BECAUSE I’M A GIRL

I just can't understand the hearts of men.
They tell you they want you, and then they leave you.
This is the first time, you're special I believed those words and I was so happy
You should have told me you didn't like me anymore ,
But I couldn't see that and you just rushed me
Although I will curse you I'll still miss you,
Because I am a girl, to who love is everything.
I heard that if you give up things too easily,
To a man, he will get bored with you I don't think this is wrong.
A girl says that she will never be fooled again,
But she will fall in love again.
You should have told me you didn't like me anymore.
But I couldn't see that you just rushed me,
Although I will curse you I'll still miss you,
Because I am a girl, to whom love is everything.
The pain It's not enough to describe how I feel,
We were so happy together,
But I know now I've been blind.
You told me that you'd never let me down.
Whenever I needed you you'd always be here I can forgive but I can't forget.
Even though you hurt me I still love you I still love you,
Don't take advantage of a girl's willingness to do anything for love .
And her caring instinct.
You didn't know that to be born as a girl and to be loved is so hard.
Because I am a girl, to whom love is everything
There is a girl whom I love. Now I can't stay with her, but I still love her.

The Black Conscience Day

November 20th is Black Conscience Day in Brazil and is remembered as the one on which ZUMBI, a black slave hero who fought in the 1690s against the colonizers, died.

Official history has selected May 13th, the day when Princess Isabel signed the Lei Áurea (Abolition of Slavery Law), as the symbolic mark of the end of slavery in this country. However, black movements have selected November 20th, the day of Zumbi’s death, as Black Conscience Day.

The celebration of Black Conscience Day started in 1978, on the initiative of the Unified Black Movement (MNU), a political organization against racial discrimination.

A historic reflection of the Negro’s plight for freedom and justice, created and performed by the kids in our programme.

You can imagine the suffering of generations of our African brothers and sisters! But has anything really changed?

“MY MESSIAH”

I don’t know what I will say,

I don’t know how to begin this little poem of mine,

Which is about a man who makes me complete,

A man who can stay under my feet

A very long and simple, yet mesmerizing story which,

Still absorbs up to my flesh today.

Especially the way he shows he’s love to me,

And the decisive role he’s been playing in my life’s novel.

I’m living in a world made of shadow,

Where every thing is dark and hollow,

Full of hesitations and regrets for something I really don’t know,

Until this man came right up in my window

I really don’t know him,

But the fate itself wants me to take a look on his life,

I thought it’s going to be a quick dive,

‘Til we attune ourselves to each other’s heart.

Though I couldn’t say personally I love him,

This poem I made will testify my feelings for him.

Though he feels that I’m just playing,

I could say, “No, I do just love.”

From a stranger to a lover,

Now he’s going to stay in my heart and memories forever.

From a gloomy life to glory days,

He will always be my companion and inspiration in any ways.

He’s a man with a heart,

A man, though, who is not always there on your side, thinks your goodness.

He’s simply HIM,

My only Messiah… :)

THE ESCAPADE (Kingdom of Dagohoy)

Bohol is one of 7,100 majestic islands of the Philippines. It has an area of 3,864 sq km (1,492 sq mi), generally mountainous and surrounded by reefs in its western and northern coasts. Basically, Bohol’s unique geological feature, the Chocolate Hills and other spots such as their famous white beaches and historical cathedrals and churches attracts tourists which made them as one of the hot tourists spot in the Philippines. But not only foreigners are tempted on its beauty. That’s why; we the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Kiwalan decided to have our official trip at the wonderful place of Bohol. Here’s how we uncover the hidden secrets of the place.

January 07, we arrived at Tagbilaran pier around 8:00 in the morning through TransAsia Shipping. I noticed that their pier was so clean; you can’t find any trash and waste in any of its corner. Unlike here in Iligan, their pier was cleaner and more organized.

As we made our way to our “temporary home” namely the Ladaga’s Inn and Restaurant, I also noticed their clean and neat streets. I couldn’t help but compare this place to Iligan. Though Iligan is one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao (before), I think Bohol is much greater in terms of cleanliness and orderliness. Not talking the tourists’ rate that it has. Boholanons (Bol-anons) are great. They are hospitable and kind. They treat their visitors well; they’re friendly, welcoming, and generous to their guests. Examples are the staffs of the Inn.

We will stay there for almost three days. I think it was too short to witness the treasures of Bohol.

Around 10:30 in the morning, after we arrived at the inn and get prepared, we went to the province’ Department of Interior and Local Government and Bohol’s Provincial Hall for the issuance of Certificate of Appearance which is necessary especially for us having this official trip. Like the staffs in the inn, the people of these government offices are also welcoming. After such, we went to the next stop --- the WHITE BEACH at PANGLAO!

We spent half of the day at the beach with its sand’s white fine loose particles. It’s been a pleasurable day for us. We did not expect that moment after the very tiring and stressful trip. We played “dakpanay” and “bihag-bihag” at its clear and enchanting water. Through the help of Kapitan Jun and his wife Maam Lor, it became one of my unforgettable moments.

