Other Ways to Publishing

One way to drive the importance of publishing as the last stage of the writing process among my students, is for them to experience it first hand. They, however, did not go through the painstaking task of putting out a literary portfolio but published their poetry on mugs, shirts and picture frames. By so doing, other skills like, kinesthetic, spatial and visual skillscome into play.

Jazzed Up Tales

Zarahrella
by Purple Dreamer

Do you know what season is it? Prom season! Its one week before the big night and poor Zarahrella still don’t have a date. Its 7:30 am and let’s see what Zarahrella is up to. “Hey guys what’s up?” Zarahrella greeted her friends while putting some books in her locker. “What’s up? We should ask you what’s up.” Hannah answered. “What are saying?” Zarahrella asked confused. “Come on Zarah, you know what I mean why don’t you still have a date to the prom?” Hannah said looking at her with one eyebrow up. “Well the thing is…” the bell interrupted Zarah and they all went to their classrooms. “Talk to you guys later!” Zarah said rushing to her classroom. “Watch your step loser!” pushing Zarah away from the door. “Denise! You are such a ugh!” Zarah screamed.

At lunch time Anna, Hannah, Ileana and Zarah sat together. “Zarah did you find a date to the prom yet?” Ileana asked. “Well I really wasn’t planning on going.” Zarah answered. “Are you sure? It won’t be fun without you.” Anna asked hoping she can change her mind. “Yeah I’m sure.” Zarah answered smiling. Suddenly Denise came over to their table and said “None of you losers have any chance of winning the place of prom queen.” “Just leave us alone Denise!” Zarah shouted defending her friends.” “Okay whatever.” Denise said walking away. The bell rang and they all went to their classrooms.


Dismissal is one minute away and everybody wants to go home but Zarah on the other hand is just daydreaming about her imaginary cute date to the prom. She was having a good time when the bell rang. She walked home practically daydreaming while her friends were chatting. When they reach Zarah’s house Hannah broke Zarah’s daydream when she asked her if she was okay. Zarah just nodded her head and went in her house. Deep inside Zarah wanted to go to the prom it was her dream but she doesn’t have a date.

Zarah woke up on the wrong side of the bed and missed the bus. She was walking towards the school she heard the bell rang. She hurried to her locker and bumped into someone. That someone saw her phone fell and picked it up but when he turned around to return it Zarah was gone. He checked whose phone it was and went to class. Zarah remembered she forgot to put her phone on vibrate. She looked for her phone in her bag but she couldn’t find it. She was panicking and sweating the whole class.

When lunch came Zarah was looking for her phone everywhere. She was running around school and asking random people if they saw her phone. While running, she again bu,ped into someone. The person she bumped to apologized and recognized her face. “You’re Zarahrella right?” “Yeah I am.” Zarah answered. “You dropped your phone a while ago.” He said giving her phone back. “Thank you so much!” Zarah thanked him and hugged him tight.” “I’m Justin by the way.” Justin said shaking Zarah’s hand. Zarah was about to leave when Justin said “I know this is kind of last minute but would you be my date for the prom tomorrow?” Justin asked. Zarah’s heart was beating fast and she felt butterflies in her tummy and answered “I would love to.”

Today’s the big day and Zarah didn’t tell her friends that she was coming. She looked wonderful in a lime green dress with her hair curled up. Justin was always staring at her and she did the same thing. It was now 11 pm and time to announce the prom queen and king. Everyone was quiet and wishing they would win until they heard the announcer say “And the winners are Justin and Zarahrella!” “What!? Zarahrella!? That loser won?” Denise screamed loud enough everyone heard it. Denise ran away crying with a dramatic exit. Justin and Zarah went up on stage and everyone was cheering their names. After the prom, Justin and Zarah were still onstage and were the only ones left. “Zarah, this night is so amazing no words can describe it.” Justin said holding zarah’s hands. “I had a wonderful time Justin and without you my dream wouldn’t have came true. Thank you.” Zarah said moving closer to Justin. They both kissed and finally went home.

