Kindness as an inheritance

Posted on September 30, 2008

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

IS chivalry, or being a gentleman, dead?

For a while, I have been convinced that it is.

On most occasions, for example, I see young people – both male and female –
crossing the street alongside an old man or woman and the youth hardly pay any
attention to the aged. And more often than not, the old tradition of men offering
their seats to a ladies standing in a full bus is no longer observed. And getting on
board a jeepney, especially during rush hour, hardly anyone seems to give way to
our senior citizens.

But I have not lost all hope in the Filipino virtue of being maginoo (and I mean that
to apply to both men and women) because in spite of them, I still find some remain
thoughtful.

On my way home one Friday night, around 10:00 PM, I took a bus from Baguio to
Dagupan and transferred to a bus heading out to Manila so I could get off in Carmen
to meet my uncle who would fetch me on his motorcycle.

Not too long after we started to move out of Dagupan, three women got on the
already full bus. And so they had to stand.

Seconds passed. Minutes passed. Then suddenly, a man at the back said, "Dito na
lamang po kayo umupo tutal sa Urdaneta lang naman ang aking baba,"
addressing the oldest woman among the three.

The woman gratefully accepted the offer.

Seconds passed. Minutes passed. Then suddenly, another two young men offered
their seats to the two other young women.

The act of one man obviously rubbed on the others.

I couldn't help but smile.

Small deed but truly impressive because it shows a character of kindness and the
willingness to make a little sacrifice for a stranger.

Being maginoo, I believe, also is a reflection of our sense of community. Wouldn't

we offer a seat to an elderly relative or perhaps to someone we know from our
barangay? I am sure we would. So offering it to a stranger somehow shows a feeling
of connection to someone unfamiliar.

And for a little moment in our lives, inside that bus during those unholy hours, I
knew we all felt some kinship, thanks to the three maginoos.

Or maybe, we can see it as simply doing a 'nice' gesture even if 'nice' is somehow
too cliché a word.

My mother always says, "Hanggat mayroong gumagawa at nagpapakita ng

mga mabubuting gawi nating mga Pilipino, hinding-hindi iyon mawawala."

When an opportunity comes, I hope to do a similar favor to someone, if only to keep

the virtue alive, a pamana ng ating lahi.

And of course I would always be pleased and thankful if I were offered a seat.

Pangasinan rice millers to sell to government

ROSALES–Rice millers in Pangasinan offered to sell to the government 200,000 bags

of rice at discounted prices starting for the month of May.

The group made the offer during a dialogue last week with Agriculture Secretary
Arthur Yap at the latter’s office in Manila.

Rosendo So, president of the Eastern Pangasinan Rice Millers Association, said the
rice millers agreed to sell rice at P1,600 per 50-kilo bag, which is lower by P880 per
bag than the imported rice from Thailand and Vietnam.
The dialogue was attended by 5th District Rep. Mark Cojuangco and Rep. Raymond
Robert Estrella of the party list ABONO.

At the same time, rice millers from Isabela and Nueva Ecija also agreed to sell to
the government from 300,000 up to 600,000 bags of rice each.

Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Isabela, in that order, are the country’s biggest rice
producers based on records of the Department of Agriculture.

So, who is also the founder and president of ABONO, said the rice millers agreed to
sell rice to the government to boost the current rice stock.

In buying 200,000 bags of rice from Pangasinan rice millers, the government will
save P170 million, which So suggested could be spent for the construction of farm-
to-market roads and irrigation facilities to further boost rice production.

At present, the government is importing rice from Vietnam at U$1,135 per metric
ton or almost P2,480 per bag, which it sells at a subsidized price of P18.25 per kilo

This is the reason, he said, why the National Food Authority (NFA) is continuously
operating at a loss.

So believes that the country still produces enough rice as he pointed out that
harvesting of palay for the third cropping season is still ongoing in Pangasinan,
Nueva Ecija and Isabela.

Nonetheless, So said he cannot fault the government for continuing to import rice in
preparation for the coming lean months when there would be nothing to harvest.

At the same time, he hailed the coming of early rains and should be taken
advantage of by local farmers by planting rice early.

The rice millers met with Yap to ask that a protocol be made in the raids being
conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation on warehouses suspected of
hoarding rice.

