MY PURPOSE: 

To Love God and To Love People...

MY VISION:

To win Souls and make Disciples

MY MISSION:

To make every Believer a leader of Leaders 

"Matutupad lang siguro ang forever sa isang relasyon kapag natanggap ng dalawa ang imperfections ng bawat isa." 

God is our healer. Whenever you have conflict with 

someone, go to Him

It's a Yes. :D

Quotes I've made through life's experiences

• "There is always a possibility to succeed for someone who has dreams."

#wanna write NO.1

     Being Sophia Vien C. Andongo is never an easy one. You have to pass on the hardest exam in the world. (so exaggerated-Whahaha!) I am not a celebrity, I am also not a president's daughter, I was just a typical school girl who has a mission to accomplished.  

     My life full of battles, struggles and trials  is the things that made me who I am today. Hindi ako magiging ganito kung hindi rin dahil sa mga pinagdaanan ko. Hindi man ganun kadrama ang buhay ko katulad ng mga fine-feature sa MMK, at hinding-hindi ako nagsusulat ngayon para ipadala kay Ate Charo pero I know that those lessons I've learned in the past is still in my veins.  

  All I want is to express myself, kaya nga nagsusulat ako ngayon eh, I want them to accept me for who I am and what I did. I'm not a criminal, I never murder someone but it seems like I was a prisoner in my own cage. (duh? enough for the drama Sophie)

      Yes. Medyo madrama itong ginagawa ko ngayon, It was not in my line tho. Hehe. Sorry guys for reading this nonsense post of mine. 

     I really did wanted to do new and different things. pero minsan yung kagustuhan mo is always and never meant to happen. Maybe beacause it's not yet time. Sabi nga nila... "When the time is ripe, it will happen." Siguro kailangan ko munang masaktan o mahulog in order for me to learn at kapag okay na and ready na ang lahat... It will surely happen. I just wanted to experience new, katuld ng magtravel, try to do on your own, magpaint, or something that will make me happy or proud dahil ginawa ko iyon. Yung masasabi kong "I am satisfied!". 

This song amazes my since I was young entitled "Don't Cry Joni" by Conway Twitty. #LoveStory #Tragic 

Don't Cry Joni

"Jimmy, please say you'll wait for me
I'll grow up someday, you'll see
Saving all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true"

Joni was the girl who lived next door
I've known her, I guess, ten years or more
Joni wrote me a note one day
And this is what she had to say

"Jimmy, please say you'll wait for me
I'll grow up someday, you'll see
Savin' all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true"

Slowly I read her note once more
Then I went over to the house next door
Her tear drops fell like rain that day
When I told Joni what I had to say

"Joni, Joni, please don't cry
You'll forget me by and by
You're just fifteen, I'm twenty-two
And Joni I just can't wait for you"

Soon I left our little home town
Got me a job and tried to settle down
But these words kept haunting my memory
The words that Joni said to me

"Jimmy, please say you'll wait for me
I'll grow up someday, you'll see
Savin' all my kisses just for you
Signed with love, forever true"

I packed my clothes and I caught a plane
I had to see Joni, I had to explain
How my heart was filled with her memory
And ask my Joni if she'd marry me

I ran all the way to the house next door
But things weren't like they were before
My tear drops fell like rain that day
When I heard what Joni had to say

"Jimmy, Jimmy, please don't cry
You'll forget me by and by
It's been five years since you've been gone
Jimmy, I married your best friend, John"

When An Ordinary Becomes an Extra Ordinary By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo

(This was my Valedictory Address when I was in High School- Special Program in the Arts Batch 2014-2015)

When an ordinary becomes an extra-ordinary…

By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo

“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” To our honorable guest of honor and speaker, Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, the archbishop of Lingayen- Dagupan, our beloved Mayor, Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay, the Schools Division Superintendent of Pangasinan I, Dr. Maria Celia Junio- Fernandez, our dynamic principal, Engr. Magdalena C. Manoat, PTA Officials led by Mrs. Fe S. Reyes, different department heads, members of the faculty, parents, friends and fellow graduates, a blessed and glorious afternoon to one and all.

It’s dashing and unbelievable to think that after four years, dozens of projects, hundreds of long tests, and over a thousand quizzes, we find ourselves here today, about to formally close this chapter of our lives. I consider this as a turtle that overpassed a cheetah, a camel that crossed a needle and a mouse that ate a cat… quiet impossible right? But it is true. I moved the mountains. We have conquered the storms of life. 

Yes! It’s hard to believe that after this ceremony, we will no longer be students of Calasiao Comprehensive National High School. We all know that letting go was never meant to be easy, and once we exit these covered courts, these halls and classrooms that have become such a big part of our lives will soon be reduced to memories.

“Always do what you are afraid to do.” Those words served as my motivation in my high school life. You’d probably think that I am strong, confident, excellent and fearless but to tell you honestly, I lack strength, I am fearful, and I am afraid to talk to people . . . but those personalities changed when I met Jesus Christ. I consider myself as a dust and unworthy but He teaches me to love myself and my family more than anything. He is with me in all my contests and in my whole journey. He plans everything to be just right. I never expected that this school will change my destiny. I never pictured it to myself standing in front of many people saying these words, so my deepest honor is in this school, for it witnessed how God turned my future into paradise. This school saw wonderful miracles of God. This school was a photo album of God’s grace. I learned to value every simple effort. Yung tipong kahit one to five na quiz, pagbubutihan mo. Yung kahit nahihirapan ka na, pero sige lang ng sige, ang importante nag-enenjoy ka. I also learned that failing is not falling and defeats only depend on how you handle it, whether it will be your stepping stone for level up or your comfort zone to stay what you are.

