Group Pressure

These are outputs from the Research Project group that will present their written essays in their subject, Creative Non-Fiction. Task given by: May Ann Abalde Lanzaderas

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Critique

Introductory note: In this critique. I will be criticizing my friend Shawn who went to camiguin when he was still a little child.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Critique

The paper is about a travel log in Camiguin, the author of the paper is my fellow classmate, Shawn Vincent R. Quina and he has twice already gone to Camiguin. He explains his experience in Camiguin and him spending time with his family. He had a memorable experience and could not forget the beautiful wonders that he saw. He said he enjoyed one of the beautiful sights because it had a great atmosphere and him mentioning the view of sunset and watching clear blue water. He went with his family to the White Island via boat; he did not expect that it was unlike a normal beach due to no pollution and warm sand. After the island, they went back to the villa which he said was rented by one of his family members. They went strolling to other places exploring places on where to eat whether it was an eatery or restaurant. They also played sports from a vacant court near the villa. From the middle to the end he began to explain why he partook in the journey. He explains more about his family and him leaving a memory to Camiguin and that was setting foot on the place together with his family.

             The weakness of the paper I would quite say there would only be a few. The first would be sorting out the paper to make the paper clean. Lastly, him repeating the name “Camiguin” countless of times on the paper. The strength of the paper I would say has a lot, mainly the description of the place that he went to like him describing “the sunset and the clear blue water of Camiguin”. His introduction was good because he was leaving hints on what place he is going and that is Camiguin. His body is quite good because he was able to recall what he was doing and was mentioning the activities that he was doing and him exploring different places with his family. The emphasis on family in the body is what made the paper better because he said a lot of reasonable reasons why he went along with the journey. The reasons would be to spend more time with the family to make up for the loss due to school works and projects. When I read that part it was quite relatable to me because I too love my family and would do so much just to spend time with them.

             I highly recommend this paper to anyone who loves to read about the experience of others in their vacations. I recommend this paper to those who are so family-oriented and people who simply just want to read because it is a very good output that was made by author of the paper.

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Testimony

Introductory note: this testimony is a story about my life with God and how i lost my way into him and later found my way back into his harms.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Testimony

When I was a young boy I was raised in a religious family and we would always put God first above all things. I used to talk to God every single day of my life, I would casually talk to God as if he is my best friend. I tell him about my problems and successes in my life. I love God and He would always be part of my everyday life. In going to school I would always ask God to watch over me and bless my actions in school. I was part of a group called KFC, or Kids for Christ. I love being part of KFC. I loved worshiping God and I used to dance to every single worship song.

When I graduated gradeschool, it was time for me to start my high school life. I was so excited in becoming a grade 7 student and being part of the teenagers. I would be excited to wear my polo in school and I would be super excited in meeting my new classmates. God was always there beside me through thick and thin of my life. When I am stressed in school or when I have a problem, I would always run to God’s arms and tell him how my day went in school.

When It was time to choose a group in high school I would find the YFC group or the Youth for Christ. I felt upgraded as I went from KFC to YFC. I somehow felt mature in what I believe in and felt confident to God that I am still with him for so many years. I would always be super excited when its time for prayer meetings and when we do praise fests. I would put my heart out and give everything to God. When it was hell week, it was always good that In the end of the week there would be worships and praise fests. It would help me feel motivated and energized for the next week.

As I undergo puberty and get older in my youth-full days I was too busy to talk to God and I would forget that He is there beside me. After all the heart aches and challenges that I have experienced in my life, I lost faith in God. It all started when I reached grade 11 when I casually say awful words and would drink casually on a day to day basis. I felt empty in my life. I fell into the hands of the wrong people and would consume awful things to our bodies. I lost faith in God because I couldn’t see his presence in my life anymore. I would use alcohol in helping me cope with my problems. I would casually be doing night outs with friends and we would constantly drink and drink until we pass out on the streets of Cagayan de Oro. Every single day of my life I would blame God of what I am going through in my life and would dare God to show himself to me. I started to hate myself and God. I would not care about my life and would always blame others of who I have become.

When I reached grade 12, I was still enraged with God with all my decisions of my life. God was not there but later did I not know. He was always there beside me the whole time. It was when I joined YFC prayer meeting again drunk. Everybody was shocked when I was there. Thank God they couldn’t see my drunk face because it was dark in the room because it was worship time. The worship leader was talking about things that I could relate. It was a coincidence that God made me join YFC in that curtain day. I was in the back and when the worship leader kept worshiping. My heart felt heavy, and suddenly I cried heavily. Everyone was looking at me because I was the only one crying. But as I cried, I was talking to God again. I begged for forgiveness from him that I lost faith in him. My friends in the YFC were all right behind me and were comforting me. There I felt the love of God again inside YFC. I felt it throughout the struggles in life and how he never left me. I felt him through my friends who makes me happy in my life. I felt God in my family that they are always there for me. And I felt God again inside my heart. There I realized that he was there all the time with me holding my hand.

