Akdain: Ang Ikalimang Balahibo ni Anopiles

Episode 5: Ang Awit ng Pagsubok

Gabi na. Bilog ang buwan at makulimlim. Tanging ang ningning ng buwan ang nakikita sa templo ng mga Ay' Dhar.

"Handa na ba kayo sa pag-awit?" wika ni Anopiles.

"Handa na kami," wika ng apat.

Ginawa nila ang ritual.

Ago Data,
Tawipata as gama kana in Anopiles,
Umpas gid tawap ya Anopiles,
sakaam gan Ay' Dhar.

Tawipata an as daliman nnopana.
Diyos, ginddi toi nala
Tupiad es daliman nnnopana.
Il es Ago man gi.

Pag isinalin ito sa Tagalog ay,

Awit ng Pagsubok,
ipataw sa mga anak ni Anopiles,
Sumpang pinataw kay Anopiles,
kasama ang mga Ay' Dhar.

Ipataw na sa madaling panahon.
Diyos, dinggin itong panalangin,
Tuparin sa madaling panahon,
Ibigay na ang pagsubok at tulungan kami.

Lumindol ang buong templo at lumiwanag ang mga Ay' Dhar. Naging tao ang lahat ng mga diwata maliban kay Anopiles. Naging lawin ito at tinanong ito sa Diyos.

"Aking Diyos, lahat sila ginawa mong diwata na anyong tao, ngunit ako, lawin. Ano ba ang ipapataw niyong pagsubok sa akin?" wika ni Anopiles.

"Aking anak, kailangan mo ito, dahil ikaw ang papaslang sa dapat na makakuha ng ikalimang balahibo. Kailangan kang mamatay upang may mabuhay," wika ng Diyos.

Dahil sa tindi ng galit ni Anopiles sa mahabaging Diyos ay umalis siya at pumunta sa kagubatan.

"Kahit pa anong pagtatampo ang ibigay sa akin ni Anopiles, ay mangyayari pa rin ang nakatakdang mangyari," wika ng Diyos.

"Humayo na kayo, mga Ay' Dhar, at magsisimula na ang pagsubok ng karapat-dapat maging pinuno ng Edessa," wika ng Diyos.

Naglaho na ang Diyos, at kasabay nito ang paglaho ng mga Ay' Dhar.

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Episoon: The Quest to the Monoliths

They headed for the Monolith, and Elda found out that the altar is destroyed. Cecilia said,

"Ummm, why it's such a thing that this is broken?" Rafael said,"What? You don't know?" Elda said,"Cecilia, what would your mother think of that attitude? Poor Therese, may her Force be at peace in the Holy Vessel..."

They just kept quiet. Elda tells the story.

"Take a look at this mural. Historians said that it is painted long before written history. No one knows who created it, but it depicts the creation of Berge."

Cecilia said,

"Creation?"

"The goddess of creation, Norvia, created the land, sea, and the stars. To protect the gifts of the world, she formed the 15 Divinities.

"The 15 Divinities are: Palfina, Argent, Illnada, Aliete, Ellge, Dualis, Luo, Rivelias, Dauro, Terial, Corneo, Draglos, Grepes, Skolg, and Verse. Palfina, whom we worship, is one of them. However, Delgaia, the god of destruction appeared. He used his power to annihilate everything in this path. The Divinities, thought that they could not defeat him, created the Monoliths to seal him. The power of the monoliths banished him from the depths of Berge."

Elda showed her a stone.

"This is the Force Stone. It is the gift of your family, the Armaclites. It was a rainy day, years ago..Therese was attacked at Ravena Castle. Despite her mortal wounds, she came here to comply with this stone. This Hexyz must be given the Force
Stone to gather the Force to all the monoliths and go after the goddess of Creation with the Force Stone in hand. Now stand in the front of the Monolith, and raise it up."

She raised the stone, and some force attracted in the stone. Cecilia is shocked.

"If all the Monoliths are destroyed, there is a conspiracy to awaken Delgaia."

Cecilia commented,

"Woah, does that mean I become a god?"

Ralu said,

"If someone like you can become a god, I'd feel sorry for the ones praying.."

Elda said,

"Cecilia, I haven't finished speaking yet."

Rafael said,

"If that's the case, then the other monoliths are in danger. There is a similar one in Nervel, where I live. Sister, I'm going back to see Master Gardner."

Elda said,

"Excellent idea, Rafael. Cecilia, you must go with him to see Master Gardner. He is a Force Scholar with vast knowledge in numerous subjects."

Afterwards, Elda announced,

"Cecilia Armaclite. I release your duties as a cleric, and I give you with a new order. You must go around Berge and destroy everything that threatens it."

Cecilia said,

"What? There's someone who can do that!"

Elda said,

"Cecilia, are you serious to what you said? I gave you an order as the Head Cleric. Do you understand?"

Cecilia said,

"Yes, I'll do it...But..." Elda said,"Good. Take the Force Stone with you and go to Nervel with Rafael."

And so my journey to the Monoliths began. I had no idea what being the Maiden of the Staff truly meant....

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Akdain: Ang Ikalimang Balahibo ni Anopiles

Episode 4: Ang Mata ng Pugita

Sinisid niya ang gitnang karagatan at sinisid ang ilalim nito. Napapansin niyang naliligaw na siya, kaya nama't tumawag siya ng isang sirena.

"Sirena, pupuwede ko bang malaman ang kinaroroonan ng Pugita?" tanong ni Bagari.

"Nandoon siya sa ipu-ipong iyon. Hindi mo siya malalapitan sa loob ng ipu-ipo hangga't hindi mo ginagawa ang kaniyang pagsubok. Kadalasan raw ay maraming hindi na bumabalik sa karagatang mga yamang-dagat at sirena kung dumaraan sila sa Utak na Pugita. Ang pangalan niya ay Celebes. Siya si Celebes, ang tusong halimaw ng karagatan. Kung ako sa iyo lalayo na ako sa halimaw na iyan," wika ng sirena.

Hindi iniinda ni Bagari ang maaaring mangyari sa kaniya, kaya nama't pinuntahan niya ang ipu-ipo, malaman lamang kung sino ang Tatiana na sinasabi ng umalohokan.

"Celebes, lumitaw ka mula sa ipu-ipong iyan. Gagawin ko ang lahat upang ibigay mo lang ang sagot sa aking katanungan, Utak na Pugita," wika ng desperadong si Bagari.

"Talaga, ibibigay mo kahit anong gusto ko?" wika ni Celebes.

Si Celebes ay isang tusong nilalang. Alam niyang lahat ng gugustuhin niya ay makukuha niya sapagkat kinatatakutan siya ng lahat ng mga sirena at yamang-dagat. Itim ang kaniyang kasuotan at ang kaniyang mata. Binabalot ng itim ang kaniyang mata at kahit isang puting bahid sa kaniyang mata ay wala. Dahil dito ay nakikita niya ng mga kasagutan sa lahat ng katanungan.