There’s a certain duality between “goodbye” and “thank you”; we even acknowledge this two words in the classroom every day when we say goodbye to our teachers and say thank you to them. Today, as we bid our final goodbye to this school, I know that we also feel a deep sense of gratitude, one that tries to encompass all four years of high school. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am absolutely overwhelmed by this gratitude, and I know that each and every person we encountered here in high school contributed in a big way to who we are today. Truly, we are all blessed to have been given this opportunity to study in this school, and I know we’ll always be thankful for it.

Before I end, I know that we all feel the need to acknowledge everyone who played a big role in our journey over the past four years, so on behalf of the entire batch, I’d like to thank our principal, Engr. Magdalena C. Manaoat and of course, Dr. Lourdes D. Servito for their compassion, dedication and love for the students. I would also like to extend my thanks to all my advisers from first year to fourth year namely, Ma’am Alma Hortaleza, Sir Jesus Bacani, Sir Crisanto Vallo and Sir Jophel  Caragay, your patience and kindness is greatly appreciated; to Ma’am Virgibal Vallo, Dr Daisy Barongan, Ma’am Lourdes Vinoya, Ma’am Chrizelle Maicle, Sir Ruel Nepuscua, Sir Arthur Bauzon and Sir Mauro Mejia; your undying support and guidance will never be forgotten and to all the teachers of CCNHS who have been a part of my progress and success, I thank you for everything.

To SPA IV-COSMOS, Sorry if I can’t mention you all but please accept my warmest thanks for the friendship. I won’t forget you guys! You all completed my high school life and I learned so much from all of you. I will always remember “TUD”- Teamwork, Unity and Discipline.

And siyempre, my family deserves even more the recognition I will receive today, because my triumph is theirs as well. My utmost gratitude to my family most especially to my father, Joseph C. Andongo and my mother, Elsie C. Andongo, whom I know are very proud of me. “Pa, where ever you are, I know you’re watching, ito oh, yung baby girl mo, ga-graduate na ng high school.” and “Ma, Thank you for the support, time and love. You are the real Superwoman. Always on the go!” I am more proud that I have a parent like you too, together with my sister Jonah Elaine, who is also my Cell leader and my brother Hans Joseph; I thank you all for everything.

Above all, I offer this valedictory address to our Almighty God. Ngayon siya naman ang bida sa speech ko. This victory is His and all the glory is His. He turned a nothing like me into something, He made an ordinary me into an extra-ordinary creature. I still remember every time na may quiz and exam kami, I always write the verse Luke 1:37 at the back of my paper and it says there that “With God all things are possible.”

Fellow graduates and all that is in here, the success we have achieved in high school is not final, it is only the beginning. Expect more tears to fall, more challenges to face and more obstacles to pass. We need to not be afraid of things. Don’t let our fear and problems over power us. I dare you to be an extra-ordinary. Don’t be defined by your past, your past is the tutor of your present and is always preparing you for new experiences. Forget about disappointments or any past mistakes that is keeping you from moving forward. It’s never too late for a new beginning, so everyone I dare you to dream . . . Achieve it to the fullest!

Congratulations, Thank you and God Bless us all! 

Class History- Memory for a lifetime By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo (Special Program in the Arts Batch 2014-2015)

When two or more different worlds collide a great impinge will certainly rise. When you lock a sanguine with a choleric person in a room, war would be the outcome. He had dreams and I had mine, she had fears and I was fine. We came from unlike worlds; we are prince and princesses in different palaces but these dissimilarities are never a boundary for cosmoses to be one.

It’s magical! Unbelievable, but it’s true! River is never wrong to flow us with each other and winds measured it right for us to be together. All things happened purposely. I traveled through the dark and rocky forest, I climbed, and I run until I found fairies in the beautiful garden city of Calasiao Comprehensive National High School.

I still remember the exact date when we all met each other.  It was June 6, 2011 where flowers bloom, morning came and friendship arises. That precious moment we realized that we’re like adenine and thymine … destined to bond. From that particular minute we decided to cherish every single moment together, remember every memory and value the word “sisterhood” and “brotherhood.”

On our first year in high school being in Special Program in the Arts Curriculum was extremely and ultra-mega exciting, full of first time. First time to go home past 6 o’clock p.m., first time to rehearse on your own without a teacher’s guidance, first time to create a song, first time to travel alone, and many more. #FortheFirstTimeinFOREVER.

 The entire school was populated by innocent and curious freshmens, it took two weeks before we familiarize the environment. A bubbly and a good-hearted Mrs. Alma B. Hortaleza was our adviser that time. Her memorable room filled with mirrors, curtains, speakers, and a loud upbeat music were the things we will never forget because that was the moment everything started, that room witnessed our first hangout together, first laughs, first tear drops and our first Christmas party. I still remember that moment when Ma’am Alma introduced a game entitled “bring me with a twist” instead of a thing, you are going to bring a person being described. Luckily, Daniel Veloso won the whitest teeth award and Shaira Calaguio having the longest hair of all.

