It's a PING thing

Senior year. First section. Section Diamond. These were the scenes inside the classroom yesterday, July 20, 2010. The “Sois” (plural for “soi” ; for that was what the students of section Diamond called each other) were busy making gestures with their hands, while talking to their classmates loudly. Each of them was trying to make their point. None of them was going to give up. They are all practicing for the awaited event- their first informal debate during English class. The topic- Industrialization: boon or bane? Each of the two groups did their best to drive home their point. They tried to convince the other party that what they stand for is right. Everyone is excited. Nervous. Aggressive. After classes that afternoon, they all went to the internet cafe to research more about the topic. “No giving up!”, they say. Persistence. Teamwork. They have shown how they work together in order to win. July 21, 2010, English time. Everybody was feeling uneasy. When their English teacher, Mrs. Tizon arrived, the “Sois” gathered their researched materials and prayed to be able to defeat the opponent. The affirmative attacks first. Questions arose from the negative side. No matter how high the pressure is, none of the two parties gave up. Attack. Defend. It’s as if a war was going on between the two parties. Using their words as swords and their thoughts as armors, the “Sois” tried their best to make their point and convince the whole class the other party is wrong. That was just the first day. Many more debates will follow. In the end, the “Sois” felt glad to be able to speak up their minds and strengthen their teamwork. No matter what the results are, the “Sois” just proved that they are not easily defeated. (CPPG)

Dearest, 

If you think it was easy for me, think again. Leaving was never on my mind until you proved me that people really do change and emotions can grow, but they could go away, too. Days, months passed and we kept getting farther and farther apart. You have your own way, and I have mine. Let’s not rush things. It’s not that easy. If we really are for each other, then the time will come for us both. If not, then this will be my last letter to you, to show you my gratitude for every moment you’ve spent with me- for every smile you’ve flashed into my life to make it brighter, for every tear you shed to wash away my sadness. 

I hope you will never forget me. 

Love,

       TGYUTTILY

by: Maila Magallanes Balanay

Kung ikaw lagi ang titser ko

Siguro mawawala ang lahat ng nalalaman ko

Sa mga panahong tayo’y may diskusyon

Ako ay tulala at walang konsentrasyon

Sa tuwing makikita kita

Puso ko’y laging nangangamba

Minsan naman ay tumatawa

Dahil sa mga salin mong nakakatuwa 

Sa panahong magbigay ka ng pagsubok

Katulad ng isang mabigat na dagok

Buti na lamang at ang sistema ng pagmamarka

Nagpapagaan at nagbibigay ng pag-asa

Hanggang kailan kaya ang pagbabago

Kailan matatapos ang panunungkulan mo

Lahat ng mga salaysay at kuwento mo

Nakapagbibigay ng sakit ng ulo

Poblacion South, Polanco

Zamboanga del Norte

July 13, 2010

The Owner

Nyla Internet Café

Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte

Sir/Madam:

            I am writing to apply for the position of encoder that was advertised in the July 10 issue of The Midanao Observer.

            I am fifteen years old and a fourth year high school student. I have enough experience with encoding and word processing.

            I would appreciate the opportunity to come in for an interview to talk with you further about my qualifications. Enclosed is my bio data for your reference.

Yours faithfully,

CHRISTINE PIA GERZON