B.E.A.S.T.

(BE A Scream of Truth)

Poem Category

Theme: A holiday from childhood that stands out

Name: JERIC AQUINO

Title:
“Hymn of Night”

T—he state cracked where they left your breath, no longer instruments quavered,
H—ex of the vespertine's night along the shore's dead,
E—xpound the sand ripped up over the wind's froze dread;
N—ewer blood, streaked like a vein to every moment of tear's shed.

E—mpty smoke that drifted near the gun's thundered,

W—here the stiff motor pounded in the mud fathomed.
Y—et, clarion had the smell of a hundred burned-out suns backfired,
E—phemeral the ceiling of his sky went dark; the floor was full of blood— his deathbed.

A— year ago today they cracked his bones, artful dodger; epitomes ensconced
R—otted in a closet ground for the bad trumpets long seasonable grieved;
E—ffrontery of mysterious man shot my uncle's head,
VE—nom's trounce for that unknown's hymn— murmured.
#
—
THE NEW YEAR EVE

Theme: Painite ( What makes a pianite rare?)

Name: JERIC AQUINO

Title:

“Abstract of Hearthstone”

Casting stones out into the depths of water;

Creating ripples to wash across the words,
Odd and misshapen living rare stones,
Joined together edifice the foundation, walls.

Beyond the fields at the edge of the woods,

Stones scattered cast into the epitome of the lust,
Gathering the stones together, creating lines; courses the rows of the labyrinth,
Framed in part the foundlings stones beyond fields under the brush before the woods.

At dusk, robe in gray mist;

Clamor from ev'ry copse and orchard-side,
I watched the red star rising in the East,
Flaming sign from prisoning daylight more released!

Lift their pale lamps, out of their locks of the water of the line,
Shaking in clouds of phosphorescent fire,
Rose in the splendor of their curving flight,
The rarest stone in desert building a God's empire!
#

Theme: New Year's Resolution

Name: JERIC AQUINO

Title:
“Ecstasy”

Encroaching evil's extinguish enervate,

Exploitation entering enormous ejection;
Euphemizing enthrall eclipse's ecstasy,
Epitome's emancipation elicited.

Elevate, elate; emblems emanate,

Emphasizing eminence enduringly;
Empire, engrave entering epitaph,
Ennui's execution enslave.

Enormous enthroned entirely;

Excellency exalting existence's edification,
Exempt exhaustion eyestrain,
Enshroud, entrust; ensconces euphoria eternally!
#
Theme: Rainbow

Name: JERIC AQUINO

Title:
Epitome of Arc of the sky

I saw you cross noiselessly the void of silence,

In the now bruised visage of the afternoon.
I followed those footsteps you painted faintly on the cheek of a cloud,
But 'twas solitariness I saw with the fading of the blue of my imagined sky.

I cradled the pain wistfully sipping the nectar of the crumpled bliss,
For you had vanished in the magical laughter,
Then came the dusk and I, utterly lost,
Could seek the company of those deathly silences you had scattered my pain.

The rainy pleiads wester— orion plunges prone,

The stroke of midnight cease; I lie down alone,
And seek beyond the ocean's heart, the head that I shall dream of
That will not dream of me.

Waves of faint sound would pulsate from afar,

Deep in the cloudless west the evening flame,
Hung 'twixt the colors from dark vale where shades crepuscular,
Always remember there's rainbow after the rain.
#

Theme: In your rearview mirror

Name: JERIC AQUINO

Title:
Awaken of Reminiscent

There are no lies in the mournful morning,

No cheating of age
An illusion of eye, cracking stone over the bone;
Sometimes now the past in the autumnal tide,

Lost in a maze of roving thoughts,

He sits rigid there;
Yet not for even did that temper of saturnine tranquil prevail,
There was some in his eye, that told another tale.
There were boxes ev'ry shape and size;
In the attic, basement, storage base— oblivion of reminiscent,
Still, quiet, frozen time; forgotten boxes of shards and fragments,
Treasured recollection, rediscovered inconvenient parts too.

No portrait hidden away becoming skeletal and demanding release,

Hard to open, connect the pieces aged; weathered boxes yellowed tape
Dust covered, water stained cardboard memories in boxes
Forgotten parts of me, who I was; who I am?
#

10-WORD VERSE POETRY

Theme:The role of science in the midst of pandemic.

NAME: IBNO-MADAR A. MUTTAP

Engraving multitask equations for global recovery-------- Suspend health's ethereal enemy.
##

Theme:New year, New hope

Name:IBNO-MADAR A. MUTTAP
TITLE:
"Change in numbers"
Tear thy prior calendars-------Grab new timeline with latent positivity.
#

Theme:Do duque really deserve his position?

Name:IBNO-MADAR A. MUTTAP
Title:
" Action-reaction system"
senses answer his eligibility-----performance is relative to societal critique.
#

Theme:The early absolute pardon of Joseph Scott Pemberton

Name:IBNO-MADAR A. MUTTAP
TITLE:
 " Flag spirit"
Truculency shouts in loudest rhythm -----muting thy victim by momentum.
#
Theme:Justice
Name:IBNO-MADAR A. MUTTAP
Title:
" Law for sale"
Fostering on abusive triangular monarchy----Ejecting squareness on decrepit society.
#

ESSAY CATEGORY

Andreanne Gonzales
Region 2
Title:
The roots of everything

The past was consistently there, lived within you, and it assisted with making you what your
identity was. Be that as it may, it must be put in context. The past couldn't rule what's to come. In
the event that the present is the finish of the past, it is additionally the take-off stage for what's to
come. In the event that I would be allow to pick between rather meeting my precursors previously
or my relatives later on, my answer will be the individuals who made me who I am today.

I'd prefer to return in the past where my #1 individual remains. I am not who I am today as a direct
result of my progenitors. After all, they are my family and will consistently be.