At night, after we took our dinner we had our Planning for the year 2009. There, we expressed our emotions and disappointments to each other. We also listed and organized the activities and projects that we will be doing this year. Anyway, we will leave all of those eye-tearing memories in Bohol. I think that’s the time we’ve become open to each other.

Second day, the most awaited day! Our hearts were full of excitement because that’s the day we were going to see the entire kingdom of Bohol, its famous spots and places (particularly the fabulous Chocolate Hills).

I think that’s the most enjoyable day for us. Just imagine five (5) spots at one day! Though stress was along our way, we still continue our sight-seeing.

First, we went to the Blood Compact Shrine, the exact location where Magellan and his comrades with the ruler (whom I forgot!) of Bohol made their blood compact or “Sanduguan” in Filipino. Another is the Church which is built centuries ago through the efforts of Boholanons. According to the legends, they used the limestones and egg white for building the entire church! Imagine? Until now, it is still a question on how they built such wonderful architectural piece. Next stop is the tarsier-encounter along Loboc River. As we all know, tarsier is known as the world’s smallest monkey which can only be found in Bohol. We couldn’t help but stare and take pictures on those big-eyed little monkeys which captured our interests.

After the tarsier-encounter, we decided to rent a boat (I really don’t think it’s a boat but anyway, never mind) to visit the small waterfalls along Loboc River. The place was great. Clean water, greeny forest and friendly companions. After such, we went to Prony --- the famous largest python in the world according to the Guinness World Book of Records. Gosh, the snake was really huge. It can almost eat a live human! But the good thing is it was asleep when we arrived there. Thank God! Her name actually is opposite from her appearance.

At last! After the heart-pounding and face-sweating animal we arrived at the Chocolate Hills which has hundreds of cone-shaped hills with vegetation that turns brown during summer. Though the day was so hot, we couldn’t believe but stare and be amaze of what we are seeing, of the marvellous place. One thing I could say is “it’s truly amazing!”.

You can find not only those captivating hot spots but also those warm and friendly Boholanons who really made Bohol a right place to go!

“ACCEPT REALITY AS IT IS”

People get tired; it’s not all times that they hold on. There are moments that you want to remain the same, but your heart is totally lost. You’re sick of pretending, you’re tired of being good and patient, and there’s just one thing you wish would happen ---- to be free in pain without messing a relationship that you’ve been taking care of.

How I wish someone will save me from this chaotic situation where everything seems unclear, and pain is still chained! How I wish I could escape this awful life full of sorrows and regrets…

Tears are falling on my pale cheeks…

My fingers are shaking and already numb…

I can feel the coldness as I lie on this stone floor…

I close my eyes and reminisce my past. Everything is made to be broken. I asked Him, why? Why does happiness can’t be mine? Why do I feel like a stranger of my own world? Do I not deserve to be happy? But, He just quietly stared at me and smiled.

I feel in distress. Now, as I stand in vain no one can ever help me. I wish I could turn back time so I could change grief into happiness and pain into delight. But it’s just a dream, a dream that can never happen. I realized that there were things that we could never change and situation that can never be easily fix. And just exactly as I thought, “We just have to accept REALITY as it is.”

“UNVEILING THE SECRECY” (Youth Empowerment in Iligan City)

TODAY, Iliganon young people played an important role in the movements for changes in Iligan City. Numbers alone made them important; almost 40 % of the voters for year 2010 Election are youth. In addition, these young people spent more years in school and were more affluent than previous generations. They are more aware of the social, economical, and political difficulties that the city is facing today. College campuses, youth organizations, NGOs, and other groups in particular teemed with young people who had the freedom to question the moral and political health of the city.

Moreover, one phase of the youth nowadays is that they are more empowered and active in predominating one national standard of justice, and positive development through participatory democracy or the idea that all people, including the youth, even the small elite, should decide the major economic, political, and social questions that shaped the city affecting the national. In a participatory democracy, youth including other organizations (e.g. women, environment, civil rights) would join together and work directly to fight for their own rights and for political and economic changes at the local level.

Importance of the role of the youth should capture public attention as they urged the appropriateness and “bureaucracy transparent management” of the local government. But as we can see today, youth are treated like numbers, not people and “maybe” responsible individuals.

Many other young activists who are aware of our situation fight for economical and political change by working for political candidates and by forming local reform organizations. And speaking of young people who volunteer to work for a political candidate and joining youth organizations, I should say that I am one of them. I think we are doing this because we believe on the leadership abilities and intelligence of our candidate, that he’s the one who can help us reach and strengthen our goals. Joining youth organizations gives us the idea that through such, we could deliver the voice of our comrades as they have become affected of the problems inflicted by ineffective governance.

In an often confrontational speaking, people asked difficult questions that leaders who have unscrupulous manner would rather have ignored. The veil of secrecy that surrounded us should be at least partially removed, for our priority is the health not only of our city but the entire nation as well.