Hanggang saan ang kaya mong ibigay para sa pag-ibig? Anu-ano ang mga bagay na handa mong isuko para sa pag-ibig?

Paano mo masasabing totoo ang pa-ibig kung hindi nito kayang magtanggol? Paano mo masasabing totoo ang pag-ibig kung hindi ito marunong lumaban?

Hindi tayo magkapareho ng paraan ng pag-ibig. Gusto ko lang naman noon, may magmahal sa’kin sa kung sino at ano ako. Oo, siguro nga ganoon ang ginawa mo. Ngunit madalas mong sabihin na ako, hindi kita tanggap. Magkaibang-magkaiba tayo ng pananaw. Siguro dahil magkaiba tayo ng kinagisnan.

Malabo. Hindi tayo magkatagpo. Palagi na lang akong talo. Sa lahat ng pasya, ikaw ang laging panalo.

Ewan ko. Minsan, napapaisip ako kung talaga bang mahal mo ko.

Naaalala mo pa ba ‘yung kwento ng Iron Man 3?

Naaalala mo pa ba kung anong nangyari?

Siguro nga sa pelikula lang nangyayri ang mga ganoong bagay.

‘Yung isinuko ng lalaki ang lahat, mas pinili na lang na makasama ang taong minamahal niya at mamuhay ng simple at mapayapa.

Oo. ako nga si Pepper Potts. Pero hindi ka si Tony Stark.

"Ayaw Na Namin Ng Baboy!"

By: Chelsea Micah G. Abarca and Danica Marie A. Arellano

Who would have thought that a facebook post would wake the sleeping Filipinos to fight for what they think will be better for the country?

It started when Neocolours’ vocalist, Ito Rapadas, posted on facebook that it is now time for the Filipinos to speak up and gather at the Luneta Park for an anti-pork barrel protest. The said status, like a raging fire, was shared by a lot of netizens. Because a large number of people showed interest of joining the said activity, a facebook event entitled “A Million People’s March to Luneta” was created by Peachy Breataña, one of the concerned netizens who re-posted Rapadas’ post.

The the said protest has two aims. One is to abolish the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or better known as “pork barrel”. The other is to get the suspects and make them liable to the crime they did.

An estimated number of 75,000 people joined the protest last August 26, 2013. According to Manila Bulletin, the protesters ranged from nuns and priests and students to businessmen, middle-class families, lawyers, and other professionals.

Furthermore, protest of the same kind was also held in Puerto Prinsesa, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete and Iloilo. Also, Overseas Filipino Workers at San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York in America showed their support by having their respective gathering.

It is nice to see that Filipinos are being united once again just like what happened in the People Power Revolution. We do hope that the government will not just close their eyes and as well as to pretend not to hear the appeal of the people.

Remember what President Benigno Aquino III said to the Filipino people in his first State of the Nation Address?

“Kayo ang boss ko.”

Well Mister President, your bosses had spoken; and you should listen to what they want you to do.

The following photos will show you what the Filipinos really want for the government to implement.

Straight into the eyes. This man represents the Filipino mass pleading for
a valid explanation regarding the Pork Barrel.(Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca)

The hunks got guts. Standing boldly are three good-looking men who wanted
a reform against the anomaly in the government.
(Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca)

Never say die. Skeleton man cries out towards
the desire for PDAF’s discontinuity.
(Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca)

Chill.  There are a lot more things to come, let everything
cool itself down. (Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca)

Never Give Up. The Filipino’s trademark amidst pain, struggles, and
hardships is our enthusiasm to fight and move forward.
(Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca)

Boycott is not for Boy Scouts. This effigy stands for
all the Boy Scouts of the Philippines who wanted
to prepare the youth for responsible leadership.
(Photo by Chelsea Micah Abarca)

Move Forward. With their clenched fists up in the air, these men

led their group to march. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano)

Age Doesn't Matter. Even this kid has something

to say. (Photo by Danica Marie A. Arellano)

Not Just Your Ordinary Higante. These paper mache giants

became the center of attraction during the protest.