What If Stories

This week, my students explored "what if stories". Here are some of their stories. Enjoy reading them as I did.

My Life As A Cell Phone
by Purple Dreamer

While I was walking along a sidewalk one day, there was a sudden bolt of lightning. In an instant, I became the latest kind of cell phone. I still had the ability to think. A few minutes have passed, I was still lying on the ground when a kid came near me.

He looked very kind and sweet. He was wearing a school uniform and had a backpack on. His age was about twelve years old. From what I can see he looked like the kind of kid who wouldn’t get things that isn’t his. I was startled when he picked me up and placed me in his pocket.

About 15 minutes later he took me out his pocket and kept me inside a drawer. The next day he took me and shoved me inside his bag. I was waiting for hours and hours until a bell rang and I heard children yelling.

“Joe! Joe! Come here!” I realized Joe was the name of the kid who took me.

Joe took me out of his bag and showed me to his friends. He was like showing me off until the bell rang.

Joe bragged about me to his friends for one week. One day Joe talked to himself.

“Why do I have this feeling? I feel bad for bragging about the phone I found that it isn't mine. What should I do?”.

The next day Joe brought me to the same sidewalk where he found me. He put me on the ground and walked away. Suddenly, there was a bolt of lightning similar to the one before. I was back being myself again. I became human again and I walked to my house. I was so shocked and couldn’t believe it. I just tried to forget everything that happened.

Stop and Stare
by Cockroach Kid

As I was entering the mall, a thick black smoke blocked my sight. What I heard next were speeding cars. When I got my sight back, I thought that I was flying but then I knew that a person was carrying me. It was the time I knew that I was a stop sign. That moment, I wished to be human again.


I learned, however, to spend my life helping officers control traffic. I became a good partner to my owner Juan. I also gained a friend, Stoplight. During work, I had tons of problems that made me wish I were back to normal. Juan keeps on reminding me though, that at least I help lots of people.

One day, I heard the same speeding cars and the same smoke appeared to me. I knew that if I close my eyes, I would be back to my human form again. I heard Juan trying to stop the cars and saw that a car crashed at a stoplight. I kept myself awake to help Juan and even if I stay as a stop sign, I can still help many people. It turned out that the car that crashed was filled with robbers. We finally caught the robbers. Juan called the police and I witnessed it all. It had been a very tiring day so we had a good rest.

When I woke up, I saw the ceiling of my house and knew that it was all just a dream.

What Does A Check Cost?
by Oreo


One day when I was walking, a strong wind passed and suddenly, I became a $90000 check. Then when the wind blew me all the way to the other side of the sidewalk, a guy picked me up. He was a robber. I was crumpled and folded while the robber was running.

After an hour, the cops ran behind him and put handcuffs at the robber’s wrists. When the robber suddenly threw me and left me, he suddenly stepped on me. Ouch. It hurt. Then the cops got me. When the robber was caught, he was put in jail for a year


A year passed by, and the robber was out of jail. He had to confess. So he told the whole story to his family. When the same cops went to him, he said sorry. He told the cops that he won’t do it again.

So as a check, I was so sad because many people passed me by. They touched me with dirty hands. They even clipped and crumpled me. Imagine what it would feel like living the life of a check. It is not that easy.


Photos from http://www.fotosearch.com/clip-art/

Of Dragons, Imps and Wizards

My writing students have begun story writing this week. I asked them write a simple stroryline from an illustration of a wizard, an imp and a dragon.

The Story of Jack the Wizard
by Purple Dreamer

A long time ago, there was this wizard named jack. He was resting in his castle when a dragon went in his window. The dragon was with an imp. The dragon attacked jack. He ran across the room and grabbed his wand. He tried to make a spell but the dragon kept blowing fire at him which caused his spell to create spiders. The imp was keeping an eye on the wizard and made sure that all of his spell would not work.


He distracted the dragon and the imp by ordering the spiders to tickle them. While the spiders tickled the dragon and the imp he started to cast a spell. At last he casted the spell on the imp. The imp fell down the window and died. Jack casted a spell on the dragon the dragon got struck by the lightning. Jack lifted the dragon out to the window with his wand. The dragon dell down and died.

