Exercises about Proper and Common Nouns

Everywhere, we are surrounded with nouns such as the Proper and Common Nouns. In fact, there are many as we can observe. Nouns are everywhere. But in this part, we have first to discover the two kinds of nouns.

Proper Noun names a particular or specific person, place, thing, animal or event. It begins with a capital letter.

For example: Cecille, Canada, Chevrolet, German Shepherd, Wedding

Those examples are what we call Proper Nouns. As you can see, they signify specific names. Like the specific name (as stated in the example) of person is Cecille, for place is Canada, for thing is Chevrolet, for animal is German Shepherd and for event is Wedding. All the first letter of the beginning of those words mentioned begins with a capital letter.

The only indication for a proper noun to fully be recognized is the rules in capitalization that is being used.

Common Noun is the opposite form of proper noun. It names any one of a class or a kind of person, place, thing, animal or events. It presents a general name. It begins with a small letter.

Example: students, school, car, dog, party

What I mean about general name is that it doesn’t give the exact specific identity. Like for example, for person – students (these are persons who are going to school). For place, school (this is the general term of a place). For thing, car (it doesn’t tell the exact name). For animal, dog (it doesn’t tell who). For event, party (it tells the general term of the occasion).

Now in order for you to harness your recognition of the two kinds of nouns that we are tackling here, I will provide you with sample exercises.

A. Underline all the nouns in the following sentences. Write P above each noun if it is a Proper Noun or C if it is a Common Noun.

1. Catherine attended the concert of the Celine Dion.

2. Nothing is impossible if we believe in God.

3. Generous people share their things.

4. A furious tiger charged into the forest.

5. Nicole is a faithful friend.

6. I was eight years old when my mother taught me to sing.

7. Our family spent summer in Los Angeles, California.

8. The car was going very fast toward Houston, Texas.

9. The children went to the Walt Disney to experience fun adventures.

10. Does the program add to our appreciation of Art?

11. His father works in Mexico.

12. Has Mr. Smith returned from Chicago?

13. When was United States of America discovered?

14. Vacation is a happy time for boys and girls.

15. We see different kinds of animals in the West.

B. Write an appropriate proper or common noun for each given noun.

1. mother

2. Rome

3. Omni Hotel

4. bank

5. Romeo and Juliet

6. newspaper

7. basketball team

8. church

9. Caribbean

10. I am Sam

C. Pick out the nouns in the following paragraph and tell whether each is a proper noun or a common noun. Write your answer on the blank provided.

As Geoffrey was walking inside the Bodigon’s Galleria, he passed by Samsung Store and saw attractive but expensive cellular phones which he so desired for a long time. Beside the shop was Time Zone Store where many watches were on display. But he knew that financially, he could not afford to have any of these. And it occurred to him that there may even pose serious risks to his life. So, he just enjoyed touring the mall and felt content with what his parents could afford to give him.

D. Write your own 5-paragraph composition about any topic of your interest. Be sure that there should only be 20 Common Nouns and 15 Proper Nouns present in your write-ups.

E. Make a script about How to Introduce a Friend to Your Parents. Be sure to include the use of proper and common nouns. Group into 4 and present a short role playing out from your written scripts.

F. Make a report on the latest news in your community, in your country or in the world. Be sure to present them in the class. Utilize the use of proper and common nouns.

*You can also modify or add some other kinds of activities that you can best suggest in order to make your classroom instruction more interesting and student-centered.

Who are Deucalion and Pyrrha?

I love reading the Literature of the Greek and the English as well. The characters portrayed by different gods and goddesses amuse me because of their extraordinary power that sets to cause twists and turns over the other characters in the story. I find part of reading them humorous and funny, but most I find it igniting, curios and even furious.

Just like this part of the story of Deucalion and Pyrrha that pauses me for minutes because of the underlying meaning of how fate leads their lives into a situation that calls them to believe.

To better understand what I mean, I will share to you the page of the story which I got from the Classical Era portion of the Greek and English Literature Book.