I have figured out how to value my family much more since I know where they came from. They
had a dream for their youngsters to have better occasions to prevail in their lives. It took numerous
battles for them to adjust to this current nation's general public and convictions. It was an
extraordinary inclination for me to realize how my family became and acknowledge how they
strived for better lives. Likewise, on the grounds that I am an objective situated, I have had the
option to prevail with the open doors offered me throughout everyday life. Presently, I understand
how significant it was for me to know my character, family ancestry, and where I came from.
Considering history is regularly about predecessors, and by examining my family's own relocation
ventures, I have come to know myself.

Since I have discovered my family's underlying foundations, where they dropped from, and when
they started, I have an image of my family structure. It is imperative to gain proficiency with my
family's ancestry since I come to understand that my family is dedicated. I am glad to compose
this article which will be a momentum to show people in the future where they have come from.
Today, I am advanced with information on my past ages.

I have conceptualized and contemplated internally, "How quick the years pass, how our genealogy
each time gets greater, and how life goes on." I actually recollect when I was a young lady and
when I was the solitary little girl among their four youngsters. However, every second passes and
the way turns extraordinary. Presently I am more matured and I am a senior high understudy, and
searching for a future. History is presently me.

Since I know my family's ancestry, I have a superior thought of who I am as a youthful female.
After pondering that and considering all the encounters that I have had and the extreme changes of
way of life, without a doubt, I am not longer the child young lady.

All things considered, finding out about what my family had experienced to get to where they are
today caused me to like them more. It likewise made me put all my trust in God since he is the one
in particular that could save us from anything one might be experiencing. My family might not
have experienced the very same snags, yet we put our confidence in God and let him assume
responsibility for our set of experiences. He set up everything back by taking into consideration
supernatural occurrences to occur.

Gaining from my precursors' past has shown me how to manage my family’s challenges.
Absolutely, individuals can gain from their predecessors' set of experiences.

To close, history, what was yesterday, becomes regular day to day existence. History gives us
where we come from and what our identity is. It causes us follow back our progenitor's legacy and
encourages us comprehend ourselves better. History encourages one characterize oneself
personally and a relative. Finding out about my past has caused me not commit similar errors they
have made. As has been stated, history is continually occurring and the lessons from it will
consistently be there for one to find. Inside and out, history has encouraged me such a huge
amount about my family and the individual I am today because of the difficulty my family
experienced.

My family's ancestry is the thing that depicts who I may turn into. Knowing it is a decent method
to figure out where my life might be going later on. I feel that it might assist one to have resilience
with one's family. It might likewise make one thankful for the family an individual may have. My
courage home experience influenced my growing up years which at last finished with my
grandparents adoring consideration. Culture and climate likewise impacted the bearing of my life
and will keep on doing as such. Without a doubt, I have taken in numerous accounts from my
family's past, and now I am appreciative for my family's ancestry.

To close, I have sorted out where I got my character came from and the individual that I am today
by finding my family's ancestry. The profit by knowing family ancestry is valuing the past.
Glancing back at my set of experiences will likewise keep family esteems and standards solid. As
time cruises by, we may fail to remember what makes us what our identity is, and what makes us
interesting; notwithstanding, I will always remember that life and history start with family and end
with family.

Presently, I understand how significant it was for me to know my character, family ancestry and
where I came from. Contemplating history is frequently about ancestors, and by considering my
family's own movement voyages, I have come to know myself. They are the underlying
foundations of all that I have today. #

Andreanne Gonzales
Region 2
Title:
Dear 2021

Detaching the last page from a schedule has never felt much improved. The year 2020 is at last
finished, despite the fact that the folded page of December 2020 is by all accounts gazing at us
from the reusing receptacle, as though to state, "You won't fail to remember me." obviously, we
won't. In any case, that doesn't mean we can't have trust later on. We do.

There's a ton of pressing factor for 2021 to be superior to its archetype — to appear as something
else, hopefully you can be “normal." If this was an individual, the person would fall from the
heaviness of our longings to encounter life as it used to be.

One more year has gone back and forth. It's a time we ought to circumspectly praise, the year
2020 is finished. Yet, large numbers of the issues we encountered in 2020 will proceed into this
year. We actually have a seething pandemic which has ended the lives of over 1.5 million
people; may they never be failed to remember. There is as yet social and political foul play far and
wide. With both of these which have each prompted numerous passings, we grieve those we lost.

We can always remember the agony, a lot of which we will still have, that this year has caused us.
While we consider this past, we should likewise utilize it to build up a superior future. What have
we gained from this pandemic? What have we realized from the social and political clashes that
we are encountering? What's more, what are we going to do about it?

In the event that we decide to sit idle, at that point we are liable for the issues of tomorrow. On the
off chance that we neglect to act, we can't censure our replacements, for they also will encounter
the consequences of our issues and those issues that come later on, and should make a
similar choice. We have adapted such a huge amount over this previous year, from the condition of
the globe, to who we are as individuals. We should use this new information to help improve the
world.

We may wish to fail to remember this year because of its negative topic. In any case, eventually,
the occasions of this current year actually caused shape us to what our identity is, and for that, we
can always remember. While a significant part of the occasions that happened this year might be
reflected as to be more noteworthy those occasions that were acceptable, we should even now
search for that light side.

In this life, we have hugely expanded our insight in immunization advancement and pandemic
control. We as individuals figured out how to adjust to a universe of virtual collaborations. As a
world we met up for one of the primary occasions, to work for a typical cause. While these are
only a few of models, go along with me in perceiving a bit of good in this previous year. The
cultural positive effects, however the individual effects this year has had. Allow me to clarify, this
year has caused us torment. We won't get back those we misfortune. We won't get back what has
been thought about from us literally. Be that as it may, we will anyway recall the endeavors we
made to make this year slightly better.

Regardless of whether it was learning another side interest, attempting to get back fit as a fiddle,
discovering approaches to do your part, contacting companions and friends and family, or anyway
we attempted to adapt to the agonies of this current year.

Eventually, let us be idealistic for this new year. Allow us to seek after the continuation of
antibody advancement. Allow us to trust that equity is served where required. Allow us to trust
that we can keep up our associations with those we love. Also, ultimately, let us trust that 2021
will be a superior year.