"Oo, Celebes, makuha ko lamang ang kasagutan sa aking katanungan. At bakit ako gagawa ng pabor sa iyo. Ako ay si Bagari, ang prinsipe ng Edessa at ako ay biniyayaan ng kakayahang taglay ng dakilang tubig," wika ni Bagari.

Nagulat ang Utak na Pugita. Nagkatotoo ang kasulatang iniwan sa kaniya ng kaniyang inang pugita na may isang prinsipeng sisingil ng kasagutan upang gawing daan ito upang maghiganti. Ngunit kahit ano pa man ang itim ng kaniyang kabuuan, maputi pa rin ang kalooban nito, kaya't hindi siya papayag na mapasakanya ang kasagutan.

"Kailangan mong dukutin ang aking mata, ngunit sinusumpa ko muna sa buong karagatan na hindi niyo tutulungan ang nilalang na itong madukot ang aking mata," wika ni Celebes.

"Sige, kung iyon lamang ang paraan upang makuha ko ang kasagutan. Dudukutin ko na ang mga mata mo. Humanda ka!" wika ni Bagari ngunit bago niya magalaw ang ipu-ipo, pinigilan siya ni Celebes.

"Hindi iyan ang paraan ng pagtanggal ng aking mata. Ang tubig ay isang masunuring elemento. Kung gusto mong madukot ang aking mata, isasakripisyo mo ang iyong mata para sa akin. Sa oras na makain ko ang iyong mata, mapapasayo ang aking mga mata," wika ni Celebes.

"Ano, tatanggalin ko ang aking mga sariling mata? Sige, gagawin ko para lang ibigay mo ang sagot," wika ni Bagari.

Nasa ugat na siya sa pagtanggal ng kaniyang mga mata, ngunit pinigilan siya ni Celebes. Tumigil rin siya. Walang magagawa si Celebes kung hindi ibigay ang kaniyang mata sapagkat napasa niya ang pagsubok. Natuloy ang kasulatang ibinigay sa kaniya ng inang pugita at dinukot na niya ang kaniyang mata kahit masakit sa kaniya ito. Dumanak ang dugo sa kaniyang mga mata at ibinigay na niya ang kaniyang mata kay Bagari.

"Isang katanungan lamang ang puwedeng sagutin ng dalawa kong mga mata. Mag-isip ka sa gusto mong alamin. Lahat ng kaalaman ay kaya niyang sagutin. Isang natatanging tanong lamang ang sasagutin niyan," wika ni Celebes habang may nakabantay na pating sa kaniyang giliran. Kinain na ng mga pating si Celebes at namatay na. Nakuha na niya ang mata ni Celebes at umakyat na sa lupa.

Pumunta na siya sa kaniyang silid at pinakiramdaman ang mata ni Celebes.

"Mata, sino si Tatiana. Ipakita mo kung sino siya. Inuutusan kita, mahiwagang mata," wika nito sa itim na mata.

Pinakita ng mata ang isang matandang babae na may hawak-hawak na tungkod at hinahalo ang isang mainit na tubig. May nakikita itong imahe sa kaniyang palayok. Nagtataka ngayon si Bagari.

"Ito ba ang mangkukulam ng Pulangi?" wika nito sa mata.

Namuti ang mga mata at naging abo. Malapit na niya sanang malaman kung sino ang taong ito, ngunit hindi nila maintindihan sapagkat hindi niya alam kung sino talaga si Tatiana.

Makaraan ang isang buwan ay dumating na si Tatiana. Puti ang kaniyang mga mata at may dala itong tungkod. Mahaba ang kaniyang kasuotan na binabalot ng ginto. Niyakap ng hari si Tatiana at hinahanap niya ang kaniyang mga pamangkin. Tinawag naman ito ni Haring Balkan.

"Bagari, Ilina, Juan Pablo, lumabas kayo. Nandito na ang Tiyahing Tatiana niyo."

Pumunta silang tatlo at niyakap ang kanilang Tiya. Sabik na sabik silang makita ang kanilang Tiya sapagkat sa sulat lamang nila nakakausap ito.

"Ano naman ang dinala niyo rito, Tiya Tatiana," wika ni Juan Pablo.

"Patawad kung ginagambala ko kayo ngayon, ngunit nagkaroon ako ng masamang pangitain sa iyong ama. Mapapahamak raw ang kaniyang buhay. Kailangan ko siyang bigyan ng pangitain upang mailigtas siya," sinabi ni Tatiana.

"Ngunit bago iyon," dinugtungan ni Tatiana, "Nasaan ang inyong ina. Kailangan ko siyang makausap."

"Ako iyon, Tatiana. Nagagalak ako na makilala ka," wika ni Reyna Amparo.

Nagulat si Tatiana sa mukha niya dahil parang pamilyar sa kaniya. Nakita niya ito sa kaniyang pangitain ngunit hindi na niya maalala kung anong bahagi.

Inalalayan na si Tatiana ng kaniyang mga pamangkin. Habang kumakain ay napag-usapan nila Amparo at Balkan ang magiging tagapagmana ng trono.

"Alam mo ba, Tatiana, ang magiging tagapagmana sa hinaharap ng trono ni Balkan ay si Ilina. Kung tutuusin ay wala namang dapat maging iba pang pinuno kung hindi si Ilina lamang," wika ni Amparo.

"Hindi ako papayag diyan, Inang Amparo. Kahit kailan ay ako lamang ang magiging pinuno ng lugar na ito. Hindi ako papayag na panghimasukan niyo ang tadhana ko," wika ni Bagari.

"Sa ginagawa mo anak ay mas pinakikita mo na hindi ka karapat-dapat. Alam mo ba na ang ginagawa mo ay hindi gawain ng isang pinuno?" wika ni Haring Balkan.

"Sige, magkampihan kayo, mga wala kayong awa! Ako ang dapat maging pinuno ngunit sino ang pinipilit niyo, si Ilina na lang lagi, si Ilina, Ilina, Ilina! Hindi ko kayo patatahimikin hangga't hindi ako magiging pinuno!" wika ni Bagari habang ninanakaw ang tungkod ni Tatiana na alam niyang makapangyarihan dahil umiilaw ito.

Tinapat niya ang tungkod ni Tatiana sa kaniyang ama at ina at nahimatay ang mga ito. Kasama sa pagkahimatay ng kanilang ama at ina ang pagkawala ng pulseras na may limang balahibo. Itinapon pabalik ni Bagari ang tungkod ni Tatiana at lumayas na sa Edessa ang suwail na prinsipe.