Deucalion and Pyrrha

Almost every human being was now dead. Only two people, Deucalion and Pyrrha, were still alive, afloat on the ocean in a small boat, and Zeus knew that if the human race were to survive, he would have let these two live. Deucalion was the son of Prometheus and Pyrrha, the daughter of Epimetheus, but they were neither disobedient nor stupid. In fact, there were the best of humans, and always quick to honor the gods. They would make the best possible parents for the new race of human beings.

Little by little, the ocean grew calm and the highest peaks of mountains began to appear. As the flood receded, the two summits of Mount Parnassus, which before and since the flood reared high enough into the heavens to pierce the clouds, now pierced the surface of the ocean, and the little boat stuck between them. The first thing that Deucalion and Pyrrha did was to give thanks to the gods of Mount Parnassus and pray for their help, as they watched the waters diminish and the mountain grow tall again.

From their vantage point high on the mountain, Deucalion and Pyrrha could see far across the countryside. They watched as the rivers began to flow once more within their banks and the trees shook mud off their leaves. They could now see the ruined temple of Thermis, but no other signs that humans had ever lived on Earth. Quickly, they walked down to the River Cephisus and sprinkled drops of its water onto their wet clothes and wet hair, as a mark of respect for the goddess. Then they knelt down close to the temple, praying  that Thermis would help them rescue the entire human race from extinction.

Themis is a gentle goddess who is remarkably skilled at foretelling the future. She announced to Deucalion and Pyrrha, “You must walk away from the temple, veiling you heads and loosening your garments, throwing behind you the bones of your mother.” Pyrrha was totally appalled at the thought of digging up the grave of her mother and throwing away her bones, but then she remembered that oracles usually spoke in riddles. Together with Deucalion, she puzzled over the goddess command. “The oracle would never tell us to do anything that would offend the gods,” said Deucalion. “The mother that she speaks of, must mean the great mother of all, Gaia the earth goddess, and the mother’s bones must be the stones in the ground.

Neither Deucalion nor Pyrhha was confident that this was what the oracle meant, but they could think of no better interpretation of her words. With their head veiled and their garments loosened, they picked up stones from the muddy ground and began to walk away from the temple. At every step, they threw a stone or two behind them. Each stone, as it fell back into the mud, started to change shape and grow larger. They began to look like roughly carved marble statues, then like statues as big as life, and finally they grew warm and started to breathe. Each stone that Pyrhha threw behind her turned into a woman, and each stone that Deucalion threw behind him, turned into a man. This is why the peoples of Earth are strong and tough, because their origin was the strong, tough stones of Parnassus.                                                                                                                                              

My side:

Prior to the statements above, probably you might wonder why the Earth is flooded with water. Zeus was mad to the humans because the immortals are making contacts with them. Zeus is afraid that the immortals will continued to have children with the humans and so, Zeus ordered Poseidon (Neptune), the god of the sea to cause flood to the Earth to punish the people. With his (Poseidon’s) trident, he shook the earth until it cracked open, letting the sea flood in. There are gigantic waves and cities washed away. People ended up starving to death on the ocean.

But only Deucalion and Pyrhha were saved out from the flood. That is why, they are thankful because they are the only ones who were saved. In order to regain life on Earth, Thermis gave them message to ponder and one that they think out from what Thermis said, they threw stones on the mud, causing people to live.

I can associate the happening of Deucalion and Pyrrha of the coming of Christ. When the judgment day comes, it is written in the Bible that the Earth will totally experience so much pains and trials from natural calamities that no one could ever control. God is mad at people because of ceaseless sinfulness and the wicked ways they are committing day by day just like Zeus who is mad to the immortals for having contacts with the mortals. We, people are the mortals but if we do have contacts with the superficial, immortals, the evil ways and satan, we will be drown to sinfulness, and that God is never happy with it.

But only Deucalion and Pyrhha were saved. They represent the persons who have a deep trust and faith in God. They are worshipping, praising and thanking God all their lives. They are the ones who is not afraid to die. They are ready all their lives. They are the ones who were saved because they believe, accept and ask forgiveness to God. They are good persons. They don’t disobey God. That is the reason that they are saved.