Yap agreed to the group’s suggestion that all raids on bodegas be covered by
search warrants and only on bodegas owned by merchants who do not have a
license as rice traders.

A breach of the suggested protocol will send a wrong signal to the public that there
is rice shortage and prompts panic-buying for rice, So said.

At the same time, he projected a drop in the the price of commercial rice soon,
pointing out that the rice in the hands of the millers costs from P19 to P20 per kilo
at the moment.

“We pray that the price of palay will stabilize atP16.50 per kilo so that farmers will
not lose their enthusiasm to plant,” he said.—LM

2. ALCALA

Meanwhile, in Alcala, Mayor Manuel Collado ended up buying commercial rice at

P32 per kilo using personal funds then sold it to his constituents at the NFA
subsidized price of P18.25.

Collado stepped in to personally administer the distribution of NFA rice as long

queues under the sun were sparking heated arguments and angry growls.

“Only 20 sacks are allocated here every week. Bumili na nga ako ng commercial
rice kasi kulang talaga ang alokasyon,” he said.

Given the town’s demand, the 20 sacks allocation could yield one kilo allocation per
family.

“Kawawa din naman kung isang kilo lang ang ibibigay kung nagtraysikel pa yan, di
naman tama ‘yon, mahal na ang pamasahe ngayon,” he said.

Collado is hopeful that once the NFA sends out its rolling stores, there would be
enough supply and shorter lines with the additional retail outlets.-Glaiza Pinto, UPB

Posted on June 30, 2008

Beneath the beauty

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

I HAD traveled to a good number of places here in the Philippines. I had gone to
Baguio, Manila, Tarlac, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Cotabato and Zamboanga. And now, I am
in Pangasinan.

Pangasinan is a beautiful province. Well, aside from its unique cuisine, which as I
narrated in a previous article has been an important element in helping our family
adapts here, it also has beautiful bodies of water.

There was a time when I thought that I will have an unceasing admiration and
fascination towards these bodies of water. Until that accident happened.

It has been four years since I started feeling this towards any body of water. No
matter how beautiful, the sight still makes me shiver and reminds me of that
accident.
It has been four years since I had gone to that place to see and admire its beauty. It
has been four years since I saw my friend smiling and laughing while admiring its
beauty… the beauty of Agno River. It has been four years since she died.

I remember vividly, it was early in the morning when we went there to just roam
around with her family and our friends. Then everything happened so fast. I just saw
her in the water frantically yelling for help drowning, and then she was gone.

Several people tried to help, yet they claimed something was pulling my friend's
body such that four or five people could not get her out of the water. They said that
she had become too heavy. Yes, the water swallowed her. My friend, Edlyn Manaois,
died two weeks before our high school graduation.

But before that, every time I went to the Hundred Islands, its scenic view never
failed to mesmerize me. It made me think that I was a “nymph”— a nymph who
could blend with nature's beauty and swim like she is one with the bodies of water.

However, that accident has since warned me that bodies of water are dangerous.

Now, I am afraid to even stretch my hand to feel it or to be near it for I have

haunting thoughts that some unknown force might pull me down.

I also love the Lingayen Gulf. Facing the west, it is especially beautiful as the sun is
sets. But in watching the sunset, I now stay a good distance from the sea for I am
afraid. In fact, too afraid to go near any body of water. Afraid that I, too, might get
lost in the water. Just like her… just like my friend.

There is this belief among locals that the Hundred Islands, Agno River and the
Lingayen Gulf never fails to claim a life or lives every year, as some kind of offering
to nature. I am not sure whether to believe this or not, all I know is how important it
is to stay alert when in the water.

I was prompted to write about this after seeing on television how the MV Star ship
met an accident in the water. It struck me deeply.

I do not blame bodies of water and do not really want to think that there are many
mysteries that are happening beneath.

But I do hope to find the strength to get over the trauma.

Posted on September 17, 2008

Dreams from the river

 By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

YOUNG boys and girls playing at moored bancas at the side of Pantal River in
Dagupan are a common sight.

But for some, not equally young, the river and bancas mean more than games – it's
a means to survive.

One of those is Marvin Mendoza, now 16, who started working as a fisherman three
years ago.

"Maaga na akong nagigising para makarami. Noong una, hirap talaga ako,
pero kinaya ko na rin para sa pamilya ko," said Marvin who makes a living from
the waters but admits he does not know how to swim.