 - - - - - - - - - -
Episode 4: Ang Limang Ay' Dhar

Binuhat ni Juan Pablo at ng mga kawal ang hari at reyna at saka nilagay ito sa kanilang silid. Sinusubukan itong pagisingin ni Tatiana ngunit nabigo ito.

"Pamangkin, dalhan mo ako ng langis at tubig. Kailangan kong malaman kung ano ang makapagpapagaling sa iyong mga magulang," wika ni Tatiana.

Kumuha si Juan Pablo ng langis at kinuha naman ni Ilina ang tubig. Nadalian sila sapagkat mayroong nakaimbak sa lungga ng mga tagasilbi. Inabot na nila ito kay Tatiana.

"Salamat sa tulong niyo, mga pamangkin," wika ni Tatiana.

"Makapangyarihang tubig at langis," wika ni Tatiana. "Ipakita mo sa akin ang makapagpapagaling sa mahal na hari at mahal na reyna ng Edessa."

Malabo ang nakikita niya sapagkat isang lilang balahibo lamang ang nakikita niya kasama ang isang diwatang magaling umawit. Sinara na niya ang kapangyarihan at saka sinabi ang nakita sa mga anak ni Balkan at Amparo.

"Mga pamangkin ko, ang makapagpapagaling lamang ng inyong ina ay ang Ay' Dhar na nagngangalang Anopiles. Siya ang may hawak ng lilang balahibo. Siya ang pinakamagaling kumanta sa lahat ng mga Ay' Dhar. Ito ang panglimang balahibo sa dakilang pulseras. Itong pulseras na ito ay may limang balahibong pinalilibutan ng itim na perlas," wika ni Tatiana.

"Iyon ang pulseras ni Ina. Ngunit bakit nawala iyon?" wika ni Ilina kay Tatiana.

Samantala, nag-aalala ang mga Ay' Dhar. Ngunit may isang Ay' Dhar na tumawag ng kanilang pansin. Hindi nila ito kasama. Naisip nila na baka si Anopiles iyon.

"Anopiles?" wika ng isang Ay' Dhar na nagngangalang Neptuna. Si Neptuna ay may puting buhok at may bughaw na mata. Siya ay ang may-ari ng  puting balahibo sa kuwintas ni Anopiles na nagtataglay ng mahiwagang puting perlas.

"Kamusta na ang pagpapanggap mo Anopiles, bakit bumalik ka?" wika ni Atalla, ang Ay' Dhar na may itim na buhok at bulag. May kakayahan itong makakita gamit ang isip.

"Bumalik ako dahil napaslang ng tungkod ni Tatiana ang aking katawan. Ang nag-iisang paraan upang malunasan ang aking katawan ay ang paghahanap sa aking balahibo. Dapat ko nang iwanan ang ikalimang balahibo sa kanila," wika ni Anopiles.

Matagal nilihim ni Amparo na siya ay isang Ay' Dhar, isang engkantada. Ang mukha niya bilang tao ay kawangis ng kaniyang itsura sa pagiging Ay' Dhar. Humaba lamang nng kakaunti ang kaniyang taynga at humaba lang at kumulot ng kakaunti ang kaniyang buhok. Naging lila ang kaniyang kasuotan gayun din ang kaniyang mga mata. May suot siya na korona na nagpapahiwatig ng kaniyang pamumuno sa mga Ay' Dhar.

"Padalos-dalos kasi ang isipan mo, mahal na pinuno ng limang Ay' Dhar. Hindi naman sa nagmamalaki ngunit bakit niyo pa ba kinuha ang mga balahibo namin. Hindi namin lubos na maunawaan at gusto mo rin maging tao," wika ni Heres, ang Ay' Dhar ng dakilang hangin. Ang buhok niya ay gintuin, at ang kaniyang damit ay gawa sa balahibo ng ibon na may iba't ibang kulay.

"Ito lamang ang tanging paraan upang makasama ko si Balkan. Sinumpa tayong mga Ay' Dhar na hindi makita ng mga ordinaryong nilalang. Ngunit umigting ang pag-ibig ko sa kaniya. Kaya naman humingi ako ng tulong sa mahal na tagalikha, at binigay niya ang paraan kung paano makukuha ang katauhang gusto ko. Ibibigay ko ang limang balahibo upang gawing kuwintas at kasama ko na ito habambuhay. Ngunit may isa pa itong kapalit," wika ni Anopiles.

"Ano naman iyon kasanib na Anopiles," wika ni Massudah. Si Massudah ay ang Ay' Dhar ng dakilang liwanag. Taglay niya ang kahel na balahibo at kahel ang diamante sa kaniyang noo. Ito ay may makapangyarihang apoy na umaalab.

"Kailangan nating maging pagsubok sa aking mga anak at kailangan nating bigkasin ang Ago Data, ang kanta ng pagsubok ng Diyos," wika ni Anopiles.

"Gagawin natin iyon sa ating templo, sa kabilugan ng buwan. Dapat ay maisagawa natin ito pagkagabi. Sigurado ako na kabilugan ng buwan iyon," dugtong niya.

"Ano na lang kung ibigay mo na lang ang natatangi mong balahibo sa iyong anak. Pupuwede mo naman silang mahawakan kahit hindi ka nila makita. Ibigay mo na lang para tapos na ang gulo," wika ni Massudah.

"Hindi maaari, mahal kong kasanib. Pag hindi naawit ang Ago Data, magiging abo tayong lahat bilang kaparusahan sa ating kalapastanganan," wika ni Anopiles.

Hinintay na lamang ng limang Ay' Dhar ang paggabi. Aawitin na nila ang Ago Data, ang awit ng pagsubok.

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Poems: Driving in the Philippines is Not Good

Safety is the key to happiness. In everyday lives, we see precautionary measures as well as safety road signs. The matter within Filipinos is that we don't take this safety properly. We are always thinking about going ahead of the way without taking notice of our safety. As the capital of Philippines, Manila was used to describe the driving style of Filipinos.  Jean Todt, the FIA president says that the Philippines is lacking discipline when it comes to road safety. Let us see this poem and learn.

Driving in Manila is not good,
Because roads are poor, drivers are not disciplined,
And they are lacking knowledge of safety.

If we learned how to be safe,
We should have peace and order in the highway,
We will have a few or no accidents,
So discipline is really the key!

Pedestrians must learn the lessons on road safety to prevent injuries.

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Episoon: The Quest to the Monoliths

Episode 4

They entered the Monolith and found Virtus. He plans to destroy the Monolith. He got a mace and attempts to destroy it. The boy said,

"No! I won't let you destroy it!"

Virtus hit him with the mace and said,

"Do not interrupt me, human trash!"

He moves in the front and hits the light of the Monolith. After that, he said,

"Hmph...I wonder why 'he' would give me a mission such as this...."

