Poetry Planet International magazine by Poetry Planet Magazine

ISSN: 2799-0540

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WHAT’S INSIDE

STORIES OF FRIENDSHIP And many more

We Aspire, We Inspire: The Song Of Those Who Connects The Chain Of Goodwill

The Administration Team Marites C. Ritumalta Chief Administrator Gigi Balita Tanushi Singh Antara Bose Jeffrey Cejero Vicki Hangren Hauler Moderators/Conductors Elmer Buduan Gamulo Odum Kingsford Maria Dulce Leitao Reis Marvin Omosemen Pamela Tennant Evaluators Marie Ezekiel Ruth Alfar Editors Vee Barnes Marites Ritumalta Ailenemae Ramos Tanushi Singh Columnists

TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURED ARTIST----------------------------3 Wilmer Joel S. Decano Florintina A. Manikad Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr. FEATURED STORIES--------------------------5 Marivic C. Miranda Edmon Libres STORY OF FRIENDSHIP----------------------7 Afrose Saad Okoi Amadiowei Jacob Maid Corbic Ritu kamra kumar Sudha Dixit Madhuri Kulkarni Kerchia Festus Terlumun Janet Rose Licudo

The Poetry Planet International Magazine April EXCLUSIVE-------------------------------- ----15 2022 edition focus on the story of friendship in educators and also of writers around the Florentina A. Manikad Ricky Montano globe… THE FOUNDER

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A PIECE OF MEMORY by Marites Ritumalta-----------------------17 MIGRANTS VOICES by Ailenemae Ramos-----------------------18 INDIAN PERSPECTIVE by Tanushi Singh----------------------------19 POETRY CORNER---------------------------------21 Christine Aurelio Vee Barnes Davi Ramphal Rampersad Daniel Miltz Jaya Karmalkar Gina G.Maristela Sujata Dash Loreta C. Bande Swati Das

CONTRIBUTORS’ HUB-------------------------31

April 2022

WE ASPIRE, WE INSPIRE: THE SONG OF THOSE WHO CONNECTS THE CHAIN OF GOODWILL Florentina A. Manikad, Wilmer Joel S. Decano and Zaldy Carreon De Leon Jr.

In so long a time, while the world is too young to produce people who are worthy of the divine, there has been those who walked the earth with courage that though under mortality, the heaven’s gate will open for them. These are the people who are, like the shining rays that cover Adam and Eve, are able to walk the earth, thus once; but fair enough, worthy of the days they began to sing the songs of humanity. Those are our inspiration and aspiration. People who are able to shine through the darkness and cover the sky with their presence of illumined joy and brightness that reserve a smile in everyone’s heart and mind. They are the people whose are created with the gifts of God in various manners and ways. They inhale positivity and exhale the outburst of keeping that solemn connection with others. Until hundreds, and thousands are able to shine with them. These people are geniuses at the first rank. Crafted in excellence of intellect and morality. As is said, genius is a turret that stands on its iron: when they stand, they are like eagles expected to soar high and the eyes of those from the plain and other places looked up with amazement and ghast. Some laid their wings before the calming breeze of the hills, others were on the raft of silence among the cooling shades, but others roamed their feathers above the clouds of windstorm. The latter are the turret among the tower. But who are they in the first place? Ah, they are the people who are able to exceed society’s expectation, and at some point, who envisioned a better and more astounding society – yet, without saying, almost like an open-secret, they are also called gifted and others eccentric. Gifted men and women who are called in our circle as Ybarras. The exhibition of positivity, human excellence, scholarship, and wisdom are some of the characteristics of them. Positively, they look forward to with a bigger, brighter, and most commonly yet peculiar, out of the world yet pertinent perspective which is indeed, outside the box, but most often, unique.

Although their ways are indistinctive and different to others, their random works are as beautiful as their own personalities. According to an article in the Atlantic, the bona fide genius solves problems whole with spontaneous outbursts of inspiration, rather than working them through step by step, or equation by equation. Indeed, they try to solve the problems of the world. Searching for the truth about life, love, the society, the land, the world, the cosmos, the metaphysics, and other phenomena! While most people do not wanted to change: for, they are benefiting from ts stagnance, these people are not the same. They sacrificed themselves for those particular truth they are made to witness. It is just natural for them to think because they carry the burdens of the world, and not just themselves; they held the most elusive questions with their soul, and never stop until they find solutions; and they are nearest in the crisis than anyone else – while they discover and invent and write indomitably, it is an intellectual satisfaction that their hearts held with great joy; and yet the sacrifice of their own is a pain in the ass of others especially those who are close to them. In their youthful days, they felt as if they were toys played and overused by the schools for having been intelligent. All the praises were spoken, all the achievements were posted in their gates. But, on the consequence of losing, is it not impossible for a highly-intelligent person to set low and bring nothing from a competition? Obviously, someone is better than the former. However, this is exactly the problem in some schools – teachers expect a lot to a student. But these students of the world are trapped in the shallow lake of knowledge; and they wanted to dig deeper to see whether the lake can be a river, and the river can be a sea, and the sea can be an ocean.

April 2022 Rarely though, genius individuals exist and they are known at their institutions in promoting the selfsame glory that has been laid on his or her name among various competitions in the division, regional, and the arduous national level – more so, to the delight and joy of the institution they represent. What is better than adding a fact to the great body of knowledge? The world is proud of them, they are the delight of their parent, and their community elicited an uncommon valor over prestige of his or her existence. However, at some point, it is not always joys and delights, save the prestige and the fame, when a genius fails to exceed their teachers’ expectation, it is more than a problem – it is an embarrassment that dignity seems to be slashed off in their name. What will be our genius’ initial reaction – nothing but they doubted themselves. Then they lose hope. They burnt out. However tired, they still open their hands into the majority of people to see whether there is hope. And these people are able to connect their minds and heart with them. According to an article, many people think that because gifted kids are smart, they won't have any problems. They think they "have it made." However, gifted children can have plenty of problems from perfectionism to underachievement. Not all gifted children excel in school. The reasons vary, but a common cause is the lack of intellectual stimulation. Look at Stephanie Tolan's "Is It a Cheetah?" to understand how a child can be gifted yet not be recognized in school. Plenty of famous gifted people were not recognized as gifted in their youth. Look at the list of famous people whose giftedness was missed. Here are some: First, perfectionism can lead to fear of failure, in turn causing a gifted child to avoid failure by refusing to even try something. Teachers must be particular with this kind of situation where they ‘forced’ others to give their best, and expect a lot from them. This is rather abusive to the students – for, when they are not able to reach their teacher’s goal, they become less motivated and the impact in the future could be negative. The teacher may not feel it yet but little by little, the effect of expectation is worst to the point of depression. Is there any justice when the teacher expects a lot, and the student (who is seen as a genius), fail?