(Photo by Danica Marie Arellano)

We Won’t Be Silent. These students from Polytechnic University 

of the Philippines are very determined to convince the youth to join

the Youth Act Now. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano)

 Thumbs Down. For people who don’t have placards, this is

another way of saying that they want to abolish the

pork barrel. (Photo by Danica Marie Arellano)

Oink! Oink! Oink! Filipino Comedian Mae Paner also known as

Juana Changedressed up as a pig and performed a satire.

(Photo by Danica Marie Arellano)

__________________________________________________________________

Sources:

http://manila-bulletin.net/blog/2013/08/27/vendors-among-protesters/ (Published on August 27, 2013)

The Daily Sun (Published on August 26, 2013)

Silent Treatment

When I made this blog, I told myself that this is gonna be different from my previous blog on tumblr.

I didn't like my tumblr account so much because that account (which is now inactive) is full of negative thoughts and hatred. So, I told myself that this site should be a stress-free and feel good site. That's why even if I'm so pissed because of a certain incident, I still try to turn things upsidedown to fulfill my aim.

However, it is inevitable to feel lonely and/or super pissed at times. No matter how hard I try to contain myself, I just can't.

I should be studying for my midterm examination for Issues Management and Crisis PR but then, I just can't concentrate; especially, I know that I am holding something in. I don't want to go into the details of the story simply because I don't want to talk about that someone who often makes me insane because of his recklessness anymore. I don't want to talk anymore because I don't want a fight.

I have no idea what I should do with him.

Maybe.. the best thing to do for now is to be silent.

Ideya. Ideya. At isa pang ideya.

"There is no such thing as an original idea"

Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang mga kataga na ito mula sa Executive Producer ng DZMM na si Ginoong Tristan Jay "TJ" Correa noong pumunta siya sa Pamantasan upang magbahagi ng kanyang kaalaman ukol sa radio broadcasting.

Totoo nga. Sapagkat ang iyong ideya ay paniguradong nagawa na rin ng iba nang hindi mo namamalayan.

Nakakalungkot lamang isipin na may ibang tao na sadyang nanggagaya. Sadyang kinukuha o inaangkin ang ideya ng iba.

Napapaisip tuloy ako minsan at nasasabi sa sarili, "paano na uunlad ang bayan sa ganitong pag-uugali ng iba?"

Oo, may mga gawa na tunay na kahanga-hanga. Ngunit sana'y gamitin natin ang mga ito upang inspirasyon sa paglikha ng ating matatawag na sariling atin at hindi kopyahin lamang.

Kung ikaw kaya ang nasa posisyon nila, anong mararamdaman mo?

Sabi nga nila,

"Huwag mong gawin sa iba ang ayaw mong gawin sa'yo."

Ganito Na Po Kami Ngayon (This is How We Are Now) : A Glimpse of the Philippines at Present

For the Love of Art. This woman willingly embraced
the needle to her skin without a trace of fear.

In 2010, I watched a documentary about the last native tattoo artist named Wang Od. In the said documentary, I found out that the indigenous people in the Philippines already had their culture and rituals even before the Spaniards came. One of which is pagbabatok or tattooing. Tattoos serve as mark of honor or protection for the huntsmen; while for the women, tattoos are symbol of beauty and fertility. Because of this, they were labelled as pintados or painted people.

No Pain, No Gain. In order to have a beautiful tattoo, one must
be willing to embrace the consequence.

At present, there are a lot of Filipinos who have tattoos; not because they are part of a tribe but mainly because for the love of art. I asked people that I know why they decided to have a tattoo and majority of them told me that it is their way of expressing themselves. Some of them also said that their tattoo represents a milestone of their life or a memory of a loved one. Of course, there are other reasons why people want to have a tattoo. Whatever their reason is, we just have to respect their views.

Church in a Subdivision. In 1950's,  all the new Christian converts
were required to construct their houses around the church.
Now,  we are unconsciously practicing the said tradition.  

The New Face of Christianity. Churches today are simpler and
modern in structure.