Those treasured moments became stronger when we join different kinds of competitions. Even though we’re only a novice competitor we proved to everyone that we can. In fact, we are given a chance to compete outside the school as being part of CCNHS Glee Club, of course made possible by our club adviser Mr. Ruel Nepuscua, and SPA Coordinator, Mrs. Virgibal Vallo. Unexpectedly we won as Grand Champion held in Robinsons Mall Calasiao. It was our first offering contributed in our school. We also got a chance to participate in a Holiday musical Show Choir in CSI Lucao and Guanzon “Sing-a-long” Competition in Metro Plaza, Ground floor. 

           

Second year of our high school venture was so awesome, lots of film viewings in different places, “lakbay-aral” and outdoor activities. It was also the moment when Robinsons Movie World became our playground. (Haha!) Almost every week SPA met there to watch a movie together. Maybe unpleasant to hear but I tell you without it, we will never be as close as brothers and sisters.

           

One of the toughest testing we’ve faced this second year is the Tone Poem Competition, there was a blood shedding, overflowing of sacrifices and trading off. Our beautiful, talented and ever bright English teacher, Mrs. Chrizelle Maicle trained us line by line, detailed by detailed and we never stopped our practices until we justify the word perfection. Everyone is full of compassion and dedication. Honestly, it was the first time we saw Excel Vien Flores so serious in his work. Well, we were a bit astonished. #WhataMiracle! Due to everyone’s eager to win. Yes we did it! We won! It’s a multi reward… not only the trophy and certificates but also the memories together with our second family, in times of pain and in times of gain! #TogetherForever!

             Lately we are being called as sophomores and now we are juniors! What a blast. Well, I can say that this third year in high school was a bit knotty and hard. It was the time we encountered lots of not-so-funny moments, we faced different kinds of errors, failures and learned so much from our mistakes.  

            But despite all that, we enjoyed our company with our Science Teacher, Mrs. Gilda Matabang who was known for her wacky-serious personality. Her presence brings peace to the hallway of CCNHS for she can clear the way in just 2 minutes and brings vibes to the astig-look students. I remember, it was our first week with Mrs. Matabang when I was dubbed as first lady to cry in our class. (Haha! Felt awkward but it’s real). “A person with a surname that starts with letter A is always in front.” And yes, Margie Ann Amansec and I were so nervous that time, seems like OMG! Let the favor of God be with us every day. Haha!

            “Sayawit” played a very big role in our high school life. As in to death, we will do our best; Nutri-Jingles, Science month, K to 12, or even the celebration of “End Violence against Woman Now”. We never missed any opportunity when we are talking about jingles and sayawit. #ThereMustBeAnEntry! That was the mindset. As the fruit of these efforts, we gain tons of championship in this matter such as 3^rd Place in the Division Yes-O Camp 2014 Sayawit Competition where in over 52 contestants were there, 1^st place in Nutri-Jingle, Science month and K to 12 Celebration and February 7, 2015, representatives from IV-Cosmos and III-Jayhawk take a big battle in Binmaley School of Fisheries, It was another Sayawit Competition, and yes! We got the victory! “CCNHS as the first place in 2015 Division Yes-O Sayawit Competition.” #ThankYouLord!

In addition, Warren Garcia, Aaron Tigno, and Zachary Llobrera together with Sable Cabatbat, Janine Sarmiento and Najiba Maiquez got the first place in National Statistics Month Celebration- Sayawit Competition.

            Pageants also have a big impact in our lives. 2011, when Mhel Lomibao won the 3^rd Runners up in “Kasuotang Pilipino”, Sophia Andongo as Champion in Science month: Cosplay Competition and Ms. United Nations 3^rd Runners up, Jarichelle Roanne Idos as 2012 Kasuotang Pilipino 2^nd Runners up and year 2014 when Zachary Llobrera got the title of Mr. United Nations 2014, Mr. Lakan ng Kalikasan  and Mr. SSG 2^nd  Runners up and Rosalie Rodrigo surprisingly got the Ms. United Nations 1^st  Runners Up . #HakotAwardee

            More opportunities came and the interest of some of my classmates was reversed to joining different Quiz Bees. Despite all the odds, Sophia Andongo, Mhel Lomibao and Darwin Mangga were blessed to win as 1^st place in United Nations Quiz Bee sponsored by JCI Bagoong. Aeron Macalanda, Mycah Meneses and Sophia Andongo also won as 2^nd place in Local Quiz Bee. I was also astounded by the support given by my classmates and of course, our handsome and smart 4^th year adviser, Sir Jophel C. Caragay when I joined the Tourism Month Quiz Bee, I made it to win. #BoomingofGrace

            A journalist! It is. For over thousands of students in CCNHS, Zachary, Mhel and I were blessed to be part in Radio Broadcasting. It was totally a “tugidig-my-heart feeling.” Although English Radio Broadcasting team didn’t make it to regionals, everyone was happy for Filipino Radio Broadcasting team was a qualifier! They represent Division of Pangasinan 1 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Those memories were unforgettable. #CCNHS’sGlory

           

Many individuals also showed their skills in different aspects. Warren Garcia who was a shy type person won as 1^st place in Essay writing (2^nd Yr.) and Acronym making contest (4^th yr). Mycah Meneses who won as 1^st place in Dagliang Talumpati (2^nd Yr.), Mhel Patrick Lomibao also show his skill being the 1^st placer in Impromptu speaking (4^th Yr.)

