"ATC Starbucks"

Jemima Racal of 9F (CN : 29)

First day of school, School Year 2014-2015. The first day that I met you. When I first looked at you, you caught my eye. There was something in you that really got my attention. Was it your charming looks? Or your gorgeous eyes? I think it’s the way you smile. Your smile is exquisite. It can make the whole room brighten up. The bell rang signaling us to go inside the room. Our adviser made us introduced ourselves and you were the first one to be picked. You said you were James Allas. Based from the way you talk, it seems that you’re a nice guy. I really wanted to be close to you. While walking with my friend at the Art building, I saw an ID on the floor. I picked it up and I was shocked to see whot the owner was. It was you. My friend teased me that we were meant to be because of all the people in the school who could’ve lost their ID, and of all the people who could’ve pick it, it was I. The next day, I returned it to you and you flashed a smile and said thanks. I was so happy that day. No one could take the smile off my face. One day, our adviser decided to change our seating plan because our class was noisy. Luckily, you were seated next to me. I felt like the happiest girl alive. But the problem was, that I don’t know how to break the ice. I was a very shy girl and I don’t know what to do. Good thing you were friendly and talkative. You would talk to me everyday asking me about my life and me returning the questions. We became very close. You would always text me everynight and every morning. One day you invited me to come with you to see a movie. I was so happy. I picked my most beautiful clothes and fixed my self. You said to meet you in front of starbucks at ATC, 2pm sharp. I’ve waited for you there. Minutes have passed. Minutes then turned into hours. I was really heartbroken. I texted you but you didn’t reply. The next day I didn’t talk to you. You said you were sorry. That something came up. I believed you because I know you were telling the truth. You said you’d make it up to me so you gave me a stuffed bear. You said that I could always think of you before I go to sleep. People taught that we are in a relationship but you said that we were only best friends and that you like someone else. I was really hurt but I know it’s my fault. So I tried to move on. Valentine’s day was approaching and you asked me to help you court Angela Arcaño. Me, being the masochist that I was, agreed. Even though it was really heartbreaking to see the both of you happy, I still decided to be your bestfriend. My friends call me stupid because I know I’m just hurting my self. But I don’t want to let you down. Years passed, and you became distant from me. You were too busy with your girlfriend that you forgot me, your bestfriend. We entered college in the same university, we sometimes bump into each other but you didn’t even bother to say hi. One day, we were assigned to be partners in our thesis. After many years, you finally talked to me. It was awkward at first but eventually we became friends again. After a few months, I sensed something weird about you. You were sweeter to me. One day during Valentine’s Day, you confessed your feelings to me. I said that my feelings never changed and that I really love you. Since then we were inseperable. You started courting me, and after a few months I said yes. After our graduation in college, you asked me to go to a restaurant. When I went inside, I was surprised because it was dark. Then a spotlight was pointed at you. You serenaded me. The way you sang made me fall inlove with you even more. You picked something from you backpocket and opened it. Inside was a diamond ring, you then asked me a question that I was waiting my whole life. “Will you marry me?” I said yes. I was crying of pure happiness. It was the bestest day of my life.