Marvin usually sets off at four in the morning with his friend Renan Claudio who is
two years his junior. They join other fishermen, both adults and young teenagers
like them.

"Aalis kami ng four am then magstastart na ng 6 am. Tulong-tulong kami ng

mga kasamahan ko na maghuhulog ng lambat, pagkalipas ng dalawa
hanggang tatlong oras saka nanaman kami maghahanap ng ibang puwesto
na mahuhulugan namin ng lambat. Kapag naka-abot na ng dalawa hanggang
tatlong round saka kami titigil," narrates Marvin whose father died when he was
thirteen and has since become the breadwinner of the family.

He is the second in the brood but their eldest, also male, married early and now has
his own family to look after.

Their usual catch consists of bangus, Dagupan's most popular product, pusit , and
tuna, which they usually sell at the fish market in the city or sometimes go house-
to-house.
FLOATING PLAYGROUND–Young children turn these motorized
bancas docked at the Pantal River in Dagupan into their playground.
(Punchphoto by Cesar S. Ramirez)

Like a child reminiscing a memorable adventure, he excitedly tells of the time when
they spotted a balyena (whale) and pating (shark), which they were able to catch,
he says, but let the creatures go in the end.

On average, he is able to bring home P400 a day (which is higher than the minimum
wage) and he says this sees his family through the day for their basic needs.

But he says he is also trying to save up for his education which he wants to
eventually continue.

"Sa susunod na taon third year pa lamang ako sa high school, tatlong beses na
rin kasi akong nahinto. Pero, mag-aaral uli ako, mag-iipon mula sa
pangingisda. Gusto ko rin makapagtapos at mabigyan ng magandang buhay
ang aking kapatid na babae at ang aking nanay," Marvin says with hope and
determination.

Though he does not dare tempt fate. When the weather is not too good – when
there is a storm or the waves are too high for example – he says he and most other
fishermen do not go fishing. Anyway, the catch won't be good and there is the
danger of drowning, he says.

On slow days, he does odd jobs for some shops and helps fold newspapers that
have just come off the press.
Coming from a family of fishermen, he first learned some fishing skills from his
grandfather who used to take him along and paid him like other hired hands. He
admits that he is not a real expert fisherman yet, but he proudly says that he has
already learned some tricks of the trade and can tell which parts of the water would
most likely yield a good catch.

He sees fishing as a very valuable skill because he says there is water everywhere
on earth and so he knows that he and his family will never starve.

He also does not consider fishing as a mere means of livelihood but a way of life for
him, the river a place for meeting and making friends.

And so while his education dreams are on hold for the meantime, he enjoys his time
as a fisherman in Pantal, much like a playground for this young man who is still very
much a child within.

Posted on September 10, 2008

Christmas for a soldier’s daughter

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

I OPENED my television on the morning of September 1 and the morning show was
featuring a segment on where and how to find low priced Christmas decorations and
gifts.

Actually, come to think of it, a few days before that, I already heard Christmas
songs being played over the radio.

"Ber" month na!

And for us Filipinos, that means Christmas is just around the corner.

It may sound crazy because December 25 is actually still more than a quarter of a
year away but it does get me excited already. I love Christmas mostly because it is
about 2 Fs -family and feast!

For our family, it means getting together in our hometown Alcala because our
relatives in the city prefer going to the province to celebrate. Our house, like most
other homes, is alive with lights and other Christmas decorations and there seems
to be a never-ending coo-king going on in the kitchen.

Food seems to taste much better when eaten together with my cousins, titas and
titos; it's fun sharing the bed with my cousins; and being truly Filipino, singing is
one of our favorite activities.

Christmas is also particularly special for me, a daughter of a soldier. We usually only
see him once or twice a year and so when our whole family is together, those are
really special times.

On Christmas morning, the elders pool some money and prizes together for games
among the children.

Of course, I used to be part of those games, but now, having crossed the "adult"
border, I am among the spectators and hecklers which is no less fun than actually
taking part in the palaro like the 'longest line', 'bring me' and 'the most beautiful
xmas card and song'. And the kids do take these competitions seriously, some end
up crying and quarreling but it's all part of the entertainment really.

In the afternoon, we step out of the house to join in our town palaro. It's really
almost like what we do at home, just on a bigger scale with entire barangays
participating in the games.

