a rock he place a rock at one corner where the kid players has to outsmart each other in being the first one to duck an improvised ball made out of paper in the said rock.

During winter, Dr James Naismith saw how sad the children were since they have nothing else to do but their usual boring and mechanical types of games. His bright idea attracted a lot of kids that winter after winter, his duck on the rock game was always played in any parts of the US. People started to took notice regarding the effects and the addiction it caused to so many young kids and even youth who played the game even after winter season. The innovations added to this game brought forth the invention of the basketball game. The sheer desire of making the kids happy was the stepping stone that turned Dr. Naismith into an instant celebrity. It was indeed one momentous event for the world to have such a sport which was finally adopted all throughout the world.

Being the inventor of basketball and the father of this sport, we must therefore honor Dr. James smith for his good deeds and brilliant ideas that made our lives more interesting and entertaining because of this sport called basketball. Who does not know what basketball is? Then that person must be either a mentally ill person or perhaps a person in his mother’s womb. In short basketball is such a famous sports indeed that the entire world simply loves!

Born a Yankee

Carlos Muñoz Sr. E

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve played Baseball. My father and the rest of my family played the sport and they got me into it. My parents pushed me hard and made me really enjoy the sport. While I was still young, I started watching Baseball on TV. They would always show games played by the New York Yankees on TV because the team bought the rights. I would watch as many games as I could and always cheered them on. This was during the years that they won their many championships. I knew then that my dream was to play in the MLB for the New York Yankees.

I grew up idolizing the entire roster of the New York Yankees, especially the current captain, Derek Jeter. Derek Jeter was the most clutch player and one of the greatest players all time. He was respected by everyone and he was the guy that had everything you would ever want. He was rich, famous, had the girls and was loved by everyone. I played Baseball trying to be as good as he was. I wanted to play shortstop like he did, even if it wasn’t my real position.

I know that I have a gift in the sport and that I am a good player. It’s not being proud, it’s being confident. I was later on moved and made a pitcher and outfielder. Even though I didn’t play shortstop like my idol did, I still enjoyed the positions I play to this day. I know that it’s very tough to become a pro player and even tougher become a Yankee. It’s a dream that I’ll never let go and a dream that I want my kids to have as well. My parents still support me and help me in trying to accomplish my dream. One day, I know I will get there because I was born to be a Yankee.

Born a Yankee

Carlos Muñoz Sr. E

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve played Baseball. My father and the rest of my family played the sport and they got me into it. My parents pushed me hard and made me really enjoy the sport. While I was still young, I started watching Baseball on TV. They would always show games played by the New York Yankees on TV because the team bought the rights. I would watch as many games as I could and always cheered them on. This was during the years that they won their many championships. I knew then that my dream was to play in the MLB for the New York Yankees.

I grew up idolizing the entire roster of the New York Yankees, especially the current captain, Derek Jeter. Derek Jeter was the most clutch player and one of the greatest players all time. He was respected by everyone and he was the guy that had everything you would ever want. He was rich, famous, had the girls and was loved by everyone. I played Baseball trying to be as good as he was. I wanted to play shortstop like he did, even if it wasn’t my real position.

I know that I have a gift in the sport and that I am a good player. It’s not being proud, it’s being confident. I was later on moved and made a pitcher and outfielder. Even though I didn’t play shortstop like my idol did, I still enjoyed the positions I play to this day. I know that it’s very tough to become a pro player and even tougher become a Yankee. It’s a dream that I’ll never let go and a dream that I want my kids to have as well. My parents still support me and help me in trying to accomplish my dream. One day, I know I will get there because I was born to be a Yankee.

“One Chance”

by: Nicole Sayoc (CN: 36) 9F

I never really had a positive perspective on love. Whenever people talk about how they hear music and feel butterflies in their stomach whenever they are with the person they are in love with, that they would do anything to be with them; to be happy even if it leads to intense pain and tremendous challenges. I used to believe in those lies until I got went through my first heartbreak. From that moment on I became bitter whenever it comes to love and just thought that everyone in love is insane, and so was I. The reality of love, I believe is that it’ll be wonderful at start but in the end it’ll most likely end horribly; heartbreak. After a while of bitterness and broken empty days I came to the point of realization where in I took in the fact that falling in love is nothing but a figment of imagination, a cycle of futile use of your time. How can one possibly find the person who could perhaps be called the so called the one when there are plenty of others out there who a man can fall in love with; others who are better than I am. That I believed, until I met him.

It was in fact unforeseen. I met him when I was in high school. I did not seem to notice him at first, until he approached me one time in the hallway and introduced himself in a very idiotic, but cute way. From all the fun times and moments we had I don’t even remember how got close or how I even come to end up liking this boy. It took me a little while, to realize that I was in love with this boy, and it took us a lifetime to realize that we were both in love with each other. Those sleepless nights where we text and chat with each other for hours, till the late am; at times we would talk in group chats with our friends, kind of like brothers and sisters actually.

I still remember the night he confessed; we were hanging out with our group of friends doing our usual things in the mall. The others left and it was only him and I now. A few laughs and cheesy puns and pick up lines after, he was just staring at me, I asked why and he just smiled, I then gave him a playful punch and we both drown in laughter. We were walking when he slowly held my hand and dragged me somewhere. I asked him where was he taking me and he just gave me a childish grin and laughed. With his hands covering my eyes out of nowhere I knew we were here. I slowly opened my eyes… The place was breathtaking, I felt like as if I were under a blanket of stars. He then held his hand out signaling me to follow him and take a seat beside him on the grass. I sat down beside him and asked why he brought me here. He moves closer, not answering my question….  After a moment of silence.. We were face to face, his nose only an inch away from mine… Then without a single word, he kissed me.  I was startled; as he looked at me embarrassed. He apologized, but then I leaned over and kiss him. And there in that very moment, with no words spoken, we both knew that we were in love.  

