Cleopatra's Box

Speech Two

2011-04-02T20:52:00.000+08:00

Good morning everyone! This may be brief but my warm greetings come from deep within and with utmost sincerity!

We welcome you all, as we celebrate the closing of this school year. To our parents who made both ends meet just to send us to school - we LOVE you! To our school director and principal, as well as teachers who made sure we improve by leaps and bounds - we are PROUD of you! To my schoolmates and friends who are there always - let us TAP our shoulders simply because we MADE it! To our guests who are here - THANK you for believing that we can do this! To our Almighty Father - we are FOREVER INDEBTED and GRATEFUL to you!

May we all continue to be a blessing for others! God bless us all!

Written for My Former Student

2011-04-02T20:47:00.000+08:00

On behalf of everybody present today, I want to start this speech with a message to someone special;

Dear God,

Thank you for letting the sun rise, the birds sing, the students move as the clock ticks. Thank you for sending our parents , teachers, guests in our way. Thank you for hearing our prayers and responding to them all the time. and thank you for everything not mentioned here.

I am grateful to be given this chance - to deliver a message - to be chosen as the valedictorian, is not the case but to stand here as a student to my teachers, a son to my parents, a buddy to my peers, and a believer of God.

To my fellow students, we have reached another milestone in our life and we are all glad to celebrate at the finish line, but trust me! This is not the end of the road. We are set to sail again and learn something more. For to finish high school does not mean we go on our own way and get married nor find ourselves doing household chores and live a carefree life. We are challenged to start sailing and dock at College Graduation's harbor safely and loaded. We will do better if we study harder, be more patient, strengthen our faith in God and understand life's hard lessons.

To our parents, we love you forever, and life may be hard on us, yet we will stand side by side. We may not become doctors, but we will try our best not to cause you heartaches. We may not become lawyers but we will do our best to become law-abiding citizens. We may not become business executives but we will be disciplined enough to become responsible individuals. You may not hear us say 'SALAMAT at MAHAL NAMIN KAYO' but we will make sure you know and feel it. We may have limitations but these do not mean we do not have expectations to achieve.

To our school director, principal, and teachers you let us feel that we are part of this big ministry. Your encouragement, advices, concern, hardwork, considerations, and patience made us who we are right now. Someday we will pass on these gifts for the next generation.

To the rest who are here today, there is nothing sweeter than be accepted and welcomed. Your presence is overwhelming and by this we are overjoyed. You extend your hands to connect with us, you step another step to reach us and you help us more empowered.

Thank you and may we continue our journey on the the same boat. God bless!

A Day in School

2011-03-28T14:18:00.001+08:00

I LIKE...
it when I get a free time to be alone.
it when all teachers are in good terms.
it when my things are in order.
those who eat lunch with me.
those who care enough to filter the words they say.
those who are sincere.
the childrens' books on the shelves.
the wooden toy train at the corner.
the colorful crayons in the basket.

To My Dearest Teacher

2011-03-27T23:41:00.001+08:00

Salam Walaikum akhuya!

I know you waited for me to show up online and attend our Arabic class. I received your offline message shortly after Magreb. I am terribly sorry for skipping our session today akhuya. I know it is my fault I did not come online because I watched a movie with my brothers. I promise to study my lessons well and it is okey with me if you will give a difficult test next weekend.

Ana akter li annik sa'ida!

Your student.

A Moment To Remember

2011-03-26T14:41:00.003+08:00

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually affects the ability to carry out simple activities of daily living. It is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and reasoning—to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. This disease can also affect younger people.

What will you do if you found out that you have an Alzheimer's Disease?

What will you hold on and keep and what will you give up and let go?

A riveting Korean movie called "A Moment To Remember" will capture your heart as the events unfold. It is a love story between Cheol-Su ( Woo-sung Jung ) and Su-jin ( Ye-jin Son ) a 27 - year old diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer's. It all began when Su-jin forgot her purse and soda at a convenience store. She met the poor carpenter at the store entrance holding a can of soda. Thinking that he stole her bought soda, she grabbed and drank it. Only to find out that she left hers at the counter.

As the film progresses, it took my heart and left me in a swirling gamut of emotions. A must-watch for all those who love and loved good, old, sad, love stories. So goes the phrase "I don't have to remember you, because you are already a part of me."