Then in the evening, there's usually a show at the auditorium free for everyone.

When I was in high school, we also used to have outreach programs in the more
remote parts of the town where we would have games also for the children and
some gift-giving of grocery packs to our less privileged families courtesy of our
parents.

Christmas in Pangasinan, or the Philippines I must say, is truly special. And this song
captures it beautifully:

Pasko sa atin, hahanap-hanapin mo

Naiiba ang pagdiriwang dito

Pasko sa atin hanap-hanapin mo

Walang katulad dito ang pasko

Lagi mo na maiiisip na sila'y nandito sana

At sa Nocehe Buena ay magkakasama

Ang pasko ay kay saya

Kung kayo'y kapiling na

Sana pagsapit ng pasko, kayo'y naririto

Kahit na malayo ka, kahit nasaan pa man

Maligayang bati para sa inyo sa araw ng pasko.

I know many things are not going too well in our country right now and maybe
writing this early about Christmas sounds being a bit too naive.

But hey, we could all use a bit of cheer. And a bit more peace.

Posted on August 27, 2008 -

The ride home

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

I LOVE my bus rides as much as the coming home to Alcala every week from school.

I always take an Amianan bus and I find it exciting when it zigzags through Kennon
Road on the way to its station in Carmen, Rosales – it's like a ferries wheel ride!
Their drivers do drive quite fast but I still feel safe because over the last four years I
have been traveling with Amianan, to my knowledge it has not figured in any
accident. I certainly hope it stays that way because I noted that every bus ride I had
taken was always full to its 50-passenger capacity. That is a lot of lives at stake.

I remember vividly, the first time I rode on this bus, the conductor addressed me as
"Ma'am", which I knew is a very common way of addressing a female stranger,
customer, or someone they are not familiar with.

But when it was time to pay my fare, I realized he called me "Ma'am" because the
conductor actually thought I was a teacher! He did not believe that I was entitled to
a student fare until I showed him my ID.

"Ang akala ko po teacher kayo o professional," he said politely and somewhat

apologetically.
I smiled and I did not really mind because I realized that I was in "power dressing"
that day for a scheduled reporting to do in one of my classes."

But in all the many other subsequent bus journeys, conductors still politely
addressed me "Ma'am" as they did most other female passengers.

I think that is a good reflection of the conductors' training and it speaks well of the
bus company, which by the way is proudly Pangasinan! It is owned by Edward M.
Quiñanes and has been in operation since 1988.

I also love it how conductors never fail to shout out what part of Pangasinan we
already are: "Sison, Pozzorubio, Binalonan, Urdaneta, Villasis- Bagsakan, Carmen-7
11 or Terminal!" And they somehow remember where each passenger is due to get
off and nicely wake up those who fall asleep on the road trip – like me sometimes.

Those times when I do manage not to sleep on the journey, I find it really nice when
fellow passengers initiate a chitchat. I have come across many pleasant people on
these rides and even knowing I will probably never meet these strangers again,
talking to them helps beat boredom.

I also take the opportunity to shoot photos during these trips – catching moments
inside the bus and everyday Pangasinan life on the roadside.

I think Amianan is a good testament to the kind of service and hospitality that
Pangasinan can offer to tourists. While tourist spots or popular destinations could be
the major attraction in a province, I believe the services sector like buses, lodgings
and dining places must also offer complementary support.

And just like me coming home, tourists would enjoy — perhaps even long — to keep
coming back to Pangasinan.

Posted on July 29, 2008

Great responsibility

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

“GET it first. Get it fast. Get it right.”

I always hear these words ringing in my head every time I enter the room of my
journalism classes. Sometimes I recite these to myself and I feel a push for me to
aim to be a journalist. But sometimes too I get negative thoughts, like counter-
attacks against every positive thought in my mind.

Here's how it sometimes goes: I want to be a Journalist. But it is not easy. I want to
be journalist. But I do not know if I can. I want to be journalist. But I am afraid. Still, I
want to be a journalist.

I know that being a Journalist is not a simple job. In fact, it is included in the top ten
most dangerous jobs in the whole world – and we do not have to look far for an
example: our founder here at The Sunday Punch, Ermin Garcia Sr., died in the line
of duty. But I still believe that danger is everywhere so it can never affect my
decision whether I want to be a journalist or not.