Jack cleaned up the place. He thanked the spiders and took them out of the room. After he was done cleaning, he went to his bathroom and treated his wounds. He changed in his pajamas and went to his bed. As he was about to sleep he sighed and thought to himsel, " I can’t believe I killed an imp and a dragon all by myself". After that day the news was heard everywhere. He was now famous and well known as Jack the wizard.

Jack, Jill and Elmer
by Oreo

Once there was a wizard named Elmer. He was so creepy. He lived with a dragon and an imp. Their names were Jack and Jill. They lived in a creepy cave where there were insects. But the wizard hated the insects so he used his wand to rid of them. It didn’t work. So, he got mad and the dragon suddenly burned it. That’s the only wand Elmer ever had. He cried and was sad all day long.

When it was lunchtime, Jack and Jill didn’t even cook yet because they were comforting Elmer. Jack used its fire to light the logs so they can cook. They didn’t know that there were spiders around the cooking pot. When they were eating Elmer kept on crying while the two of them were planning to give him a new wand. They thought that they must earn money. When Elmer sipped the soup, he realized that there were spiders in it. He cried even more. Jack and Jill still comforted him.

After lunch, Elmer decided to stay in a quiet room while Jack and Jill planned the whole thing. After all, Elmer’s birthday is the day after tomorrow. They planned to give it as a gift. So to earn money, they sold their stuff. When they earned thousands already, they bought the nicest wand and it was wrapped in the cutest box they’ve ever seen.

When the special day came they waited for Elmer to wake up. Then they gave the gift as a surprise. Elmer used it and it worked! They lived happily ever after.

Harry, the Wizard
by Cockroach Kid

After many years of showing off his wizardry, Harry decided to retire from his job to rest. One night, he had a vision of an imp telling him to defeat the mighty dragon or else the land of Enchanted Kingdom will be destroyed.


The next day, he took a flight to China in order to defeat the dragon. He spent weeks of showing his wizardry to the Chinese and made himself worthy of fighting the mighty dragon. While heading towards the top of the Great Wall of China, he encountered the imp from the vision. He asked where the dragon is and it replied that he must go to the other side of the mountain. When he turned back, the imp disappeared.

While Harry was walking with in the walls, the imp warned the dragon that there was a crazy wizard trying to destroy China. The imp told the dragon that the wizard is coming so the dragon practiced breathing fire on targets.

The battle has started. Harry, who is very determined to save Enchanted Kingdom, tried all he could with his wand but he ended up making a mess. He started to cry and the dragon had mercy on him. They both knew that they were not trying to destroy anything. They looked at the imp and started to use their magic on it. the imp finally admitted that they were just tricked and so they burned the imp until it turned to ashes.

From that time, they have stopped the war and vowed to help each other when in danger. They all lived happily ever after.

Photos and images courtesy of bluebison.net and www.draconika.com

Introducing ANGELO RIVERA

Angelo is a student of Community of Learners Foundation (COLF) High School. As an active guy, he is a basketball player in his school and he is a member of the Business Management Club. He usually goes to the library to chill in front of the air-con.

On weekends, he goes to the basketball court to play with his friends. Afterwards, he usually plays video games. He helps his mother sometimes in preparing the meals. He even watches basketball on BTV.


My Two Siblings
By Angelo Rivera

I have two siblings, a brother and a sister.

My favorite sibling is my sister. She teaches me a lot of things, gives me what’s best for me, and share some knowledge. We like cooking different dishes together. Also, she is like my teacher, second mom, security guard because she keeps me away from danger. And, she is the first to teach me good things in life and to value things. She loves me for who I am. I miss those times when we go out of time.

My brother and I, however are not so close because he has his own family now. We don’t talk often.

Places Near and Far

Places
by Chanel Suntay, 11 years old

I’ve been to so many places in my lifetime. But there was this place I never expected to go to. My father and I were planning what to do over the summer. Father’s always dreamt of going to Chile. Mother’s always dreamt of going to Paris. Brother’s always wanted to go surfing in the Caribbean Islands the waves there are extremely amazing. As for me, well, I was totally clueless of where I’d want to go during the summer. I kept thinking about it but nothing struck me.