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Reflection

Introductory note: this reflection is all about my feelings, emotions, and lessons that i’ve learned during the immersion.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Reflection

 When our teacher announced our assigned centers, I did not know what to expect in mine. It was my first time hearing the center that I was assigned. I asked different people on what the center was about and all I knew was it was a place for young people who committed some type of crime. I admit, I was kind of nervous about that center because I didn’t know what the outcome would be and I didn’t know how to handle their attitudes. Knowing their background was enough for me to think that they are scary and bad people. When we got there and was introduced to the people there, their looks were very intimidating. I got scared on what might happen. I thought we would get into some kind of trouble but I was so wrong. Each one of them had stories of their own. They had explanations and experiences that led them to the crime that they’ve done which I understood completely. Turns out they were fun and kind people. I realized that even with their crimes, they still had a pure heart and have good intentions in mind. I felt guilty about assuming that they were forever bad people because turns out they’ve changed for the better.

 I realized that people are quick to judge a person based on what others would say about them which is sad. There are times that you would see their ‘bugoy’ personalities but for me, that is what makes them human. This whole immersion experience taught me a lot of things. I learned the different basic things that you can do to help others and a center. I was able to clean a canal, chop woods and clean the center’s walls. It was tiring but seeing and hearing the approval of our staff and teachers made it all worth it. Throughout the 2 weeks, I was able to build new relationships with the residences. They opened up about their stories and past experiences which was very interesting. My perception about them changed, I saw them as someone like my friends who’s been through hard times and just needed some company. I also think thats just what everyone needs in this generation. Someone to talk to and understand them as to what they feel. Because of them, I wanted to become a better person not only for others but most importantly, for myself.

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Literary Reportage

Introductory note: this literary reportage is all about when we were having our immersion at Tahanan ng Kabataan, and our experiences there in the center.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Literary Reportage

We started our immersion on January 20,2020 and ended on January 31,2020. On the first day of the immersion we met up at Corpus Christi High School because Teacher Anselma Inot had to teach us about the rules and regulations of every center that we will be immersing. Because the the centers, or the clients rather has confidential issues on why they are there in that curtain center. I was assigned at Tahanan ng Kabataan with six other immersionists. We were monitored by our Chaperon, Sir John Mark Del Rosario regularly. He constantly keeps checking on us and moving to other centers beside ours to monitor our activites. The centers beside Tahanan ng Kabataan are. Boys town, and Oro Pahulayan. Every center has a different energy and vibe when entering. Because every center has different kinds of clients, such as at Tahanan ng Kabataan, we handled children aging thirteen to seventeen years old who are all male that have done dangerous cases that are against the law such as murder, rape, and theft. Inside Tahanan ng Kabataan there are twenty-one male clients who are constantly being monitored because Tahanan ng Kabataan serves as a Rehabilitation Center for children aging thirteen to seventeen years old who violated the law. Because according to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. The state recognizes that children below 18 shall not be put into prison. That’s why Centers such as Tahanan ng Kabataan and Department of Social Welfare and Development are created. Observing other centers and knowing them were fascinating. Because you would know every life and story of each and every client inside the centers. Inside Boys Town, there are children below eighteen years old who have been reported being abused or have been left by their parents or family. And inside Oro Pahulayan there are Senior Citizens who have been left by their own families. And some have been lost in the city because they can’t remember anymore because of mental disorders or because of old age.

 On the first Day of our immersion we rode our own private vehicles in order to go to Lumbia and to our respective centers. Arriving at Tahanan ng Kabataan, and getting out of our cars we were nervous and scared. Seeing the clients at the entrance and leaning on the wall and the gate. Staring right into our very souls we were scared of them. Entering inside the gates of Tahanan ng Kabataan the clients looking right at us. We were looking at each other and prayed that nothing horrible will happen to us. When we entered the building inside, we were greeted with a group creating a circle together with the social workers of Tahanan ng Kabataan. We were requested to join their group circle, and we did. Everybody started role calling, one to twenty-one. And started with a disciplined and synchronized “Goodmorning Family”. Because inside Tahanan ng Kabataan, everyone is treated as a Brother, and everyone should be seen as a Family as well being respected. Then we had our prayers starting with the Islamic prayer then after, the Christian prayer. We prayed as one despite our differences and religions. Then they recited their memorized vows and pledges of Tahanan ng Kabataan. Then they had a routine called “Pull-ups”. Not the literal pull-ups but rather it is used as a term for someone to report something that they don’t like or have been insulted in some way. I’ve seen that as a good practice from them, because it is a way to speak-out the problems with each other and to settle the beef with one another through verbal and formal way. I hope that Corpus Christi School would apply this inside the institution for it shows positive and calm way of ending a conflict with one another. Then we had our news report. The news report was reported by the clients themselves in order for them to know what is going on outside and around the world. Then they had their talent show, someone is called to present their talent infront of the circle and mostly they would just sing Visayan Songs. Then they closed it with crossing of each others arms and singing the song “Pagsubok”. The activity that we participated was called “Therapeutic Community”. And I see it as a positive way to start a day, creating positive and peaceful vibes inside the Center.