Should the teacher compromise the school’s reputation and glory for the student’s horrid feeling of being pushed and pulled? Should the student, in the first place, feel the heavier gravity of expectation? “I answer that” – the line Saint Thomas Aquinas is fond of in the Summa Theologica. Thus, genius is rare and when a school found one, it is like an explosion of joy – like a person who discovered a lump of gold in his backyard! But the question is, Is genius enough to win a competition? Nay. While genius individual knows a lot of things, even knows higher perspective than what books teach, the teachers forget one thing – one basic thing, indeed – a genius is also human – there will be someone better. Obviously, their ability to win has a higher probability than an average student. But push everyone from the below average student even to superior intelligence, come to think what happens next? Will that be a positive motivation? Instead of expecting, why not deliver confidence to the students? Instead of assuming, why not brainstorm on the possible questions? And instead of pushing or pulling things-that-should-be, why not usher these people on things that might be not for the good of the society or institutions they belong to? The future is better with these extraordinary people of the world. Open discussion and not spoon-feeding.

to be continued in page 19

BUILDING A FRIENDLY COMMUNITY: ANOTHER FACE OF FRIENDSHIP

April 2022

Marivic C. Miranda Teacher III/Science Coordinator Antonio Luna High School Building rapport to the persons you are dealing with and make friends of them is a good start of motivating yourself in becoming productive. During the implementation of Brigada Eskwela 2021, I experienced firsthand the other side of friendship, which is building a friendly community with a common goal. As the DepEd Memorandum No. 048, s.2021 on paragraph no. 7 stated that the Brigada Eskwela activities shall focus on preparations and highlight partnership initiatives that complement the BE-LCP among other efforts. This can make sure that quality basic education will continue despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 situation. Therefore, the aim of this yearly program laid on thereon. Presence of positive outlook and being a charismatic leader with a heart of employee are much-needed for being a Brigada Eskwela Coordinator. The program has opened the door of reaching and building dynamic and supportive linkages that helped the school a better place for education system. Meeting of different faces and personalities tested my behavior. I opted to choose being a friendly one in spite of inconveniences that I had experienced. Out of it I and the rest of our team were able to establish a good rapport with the stakeholders. However, there were also few instances that we have encountered which were opposite to the goal. These cannot be avoided. But at the end of the program the satisfaction of everyone in fulfilling the goal prevailed. Trusting your team played a significant role of creating a good-friendly atmosphere. Also, leading the team to unite for a common goal is equally vital. Division of labor or task was basically seen in relation towards the accomplishment of the program. People who exhibit good camaraderie promotes a healthy and enjoyable task to perform. Studying the capabilities and skills of the team is necessary in setting the committee of the said program. Each one can work easily when they knew one another. Less adjustment happened in every group. More so, continuous communication among members with the initiative of every chairman in each committee is very useful in taking actions of reaching the main goal.

Acquiring and establishing the partnership of the school is the main challenge in this yearly program of DepEd named as Brigada Eskwela. We are grateful that the Senior Education Program Specialist, Ms. Ruth B. Salom together with the help of Mr. Paulus T. Manalo of Schools Division of Caloocan City patiently guided all the Brigada Eskwela Coordinators of each school in Caloocan City. Their kind words of encouragement and being approachable armed us to continue the extra challenging task. The provision of orientation and webinar led by them greatly assisted us for the conduct of program with the approval of our Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Nerissa L . Losaria, CESO VI. The support also of our principal, Dr. Wilhelmina D. Tarnate fueled us to move forward. Another friendly community was built. Indeed, this program of Department of Education promotes the face of building a friendly community that caters another face of friendship.

April 2022

FRIENDSHIP IS TRULY GIFT OF LIFE Edmon Libres “The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” -Hubert H. Humphrey Friends indeed are the greatest gift of life. My friends are only few; selected and minimal. I considered them as true and real friends. I am an introvert person, timid and shy type. An attitude that I did not alleviate since childhood until now that I am already matured enough. One of my closest friends who happened to be my neighbourhood now is opposite of mine. He is not shy to show who he is; he likes to sing and dance even in the presence of many people, he acts accordingly what he wanted to do but with caution. His mother usually died when he was at age five and he lived with his stepmother who happened to be a cruel-kind of stepmother. He was the youngest child among his siblings. When he was a child he knew how to live with his own, because his father was so busy working and his older brothers and sisters did not mind him. For him to be able to survive he knew how to grab and steal food from the market in order to save his stomach from hunger. As I observed and concluded to my closest friend is that being an extrovert kind of person is based from his childhood experienced. Being an introvert kind of person as timid and shy type this is also based on my childhood experienced that I was not exposed to socialization. I remember during my high school days in a JS Prom I was not able to dance with my classmates and I prepared to sit rather than to dance and enjoy the moment. Now that I am already matured enough still being shy and timid still on my shadow that never leaves me. This close friend of mine happened to be the friend of my younger neighbour friend in my hometown. He was only a stranger in our place who seeks job to support his daily needs. This is where we knew with each other, but during that time I was also busy in my schooling in college. After my college I decided to move here in Metro Manila. I have no relatives in this place, but only my younger neighbour friend who persuaded me to go to here. This is where I lived and stayed for several months. I experienced lots of difficult situation just to survive, because living in a place where no relative at all is very challenging.

My closest friend, Eulalio, is ten years older than me. He was not a professional or a degree holder. In fact he even didn’t finish his elementary. But I salute him because he was moulded by time and experiences in life. He became a community group leader and organizer in one of the areas here in Metro Manila. One of which he flattered was being part of EDSA 1 revolution that caused late President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ fall down and exile to Hawaii. This closest friend of mine was fond of debating and arguing, especially topics that pertain current events or any topic that is debatable. Now that he belongs to sexagenarian age he lives in an ordinary life. Being a person with no pension (because his Social Security System or SSS monthly amortization did not meet the minimum requirement to avail the pension), his means of livelihood or bread and butter is a sari-sari store (Filipino term for small store with variety of goods). Before he reached at age sixty we experienced thrice travelling using motorcycle in our hometown. We travelled almost 2,000 kilometres back and forth from North Caloocan City to Region 8. My closest friend, Eulalio, loves our Mother Nature. He likes breathing fresh air, walking with bare footed, swimming, nature trekking, watching beautiful scenery and others. We have the same likes and I also really love our nature; experiencing the most of it at least once a year helps revive our lost energies. Aside from Eulalio as one of my closest friends, I also have my closest friend in my workplace and her name is Vhec short for Marivic. Truly I believe that friends are the greatest gift of life that we need to cherish.