Dear 2021, You can be better. What's more, we trust you will be. #

Andreanne Gonzales
Region 2
Title:
“Mamba Mentality”

Our lives are in turmoil because we do not plan to go through a full year of lockdown because of
this Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It has been intense, but we are being encouraged
to be strong. We learn from the sequence of events in our range of experiences, and that is where
we learn. We begin to recognize how life works and simply accept the circumstances for what they
are. With the coming of the new year full of new trials I know that in the year 2021 we will rise
again. It shows that we Filipinos, were brought into the world with great knowledge.

We as a whole realize 2020 has bunches of misfortune happened beside this emergency here in the
Philippines. I figure we should search for substantial answer for have the option to perceive how
the Philippines progress on how we straightened the bend however it requires some investment to
ascend from the cinders. January is beginning lamentably, the infection is developing into another
level, I accept we ought to be extra cautious on our wellbeing in light of the fact that your
wellbeing is the lone fortune that we had. A few people said that 2020 is a revile however for me,
it is a test for us on how far we'll go and it's an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the demand and
feel the presence of our expectation, exemplify the energy to endeavor and venerating our
confidence into to the Lord.

As a student and a concerned resident of the Philippines, I generally ask God for a peaceful
destiny for all. This year took many lives and tested our beliefs. Ongoing issues are thrown at us
and we must continue to fight to overcome them. I realize that not only am I conceived for
endurance, that we as a whole are destined to take risks.

Like the idol of many, Kobe Bryant or better known as "The Mamba", he has this “Mamba
Mentality” that has something to do with concentration. It’s about getting your professional
ambitions first rather than having a regular, balanced life. It is about playing without fear,
mastering the art and not only wanting to win, but wanting to conquer.

2021 is a time of special vision, which means the strict interpretation of that word, 'clear vision.'
This year is for reflection and self-evaluation. This year makes us bolder and smarter. That is why
we can say that we have acquired intellect through our determination throughout daily life, and
that is the thing we need most in our lives.

You are your own "Mamba". #

Andreanne Gonzales
Region 2
Title:
Who’s the fairest of them both?

Snow white was perhaps the most mainstream Disney Princess today. As the axiom in her story
says, "Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest on them all?".

For this situation, between President Marcos, who was heavenly to a considerable lot of us, and
President Duterte, who a few of us state to be the better president, who is the FAIREST of the two,
truly?

The seeds of the downturn during the 1980s were planted by Marcos quite a long while
beforehand. Quick forward to 2020, and we're encountering one more profound downturn during a
dictator system. Of course, the conditions encompassing the Marcosian downturn and the present
downturn couldn't be more extraordinary. Be that as it may, both are strung by two things: very
awful administration and misfortune.
In a democracy,  nobody should be punished for holding and communicating his or herpolitical
beliefs.   This most recent scene along these lines asks the question:  would we say we are
presently under a dictatorship?   Is Rodrigo Duterte a restored Ferdinand Marcos?

Both Marcos and Dutertealso made/utilize "foes" as preparing factors.Communists for Marcos, 
drug clients and pushers for Duterte.   Consolidating around adversaries was/is the path by which
these pioneers discrete/d the grain from the debris:  those who did/not recognize the
(distinguished) "adversaries of the state" are likewise their (Marcos' and Duterte's) foes.

In the systems among Marcos and Duterte, grounding of the resistance additionally occurred
however it came through catching up to this point resistance powers through material affectations
and political horsetrading (e.g pork barrel). What separates Duterte from these systems and makes
him more like Marcos is his utilization of power to suppress disagree and prepare uphold.

The topic of 'who is better/more awful' may really not be the most basic of public conversations.   
What we presumably need are significant discussions on why we continue delivering pioneers
with tyrant ways.

I see in any event tworeasons why: because, after Marcos, our crucial political-monetary structure
stayed unaltered as in segments of society were constantly barred, and  our social organizations –
our families, schools, chapels, social and political developments - are profoundly hierachical and
undemocratic; we have no culture of majority rules system.

Tyrannical principle is along these lines consistently an allurement.

In the event that I'd pick between them, at that point I'd preferably pick nothing over carry on with
my life loaded with laments. #

Andreanne Gonzales
Region 2
Title:

Butthurt

I concur with most, if not these but rather, my anxiety is more freethinker – the precise sending of
Red-labeling on the web imperils ALL of us. An all the more disturbing finding was that one need
not go as far as possible and turn an individual to an "object" according to another. In the event
that we can persuade an individual that a few people are "extraordinary", we trigger a lot of a
similar reaction. It appears to be those we see as "Others" can wind up being treated as seriously
as the barbaric.
On the off chance that we red-tag, we strip away a layer of their mankind, which as appeared by
the clinicians, make pitilessness (torment even) far simpler to incur.

Some may state, "Well that is obviously in the past and we've learned. " Have we truly?

I have confidence in the exemplary nature and polished methodology of our military. I grew up
not knowing when or if my dad would get back from a task. My granddad battled radicals as a
police boss. I have no adoration for the individuals who oppose our nation. Yet, I am careful about
a strategy that utilizes dehumanization to win a battle for "hearts and brains".

To be reasonable, the facts demonstrate that fear mongers use dehumanization instruments against
our administration. However, the most ideal approach to retaliate is to show our kin we are
superior to that. Try not to spread bogus reports. Try not to help a blameworthy individual by
being a noxious observer. Have nothing to do with a bogus allegation and don't put an honest or
legitimate individual to death, for I won't absolve the blameworthy.

Yet, opportunity of articulation is unique in relation to red-labeling. Opportunity of articulation is

having the ideal for individuals to pass on their convictions, contemplations, thoughts, and
emotions about various issues without the public authority's impedance. However, there are
conditions and constraints going with this opportunity. There's the obligation of residents to be
answerable for what they state, and furthermore to regard the privileges of others. Red-labeling, be
that as it may, is the point at which the state charges an individual, gathering, or foundations of
being important for a socialist or liberal gathering.