A Prayer is the most
powerful weapon.

During the Spanish occupation, churches and convents that are made of stone were built in the country. Some of them appear like solid fortress to impress the indios. [1]

If we are to compare, churches today are simple and the architecture is modernized. It is more of a home than a fortress; very welcoming, not intimidating.

Several years ago, the ox cart or kareton, aside from being the people’s means of transportation, also served as a kind of home and social venue. It hauled palay and other produce to the market. When the commuting public began to prefer fast transport to the kareton or the horse-drawn calesa, the driver had to create a substitute. This is where the jeepneys entered. [2]

Ala Cart. No need to go to the market with this
very industrious vendor who sells vegetables
with his very reliable kareton.

Karetons are still alive and kicking. However, they have a new face. Instead of being pulled by an ox, it is now being pushed by a person. At present, it is usually used for selling fruits, vegetables and other produce. It is also used as a shelter for people living in the streets.

What’s unique about Philippines is the jeepney that was originally a U.S. military jeep. An unknown innovator tried to recreate the U.S. military jeep into something that mirrors the Filipino culture and voila!  A combination of two nations was created. Then it was exhibited in the New York World Fair of 1964-1965 as a national image for the Filipinos.

All Piled Up. A terminal located at Santol street in Sta. Mesa
showcases a variety of jeepneys.

Patience. While waiting for a passenger to come, these tricycle
drivers prefer to sit back and relax.

To date, jeepneys are still famous as the primary public transportation of Filipinos. But if jeepneys are said to be the king of the road; tricycles, on the other hand, are labelled as the prince of the road. If you are to enter a subdivision, tricycles will be your convenient partner. They are also considered to be mini-taxi but not always; because there are tricycle terminals that let strangers to be on the same tricycle if they are going to the same place. In this case, the fare will be cheaper.

Forgotten. This is the Sta. Mesa post office at present.

Remember how people used to send letters to their friends, loved ones or relatives who live in the province or abroad? I do. My mother and I used to go in Santa Mesa post office every first Friday of the month to drop letters for our relatives who reside in America. When I was a kid, I enjoy writing letters; sometimes, I also draw stuffs and put some design on the letter especially if there is an occasion. Until now, I still enjoy writing letters for my friends and loved ones. But it no longer passes through Mister Postman; I just personally give the letter to them.

Tech-y Kid. Today's generation of kids are very lucky to
experience the gift of technology.

When cellular phones became available in the country, everything became possible. I started to often hear people saying, “I’m just a text away”, which clearly shows that texting is more convenient than writing letters; besides, It is time and energy saving. No need to look for a payphone. No need to go to the post office. In just a blink of an eye, your message will be received by your friend. In just a snap of your fingers, you will be able to talk to your loved ones.

It’s funny how fast the world changes. Today, you may have the latest smartphone; but when you wake up tomorrow, another smartphone may be released. Just like the generations that keep on evolving.

But there is one thing that I hope Filipinos would not forget.. and that is their nationalism.



_______________________________________________________________________________________

[1] Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2008). History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: Garo Tech Books
                    Incorporated. (Page 81)

[2] Mercado, Leonardo N. (1994). The Filipino Mind, Philippine Philosophical Studies II. Washington D.C. : The
                   Council for Research in Values and Philosophy. (Page 174)

Sources:

Agoncillo, Teodoro A. (2008). History of the Filipino People. Quezon City: Garo Tech Books Incorporated.

David, Kara. (19 July 2010). I-Witness: Ang Huling Mambabatok [Documentary]. Philippines, GMA Network.

Mercado, Leonardo N. (1994). The Filipino Mind, Philippine Philosophical Studies II. Washington D.C. : The

               Council for Research in Values and Philosophy.

Alamat ng Ampalaya

Noong unang panahon sa kaharian ng mga gulay, mayroon magkapatid na talong. Ang panganay ay si Talonglong at ang bunso naman ay si Talonggito. Sila ang mga prinsipe ng kaharian.