One day, my father packed all our things into the car. At first, I thought, are we moving? Funny. He pushed us into the trailer and no one knew what was happening. For a minute it was a truly dazzling experience until one sentence nearly tipped the world upside down. “We’re taking a cross country trip”. We all gawked. A cross country trip all of a sudden? I felt like I was going to faint. I promised my classmate that she could come on my birthday. But it looks like I won’t be around on that day.

We drove away. Then, we suddenly stopped. What gives? My dad handed me a map. He said that I could point anywhere we wanted to go and we’d go there. That was my birthday gift. From my dad. In the end we went to Cebu and Baguio. That was my birthday gift and it was the best! That’s for sure!


Hong Kong and Palawan
by Jill

Every year we make it a point to visit our grandmother in Hong Kong. Despite the fact that we cannot speak Cantonese and that every single year seems to get more boring than the last, we still enjoy going there. Also because, it makes my grandmother happy to see us.
Two years ago, we went to Hong Kong. It was really great there; they had so many rides and shops. After spending a whole day there, we were all very exhausted. Last year, we went to a mall and in one area they were holding a short event where they had a lot of Mario Bros. characters. That was where we took a picture with Mario, the most popular character in that series.

This year, on the other hand, we spent our vacation in Palawan, where some of the best beaches are found. We only spent a few days there but towards the end of our trip, we made a last-minute drive to the crocodile farm. We were able to see the skin and skeleton of a really large crocodile that was displayed in the mini-museum. We were also able to hold a baby crocodile and take a picture with it. As each year passes by, the next one promises better and more exciting experiences than the last.

Favorite Things

Manga and Me
by Jill, 12 years old

I enjoy reading manga. My mom buys them for me. Despite the fact that my mom doesn't like manga,she still buys them for me because she knows that I like them. I read them regularly,repeatedly, to show that I appreciate what my mom does for me. Although, she herself, does not know that.

My mom is the best for me. She is a businessperson like my dad. Even though she is tired everyday,she makes up for it during the weekend by letting me play in the arcade. We also eat out with everyone and have a good time.

It's all thanks to my mom that I am able to fulfill my love for manga. Without her I would never have been able to make my life better if it were not for her.Because of that,she will always have a special place in my heart.

My Zoids
by Jack, 11 years old

I like building zoids. It was a Christmas present from my dad. I display my zoids on a shelf.

My dad is hardworking. He is a businessman and he has a lot of work in the office. Even though he is very tired after work he tries to spend time with me. On weekends, he helps me practice my skills in playing badminton.

I like my zoid because it was given by a special person. He is a hardworking person. He is a kind person.

My Camera
by Danielle, 11 years old

Last year during my 11th birthday, a particular person
gave me a camera. It was my birthday present. This gift was special because it is something I like to have very much. I am very happy to have a camera. I could shoot beautiful places, persons and things. I would preserve the pictures well, because these are my remembrances for every nice event.

My gift is so precious to me since it came from a special person. That person is my Daddy. My Daddy is a very hardworking, kind, understanding and loving person. We usually go out during Sunday and enjoy a happy family day.

My Daddy is cool and handsome. He likes to play jokes with us. Though he is busy, he finds time to spend with us. I like Daddy for he is a generous, helpful father. He will always be a great Dad.

Transformers
by Andrew, 11 years old

I like playing with my new Transformer action figure. It’s Megatron, the villain in the movie Transformers. It was Christmas when I got it. My dad saw me looking at it and decided to buy it for me as a Christmas gift. Also, he thought the toy was interesting.

My action figure is a very special gift. It can move, has weapons and can transform. But the most special thing about is that, it was given by a special person, my dad.

My dad is a very fun person. He plays board games with us and also teaches us sports. My dad and I play golf and basketball together.

Five Paragraph Essays

Traffic
by Purple Dreamer

During the 20th century there has been a lot of traffic going on. There is traffic everywhere. One of the places well known for having traffic is in the Philippines mostly, on the highways.