April 2022

STORIES OF FRIENDSHIP MAGICAL KNOT OF FRIENDSHIP! Afrose Saad Life is going on as a car, playing by it's rider. It is not easy to move on enthusiastically. So many dangers are swinging all times. Mind is gradually losing it's rhythms. Heart beats are abruptly occupied within all majestic verses. Life is losing it's lively hub. Then a hand of a trusted friend is acted as a magician to get up, to cheer up that innocent mind. That's the magical knot of friendship--- the magic of a friend! The lane of life is going on within the pathway of friendship. There are so many friends but all are not welcome by heart. Most of them referred as fake friends. We need true friends in life. They are ready to sacrifice their Iives. They are best friends. Life is blissful by holding, hand of the true friendship pool. Who can see? Who can know? True Friendship is the best relationship without any fear, without any trace, without shedding any tear. Titu is a tea-maker . He is about 14 years old. At the street, he is selling tea. “Dear brother, can you please take a cup of tea? Dear sir, ma’am--- will you? “ Such a tune and it's continued at each day of life. One day, at the park- he is making tea and suddenly he can hear one voice--- hello! He is quite surprised, hearing such tune. A smiley faced boy is there. “Will you come with me for a while?“ Titu says- yes! They are going towards a car. There are also some little children. All are enjoying the place. “Hey dear all! Look at here! He is Titu, such a wonderful guy and I love to hear his song when he sings heartedly at the tea time.” Titu was shocked. “What are you saying? It's not like that. I'm a poor guy and selling tea is my job to earn money. I sing when I'm so happy. When there's a lot of customers for taking my tea, I'm pleased to make and sell tea at that time.” “Yes dear Titu! I have told that all of them. I noticed you a few days ago. You are also like us. But we can't sing heartedly with a tiny thing. We need so many things to feel so happy.“

“What a rubbish thought! I love your way of thinking. Just the selling of tea makes you so happy. What a magic! I like you dear. Will you be my friend? They are also my friends. Today I introduce you with my other friends. But you're special one, and I love you from my heart.” Titu can't hold his tears. He is crying. He says that he has no friend. He also wants to play with his friend. “But all are come with a selfish reason. So, I have nobody. I'm so happy. Wow! Thank you Titu. I'm Raj. From today , we're friends.” After that day, a new chapter of life is opening in Titu's life. At the evening, he is waiting under the tree for someone, of course it's Raj. When they meet each other, they forget the surrounding. They talk like dearest siblings. It's an amazing slot on earth. Friendship--- a knot which is made by faith, love, trusted ward, respect, mutual understanding. Gradually time moves on. They are also turned from little to younger ones. Now Titu has a tea stall and Raj also helps him every way. He buys a guitar for him to play with his magical tune. Raj tells...may be we can't hold this time at this platform, but believe me you're always in my heart. This is the knot of true friendship. It binds us in the core of divinely ward.

April 2022

A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP Okoi Amadiowei Jacob Friendship is like a ripe fruit which is freely found when one has been in famine for thirty thousand years in a desert. Humans are living creatures with culture of companionship thereby establishing forms of association with fellow humans in society. It is one of the social habits of humans that makes them to be committed in caring for someone who shares fair feelings with a person being aligned to in friendship. A friend is like a relation in rendering relevant services to one's attached person. Friendship is an extended form of relationship that is equal to blood relationship in expression of love and respect to its membership. Interestingly, about seventy five percent of feelings being expressed by friends towards one another are inclined to love and care for the benefit of the affiliating partners. Friends usually proposes concerns for one another even in each other's absence. There is abundance of love and respect in their minds towards one another. My friendship with Macaulay Ebomo came into reality from unimaginable dimension. We had never met before though were students of the same department but not knowing each other until that fateful day which happened to be our first meeting point. After coming out from a stressful lecture under the tutelage of the most lethal lecturer in English Department, students were in dispersed groups, discussing the corrosive conduct of the lecturer, with serrated seminar topics assigned to each of the groups to be presented in three days' time. As students who were familiar with me, pressurizing me to be in charge of our group for the presentation, I heard a young man who was speaking in my native Language in such a strange land. I remained calm but was attentive to him with utmost interest. He later walked unto to me, and spoke to me about the seminar. I clarified that working on the topic was not a problem but willingness of the students to pay money for the group to obtain materials to effect required standard for the seminar was my concern. I declared that if students were willing to contribute money, I shall sacrifice in representing our group for the seminar. Ebomo was delighted in hearing that hence promised to coordinate members of the group. We introduced ourselves to each other in details.

It was at then I came to understand that Ebomo is a younger sibling to the most famous traditional wrestler in Ijaw society who is by name Macaulay Appah of Ikibiri. Appah's name is a household term to all Ijaws hence I was greatly excited to be a friend of the younger brother of an Ijaw wrestling hero. Since then, we became intimate companions in working together as helpmates to each other at the university. We spent quality time for leisure on weekends, having parties and visitations. We also have schedules in visiting our respective villages thereby getting engaged in some rural responsibilities such as snail hunting, angling, bailing of ponds, harvesting of local food crops, as well as practising skills in wrestling and in swimming. We had series of funs by making use of native terms and riddles. Our spending time in the villages was unique and exciting as we were exposed to hidden varieties in our prestigious Ijaw language and culture. We were happy in visiting each other's villages during holidays, especially in festive seasons. There is absolute expression of love and respect for each other in our newly established affinity as friends. We love, cherish and respect each other in all our dealings throughout our schooling days at the university, even unto this day. Ebomo is the most welcomed Guest in my home as he is being perceived as my twin brother while his wife and children also cherished me more than any other person in their home. To them, I am the beloved brother of Ebomo whom they will look up to at any time. Our friendship is getting stronger and stronger as the day passes by. Okoi and Ebomo are now like God and Abraham in funding of freely flowing friendship. We are therefore compatible companions in friendship.

April 2022

PRIJATELJSTVA TRAJU ZAUVIJEK U MOOM ZIVOTU (Bosnian Language) Maid Corbic Moja najbolja prijateljica je bila sa ugla moje ulice. Nikada se nisam smatrao čudakom koji je polarizovan sa druge strane ekrana, ali sam mislio da mi svaka dan donosi sudbinu još više ako sebi kažem da će sve biti u redu i da bez obzira na sve prelijepe osobe oko sebe, uvijek sam imao kome ispričati svoj dan. Imao sam tada samo deset godina, kada je prijateljstvo tog oblika bilo malo više, ali nismo htjeli da nastavimo da pričamo jedno drugom da smo srećni u toj tišini ludila. Prijateljstva su vječna kada su prijateljstva stvorena na duge staze i sreća je veća da sve stvari jednog dana postaju jako vrijedne na duge staze. Smisao života za mene je da sve uspomene guram naprijed i da se nikoga i ničega ne stidim, jer činjenica je da sam se trudio da očuvam prijateljstvo u svakom obliku. Iako je za mene sve to bila jedna notorna laž, nisam želio da to neko drugi shvati olako i da me možda proglasi ludakom. Znao sam da imam samo jedan život koji moram da iskoristim i da bez obzira na neke stvari koje su me danas stvorile, ta osoba je otišla daleko od mene, i dalje opet sam negde duboko u sebi osjetio da zaslužujem nešto sasvim novo i bolje. To me tjera nekako da idem naprijed i da bez obzira šta radim, stvarati moram novi život i sudbine koje sam sebi odredio. Bez obzira na neke loše uspomene, uvijek uspijevao sam da nastavim da se guram do maksimuma i da krenem nekim novim putevima na kojima sam polako ali sigurno radio. Nisam se plašio te čudne sudbine jer ponekada zna biti veoma surova, ali znao sam da me negdje daleko ona čeka i dovodi možda u nove događaje i dešavanja, da shvatim da se dešavaju neke bolje stvari tamo daleko.Jer ja samo sanjam i želim da budem sa mojom prijateljicom do kraja života jer sudbina je takva kakva jeste i bez obzira na naše ciljeve mi moramo da idemo naprijed. Živim svaki dan kao da je posljednji i da će potrajati sve što budem sanjao jer iako se osjećam usamljeno da se sakrijem pod svojim vedrim nebom i da niko me više ne pronađe. Najgore su one koje nestaju sasvim slučajno i koje bez obzira na sve mora se nastavi sa osmijehom nekim