SPA Students Jayvee Ballesteros and Sophia Andongo were chosen to represent the school in Division Festival of Talents-Sineliksik Filmmaking Contest with the guidance of Sir Ruel Nepuscua, Mrs. Virgibal Vallo and Mrs. Alma Hortaleza. The result was so amazing, everyone didn’t expect it! CCNHS got the 1^st place in Division Level that took them to compete in the regionals. Our heart beats so fast, I can feel the tension of everybody, as the host announced the winner. “The Division that will represent Region I . . .  is the Division of Pangasinan I.” #InsertFireworks

 To cut the long story short CCNHS represented Region I in the National Level held in Olongapo City National High School with the theme, “Optimizing Creativity and Innovation for School Change and Development.”

After all the businesses, we never forgot to connect and bond with each other. We will never forget the taste of Louie Solis’ own baked cupcakes. “Ayan na si Louie may dalang cupcake!” and also the mini resort of Daniel Sotelo in Cabilocaan (what a peaceful place!), the delicious puto of Jesus Padilla (never fading) and the houses of Aeron Macalanda and Kathlene Baldueza that served as our rehearsal venue. #FavoriteplaceforPractices

All the selfie moments and the boom panes moments like impersonating “…so you think Amalayer! Amalayer”, lines like “Ansabee”,”Truthfully”,”Cosmos Power”, “Wangkels”, ”Skilled”,  “makanay Mother Earth (Mrs. Perlita Flores)”, “Ay antakot ko! Ag ko labanan” and “Eat your meryendas” are so splendid, shimmering and shining in our hearts like diamonds treasured in a jewelry box.

We’ll never ever forget the moment we learned to lean on the giver of our talents. Every before contests, “Guys, dito na, pray na tayo” and they’ll all form a circle, put the props and other sets in the middle, close their eyes and sincerely talked to God, pleading for the victory! #Priceless #Unity  

“Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying”. Those words served as a motivation in our class to continue and stand up again, it’s our secret that keeps us moving forward. We’ve been through almost all kinds of struggles, a high school student can experience. Thru defeats, downfalls, struggles, shame, victory, laughs, but that never ends our major-major moment. Trophies may broke, certificates can be tore apart, and fame would fade but the shooting star that strikes the inner part of our hearts will always connect us together where ever we are destined to go…  it’s always here, at the bottom of our hearts… Treasured, cared and remembered!

Mystery of Arendelle’s Mirror By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo

Long time ago, in the city of pines (Baguio City), there was an 11 year old girl and her single mother just moved in to a new house. Sadly she hates it because she misses all her classmates, her old bedroom, old school and all.

"Ok,Arendelle. What do you think of our new house?" her mother asked but she did not reply. A four hours long journey including packing up made her so tired.

So her mom suggested her to explore the new house while she and the deliver agents unload the stuffs on the truck. 

So she looked around and went up upstairs. She found a closet in her new bedroom. She turned on the light and found a mirror in front of her. Curiously Arendelle carefully examined the mirror. It really bothers here that why would anyone put a mirror in a closet where nobody would find it. 

Then she notice that the reflection is different. On the mirror, the reflection seems cleaner, brighter and more joyful. Birds are singing a new song with their happy chirp. Where on her own world, it's dull grey and dark and filled with dust and spider webs. 

With full of great happiness, she starred at the mirror for a long time. With her palm gently touch on the mirror, she felt something strange...like a water surface, her hands felt cold and wet. With a full force, she fell into the other side of the world and onto the ground. 

She got up her feet and found herself a new world...

“Wow, What is this world?” She amazingly said.

She was very shocked when she heard a strange voice saying . . .

“Who is that girl trespassing our world. Did you know her Cleophant?”

“No, I don’t know her Aristurtle.”

Arendelle quickly find where are the voices came from. She was surprised when she saw that there was a talking elephant and a turtle.

“What are you?” curiously she questioned.

“Why are you here trespassing our land?” They say with head up high.

“I don’t know how I came here, I don’t even know this place.”

Cleophant and Aristurtle take Arendelle a tour. They show the place of the giant lizards, the monster plant and every living thing there. They had a great time without knowing that it is already time for dinner.

Aristurtle prepared a delicious dinner for the three of them made with a special fingers of a dinosaur melted in the mouth of the dragon and topped by the cockroaches, bugs and mosquitoes.

“Tada! Here it is. I have prepared a very special dinner for our guest.”

“Wow, looks so yummy. I wanna eat.” Cleophant excitedly said. But Arendelle’s eyes began to widen, she was startled upon seeing the food.

“Why, you don’t want what I prepared?” Cleophant felt so disappointed and began to cry.