Then we had our lunch together with them. And had their rest. Then in the afternoon we swept the dead leaves on the ground and made a pile, and created fire. Then we did our Gardening with the clients, for we have connected with the clients immediately and created a bond. Now knowing everyones cases, we but most importantly, they were comfortable with us. We chopped wood and raked the leaves every single day and most importantly bond with them. We conducted and tutored them basic alphabet and mathematics. We were shocked that they did not know the simple basics of learning. We were glad that they have learned from us, seeing their faces finally happy because now they know how to divide and subtract. On the last day we had our culmination and we made a “Boodle” for them. And we had our closing remarks and thanking remarks with one another. The clients made us a letter that they would miss us and stating that we are their favorite batch of immersionists. We created a bond with the clients that we the immersionists would not forget. We created a brotherhood, we saw each other as siblings and as a family. They were grateful and happy for the things that they have learned from us. And I greatly am thankful for I have learned many great things from them. I have learned that we should appreciate our lives and situations we currently have right now, for we are blessed to have a life in which we have not experienced theirs.

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Anecdote

introductory note: this is when my stomach was feeling weird and i had to go to the comfort room to release my baby.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Anecdote

One time, while I was at school. My stomach was aching so bad. I really need to poop but I had no tissue or anything. I walked around too look for wet wipes or tissues and thankfully someone was kind enough to give me one. I told my classmate to guard the restroom while I do my thing because I don’t want anyone to go in and out any time and smell the odor. My classmate agreed and waited outside. I did my thing and just took my time. While I was waiting to be finish, I felt a presence in front of me. I don’t why but I looked up and I was so shocked to see two boys looking at me from above. I was so shocked that I didn’t even know what to do. I just stared back at them. After what felt like hours of staring, they left. I was so embarrassed and immediately did my thing as fast as I can incase that someone would go in the restroom again.

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Travelogue

Introductory note: this tavel essay is when i was in Camiguin Island with my family and having a blast exploring the island.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Travelogue

When I was still 10 years old, me and my family went to camiguin. I remembered it like it was just yesterday when I was so excited to pack and go there. Days before, I was already thinking about the things I would do there. Our trip started early in the morning. It was one of those times where when my mom woke me up and I didn’t go to back to sleep. I quickly jolt up and prepared myself for the trip. We first travelled through a car to go to the pier. When we got there we waited for a little bit for our scheduled boat. We brought food to eat so I ate my breakfast while waiting. When we got into the boat and settled, I immediately went to the open side of the boat where I could see the magnificent sea. The sky was so blue and it reflected the sea along with the shining sun. It was already getting hot yet I still stood there and enjoyed the waves that were crashing to the boat. I could smell the salty sea below me and the cold air was so strong. I remembered that I felt like I was flying. When we got to camiguin, we immediately went around to different springs and other magnificent travel destinations there. The day was hot but the springs were so cold I was actually shivering. My mom and dad took out the food that we brought and our other relatives who lived there brought more food to share. The food felt like it was unlimited and I had an amazing time in each destination that we went to. I played and splashed with my little brother and watch some fishes. The next few days came and everything was memorable. Every place looked magnificent and fun. I can’t even count how many times I swam on different bodies of water. My family where also fun people to be with which made it even more interesting. We had gatherings every night and we would sing a long to different karaoke songs. Along with my brother, we would do all kinds of things around the places. We saw some starfish, fishes and many more. What I realized about this trip is that there is a lot more beautiful things in different places. You need to enjoy it and love everything about it no matter how different and new it is in your perspective. Also, be with people who bring out the best in you and the things around you. Always be in good vibes with everything in order to enjoy the moments and activities that you have done with your family. I really miss camiguin and I hope I can go there back again.

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Memoir

Introductory note: this memoir is all about being with my friends and having a memorable night with them.