lažnim, jer ipak stara prijateljstva su ponekada možda zabranjena kao i ljubavi da ruše sve uspomene, ali nikad neodrživo i nedostižno ako o tome ne sanjamo dovoljno, zar ne? I ne moram da znam za te loše crne dane jer idem napred, da opet bez obzira na sve jednog dana posjetim svoju drugaricu ponekad u novo vrijeme i ono vrijeme kada niko drugi nije hteo, a najviše da joj zahvalim za sve dane i vremena koja su bila pred nama, sa svom nadom koje želio sam da sagradim samo sa njom, ali i trudio se da budem uz nju kada je to potrebno. Ljubav iako tada blikedi još više, ali prijateljstva ipak izuzetno trajna do kraja života. Takva prijateljstva traju zauvek, zaista, uvek i beskrajno. Nije bitno šta ljudi pričaju danas i sutra, znam da se ta osoba oduvijek mijenjala i da sam jako sredan bez obzira na sve što mi je i dalje najbolji i najvedi prijatelj, iako je zadovoljna ona sa nekim drugim, jer mislim da svako od nas vodi se u neke nove krajeve i nizije sa vremenom, konačno shvativši da je ljubav jako zlobna i nekada koštala svega, i da moram biti jak da svoje emocije uzdržim ka sebi. Jer sudbina je svakako ono što nas gradi ali i da djetinjstva nekada su loš, ali ja se moram i dalje boriti sa sobom i prestati padati na tlo jer sam spreman da stalno gradim ljubav od kraja života sa osobom koja de da iskreno me voli onakav kakav jesam. A ona je i dalje tu uz mene, iako više ništa isto nije.

April 2022

SWEET IS THE MEMORY OF A DISTANT FRIEND Ritu kamra kumar “Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow-rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart” (Washington Irving). Two of us sat in the front seats of the roadways bus, coming back after completing Refresher Course, mandatory for our elevation as Associate Professors. Our feet on the seats, with footwear slipped to the last seat of the bus. We ate bhel, a roadside savory, popular in our region, and had jaljeera, a spicy tamarind drink, from a roadside vendor , giggling and laughing at the loss of our footwear. Time had slowed down but at the same time it was flying away too fast. I felt ‘Life Stands Still’ without a worldly care, finding humour in stuffy sweltering summer. And so we laughed heartily and our guffaw must have been louder as people looked at us with raised eyebrows and gave weird glances but we never bothered. Making memories we reached home recounting joyfully funny anecdotes to everyone, even to our most severe critics, our spouses! That joie de vivre with friends was quintessential. Years have passed but those magical memories still make me laugh. For those few days we had actually re lived hostel life, letting go off many balancing roles we play in our careers and home . Gradually, we best friends drifted apart, our perceptions towards life changed. Now I feel that equation missing, our interests and passions diverged, she took a different road, the thought of seeing each other no longer delights. We never questioned each other's integrity because they stood firm like a rock but our perspectives changed. At times I regret why our diverse opinions happened. We call each other now when we have some professional compulsions and maintain feigned smiles. The warmth is gone. We have parted ways. I recall the words of John Gay, “Excuse me then! You know my heart, but dearest friend, alas! I must part.” According to an old saying, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed’. An updated version, I believe, would be, ‘My buddy online, is the only pal of mine. Of course I met some very genuine and generous friends online but I love handshakes and hugs.

I am that emotional sucker who keeps on looking for friends lost in childhood. Sadly very few of them remain relevant or as close as they once did.In the whirlpool of sea of life they have their ships anchored at chosen harbours . One with whom I have memories galore has become a colleague only with whom I have nothing to share. Some say time changes, best friends can become strangers. True, you outgrow friends or friends change and drift away. You make an effort to hold on to them, but in spite of all your efforts, things don’t work out. Friendship starts fading. Structures and standards of friendship change, there are excuses not to move together as often as earlier, you cross paths giving a fake smile and restrict your conversation to monosyllable, there are no intimate conversations and unbridled laughter. "I forgot to bring your papers” becomes a regular routine, it means, time to move on. Her spiritual spaces or worldly entanglements don’t converge with your recipe of happiness, reassess and redefine your bond instead of bringing friendship under the weight of burden. If this happens in life don’t keep any guilt, it’s a mutual loss! Understand friendship is a sweet responsibility never an opportunity. Realize that unless friendship is a means of mutual growth and with both sides giving and absorbing gracefully, the relationship will wither away or put forth bitter fruit of hurt and painful embarrassment. Better keep good memories intact and move on. Be optimistic believing that the key is to keep feeling in the heart and when the time is right you can pick the friendship right where you left off! Till then on solitude you ride, that also adds spice to life!

April 2022

SPOILED BY A LIE Sudha Dixit This is the story of Meera and Arun. Meera and her three other friends, Sadhna Saran, Zahida and Sangeeta, had found a place in the last corner of the library, rather grabbed it. Before anyone could occupy it one of them would sit there and reserve other chairs for her friends. Some of the boys from their class were intrigued by this. Gossiping in library! Not possible. They were curious as to what the girls were up to. Best course was the direct approach. They asked the girls and were told that was their place of combined study; the group that the girls have created for academic discussion. Of course, the Q and A pertained to their class room assignments and exam-oriented subjects. Nothing profound. But it was necessary for it helped. There was no disturbance and easy availability of books for reference in the library. Boys requested to be allowed to join. No problem as long as they behaved. So, they joined it. Funnily they called it, “Meera’s University”, because it was Meera who used to talk and explained things, most of the time. The time they spent together and the proximity, along with the admiration they felt for each other, brought them close together. Sadhana and Sangeeta were chirpy. Zahida was sombre. Arun and Jay Malhotra were typical- “Boys will be boys “type. Meera was both, fun- loving and serious. Fun was a necessary part of life but while learning or teaching she was dead serious. She, often, put the boys in their place by, simply, looking daggers at them. She asked them to get out if they couldn’t behave. Study time was serious time. At coffee break, in milk bar, they were a happy teenagers-gang. This dual personality of Meera fascinated all of them. The girls used to invite her to their homes. By the way, only Meera was the hostler. Others were day scholars. They used to bring home-made food, especially for Meera. Both Jay and Arun liked Meera. Jay was already married. Arun tried to be more intimate with Meera. Meera liked him as a friend only. Being a simple yet open-minded girl didn’t mind going out with him. When Arun expressed his feelings for her, she told him that she had no such inclination. She was concentrating on her career and said that her marriage would be her father’s decision.