Activism isn't psychological warfare. One need not be a socialist to censure and consider
authorities in government responsible for their demonstrations. One need not be a socialist to
declare the rights, and maintain the pride, of the individuals. Red-labeling should not be utilized
by our chiefs against pundits of the public authority. Public authorities ought to rather confront
and acknowledge analysis from the general population. This is the manner by which they can
address the main problems of our general public. #

FLASH FICTION

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"Sentenced by Lineage"

Inequality and injustice— I've already witnessed all of it.

I could hear the whispering of people, saw how their eyes blazed in anger and felt the heavy
tension around me, the whole setting is suffocating.
“Ikulong na 'yan!”

I bowed my head to hide my face from embarrassment. I didn't do anything but here I am waiting
for their sentence as if I committed a crime.

“Ma'am, sumama na po kayo sa bilangguan.”

“Bakit po?”

“Dahil sa klase ng angkan na mayroon ka.”

Right. My father is a rapist, my brother is a killer and my grandfather is a drug lord, and they're
all politicians.

But, they'll imprison me because of my lineage?

#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"Golden Value"

Of all the precious metals, gold is the most popular which costs a higher price. Once you have it
there's a big possibility that you'll survive, too lucky enough.

“Ma, diba mahal ang ginto?” I asked Mom who's lying on the bed beside me.

“Aba'y oo, napakamahal.” I felt how a sudden hope stirred within me.

I took the wallet I hid in my pant's pocket and took the necklace inside it.

“Ibebenta ko po itong kwintas para sa operasyon niyo Mama.” I said with a hint of excitement.

“Kung ibebenta mo 'yan ay parang inalis mo na sa buhay mo ang 'yong Ama. Iyan ang kaisa-
isang regalo na ibinigay niya sa 'yo, diba?”
#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"The Copycat"

The noise came from the students and music which seemed weird welcomed me when I reached
the lobby, it immediately permeated to my ears.
 I put my gaze on the people that surrounds me. They all looked elegant, both men and women,
wearing some cute outfits. This isn't the first time, but it seemed that everything was all new to my
eyes, or I just can't accept the fact that they're completely changing.

“Annyeonghaseyo!” our professor said as she entered the room.

Annyeong— what?

Oh, I almost forgot. The school and administration have decided to remove the Filipino subject
and replaced it with Korean— to slowly adopt their culture.
#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"The Real Victim"

I heard a loud noise came from a gun, and there I saw a young man lying lifeless on the
pavement.

Minutes passed, I heard another sets of noise both came from the sirens of patrol car and
ambulance.

“What happened to my son?!” In a moment, I saw how tears flowed gradually on the lady's
face who ran towards the dead body.

“We saw him running away using the car he stole, we tried to stop him, but he fought back, and
he was holding a gun. He stole someone's car, he stole it!”

“A car?” I saw how confusion been plastered to her face. “But my son didn't know how to
drive any kind of vehicle.”
#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"Losing a treasure"

I gazed at the body which plump and cold, it's not breathing. A body who once brought a different
happiness and made my life a little different by just staying at my side and by just letting me feel
its warmth.

In a moment, I felt how my tears gradually grew in my eyes and I slowly embraced the despair.
“Burying this is the hardest decision I'll ever make. I will definitely lose it.”

“You're crying as if you lost some sort of treasure.” I didn't bother to look at my brother who's
standing beside me.

Minute passed I heard him laugh.

“He's a treasure. I've never imagined that I'll bury my dog's body, my bestfriend.”
#

SHORT STORY

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"The waves of despair kissed the land of hope"

Having such 'high level of intellectuality' or being the 'brain' of the family is not easy, never will.
You must be perfect and act as one in front of everyone's eyes, not to gain popularity but to save
yourself from any form of discriminations.

Being intelligent is a gift— for others, but not with me. I considered it as a curse filled with high
expectations.

I opened my laptop and immediately signed in a website.

“Are you excited to know the results, for the second time?” Mom asked. I haven't noticed that
she's already standing behind me while looking at the screen of my laptop.

My heart throbbed fast as I heard the question. I couldn't feel any excitement, my whole being is
already imbued with tremulous. I no longer can't deny that I'm scared and not that ready to face or
know the results. Like what Mom have said, this is the second time I took the board examination
and guess what? I didn't pass during the first attempt. So, I can't blame myself for being this too
nervous.

I don't know if I still have enough strength to face such insults and discriminations from my
family and relatives. ‘I couldn't believe that a Magna Cumlaude graduate didn't pass the
exam!’, ‘You're stupid!’, ‘Such a disgrace’. I almost lost myself because of those words.
Like I said, having such intelligence is a curse. Once you failed it'll be hard for you to gain
everyone's trust again and to trust what yourself can do.

“Laura, whatever the result is Mom will always be here to support you. If you're afraid of failure,
don't be. It's just a beginning, the first step towards success.”

In a moment, I felt how her lips landed on my forehead. I'm so lucky to have a mother like her.
She was the only one who remained and never leave my side during my downfall.

I heaved a sigh. I felt a sudden hope when I heard and felt how sincere she was. Her motivational
words and the different insults I received helped me build determination to try another attempt.

I took a deep breath again and looked at the results.

My tears flowed incessantly and my heart throbbed faster. I...

“You passed! I knew it!” Mom hugged me. I saw how she shed tears because of joy.

“I can't believe it Mom, I passed, and I got the place of being the top 1. Tell me that I'm not
dreaming, tell me.”

“You're not dreaming sweetie. Oh, God! We need to celebrate your success. Stay here, I'll
announce your achievement to the whole family. I'm so proud of you, Laura.” Without waiting
for response, she ran away. She's really happy for me.

I looked at my laptop again. “Thank God for this wonderful blessing and thank you for giving
me hopes and strengths.”

Finally, I'll be a certified LPT.

#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"Ruling the own role"

“Are we born because of whom we may become in the future?” I once asked myself and the
people I know by that question.

