Sunday, September 22, 2013

Is Planet Earth still a safe place to live in?

“It is only a tiny seed that will make a big tree. You and I and everybody out there can be a tiny seed to stand, but in the end, can make our country great.”

The earth is a precious planet that needs to be taken care of and a beautiful and cozy place to live in. So gorgeous that every human being enjoyed each day of their lives. Man has been so lucky to live in this world which is rich in natural resources. Through the years, people have learned to harm these natural resources for their own sake.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters, particularly typhoons, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. The Philippines also suffers major human-caused environmental degradation aggravated by a high annual population growth rate including loss of agricultural lands, deforestation, soil erosion, air and water pollution, improper disposal of solid and toxic wastes, mismanagement and abuse of coastal resources.

Pollution is an unfavorable change in the environment that makes it less fit for living things. Much pollution is caused partly or wholly by humans. It seems to have two causes: One is the very high population density on earth and the other is the demand for a higher standard of living.

Water is not only a necessity for human life. It is also the home of countless other species. Human sewage, animal excrement, portions of decaying plants and animals and industrial wastes pollute the water. Improperly-treated sewage can contain the pathogen that can cause diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery. Contact with polluted water can also cause skin rashes and infections.

Air pollution, the silent killer, so they say is detrimental not only to the environment but also to the living things. We can help minimize air pollution by following the rules and laws set by the government.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Heartbreak

The dictionary’s definition says, “Great sorrow, grief or anguish.” Urban dictionary, however
claims, “What you suffer after getting dumped in any way by your alleged true love.” When the word heartbreak is said, people’s minds seem to automatically dart to break-ups. Although break-ups can be hard and cause a great deal of heartbreak, there is a way more to the word than that. When it occurs, it’s something terrifying to the mind, body and heart of the person enduring it. Heartbreak can result great sadness, but it could also make us see things in a new light and feel things we never knew we would.

“There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more meaningful than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and unspeakable love.” This quote shows that the tears shed from heartbreak not only represent sadness but also reflect the love felt for what was lost. Anger, desperation, shame, regret, and embarrassment are all by-products of heartbreak.

Heartbreak means to me and what it means to everyone else – pain, a sense of losing something that you care so much about, and hopelessness. The loss of a loved one, a friendship broken, starting relationship gone wrong, parents divorcing, rejection, loneliness and pain. These things happen every day and time will not change them. It sucks when it happens. It may be hard to deal at first, but there is a lesson within each one; lesson of strength, love, happiness and self-worth. There can be no improvement without a little downfall.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Unseen Beauty

"Beauty is not about your appearance but rather what’s in your heart.”

It is truly indeed that, true beauty counts not on physical appearance that your naked eyes can see but into the good characters that you possess.

Beauty queens, muse and models are only the examples of people whom are blessed with perfections. A bottled-shaped like body, a fair and flawless skin, a kissable lips, a smooth and shiny crowning glory and a sparkling eyes. These are only sort of things that beauty queens and kings have.

It seems like they are the persons whom we consider the most perfect creatures. Some may say, there is nothing you can say anything negative about them. But, do you ever wonder to give an insight about their attitudes.

Happiness

When I was a child, I wanted what most of the people wanted, too. My dream is to become
a millionaire. I thought if I have the money, it can make my life complete because I can buy those material things that I really wanted. I can go wherever I want and I can do anything, but those dreams are only a big mistake.

Each morning I wake up, some questions are on my mind, “Does money give me the real essence of happiness?” Some people can’t live without money. They wanted to enjoy every moment of their lives together with their money. A quotation which goes like this awakened my mind, “Money is a passport to everywhere but not to heaven.” Definitely true! Yes, you can go everywhere but he question is, “Does it already complete you life?”

Though money can help me buy material things but those things won’t last long. There are more important things than money that the world goes round like love that splendor thing. Peace and contentment are some of the things that money can’t buy.

A blessing or a curse?

The world today is truly dominated by overflowing inventions. In every place you can reach, there is something modern. But how sure are we that these newly invented gadgets benefit us?

Computers, cellphones, laptops and other products of technology that we are craving for consider now as our priorities. Because of the existence of all these things in the market, life became easy and convenient. They also serve as an instrument to improve our lives.