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Noel Niño M. Seriño

Memoir

One of my memorable moment was when we had our christmas party. We first had a lunch out at Pop’s which was an eat all you can restaurant. We reserved a room and I ate a lot delicious food there. I hanged out with my friends and we talked while waiting for everyone to arrive. After eating, we started our little exchanging of funny gifts. I received 2 wet wipes from my manita Reagy because I was always pooping. That reason itself made me laugh along with my friends. A lot of us received very funny gifts. We were very loud because we were laughing and shouting too hard due to the funny gifts that we received each. Bro was the person that I received so I gave him an empty deodorant which made him laugh out loud. Everyone was going around and taking pictures. We showed one another’s gifts and talked about our plans this christmas. After our party, we took some pictures as a class outside the restaurant and discussed on where to continue the party. We decided to go to center point and just have drinks. We stayed there for about another hour or so drinking mojitos and other drinks. We talked about anything that we could talk about. After a few hours and drinks, we decided to go to another venue. We went to Dekal and continued our talks. We drank some more drinks and just chilled. We stayed there for so long. Until everyone went home. Only me and my friends were left and we decided to have a joy ride. We went to different places and just stayed to relax on streets. At about midnight we decided to sleepover at bro’s house. We went there and slept. There were a lot more memories that happened throughout the day and it was a lot of fun. I would never forget about it. 

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Introductory note: In this last performance task, it is a critique paper. I critiqued Rashid’s travel essay. His travel essay was all about his trip in Cebu city with his family. So far it was interesting but there were useless facts and too much of facts.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Critique paper

The travel essay was written by Rashid Ong Tamano and his travel essay was all about his experience and journey in Cebu city. Rashid stated that he had a fun experience in Cebu city and he did not experience any trouble. He stated facts about Cebu city saying it is known to be the Queen City of the South and it is the oldest and second most important city. He also mentioned the tradition of Cebu city which is the Sinulog Fetival which is famous because of its colorful costumes and street dancing. He also stated the differences of bisaya and the cebuano language because of the different terms. He gave another fact about the best tasting lechon in Cebu city. Rashid went to Cebu city with his family during the semester break last October 2016. He was amazed with the road, mall and their delicious food. He spent time with his step brother by playing computer and spent time with his dad by bowling in the mall. They went to Cebu city so that Rashid and his step brother will get to know each other and it went well and it was successful. His step brother is living in Manila that is why they don’t have that much time to spend time together. So I will start with the strengths of Rashid’s travel essay. Rashid’s strength is that he really mentioned so many things about Cebu city, like the facts, history, details, experiences and feelings. Rashid described Cebu city very well and understandable by stating facts and history that we must know. He also expressed his feelings and his experience in Cebu city and you can also experience and imagine that you are also in Cebu city because of how he explains it and describes it. Rashid’s travel essay is very detailed which is interesting. He showed me that he really had fun in Cebu city and that he had the opportunity to bond with his family. He also mentioned the reason why they went on a trip in Cebu city and it was all about the bond with his step brother. He went to Cebu city not just to enjoy and experience but to bond, learn and realize a lot of things. The weaknesses of Rashid’s travel essay is that in the first sentence he already said the thing that he loved the most about the city without mentioning Cebu city. He also mentioned too much details and facts about Cebu which some were not that necessary and not that useful for the main idea of the travel essay. In conclusion, Rashid’s travel essay was very interesting and entertaining overall because he spent his semester break with his family and he experienced a lot and learned a lot of new things. The main idea of Rashid’s travel essay is that even though your family is blended or extended, a family will always be a family to you no matter what. Everything is much better when the whole family will go on a vacation. Even though there are weakness in the travel essay, it is still interesting and fun to read because the most important part is the thought and the idea of the whole travel essay. The strength of his travel is the idea and thought, that is why we should appreciate and love our loved ones and that we should always be a family person because family will always have your back.

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Introductory note: This essay is how I encountered God in my life. God is my everything because he is always there for me even I don’t deserve it. I live my life with Christ.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Testimony

I was raised in a Christian family and since my family is a born again Christian, so I grew up being like them. From the very beginning, our family is surrounded by the word of God and we go to church every sunday and attend more activities related to my Christian life. When I was still young being a Christian, I just followed all the Christian doings, routines and the daily living of a Christian which means that I know God but I did not have a personal relationship with him. For me, knowing God is not enough because we should have a strong personal relationship with him because without him we are nothing. So I looked for answers, purpose of everything and meaning in people. Whether that was my friends or loved ones but it did not worked out because I realized that all the answers can be found on the bible. I tried to find life in other people which is very wrong and then I noticed that there is still something lacking and I feel like it is incomplete. The time came when I was at my lowest point in life when I was alone and afraid because of the problems, struggles, challenges, and pain but I knew that God has a purpose in everything and God chose me to become the person who I am today but not my family or anyone. From growing up in Christian family, I knew what to do when I encountered challenges, struggles, problems, and pain because I believe in the verse of Philippians 4:13 which says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I knew that God is always there to give me strength, knowledge, wisdom, guidance and that he could save me anytime if I just let him. I admit that I am sinner and that I was looking for life in other people. In the verse of John 3:16 which says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." I acknowledged that He sent Jesus to die on the cross so that I can be saved from my sin and have eternal life. I learned to live for God instead of others. God showed me that being a “Christian” is not all about just doing good works like going to church every sunday and doing church activities. He made it clear that I do not have to earn my salvation or His love in the verse of Ephesians 2:8-9 which says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not by works, so that no one can boast." He has given me life, purpose and joy. I am not perfect and I still commit sin, but God still loves me despite my flaws and imperfections. All the ambitions that I was pursuing before that is continually letting me down, God has never once left me because he is always there for me. He has shown Himself to me in His Word, the Bible, in verse of scripture. God loved me even at my lowest point and He rescued me from myself. Im going to end my testimony with this bible verse, 1 John 5:10 which says "The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him. The one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about His Son."