We, humans, are all created in the same way but grew differently. Each one of us has a role in life.
One can be a doctor, teacher, a leader or a followers and act, any of the aforementioned role,
responsibly.

I continued paving my way up to the stage. I could hear loud applauses, and could hear how
people shouted my name with admiration.
I faced the audience when I reached the stage. Everyone is happy to see me, I saw it on their eyes.

“Good morning everyone!” I greeted them through using a microphone. “I'm happy to see all
of you here, and I'm honored to let my voice out in front of you.”

I heaved a sigh and let myself felt the different emotions slowly growing within me. Seconds
passed, I continued talking.

“As the Congresswoman of this region composed of different cities and barangays, it is always
my duty to make you as my priority rather than myself and ensure that everyone are safe and
secured. This past few days I've been receiving some reports about killings. I may not be there
always at your side, but I'll still protect you.”

I looked at them. I saw how gratefulness became visible through their eyes and could sense how
they completely gave their trust to me. As a leader, it is hard for me to get all of those.

“I'm giving everyone a chance to speak for themselves and share to me their problems or
thoughts, I'll try to help you solve it.”

Minutes passed, a woman raised her right hand.

“Yes?” I asked.

“My son is missing for two days. I... I didn't know what should I do.” In a moment, I saw her
cried.
“What's his name?”

“Cleo, Cleo Raje.” I was shocked for a moment. That boy, I know him.

“O-kay, my security personnel will find him as soon as possible. Next.”

Another woman raised her hand. “My daughter is also missing. I haven't seen her for a week.
What if someone kidnapped here? Or worst—”

“Your daughter is still alive Ma'am,” I said. “I'll help you find her. Anyway, what's her
name?”

“Shael Cordes.”

Shael Cor— what? I know her!

“Sit down. I'm sorry everyone, there's an emergency at home and I need to be there as soon as
possible. Just leave all your concerns to my secretary, and I'll try to help and fixed all your
problems. Just always remember the motto which is ‘One from many’, the meaning lies within
it is my duty, uniting all the cities as one regardless of its differences. Goodbye for now.”

I was about to turn my back on them, but I stopped when I heard someone shout. “One leader for
many!”
“One leader for many!” they all shouted in unison. I smiled at them and bowed my head as a
sign of my respect to them. Tss, if you could only know who I am.

I hurriedly paved my way on to the parking area. As I got there I immediately went inside my car.

“Wew Rebecca,” I uttered to myself and tried to remember all the scenario.

I knew the boy named Cleo and the girl named Shael. I... I both kidnapped them. They're both
working for me. Cleo worked as a drug dealer and Shael worked as a prostitute.

I smiled as I remembered what they've just shouted awhile ago. ‘One leader for many’, tss.
Right, a leader of an illegal syndicate. And did I just state some philosophy, the ‘One from
many’ motto? Yeah, I believed on that one. I'll unite all the illegal transactions and leaders within
the region and boom! I'll be able to hit two birds in one stone. A member in the House of Congress
and a leader of illegal transactions, how perfect could it be?

Now, I could answer my own question. Yes, I am born to become who I am today. A balancer of
justice and a creator of illegal transactions, nice.
#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"Failure is the real success"

I once doubted the word 'success' so as my capabilities to do it, doubted myself for a thousand
times and blamed my existence for having such a life I never wanted to be.

My parents hated me for being slow at school, for being stupid. Who wouldn't be? I mean, all the
members of our family have the 'brain' while I have nothing— that is when I failed as a daughter, I
failed to reach their expectations for me. I joined different writing competitions in school, but I
always ended up losing, have some red marks on my report card, got the lowest scores in the exam
— I felt that I failed myself. There were times that I doubted God, questioned all his plans and be
hesitant to trust him— for the nth time I failed again, as his child.

I don't understand why failures are always there for me, maybe it is already part of my being or
maybe there's a hidden purpose.

“Lolo, do I need to fail many times so that I could grow myself? ” I interrupted him from
reading a newspaper, he was sitting next to me.

The wind whispered to my ears and the trees danced gracefully. We were at the backyard letting
ourselves felt relaxed, but I can't, I'm drowning in my own thoughts.

“Hmm, sort of. Why did you ask, apo?”

“I don't know, it's just that I lived my life with full of failures I never felt how to be successful, I
haven't known nor see the real success.”

He smiled and closed the paper he was reading. “Failure is already part of our being, apo. Life
wouldn't be called as life without experiencing it and success wouldn't be called as success
without being exposed into hardships and without accepting failures. It's not always about failure.
For now, embraced those and once you have finally grown yourself, you'll definitely feel and
achieve the word success.”

“What's the point of failing when one can easily be successful? Is it required to be faced by
challenges first before achieving something?”
“Flor!” I got my senses back when someone called my name. It was Laire, my friend. “Come,
the guests are waiting for you.”

I walked with her and together we paved our way to a hall. I haven't noticed that I'm already
remembering the past.

“You know what Flor?”

“Hmm?”

“You're too high to reach. I'm so proud that 'Flor the loser' would be this kind of person now.”

And I couldn't believe that it would happen, I haven't.

“She's a twenty-year-old lady, a published author, a competent and humble lady. She won
different awards in the field of writing, a writer in a well-known publisher company and a real
warrior of life. Let's all welcome, Ms. Flor Gaje!”

I automatically smiled as I heard my name. I became a writer despite being a loser in the field of
writing, became a successful person despite being a failure.

“She will be the judge for this International Writing Competition.”

Now, I could understand my Lolo's point, all of his word of wisdom.

Failure, I once hated that word. But now, I learned how to love it. Without those experiences I
wouldn't be the better version of myself and I wouldn't feel and know the real essence of success.

Success wouldn't be achieved without failing, and I'm sure about it.
#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"The Aftermath of Failures"

The cold breeze enveloped my body as the wind forcibly closed the wobbly door of our house.
Rain dropped on our metal yet tattered roof, causing its globs of water dripped on the wooden
floor.