He summoned a monster behind him and said,

"Farewell. May your death be painful."

And he vanished. Cecilia is scared on the monster, but she and Rafael fought the stone beast. It was hard, but they won the battle. She said,

"Yay! We won!"

But the boy said,

"Don't start celebrating yet, we still have to get rid of the other monsters. We'll form a team. What's your name?"

She said,

"I'm Cecilia. Cecilia Armaclite."

The animal said,

"And my name's Ralu!"

Rafael said,

"Pleased to meet you both!"

They have started to find the 1st floor. After defeating several monsters, they continued to go to the 1st floor to the Main Hallways. Afterwards, they found a monster in the hall. Elda is ahead of the monster. Cecilia and Rafael fought the monster and they won. The temple is completely safe! Elda said,

"Cecilia, I have something to tell you. Rafael, you come with us."

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Episoon: The Quest to the Monoliths

Episode 3

When Cecilia got out of the artifact altar, she was transported in the 2nd basement floor of the Great Temple. After a few seconds, a monster appeared! They said,

"We'll gotta run!"

But someone said,

"Use the Holy Staff....You..have..inherited ..Palfina's Force.."

Then a big staff got out of Cecilia's body. She fought with the monster and the monster died. Afterwards, they found someone and said,

"Did you summon that man and those demons?"

He said,

"What are you talking about? I just came to look for someone....Behind you!"

There are two monsters this time, and he got out a divine blade from his body, and she got her staff. But he said,

"What is that? Are,are you a Hexyz?"

But they fought without speaking. They won, but she complained,

"Argh! Why is this happening?"

The boy headed to the door and said,

"I sense a strong force, someone who's controlling the monsters."

The door heads to the Monolith Virtus has mentioned. They headed there, and confronted Virtus.

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Akdain: Ang Ikalimang Balahibo ni Anopiles

Episode 3: Ang pangitain ni Tatiana

"Hindi ka magtatagumpay, Ilina. Akin lamang ang trono," wika ni Bagari. Ngunit nakarinig siya ng umalohokang pumupunta sa hari. Sinilipan niya ang pag-uusap nila ng hari at reyna.

"Mahal na hari at reyna, pupunta si Tatiana sa ating kaharian. Bibisita siya dahil may nabatid siyang masamang pangyayaring mangyayari sa iyo," wika ng umalohokan.

Kinwestyon ito ni Bagari sa kaniyang sarili sa kaniyang kinaroroonan.

"Sino si Tatiana? Ano ang kailangan niya sa pamilya ko? Walang tiwala ang mga kawal dito sa akin, kaya naman ay kailangan kong humagilap ng tutulong sa akin. Doon muna ako sa kuwarto upang kausapin ang bato."

Pumunta siya sa kaniyang kuwento at tinanong niya ang bato.

"Bato ng dakilang tubig, sino ang makakatulong sa aking makahagilap ng sagot sa aking katanungan. O, bato, tulungan mo akong mahanap ang makakatulong sa akin," dasal ni Bagari.

Lumiwanag ang kuwintas na bato. Nagpakita ito ng isang imahe ng taong pugita. Nasa kailaliman ito ng dagat ngunit kaya naman niyang mag katawang-sirena kaya't kahit sabihin niyang napakalalim nito ay kaya niya pa ring sisirin.

Hindi na siya nag-aksaya ng panahon at umalis na.

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Episoon: The Quest to the Monoliths

Episode 2

Cecilia vanished in the hallway and headed to an altar. When she regained conciousness, she touched the altar and warped to some strange place. When she was warped, someone said,

"I am Norvia. I am the goddess that presides over Creation and Destruction. I am the mother of all life. The Hour of Judgment for Berge draws near. The Vessel is leaning towards Destruction. Those who are seeking Destruction are already taking action. If you wish for a future of Creation, stop those who wish vfor Destruction. Hexyz who has inherited Palfina's Force, the root of all harvests, divinity of the Pearl Light, has bestowed upon your heart. You must honor the ancient covenant. Seek the Hero of the Sword and the Brave of the Spear, and travel to the Holy Land."

Cecilia commented,

"What are you talking about? Hour of Judgment? The Holy Land? What are you talking about? It's not a dream, isn't it?"

A staff appeared in the left. Norvia said,

"I bestow you upon the Holy Staff Riafalt. It is the artifact that Palfina herself once wielded."

She touched the staff and power is surging inside her. After that, she vgot back to the altar, asleep.

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Akdain: Ang Ikalimang Balahibo ni Anopiles

Episode 2: Ang tampuhang magkapatid

Si Ilina na lang lagi ang pinapansin ng kanilang ina at napansin ito ni Bagari. Isang mainggitin ngunit matapang na anak si Bagari. Tulad siya ng alon, madaling madala sa nangyayari. Hindi niya napipigilan ang kaniyang sarili at naniniwala siyang lahat ng gawain ay nagagawa niya.

Sa sobrang pagkainggit niya kay Ilina ay tinawag niya si Juan Pablo.

"Juan Pablo, pagtulungan natin ang ating kapatid. Kuhanin natin ang kaniyang kuwintas na bato. Sa ganitong paraan, mawawalan siya ng kapangyarihan," wika ni Bagari.

"Mahal kong kapatid, hindi ko kayang saktan si Ilina. Kung gagawin mo ito, sa tingin mo ba ay mababawi mo sa kaniya ang natatanging pagmamahal ni Inang Amparo sa kaniya?" wika ni Juan Pablo.

"Ang kapangyarihan lang naman niya ang tanging nagpapatangi sa kaniyang pagkatao. Kung mawawala kay Ilina ang kaniyang natatanging kapangyarihan, wala na siyang silbi. Ikaw rin ang saksi at isa sa mga taong hindi pinapansin ni Inang Amparo. Papayag ka ba roon?" wika ni Bagari.

"Kahit ano pa man ang sabihin mo, ay hindi ko susundin ang inggit sa puso ko. Maaaring hindi niya tayo masyadong pinagtutuunan ng pansin, ngunit mahal niya tayo. Bubuhayin ka ba niya sa mundo kung hindi ka niya mahal? Walang patutunguhan ang mga bagay na ito. Tigilan mo na si Ilina. Isa lamang siyang babae. Huwag mo na siyang patulan," pinairal ni Juan Pablo ang kaniyang pananalig sa Diyos at ang konsensyang bumubulong sa kaniya.

"Maaaring babae lamang siya kaya pinagtutuunan siya ng pansin ng kaniyang ina. Bakit, ikaw naman ang kadalasang pinapansin ni Itay. Isa lamang iyong pag-aalala na batay sa kasarian. Ano ba ang gusto mo, silang dalawa ay nakatuon sa iyo? Hindi naman maaari iyon," dinugtungan niya ito.

