Glaiza Bernadeth Some of My Articles

8/9/2019 Glaiza Bernadeth Some of My Articles

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Kindness as an inheritancePosted 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 offeringtheir 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 Carmento 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.


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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 feelingof 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 clich 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, apamana 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

ROSALESRice 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 latters 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 tothe government from 300,000 up to 600,000 bags of rice each.

Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Isabela, in that order, are the countrys 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


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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 groups suggestion that all raids on bodegas be covered bysearch 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


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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 commercialrice kasi kulang talaga ang alokasyon, he said.

Given the towns 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


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 andfascination 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.


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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 sawher 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 offeringto 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


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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 fromthe 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.


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FLOATING PLAYGROUNDYoung 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) andpating (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 yearpa 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 kapatidna 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 otherfishermen 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.


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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 soldiers daughter


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


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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 thepalaro 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 townpalaro. 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 ourparents.

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


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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


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 theconductor 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.


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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.

Quianes 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 keepcoming back to Pangasinan.

Posted on July 29, 2008

Great responsibility


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


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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, Iwant 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 noteasy: 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 publicof 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 thebeat 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


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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.


The Small Town Charm


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
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southernmost town in the provinces 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 houseis followed by another at different distancesvery 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.
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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,

palayor crops goes with the wind swaying and dancing in the wide expanse of

farmland.

But it is notpromdi 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."


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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 ofutang na loob and the give-and-take relationship not just with their fellow

citizens but also with nature.
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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.


Manang Mani


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.


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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 ageof 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 familys 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 Gods 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 aCommunications 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 theirAtes

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 thevalue 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.


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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 Maam Beth


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 toknow 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-


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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. Shenever 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


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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 ones spinethey 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 ones skills to be a writer. As long as learning never stopsI 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 beentertained, 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.


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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 newspapersbroadsheets 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. Inother 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.

Glaiza Bernadeth Some of My Articles

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