Arun accepted it gracefully and continued to be her friend. Arun, often invited her for coffee. While waiting for coffee he would get and go to make a phone call. They talked about books, fiction and of other genres. This happened a few times. Time flew and it was time to go home. Meera vacated the hostel and shifted to her aunt’s place. Before going home, she wanted to spend a few days with her aunt. All friends kept in touch by visiting at one or other person’s house. Once, Jay invited all of them for dinner. During chitchat they asked about one another’s future plans. Girls wanted to get married and boys were preparing for jobs. Meera, said that she was going to study Law and prepare for IAS (Indian Administrative Service). When Jay asked about her marriage plans, she said that she was not interested. Everyone looked pointedly at Arun. Arun looked uncomfortable but kept quiet. Party broke off. Arun was supposed to drop Meera. On way, he, a little grudgingly, told her that his friends were ridiculing him for thinking of marrying her while she was not interested. Meera retorted, “Exactly! How could you?” Arun felt awkward but insisted that he was humiliated. Meera looked directly into his eyes and asked whether it was her fault. End of discussion. After a few days Arun invited her for coffee. She accepted thinking that would soothe Run’s hurt ego. Again, he went to make a call. This time she was a little conscious and curious too. She overheard him telling someone that he was at coffeehouse with Meera. Suddenly she understood what he was trying to do. She confronted him and he admitted that his ego was hurt and he was trying to save face by insinuating that she was interested in him but didn’t want to admit it. That no girl could reject him. That was that. Meera got up left without a word. Love cannot be forced upon. The ego and the lie destroyed, even, the trace of friendship that they had.

April 2022

CONNECTING SOULS Madhuri Kulkarni It started when we were in 11th grade in 1984. She used to sit in the class always forlorn... Myself a lively character would wonder what was wrong with her... One day.. at lunch break I could see her sobbing.. I went up and asked what the matter was.. she said she was hungry and hadn't eaten since last evening.. oh my god.. I shared my lunch with her.. One Saturday afternoon, I took her home.. I didn't have money to pay for the bus fare.. so we walked for 4 kms and listened to her story.. Her father expired when she was 2 years old.. her mother left her in the care of her uncle-aunt. After retirement they wished she stay with their son and daughter in law.. least did they know that she would be ill-treated.. All work and no food.. made her weak. She wore glasses all the time.. Her cousin brother paid for the college fees and gave her some money for her expenses.. but sister in law would snatch that away.. and make her work.. She was given two meals a day.. Then onwards carrying a lunch box for her became a routine for the next 5 years at college.. We always would be together and many friends thought we were twins...I had started wearing glasses by then... I never was absent from college in all these five years. Lest she might go hungry.. Even the teachers many a times asked whether we were related. When we were in the final year. She stopped coming to college...I visited her place to see a big lock at the door.. Rajashree had left... I didn't know of her whereabouts... When I asked the neighbour, they gave a vague answer...she went back to her uncle-aunty.. they shifted elsewhere... One year later in 1990 I received a wedding invitation. Which of course I couldn't attend...But she kept in touch with me after her wedding.. She attended my wedding and our friendship looked as though it was forever.. We left for a far-off place and in the meantime lost touch... Though I returned back to Bangalore...and searched for her we could never connect... As a last straw. We tried contacting her husband's office...and got her phone number...in 2010. The forthcoming days were springtime for us...we talked over telephone hours together... he attended my son's thread ceremony and I was glad to see the couple wishing my son..

This friendship continued until one afternoon she called and said... I wish to see you.. please come over... With all my family entanglement...I took another 6 months to go and meet her who was just 140kms away.. With excitement I went over to her place...to see her head shaven and she looked feeble... Breast cancer had played havoc with her life... I couldn't cry...but while returning I cursed God ..why did you unite us. I can't see her suffering. Oh God I said... In 2016 a sultry October afternoon she called and told me.. get your Apoorva (my daughter) married at the earliest... My Apoorva (her daughter) is very young.. I laughed when she told so... But now I feel. She wanted to see my girl wedded...as she had no time left.. November 26th she left the world .. I didn't shed any tears...but I promised myself that I wont let her daughter feel her absence... We still continue being in touch. Her husband attended my daughter Apoorva's wedding and blessed her. We continue to carry the friendship in her memory.. We are family as of now...Though she passed away five years ago...her memory is etched in my heart ..her smiles and laughter, her sobs and sadness lingers forever .. This is my story of friendship... We had promised each other that our daughters will carry the same name (Apoorva)..and continue our relationship unto sublimation... A big thanks to her husband Pradeep, son Ankit and daughter Apoorva for being a part of our family..

THE RADIANCE OF FRIENDSHIP Kerchia Festus Terlumun (Kfestex) I heard the matching steps of the ants as due silence was observed. Like biblical MENE MENE TEKEL PARSIN! It sounded strange, it really needed Daniel's interpretation . My body was iced like an overfreezed liquid, my heart was bathed with dews, my hand dazed off the food flask leaving the bollus of food unheld giving smiles to chickens as they crowded up peak-picking and chanting under the mango shade where I sat mutely and wordless like a dumb person. Stop this kind of joke nah! what do you mean? How will you tell me Aershimana is dead? I doubled up on the feet of my tongue in questions, but they all seemed rhetorical as Aondonengen hissed "mptcheeeeeew" and left. This is so serious, " man ngun nahan amua u ior kpa ngu?" This time I could not help it as I stood up uncapped my knee and followed Aondonengen to Kwaghtser's house . My heart stood at attention when I saw it myself, I wowed! Aer lied on the floor as if she could ask in confirmation why we were there but she couldn't, she lied aimlessly in the cold hands of death. I was dumbfounded when I confirmed things by myself, hmmmmmm! she really developed cold feet. Orfega rushed to the nearest police station and report the case as the kindred head directed him while we were hearing some momouring romours and for the fact that we were known indigens of that community, the police came and took some statements and ordered that the corpse be taken to the mortuary which was located at the extreme edge of Tswar-Jaki's community. Meanwhile, they zoomed off angrily, powdering people with dust. The investigation took a long time that we appealed for the released of the corpse . We buried her behind her husband's grave back in our biological village. After two years, the case had rotten and got things at feet for the odour was unhidden. The whole Village of Mbaijen (our biological village) was invaded by the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and Tiv Farmers, properties worth billions of nairas were lost in company of innocent lives. Mr Kwaghtser and Aershimana (his wife) lost two children in the cause of the crisis leaving them with Ngutswen their youngest son. This ill-breeze blew Kwaghter's health sending him to the hospital without a dime as he even hardly afford a square meal per day, his car was hijacked by armed robbers. Mr Kwaghtser sold the only Bajaj bike he was left with, but the price could only afforded him for deposit leaving the rest bill unpaid.