If you ask why there is traffic, it is because highways are always under construction. There are also some rallies and accidents that are going on that causes a lot of traffic. Storms and typhoons can also cause traffic.

When passengers come in and out of their vehicles it takes a lot of time. Especially the disabled. When the road is wet vehicles will be driving very slow so they wont get into any accidents. So those are some ways how traffic starts.

There are many people who are affected by traffic. The people who go to meetings and appointments hate traffic because they have to go extra early so they will be in time for their meetings and appointments. Sidewalk vendors, commuters and people who walk on sidewalks are also affected by the pollution of the vehicles.

During Mondays and Fridays there is heavy traffic. Streets near school areas carry a lot of traffic especially when there’s school. Traffic is already part if our daily life so we might as well get use to it.

Owls
by Oreo

Owls are seen in many movies flying solo. Most of them are solitary and nocturnal. They are found in the regions of the earth except Antartica and most of Greenland.

They have so many descriptions. Some of them are that they have large eyes. They are far-sighted.

With their eyes, they are unable to clearly see within a few inches. In movies, they act that they have big eyes so that they can clearly see things. But that’s not true.


There are many different kinds of owls. Each of them makes different sounds. They talk a lot. We people, hear them and they seem to say “who-o-o, who-o-o” when they hoot.

Their eggs are usually white. They’re almost spherical too. The eggs are laid in intervals 1-3 days and they don’t hatch in the same time. These are the descriptions of an owl that I researched in the internet.

Life of a Polar Bear
by Cockroach Kid

Polar bears are white furred bears living in cold areas like the arctic area. They are known to be the largest land carnivores and one of the fastest swimmers in the world. Polar bears are solitary land animals.


Polar bears are solitary because they usually hunt for food and often hunt seals. Polar bears aren’t solitary during breeding or when they’re taking care of their cubs. This shows that the male polar bear is solitary because they hunt for food for the family or for themselves.

Polar bears live in very cold areas like the arctic. They are very dependent on ice because that’s where they live and keep their family safe. Without the ice, it would be very hard for them to hunt food and to stay alive.

Polar bears are different from ordinary bears not just because they have white fur and live in cold areas but they don’t hibernate during winter. They are very solitary animals and are very dependent to ice.

The life of a polar bear is very unique compared to other bears. These bears are solitary animals and dependent on ice. Even if they don’t hibernate during winter, it is still part of the bear family and these are what make it unique.

Oh Brother!

Oh Brother!
by Purple Dreamer

I have a brother and I could tell you he is kind but sometimes rude to me. He has a tendency to fight with me. He can also show me subtle hints of how much he loves me. That often happens when we fight with each other.

He can do a lot of things for me so I am thankful I have a sibling. He will be there for me and protect me no matter what. He can quarrel too but somehow I will feel like he is the greatest friend I had. He can be there to back me up and defend me.

He is so special because it would probably be hard living without a sibling. He is my companion during childhood especially attending those parties. My parents gave me a sibling so I won’t be bored at home and I would have a playmate that will be there for me.

At The Park

Park
by Cockroach Kid

I may have been to many parks in many different places but I think the park that is in front of our house means a lot to me. I believe that it has been there ever since I was born. I remember that we usually go there and play when we were young. We used to play with others and gain new friends. I still have feelings of being happy whenever I go to the park.

The park is a wonderful place to be. First, it has a lot of sand that keeps your feet warm and allows you to build sandcastles. It has lots of slides ands swings. Beside it lies a small house where people could celebrate parties day or night. There are a lot of things you can do at the park.

Even though we don't usually go to the park anymore, I still remember the time I spent to keep myself busy and meet friends and even if they grow older, the park will still remain. I would always remember that one of the best places I’ve been is the park.

Trees and Leaves
by Oreo

Our creative writing class went to the park last Friday. Going there, we observed some things. We saw, heard, feel, smelled them. Here are some observations.