“Don’t cry Aristurtle. Please understand me. We, humans don’t eat something like that. We usually eat foods like cooked eggs, meats, vegetables and fruits. Don’t worry I’ll prepare mine for me to eat. ” She explained wholeheartedly.

While, Arendelle was on the kitchen cooking an egg, everyone shouted and screaming. She went outside to see what’s happening. She began to feel afraid when she saw a black Queen wearing a big diamond shaped crown glittered with crystals.

The black Queen with a disgusting face and smells like rotten rat wearing a big diamond shaped crown glittered with crystals is the queen of “Abandoned Land” and that is the place where Arendelle is.

“Who is this new kid here? Is she a bad person also? Bad persons are lovely to eat. Come kid! .”

Arendelle’s heart beats so fast that anyone can hear it. Even though she don’t understand, she walked slowly until she reached The Black Queen.

“Am I Beautiful? Tell me or else I’m gonna eat you.” The black Queen questioned directly.

“Yes! Yes! Indeed you are beautiful with a scent of a caramel.” Arendelle replied.

“HAHAHA ! Liar! Truly You are for this place. You will be abandoned here alone while your mother is up there mourning for your presence.”

“Wh-what? No. Please Black Queen. NOOOO!.” Arendelle hopelessly cried and feel so guilty for everything.

“Don’t cry child. You will love here. I and Aristurtle will teach you.” Cleophant said.

“ No. I want my mom. I need my mom. If only I could bring back the time. I will do it. I will take care of her. She’s the only one left in me.” Arendelle can’t stop from crying.

Aristurtle is so quiet and thinking about the solution of the problem.

“Arendelle, There is a solution! I’ve heard this from Galilegoat. There was also a girl trap here 15 years ago. He said that you have to cross the Golden river then get the key of light from Dragonara and then that’s it. The key will bring you to the portal.” Aristurtle said with a big hope.

Arendelle’s face can paint now, without further ado they packed up and started the journey. They cross the golden river with might that when they fall, crocodiles will eat them. At last they reached the cave of Dragonara. Aristurtle and Cleophant are so afraid beacause of darkness and irritating noise but Arendelle’s fear was covered with hope and determination. Dragonara was deeply asleep, then Arendelle bravely jump into its back and slowly walk as if walking in the moon. Then suddenly Dragonara wake up not because of Arendelle but because of the noise coming from Cleophant and Aristurtle. Dragonara wiggle and stretch its wings and its face is so angry but the anger faded when Dragonara saw Arendelle.

“Seems like I have seen You 15 years ago.” Dragonara whispered.

“Even though you don’t understand please Dragonara give me the key so I can go back to my world.” Arendelle pleaded.

“And you said the same thing?” Dragonara was so curios, to break it, Dragonara ask the same riddle he questioned 15 years ago.

“If you could answer it without helping of this two, I will give you the key. What relation would your father’s sister’s sister-in-law be to you?

The cave covered with silence that even the falling of a needle could hear.

“Ahuh! It’s my mother.” Arendelle answered with confidence.

“Wow. Is it really you I’ve seen Years ago? Is it you Elsa?”

“What did you just said? Elsa. That’s my mother. she’s been here before?”

“Yes. Here is the key. Go and be united. Quick! The door will be close before sunset..” Dragonara smiled.

Arendelle was so happy. She can go back now to her world.

“Please don’t forget us Arendelle. Cleophant and Aristurtle will always be your friend.”  They said with tears in their eyes.

“Of course I will not forget all your goofiness, the laughter and all. Thank you very much. You will always be in my heart. I think it’s time to say good bye.”

Arendelle opened the door through the key and everything has been set right. The time on earth didn’t change. She ran down to hug her mother.

“Mom sorry for everything, I love you mom, I will always be at your side.”

Tears may fall, world will end but the happiness and adventure of Arendelle’s mirror will stay in her heart and soul forever. And they lived happily ever after. 

The Testimony of a Junk By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo

As the sun sets on its destined position and as the stars peek through the night sky, here I am still stuck in the middle of nowhere…hidden behind the shadows of everyone – an outcast. Is this really my destiny? To be forever afraid and lonely? To always be seen as the trash without any worth at all? To be forgotten and cocooned by shame? Well, those tough and unbearable elementary days still haunt my inmost being until the time I opened the door to my high school days. I remember hiding from my classmates’ eyes because they would just tear me apart by their harsh and cruel words. Tears unendingly rolled in my cheek the moment they ruined my precious shoes given by my loving parents. When I had a little courage to speak, they would just laugh at my ideas. “You can’t do that! You’re weak! You’re poor, you can’t afford that!” And these voices mock me till I lay hopelessly flat on the ground. Yes, I admit, I experienced almost all the bullies in my elementary days.

Despite all that, my parents never lack their guidance. They always tell me that no matter how hurtful a situation may be, I must stand firm in faith and all the more draw near to Him, there and then will I find rest and peace…in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

 Indeed I gained strength, peace and a new hope. Two months have passed and my high school journey was about to start. I made a promise to myself that I’ll do my very best with excellence, all for God’s glory and to prove that poverty can never ever stop me.

As I stood in front of the school’s gate, with all sincerity, I whispered a prayer; “Lord, I’ll hold on to what you said in Job 8:7- “Though your beginning was insignificant yet your future will increase greatly.”