"Oo, at posible iyon," wika ni Bagari. "Balang araw ay mamamatay ang ama dahil sa isang malubhang sakit. Matitira si Inang Amparo at siguradong si Ilina ang pipiliin nito. Ayaw kong mangyari iyon. Ako lang ang magiging hari sa talino at lakas ko," wika ni Bagari.

"Mag-isip-isip ka naman mahal kong kapatid. Kung wala ka na talagang konsensya, wala ka nang awa. Kapatid din natin siya. Kung ano namang nakukuha niya ay nakukuha rin natin. Huwag ka nang magpabalot sa kasamaan," wika ni Juan Pablo.

"Bahala ka nga. Sasanib ka ba sa akin o hindi?" wika ni Bagari.

"Kahit kailan, hindi. Hindi ako sasanib sa kasamaan mo. Walang sasanib sa iyo kung hindi ang mga alagad lamang ng kasakiman. Wala ka nang konsensya," wika ni Juan Pablo at nagmadaling lumabas sa kuwarto ng kaniyang kapatid sa sobrang galit.

Pinuntahan niya agad ang kaniyang kapatid na si Ilina.

"Ilina, may masama akong balita," wika ni Juan Pablo.

"Ano iyon mahal kong kapatid?" wika ni Ilina na may pangamba.

"Si Juan Pablo. Pinagpaplanuhan ka niya na kunin ang iyong kuwintas na bato. Itago mo ito sa lugar kung saan ay hindi niya ito makikita. Bilisan mo at baka masaksihan pa niya ang pagtago mo nito. Bilisan mo na mahal na kapatid," minadali niyang sinabi kay Ilina nang sa gayon ay maitago na niya ito.

"Sige, mahal kong kapatid. Salamat na rin sa babala mo. Maraming salamat sa iyo," wika ni Ilina.

Naghahanap na si Ilina ng lugar na mapagtataguan ng kaniyang kuwintas. Samantala, hindi pala ito ang plano ni Bagari. Iyon lamang ay unang plano.

"Ayaw mo palang sumanib sa akin, Juan Pablo. Kukunin ko na lang ang kuwintas na bato mo. Sa huli, Ilina, ikaw pa rin ang matatalo. Tatandaan mo iyan," wika ni Bagari habang kinukuha niya ang kuwintas na bato ni Juan Pablo.

Umalis agad si Juan Pablo sa pamamagitan ng pagsasatubig. Dumaan siya sa lagusan papuntang kuwarto ni Ilina. Habang natutulog ito ay lumitaw si Bagari sa kaniyang kuwarto. Inilagay niya ang kuwintas sa sisidlan ni Ilina. Pinrotektahan niya ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa puwersang dagat. Pinalitaw niya sa kaniyang kamay ang labindalawang alupihang dagat upang bantayan ang kuwintas na bato ni Juan Pablo.

Umalis na agad si Bagari at pumunta sa kaniyang silid. Natulog na ito at iniintay na lang niya ang maaaring mangyari sa kaniyang kapatid.

Kinabukasan ay nagwawala si Juan Pablo sapagkat nawala ang kaniyang kuwintas. Kinalma ito ng kaniyang ina at pinatawag ang kaniyang dalawang kapatid.

"Bakit kapatid," wika ni Ilina.

"Nawawala ang kaniyang kuwintas, Ilina. Kailangan mahanap ang salarin. Basta't wala akong alam sa bagay na iyan. Ni hindi ko nga batid na mangyayari ito," wika ng tuso na si Bagari.

"Mga kawal, hanapin ang kuwintas ni Juan Pablo sa bawat gilid ng kaharian. Kami na sa mga kuwarto ng maharlika," wika ni Inang Amparo.

Hinalubog muna nila ang kuwarto ni Ilina. Inuna ng ina na hanapin ang kaniyang sisidlan. May tubig ito at pinalilibutan ng mga alupihang dagat.

"Ikaw pala ang kumuha mahal kong prinsesa," wika ni Inang Amparo.

"Ano iyan Ina, hindi ko alam iyan. Patawad kung ako man ang may sala, ngunit hindi ko alam na may tubig at may alupihang dagat diyan," nagmamakaawang sinabi ni Ilina.

"Iisa lang ang gumawa nito. Bagari, pinagtataksilan mo ba ang kapatid mo? Ilang beses ko bang sasabihing hindi ka karapat-dapat sa trono ng iyong ama?" wika ni Inang Amparo kay Bagari.

Mula pa noon ay malayu-layo na rin ang loob ni Amparo kay Bagari at gayun din si Bagari. Nang-init na ang dugo ni Bagari sa kaniya kaya't sinagot niya ito.

"Oo, ako ang may pakana. Bakit, tututol ka ba rito? Gusto ko ng pagmamahal niyo, ngunit hindi niyo binibigay. Gusto ko kayo ni Itay ang nagmamahal sa akin, hindi siya lang ang nakatuon sa akin," sinabi ng sakim na prinsipe.

"Tatandaan mo ito Inay, hindi pa ako tapos sa pagpapahirap kay Ilina. Hangga't bakas pa sa dagat ang presensya ko, tatandaan niyong hindi ko kayo titigilan. Ikaw din Juan Pablo. Humanda kayong lumilihis sa karapatan kong mamuno, humanda kayo, dahil ako ang mamumuno ng kahariang ito," dinugtungan niya ang kaniyang sinabi.

Umalis si Bagari at kumulong sa kuwarto sa matinding galit niya sa mag-ina at kay Juan Pablo. Mula noon ay binalot na siya ng poot.

Naghahanda na naman siya ng paghihiganti niya.

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Akdain: Ang Ikalimang Balahibo ni Anopiles

Episode 1: Ang Kahariang Edessa

Ayon sa isang kasaysayan, may isang kahariang di umano'y nakalitaw sa baybaying napakalayo. Ito ay ang Edessa na pinamumunuan ni Haring Balkan at ng kanyang asawang si Amparo. Masagana ito dahil sa matalino at mapagkumbabang pamumuno ni Haring Balkan at magaling na pagpapayo ng kaniyang kabiyak, si Reyna Amparo. Si Reyna Amparo ay isang mapaglihim ngunit busilak na nilalang. Walang kasing ganda ang reyna, malumanay ang pagsasalita at kakaiba sa lahat ng reyna. May kakaiba kasi itong pulseras na gawa sa itim na perlas at sa gitna nito ay may bughaw, dilaw, puti, kahel at lilang balahibo. Napakaganda ng kaniyang pulseras. Lahat ay umaasang magkaroon ng ganito.