We decided to get to have 2 weddings. One here in the Philippines, at Fernbrook Gardens and one in Maldives. We decided to visit Fernbrook Gardens to see the place. It was huge. Our wedding planner asked us about our motif, she made us taste the food and the likes. A month before our wedding the priest talked to us. He said “Be Completely Humble And Gentle; Be Patient, Bearing With One Another In Love. Make Every Effort To Keep The Unity Of The Spirit Through The Bond Of Peace.” (– Ephesians 4:2-3) We kept that in mind and we also promised to put God in the center of our relationship. One week before the wedding and we were so excited, we checked the venue, flowers, food and escpecially the cake. We hired photographers and videographers to our wedding. My maid of honor was my long time bestfriend, Bea Aguilar and our bestman was his brother.Our first wedding happened on March 28, the day when he proposed to me. As I walk down the aisle, the singer started singing our weddng song. “Hi
,Girl you just caught my eye.
Thought I should give it try 
And get your name & your number….” I saw that you were crying. I was crying too. My dad then offered his arm and we continued walking down the aisle. On the end of the aisle, I hugged my father real tight. I also hugged my mother. My dad said to you, “Take care of my daughter for the rest of your life.” He then hugged you and patted you on the back. You offered your arm and I took it. We exchange vows and wore our rings. "By the power vested in me,I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride ". I looked at the people in the crowd. Everyone was happy for us. Especially my love ones, mom, dad and my whole family. After that we traveled to Maldives and had our 2nd wedding there. It’s seems surreal. It’s like my whole world stopped. I was indeed the happiest and luckiest girl in the world. It’s like you were the missing piece in my heart. You were the ying to my yang. My other half. I wouldn’t wish for anyone better to spend the rest of my life with other than you. You’re the best thing that’s ever been mine. The day after our wedding in Maldives, I made you promise that you wouldn’t love any other girl besides me. You said “I can’t promise you that. How about our daughter? Hahaha” I still remember the memories that we shared, the firsts that we had. Our first kiss, first hug, first travel together etc. It still feels like yesterday even though that 10 years have passed. But even though 10 years have passed, my love for you is still as great as we were back in high school. It never lessened but it only grew more and more now that we have our own children. As of know I am proud to say that, we can prove that there is such thing as forever.

This project helped me open my eyes about human relationships and marriage. We should know that every realtionship faces problems, but with the help of God, we can fix it. We should also go with the flow. God knows what’s best for you. People always say that if you’re really meant to be, then fate and destiny will always find a way to make your ends meet. So if you are having a bad time with your partner, you should always pray to God and put Him at the center of your relationship. Marriage is a very serious thing and we should not play around with it. We should only do it if you think he/she is “The One”. Marriage is a commitment that can’t be undone. We should only do it if we’re very very sure. Many people are suffering right now because they committed to the wrong person. They thought that they were kind, loving etc. but they were wrong. I learned that we should really know your partner by heart, so that you may lessen misunderstandings and problems in the future. 

"ATC Starbucks"

Jemima Racal of 9F (CN : 29)

First day of school, School Year 2014-2015. The first day that I met you. When I first looked at you, you caught my eye. There was something in you that really got my attention. Was it your charming looks? Or your gorgeous eyes? I think it’s the way you smile. Your smile is exquisite. It can make the whole room brighten up. The bell rang signaling us to go inside the room. Our adviser made us introduced ourselves and you were the first one to be picked. You said you were James Allas. Based from the way you talk, it seems that you’re a nice guy. I really wanted to be close to you. While walking with my friend at the Art building, I saw an ID on the floor. I picked it up and I was shocked to see whot the owner was. It was you. My friend teased me that we were meant to be because of all the people in the school who could’ve lost their ID, and of all the people who could’ve pick it, it was I. The next day, I returned it to you and you flashed a smile and said thanks. I was so happy that day. No one could take the smile off my face. One day, our adviser decided to change our seating plan because our class was noisy. Luckily, you were seated next to me. I felt like the happiest girl alive. But the problem was, that I don’t know how to break the ice. I was a very shy girl and I don’t know what to do. Good thing you were friendly and talkative. You would talk to me everyday asking me about my life and me returning the questions. We became very close. You would always text me everynight and every morning. One day you invited me to come with you to see a movie. I was so happy. I picked my most beautiful clothes and fixed my self. You said to meet you in front of starbucks at ATC, 2pm sharp. I’ve waited for you there. Minutes have passed. Minutes then turned into hours. I was really heartbroken. I texted you but you didn’t reply. The next day I didn’t talk to you. You said you were sorry. That something came up. I believed you because I know you were telling the truth. You said you’d make it up to me so you gave me a stuffed bear. You said that I could always think of you before I go to sleep. People taught that we are in a relationship but you said that we were only best friends and that you like someone else. I was really hurt but I know it’s my fault. So I tried to move on. Valentine’s day was approaching and you asked me to help you court Angela Arcaño. Me, being the masochist that I was, agreed. Even though it was really heartbreaking to see the both of you happy, I still decided to be your bestfriend. My friends call me stupid because I know I’m just hurting my self. But I don’t want to let you down. Years passed, and you became distant from me. You were too busy with your girlfriend that you forgot me, your bestfriend. We entered college in the same university, we sometimes bump into each other but you didn’t even bother to say hi. One day, we were assigned to be partners in our thesis. After many years, you finally talked to me. It was awkward at first but eventually we became friends again. After a few months, I sensed something weird about you. You were sweeter to me. One day during Valentine’s Day, you confessed your feelings to me. I said that my feelings never changed and that I really love you. Since then we were inseperable. You started courting me, and after a few months I said yes. After our graduation in college, you asked me to go to a restaurant. When I went inside, I was surprised because it was dark. Then a spotlight was pointed at you. You serenaded me. The way you sang made me fall inlove with you even more. You picked something from you backpocket and opened it. Inside was a diamond ring, you then asked me a question that I was waiting my whole life. “Will you marry me?” I said yes. I was crying of pure happiness. It was the bestest day of my life.