“Things must have been in favor of me this time!”, I exclaimed. Everything went well. My dad is healthy, my mom is good, and my family is okay but a sudden change happened, a testing of our faith and determination took place. It was in year 2013 when my dad continuously experienced difficulty in breathing.

Until 2014, he was diagnosed of having a lung cancer stage four. I saw my mom crying and yearning for help - emotionally, mentally and financially. It was our first grading periodic exam when my dad underwent his first chemotherapy.  It’s hard to see my jolly and bubbly dad lying on bed having so many injected drugs and tubes. My mind was on my test paper but my heart kept on shouting “Dad, how are you?”

I asked mom about the result of the checkup. “Mom, dad’s okay right? He’ll live.” The teary eyes of my mom looked at me without saying a word. Days past I got so confused. “Why? I know there’s something wrong.” Until I found out that my dad only has a maximum of 6 months to a year left to be with us.

My heart wanted to explode. “No, that’s not true. My dad will hang all my medals on my neck; he’s going to be with me in the marching day.”

I studied the hardest in ways you couldn’t imagine believing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I won’t mind any of these difficulties because actually these trials are the ones fueling my dreams for my family. That one day we will all be living a care free life. I won’t get tired of walking from our house to school in order to attend my classes. I’ll roam all known towns and cities to ask for sponsors and solicitations to be able for me to join competitions. I even got the courage to collect all the papers and plastic bottles I see to sell in the junk shop. I remember it was our Church anniversary and we (me and my sister) only have 10 pesos in our pocket then suddenly 2 sacks of plastic bottles miraculously came from nowhere. All the sufferings I am experiencing now are so worth it … my family’s smiles, their laughers, their cheers “Go! Go! Fight lang ng fight anak!”  are really priceless.

Life of a high school student is really full of struggles and trials. It has lots of storms. I encountered fear, pessimists, poverty, and contempt of society but none of them shifted me away to my destined place.

“For my God is working behind the scene. . .”

Sino si Andres Bonifacio at Bakit Mahalaga na Makilala siya ng Kasalukuyang Henerasyon? By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo

“Ang mamatay ng may naiambag sa kasaysayan ng iyong bayan ay isang bagay na talagang dapat hangaan” Pag-aalay ng iyong buhay sa iyong minamahal na lupang sinilangan at pakikipaglaban sa mga dayuhan ay sumisimbolo ng katapatan. Nasyonalismo ang tawag diyan. Isang salitang binubuo ng labing-dalawang letra na may malalim na kahulugan. Pagdating sa bilang ng mga magigiting na pambansang bayani, ang Pilipinas ay isa sa mga nasyong nagtataglay ng mga ito. Ang mga taong nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay ng walang pag-aalinlangan ay itinuturing natin na mga bayani. Kaya natin ginugunita ang mga araw nila, upang sariwain ang kanilang paghihirap na ginawa; dahil kung wala sila marahil ay hindi natin natatamasa ang kalayaan na hinahangad nila noong mga araw na sila’y dumaranas pa ng hirap sa kamay ng mga dayuhan. Sa ating modernong henerasyon kahit ang mga hayop ay nagiging bayani na rin dulot ng pagligtas nila sa ating mga tao. Kaya’t hindi lang si Jose Rizal ang dapat nating hangaan, dapat din nating kilalanin ang ibang mga bayaning kapuri-puri ang kadakilaan .Kilala mo ba ang Ama ng Himagsikang Pilipino? Mahalaga na siya’y makilala natin dahil malaki ang naiambag niya sa ating kalayaan.

Si Andres Bonifacio Y de Castro o kilala rin sa mga katagang “Anak ng bayan” at “Agapito Bagumbayan” ay isang bayaning Pilipino at Supremo ng Kilusang Katipunan. Ipinanganak siya sa Tondo, Manila noong Ika-30 ng Nobyembre taong 1863. Ang kanyang ama ay si Santiago Bonifacio na isang mananahi at ang kanyang ina naman na si Catalina de Castro na isang mestisang ipinanganak mula sa isang Kastilang ama at isang inang Plipinong may lahing Tsino. Siya rin ang panganay sa anim na magkakapatid; tatlong lalaki at dalawang babae.

Maraming artikulo ang at kwentong anthropologo ang lumutang patungkol sa kanya sa kasalukuyang panahon, at walang nilikha ang makakapagpatunay sa mga kwentong isa. Ayon sa isang bahagi ng librong Asian History > Philippines, noong may mga magulang pa siya ay mayroon pa silang kayamanan. Di gaanong marangya ngunit hindi mahirap na mahirap. Taliwas sa nasasaad, ayon sa Sibika at Kultura Baitang Lima, mahirap talaga ang kanyang pamilya. Ngunit nagkakaisa ang mga librong ito sa katotohanang lubhang naghirap si Andres Bonifacio nang mamatay ang kaniyang mga magulang. Sa edad na labing-apat natuto na itong tumayo sa sariling mga paa. Nasaksihan niya ang hirap ng ilang kababayang Pilipino at pang-aalipusta ng mga Espanyol. Nagtinda ito ng ratan, baston at pamaypay na gawa sa papel de hapon sa harap ng mga simbahan. Nagtrabaho din siya bilang clerk, sales agent at bodegista (warehouseman). Naging theater actor din itong si Andres Bonifacio at ang paborito niyang character ay si Bernardo Carpio, isang malaalamat na tao na may pambihirang lakas.