What really fascinates me about this job is the reality behind the supposed glamour
of the profession.

The demands of true professional journalism, especially in this day and age, are not
easy: Be punctual. Be principled. Be objective. Be resourceful. Be service-oriented.
Be responsible. Have fondness for people. Know technological advances. Practice
accuracy. And these are only some of the unwritten code for the people who work
professionally.

But what is different with this profession compared to others? Aside from having its
own code of ethics, it is often said that with this profession, “one can make a
difference.” For the output is not just a simple writing, it involves “social
responsibilities – to be the watchdog, to render accurate information and to educate
the public” — the words of one of my professors, Rolly Fernandez, who is the
Northern Luzon bureau chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Now remember Spiderman's words? “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Power is associated with the word responsibility; like the power of the media and
the journalist have responsibility to the public. My professors at the University of the
Philippines Baguio in more ways than one keep reiterating the lesson for us
journalist-wannabes: “always think of the public…of the readers.”

Yes, journalists have power. They can filter information. They also have access to
information. They can gain credibility and popularity. But with all these come the
responsibilities. And that responsibility starts as they research a story, cover the
beat and most especially when they write.

Honestly, when I entered the tertiary level of education I was not all that sure yet if I
really wanted to be journalist. But now on my fourth year in the course, I have come
to appreciate and love the profession more and more. Judging from the small
number of students pursuing a degree in journalism nowadays, I understand that
there are many other professions out there that are more attractive. And no
profession is less than any other.

So the doubts linger — Can I really do it? Can I really be a true journalist?

I am excited and at the same time scared.

But there is one thing I am truly certain — I love journalism and to be a journalist is
what I dream to be.

Posted on July 15, 2008

The Small Town Charm

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

I HAD been in Alcala, Pangasinan for more than a decade now.

It has been a decade of knowing the new culture, trying out the cuisine and
practicing beliefs, following their societal norms and using the language of this
small town.

Today, Alcala is one of the towns included in the fifth legislative district of
Pangasinan. It is located in the southeastern corner of the province. It is also the
southernmost town in the province’s eastern region and is adjacent to the town of
San Manuel, the northernmost town of Tarlac province.

The whole of Alcala is dominated by a flat terrain, and almost all of the land area is
utilized for planting agricultural crops like corn, palay and tobacco. Few tracts of
lands are devoted to fishponds.

Alcala has twenty-one barangays and the entire breadth of the town is cut by the
mighty Agno River where the river separates five barangays — Gualsic, Atainan,
Curareng, Macayo and Caranglaan — from the town proper. And it was only this
year, after 10 years here, that had I gone to that part of Alcala.

I was really amazed. I had seen a real example of the characteristics of a place
when we Filipinos say "probinsiya". Probinsiyang-probinsiya talaga. Every house
is followed by another at different distances—very long and wide distances that is.
Also, old houses are still seen with big plaques in the outer walls proudly
proclaiming the achievements of their family like Attorney, Physician, Nurse and
many more.
The sound of nature can be heard everywhere and anywhere you turn your head,
you will see all sorts of farm and forest creatures — cows, carabaos, goats, mole
crickets, ducks, chickens, birds and many more. And whenever the wind blows,
palay or crops goes with the wind swaying and dancing in the wide expanse of
farmland.

But it is not promdi in a poor way. No, not at all. The most vivid images for me are
actually the big houses that I had seen in that side of Alcala. Those are like
mansions. Wide cemented spaces, expensive big pots with unique and expensive
plants, and elegant designs of steel surrounding the area.

When a close friend of mine visited Alcala, he was amazed that despite the creeping
modernity, feeling the stillness of being in the rural areas is still quite possible. And
just like him, I am also continually being astonished for the people's traditional way
of life is still preserved. Another factor that amazed him is the bond between the
Alcalenians. Almost everyone knows everybody; whenever one goes in other place,
a warm greeting will welcome him or her. Such a warm small-town character,
indeed.

But for me the most unique and interesting part of Alcalenians is their respect for
nature. One great example is the large, old trees in the town. Some of the elders
say, "andiyan na iyan noong pinanganak ako."
There are also some stories told by the elders about those trees. They say some are
actually invincible and that there are invisible creatures living there. Until now,
many really believe those stories, and I think that is partly behind the respect that
the people give to these trees.