May gusto si Talonggito sa kanyang pinsan na si Okasta, isang okra. Sa tuwing may pangangailangan si Okasta, tinutulungan ito ni Talonggito upang maipahayag nito ang kanyang pagtingin sa dalaga. Gusto rin naman ni Okasta si Talonggito sapagkat napakabait, napakatalino at napakamatipuno ni Talonggito. Subalit, hindi sila maaaring mag-ibigan sapagkat sila nga ay magkadugo.

Isang hapon, nagtapat si Talonggito kay Okasta ng kanyang pag-ibig at niyaya niya itong magpakasal. Oo nga’t may pagtingin din si Okasta sa kanyang pinsan ngunit tumanggi siya sa alok ni Talonggito upang umiwas sa kahihiyan.

Labis na nasaktan si Talonggito sa mga nangyari kaya’t niyaya niya sa Talonglong upang samahan siyang tumakas sa palasyo at humanap ng isang dalaga na magmamahal sa kanya. Pumayag naman si Talonglong na samahan ang kanyang naghihinagpis na kapatid.

Lumuwas sila sa isang bayan na kung tawagin ay Kamalandia, isang lugar kung saan naninirahan ang lahi ng mga kamatis. Nabighani sila sa ganda ng lugar na ito at tila ba masaya ang lahat ng tao. Habang naglalakad ang dalawang prinsipe, nakabangga ni Talonglong ang isang kamatis na papasok sa paaralan. Tumilapon ang mga dalang libro ng kamatis at tila ba nataranta si Talonglong sa nangyari. Agad na pinulot ni Talonglong ang mga kagamitan ng kamatis ngunit hindi ito humingi ng paumanhin sapagkat si Talonglong ay ang epitome ng kasaamang asal, at hindi marunong tumanggap ng pagkakamali.

“Sa susunod, tumingin ka sa dinadaanan mo.” Sabi ni Talonglong sa kamatis.

Nagtaas ng kilay ang kamatis at sumagot, “Hoy! Ikaw ang tumingin sa dinadaanan mo! Nakalingon ka kasi sa tindahan ng mga alak kaya nabangga mo ako. Ako, na naglalakad sa tamang daanan!”

Tila ba nahiya si Talonggito sa inasal ng kanyang kapatid kaya naman humingi ito ng paumanhin sa kamatis. Humanga rin si Talonggito sa ipinamalas na katapangan ng kamatis na ‘yon sapagkat walang sinumang dalaga sa kanilang kaharian ang marunong lumaban; lahat ay parang mga tuta na sumusunod lamang sa kung anuman ang iutos o sabihin sa kanila.

Nang aalis na sana ang kamatis, pinigilan ito ni Talonggito.

“Sandali, a-a-anong pangalan mo?” tanong nito.

Magaan ang loob ng kamatis kay Talonggito dahil sa kababang-loob na ipinakita nito. Bagamat hindi siya ang may kasalanan, siya pa ang humingi ng paumanhin sa ginawa ng kanyang kapatid.

“Kamari. Kamari  ang ngalan ko.” Sagot naman nito.

Inilabas ni Talonggito ang singsing (na dapat sana’y para kay Okasta) at sinabi, “Kamari, will you marry me?”

Nagulat si Talonglong sa pangyayaring ito. Hindi niya matanggap na sa dinami-rami ng maaaring mapili ni Talonggito upang pakasalan, isang hampas-lupang walang galang pa ang napili ng kanyang kapatid.

Nagulat din si Kamari ngunit tila ba naisip niya na biyaya ito ni Bathala sa kanya sapagkat isa siyang mahusay na mag-aaral at isa siyang gulay na marunong ipaglaban ang kanyang karapatan. Hindi nagpapadehado si Kamari at tunay na marunong gamitin ang kanyang utak sa pagpapasya.

Naluluhang sumagot si Kamari sa alok ni Talonggito, “Oo naman!”

Nagyakapan ang dalawa samantalang nagngingitngit naman sa galit si Talonglong.