On the day of Jesus’ coming, there are those souls whose spirits will be lifted to Heaven and there are those who will forever chain in hell. The throwing of stones by Deucalion and Pyrhha is the symbolism for final judgment. There are those spirits that God forgives and they too can inherit Heaven while there are those as well who never turn away from sins and thus, they go to hell.

This part of the story in the English and Greek Literature donate a wide idea of preparation, preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ Jesus. It is in us, who can make us in Heaven. Through forgiveness and prayers, we can tell that we are saved. Plus, doing good acts of helping people without asking the costs in return is the act that surely makes us pleasing to God. We will be saved.

In learning Literature, one should not go deeper into literally interpreting what just one sees. You need to go down deeper to the meaning of the words and relate it to the present situations or the events that realistically points life. It is never hard to learn Literature unless you have the tools to deeply understand what each statement or paragraph means. Relating the story to actual life situation is the best technique to deeply build understanding of the text.

Cecille Ann Gregory, author of this blog

Blogger

How to prepare for a Speech

Public Speaking is the most used form of freedom of expression that has been delivered by prominent government officials, ordinary citizens in a country, leaders of an organization or of the self.  In the olden days, even before the birth of Christ, numerous instances in fact, when anyone dares to question the law and its mandates, person who questioned are subject to speedily execution. That is why, countless mouth are borne in silence.

But now, freedom of speech is a tool of the people to express their views of defending the corrupt and unscrupulous rulers against the oppressed individuals, with no limits. This tool is a strong weapon against the grievances, indignities and abuses which are caused by traitors and predators of the countries around the world. There is no one who will be left silent in this time for the freedom of speech is the right of everyone to express and be heard in and out of the camera.

But before the strike of words fly its wings for catchers of information, it is very important that you should harness your potentials in molding your skills to be an effective speaker.

I have been an active speaker in our community, but I can’t say that I am not in the right track if I will just rely on my self know-how and not to heed from the teachings of public speaking.

To be a good speaker, you should consider your audience. A good speaker is not just to gobble for ideas unlimitedly and let it flow from his mouth “the out-of-this-world” words, but he should know his listeners. You should speak with a purpose. What you say is a bridge of communication from you to your listeners, making that connection of the both of you. You should speak in a manner that will make it possible for you to reach your listening audience to what you intend to speak (desired end).

When we analyze the speeches of William Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln and many others, they speak for the ultimate good of all and because they do, they influence lives. Speeches which are considered effective are those that have an effect in the lives of the people. I tell you, post this question in order to evaluate the effectiveness of your speech: “Would everyone profit by that or would only a few? “ If you think that it will touch, moved, change others, then sure you go, the speech is what we call an EFFECTIVE speech.

Speeches of any kind bring touch to everyone. It depends on how you maneuver, building the thought and what you want to reveal to your audience. If the speech has had no preparation, it certainly should not be made. A prepared speech has gone through practices. The preparation takes months and even years before the presentation or it has been carefully rehearsed before friends. I will share you these important points that somehow help you make a good speech.

The careful choice of the subject is a must.  You must know the occasion for the speech. You must know your audience (educational level, age, etc.) and their interest (the appeal of the subject).  Then go over developing the subject after you have found out the vital information of your audience and their interest. You have to gather facts, read, think harder, make use of materials (Internet, books, magazines, pamphlets, etc.) and interview your friends, the officials, your grandparents, your parents, neighbors or those in authority.  The more evidences and gathered facts you have collected, the faster you can create a good speech. Do not be too much dependent by your own thoughts. 

Then be sure that you should select the genre of your speech. Is it to encourage or convince, to inform, simulate, entertain or to persuade the listeners?

In encouraging or convincing, you have to give your audience the reasons why they should be convinced with what you want to say. You should explain the situation carefully by giving examples, present comparisons and convincing arguments. You should mention what problems stand on the way of the audience and present heavier obstacles against the present ones that could be in the way.

In informing, you just have to simply broaden their knowledge through explanations.  If your speech is to stimulate, you should go over letting them do more on things which they failed to do, but not quitting. Instead help them realize their obligations.