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Introductory note: This essay is my reflection on my work immersion in Oro Pahulayan Lumbia. It is all about the things that I have learned and the things I have realized.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Reflection

In my two-week of work immersion in Oro Pahulayan Lumbia it was very memorable. My teammates and I did so many things for the clients and we really served them well. I have learned a lot of things and I also realized a lot of things. I have learned things that I could also do inside the house like sweeping the floor, mopping the floor, washing the dishes and cooking, that is why it is helpful for me and for the clients. Serving them is an opportunity because I am so blessed to spend time with them and get to know each one of them. I’m also blessed that I am a blessing in their lives and to be part of their lives. What I really love the most is that even though we are all tired at the end of the day, it is still very worth it serving them because they deserved the love and care. It really makes me happy seeing them enjoying little things and enjoying our activities. I have learned to take good care with each one of the clients by assisting them always. I felt sad for each one of them because each one of them has their own struggles and challenges in life and it is so hard for them but still they are always happy. Despite of all their problems in life, they still managed to put a big smile on their faces. Our work immersion was very successful and it was so tiring but fun. My teammates and I will really miss the works that we had and the memories that we had in the center. In the first day of immersion we thought two weeks of working is very tiring and hard but as days goes by we did not noticed that we were already having fun and we were already making a lot of memories. Creating memories is a priceless gift. Memories will last a lifetime. Memories are the treasures that we keep locked deep within the storehouse of our souls, to keep our hearts warm when we are lonely. Our memories are the only paradise from which we can never be expelled. In the last day of the work immersion, we really missed our daily routine as a team and as the ones who are serving the clients. We realized that two weeks was just so fast when you’re already attached to them. That is why we should cherish the moments and always give our very best in all times because time is gold. I have realized that I am so blessed that I still have my loved ones around me supporting me, loving me and taking good care of me. Not all people has someone who supports them that is why we should always be thankful with the ones who took care of us. Family is not just an important thing, it’s everything. Family might be defined as a group of people who are related to each other, but it’s more than that. It’s a meaningful connection, an experience. It’s an incredible and unbreakable bond. Indeed family is not just people who are related to each other but it is about the love and care of one another. All throughout the work immersion, it was very fun, tiring and worth it because of all the lessons and realization. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don't wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope. The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. That is why my work immersion is very memorable for me.

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Introductory note: This essay is all about the literary reportage. It is all about the work immersion on what I observed about the center’s surroundings and what I want to improve in the center.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Literary reportage

In my two-week experience of work immersion it has given me a fun and memorable experience because my teammates and I were given an opportunity to serve in Lumbia Oro Pahulayan. It took me a while to adjust on the surroundings, people, and for the things that my teammates and I will do. In the first day we interviewed all the clients to know their names and life background and we also interviewed the house parents about the clients. My teammates and I explored the center so that we will be able to familiarize the place where we will work and we noticed that the center is not that big. I noticed that the clients were so happy in every little things that they receive and they can still put a big smile on their faces even though they have been through a lot of struggles and challenges in life. I realized that I am so blessed in my life today and I should always be thankful on what God has given to me. We always start the day with a prayer and a morning stretching routine to warm up the clients. We had a meeting as a group about all the things that we will do in the first week and we also noticed that the center is not clean and it needs to be clean for the clients that is why my teammates and I decided to clean the center. We cleaned the center by sweeping outside and inside the center, mopping the floor full of mud, brushing the mud off the floor, scrubbing the dirty walls, burning the leaves and trashes outside, watering the plants outside and changing the arrangements of their beds and cabinets so that they will still have more space. We were so happy to hear that were the first group to brush floor and there was really a lot of changes. Every eleven a.m. we will always help the house parents in distributing foods to the clients by serving a cup of rice and food. They will sleep from twelve to one and every afternoon when they all wake up we all played different kinds of games like bingo, dama, pants, word search, pinoy henyo, and many more and they all had fun. After playing all the games we cooked snacks for them like champorado, banana and many more snacks that they really love to eat. Even though we gave the clients some biscuits for snacks it can still put a big smile on their faces and it makes me happy to see them happy and thankful. In the first week of immersion we did a lot of improvements in the center and we did a lot of fun activities. In the second week it was not that stress compared to the first week because as days pass by and time goes by we already did most of the things that are needed to do and we did not do much in the second week compared to the first week. In my two-week immersion I have learned that family is not by blood or related as long as you show love and care for one another then that is family. They are always thankful because being thankful is an important part of being happy in life. Serving in Oro Pahulayan Lumbia is a memory that I will forever treasure.