Isinama ni Talonggito si Kamari sa kanilang kaharian. Ipinakilala sa kanyang mga magulang, kamag-anak at mga alipin.

“Siya ang aking mapapangasawa, mula sa Kamalandia, si Kamari!” buong pagmamalaki ni Talonggito.

Ngunit hindi makapapayag si Talonglong na si Kamari ang mapangasawa ng kanyang kapatid. Bumuo na ito ng plano upang siraan si Kamari sa buong kaharian.

Sapagkat higit na naiiba ang kaugalian sa Kamalandia at sa Kaharian ng mga gulay, ibang-iba rin ang pag-uugali ni Kamari. Hindi siya katulad ng mga dalaga sa palasyo at ito ang nakitang butas ni Talonglong upang siraan si Kamari.

Iginigiit ni Talonglong na masamang tao si Kamari. Na hindi ito marunong makisama at isa itong bastos na gulay.

Ngunit hindi naman naniniwala ang mga tao sa palasyo sa mga sinasabi ni Talonglong sapagkat nauunawaan nila na si Kamari ay hindi nila katulad. Isa siyang makabagong babae. Isang modelo na nararapat tularan at hindi kamuhian.

At dahil hindi nagtagumpay ang kahibangan ni Talonglong, muli siyang nakaisip ng paraan upang hindi matuloy ang kasal ni Talonggito at ni Kamari.

Pagsapit ng gabi, dinukot ni Talonglong si Kamari. Iginapos at nilagyan ng busal. Ibinaon niya ito sa lupa upang doo’y mabulok at mamatay.

Kinaumagahan, masayang-masaya si Talonglong sapagkat alam niyang wala na ang panggulo sa palasyo. Lumabas siya sa kanyang silid ngunit laking gulat niya nang makita niya si Kamari. Buhay na buhay at lalo pang naging mapula ang balat nito. Narinig niyang kinukwento nito sa lahat kung paano siya sinagip ni Bathala sa kamatayan.

Nang ilahad ni Talonglong ang kanyang sarili sa lahat ng tao sa palasyo, napasigaw at nagulat ang lahat sa kanyang anyo! Ang dating makinis at kulay lila niyang balat ay naging kulubot at kulay berde na! Naluha ang kanyang mga magulang ngunit ang mga gulay na ganito ang anyo ay hindi nararapat na manirahan sa palasyo. Labag man sa loob ng kanyang mga magulang, ngunit pinaalis si Talonglong sa kanilang kaharian. Nang halikan ito ng kanyang ina, natikman nito ang pait ng lasa ng balat ng kanyang panganay na anak.

Nagpakita si Bathala sa Kaharian ng mga gulay at sinabi, “Iyan ang kaparusahan sa mga gulay na nagtatangka ng masama sa kanilang kapwa! Iyan ang nararapat sa mga palalo na tulad mo at walang awa! Sa iyo magsisimula ang angkan ng mga mapapait na gulay! At ang mga tulad mo’y hindi kagigiliwan ng mga bata! Talonglong, mamumuhay ka na ngayon sa pangalang Ampalaya!”

Mula sa Malikhaing Imahinsayon ni: Danica Marie A. Arellano

Alamat ng Ulap, Lupa at Hangin

Alam mo ba kung bakit umuulan?

Nagsimula kasi 'yan noong unang panahon nang minahal ng ulap ang lupa.

Malayo ang pagitan nilang dalawa. Kaya't paminsan-minsan, nagnanakaw ng sandali ang ulap upang makasama ang lupa sa pamamagitan ng fog.

Ngunit hindi kuntento ang ulap dito kaya't inutusan niya ang hangin upang magbigay ng mensahe sa lupa.

Araw-araw, ganito ang kanyang ginagawa.

Ngunit lingid sa kaalaman ng ulap, nahulog na ang loob ng hangin sa lupa sapagkat mas madalas silang magkasama. Inakit ng hangin ang lupa at tuluyan naman din na minahal ng lupa ang hangin.

Matagal na itinago ng hangin at ng lupa ang kanilang relasyon.