We decided to get to have 2 weddings. One here in the Philippines, at Fernbrook Gardens and one in Maldives. We decided to visit Fernbrook Gardens to see the place. It was huge. Our wedding planner asked us about our motif, she made us taste the food and the likes. A month before our wedding the priest talked to us. He said “Be Completely Humble And Gentle; Be Patient, Bearing With One Another In Love. Make Every Effort To Keep The Unity Of The Spirit Through The Bond Of Peace.” (– Ephesians 4:2-3) We kept that in mind and we also promised to put God in the center of our relationship. One week before the wedding and we were so excited, we checked the venue, flowers, food and escpecially the cake. We hired photographers and videographers to our wedding. My maid of honor was my long time bestfriend, Bea Aguilar and our bestman was his brother.Our first wedding happened on March 28, the day when he proposed to me. As I walk down the aisle, the singer started singing our weddng song. “Hi
,Girl you just caught my eye.
Thought I should give it try 
And get your name & your number….” I saw that you were crying. I was crying too. My dad then offered his arm and we continued walking down the aisle. On the end of the aisle, I hugged my father real tight. I also hugged my mother. My dad said to you, “Take care of my daughter for the rest of your life.” He then hugged you and patted you on the back. You offered your arm and I took it. We exchange vows and wore our rings. "By the power vested in me,I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride ". I looked at the people in the crowd. Everyone was happy for us. Especially my love ones, mom, dad and my whole family. After that we traveled to Maldives and had our 2nd wedding there. It’s seems surreal. It’s like my whole world stopped. I was indeed the happiest and luckiest girl in the world. It’s like you were the missing piece in my heart. You were the ying to my yang. My other half. I wouldn’t wish for anyone better to spend the rest of my life with other than you. You’re the best thing that’s ever been mine. The day after our wedding in Maldives, I made you promise that you wouldn’t love any other girl besides me. You said “I can’t promise you that. How about our daughter? Hahaha” I still remember the memories that we shared, the firsts that we had. Our first kiss, first hug, first travel together etc. It still feels like yesterday even though that 10 years have passed. But even though 10 years have passed, my love for you is still as great as we were back in high school. It never lessened but it only grew more and more now that we have our own children. As of know I am proud to say that, we can prove that there is such thing as forever.