You have to arouse their feelings, to delight or let them laugh when you want them to entertain. You should have the wit and humor; present stories, anecdotes, myths and the like that cannot fail to delight them. Furthermore, if your purpose is to change the minds of your audience, you must employ a vast amount of appeal using all means to make the listeners do what he wants them to do.

To give a flow of the purpose of your speech, it is time for you to plan the speech in making your purpose appear in a proposition. You should make now your outline, that is: Introduction, Discussion and Conclusion.

The Introduction should make your audience feel that they know the important facts about what you want to convey and to what their interest in what you have to say.

A good speech of introduction should tell something of the speaker’s field of work and something of the importance of it. It should mention the speaker’s accomplishment in his field. If possible, it should contain a human-interest element so that the audience will have a warm and friendly feeling for the speaker. Most important, it should give the title of the speech and the name of the speaker.

It is best to include in your speech, before the introductory statements, to introduce the member of the board, etc. It is one way of greeting them before you give your blow. In this way, you are recognizing them and for your benefit, you are settling yourself in a self-contained tone.

In the Body or the Discussion, you should follow the time sequence from the first to last. You should tell what you want to say even it describes a space-order, related group order type, cause and effect order or problem-solution order.

In creating the Conclusion, it could be a simple expression of appreciation of the courtesy and entertainment. It could also be simple parting words. Some speakers summarize their arguments. Others may attempt to further motivate the audience, making them believe in the justice and the desirability of acting the way the speakers wants them to act. On the other hand, in order for your conclusion to be emphatic, you should use specific words. Do not give ambiguously ideas that leave your audience a headache. The words should be colorful. Use words that leap, words that pitch and toss, picturesque words that suggest motion, order or sounds. The use of direct quotation makes persons shine. You can also pose a question, compare or contrast or probably use an illustration as a proof.

Please be reminded:

If the speech has had no preparation, it certainly should not be made. A prepared speech has gone through practice. It should be prepared months before the presentation or should carefully be rehearsed before friends.

Now that you have more ideas on how to create a good and effective speech, I wish you a lot in your pursuit of making your freedom of expression be heard by everyone. Good luck!

Arleen Jay R. Abucay

English Teacher, Blogger and Freelance Writer

Who is Zeus?

English Literature is my forte. I love to discover the life of the gods and goddesses that make chaos, bring turmoil and even entice others. It is so fun to read Literature of the past in Greek origin. One that captures my curiosity is Zeus. Who really is Zeus?

Zeus, according to the information that I have gathered, is the god of the sky and all its phenomena. His name is from and Indo-European word, meaning “to shine.”

In the Tales of Zeus, as stated as:

After the horrors of Lycaon’s banquet, Zeus (Jupiter) decided that the whole of humankind deserved to die. The other gods thought anxiously about their temples and their festivals. Who would make sure that the sweet smells of sacrifice would continue to rise up to Mount Olympus if there were no more human beings? Who would be left to worship the gods? Zeus promised that the human race would not die out completely. He would find a way for a new breed of humans to come into being, people who would be properly respectful of the gods and careful to observe every festival with its proper rituals.

Zeus stood on Mount Olympus with the thunderbolt in his hand, choosing his first target. He was just about to hurl the thunderbolt into the marketplace of the closest city when he remembered a prophecy that the world was a doomed to end in fire. Carefully, he laid aside his weapon, for he wished to cleanse the world, not to destroy it utterly. “Let the waters carry my revenge and then subside,” he decreed, “so that life can return once more.”As he spoke, the winds began to blow up a tempest. The South Wind gathered back storm clouds that poured their rain down onto the land. The crops were washed away; this year, all of humankind would go hungry. But Zeus was not satisfied with this revenge. He wanted not just to hurt the troublesome human race, but to drown almost all of them.

He called to his brother Poseidon (Neptune), lord of the sea. Poseidon commanded all the rivers and streams of the world to flood, and then he struck the surface of the earth with his trident. Poseidon is sometimes known as the Earth Shaker, and on this day he shook the earth until it cracked open, letting the sea flood in. Gigantic waves smashed across the land. Cities were washed away. No temple, no palace could stand against the roaring tide. There was no more boundary between the earth and water, nowhere to take refuge on solid land, and when people tried to outride the storm by taking refuge in ships, they ended up starving to death on the ocean.