Ngunit walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag. Isang gabi nang bumaba ang ulap, nahuli nitong magkayakap ang hangin at ang lupa. Nagalit ang ulap at nagpasyang umakyat na muli sa langit.

Labis na nasaktan ang ulap. Hindi niya napigil ang kanyang damdamin at tuluyan nang umiyak.

Walang kapantay ang pagmamahal ng ulap sa lupa. Kaya kahit na alam nitong hindi na siya mamahalin pa ng lupa, patuloy pa rin niyang binibisita ito. Oo, labis ang pagmamahal ng ulap sa lupa. Kaya nga hanggang ngayo'y umiiyak pa rin siya tuwing naaalala niya ang kanyang nakita.

Mula sa mapaglarong imahinasyon ni: Danica Marie A. Arellano

NIR AP WAKI TAKGAP' ('Pagkat Ikaw Pa Rin)

Tila ba isang bubot na bulaklak

Na hindi na natuloy ang pagtubo

Sapagkat papasibol pa lamang

Ngunit agad nang pinitas -- hinugot

Paano mo agad na nalimot

Mga araw na pumawi sa iyong lungkot

At ngayo’y nang dahil sa'yo

Buhay ay naging masalimuot

Di ko alam kung sinong sisisihin

Ako bang di nakapaghintay

O Ikaw na tila ayaw magbigay

Ng inaasahan kong pag-ibig [sana] na tunay

Tuluyan nang nagkahiwalay

Landas ay di na magkasabay

Ngunit pangalan mo pa rin ang isinisigaw

Ng puso na itong patuloy na naliligaw

Tula ng Aking Buhay (Bilang Isang Manunulat)

Ipipikit ko na lamang siguro ang aking mga mata

Dala ng matagal na kahihintay, lumabo na yata at napagod

Ngunit ang katotohana’y sariwa pa rin sa aking alaala

Kung gaano ko hinanap at hinulma ang bawat taludtod

Tila yata unti-unti nang dumidilim ang aking tala

Pumupurol na ang lapis, nauubos na ang tinta

Ni isa’y walang nailimbang sa aking mga nilathala

Tanong sa sarili’y saan ka nga ba talaga papunta?

Kay lamig ng paligid, nakakulong dito sa isang silid

Karamay ang sarili, kausap ang mga nagkalat na aklat

Pinipigilan ang pagtulo ng mga luhang nangingilid

Kailan kaya gagaling itong aking malalim na sugat?

O, anong saya kung ito’y magakakaroon ng wakas

Lapis ay muling tatalas, tala’y magniningning nang muli

Tiyak ako na may naghihintay na panibagong bukas

Kaya’t salubingin mo ito ng buong galak at may ngiti sa labi

Creative Portraiture

Our (BMC IV-2 under Prof. Elvert Dela Cruz Banares) activity for this week was to take a creative portraiture. Below are the raw photos taken by yours truly. :)

True Love Stays.

Levitate! :)

Model: Angelo Noreen J. Ibon as Harry Potter

First try to levitate. Pretty cool but the framing didn't work. xD

Nailed it! :)

Blown by the Wind

(As seen on Facebook.com)

Model: Jerleen Mae Q. Argonza

You Don't Belong Here

Some people might push you back and tell you "you don't belong here", but that's not a good reason to simply give up and go. 'Cause if you did, you just let them win and allowed them to step on you.

You are beautifully and perfectly made by our Creator. We are not created the same because if we are, then there will be no variety. Earth will be a boring place.

Awhile ago, I saw a reply on my post on facebook regarding a topic in one of my groups. I didn't like what I saw because the comment is actually below the belt (for me). Because if you will look deeper through that comment, it seems like the person was trying to tell me that I don't belong there since I became a little inactive in the said group. But hey, I was just trying to suggest. They can politely say that they don't like it rather than posting a not so pleasing comment.

"You don't belong here". Not a biggie, but maybe sometimes you have to let it go because you will be better off without them. Especially when they don't appreciate YOU. Yes, you don't belong there because you deserve to be in a BETTER place. :)

God bless!