Kasama ng reyna ay ang apat na Ay' Dhar. Ang mga Ay' Dhar ay ang mga misteryosong nilalang na kaanyo ng mga tao. Mahaba lamang ng kakaunti ang kanilang taynga at ay pakpak sila. Mahahaba ang kanilang buhok at mapuputi ang kanilang balat. Hindi sila nakikita ng mga tao sapagkat mga engkanto silang bumubuo sa limang balahibo.

Ang mga anak ni Amparo at ni Balkan ay sina Bagari, Ilina at Juan Pablo. Ang kaniyang mga anak ay katawang-tao, ngunit may kakaiba silang mga kapangyarihan na hindi kayang gawin ng kaniyang ama. Namana niya ito kay Amparo, na pinuno ng limang balahibo. Si Bagari ay may kakayahang mag anyong-sirena at amuhin ang pwersang dagat, si Juan Pablo ay may kakayahang pumalit ng anyo at amuhin ang pwersang lupa at si Ilina ay may kapangyarihan ng dakilang musika. Kahit kailan ay inililihim nila ang mga bagay na ito sa kanilang ama. Ito ay dahil oras na malaman nila ito, ipababawi nila ang kapangyarihan sa mangkukulam ng Pulangi, ang nag-iisang kapatid ng hari.

Iisa lang ang paborito ni Amparo sa kaniyang anak: si Ilina, ang prinsesa ng dakilang musika. Ito ay dahil sa maamong mukhang namana nito sa kaniya at ang ganda ng kaniyang tinig.

"Alam mo anak, naaalala ko ang sarili ko sa iyo. Sa tamang panahon ay malalaman mo ang galing ng kapangyarihang ibiniyaya ng Diyos sa iyo," wika ni Amparo kay Ilina.

"Ang kapangyarihan ko lang ay kumanta. Ang iba kong kapatid ay nagiging sirena, nag-aanyo sa gusto nila, ngunit ako ay hamak na kantang pampalambot ng puso at magpabighani ng puso ng iba. Paano ko maipagtatanggol ang aking sarili upang lumaban? Paano, mahal na ina?" wika ni Ilina.

Hinaplos na lang ito ni Amparo sa kaniyang buhok at niyapos. Nakaramdam ng pagmamahal si Ilina at panandaliang lumipas ang pandududa sa kaniyang kapangyarihan. Para sa kaniya, ang pinakaimportanteng bagay ay ang kaniyang pamilya. Kahit pa isuko niya ang kaniyang kapangyarihan, basta lamang sa pamilya, ay gagawin niya.

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Episoon: A Quest to the Monoliths

Episode 1

Cecilia Armaclite, is a girl who serves as a cleric at the Great Temple of Palfina, a temple located at the peaks of Sancturia enshrining Palfina, one of the 15 Divinities. Because she is bored of the daily repetition, she skips her prayers and heads for the garden. She said,

"Besides, even if I do pray, nothing will change everything."

A furry friend came to her breast and said,

"Hey, you call yourself a cleric?"

She answered back,

"Whatever it isn't nice to stay inside. It such to waste such a nice day."

However, something appeared. It looks like a chasm that signifies the prophesied Hour of Judgment. Screams came from inside, then several monsters attacked them! Cecilia entered the temple, she found some people unconscious. Then a scream came in the Main Hall. A blasphemer person named Virtus arrived to the head cleric, Elda, and asked,

"Where is the Monolith? If you won't answer, I'll do whatever it takes to find it, even if it means killing
every living thing in this land."She said, "What? Unforgivable!" He punched her, making her immobile. Then she arrived and said,"Who are you?" He said,"How foolish of you to come here. Now tell me. Where is the Monolith? It is a Divine Stone infused with the power of origin, Force. I am sure that it is here."

Suddenly, Elda said,

"Wait! She's just a regular cleric.There's nothing to get information from her."

Virtus answered,

"If that's the case, I have no use from her. I will just kill her."

Cecilia said,

"What? What is his problem?"

Elda said,

"Run, Cecilia, run!"

While running a monster suddenly appeared from ahead. Virtus trapped her and said,

"Ha, do you think you can escape that easily?"

After a few seconds, light and a voice appeared from above.

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Launched: Blogserye

The Canvas plans to build a Blogserye to its network site. This is a one-at-a-time project. This means that one literary series will be published on a regular basis. This project will be launched, May 1, 2012, at 12:00 PM.

The Canvas' Blogserye is a novel-like series that lasts for 6 months. This is shown every other day and has two parts: English and Filipino. At May 1, Tuesday, Filipino will start pushing on to the limelight. Filipino category has its words  in Tagalog, general dialect of Philippines. The next day, May 2, the English novel will be published into the net.

We hope you will be happy in the Blogserye we will be making. You will be allowed to subscribe to our page for further updates on the progress of this worthwhile endeavor. The Canvas plans to publish these literary Blog  Series on the 7th Month and can be purchased in a hardbound cover through our website. Thanks for supporting. Wait for this at Tuesday.

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Short Stories: The Molten Frog

A scientist wishes to dissect a frog to experiment it. He decided to put it in a pot with water. He then boiled it and the frog felt that it was resembling to a Jacuzzi. He was not aware of what is happening until it felt the sudden burning temperature he felt beneath him. He was near to be cooked.

There it goes, trying to escape. Because the boiling water is very hot and deep for the frog, it did not choose to escape. He died at the boiling water.

The message of this story to us is, "Will we wait for what will happen to our lives?" We all know destiny is true, but God entrusted things to us that are our responsibilities and make us aware of them. One of them is the environment. The environment is God's gift to us and was entrusted to us to take care. It is our job to be aware of what is happening of them because we are responsible for those.

One more is our families. They are like the environment, entrusted to us and a gift to us from God. We take actions in being aware and taking care of us because we are responsible for them. If we are not aware of the things entrusted to us, they might get harmed. The lesson of the literature shared today, is awareness. Let us be aware of the things that are entrusted to us because they are our responsibilities. If the world is full of awareness, the world will be rich in understanding and concern to other people.

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I am a Filipino: Ang Katapangang Pilipino sa Nagbabagong Panahon

Siyam na araw na ang nakalipas noon pang ipagdiwang natin ang Araw ng Kagitingan. Tunay ngang hindi magpapatalo ang mga Pilipino lalung-lalo na sa gusto nitong layunin. Sa araw noong tayong binihag ng mga Kastila at sa pakikipagsapalaran ng mga naglalaban noon, hanggang sa pakikipaglaban natin sa ngayon, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang lahing Pilipino.

Noon ay dahas na himagsikan ang nangyayari sa bawat pakikipagsapalaran at pakikipagdigmaan ng mga Pilipino noon. Sa bawat pakikipagsapalaran nila ay dala ang galit hatid ng hindi pantay na pagtingin, pagpapataas ng buwis at pagkitil ng buhay ng walang pantay na paglilitis. Dala nila ang espada at mga kalasag, at balewala sa kanila ang pagkamatay kung ang kapalit naman nito ay ang pagpigil ng mga mandarayuhan sa paggawa ng mga bagay na nakakasakit sa kanilang kababayan. Ang mga Pilipino ay nagsasama noon upang kalabanin ang mga mandarayuhan upang iligtas ang iba pang henerasyon laban sa karahasang dinadala nila sa atin.