I saw how my daughter frantically positioned some pots that could contain the rainwater, as she
always does when it rained. I felt sorry for the kind of life she's experiencing, I can't even give her
the comfortable and beautiful house that every family could have, a place where I can call it as
home— this is my first failure, I failed as a parent.

“Belinda, I'm going to work.” While holding some sets of towels, I walked close to her.

“But it's raining Itay.” I smiled and caressed her hair.

“It's okay. Take care of yourself, I'm going.”

Belinda was a lovely daughter of mine. She got the angelic beauty from her mother. Her mother
must be proud because I've raised such a beautiful lady. How I wish she was here, though I know
she's already in God's good hands, leaving a peaceful life.
I started walking towards a dark and narrow alley. Minutes passed, I reached the highway. The
noise came from the buzzing and honking of cars greeted me as I made my way through.

I ran towards every jeepney for me to sell the towels I'm holding. Not minding the rain, I peered at
its window while introducing the product.

“Towel! Towel! Towel!”

There were times that my back would be hit by its side mirror or my foot would be caught under
the wheel, but it's okay. I'm doing this for my daughter's future and for her to survive from hunger
— my second failure in which I can't give her a complete meal for each day that passed.

After an hour I decide to paved my way home. I looked at the clock hanged on the wall of
someone's store, it's already 9:30 in the morning and I still have my thirty minutes to prepare
before going to an important event that was about to happen.

“Itay, you're home!” I automatically smiled as I heard her voice. “You're soaking wet. Here's
your towel, dry yourself.”

“Thank you, Belinda.”

“You're early, you're excited huh?” I laughed for seconds.

“Well, who wouldn't be?”

I started walking and paved my way to my little room and took the best outfit I hid in a bag made
by sacks. It was a plain white polo and a brown slack, I bought it in an ukay-ukay somewhere at
the barrio.

“You look handsome Itay,” Belinda complemented when I went out of the room. “Do you
have any shoes?”

I nodded as an answer. “I borrowed Lito's shoes, my friend.”

“So, let's go? Your success is already waiting for you.”

“Our success.”

Together, we paved our way to school and this time I could no longer sense any hint of failure.

“Congratulations Mr. Palmer!” a teacher greeted me when we entered the hall. “Finally, you'll
graduate. And you too Belinda, congratulations!”

I no longer can't explain the happiness I felt. Yes, today I'll be graduating from college together
with my daughter. Despite different failures, here am I standing firmly and ready to accept the
success.

Belinda was not just a daughter. She's also my classmates, my mentor sometimes, my inspiration
and my success. I haven't imagined that I would be studying with her and will be graduating with
her. Did I just fulfill her dream and mine, together?
At the age of 46 here I am who's about to graduate. I looked at my daughter who's standing
happily beside me. Finally, daughter, I can give you the life we both deserve. I can finally let you
feel the fruit of my failure, which is success.

Age really doesn't matter, especially when it comes to success and when it comes to God's plan
and will. Who would think that at my age I'm still capable of graduating?
#

Name:April Mira Flor Jabon

Title:
"Lighting the hopes"

The world was in total disruption, was at its downfall state. Everyone was asking for help and
everyone was looking for hopes to continue living.

2020, a year filled with chaotic scenery, where a thousand of lives is taken away and a million of
people suffered. We considered ourselves as a hero like superman/woman, and we characterized
ourselves as a strong human being but when 2020 hit us, we became coward, and we became
weak, it's like 2020 is the year when krypton is strong and heroes became useless.

I could still remember how people shed tears because they've lost their loved ones when different
typhoons hit the Philippines, saw how fear became visible through their eyes because of the
undefeated Coronavirus, witnessed how they begged and became helpless, but I never saw them
turned their back on God. All I saw was the unbreakable faith they have in our Almighty Creator.

“Happy new year!” I heard how people shouted with joy.

Some children started blowing their torotots, some uses pots to add more noise and some opened
the engine of their vehicles.
 “Cheers for another year and another life full of hopes!” I smiled when I heard those words
came from the children huddled in the side of the highway. That's it children, welcomed the year
with full of positivity and hopes.

I went outside to join them. As I reached them, I gave them my sweetest smile.

“Happy new year!” I greeted them.

“Happy new year Ate Epel!” they said in unison.

The new year are not welcomed by the colorful lights and noise came from the fireworks instead
it was welcomed by the lights of hope lightened by the spirit of faith we have and by the noise
came from our hearts that kept singing in joy.

Another chapter has been closed and here we are, about to create another one. 2020 may be the
year of mourning and sacrifices, but I assure you all that 2021 will be the year of hope and
success, a year when we're going to harvest the fruit of hardships we've planted during the year of
2020.

I looked at the people surround me, I saw how their eyes twinkled because of happiness. With an
open arms, I accepted the warmth that of the year trying to give me.

“May this year be filled with lights of hope and be alive by the spirit of faith.”
#
QUIZ BEE

QUIZ BEE WRITER

Name: Richard Ryan Jay Villena
Region: National Capital Region
Entry: Flash Fiction

Waking up from his slumber, the boy wandered around — mesmerized by a setting he
was completely unfamiliar with. It's as if the world he sprung into was straight out from
one of those thick, dusty books in the old boring library he never cared to visit. Cobbled
stones, a giant clocktower, and a stately manor resembling a palace — an imagery came
to life, he mumbled. Down the street, a roaring tram began to leave pamphlets all over
the town. "Get down, they are coming.", someone yelled. The town became silent. All of
a sudden, waves of deafening Luftwaffe aircrafts hover across the sky. The boy saw a
man across the pavement.

"I'll be gone home for a while, honey. I'm sorry." The traces of sorrow beneath his blue
eyes were covered by leaving a kiss on her blushing yet somber face. Sadly said their
goodbyes, she thought that this is the last time she would ever saw him. She put his
badge near his heart, reminding him of where she will always be.