First, I saw a huge bridge, it was strong and rough too. I aso saw a big red, slippery slide. Second, I felt the trees and its rough bark and branches. I heared leaves sway softly. It rustled in the wind. I heared birds chirping too. I felt some dry leaves and like the tree, they too are a bit rough. Some leaves are green. Some are brown. There are tiny leaves growing from the trees.

Father and Son

Dad
by The Anything Teen

One Sunday morning my Dad and I went to SM Megamall to buy an electric guitar. After an hour of looking we finally found a shop that had the brand my Dad and I was looking for. My dad asked the guy in the shop if they were selling fender Stratocasters made in the USA. We were in luck that day because they only had one left. As the guy explained why the guitar was so different from other guitars I didn’t really care. I just wanted to bring that guitar home. After a couple of minutes in the store my dad bought it as a gift for me. He wanted me to switch from classical music to rock.

My Dad is a very thoughtful person. Even if I say I don’t want or need something, he still buys it for me. He knows that deep inside I really want it badly. An example of this was his decision to buy the guitar even though I said I didn’t want it. It was very expensive, still he insisted on buying it for me.

When I look at my guitar I see my Dad’s belief and confidence in me to use my talent. My Dad is special because when in times of trouble he is there to help me. When I need him he’s there for me. Last but not the least, he is my Dad who brought me into this world.

Photo courtesy of inphotos.org

Bohol Adventures

Benz and Bohol
by Cockroach Kid

Last March 28, 2008 our family had a trip to Bohol and Cebu. In Cebu, I had a picture taken with my brother beside the car of the first Bishop of Cebu. At that time, I was surprised because the car was still fixed. It looked brand new. After that, we went to Bohol in a cruise. I was excited about the surprises that awaited us at the time we arrived in Bohol. After a while, we slept in a resort and spent time to rest.


The following day, we went to a tour and I was given a chance to touch the largest python in Bohol. I tried to stay calm that moment because, even though the snake was resting, it may still be dangerous. Lastly, we arrived back in Manila on March 31, 2008.I felt that the trip was short but I was happy because we arrived back in Manila safely.

A Bell in Bohol
by Oreo

My family and I went to Cebu and Bohol. We had so much fun because we saw many things. We spent time with nature that God has made. First, we rode a plane bound for Cebu. I had a mint candy from my mom because the plane was going up the sky. It hurt a bit in my ears when the plane reached high altitude. Then, we ate sandwiches for snacks. After an hour, I had a mint candy again because the plane was landing and it hurt in my ears too. Minutes passed, we landed safely.

Secondly, we went to a place where there’s a statue and our tour guide took a picture of us there. We pretended that we were included in the blood compact. Then, we went to Chocolate Hills. We went to the top of a hill and we made approximately 214 steps. After a while, when we reached the top, we were so tired that we were already sweating because it’s also hot. Then my picture was taken with the bell by my mom. My parents and siblings posed near the Chocolate Hills too.

Photos courtesy of http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Philippines/Central_Visayas/Cebu/ and http://www.bohol.ph/gallery.php

Trips In The Summer

Trips and Vacations
by Wonder Boy, 13 yrs. old


My family goes to different countries and places every year. We’ve been to Baguio, Boracay, Thailand and Taiwan. I think that our family vacations are fun because we always go to different places. Although, I usually get tired because we do so much stuff, I had good experiences in all our trips.


When we went to Baguio, we did things that most people do. We rode horses, ate good food, enjoyed the cold weather and went to nice places. The next we had was a trip to Boracay. In Boracay, we swam, ate good food, played with sand, rode the banana boat and rode the Jet Ski.
After a few years, we went to Thailand and suffered of the heat. Good thing the food was good. When we were there we joined a tour that brought us to ride elephants. We also went to a theme park but it rained so we didn’t do much. Lastly we went to Taiwan, where we toured around the country. We went to Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world today. All these trips are really unforgettable.

I had a good experience in all our trips. In my next trip I hope to have a better experience in the US. I will go to San Francisco to attend my cousin’s graduation. Then we will go to Los Angeles to go to Disneyland. Lastly we will go to Las Vegas to watch shows and hopefully to get into a casino. I really look forward to our next trip to the US.