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Introductory note: This essay is all about a short joke and it is up to you if you will find it funny. It is a little bit corny but yeah.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Anecdote

A little girl asked her mom, “Mom, may I take the dog for a walk around the block?” Mom says, “No, because the dog is in heat.” “What does that mean?” asked the child. “Go ask your father. I think he is in the garden.” The little girl went to the garden and asked, “Dad, may I take Smurfy for a walk? I asked Mom, but she said Smurfy was in heat, and to come talk to you.” Dad said, “Bring Smurfy over here.” He took a rag, soaked it with gasoline, and scrubbed the dog’s rear-end with it and said, “Okay, you can go now, but keep Smurfy on the leash and only go one time around the block.” The little girl left and returned a few minutes later with NO DOG on the leash. Dad asked, “Where is Smurfy?” The little girl said, “She will be here in a minute, she ran out of gas about halfway down the block and another dog is pushing her home.”

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Introductory note: This essay is all about my Hong Kong adventure. I was born in Hong Kong and I go there every summer since I study here in the Philippines. It is all about my experiences and the interesting things that I did in Hong Kong.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Travel essay

It is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. It comprises 200 islands located in Eastern Asia bordering the South China Sea and China. Welcome to Hong Kong, my hometown. This country is so interesting due to its jungle of glass and stones and deep natural harbor. With a land mass of 1,104 square kilometers on which 7 million people stay, it is the world’s densely populated city. I suggest for a certain individual to travel in Hong Kong because of it’s the amazing street arts, it has the highest bar, endless hiking trails, dim sum, etc. I was born in Hong Kong and studied there until grade 5. What I liked the most of Hong Kong are the Chinese soups. My parents used to always bring me to restaurants where in they make sure that I and my siblings will always be full. What I order usually is a bowl of soup and use chopsticks since it is my favorite thing to do in Hong Kong, which is eating. I always enjoyed going around the city due to the cleanliness of the environment that Hong Kong has in it; moreover, kids like me back then used to enjoy the parks with many trees and leaves falling on the floor which makes it more nature-like. Not only that it has a clean environment, but as well as clean and delicious street foods that street vendors sell to their customers. I used to be a common buyer to this one street vendor that sells in Tai Wai which has egg tarts, fish balls, egg waffles, and stinky tofu. For information, they can be found in the city, especially in the ares of Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, and Kwun Tong. My family transferred to the Philippines in order for me to continue my studies. My mother said that it is better for me if I migrate back to the Philippines so that I will be able to speak my own language. Since my family transferred, what we do to visit our grandfather in Hong Kong is by visiting him every summer. My family including all of my siblings would go to Hong Kong just to spend time and have a complete group picture. When I flew to Philippines, our plane almost crashed because of a flood that occurred. What happened was the plane attempted five times in order to land, but it kept on failing so what the pilot did was land in Davao for the passengers to be safe. A lot of the passengers left the plane excluding me and my family since we prefer to land in CDO safely. From what I have remembered from my experience in Hong Kong, the most memorable moment in my entire time living there was when I went to Disneyland. It was fun and amazing watching the characters in Disney perform; moreover, I got to ride the rides in Disneyland as well. The last time I have been to that place was 2017 with my family. In conclusion, I think that Hong Kong is such a wonderful place, and it is full of entertainment and amazing experiences since I get to do a lot in that country. I will not forget the things that has happened my past experiences. I realized that my parents do love us unconditionally because I have observed that they would do anything to make our lives comfortable to each sibling, especially to my mother. Therefore, we must treat our parents right as how they should be treated and pay all the sacrifices that they have done for us once we get into our own, independent lives with stable jobs for income. I thank God for everything that I have received as these are blessings coming from him.

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Introductory note: This essay will be my past experience with my grandfather. It is all about my experiences with him and how I felt when he passed away. If I only had more chance to express my love for my grandfather but it is too late and I know everything happens for a reason.