Sides of the Story:

The main reason why Zeus wanted to destroy humankind is because he was alarmed that many gods continued to have children with the mortals, making humans more powerful.

The world of Zeus is the place of the immortals. The presence of the gods and goddesses make it immortal. But their belief that to commune with the mortal is something not of their acceptance because he might be afraid that the people will dominate the entire world. But the other immortals have communication with the immortals in the form of love. They communicate with the humans of the intense feeling that they both feel the security of feeling love for each other. But that was the ultimate worry of Zeus for in the case that all his constituents will be closed to the humans, he is afraid that there will be no more immortals in their world.

For Zeus, he cares more on their property. He is thinking about their world and not that of the human’s world. That is why, every time when he hears news about the oneness of communicating between his world and the living world, he is always in burst of intense madness. He then goes with his wit of making to the people in the living world to experience the kind of power he has when he gets mad. He will really do everything that people feel how deep is his anger.

For me, Zeus’ character is very intense. He heeds no mercy when his anger takes the lead. But he thinks many times before he decides. Zeus is like a person who manipulates the world in his hands without second thought or without fear for he knows what is best for them. He is just in everything that he does. He propagates to implant a strict rule that when one disobeys, all will pay the price. He doesn’t escape any misconduct. He is a leader with pride. Because of his power that he has all the capacity to rule the world, he is oftentimes furious. Maybe that is just the normal sides of him because he is the only immortal that is liable for his kingdom. Whatever will happen to under his rule, he will not forgive himself.

I oftentimes find Zeus moody. He is totally angry at first, changeable for some instance but too much strict at all times. I don’t know if he is lovable or friendly. But in this story, I find him authoritative, impulsive, strong, strict and with pride.

Speech - The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln

I have been exposed to numerous speeches when I was still in my elementary years. My English teacher encourages the class to develop our speaking ability. She wants that we could speak fluently in English. She wants us to have self confidence and self-trust. As a result, she found a great idea of harnessing our speaking skills. Every Monday of the first week of the month, she is giving us a piece (speech copy) to memorize and on every third week, Friday, the speech delivery begins.

But before we present the speech, our teacher taught us the vital things that we need to do in delivering the Speech, from our hand gestures, audience contact,  posture, voice and many more. It was so helpful for us to learn many things out from developing our speaking skills.

The first piece that she introduced to us is from the composition of Abraham Lincoln entitled, The Gettysburg Address. Here is the full copy of the piece:

The Gettysburg Address

by Abraham Lincoln

Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, Is a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world, will little note nor long remember what we say here but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Pets' Love for Each Other

Pets are like humans. They have instincts, senses and of course, feelings.

My pets, namely Nana (dog) and Tarzan (cat) had this extraordinary love for each other. Is this possibly called Love?

Many times as I have observed the actions of my two pets, I find it weird. They are not of the same kind, a dog and a cat. They always show signs of sweetness and caresses which carried me to observe them.

There are those moments that when Tarzan went nearer to Nana, the latter lick his feathers all over again and bite the portion of it, killing those animal lice. Tarzan also finds way to be sweet to Nana. He always follows her wherever she goes. They are like bestfriends who feel in-love with each other. They are like one sweet, loving family. 

To my unstoppable stare and observation of them, I have the change to capture their sweetness of love. Tarzan slept on the tail of Nana while both of them are comfortably sleeping on the ground.

I have realized that pets too have feelings. Tarzan and Nana’s love for each other signifies how they care for one another. This is a rare scenario in most of pet’s life, I think. It is my first time to see for real that pets do show affection and concern to the other creature that obviously both of them are not of the same kind.

I have realized that love is unconditional. It never judges nor chooses to love. It doesn’t care who to give love and to whom would it be shared.

This simple glimpse of my life with Tarzan and Nana reminds me that love is for everybody, no matter what culture, beliefs, races and nationalities. Love is never selfish. It gives and resides in them. They are animals but not humans, but still, they have love for each other.