Photos courtesy of photos.igougo.com and travel.aolcdn.com

Hong Kong Memories
by The Anything Teen, 14 yrs.old

Ever since I was a small boy my parents have brought us to see the world. We would usually travel every year to different countries or places in the Philippines. For ten years we have been going to Hong Kong. On these trips of ours, only five of us would go- my parents, my brother and I and, off course, my Yaya Santa.


But during the year 2005, my uncle planned a family trip to Hong Kong. After two months of planning, we finally left. When we got there I could already feel the difference. I felt bigger, stronger and livelier than ever before. Maybe I felt that way because I was with my whole family.

The trip lasted for a week and within that week our schedule was filled with things to do, people to meet and family dinners every night. But even with the very hectic schedule we allotted one whole day for our trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. This was top priority for us and we really looked forward to seeing Disneyland. So after a good night's rest we headed to the train station to catch our ride going to Disneyland. The trip took two hours but, we didn’t complain.


When we finally arrived, there was this smiling whale on the fountain squirting water and creating a mist that greeted us. This mist refreshed us from the long trip but there was one problem. We went there during winter and in Hong Kong during winter, the temperature could reach ten degrees. Instead of being refreshed we were all shivering. But no worries, the promise of a fun filled day made us warm again. As we entered the Magic Kingdom we were greeted by different Disney characters. This was much appreciated by my younger cousins. As we rode all the rides the amusement park has to offer, we finally ended our tiring yet fun day in Disneyland. Again we took a train back to the city. The train was packed with very tired people who wanted to go home and rest. When we got to the hotel we washed up and rested for awhile. Then, we had dinner. That was the end of a fun filled day at Disneyland.


The following day was allotted for shopping. While the girls were enjoying the boys were just eating in any place they could find. Later that evening my cousins and the whole family gathered in the room of my uncle and met with our great grandmother who was 103 years old. So we chatted, took pictures and finally we had dinner. This dinner was not your average kind of dinner. It was a huge dinner with over ten main courses and four courses of desert. Amidst the very festive mood, however, it would be the last time my cousins and I would be seeing our great grandmother. She died at the age of 105 last year.

This trip to Hong Kong was fun and very meaningful at the same time. We had a great time together. I think behind the laughter and smiles the bonds between us will never be broken. This is the reason why Hong Kong has a special place in my heart. This coming May we will have another family trip. For now I am already reserving this incoming trip of ours a special place in my heart because, I know where there’s family the memories are unbreakable and everlasting.

Photos courtesy of english.peopledaily.com.cn and www.destination360.com

More Roles & Routines

The Rules of Roles
by The Anything Teen, 14 yrs. old


In any school you attend you are given a role to play. It is like being given a part to portray in a theatre presentation. Like in school, you need to be a good student in order to play your role properly. But what is a god student?

A good student is someone who submits requirements on time, participates in class discussions and someone who is a good friend to his classmates. But your role in school is limited only in school. You must look at a bigger thing, like family.

In school when you make mistakes or when you fail to submit your requirements you get a deduction of points in your final grade. In this case its not that hard to make up for the things you missed out on. But, in the family when you make a mistake on your assigned task, your trustworthiness is affected. Your role in the family is not limited to this. You need to be a good son and a good grandson towards your parent and grandparents. But you also have a role to play for yourself. You can do this by doing things that you like to do.

In my case I like playing guitar during my free time. During weekends I play sports such as basketball, badminton and sometimes golf.

As you can see I am not that amazing or remarkable. I am a student trying to become a better person everyday. I am a son trying to love my parents more and more. I am a person living out my roles in life.

An Ordinary Boy With Roles
by Wonder Boy, 13 yrs. old

Last school year, I was in grade 7. As a grade 7 student I did my assignments, projects and studied for my exams. I was part of the Eucharistic Crusaders Club. In class, I was the guy who talked a lot. Sometimes I could be lazy. In general, I was a student who did well in school. I didn't fail. I, however, studied and did my homework.