The same man who said goodbye and yelled the warning is the last time that the boy saw
someone on the street before he was run out by the tram. Fortunately, he survived. No
bruises nor scars were evident. He struggled to stand up. As he managed to rise, he
witnessed a different world that engulfed the town. A place where hope seems nowhere
to be found, cobbled stones are now traces of ruins, a burning clocktower, and remains
of the manor crumbled to its dilapidated state. Suddenly, people came out underground
and screamed "Hurrah! We are free!". The boy saw the man and his wife from earlier
that seem tired and wounded.

I'm back, honey. We'll be happy again. The war is finally over.

(#)

Name: Richard Ryan Jay Villena

Region: National Capital Region
Entry: Trivia

One of the most prominent figures in world history, especially in Imperial Russia's
history, is Catherine the Great. She has an overwhelming intellect skill and was titled as
the first female monarch of the empire. Her real name wasn't Catherine, and she wasn't
even Russian. Aside from being Russia's longest-ruling female leader that brought
Russia to its golden age, she was actually the eldest daughter of an impoverished
Prussian prince. Her real name/title is Princess Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst (an ethnic
German). She later changed her name when converted to the Orthodox Church.

(#)

Name: Richard Ryan Jay Villena

Region: National Capital Region
Entry: Poem
Simpler Times
By: Richard Ryan Jay Villena

The warm British air blew in my face

Reminiscing the simple good old days
Traveled around with horses and carriage
From London to Cardiff, he mustered the courage

Skies are dark, oh typical Britain

Marvelous kingdom in history written
William Shakespeare can’t even fathom
Excitement roars while singing our anthem

Discovering new whenever I travel

From city to highlands, where new lives unraveled
The breeze of England continues to call me
And now I came back, unfolding my story

(#)

Name: Richard Ryan Jay Villena

Region: National Capital Region
Entry: Editorial Writing

Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady: Policies Beyond Borders

Many books and autobiography covered stories about the first female prime minister
that echoed a strong willpower not just in Britain, but in international stage as well. This
is not about praising her merits. Ironically, she was awarded the Order of Merit by
Queen Elizabeth II. Despite this, many criticized her for imposing stiff policies that
affected her reputation and the political, economic, and social landscape of United
Kingdom, as well as the world. One of which is her campaign against European
integration. She was seen as anti-globalization figure. She believes that free trade
between tribal leaders in an eccentric costume in Africa should not be tolerated.
Margaret’s approach is that she didn’t want the United Kingdom to be associated
with third-world countries. That being said, her relationships with other
Commonwealth nations soured over time. Another one of her controversial laws is the
unprogressive taxation that she implemented as a domestic policy. She adheres to the
idea that wherever social class people came from, they should contribute the same
amount of tax, regardless of income and status. This means that billionaires pay the
same tax as the poor, which is seen equal but unfair. Because of her economic decision,
her approval rating when she was in office plummeted.

Due to her uncooperative measures, we should never have a Margaret Thatcher for the
21st century. Her glory is only fit for the older era where the world is much different
than we have now. The old one should never rise up from the ashes ever again because of
these terrible policies and severing diplomatic ties that crumbled the morale of the
people she serves. Though her strong willpower is commendable — in which a good
leader should have, her policies are out of bounds that has no place in our modern
society. We should have a progressive, open-minded, and innovative head of state that
will shed true leadership around the world, not like a radical, close-minded, and
impractical leader like Margaret Roberts-Thatcher.

(#)

Name: Richard Ryan Jay Villena

Region: National Capital Region
Entry: COLUMN WRITING

Monarchy, A Tired Institution

In our history, monarchs ruled nations while leaving a bad legacy by abusing their
powers bestowed upon them. I believe that I should never witness a single monarchy or
any other forms of it. A tired institution that leaves atrocious acts around the world
doesn’t deserve to rule over our lands. Back in the 1500’s, Queen Mary I of England
burned people at the stake because of their Protestant ties, in which she hated. The
current King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn, sets up his monarchial state in the
outskirts of Germany. If I were to be asked, I see it as an irresponsible and an
unempathetic act for his people he serves. It comes to show that these basic examples are
the reasons why we can’t have this governmental body in our system. Monarchs can
easily abuse their power just because of their influence and family lineage. The worst
monarch to ever come down in history is King Louis XVI and her consort, Marie
Antoinette. “Let them eat cake.”, his wife said. She implied her insensitivity or
ignorance of reality — that the country is in shambles, and the unfortunate or the poor
became poorer and succumbed to famine and eventually, death. Personally, I speak on
behalf of those people and for myself that we don’t want to let history repeat itself. Our
darkest past should not be revived in our modern age. History is here for a reason, and
it is to learn to never repeat the mistakes committed and leave it all behind — monarchy
must be no exception to this.

(#)

THE JOURNAL: BATTLE OF PENS ONLINE PRESS CONFERENCE SEASON 2

FINALE
Debate Section
Group:B.E.A.S.T
NAME:Richard Ryan Jay Villena

OUTPUT NO. 1
TOPIC: Legalization of Marijuana in the Philippines
PAPER: OPPOSITION

The legalization of marijuana is a controversial topic for obvious and evident reasons,
one of which is a public health concern and the possibility that our country would have
to shift its bounds in regards to how our society perceives drugs in general. According to
the Merriam-Webster dictionary, marijuana, which is also known as cannabis, is a
psychoactive drug. That being said, marijuana is like any other illegal drug but that
doesn’t mean that we should loosen our grasp on the restrictions that we put into it.
The people who push the legalization of marijuana claim that it’s perfectly safe, with
backed up pieces of evidence from qualified scientists. However, some of these studies
failed at emphasizing its harmful effects on youth. Cannabis should not be legalized just
because it is quote-unquote safe, but rather we must put people’s lives into account
that could be ruined or even possibly, steer their lives in a misleading direction if it were
to be decriminalized.