People also say that they care for those trees because much of their livelihood
depends on the bounty of Mother Nature. For that reason, they value much the
virtue of utang na loob and the give-and-take relationship not just with their fellow
citizens but also with nature.
For Alcalenians, this is an indispensable virtue in little communities where
everybody almost certainly needs the help of everybody. And if such harmonious
relationship is to be maintained, reciprocity is indispensable. As the saying goes,
"No man is an island." One cannot live on earth without the presence or symbiotic
relationship with other creatures and species living on earth.

Posted on July 8, 2008

Manang Mani

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

SHE is a main fixture in campus and many students turn to her for motherly advice
or simply for just some friendly chitchat.

Her name is Lolita Lazaro, but we, and several generations of students before us,
fondly call her Manang Mani.
Manang Mani, a native of Domalandan in Lingayen, is an epitome of success —
though perhaps not exactly within the same terms as some of us would define
success — and unarguably a picture of happiness.

Born within underprivileged circumstances, she had to start working at a tender age
of five. When her father died when she was 12, she had to work even harder to help
provide for her family's basic needs.

Later on, she started her own family and gave birth to seven children, one of whom
unfortunately died.

Experiencing the hardships of her childhood strengthened and pushed her to a

determination towards changing her own family’s life.

After migrating to Baguio with her growing family, she and her husband sold
peanuts to various schools within the city.

She says they moved to find greener pastures and try out their luck elsewhere. "But
what is luck without will and God’s guidance?" she says from the depths of her
experienced soul.

Their income from peddling peanuts (she mans a small stall at the main gate of the
UP Baguio campus and the rest of the family, including her husband and children
work for the business), coupled with judicious management of the family's finances,
has proven to be their means for sending all their children to school, all the way up
to a college degree.

One of her sons is now a seaman and another a policeman. Another child is a
Communications graduate from UP and one other works in a radio station. The
youngest is graduating this school year as an Economics-Psychology major also
from UP.

Her eldest did not finish her studies, she narrates, for she got pregnant early. But
just like the other life challenges thrown their family's way, Manang Mani said they
took the situation in earnest and the rest of her children learned from their Ate’s
lesson by being determined to finish their studies.

Manang Mani also would always remind her children that she did not want them to
have the same fate as her of not being able to finish school. She believed in the
value of education and wanted her kids to find a better future.

Now, she can proudly say that her children made it!

“I am very lucky for having six helpful and understanding children,” she says with
obvious pride and joy.
And she never tires of telling students who come around to buy snacks and chat
with her to “learn from your past and you will survive.”

With most of her children now working and helping with basic needs as well as
sending the youngest through university, Manang Mani no longer needs to
continue working. But she insists that selling peanuts has become her life.

She truly is our dear Manang Mani.

Posted on June 16, 2008

Remembering Ma’am Beth

By Glaiza Bernadeth Pinto

JUNE marks the beginning of a new school year – a time for learning and a time for
meeting people, both old and new, including our fellow students and our teachers.

Over a student's life, we come across many teachers and there are some, or at least
one, whom we never forget either for (unfortunately) their notoriety or (thankfully)
their goodness.

Here in Pangasinan, I had known several teachers who are truly devoted to their
profession. Sir Domingo Laud in Alcala, Ma'am Josefina Seguban from Sto. Tomas,
Ma'am Pilar Idia of Mangaldan, Sir Alvin de Guzman of Calasiao and — my most
unforgettable of all — Ma'am Bethela Mendoza, my grade six adviser in San Vicente
Elementary School in Alcala.

Students call her Ma'am Beth. She is a teacher who had influenced my life. I have a
sincere admiration for her not only when she was my teacher but up until I
graduated from the secondary level of my education and even now that I am in
college. Young as I was then, I was always amazed that she would always seem to
know the answer to anything I asked her. And I must admit, I was a child who had
questions aplenty.

I also remember that she was always punctual in going to school, rain or shine. Our
school was near our house, yet she arrived much earlier than most of us students,
although she lived farther than us. It was painful on my part to miss even just a
fraction of a class period under her. There were plenty of surprises in her lessons-
the explanations, the discussions, even the quizzes she would give us were always
enjoyable. We enjoyed while we learned with her and I can say that such is not
always the case with other teachers.