Sa kasalukuyang panahon ay makabago na rin ang pakikipaglaban ng mga Pilipino. Isa na roon ay ang mapayapang pakikipaglaban o 'prayer rally', tulad ng EDSA People Power Revolution. Kinalaban nila ang karahasan ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagdasal at pagdaraos ng misa upang matigil na ang gulo. Isa rin ang pag 'rally'. Ibinibigay nila ang saloobin nila sa pagsisigaw at pagmumukmok sa pamahalaan sa ganoong paraan. Kumpara sa bagay noon, ang pakikipaglaban ng mga Pilipino ay kasing tapang din ngunit hindi kasing kadugo ng laban noon. 

Isa lang ang parehang-pareha sa pakikipaglabang ito. Nagsasama-sama ang mga Pilipino at kailanman ay magkaramay sa bawat sitwasyon. Pinapakita ng mga Pilipino na kung mag-isa lang sila, hindi magiging posible ang mga bagay na minimithi nila. Ang pagkakaroon ng kapatiran ay importante sa pag-abot ng ating mithiin. Pinapatibay nito ang puwersa at ang tsansa ng ating pagtatagumpay. 

Nawa'y matuto tayo na magsama-sama sa bawat problema sa buhay. Maging pamilya man, o pagkakaibigan, sa unos at kagandahang pangyayari, magsama-sama tayo. Dahil ang susi sa kaunlaran ay ang pagsama-sama. Mamamayan tayo at ang dapat sa atin ay nagkakaroon ng isang mithiin: ang kapayapaan at kaayusan ng ating bansa.

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Poems: It's better not to know what you are missing

All we crave for are only material things. As said in the latest Gospel this Sunday, Thomas still needs evidence. We should believe as we see, and one of them is love. Love is not tangible, nor afforded by coins or dollars/bills. It is physically cheap but spiritually expensive. To afford love, you must give up your material cravings and feel what is in your heart. We must "not know what we are missing," because we will just crave for more of that when we remember that always. May this poem (c) The Canvas help you in interpreting that love's weapon in fighting material craving is only contentment. 

I think it's evening,

The snakes are sadly hissing,

For things you are aspiring,

The things you are worth dying.

Over the bed,

Thinking that your dreams will be made believing,

Happy days, roses in your bed,

It's better not to know what you are missing.

Sad, sad life,

All of your tears, should be wiped,

Don't think of all your strife,

All your sadness, go and fight.

Although your dreams are trashed in the dumpsite,

You are still a human being,

Dreaming of a simple contented life,

It's better not to know what you are missing.

For all missing makes you crave,

For material things this world set in your hands,

Nothing is missing to you but tangible material things,

But not the love you gave.

The love which will return back to you,

That would be enough surprising,

Forget all the materials you want for you,

It's better not to know what you are missing

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Zion by Rudyard Kipling

The Doorkeepers of Zion,

They do not always stand,

In helmet and whole armour,
With halberds in their hand;
But, being sure of Zion,
And all her mysteries,
They rest awhile in Zion,
Sit down and smile in Zion;
Ay, even jest in Zion;
In Zion, at their ease.

The Gatekeepers of Baal,
They dare not sit or lean,
But fume and fret and posture
And foam and curse between;
For being bound to Baal,
Whose sacrifice is vain,
Their rest is scant with Baal,
They glare and pant for Baal,
They mouth and rant for Baal,
For Baal in their pain!

But we will go to Zion,
By choice and not through dread,
With these our present comrades
And those our present dead;
And, being free of Zion
In both her fellowships,
Sit down and sup in Zion --
Stand up and drink in Zion
Whatever cup in Zion
Is offered to our lips! 

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The Girl that is not Punctual

So, we often hear the word punctual. Punctual is another word for ‘being in time.’ How many times do you remember yourself being punctual? How many times so far do you know that you did not?
It’s a matter of realizing that we should always go, pass, do or make something in time. Punctuality is actually our Value of the Month in November 2010. We are practiced to be punctual in all our works, deeds as well as our activities. This value named punctuality is really important in each of us.

In this story I want to share with you, this is all about a student named Leslie, who always rushes at the last minute of passing. Time is running out. Take a break and read the story and let us realize whether punctuality counts in your life. Enjoy the story.

Leslie, a student of Cascade School of Learning, is in 6^th Grade. She is in Section a, known as the section of smartest and advance students. She is beautiful, smart, and helpful but there is one thing lacking at her: her punctuality in passing. Leslie is running for her life in passing her project. At least she can pass, but she always runs her time out because if there is a time, she just loiters around and eats and sleeps.

Entering Leslie’s school, Leslie heard her teacher in class that she is assigned to choreograph the songs for Gratitude Day. “Oh! That’s very easy, let’s get it on,” Leslie said in a harsh manner. Her teacher uttered “Just make sure you do your best.” Leslie is very proud and she said “Of course Sir, don’t you have trust in me?” The teacher stared at her and said “I have trust in you but make it your best. This is your last year here in Elementary.”

After that, the teacher announced something. “The Gratitude Day Celebration will still be on February 6. You can still practice for your choreograph and prepare your props! Now, it’s still November. You still have the time to do this.”

In Leslie’s mind, she thinks that the preparation is too much days. It is still two months before the main rehearsal. After a month doing actually nothing, Leslie’s classmates call her at home during Christmas vacation.

“Leslie, when will we practice the steps,” asked Laura, who is a close friend of Leslie.

“Oh! January 26,” uttered Leslie. “Anyhow it’s still December. Enjoy your Christmas Season,” added Leslie.

“I can’t decide upon it, you’re our choreographer,” smiled and said Laura.

While the classmates of Leslie continue calling her in the phone, her mother called her.

“Leslie, kindly fill the pitcher with clean water. Be watchful because you might not see that the pitcher is already full.”

Leslie, together with the pitcher brought the wireless telephone to the kitchen and she filled the pitcher with water. She kept on talking on the telephone until the water overflowed. She did not mind and still, she’s talking.

Then she looked back into the pitcher seeing the sink was stocked with clean water. She got the tools for maintaining the sink into its normal flow. After minutes, the sink is still like the sink a while ago. She can’t do anything but to run, put the pitcher to the fridge and leave the mess.

Leslie’s mother was shocked to see the sink full of mess. She called up Leslie. Leslie was pretending to be asleep. So her mother went to her room and scolded her.

“Why is the sink stocked with full of clean water,” asked Leslie’s mother.