But did you know what disadvantages these things can bring to us? Usually we are only up to the good things we can get from them and we don’t look for the consequences they would bear. We are not conscious about the effects of what they may bring in the future.

Technology may be a blessing but sometimes it is a curse. Why curse? Simply because these things deceive us most especially among teenagers. Computers attract students to play online games instead of reading books and scanning their notes.

Temporary Friend

Living without friends is like living in darkness. God gave us a friend to lean on when we have a problem, to celebrate with our success and to share our secrets.

Have you experienced having a friend who promises to be your friend forever then just left you in the end?

God made everyday between us like an ordinary schoolmates, but when the writing workshop starts in our school, we became closer because we have the same category to compete. Until then, we could see each other almost everyday but still, no words to hear from us. At last I found strength to overcome shyness, I talked to him and asked him why’s and what’s.

It’s exactly October 9, 2012, our friendship started. He asked me if I could be his friend. He told me that nothing can break our friendship. At that time, I could feel the happiness from my heart. Though we are not talking in school because we are not batchmate, we keep our communication open by our cellphone. He got my number while we were in Anao High School. Since that day, we became friends. He is always helping me with my assignments and let me borrow some of his things like his Periodic Table of Elements. As a remembrance, he gave me his boler and once we see each other, we smiled and those smile meant we’re happy with our friendship.

Epitome of Beauty, Brains and Empowerment

“For me, being Miss Universe is not just about knowing how to speak a specific language, it’s about being able to influence and inspire other people. So, whatever language you have, as long as your heart is deserving and you have a strong mind to show to people, then you can be Miss Universe.”

This was Janine Tugonon’s quick and witty reply to the final question fielded to her by judge Nigel Barker when asked, “As an international ambassador, do you think that speaking English should be prerequisite for Miss Universe? Why or Why not?”

The world suddenly stopped. Millions of eyes witnessed the Philippines’ pride and bet to the pageant. The Philippine flag-bearing contingent to Filipina well-wishers inside Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada burst into wild applause.

Each and every Filipino citizen witnessed the breath-taking question and answer segment. Tugonon has proven once again to the whole world the grace, sophistication and beauty that Filipinas possess. She captured the hearts of the judges.

Friday, September 13, 2013

SSG: Facing the Gigantic Ripple

How this untidy place does ruin you every day? Did this dishelmed things vexed you every
time you are straying through every corner of this smutty campus? What could be the move that Supreme Student Government (SSG) do about this questionable issue?

Since they’ve perceived this gigantic predicament about garbage disposal and sanitary usage, SSG president of the Estipona High School (Main) soberly declared that they would launch a project about this said matter, the Clean and Green Program. This project’s goal is to allege and stabilize the orderliness and cleanliness of this campus. Its objective is to be intimate to the environment as well.

Their first agitate would be putting trash bins in every corner of this campus. They would also segregate the biodegrable from the non-biodegrable. They have scheduled a cleaning sessions every afternoon inside and outside the campus including the comfort rooms. As what clean and green, the objective is concerned to the environment. They would also plant seedlings like forest tress for the affable surroundings.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

PNoy vs CBCP

Last July 23, PNoy uttered the very controversial word “Planned Parenthood Bill (PP Bill) and no longer “Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill) on his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). But is it really a planned parenthood that President Benigno Aquino III is in to? Or just another tag for the same RH Bill?

RH Bill, for all we know this house bill was introduced on many congresses in our country before, but unfortunately failed to be implemented because of the Catholic organization like the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) that is unfavorably and against RH Bill, PNoy miserably failed to pass it on his constitution. But PNoy didn’t stop and continually pursuing this very disputed matter over and over again, until finally PNoy suddenly changed its name to “Planned Parenthood Bill.”

Whatever nametag it is, whether Planned Parenthood Bill or Reproductive Health Bill, still, it is about controlling the population. After what PNoy said on his SONA, it is a call for CBCP a war between them and PNoy.

CBCP whereas,is fighting for the moral characters on mind and heart of the Filipino people, saving innocent human lives by abortion and as well as the value of sacredness of human life. And favorably for what God had written on His scriptures.

Last Refuge

Having your own family is a great advantage in your life. It consists of a father, the head of the family; mother, the one who motivates the family and their children who give joy to them.