She also taught us how to be strong in facing risks and challenges that we will
encounter. She was there giving us full support and trust. She would tell us that
"come what may you are never alone". Lots of us admired her a lot and because of
that we embraced her repeated lessons on how important education is.

I know that her work was never confined just within the four walls of the classroom.
Our parents and others in the community also held respect for her.

Even when I was already in high school, I would still come to her for help in my
studies and she never seemed to mind if I popped into her home on
weekends.

For me, she is a picture of an ideal teacher. Efficient in all the subjects she handled,
she was conversant in current issues, too. She had inexhaustible patience. She
never ran out of fine moments to deliver words of wisdom to ponder on. And those
things from her had a deep influence in my ambition.

She told us that she believes that we can show loyalty to our country by becoming a
teacher. But whatever ambition we strive for, she also said, "your success is my
success and your failure is my failure for I am your second parent."

And I certainly hope that as I pursue my studies and my dreams, I will make her
proud someday.

School Assignment

Topic: Writers are not born but made

Writers: Born to be Made

"If poets are born not made, then why do I feel like I wouldn't trade my experiences,
ordeals for anything". - Ben Doyle
Writers are made!

Writing is a skill. Therefore, it can be learned.

It is through higher level of teaching, training, and adequate amount of experiences

that one is able to learn and develop the sufficient qualities that can transform a
person into a writer.

Others may argue that they have passion for words and for writing, but they must
admit that they still need to work hard at being writers. Writing is not just a so-so
thing to do. It is not trivial. It is not as easy as others may think. It needs handwork
and sufficient knowledge for one to become a truly good writer.

Who are writers?

Writers are the ones who listened and are listened to, ones who read and are read,
and ones who learned and whom are learned from. They have embraced grammar,
punctuation and sentence structure as part of themselves. They know the different
formats and styles. They do not string words together with the mere purpose of
sending shivers down one’s spine—they string words together because they have
real purpose and meaning.

Writers paint beautiful pictures by writing phrases, words and sentences properly
and putting them on a page. They can make words dance to music; and sometimes,
they leave a piece of themselves in every word they create, and they are often
remembered not merely for the words they have created, but also for their skill.
They can grasp an idea and build upon it, leaving it be when they want and
returning to it at their leisure.

But the most important thing that writers can do is to write for their readers. They
think of their readers and make themselves as one of the readers-to-be of their
finish output. To them, words are so important that people are able to see and feel
their intended message with mere words.

One needs to work hard, train hard, practice hard in order for one to be able to
develop one’s skills to be a writer. As long as learning never stops—I know that
writers are made.

Topic: (Editorial- A Newspaper You Can Read: Manila Times, July 7, 2009)

Focus: Transitions and Transitional Phrases

Wanted: Newspapers at Large

According to William Faulkner- Read. Read. Read. But how can we do that if the font
size of our reading materials becomes smaller and smaller and smaller…

Imagine a world wherein we would need a magnifying glass to be informed, to be

entertained, to be updated.

Nowadays, the increase in the prices of goods and services, as well as company and
bank lay-offs and cuts in social expenditures, are severely effecting the society,
especially its poorest sectors.
For this reason, most companies, both government and private, resort to various
cost-cutting measures. Even newspapers are not spared from this. Newspaper
companies are also making their move to cushion the effects of today's recession.

On July 7, 2009, an editorial from Manila Times came out answering a complaint;
senior citizens and persons with poor eyesight are wondering why most newspapers
broadsheets and tabloids are making reading a difficult habit.

Primarily, the reason is economy. That is to say, newsprint is getting costlier

everyday.

The other part is that it has always been an industry practice. Loading the
day's issue with as much content as possible, regardless of merit, has always been
an unspoken rule in the newspaper industry. The 60-40 rule! 60 % for
advertisement and 40 % for the stories. This is true! This has been the practice
since then.

Next is to maximize space and to accommodate as much material as possible. In

other words, to have more information than advertisement.

Then, environmental purposes, because the production of paper is only possible

through tree cutting. By making font sizes smaller, less paper will be needed.

This, I believe, is an issue must concern publishers and editors. Besides, the
older generation composes much of the reading population. If the print industry is
to survive, particularly the newspapers, then the country's pool of editors,
publishers, and journalists must strive to strike a balance between delivering top-
notch quality service to its advertisers and clients, and dedicated public service to
the bigger public it has pledged to serve.