This project helped me open my eyes about human relationships and marriage. We should know that every realtionship faces problems, but with the help of God, we can fix it. We should also go with the flow. God knows what’s best for you. People always say that if you’re really meant to be, then fate and destiny will always find a way to make your ends meet. So if you are having a bad time with your partner, you should always pray to God and put Him at the center of your relationship. Marriage is a very serious thing and we should not play around with it. We should only do it if you think he/she is “The One”. Marriage is a commitment that can’t be undone. We should only do it if we’re very very sure. Many people are suffering right now because they committed to the wrong person. They thought that they were kind, loving etc. but they were wrong. I learned that we should really know your partner by heart, so that you may lessen misunderstandings and problems in the future. 

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD TEACH THEIR TEENAGERS IN VIEW OF DATING AND COURTSHIP

By: Cloyd Uyson

As parents we should carefully monitor and check everything that our teenagers are doing lest we might be caught by surprise one day that they might be pregnant or impregnated someone already. We need to teach them in a very particular way how to relate with others most especially with the opposite sex. How then should we talk to them about dating? Or how should we speak to them about courtship? Let’s see this matter in a parental perspective.

To begin with, the need to relate with people is felt by everyone. After all, material things, such as the latest gadgets and those developments due to modern technology can never become a substitute for persons. People are capable of real self-sacrifice, loving and caring while things are simply at our disposal to serve particular needs. Indeed, humans as we are, we have always been in search of intimacy—to become part and parcel of somebody else’s life and also to be able to share with another in friendship, in aspirations, dreams, procreation and work. The most basic and fundamental step of achieving intimacy in our lives is to find that someone who will catch our attention, touch our hearts, change our lives from simple to special, ordinary to extraordinary, normal to truly exciting. We call this step dating.

Dating is a moment, a time, a special event in our emotional and psycho-social, not to mention physical lives wherein we try to go out from our shells. From the comforts of our cocoon, we start to adjust with the nuances of meeting and dealing with this special someone whom we think we could share our self, love and care. Despite the discomforts of the usual routines of being with our usual set of friends and family members, we find it thrilling and happy to be with someone who makes our heart beat faster and makes us feel better.

Dating then is an opportunity which is both significant and wonderful to both parties. This is an avenue where we will open ourselves to other and try our best to know the other person better. In this manner, we will both know our weaknesses and strengths. We will also learn from the other person the things he likes or dislike and practically the basic things about the other party from the most essential to the trivial or insignificant things in his life and vice versa. This may include his/her traits, family background, studies, set of friends and the like. This event in our lives marks the beginning of various paradigm shifts, from emotional to the other relevant matters in life.

Dating is a prelude to courtship. If both parties mutually feel for each other fondly, then dating ends and courtship begins. Hence, young people should take dating very seriously because this will make or break them as persons. Parents should equally be concerned in encouraging their kids to get the most out of dating, that is, to know their date very well, scrutinize is the apt word, because their very own future and happiness is at stake. Dating will surely become a good instrument and a stepping stone for each one to find the right partner in life if taken seriously. If done with much gusto, dating will truly be a worthwhile and unforgettable experience.

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD TEACH THEIR TEENAGERS IN VIEW OF DATING AND COURTSHIP

By: Cloyd Uyson

As parents we should carefully monitor and check everything that our teenagers are doing lest we might be caught by surprise one day that they might be pregnant or impregnated someone already. We need to teach them in a very particular way how to relate with others most especially with the opposite sex. How then should we talk to them about dating? Or how should we speak to them about courtship? Let’s see this matter in a parental perspective.

To begin with, the need to relate with people is felt by everyone. After all, material things, such as the latest gadgets and those developments due to modern technology can never become a substitute for persons. People are capable of real self-sacrifice, loving and caring while things are simply at our disposal to serve particular needs. Indeed, humans as we are, we have always been in search of intimacy—to become part and parcel of somebody else’s life and also to be able to share with another in friendship, in aspirations, dreams, procreation and work. The most basic and fundamental step of achieving intimacy in our lives is to find that someone who will catch our attention, touch our hearts, change our lives from simple to special, ordinary to extraordinary, normal to truly exciting. We call this step dating.