Leslie is speechless. Of course she will not speak the truth but because her mother is stark mad, she spoke.

“It is because I was too late to see the clean water filling the pitcher. I’m so sorry mom.”

Her mom just had patience with her. “Those happened today but make sure be punctual in all your ways next time.”

The next month, Leslie was asked by her classmates once again. “When is the practice Leslie. We might be late.”

Leslie lazily said, “Wait for January 26. Patience is a virtue.”

Her classmates can’t do anything because of she is the choreographer of the dances. So after days, eventually, January 26 is now at their midst.

They met at lunch time and asked “Where is Leslie,” the classmates said and thought. Leslie was in the canteen eating her lunch while staring at her classmates outside.

“O, Laura, Vic, Kristin,” said Leslie. We will just practice on February 4. We still have much time. That’s the final call,” added Leslie.

So the three of her classmates rushed to their fellow classmates and said what Leslie said.

“Why February 4? We still have much time,” said one of Leslie’s classmates.

After days of worrying on their dance, Leslie finally calls them in February 4.

“This is our last day. Tomorrow is already the general rehearsal. Please get focused now,” said Leslie nervously.

So Leslie ran the letter to her teacher at the faculty room and saw she should choreograph about four gratitude songs.

“Guys, behave. We lack time. I still need to surf the Internet for gratitude songs and download them,” said Leslie in a mad way.

So Leslie went for a walk- in at their Computer Laboratory in the 3^rd Floor but the Computer Teacher still has his class. Leslie had a sudden strain that made her collapse.

Leslie was lying at the front of the Computer Laboratory and the nun, Sister Felly called the maintenance to carry Leslie to the clinic and let her rest. The next morning Leslie was ill.

 “Sir, I am sorry,” said Leslie.

“Why,” uttered his teacher.

“I still can’t go to school and we still did not practice even a single step. Sorry, Sir,” uttered Leslie.

“Why,” asked her teacher. “There is a long time. Why didn’t you do it?”

“I didn’t mind it when there is a time and when there is no time, that’s the time I remember it,” said Leslie.

 “So,” the teacher asked, “What have you learned?”

Leslie said “I learned that whenever you do your projects and activities, be punctual.”

“I’ll just hand the presentation to myself. I wish you can recover the fastest time,” said her teacher.

The day after the Gratitude Day, Leslie said an apology to the class.

“I admit I didn’t let you practice in time,” Leslie said. I am really sorry because I still did not learn to be punctual.”

Her friends still accepted her apology and she learned to be punctual. She still has time to review her work before passing and now, she gets commendation from his teachers. She passes earlier than the due date and of course more teachers are proud of her.

Now, is punctuality really important? I think yes. It puts us into the right place and the right time. J

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The Bully in School

Ronald Harrison went to school asking his classmates, “Is Drake there?”Everybody will answer that they do not know. It is because Drake is a bully. Everyone fears for him. “Anyone that conquers him will cry,” quoted Drake Wilkinson, who is a bully from his class.

It’s like every morning; the children are having problems with him in terms of his demeanor.
He will always try to punch students whenever he does not get what he wants. He will always let other students do his assignment. He forces his classmates to entertain him whenever he is in boredom. That’s why he is absolutely fat. This boy lacks proper diet in everyday life. Then he’s whining to his mom on why is he like that. He even blames his mom for him being fat. Here is even a proof that he is complaining. “Mom, why am I like this? Fat, plump for another word, pimply, oily and ugh! It is because of you. You made yourself fat that time and when you bore me, I am the fattest guy in the campus.” His mom despite of being disrespected said “It’s not my fault if I am freaking fat at that time! I am fat because well – I am fat because I am healthy and nutritious. And you darling, are you healthy? I mean you’re not even having exercise! Gosh!”

So Ronald Harrison is also this guy who is a victim of Drake the Freak’s bullying power. At one time, Drake grabbed Ronald’s collar and said “Make me my investigatory project for the Science Fair.” Ronald is powerless. But he had some kind of valor that made him say, “But.” And before he said the next word, Drake said to him in a loud voice, “Are you having difficulties in my commands?” Of course, Ronald did not just lose the courage easily. He still had the power to say to the bully, “What if I don’t want to?”

The fat Drake bumped his head over and over again in the porcelain made tiles in the comfort room and plunged his face in the toilet bowl. But in the eyes of God, I am sure that there is 99% good chance of winning and only 1% for the evil. It’s just freaking 1% only.

So good thing this happened. Ronald is crawling in pain and what he can do is just really crawl. There came Fr. Jay, the newly- elected Student Affairs Officer, who is kind, merciful and slow to anger.

Fr. Jay asked who made that. He said that it is Drake. We expect that people like this don’t really not have the strength to say who made the disaster out of them. Fr. Jay just rushed him first to the clinic for special treatment. Drake, for an instance was called by Fr. Jay and sent a letter to his parents to let him have the overnight retreat in Bataan.

After days, Drake was sent to Bataan. This was a different overnight retreat. Fr. Jay intentionally left Drake for about six hours. It is effective. He cried for help and no one helps him. At night, Fr. Jay just had a talk with Drake.

“What does it feel to be alone?” Drake said in tears, “It is very terrible. Being alone is not really a good idea!” Drake wipes his tears with Fr. Jay’s pants. “Did you feel what your victims felt? If you do not want that to happen to your life, then don’t bully.” Drake, after listening to Fr. Jay said “Yes, Fr. Jay, I promise not to bully anymore.”

The next day, there is a morning talk always settled by the principal. So the principal made a decision to make Drake the talker. “Drake, are you ready for your talk,” said the good principal. Drake seems really nervous but he said “Yes, I am ready ma’am.” So the principal introduced Drake. At first, it’s like no one listened to him. But in his inspiring talk, everybody listened carefully and enjoyed as it comes from dull to interesting. It includes Harrison, which is Drake’s gravest victim.

Drake declaimed “I just realized what I am doing is some kind of bad. It’s because it makes me feel proud and makes me feel sloth. And aside from that, I make people’s life miserable as well. So to those whom I really hurt too much in all my stay here in this school, I am saying sorry with all my heart. Help me start for a new beginning and let’s be friends.”

Everybody as in all of them: teachers, maintenance and of course the students started clapping for Drake. Starting that day, somebody already befriends Drake and helps him in his studies. He also defends other boys who are victims of bullies. Drake also became good to everyone as everyone is also good to him. J

If you are a bully now, do you think you will survive the challenges of life? Do you think you will be more wanted, more popular in being a bully? You’re thinking wrong. Some say that some rise by sin and some, goes down by value. Sometimes, being good deceives you but being good will bring you to something really good as well. So let us start being good to everybody and let’s see what will happen if we live our lives in a good way.

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