April 2022

Kwaghtser sent for his friend's help and promised to pay when things get back to normalcy, but the illness held his throat without a little break for breath until it sent him to join his ancestors. Few months after the burial, Zungwega --Kwaghtser's friend-- was on the widow's neck for his money, the woman pleaded folding fingers in list of reasons but he wouldn't listen. See, if not Mr. Kvip, Ngutswen wouldn't have smelled the four corners of a class room the woman concluded whipping her dropping tears with the back of her hands. Mr Kvip was a lectural where he was retained after his graduation. He render arms to uncountable orphans infact, he denied his comforts to make sure orphans had access to modern advances especially education. He also invented a forum named KVIPOAI. Meaning: "Kvip's orphanage aids initiative". It involved vibrant gurus where he collected both financial and intellectual resources to carryout his good works as it said that a single tree can not make a forest. Without prelogative of Mercy Mr Zungwega gave this woman two options, guess what? Either he would have an illicit affair with her or they would pack and leave the plot where they were living as it will become his. Hmmmmmmmm! Mrs Kwaghtser sighed without a word, after a due silence for a while, she consented for a chance to think about it. He agreed and left. But what could she do apart from submitting helplessly to him? Where could they live if they decide to pay the money with the plot? These questions sent her to her husband's grave without an answer, she cried. Oh! the biblical story I read in 2Kings 4:1 had Dawned on me when Elisha was lacked. Mrs Kwaghtser had nothing else to do so she left for Zungwega's house as the trouble was getting out of hand. Meanwhile, Mr Zungwega's wife travelled to the city with her children.

to be continued in page 2113

April 2022

WHY FRIENDSHIP IS VERY IMPORTANT? Janet Rose Licudo Why friendship is so important than you think? Is friendship important to sustain during a pandemic time? Everyone witnesses the emotional dramas of love and families but spend much less time pondering the deep satisfaction of good friends. The struggle they went through thick and thin situation. The laughter they shared from simple jokes. According to the book of Journalist Lydia Denworth "Friendship: The evolution, biology and extraordinary power of life's fundamental bond. “ Friendship is not a backseat to our family and work obligations or our latest fling when something gotta give, it's often our friends who come to rescue us. Research suggests that friendship can help us on purpose and meaning, stay healthy and live longer. The intimacy, support, equality and emotional needs we have in friendship is unique. In her book, the relationship is forged through slumber parties, shoulder cried upon and kindnesses that don't need to be repaid. The aim of friendship gives us permission to hang out with our friends and call it healthful. She explains too why we need our friends and how to keep those close connections with them always- even in times of pandemics. When we are very young, our primary social relationship is with our parents or relatives. But when we become kids and start to go to school, we start to have a deeper meaning of friendship that involves doing things together and then deeper shared emotional elements. When we become adolescents, it becomes more meaningful, abstract and rational. Through high school and college, friendship can feel easy because you are thrown into an environment where you have same-age peers and the pool of potential good friends is big. Our brain is also attuned to social signals and connection and become hyperinterested in social activity. When we start to get a job or maybe get married or have a family, it is become harder to spend time with our friends. Toward the end of life, we tend to come back around to having a little bit more time once kids are grown and careers and jobs are less demanding. In these transition points in life, when it is easier or harder to spend more time with friends but what is

more important is to know that friendship is a lifelong endeavor . Some people think ( from the 30s and 40s) " I just don't have time to hang out with my friends, right now." and that is wrong. even how busy we are, how hectic our schedule was or in house duty, we must give time to ourselves sometimes to refresh with friends, relax and have chitchat with them or phone calls. If you are 65 years old, you will start paying attention to friends, by just stopping by and smoke while talking. But if you start doing it from 15 to 65 of age, stopping with friends and hanging out together once in a while, it's worth it right? The moments, the laughter we shared with our friends is treasured forever in our hearts. The thread we knitted with them all along in stormy weather and sunny days is a beautiful picture of a friendship story ,that is worth remembering. Always treasure your friends.

EXCLUSIVE ISANG YAPAK, ISANG TSINELAS, ATBP TAON 12 Florentina A. Manikad Master Teacher I New Cabalan National High School, Olongapo City

INTRODUCTION Though one may give anytime, anywhere; it is the month of December that made the boom of it! The twelve-year old project entitled ISANG YAPAK, ISANG TSINELAS, ATBP TAON 12 still stands on its two strong pairs of legs with the determination, encouragement, and the pure joy of giving. The activity was held at the Covered Court PLaza, Purok 2, New Cabalan, Olongapo City. The program starts and ends successfully attended by People with Disability (PWDs) from barangays around the vicinity. The people were given with toys, shoes, bath towels, a set of spaghetti, rice, canned good, slippers, and many others from sponsors of the program. The program was held on December 22, 2021 and on the following day, December 23, 2021. Another group of KALIKASAN Members, Senior Citizens likewise received “PAMASKONG HANDOG”, held at KALIKASAN Office, Purok 2, New Cabalan, Olongapo City. Proponent: FLORENTINA A. MANIKAD Master Teacher I New Cabalan National High School Olongapo City Number of Recipients: 120 – PWD 60 – Senior Citizens RECIPIENTS People with Disability (PWD). The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol (CRPD, 2006, A/RES/61/106) defines persons with disabilities to "include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others". In situations of forced displacement, persons with disabilities have the same rights and basic needs as others and face the same challenges. However, they face numerous additional barriers. They face particular protection risks, including a heightened risk of violence, exploitation and abuse, and high levels of stigma.

April 2022 They have difficulties accessing humanitarian assistance, education, livelihoods, health care and other services. They may be denied certain legal rights, and are often excluded from decision-making processes and leadership opportunities. Persons with disabilities are not a homogenous group. They face multiple and compounding forms of discrimination, on the basis of disability but also on other grounds, which may lead to situations of exclusion. Also, the said outreach program, catered our beloved senior citizens/elderly persons range the age of sixty(60) and above. As Republic Act No. 9994, an Act granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens. But unfortunately, not all of them luckily to received benefits of 20% discount in transportation, food chains, etc. For whatever reasons they have, it is a sad reality. As a residence for fifty-four(54) years, the proponent really loved them both in her heart. Willing to share and be a volunteer in her barangay folks. The 12th year of the ISANG YAPAK, ISANG TSINELAS, ATBP TAON 12 embodies the love, faith and hope of the people who are concerned with these lowly PWD and Senior Citizen individuals.

HOME LEARNING PARTNERS’ INVOLVEMENT IN THE BLENDED LEARNING MODALITY: ITS RELATIONSHIP TO LEARNERS PERFORMANCE Ricky Montano Continuation from March 2022 edition

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 1. What is the level of Home Learning Partners involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of the Synchronous and Asynchronous activity? Table 1 Level of involvement of Home Learning partners in the Synchronous And Asynchronous activities

Table 1 presents the level of involvement of the Home Learning partners in the blended learning modality in terms of the synchronous and asynchronous activities of the students. The result revealed that HLP has a very high involvement during the synchronous and asynchronous activities, it has an overall mean of 3.59 (VH). This only proves that Home Learning Partners of Addition Hills Integrated school always give time to their children’s studies. In fact, according to Joana Marie B. Digo (2021), Though parents have a lot of things to do with household chores or work, they still ensure to find time in monitoring and guide their children in online class during this COVID-19 pandemic. Because they believe that it will help the children to easily cope with the sudden shift to the new normal of education and to maintain good grades. 1.2 What is the level of Home Learning Partners involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of Financial Support? Table 2. The level of Home Learning Partners involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of financial support.