Dating is a moment, a time, a special event in our emotional and psycho-social, not to mention physical lives wherein we try to go out from our shells. From the comforts of our cocoon, we start to adjust with the nuances of meeting and dealing with this special someone whom we think we could share our self, love and care. Despite the discomforts of the usual routines of being with our usual set of friends and family members, we find it thrilling and happy to be with someone who makes our heart beat faster and makes us feel better.

Dating then is an opportunity which is both significant and wonderful to both parties. This is an avenue where we will open ourselves to other and try our best to know the other person better. In this manner, we will both know our weaknesses and strengths. We will also learn from the other person the things he likes or dislike and practically the basic things about the other party from the most essential to the trivial or insignificant things in his life and vice versa. This may include his/her traits, family background, studies, set of friends and the like. This event in our lives marks the beginning of various paradigm shifts, from emotional to the other relevant matters in life.

Dating is a prelude to courtship. If both parties mutually feel for each other fondly, then dating ends and courtship begins. Hence, young people should take dating very seriously because this will make or break them as persons. Parents should equally be concerned in encouraging their kids to get the most out of dating, that is, to know their date very well, scrutinize is the apt word, because their very own future and happiness is at stake. Dating will surely become a good instrument and a stepping stone for each one to find the right partner in life if taken seriously. If done with much gusto, dating will truly be a worthwhile and unforgettable experience.

Indecision: Time for contemplation

By: Angelica Ilustre Senior D

Most teenagers at this age have set a particular goal in their lives for themselves. It may have been a dream that they have just discovered they wanted, or it may have been something they have always wanted to pursue. But among many teenagers, there are some, who unfortunately, remain quite undecided. I am one of those people. 

Throughout my life I have never given myself particular time to ponder over what career path I would take in the future. Every year, it would be the same answer: “It’s still pretty early to decide.” But the time has now come for me to make a very crucial decision: a decision that may not only change the course of my life, but also change the course of others. 

My parents instilled within myself the ideology that failure only leads you closer to success. I have gone through experiences proving that this is so. We go through tribulations throughout our lives, and for a moment, we are discouraged. But as more problems came, I learned that these serve as a motivation to make us push harder to reach our goals and achieve what we want. It also taught me the value of God in my life. He was merely someone I used to talk to as a child, not knowing His full grace and majesty. But as I grew older I saw how much the role of God affects our lives. Not only does he affect our lives, He is the reason why we live. Because of these realizations, I gave importance to perseverance and trust in God. These virtues are few of the many I have learned to value, until today. These values allow me to strive harder and farther. 

Nobody is perfect, they say. Our limitations allow us to set within ourselves a standard. Personally, I try to aim higher every time I reach that standard. What matters most to me is my relationship with God, and so I put Him first in every decision I make. It is a difficult task, since we are only human, but that is the challenge He gave us. I am a go-getter, and so I am willing to take on that challenge, among many others that God has, and plans to let me face. Another thing I value is my family, particularly pleasing my parents. They have supported me all my life and so I wish to make them proud, and I want to be able to do this not only through my academic or extra-curricular achievements, but to show them that they are raising a good person. A person they can be proud of. I think that my limitations do not matter in doing what I want because it is the effort we put into things that will make a difference. I think that I can do my best in every aspect in my life as long as I commit to it. Anyone is capable of doing their best. Even if we cannot do everything, doing something with commitment and heart can create a big change. These limitations that we have aren’t a road block. It’s something to remind us of humility: another virtue I find very significant in my life today.

I have taken many opportunities, and have given some up. But with all the opportunities I have taken and the experiences I have gained, there is only one recurring thing that not only satisfies, makes me happy, and at the same time enlightens me and renews my faith and love for God: It is helping and making others happy.