Sa kabila ng hirap ng buhay natuto itong magbasa at magsulat sa pamamagitan ng pakikinig mula sa labas ng mga silid-aralan. Ayon sa ilang pag-aaral, mabilis niyang natutunan ang mga asignatura sa paaralan at mahilig siyang magbasa nga mga may kabuluhan tulad ng karapatang-pantaoat kasarinlan ng inang-bayan lalo na ang nobela ni Dr. Jose Rizal.

Nang siya ay naging binata, nakasali siya sa ilang maliliit na kilusan. Pinilit ni Andres itayo ang Pamahalaang Malaya kaya itinatag ang KKK. Noong Hulyo 7, 1892, itinatag niya ang isang sekretong organisasyon, ang Katipunan omKataastaasang Kgalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga ank ng Bayan na kanyang pinamumunuan na may dalawang sangay ang Magdalo at ang Magdiwang. Isa sa kanilang estratehiya ay ang maliitang pagkuha ng mga armas at biglaang pagsupil. Karaniwan sa kanila ay mayroong salakot kung kaya’t hindi medaling matukoy ng Espaniya. Dito nabuo ang pagkakaibigan nila Emilio Jacinto na  naging kanyang tagapayo at katiwala. Naging kasapi din nila si Emilio Aguinaldo at ang pinsan niyang si Baldemero Aguinaldo na namumuno sa sangay ng Katipunan na tinatawag na Magdalo. Naglalayon ang Magdalo na maitaboy ang mga manlulupig na Kastila upang makamit ang kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng dahas. Sa pagtatatag ng Katipunan kinilala si Andres Bonifacio bling Ama ng rebolusyon sa Pilipinas. Nagsimula ang rebulosyon sa San Juan del Monte ngunit sa simula ay hindi sumali ang sangay ni Aguinaldo dahil sa kaulangan ng armas, na isa  sa mga dahilan ng pagkatalo ni Bonifacio sa pinaglalaban. Habang napilitan sina Bonifacio na gumamit ng gerilya para makipaglaban, nanalo sina Aguinaldo sa iba’t ibang laban na nakapagtaboy sa mga Espanyol ng panandalian. Di nagtagal natalo ni Aguinaldo at iba pang katipunero ang puwersa na pinamumunuan ni Gobernador-Heneral Camilio de Polavieja sa labanan sa Tulay ng Zapote sa Cavite. Ngunit lalong nagkaroon ng malaking agwat ang dalawang kampo sa Katipunan, ang Magdalo at ang Magdiwang. Dahil ditto, napilitan si Bonifacio na mamagitan sa dalawang kampo. Sa gitna ng rebolusyon, isang halalan ang naganap sa Tejeros, Cavite sa kahilingan ng mga Katipunerong Magdalo. Nanalo sa pagkapangulo si Emilio Aguinaldo, Lider ng Katipunang Magdalo.

Dahil sa ang mga kasapi ng Magdalo ay mga mayamang tao sa hilagang-kanlurang bahagi ng Cavite, hindi nila sila pabor kay Andres Bonifacio sapagkat ito ay laki sa hirap at ayaw nilang tanggapin na sila ay pinamumunuan ng isang mahirap na kagaya ng Supremo kaya’t minamaliit nila ang kakayahan nito. Nang sinubukan nila ang kakayahan ni Bonifacio na gawin ang tungkulin ng Tagapangasiwang Panloob na ayon sa kanila gawain lamang ng isang abogado, nainsulto si Andres. Idineklara ng Supremo bilang pangulo ng Katipunan na walang bisa ang naganap na eleksiyon dahilan sa pandarayasa botohan ng mga Magdalo.

Samantala, ayon sa pananaliksik, sa panahon ng tagumpay ni Aguinaldo ay nagpa-plano ito upang pabagsakin si ang ama at utak ng katipunan na sina Bonifacio at Jacinto. Umigting pa ang sigalot sa mga reblusyong lider. Gumawa ng paraan si Emilio Aguinaldo upang mawalan ng tiwala ang mga Katipunero kay Bonifacio. Hanggang sa sumapit ang panahon na nagplanong maigi si Aguinaldo upang masupil si Bonifacio. Matapos mapilit si Andres na dumalo sa isang pagpupulong ay inatake ng mga kakampi ni Aguinaldo ang panandaliang pinagkakatungkulan nina Andres. Maraming kakampi si Andres na namatay dahil sa lakas ng puwersa ni Aguinaldo at nasabing napagsamantalahan naman si Gregoria. Panandaliang nakatakas si Andres at ang kanyang kapatid na si Procopia ngunit agad din silang nahuli. May ilang nagsasabi na pinatay silang dalawa sa salang pagnanakw ng pera ng Katipunan sa pamamagitan ng droga. Ilan naman ay nagsasabing pauli-ulit na sinaksak at pinahirapan at ilan din ay nagsabing pinugutan sila sa Bundok Maragondon/Mt. Tala. Nagsilbing inspirasyon si Bonifacio kay Macario Sakay at Emilio Jacinto na ipagpatuloy ang Katipunan.