April 2022

Table 2 shows the level of Home Learning Partners' involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of financial support. Results revealed that HLP's level of financial support towards their students is very high, they obtained an overall mean of 3.55 VH. This means that despite the pandemic parents is still very supportive financially and willing to buy and to provide things needed by their student in blended learning. Parents provide all the things needed to support their child’s studies, especially in online distance learning. Now that students have online classes, reliable devices and internet connections can be considered as needs to support e-learning, Joana Marie B. Digo (2021). 1.2 What is the level of Home Learning Partners involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of moral support? Table 3. The level of Home Learning Partners involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of moral support

Table 3 shows the level of Home Learning Partners involvement in the blended learning modality in terms of moral support. The overall mean of 3.62 implies a very high level of involvement of the Home Learning partners in terms of moral support towards their students. According to Joana Marie B. Digo (2021), parents know how stressful it is for the students to study in this new normal of education. They help students to cope up with the current situation by giving moral support. 16

April 2022 2.1What is the level of student learning in terms of cognitive? Table 4. Level of student learning in terms of cognitive

Table 4 shows, the level of student learning in terms of cognitive. An overall mean of 3.44 suggests a Very High level of student cognitive learning. The results implied that students performed well in the blended learning despite the adjustment that they have to make in their study still they manage to develop their cognitive skills that involve, critical thinking, judgment, problemsolving, etc. Indeed, according to King, 2009, the development of cognitive skills also includes a variety of constructs and approaches such as intelligence, scientific problemsolving, metacognition, motivation to learn, and learning styles these will help learners to perform in their study holistically. 2.2What is the level of student learning in terms of Values formation? Table 5. Level of student learning in terms of Values formation

Table 5 shows the level of student learning in terms of Values Formation. The overall mean of 3.72 implies a Very High level of student learning in terms of values formation. This means that students not just learn an academic lesson at home, but they can also relate their lesson to a real situation and apply reflective approaches based on their experiences. Having a High level of learning in values formation will help the student to become more responsible in shaping their future and even more sensible of the things around them.

2.3 What is the level of student learning in terms of skills? Table 6. level of student learning in terms of skills

Table 6 shows the level of student learning in terms of skills. The overall mean of 3.44 implies a Very High level of skills among the students. The result revealed that students positively accepted the challenge of the new normal education by learning and developing their skills successfully. Collaboration and involvement of the students are achieved with the use of communication, planning, management, and social skills, which are integral to working in teams (Tucker & Clarke, 2014)

A Piece OF MEMORY

April 2022

Marites Ritumalta

UNDERSTANDING MEN When we talk about June(although June is still months away), we talk about men(male creation)… Ah, men! The ones who break hearts, the superior, the stronger, the egoists, and the polygamist. But don’t take me wrong (please read my whole post before you hate me), they are tough ones, our real heroes, our fighters, breadwinners, our soldiers, our protectors, the most obedient son, the most loving father, the supportive head of the family, and the sweetest lover. I am talking in general, because men vary in types. My first real love is religious man, every time he is on the stage preaching the word of God, I just couldn’t take my eyes off him… He seems to be so perfect, I always thought he is the type that wouldn’t break my heart, but he married the daughter of a CEO, and that’s the end of it… One polygamist I met is my cousin, from his 42-years existence on earth, he has numerous kids from different women. Before he died we had a one on one talk, I asked him what drove him not to be contented with one partner, he said; “ I like to try different taste, just like food...” I hated him for comparing women to food… But he’s dead anyway, because of a woman… Some men inculcated in their well-being the idea of superiority, being the stronger vessel of God’s creation, they took the responsibility handling everything as head of the family, that includes treating women as weaker, neglected the right to speak… I think men inherited such from our forefathers… Although men are considered insensitive that can hide emotions in their entire existence, there are those that born with a soft heart, some of them became artists, writers, poets… They easily can express their feelings. Some men are also cry-babies just like women. On the other hand, I have special men in my life… my father might not be a good husband but he is the best father of all. He treated me like a real princess even when I got married till now… Ah, men, they are unpredictable, I think it is the reason some women decided to remain single all their life after marriage break-ups and unsuccessful relationships…

But if we can understand them more, learn their language of love, we can truly say, they are amazing… I once asked my husband, what if someone takes me away from him, what will he do? He answered; “ he has to pay me a million”. “But who will pay such amount to have me?” “ That’s the idea of it, you are too ugly to be that worth so none will pay me!” I almost hated him for saying that, but then it only proves he will fight for me no matter what.. And I think I am lucky to have one guy that loves me the way I am and will spend the rest of his life till the end of time. Someone reading this secretly will hate me to the bone, but hey, I am just a writer, and so are you! While Julio Iglesias enjoyed singing “ To all the girls I love before”, I might write a book entitled; “To All The Men I Loved Before, “ but I know they will bash me for it.

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INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

April 2022

Tanushi Singh FRIENDS AND FRIENDSHIP "So, if you are too tired to speak, sit next to me for I, too, am fluent in silence.” – R. Arnold It is true that friends are the family we choose. The beauty of friendship is beyond any other relationship. Friends are like sunshine .Someone's company can be like therapy at the right moment and time. Those ears that genuinely listen, affection that is not conditioned by your status, race or place in society. The bond called friendship is unlike any other and that is why a lot of times, at testing times it has been proven time and again that blood isn't always thicker than water. Sometimes just pure love between two people who care about each other and don't judge each other's choices is all it takes to live through life's extremes. True friendship is the pillar on which one can find the courage to face a million storms. As you grow older an understanding of not having a hundred friends but few or may be just one real and honest friend is all that is needed for a happier and easier life. Friends pave way to make the impossible become possible and the difficult become doable. While friendships have been an integral part of my life since childhood, I have personally have had my share of struggles in understanding the different kinds of friendships. Pure and genuine friendship is a like a rare diamond. The one where you can without a doubt count on them, the blind trust when you know they will never leave you when you need them , if you have this, treasure it and hold onto them for life as you are blessed with a gift not many are lucky enough to receive. I have had various friends through my younger days to now as an middle aged woman.. My oldest and closest friends are the ones I truly treasure. They are truly like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day and make all my worries fade away. I feel lighter and feel heard. My feelings feel validated and essentially I feel loved. For all these reasons and more I'm grateful for some beautiful girl friends in my life but when it comes to friends of the opposite gender, I haven't been that lucky. I'd always yearned for a boy as a friend. Someone who could see me for me not as an object of affection or desire.

I have heard tales of platonic friendships and though I would love to believe it, experience says either one usually develops feelings more than friendship and then the relationship isn't genuine friendship any more. Then comes the toxic friendships. The ones you don't know how to hold onto. Because you feel depleted and worn out in the end. Trying to make things work or trying to understand their feelings. By prioritizing their emotions over yours, you tend to harm yourself unintentionally and that's when this love in friendship gets toxic. This kind of friendship is bound to fail at some point because the basic principle of friendship is to be able to be yourself and accepted as you are. Friends are the flowers without which life would be incomplete. They are the source of immense pleasure and limitless joys .The source of indefinite shades of understanding life and your own self through their loving eyes. "For all the times life embraced me with arms wide open and a reassuring smile. I saw it had been a friend who'd made sure I was not alone in trying to make sense of life. Here is someone looking out for you no matter what transpires within or outside your life. Here is someone willing to offer a smile, a hand, a hug to make everything easier for a while. Here's to a love that has saved me from myself indefinite times. - A Toast to Friends Cheers to the magic called Friendship!