The family is a small institution that molds every individual’s virtues and traits. Not everybody has their own family. Some parents are sending their children to the orphanage because of their indigency
that’s why many children have no parent to call mama, papa, mommy, daddy, tatang, inang and so on and so forth.

Whether we like it or not, we have our own obstacles in life, situations, views and opinions that are being destined to us. We are educated by our own family. We are being destined with self-confidence by our family. Yes, we are not that handsome or beautiful. A lot of predictions would say that we are not that physically handsome or beautiful but because of our family, we believe we are somebody.

Brotherhood or Murderer?

It was indeed despondent to us to lost a very marvelous and promising youth for just being a victim of the ruthless fraternity.

It is truly piteous to contemplate on what happened to Marc Andrei Marcos, a freshman San Beda Law student from the hands of cruel troupe of spiritless humans.

Last July 30, Marcos was found in a hospital somewhere in Cavite. Marcos himself had joined Lex Leonum Fraternitas with the promise of brotherhood and support, but instead died alone unidentified.

Searching for acceptance, which is the one major reason why people can do all things even how arduous for them to do just to enter in the chaotic world of fraternity. Being with a bunch of people with condition is so pathetic.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Living a Life in Dignity

Would it be better to have a million dollar account or would it be better to have a happy and contented life? Some people are really rich but they are lonely, while others are poor but happy with their circle of friends and family.

Money, of course, is very important for human beings to lead a decent and satisfying life and defines the existence of human society as we cannot live without it. Money can buy lots of things but not happiness. It defines as life matters.

There are lots of ways to have money. You can earn it. You can inherit it from somebody. You can win a lottery. There are of course, those due to greed for more material wealth, resort to illegal means. They commit robberies, murders and cheat just to get ahead in life.

Deeper Life

“Life is just like a battle to fight. A race which is needed to be wise in order to survive and to be successful in life.”

Numerous and tremendous miseries experienced by so many people often result despair and hopelessness. They encounter painful trials, troubles and at times bring fear in their hearts.

They say that we are the ones managing our life and I believe that life is what we make it. If we encounter some difficulties along the way, we should be brave enough to face them for they are given to us in order to make our life worth living. It’s up for us to make way for the immediate solution on how to get rid of them. However, others who are not brave enough to face their problems attempt to put an end into their lives.

Life is full of problems, difficulties and struggles no matter what one’s situation in life may be, even if he/she got the fame, power and knowledge; he/she will still suffer and face problems. That is why an individual would give up his/her life for no good reason.

Pioneering K to 12

Some quarters still oppose the K-12, the education program of the Aquino Administration. There are those who want a miracle cure that will by itself instantly heal all the ailments affecting basic education. They demand profits that K-12 reduces the classroom shortage, improve the teachers’ quality, raise learning
outcome among the students.

Others criticize the government’s haste in implementing the program with accusations that they are creating new scheme, but losing focus on what truly ails the current school system – the lack of quality education.

In the meantime, the rest of the world has implementing K-12 system. Do we need to do more research about this? The entire world, of course, can be completely wrong about K-12. But, we are not determining the truth of K-12 as a law or principle that must have universal application. We are considering the dvantages and efficiency of a practical system that will be better managed by some groups rather than others.

A number of our ambassadors have shown concern that our 10-year basic education curriculum will work against the interest of Filipino workers seeking employment abroad. It was said that Filipinos are not automatically recognized as professionals abroad. Add the fact that our shorter years of schooling breed younger graduates.

ASDS extends scholarship

As her humble way of extending help to her kababaryo, Mrs. Norma P. Esteban, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, shouldered for the payment of 21 scholars’ miscellaneous fees amounting to Three Hundred Sixty-Five Pesos (365.00) each excluding authorized contributions.

The 21 scholars are all residents of Barangay Bularit, Gerona, Tarlac. “The Fountain” editorial staff has agreed to publish the names of the scholars to give thanks to Madam Esteban for helping them pursue their secondary education.