A love that transcends beyond the boundaries of the unknown. Enjoy watching!

A Thousand Splendid Suns

2010-05-02T20:52:00.002+08:00

It was 2 in the morning when i finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. My heart sunk upon learning that Mariam had to be executed in the end. I couldn't help but shed a tear or two. It may be a fictional book but somewhere in this world a similar thing could have happen to someone. Is it her fault to be born a 'harami'? Is it her fault to defend Laila at the expense of killing Rasheed? Is Jalil worth her forgiveness? Does she have to suffer from the start until the end?
Sad stories make good books...but do sad stories make good life too?

Attitude Problems

2010-05-02T20:50:00.002+08:00

Last Thursday, my student's mom called up because her daughter was absent for her summer class session. It happened 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when she explained about her daughter's ballet class sched over the phone and asked to pick-up the worksheets so her little girl could work her lessons at home. The school policy does not allow to send the worksheets out. I told her that her daughter can work out her lessons the next day and that we would cover up another 1 hour. The mother demanded EXPLANATIONS why the school does not allow such and put down while I was still explaining.

I didn't expect somebody could actually do such- not from an educated person...but GEEZ! she has an attitude!

She still had the face to show up to me and asked considerations for her daughter.

Of FRIENDS and FOES

2010-05-02T20:49:00.002+08:00

Friends can MAKE or BREAK you.

Killing Boredom

2010-04-01T21:45:00.000+08:00

Summer is here! No school papers, no students, no lesson plans, and no work! It feels a great relief at first, but as empty days come and go everything turns from colorful to black and white. Staying at home kills me. I hate to just sit around in my room, do household chores everyday, most of all I loathe the petty tasks being instructed to me.
I love it when I am at my workplace. I do my job, I help clean my classroom, I teach and chat with my students, and I get to hear my co-teachers' point of view on different matters.
If there is nothing to do aside from washing the dishes and cooking I face my laptop. If my eyes get sore of facing my laptop I sleep or take a nap. If sleeping and napping bore me I read E-books saved in my handphone. If the novel is taking a slow-mo pace I play with my cats and dogs. If my cats and dogs are preoccupied with matters that concern them I am on my own again! I do not know what to do now. I'm bored of boredom.
Anything you can suggest my friends?

Love Online

2010-03-29T11:23:00.000+08:00

Warning: This is a very CORNY story about myself. So if it happens that you do not like foolish love stories, this is NOT for you.

We started out as chatmates way back in 2008. Clicking the keys seemed to be pretty normal. We exchanged quotes, poems, points of view of famous people. Soon enough, songs and pics found there way into each others' e-mails. Where have you been's? and I miss you's were said. It was'nt anything serious nor relevant until the table was turned.

Everyday I miss this man. I linger on his advices and teases. He means a lot to me! He is a friend, a father, a brother, an enemy and a lover to me. I know loving him is out of the question and the silliest thing a young woman would do. He is twice my age and has a family of his own . I know this man loves his family, most specially his two precious kids.

As months unfold and a year becomes 2, he has confessed his fondness for me. He loves me that is what he said. He constantly goes online and leaves messages for me- a sweet thing. I am proud I have met this man online. This LOVE may not be a real one, but the relationship has helped me look into a man's kaleidoscope.

To all the wives in the world whose husbands love to chat...love your husbands well and let them feel your affections in different ways.

To all the husbands in the world who love the virtual world...LOVE your wives (Stay away from the pc if things are not running smoothly between you an online lover will not help the problem he he he he)

Cleopatra's Response to Naresh's AM I A HEAVY EATER

2010-03-14T10:22:00.000+08:00

Glorious FOOD! what can be more self-fulfilling than eating in a splendid restaurant that has varieties of food to choose from and costs a little. Food adventure is my game from cheap eat-all-you-can to expensive plate-in styles, my tummy never retreats. Food is a way of life among my race, from the tastiest, heavenly, wonderful but deadly (+ super mega ultra cholesterol content) Lechon (roasted pig oink! oink!), to a vegetable salad (healthy yeah! can i have Lechon instead?). Every day of our lives, we spend time eating, we eat heavy meals 3 times a day, plus lite meals, as well as snacks. With our taste buds getting used to tasting, there is no stopping to eating...