As an ordinary boy, I always play video games and use the computer. As a younger brother I always annoy my brother because he chases me all the time. Then punches me (which is fun, actually). During the weekends I visit my grandparents. For sports I play basketball every Saturday and Sunday. I also like eating because we always have good food.

I am like any other kid who annoys his brother and plays video games. If you put everything together I am just an ordinary boy with roles to do.

Photos are courtesy of danherron.wordpress.com, blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com and arnaldolicea.blogspot.com

On Roles & Routines

The first two meetings with my students were spent reading and writing about roles. Here are some samplings of their finished essays.

My Roles in Life
by Oreo, 11 yrs. old

I am a student of Immaculate Conception Academy. As a responsible student, I should do the tasks of recording tardy students and absentees. As an incoming grade 6 student, I should know more about my classmates and be happy with them.

On weekends, I play Wii to exercise and have a strong body. I also play Internet games to refresh my mind and to have a fun day. At home, I help my family do their chores and chat with my classmates to be joyful.

As an eleven year-old girl doing these roles, I should respect my elders. I should be responsible in everything I do. I should be friendly in order to gain more friends. I will play with my classmates so that I would be contented with my life.

My Roles and I
by Cockroach Kid, 14 yrs. old

I as a student, have roles in and outside of school. Some of these are being quiet and listening in class. I try to help my teachers and classmates in their work. Lastly, I study hard. I want to be industrious and to be more responsible in my school works.

Outside school, I have roles to do with my family and friends. I respect people around me especially my elders. In my family, I help them in their work and do the role of a second child in the family. Some of the roles I do to keep my self healthy is having enough rest, enough exercise and have three meals a day.

With all the roles that I play in my life, I always remember to be responsible. Most importantly, I am true to myself and my roles as a student and as a teenager.

For their first writing exercise, they were asked to write short essays following a three-paragraph structure. Thus the brevity of their first compositions.

My Roles
by Purple Dreamer, 11 yrs. old

I’m an incoming grade six student in ICA. I was the president of my class in grade 5. I was a member of the Intermediate Math Society. After school, I go to study in my tutor’s house and do my homework and study.


On weekends, I sometimes visit my grandparents and eat out with them. I usually go to my friend’s house and have fun. When there’s no where to go to I just relax and call my friends.

During school days I’m busier but I find time to play and enjoy. I am more relaxed during weekends because I don’t have to wake up very early. I also have more time to bond with my family. But whether I’m at school or at home I’m happy and I can have fun.

Feathers In The Wind

Just what exactly is this blog all about?

First of all, it is not about the Korean movie released in 2004. I am in no way crazy about Korean films and telenovellas. Nor is this blog about angels, birds, chickens, airplanes, the weather, pillows and and anything you can associate with feathers and wind. This blog is for my students this summer who are taking reading and writing classes with me.

I will be posting their works and written exercises soon. Some are still too shy that they prefer to hide under a nome-de-plume. Others are hindered by their parents to go all the way in cyberspace. That I can understand since I am a parent myself. In this case, I will be moderating the postings in due respect to their feelings as well as to their parents' anxieties.

So why Feathers In The Wind?

The phrase just came over me last April Fool's Day as I was waiting at the MRT, EDSA CENTRAL Station. The blue sky was bedecked with wisps of white clouds that I was reminded of feathers. All of a sudden, the feather in the wind from the movie, Forest Gump materialized (play soundtrack music please)! An "aha" moment. At that time I did not think of its meaning. I only felt a lightness of being I hope will never end.

This morning, as my students were turning in their compositions one after another, I finally asked myself what feathers in the wind means. An idiom? If it is, for what? My curiosity led me to Google. Google led me here.

What a fitting story, eh? Serendipity is at work.

Now here's my favorite line from the website of John Mark Ministries (the website where the story, Feathers in the Wind, was taken from) -

...words can build a person’s self-esteem, help him or her to grow and give them the impetus they need to do great, significant things with their lives.

May we all, my students and I, be empowered with the use of words to do things - no matter how small - that are significantly done with great passion and love.