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Dweyne Mikhail E. Mosqueda

Memoir

I have always thought about of him as one of the greatest fathers anyone could have. This man can be sweet to you, caring, generous, but he can also be ferocious when he disciplines. I can still remember the days when I was a very misbehaving little boy to him and he would use his belt to punish me for my doings back when we used to live in Hong Kong. He would bring me to a convenience store just to buy me ice cream every three (3) in the afternoon, sit outside, and tell me made up, but meaningful stories that can change me as a person which it did. After eating, we would go to a park where in we would ride the swing and push me so that I could go higher. He would also allow me to play and goof around with other kids in the park. I think that he is one of the best grandfathers that I will ever have. He has been my role model in my entire life aside from my father. My grandpa’s name is Tomas Estrella. My family lived in Hong Kong back when I was little and my grandpa was the one who took care of me while my parents were working from day until night. I used to study in a Chinese school in Hong Kong and my grandpa was the one who brings me to school and fetches me, going home together safely. I always felt safe every time my parents were out working. I enjoyed every single day with him and he made me a good, disciplined boy which made me so happy to who I am today. He was the only person I go for whenever I face my problems, until he went to the Philippines to have a quick vacation and travel to explore new wonders from other countries. He told me that he would buy and bring me food when he gets back in Hong Kong. Deep down, I did not care at all whether he would keep his promise on bringing food us food, but all I cared about was him coming back to us. I always get flashbacks of him, remembering the good times we shared together. It is painful for me to think about all the things we have done together and he just suddenly died due to Asthma. I loved him as my grandfather because we were like a duo which makes me his sidekick. All the memories we earned together just disappears with a snap of a finger, like you do not know what to do next because it just happened that quick. Until now, I still cry about him at night since it was such a memorable experience with me that can even make me sadden and ruin my day with only one memory, a memory that is heavy for the heart to handle. My parents did not know what to do after that the bad news reached to them. My mother was in a shock, she had nothing to say or do but sat down in the chair and looking on the ground. My father was very religious so he immediately went inside in their room and prayed while he was crying. I did not know what to do when I heard that information coming from my aunt who was in the Philippines and was the one who rushed my grandfather to the hospital. The doctors said that his life condition was unstable and they could not do anything to revive him. So in this story that I made, I can express on my thoughts and what I have felt when encountering such. In conclusion, I realized that not all fathers use their belts just because they want to. It is because they want you to learn from your mistakes through that and making you realize that what you have done is wrong. We should always be grateful for what they have done to us because they are also a part of shaping us into a new version of ourselves. As a child back then, I never truly took notice of all the sacrifices of my grandfather that he had to make to ensure I was well taken care of. Starting now, we should obey our parents and appreciate for what they have done for us.

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Critique

IN: i am going to critique my classmate’s travel essay. his name is Pierce tonido. at the beginning, his essay was good. however when i read the body and his conclusion, it became boring. he also had errors in spelling, grammar and use of words that makes no sense in the sentence.

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Kynan John F. Akut

critique

As of now, I will begin my critique paper about Pierce’s travel essay called “Travell Essay”. First of all, I like the way how he started like what is travelling and how it is beneficial. However there were a few grammar errors and a few word/s that were not part of the sentences. Other than that, the introduction was splendid. What he said about finding hidden talents and skills are actually true. Who knows what kind of talents or skills you can learn while travelling. Making friends while travelling is good but you must always be wary since everyone you meet while travelling are mostly strangers. There is a 2% chance of meeting an old friend or acquaintance while travelling. It is also true that it was hard to travel safely in the past. In the past like the exploration age, the only means of transport were by wooden ships, horses and carriages. It is also a good thing to gain knowledge from unfamilliar places.

 First of all, it is wrong to say “was raised and grow”, just use the word “raised”. again with the wrong grammar and words which were not suppose to be in that particular sentences. Some sentences did not make any sense until I read the entire body. Also, there is no indention in the body paragraph. Lack of description of the travel so in other words the body paragraph seemed short. In travel essays, you are supposed to include the small details and the details of the travel. Lack of details of travel. There is also lack of creativity since the travel essay is part of Creative Non-Fiction. Other than that the body is ok. If you gave more detail of the travel, it would be longer and more enjoyable. If you add a bit more creativity, then the body would be more enjoyable.

 First of all, “myself” is one word and not two words. Please define Boholano. Again with no indention, wrong spelling, wrong grammar and unfamiliar words like “Boholano”. over all, the travel essay was ok but it was too short, two paragraphs does not have indention, lack of creativity, wrong grammar, wrong spelling and words which were not supposed to be part of the sentence. I would honestly just give this a passing grade.

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Reflection

IN: my feeling about my work immersion.

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Kynan John F. Akut

reflection

I will skip the blabber and say this straight. The work immersion was very tiring to the point where I wish it could just end and cease to exist. There multiple times were I was so frustrated that I could break into tears, literally. Most of the time everyday, weep sweep the leaves. I know it sounds simple and lazy, but let me tell you this, it was as hard as jogging around a basketball court for 3-4 hours straight with two breaks and each break is only one and a half minutes. The area we had to sweep was as wide as 6-7 basketball courts and the leaves will endlessly fall because it was very windy, plus most of the area was not shaded so it was very hot. For your information, the area includes a forest like place filled with one year worth of fallen dead leaves and other trashes which we had to gather into a big pile and burn it. Also, the area includes a the garden which was not properly cleaned and tidied by the pueblo students. The other chores were easy compared to sweeping. There was one time I threw my broom to ground because after a good sweep, a wind blew and messed up all my tiring hard work.