April 2022

MIGRANTS’ VOICES Ailenemae Ramos MEMORIES To you my friend whom I treated as my sister. To you my sister whom I treated as my confidant. You and I, together we wrote our stories. You and I, together we sang our songs. And all of the sudden, it's all gone. Gradually faded away like a shadow, stashed away, like our treasured photographs inside my mind, in a place I have labeled "cherished memoirs." And sometimes, when I flip through those pages, thinking genuinely of the past, remembering where we used to be - sitting in the garden, watching the butterflies beautifully flying up high, listening to the birds happily singing up on the trees, having lengthy conversations, exchanging lyrics and words, giving insights and feedbacks, or simply just laughing 'til we couldn't breathe - it fills me with a bitter-sweet ache, and I just want to be little again - to be with you once more. Sometimes, random memoirs - a reminiscent word from a voice near here, a familiar melody heard lover there, a burst of giggles and laughter - catch me off-guard and nostalgia floods my senses. The desire to relive them, to create once again the everlasting from fleeting moments, to feel the love that remains. It grips me, taking hold of my entire being. My heart is throbbing again with that sweet ache, longing for what once was. And that's when I realize, it is but the wistful desire of a child that never grew up and learned just how to be. So I had to settle for passing through the moments like walking through doors, only allowing my heart to flutter, to flicker again with the bliss I had once experienced. It is a reminder of happiness I once owned, of the love that remains, of the things I no longer have... and knowing that it will never come again is what makes it so sweet. A strange feeling fills my chest as I leave this memorable place. A place which I called my "home". As if I am not only going to miss the people I love but also the person I was at that time and place because I will never be that way again. And I cling to it, to that memory, to that person I want to remain, afraid to let it fade to let it become a ghost, a shadow.

Everything that I have loved has become everything I lost. Wasn't it beautiful when we believed in everything? Wasn't it beautiful when we believe all are real? Wasn't it beautiful when we believe we are unique? Wasn't it beautiful when we believe our memoirs will last forever?

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Continuation from page 13 He smiled devilishly as he saw Aershimana. It was after 10:....pm when everyone was assumed to be asleep. Aershimana could not just give up she begged but this time he pushed her to the bed silencing her with a personate kiss threw her haft-torn wrapper away, she crossed her legs showing him the wedding ring she wore. But none of those acts appealed. He tored off her old perforated pant, raised the crossed legs to his shoulder as he plans hard his rod beneath her thighs. Tears rolled down on her cheeks, she voiced out a cry unclosed her legs. He got a free chance as he nack to his satisfaction, soon he was done. Though he paid money for the torn clothes. Mrs. Kwaghtser sobbed home in her haplessness. She developed heart attack and died the next morning after overthinking about what happened that night Mr Zungwega housemaid disclosed...

April 2022 Continuation from page 2. Let the genius be. Even in their training, the K-12 system is applicable – let the teacher be a facilitator. Indeed, the one who would be in the hot seat is not the teacher, but the student. If genius in this is true, then let the student answer things as they comprehend. Silent doubt and unheard murmurs at the back are not necessary. But when the student and the teacher learn to collaborate, genius has a better chance of winning. Therefore, as teachers grow in teaching, they must also grow in sense and commonsense. Genius is a turret among the intelligent, and expectation is a rusted iron. When genius fail, it is not the tower that should be apprehended but the iron that should have kept it from standing. Strengthen the iron first and the turret follows. When genius wins it is because the iron is still quality strong because the one who builds it is more concerned with the turret rather than the turret when it stands. Well, is it not in Roman mythology, genius a protector or a guardian spirit? Is it not the teachers – rather than the genius student himself in the first place? Remembering the days when we began the works at our own school as a symbol for Education and Leadership, there are infinite chances that the road will lead to success. With all the indicators presented in a humble grasp of hands, the cold wind utters its prayer of love to us. From Sweden to Haiti, from most of the continents, we are lead in the deep slumber of love, dreaming faintly about tomorrow, though, we are able to intercede today with the hope of looking forward. Genius, we are not; but followers of that ideals. If so, let ‘genius’ start with the teachers – before the problem get worst. Let ‘genius’ tower in the hearts of the teachers before it enters the mind of the student. Teachers are the iron from where the turret stands on. Strengthen the iron, and the turret firmly follows. Encarta exposes that it was believed that every individual, family, and city had its own genius. The genius received special veneration because it was thought to bestow success and intellectual prowess. Let the expectation to win stop because of the basis of intellectual prowess and intellect, be secondary. From now on, expect less – cease from the silent slaps, the unheard murmurs at the back, and the doubt – instead be a ‘guardian’ to these kind of students of the world. As we go on through life, there exhibit the lights that are of multiple colors.

There are red, and orange, green, and blue and other shades which are in betweens. These colors are the people who are able to shine with the rainbow. These are the people who will be wanting to ride with the colors in the sky! For nothing is wrong with it: as long as the heaven created this covenant, a connection between man and human, we are able to see the future in perfect harmony with today and vice versa. If we look in the past, we will see why the things are like this. The world is a hologram of time, and time is a miniature power of God. It always work – teachers being the iron to their student’s turret. The culture of expectation should not be tolerated in the classroom. It is a poison, in my opinion, that would enter the vein of a student and lurk into his esteem down. Expectation kills a person’s natural freedom and by doing so, a genius fails to express their rare and valuable capacities into freedom. Therefore, expectation should be avoided by any teacher when it comes with them; because they are expected to reach what other people cannot reach, see what other people cannot see, and do what other people cannot do. The purpose of education is learning foremost, and winning in a competition is of lesser degree significant. We will be leaving with joy in our hearts, knowing that ever since we found Ybarra, Ybarra really found us – straightened the way we walk, shows the passion, teaching how virtue is higher than law, truth is black and white, and where one’s honor is safe. To the many people who have been with us, thank you very much. You are the inspiration and the aspiration why we are still here. But as a tree needs to grow, other must give way for the blooming one to grow beneath the canopy. Let fruitful Ybarra show other sprouting Ybarras the way it should be. Genius is another word for a person who upholds to these idealisms. In so long a time, it will be.

April 2022

POETRY CORNER

IRREPLACEABLE Christine Aurelio

Shadow behind a ray of light In this treacherous life we flight Even in rainy days and feeling blue Something irreplaceable and true A bond full of memories In the dark But like moon and stars that spark We treasure it as a gold Hands of comfort to hold

Beauty with a pure heart Sweet word with trust to start From a garden of tears and pain To the flowers that bloom in plain Shining tincture that so special to me Vivid colors with purpose to see A shoulder to lean on to balance a boat To protect me from sinking and float

My strong support when I have to try In happiness and sorrow when I cry It doesn't require effort and time Things to remain so prime The chapter to keep writing new pages each day To walk and guide in our way The meaning of selfless love Destiny and blessings from above