The Black Book

2010-01-07T20:29:00.000+08:00

In the Chinese calendar, 2010 is 'Year of the Tiger'. Fortune tellers predict great fortune and luck for all those who believe the mystery of Chinese zodiac. Let us see if everything sails smoothly. Black Book? what's the title for? well, yeah! I am planning to buy one beautiful notebook, one which is Black in color and one which cannot be accessed right away by just anyone (where can i find one that has a lock and key?)- but of course a Black Book with white pages (black inked pen is cheaper than those metallic pens for dark papers). What am I going to do with my Black Book? oh well, isn't it nice to keep track the memories of your hatred, depressoh moments, and furious rage about something and on someone?

I am going to start taking down notes on how i feel bad for this or that day, who are in the scenario and the core problem. This way I may be able to understand myself fully, the persons involve and know how to resolve the core problem. This way, I may be able to change or lessen my flaws and mistakes. This way I may be able to understand the world, the purpose of living, the essence of happiness, the importance of loving others amidst miseries they plague me. And, this way I may be able to weigh-out if I had to consult a witch to just put curse on those I hate (this isn't going nice).

For this year 2010, whether it is the 'Year of the Tiger' or 'Year of the Platypus' every sadness, every misery, every difficulty, every rage, every tear, every desperation, lack of inspiration, dead-end motivation and hateful situations will be accounted for on my Black Book (don't worry Black Book I will give justice to your pages).

A Loyal Lover (part I)

2010-01-01T21:42:00.000+08:00

How do we gauge loyalty towards our object of affection? Is it the way we treat her or him? Is it the way we delicately select and string sweet words for her or his ears to listen? By being fair and honest all the way, everyday? By thinking of him or her from sunrise to sunset or dusk until dawn? Through phone calls or e-mails? Or not looking at other beautiful individuals of the opposite sex?

This cute love story was shared to me by my friend whose undying affection of 'his' beloved continues to dwell in his soul. Let us call this man, Nathan. Nathan met a simple and homely girl in high school. He was shy and she was friendly. Of all the male classmates they had in class, this girl chose to talk with Nathan. She asked for this and he replied for that. They became close and was teased by their classnates. Nathan began thinking if this girl felt something for him. He was too scared to ask nor confess about the 'feelings' thing. Soon after they exchanged contact numbers. Nathan was confused whether to hang on to such elusive feeling. Indecisive of what to do, he contained his feelings to himself and kept mum.

College years came, she had to study there and he here. Nathan's high school friend became the girls classmate and soon enough became her close friend. She forgot to call Nathan for six months. And he began to worry. Days and weeks passed, he could no longer tame his anxiety and opted to dial her number. On the other side, she learned to trust Nathan's friend and preferred to be with him. With this, Nathan felt alarmed his friend might took the 'apple of his eye' away...

Treat Yourself Nicely!

2009-12-31T23:25:00.000+08:00

It is the season to be merry, enjoy and have FUN!...but there are lots of reason to be stressed out! "It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year!" and the busiest as well. My work requires me to meet the deadlines for the students third quarter evaluation, prepare and organize student and staff's Christmas parties and other school-related activities. It does not end there, i have to list, shop, and wrap the gifts for everyone in the family, at work and for my friends. Parties are endless during December, reunions here and there, dates with friends and special 'one'. After attending over ten parties, my back feels heavy and strained. Like everyone else, I need a good relaxation and pampering.

Last December 29, me and my colleagues decided to host a Christmas party at a beach. It was fun-filled, successful and stressful! The party ended at nine in the evening. Me and my other two girl friends went straight to a Thai Massage Clinic. Yeah! a full-body Thai Massage treatment!

We went up to the loft inside the clinic. Walked through a dim-lit hallways and entered a sweet smelling room. It took several minutes before the three masseuses came in. They asked us to remove everything except underwear. The massage was great and the scented oils were terrific. It lasted for an hour and we took a nap for 20 minutes. The place was cool, the masseuses nice and the pay - perfect! It was worth spending.

It is good to loosen up after work. Breaks are good to make you breathe deeper and focus better on your work. And a full-body Thai Massage is heavenly! Happy New Year readers!