I Found Something!

(Note: Pardon my extreme cheesiness xD Originally posted on facebook.com)

Looking back through our memory lane, I found a note that you wrote way back 16 September 2009.

A sentence pierced my heart and I quote:
"the reason why you weren't able to do something was because you weren't ready...so from the moment you realize your lacking..do all in your power to be better...that the next time it comes around...you'll know what to do..."
(From https://www.facebook.com/notes/jello-ibon/memories/162728816012)

Things flashed back into my head and I almost cried. But then I realized that sometimes, there are things aren't really meant for you so you have to let it be. Enjoy the ride and later on, you will see what's prepared for you.

Angelo Noreen J. Ibon, we've been through ups and downs and I am happy that you're still here for me. You embraced me wholly despite my lackings and imperfection, my shortcomings and moodiness. Thank you for sticking around. I'm looking forward of being with you until the end of our time. I love you. :)

Tagaytay. February 2008.

They Tell A Story Too

We may not notice, but the things around us has a story. If we only try to look deeper, we will be able to comprehend what they want to tell us.

Like this leaf that keeps holding on despite the heavy downpour of the rain; which tells us not to give up despite life's challenges.

Everytime I grab this thermos to make a cup of coffee or tea, I get inspired because of the quote written on it.  It says,"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." (Although I think the first line should go like this: To accomplish great things, we must not only DREAM, but also ACT.) Very well said. 

A candle gives us light whenever we need it. Just like our elders who constantly gives us advise in order to survive and to have a fruitful life. However, we must give importance to those candles for they will not be there forever beside us. We must remember their teachings because we might need it in the future.

Photos are property of Danica Marie A. Arellano

Photography VS Photojournalism

I used to think that Photography and Photojournalism were the same thing; that a mere picture taking was already photography.

Last Wednesday, I had my Photojournalism Class under our multi-talented professor, Prof. Elvert Dela Cruz Bañares. That very day, I realized the difference between photography and photojournalism.

Photojournalism is not just about capturing beauty. It is capturing the TRUTH.
In photojournalism, you don't capture a noun; You capture a VERB.

Being a photojournalist is very diffucult. You have to be ALERT and always ON THE GO in order to capture a story. Keep in mind that your photo may be a visual representation of an event, or may even become an evidence for some instances.

I tried to be a photojournalist for a day when Prof. Bañares gave us a task about capturing events or interesting happenings around us. Indeed, it was very difficult to be a photojournalist especially when you want to capture a VERB. The photo becomes blurred when your subject tends to move. But as they say, "Practice makes perfect". I may not took the most beatiful, wonderful and eye-candy photos during our first activity, but maybe soon I will be able to. Besides, that's the main reason why I am taking the subject, right? To be able to be an effective photojournalist. :)

What I got from strolling around :)

Part 1: Preparing For the Fiesta

I was just walking around our subdivision; and when I came across the San Pedro 9 chapel, I saw two men preparing to put the bandiritas for the upcoming fiesta. I thought that I might capture something interesting so I decided to watch those people as they try to beautify our subdivision.

No Need For Sunblock. Despite the heat of the sun, this man still works hard in order to earn money for his family.

Unroll It. First things first, this man measures the banderitas that will be put up the chapel's roof.

Not Afraid of Heights. This man volunteered to go up the chapel's roof for the sake of making the subdivision  feel the festive atmosphere.
 

Two Heads Are Better Than One. This man tries not to lose his balance as he tie the other end of the banderitas.

Dancing for a Patron Saint.  Parishioners happily practicing their street dance for the fiesta.

Part 2: Looking Back

I saw a few kids on their way to school while strolling again in our subdivision. Then I thought that going back to my alma mater, which is Placido del Mundo Elementary School, would be a good idea.

Separation Anxiety? This kid signals her mother not to leave her.

I Don't Want To. The kid burst into tears as her mother tried to leave her in the care of her teacher.

Uwian Na! These cute little kids were very excited to  come into their parents' arms.