Our relationship was not exactly how I thought love would be; it was not perfect, we would have fights about the silliest things and sometimes it even comes to the point where we forget how much we loved each other. There are nights that I couldn’t even fall asleep, for a moment there I thought I was insane. Maybe I am. But that’s what true love does to you, it drives you mad, but in a good way, having all these thoughts and emotions can then prove that your love towards the person is real.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm.  A text message from Harry “Good Morning, get ready I will pick you up later at 6pm. I have a surprise 😊 see ya later, stay safe for me, pls. love u *heart emoji*”

5:56pm, I checked my phone. I heard a knock on my door, it was Harry. We arrived in an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant and ate dinner there. As the night goes by I continue to wonder and think about what surprise he was talking about.

We finally pulled over after a few minutes of driving. I follow him as he leads me towards a trail like an arc made out of flowers and above us are fairy lights that look almost a bit like the stars. We finally reached the end of the arc kind of tunnel, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. We sat down under a tree where we could lay down, talk a bit and admire how beautiful the skyline looks and how the stars remind me of the way he looks at me with that same light in his eyes. Then, he took my hand, helping me up as he offered me to dance. I found it a bit silly; we both laughed. But I just went along with it, and dance to the music of our beating hearts. This moment I could say was one of the best I ever had, but nothing prepared me for the moment he stopped dancing and took my hand. He looked me in the eyes as he bent down on one knee saying how I was the light of his world and that life without me would be heartbreak. Pulling out a little navy blue velvet like box, inside is a diamond ring he took my hand once more and said “Will you be the moon to my stars and marry me?” I can’t help but laugh about how cliché he sounds, and cry because of how happy I am. Wiping my tears away, I pulled him into a hug. Naturally he was heavier than me so when I pulled him up, we ended up falling backwards onto the grass. We both laugh as he look at me tucking a stray hair of my face and placed it behind my ear, I smile as I stared down at him and without a doubt I said “Yes, I will marry you.”

As I stand before the aisle, I can’t help but smile about the thought of how happy and grateful I am. I took a look around the church decorated with silvery blue, white and gold flowers and to see many familiar faces staring at me. It was finally my turn, to be in a white lace wedding dress, for my father to walk me down to the altar; to the boy standing there eyes captivatingly beautiful in the sight of the woman he claims he loves truly, madly and deeply; to marry him and to spend his forever with, till death do us apart; as I thought the same.

The music began to play and then for a moment there my world only revolved around him, he was the only thing I could see clearly at sight. It was all surreal, I could not believe that all of this was happening; it felt as if I were dreaming. As we exchange our marriage vows, we both look at each other. By the look of his face I could tell how much I mean to this boy, and how he claims and says that he is the luckiest man for having to marry me. “… to have and to hold from this day forward for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, for sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us apart” the priest then looks at us both asking if we would take each other as husband and wife. “I do” I followed after he spoke those very words without a doubt. Placing the rings on each other, the priest said that he may know kiss the bride.

The wedding reception was place in an events place where part of the roof was made out of glass, so you can see the stars above that reminds me of those moments we had. As we dance to the music during our wedding reception, his hands around my waist and mine around his neck. I laugh as I thought of the night he proposed to me; quite similar to this moment right now.

He pulls me closer, I face up to look at him and see a smile on his face; then again we were face to face, his nose only an inch away from mine, and then we kiss; nothing can compare to how perfect this moment is; then in this moment we knew that we were madly in love with each other and that this love will last forever.

I smile at the sight of my children with their father; the man I love, as they play around our front yard. I became a mother of two; my first born was boy and then a girl….. He pulls me into a hug and kisses my forehead, I lean my head towards his chest; I thought of how I was before; a lifetime ago I thought love was just a figment of imagination and that it is useless, how silly of me. I now realized that everything I’ve experienced happened for a reason; and those mistakes and decisions I have made has brought me to where I am right now; and I don’t regret making  those decisions and committing those mistakes because it led me to this life; of happiness and true love.

Reflection:

You will fall in love not only once. Love will come to pass in your life more than once. And each time it happens it’ll just be startling, astonishing and wonderful as the first time. And possibly just as painful and excruciating.  It will happen again, until you find the right one. There might come a phase after heartbreak where you will come to the point of realization where in you take in the fact that it is normal and possible that the results of these experiences can misguide you and make you feel, confused, depressed, lonely, cynical and all. Basically, everything that will occur in your life is made by you, with the guidance of God; the decision will be all on you and the results would be based on how you decided to act on the situation/problem you are encountering, although  of course God has a plan in stored for you, you must still try and do your best to make most out of everything you have; those mistakes, no matter how painful they may be, you must not let that affect you negatively, what you should do is use it as a guide, a lesson, to help you in your further life challenges and problems. Lastly, throughout your life you must always remember that God is with you and you can always pray and ask for guidance, because He will be there, and is just waiting for you to ask, “Do you best and God will do the rest.”

Disclaimer: None of these events from the story has ever occurred nor will the author plan on doing so. (the boy the author imagines to be is Harry Styles from the boy band One Direction.)