The Seven Steps in Gospel Sharing (Lumko Method)

I have read the Bible – The Good News Bible (Today’s English Version), while I am reading, I gone through the back portion of it and I have found The Seven Steps in Gospel Sharing. This gives me the “ting” (idea) to share it to the world so that you will be directed that Gospel Sharing has also its processes for systematic flow of the activity. On the other hand, you will be directed and benefited out from this important ways to follow when you share the Gospel of God to all the people in the world.

It is The Seven Steps (7S-Lumko). There are various kinds of gospel sharing methods and one of them is the Lumko Method. Here are the details:

First Step: We invite the Lord

“Would someone invite the Lord in prayer and welcome Him?”

Once the group settles down, the facilitator asks someone to volunteer, “to invite the Lord”. The living presence of the Risen Christ is the presupposition and basis or our meditation. We invite God to come into our hearts – We open our minds, hearts and soul to receive the Word. We remind ourselves that the Lord is with us. “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Second Step: We read the text.

“Let us open our Bible to (Book, Chapter…)

(When all have found the Book and chapter): “Would someone like to read verses…”

The facilitator announces the chosen text: first the book, then the chapter. He waits until everyone has found the book and chapter and only then does he announces the verse. When everyone has found the passage, the facilitator invites someone to volunteer to read the text. A moment of silence follows. 

Third Step: We dwell on the text and meditate on them.

“We pick out the words or short phrases – read them aloud prayerfully – and keep silence in between”.

The facilitator continues: “Which words strike you in a special way?”

In doing so, almost the entire text is listened to again. The participants spontaneously read aloud the world or words that have impressed them. Whole verses are not red, only short phrases or individual words. The participants are encouraged to repeat those words silently to themselves three or four times. It is extremely important that a moment of silence be kept after each person has spoken, allowing the message to “sink in.” As a result of this step, “simple” words often take on new meaning.

Fourth Step: We are quiet. View with wonder. We listen.

“We keep silence for…minutes and allow God to speak to us.”

After spending time on the individual word, the entire passage is read again slowly, “Will someone please read the text again (from another version)?”

We “notice” the words or phrases that touch, stir, challenge and correct our hearts. We pick our words or short phrases and repeat them in our hearts. We ask themselves: How is my life touched by this scripture passage? Is there an invitataion for me? “We allow ourselves to be loved by God. We let God look at us – simply open to God, to wait for Him, to be with Him. In fact, he is not far from any of us.” (Acts 17:27)

Fifth Step: We share what we have heard in our hearts.

After the time of quiet, the facilitator announces the next step: “We share with each other what we have heard in our hearts.” Which word touched us personally? We may share also any “spiritual experience”. We do not discuss any contribution, even though some may not share personally but comment on the text instead.

Sixth Step: We searched together. We discuss any task that our group is called to do.

The facilitator announces: “We search together. What is God telling me (us) to do? How can we respond?” We commit to some action individually or as a group.

Plan of Action: Report on the previous week; what new task needs to be done; who will do what and when; how have we applied the Word of Life in certain situations in life. Discuss everyday problems in the light of the Gospel. Difficulties are resolved because of the mutual confidence that now exists.

None of these problems need to have a direct connection to the Bible passage, which had been read and shared. However, they emerge and can be resolved because of the mutual confidence that now exists in an atmosphere of the presence of God. Things look different when God is allowed to be present.

Seventh Step: We pray together for God’s continuous guidance in our life.

The facilitator now invites everyone to pray. Anyone who wishes may pray spontaneously. In your prayer, use words of scripture that touched you personally from the text.

The participants are encouraged to incorporate in their personal prayer whatever has been of special importance to them during the meditation.

Only in the end is a formal prayer or a hymn known to everyone recited or sung.

Youth Speaks (poem)

Who are the “we” in the poem? What task does youth say he will perform? What is the youth’s purpose in denouncing wrongs? What is the youth asking for? Why?

These questions linger in my minds as I read the poem which is written by Amador T. Daguio. It reminds me as my responsibility as a youth in my own nation.

Youth Speaks

by Amador T. Daguio 

We voice no apologies,

We were caused by our time.

What we say happened to us

Who have dared cold horizons.