I am still undecided with my future profession, but seeing that my parents are both involved in entrepreneurship, I am being led to that career path as well. But I want to be able to incorporate my passion in the future business I will make: A service that could also benefit others, not only me. I want to be self-employed and be a good leader and a good influence. I want to become that person who will give people brand new opportunities, and create change in our society today. Contemplating on the possibilities makes me committed to striving hard to achieve this. I think that in order to achieve success, I must be able to make others happy as well. We do not live only for ourselves. Our ultimate purpose in life is to be of service to others and to God. I plan to keep this value in the future, when I finally do have a clear idea of the business I want to pursue. I want to use my gifts from God and share them. 

I now see the significance of time, of effort, and my significance in the world. Although it is not as clear, there is something there. I plan to discover what lies ahead in the future for me, and what I can do to make a true person out myself and my future career.

Indecision: Time for contemplation

By: Angelica Ilustre Senior D

Most teenagers at this age have set a particular goal in their lives for themselves. It may have been a dream that they have just discovered they wanted, or it may have been something they have always wanted to pursue. But among many teenagers, there are some, who unfortunately, remain quite undecided. I am one of those people. 

Throughout my life I have never given myself particular time to ponder over what career path I would take in the future. Every year, it would be the same answer: “It’s still pretty early to decide.” But the time has now come for me to make a very crucial decision: a decision that may not only change the course of my life, but also change the course of others. 

My parents instilled within myself the ideology that failure only leads you closer to success. I have gone through experiences proving that this is so. We go through tribulations throughout our lives, and for a moment, we are discouraged. But as more problems came, I learned that these serve as a motivation to make us push harder to reach our goals and achieve what we want. It also taught me the value of God in my life. He was merely someone I used to talk to as a child, not knowing His full grace and majesty. But as I grew older I saw how much the role of God affects our lives. Not only does he affect our lives, He is the reason why we live. Because of these realizations, I gave importance to perseverance and trust in God. These virtues are few of the many I have learned to value, until today. These values allow me to strive harder and farther. 

Nobody is perfect, they say. Our limitations allow us to set within ourselves a standard. Personally, I try to aim higher every time I reach that standard. What matters most to me is my relationship with God, and so I put Him first in every decision I make. It is a difficult task, since we are only human, but that is the challenge He gave us. I am a go-getter, and so I am willing to take on that challenge, among many others that God has, and plans to let me face. Another thing I value is my family, particularly pleasing my parents. They have supported me all my life and so I wish to make them proud, and I want to be able to do this not only through my academic or extra-curricular achievements, but to show them that they are raising a good person. A person they can be proud of. I think that my limitations do not matter in doing what I want because it is the effort we put into things that will make a difference. I think that I can do my best in every aspect in my life as long as I commit to it. Anyone is capable of doing their best. Even if we cannot do everything, doing something with commitment and heart can create a big change. These limitations that we have aren’t a road block. It’s something to remind us of humility: another virtue I find very significant in my life today.

I have taken many opportunities, and have given some up. But with all the opportunities I have taken and the experiences I have gained, there is only one recurring thing that not only satisfies, makes me happy, and at the same time enlightens me and renews my faith and love for God: It is helping and making others happy.

I am still undecided with my future profession, but seeing that my parents are both involved in entrepreneurship, I am being led to that career path as well. But I want to be able to incorporate my passion in the future business I will make: A service that could also benefit others, not only me. I want to be self-employed and be a good leader and a good influence. I want to become that person who will give people brand new opportunities, and create change in our society today. Contemplating on the possibilities makes me committed to striving hard to achieve this. I think that in order to achieve success, I must be able to make others happy as well. We do not live only for ourselves. Our ultimate purpose in life is to be of service to others and to God. I plan to keep this value in the future, when I finally do have a clear idea of the business I want to pursue. I want to use my gifts from God and share them. 

I now see the significance of time, of effort, and my significance in the world. Although it is not as clear, there is something there. I plan to discover what lies ahead in the future for me, and what I can do to make a true person out myself and my future career.