Nagtapos man ang buhay ni Andres na animo’y isang bagunguot sa kaniyang panahon, siya ay isang tunay na nasyonalistang Pilipino, na sinupil ng mga tiwaling kapwa Pilipino. Buhay ni Gat Jose Rizal kastila ang nagtapos, Andres Bonifacio’y Pilipino ang bumaboy. Hangad niya’y kapayapaan, hanggad naman nila’y kapangyarihan. Kaya’t karapat-dapat siyang makilala sa kasalukuyang henerasyon upang pinuno’y di matulad sa buwaya. Pinatunayan niya na ang tunay na esensiya ng edukasyon ay hindi lamang turuan ang mag-aaral kundi ang matutunan ng mag-aaral na turuan ang kaniyang sarili. Natutunan ni Andres na ipamalas ang katapatan at pag-ibig sa bayan hindi sa pansariling kapakanan. Hindi man niya nasaksihan ang paglaya ng bansang Pilipinas, siya naman ang nagpasimula ng pagbabago at patuloy na makapagpapabago sa buhay ng mga kabataan sa kasalukuyan at hinaharap na panahon. Ang nakaraan ma’y di na maibabalik, ang ala-ala man ay nawawaglit ngunit ang mundo’y tiyak na saksi sa kadakilaang ipinakita ng ating magiting na bayani: Andres Bonifacio! Isang biyayang di mananakaw. 

Awakening the Giant By: Sophia Vien C. Andongo

Every one of us wants to achieve something, all of us have our own dreams and we all do our best to achieve those dreams. No one of us wants it to stay as a fantasy.

            Just like what the elders always utter, “Earth is a battleground”. In life we only have two choices and that is to lose or to win. Of course I would always want to win but even though how much I wanted to, dark times would come - I still fail.

But just like the famous saying, “Try and try until you succeed”, I myself will never ever give up!

I am one of the few students who can serve two masters at the same time - academics and extra-curricular activities. I can manage to perform well in class and also bag different awards for the continuous excellence of my school. The best of my awards include the following:

Just this March, 2014, I was the lucky contestant who won the Regional Siniliksik Documentary Film Making that stepped me up to National Level in Olongapo City, Zambales.

Also, with God’s help I won in the Regional ASEAN Quiz Bee as third place. 

Meanwhile during the Division Schools’ Press Conference, our team in English Radio Broadcasting won the first place. Gladly, I got the Best Anchor Awardee! I also participated in the Infomercial where our team got the first place.

Essay writing has also played an essential role in my extra-curricular activities this high school. I won the first place during the celebration of Buwan ng Pagpapahalaga. I also participated in the essay writing competition in National Youth Leadership and Educator’s Summit in Ilocos Norte National High School.

Acting is my first love, that’s why I don’t miss every opportunity when it comes to that field. In fact, I won several declamation competitions as first place.

Quiz Bees also played a very big role in my high school days. September 2014, I won the first place in tourism month where I compete with different schools. I also won the first place in Local Quiz Bee, Second place in United Nations Quiz Bee and participated in Bible Quiz Bee.

With all these achievements, I can say that my life as a high school student has been magnificent and brilliant. I learned how to rule over my time. Likewise, to be perseverant, determined and patient in achieving my goals, that even though all of my classmates are cheating, by God’s grace, I managed to fight for righteousness, to stand for what is right and just . . . to fight for my integrity.

Above all, the thing that makes me different from all the other students is that I’m having inside of me the “never give up” attitude. Yes, I may have experienced some defeats, but these didn’t stop me, I may have experienced lack of money, but that didn’t move me. Instead, they became my stepping stones to success! As what they say, “Failing doesn’t mean falling.”

THE UNBEATABLE BY: SOPHIA VIEN C. ANDONGO

A loud voice and a high timbre of this time’s music made my heart beats so loud and I couldn’t explain why.

 

        Is that really hard to be alone? They say yes! It’s hard! No one to turn to in times of trouble, no one to depend on if something happens, no one to talk to in times of depression. Oh yes! That’s a sad story… I guess so… Eating in the restaurant alone, having a shopping weighing your goods alone, walking on the streets alone. Is that really fun? No! Facing your problems alone is way to craziness. Nah! I don’t want that silent life. I will not let this loneliness rule my life. “I know! There must be someone who can save me! I know there is! I know time will come that I’ll laugh with someone, I’ll walk together with them, someone will carry my bag, someone will eat with me, I know that there is someone who is up there, watching me. I know there is! I have a strong feeling that there is someone who knows all and he’s the one who has the control and will connect me to people that will be with me. “Ahuh! I know you are!” I remember my high school classmate who told me that there is a perfect man who was accused to be a sinner and was crucified on the Cross of Calvary. “What was his name again? Yes! It’s Jesus… Jesus Christ… My classmate told me lots about him. He’s the Savior, the healer, the comforter, the redeemer, He’s the light, the provider, He’s our all.

 

 That’s true … When I accepted Him, I can honestly say that He’s really great! My life was changed but never his love. I was lonely before but now with someone who is absolutely UNBEATABLE…