So we say to you all

We, too, have tasks to perform.

We love this country no less

Than lawmakers, money-lenders.

Governors, factory owners.

Or hacienderos. We offer

Our strength for foundations.

But first, we must clear this land.

We must cut down thick jungles.

Before we can lay strong foundations,

We must drain protozoan marshes.

Burn old sores, cancerous flesh.

We who will inherit this land.

Fathers, elders, why disinherit us?

We who are young, longing and lonely.

Why do you poison our growth?

What if we are not of the privileged?

We love our country even much more

Perhaps than those who wallow in security.

If we denounce wrongs, know that

Our cry begs for our need?

We do not wreck; we wish to perform.

To plant proud blooms that will live-

Allow us then, give us your trust.

When the Husband has another...

It is 10:24 in the evening, I thought it was early dawn. I can’t go back to sleep. Our neighbors near our house woke me up. I hate every time our neighbor quarrel and the culprit,,,her husband who has another woman.

Everyday, every night, I hear voices of fighting, crying, shouting and even things flown on the wall. I don’t want to hear their heated arguments, but it seems that not a day, they will fight. Not an evening, they will not quarrel. I almost can count how many nights all those quarrels and fightings all over again burst to my ears. I don’t mind, but the chaos keeps me awake like an ear away.

I pitied more their children. Their two girls are always a witness to their heated troubles that bangs us, the neighbors. Indeed, when the husband has another woman, he brings home a ruin life. He demoralizes the home that should be formed through love and respect. He keeps no morals that shame dominates no space in him. He is not ashamed of his neighbors and the people around them. He destroys the trust that his wife build. He shares bad ideas to his children that maybe when they grew up, they (their children) might hate their father for the wrongdoings he has done to his family.

When the husband has another woman, he denies the truth that he first created. He shows to the world that he is doing no mistakes. He pretends to be the “angel” which in fact, he carried the thorn of evil. He leads the people to believe that he is the “good Samaritan” and not the other. In him is the power to put everything in his pocket for he doesn’t want to stand corrected. He is indeed a destroyer while the Mother is in the softer corner, crying and keeping his words in deep silence.

Every night, it seems I anticipated what will happen…when the husband has another woman, the neighbors left awake. It is so disgusting.

Roadside Assistance

Life takes people to all sorts of sides, whether it be in a more complicated or the comfortable way.

Indeed, it is very risky to lay life in the midst of nowhere especially when help is really needed. Just like when one is in the middle of one's ride in places where appointments and schedules are a must to be attained, then here come the problems of tires, gas and car parts destruction. The instant initial reaction is to ask for help.

Because of the secured availability of the Roadside Assistance, the problems in traveling with one's car or any other transport vehicle is not a major problem. They instantly care to help and in the rescue whether one is in the midst of nowhere. Their immediate help brings comfort of every traveler as they provide gas, if one is short of gas; tires, if one has problem, experiencing flat tires, or just any other vehicular problems along the way. 

That is why, whether you are out of town for any land adventure with your vehicle, it is not a problem of where to rely and rest one's trust because Roadside Assistance will surely take you to the right road with the right help in the midst of nowhere.

Sacrificing for the sake of others

Oftentimes I say, "This is enough." But in reality, I just can't. 

Sacrificing for the sake of other people especially to one's family is not easy to do. You have to "forget" your own happiness, I guess, so that you feel secured that they are okay. 

I have almost given up everything for my family. Now, I am in late adulthood, I should have my family of my own. I should have my children now who are happily in the elementary or in the secondary level. But I say, "I just can't."It is so hard being the bread-winner. I take all the responsibilities, carrying the world on my shoulder. I am happy with what I do but there are times that I pause for awhile and say, "I had enough."

I need a man who will understand me and accept my family. I need a man who accepts my special child sister and not to abandon me because of her. I need a man who is willing to take all sides of my life and who knows how to understand. But that mere facts, almost closes my door to love because I don't want to see bitter reactions from them because of my special child sister. 

Of course, i get tired, but I don't matter nor mind them for I am used to it. Before anything painful happens, I can say that I am depriving or "closing" my door for someone because of pain. But again, only God knows.