Virtual Madness

2009-12-27T14:45:00.000+08:00

A female friend of mine introduced me to her virtual male friend thru facebook. At first, everything seemed moving smoothly. They were extraordinarily close to be called 'just virtual friends' . Later, my female friend confessed that 'her male friend' gave his fb account and password for her to check. This male friend of hers became one of my friends in my own account and i was able to see his photos. He was this Adonis-looking man, attractive and polite (we chatted thrice in fb) young lad. I believed he was this nice - worthy pair for my friend. And so it WAS!

However, (typical as it is in the virtual world) the expected moment arrived. My friend just told me that she was no longer chatting with 'that man' because 'he' was constantly lying to her (sad love story) and so the story ended.

I know several women, ladies and girls who put so much hope on finding Mr. Right thru chatting in the internet. Of course, we cannot deny that there are several women who really found the 'love of their life' thru this. But, the fact is the virtual world is a tricky place where deception can easily be mistaken as real. Many posers, liars and smooth talkers are waiting right beside their booby traps. Worst, their are lots of lusty men as well as women in the chatrooms waiting for you to accept their cam invitations. Chatrooms are mysterious and enticing invisible chambers where hungry nymphs, scammers, newbies, real people, and alike lurk. Complicated as it may seem, nevertheless, chatrooms never run out of guests.

Anonymous Gift

2009-12-24T16:20:00.000+08:00

I was heading to the marketplace this morning to buy something. I knew I had two five hundred peso bills in my pocket. As I was about to reach my destination which is three blocks from home, I checked my pocket and found out that I lost my money. I went back home and took another one thousand bill from my wallet.

I know it hurts when you lose something, especially money but i guess losing mine is a blessing to somebody else - the one who finds it. I do not know how to react at first, since it is my first time to lose one thousand pesos. Seeing those faces on the streets- happy smiles, sparkling laughters, and a few pokerfaces I cannot afford to sulk into despair just because of the money.

It is Christmas eve everyone deserves happiness. I am giving justice to my one thousand pesos - be a blessing to the one who finds you! Merry Christmas everyone! May you have abundance in the year ahead!

Holiday Prejudice

2009-12-21T10:42:00.000+08:00

I was having a good time somewhere in my city yesterday when i passed by a establishment fully adorned with Christmas decor. I overheard a female teenager spoke about Christmas and Santa Claus. "Santa Claus is Satan," she said. She elaborated that when she was still small her father told her that Santa Claus is Satan because when you rearranged the word 'santa' it can be 'satan.' Some kids grew up a prejudice because their parents instilled in them dangerous and totally discriminating notions on certain things. Santa Claus is personified as someone who is generous, patient, hardworking, child-friendly character. In my place where tanned race dwells, a foreign looking dressed-up Santa, shaking hands, giving kids candies and saying HO-HO-HO is something little children love and respected by adults. How come this 'Santa Claus' is a satan? The world tries to build a community of kindness and unity but if this backward culture of prejudicism goes on and on, our efforts to bring peace on earth will tumble and crumble. For the teenager: may you live up to the name of what you claimed. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Of CATs and DOGs

2009-12-21T00:29:00.000+08:00

My home is like a zoo menagerie - 3 dogs, 5 birds, 2 cats, several chickens and a handful of roosters, a turtle and 7 human beings.Of all the things present at home - which include all the furnitures and plants, i love my cats the most. I have one stripe grey tabby and a white (with orange spots) one. Both are nice and playful. Our dogs are playful too but most of the time i get a scratch or scrape on my skin when playing with them. When one of my 2 cats got sick, he (they are both male) would sleep in my room. A sweet thing to do for a cat, letting his owners know he is not feeling well and seeks attention.
Spending 10 hours in my workplaces is too stressful but when i reach home and my cats brush their soft furs on me i feel relieved and relaxed. I do not know what they have on their fur but one thing is for sure - they are helping me a lot to decrease my stress. Of CATS and DOGS - cats are more to me!

Blogging...

2009-12-20T23:54:00.000+08:00

My ideas tend to explode everyday. There is no way i could contain them or keep them from vanishing away. A friend suggested it would be nicer to blog what i have in mind. So here it goes!