• Gemma Ganongan - IV-Venus
• Rodalyn Rage - IV-Saturn
• Nick Bucad - IV-Jupiter
• Maricar Baking - IV-Jupiter
• John Ramil Daang - III-Red
• Jonelyn Etcoy - III-Pink
• Beverly Corpuz - III-Pink
• Maricris Pagaling - II-Camia
• Marvin Pagaling - II-Camia
• Lea Mae Corpuz - II-Daisy
• Hazel Ganongan - II-Daisy
• Joan Tiamzon - II-Sunflower
• John Vincent Pulido - II-Sunflower
• Christian Mamaril - Grade 7 Pearl
• Aldrin Etcoy - Grade 7 Garnet
• Lester Neil Corpuz - Grade 7 Carnelian
• Nikka Bucad - Grade 7 Amethyst
• Judy Anne Corpuz - Grade 7 Amethyst
• Dennis Corpuz - Grade 7 Pearl
• Lyka Ulog - Grade 7 Amethyst
• John Rem Corpuz - II-Sunflower

Estiponians watch stageplay

Some 215 students from the Estipona High School Main have watched the play, “Hope for the Flowers, A Musical Adaptation of the Book” at Clark Expo Educational City in Angeles, Pampanga on September 8.

Most of the students who came to watch had a firsthand experience watching the play being stage live onstage. “It’s really worth watching,” remarked Mark Louie Pascua, a Grade 7 Pearl student when asked after watching the play.

Pascua admired the performances of Jo Ann Co, Ruth Alferez, Derrick Gozos, Raflesia Bravo, Aretha Angco, Jovito Bonita, Nicolai Encarnacion, Pipay Era, Jess Kendrick Ibasco, Marilyn Lagatic, Ellrica Laguardia, Mark Rainier Ponce and Janine Tolentino.

World Teachers’ Day observed

To recognize and to show appreciation to the sacrifices of their teachers, the Estipona High School Main (ESHM) Student Supreme Government (SSG) spearheaded the sponsorship of its own version of World Teachers’ Day Celebration on October 5.

The teachers, as well as the students took their time out from their classroom duties to celebrate this special day intended for them. This year’s celebration made special for all the teachers not only in Estipona High School but also worldwide to honor the teachers who play a critical role in molding the minds of the students. Long queues of students went on stage to greet their advisers and subject-teachers offering handmade greeting cards and flowers. Some gave tokens as their way of showing their love and gratitude to their teachers.

Every class president of each year level and section aired his gratitude and appreciation to their teachers through the microphone. Students who have the access on the use of computer post their greetings to their teachers in various social networking sites. The teachers played different games to the delight of the students.

The young ones and those pretending to be young danced to the latest craze Gangnam Style with perfection. A nutritious snack was served to the teachers for them to partake courtesy of Miss Ma. Corazon Daileg whose 49th birthday coincided with the said celebration.

Words: J.A. Estabillo

EHSM, back-to-back champion

For two consecutive years, the Estipona High School Main (EHSM) has been declared the unbeatable champion in the Cluster II Secondary Schools Press Conference held at Anao High School on September 17.

The 25-member delegation of the school’s student-writers gained a total of 107 points making them this year’s overall champion. Angelika Joy Melegrito, the photojournalist of “The Fountain,” the official publication of the school in English and Arvin Scent Pulili, the cartoonist of “Ang Sibol,” the official publication of the school in Filipino have contributed 10 points each in the tabulation sheet.

Rommel Maniego, the other cartoonist won 2nd place in editorial cartooning (English) and 5th place in editorial cartooning (Filipino). Meanwhile, Hanzlerwyn Trazo won 1st place in news writing (Filipino), 6th place in sportswriting (English) while JoanGranil won 2nd place in news writing (Filipino). Ahira Crisyela Lacsina, the editor-in-chief of “The Fountain,” won 3rd place in news writing (English) and 9th place in editorial writing (English).

The junior writers who won awards were Darleen Evangelista, 5th place in editorial writing (Filipino); Jaica Pascua, 5th place in feature writing (Filipino) and Marjorie Diane Mateo, 5th place in copyreading and headline writing. Divina Gracia Tandaguen landed 8th place in news writing (English) Judy Ann Mateo, 10th place in news writing (English) and Ma. Cassandra Trazo, 6th place in news writing (English). In the photojournalism Filipino category, Joyce Ariane Gamboa won 7th place while Gladys Mekell won 4th place. Mr. Rolando C. Millena, the school paper adviser of “The Fountain” and Ms. Ma. Corazon R. Daileg, the school paper adviser of “Ang Sibol” could not believe for the achievement of this year’s student-writers. Millena had just arrived in time for the announcement of winners.