 That was the tiring chores, next would be the rowdy clients. All of our clients’ ages were ranged from 3 to 19 years old. Most of them were well behaved while some of them were cooperative. However there will always be rowdy children wherever you go. For safety reasons, I will not say there name and age but a brief description of their attitudes and behaviors. The first one is a small kid who we nicknamed, “spawn of Satan”. he is not evil or anything, he was actually mischievous because kept getting our water bottles and drink all the water. If we give him food, he would throw it at us. Not just food, he also threw stones. He can also pack a deadly barrage of punches. I should know better than my groupmates because I felt them, on the face and on my groin. Man can that kid threw a punch. I think my face swelled a bit when I got home. Our second one is a teen but because of an accident, his mind is that of a10 or 11 years old. The main problem is that he runs away from the center when no one is looking plus he always have a fist fight with another client of ours. Our third and last is an epileptic. Similar to our second, he always tries to run away and he always try to steal food from our other clients. There was one time I cooked their lunch and he just burst into the kitchen trying to reach for the food I cooked. Luckily with help from our teen clients, we stopped him.

 Although tiring, we also had fun. Fun in doing chores and playing games with our clients and a few social workers after doing our chores. It especially fun on our last day because we had no more chores and we celebrate and had lunch with all our clients. We played games, sing and danced some songs and did a talent show. I honestly learned alot form the work immersion. I learned that some if us were born lucky while others are not. And for those who are not, they try hard to survive and make a living. Unlike them, we have loving parent. Work immersion was tiring but fun and full of life giving lessons which is hard to forget. This work immersion really touched my soul strive me to try harder.

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Literary Reportage

IN: my time in my work immersion.

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Kynan John F. Akut

literary reportage

For two weeks, senior high school students of Corpus Christi High School, including me, were required to complete 80 hours worth of work immersion at different social centers. Humanities and Social Sciences Strand (HUMSSS) and the General Academic Strand (GAS) were to join together and form 8 groups since the two strands were assigned to 8 centers. Each group were assigned to one center each. Each group has a total of 7 members. The group I was assigned in was Boys’ Town. My groupmates were Neil, John David (JD), Kyle, Ian, Berns and Rashid. I was lucky since four of them were my classmates. I was very nervous thinking what the center was like and what I should do during work immersion. One of my ideals was to cook lunch for our clients. Two days before the first day, I started buying snacks and supplies for the work immersion. I made sure that I prepared everything. Things like water, Super Crunch (snacks for our clients), notebook, pens and a pad of intermediate paper. As for transportation, I will ride with Bro since the center he is working in is just beside ours.

On the first day, when I arrived at the center, it was a bit messy because of all the dead leaves on the ground. There was a cement basketball court just outside of the Boys’ Town quarters. There was a social hall beside the quarters and a kitchen beside the hall. We met our clients in the social hall. We had a total of 19 clients. I cannot say their names for safety reasons. We first started off by introducing ourselves but they were shy and the atmosphere was a bit awkward. Since it was like that, we decided to start off by sweeping the ground making big piles of leaves. After making the piles we burned the piles we made far from the center so that the smoke wont reach the center. After that we did the gardens, it was very messy at the edge of the garden, it was very clear that the pueblo students who were doing their work immersion before us were doing their work poorly. After that, some of our clients were starting to approach us so we started to socialize with them. After talking with them we then did playtime with them until the day was over. For the first week, we mainly focused in the gardens since they were the most messy places in the center. We cleaned the dead leaves, planted new plants and tended the old ones plus we fixed the hose which was full of leaks. While some did the garden, some were in the kitchen, helping in cooking lunch for our clients. We also stripped the grounds from weeds. We were also planning to repaint a few parts but we lack the money.

For the second week, we focused cleaning the forest area in front of the center. It took almost the entire second week to clean the forest area. There were alot of trash, all kinds of trash like metal cans, plastic products, wastes and many other trashes. We also had to settle down some arguments of our clients. Two clients of ours were always at war with each other. They were so mad at each other to the point that they were using their fists instead of words. Also, two of our clients have the tendency to run away. One of them was able to run away without anyone noticing. Luckily the police was passing by and saw him by the side of the road close to the center. Ever since then we keep our eyes focused on our two run away clients. On the day before the last day of the second week, we finished all our chores and the center was very different compared to how it looked liked when we arrived. On our last day, we celebrated with our clients. We played games and we ate lunch with them while chatting. After lunch, we played volleyball, Boys’ Town versus all seven of us of the group. After that we went home.

It was very tiring doing the work immersion but it was fun. I never knew work could be this fun. I also learned that I was very lucky compared to my clients. I could do and get alot of things but for my clients they cant since they were all either abandoned or abused. They do not get the same love like I get from my parents. I honestly wish that I could do more to help them. But what surprised me the most was that non of my clients were sad. To be able to smile and laugh while being abandoned is quite tough even for me.