Based on our curriculum, marijuana is a gateway drug that could get a person hooked
to more dangerous substances such as heroin, cocaine, and other life-threatening drugs.
In an interview of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Senator Vicente
“Tito” Sotto III, the agency reiterated that cannabis is a gateway drug and even the
PDEA’s Director General Dionisio Santiago said that even prescribed drugs get
abused, pointing out that it’s illogical to repeal the provision of banning this drug.
Meanwhile, Senator Sotto supported the criminalization of marijuana by challenging
Pormal (Philippine Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) to provide
empirical data to prove their claims that marijuana is beneficial, he even mentioned that
their movement is a total gimmick. It is a fact that marijuana is safe, but not as we think
it is. Based on researches conducted at Duke University and as stated by The Stranger, a
newspaper based in Seattle, marijuana is safe if someone over the age of 25 put it into
either medical or recreational use. On the flip side, it is also explicitly reported that if
people under the age of 25 use it, smoking weed can lead to memory problems, poor
cognitive functioning, and gum disease.
Along with the negative effects that come along with legalizing the substance, there’s
an underlying question that should be put into consideration. If some people believe that
legalizing marijuana would outweigh the bad outcomes from it, then is it really worth
the risk of taking our society to this path? What good is it for when the hope of our
country, the youth, will be suggested that these recreational actions are a lesser evil than
what we have now? This taboo is here for a reason, and it is not only about public health
safety but also about how we see it. If we started deregulating this substance, this would
signal that our government tolerates these reckless actions. Changing our policy is not
an easy feat. This matter should be analyzed carefully by experts and policymakers from
both sides of the spectrum and in order to do that, we must not hastily make a decision
where ramifications of the outcome would be irreversible. Let’s take our time to
logically decide our next step. For our society to do that, we should oppose to this idea
once and for all.
#

OUTPUT NO. 2
TOPIC: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is because of the result of engaging
same-sex
PAPER: OPPOSITION

HIV, or also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks immune
cells, making someone more vulnerable to other ailments. There are no HIV cures that
currently exists. Our body doesn’t have the capability to eradicate HIV in our organ
systems. So, if someone has been infected by the virus, they will always have it for life.
Associating HIV solely with homosexual people is pointless and shallow. Using HIV to
spread homophobia is an irrational, disappointing, and a discriminatory act that has no
place in our modern society. HIV is not caused by homosexual intercourse but rather, it
is caused by having unprotected sex, regardless of gender. Homosexuals and HIV should
be perceived separately. Campaigning for awareness is a human rights necessity for
countries to adopt better community-based education strategies, in addition to legal
reforms, in order to combat homophobia in regards to this inappropriate stereotyping.

Though it is possible to spread the virus via same-sex intercourse, it doesn’t necessarily
mean that it should be solely utilized as a discriminatory tool to make LGBTQ+ people
feel bad for themselves. As reported by an HIV and AIDS organization called Avert, HIV
can spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly
during unprotected sex or through sharing injection drug equipment. If not detected nor
treated, this can cause someone to develop a higher level of HIV — AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome). This disease can also be transmitted by receiving
contaminated blood transfusions, breastfeeding (also contaminated), and eating food
that has been pre-chewed by a person with HIV. This means that people who are
classified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t automatically have some
sort of exposure to this ailment. Even Science tells us that the virus doesn ’t get to
choose its host. They don’t specifically spread through people of other sexuality. It’s
not really about the technicality of the facts being pointed out in this paper. It is about
detaching this negative slur or connotation that comes along in being identified as
someone with a sexual preference outside the norm. Simply put, let’s not generalize a
certain group of people because not all of them have it. Not all people have HIV. Because
of this, the negative mindset that was set up by our frowned-upon society continues to be
a barrier for them to seek help and get treated.

To put this into a brighter light, the human immunodeficiency virus isn’t because of
the result of engaging in same-sex activities. For us to disassociate this stigma to
minorities, let’s educate and nurture ourselves about the truth and never let the facts
be used for misleading people into perceiving something that truly is not. They are
people too, and they deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and love. HIV or other
sexual slurs should never be weaponized to harshly target same-sex loving humans.
#

OUTPUT NO. 3
TOPIC: Public Criticism
PAPER: AFFIRMATIVE

Public criticism is being frowned-upon for valid reasons — one, a person’s self-esteem
can plummet which can harmfully affect someone’s psychological being, two,
humiliation and other negative connotations that come along with being criticized may
lead to unproductiveness, lower self-reassurance, confidence, and depression. Although,
this doesn’t mean that there is no other side to it. Public criticism, like any other
human action, has either a negative or a positive effect. When weighed from both sides,
the positive attributes of this action radiate more than its counterpart. Addressing
someone in a public setting has its benefits when critiquing abilities were utilized
properly. Yes, people are different, and we cannot assume that all of them will react in
the same way. But once we learn the true importance of this skill, we can boldly say that
it is one of the best traits humans have ever harnessed.

The following points that will be stated were based on two articles published by Personal
Excellence and The Guardian. Firstly, it is imperative to mention that criticism is a form
of honesty. It is a fact that the truth really hurts, it’s just human nature. But the way to
deliver it is also a factor to be considered to have a genuinely effective communication.
Pointing out flaws doesn’t feel great for anyone. Conversely, if someone is being
honest, the person receiving the remarks would appreciate the honesty and would never
have to guess what other people truly think. Being criticized is worth celebrating
because it means that we have reached someone new in our lives. Receiving criticism
tells us that we are finally communicating with someone that we have never even
reached out to before, and that’s a great thing. Also, these kinds of feedback help to
make our works or outputs stronger and more refined. This means that we are being
guided into looking at the way we work. Because of this, we adapt to the possible
changes that we can do, and eventually, we realize that we are capable of doing better in
what we do in the first place, in which we will never discover it if someone never pointed
out our mistakes. The right kind of criticism can give us an advantage, and public
criticism is no exception to that. By letting our flaws be exposed, we’re becoming free
from the chains of our negative mindset. Instead of being depressed, we are more
confident in doing what we love without hesitation since there is nothing to dwell on
because all of those worries are out in public now. Though it might be overwhelming and
unbearable sometimes, this right push kicks us out of our comfort zone and explore
beyond our perception that we would’ve never thought to be possible before.

To sum this up, public criticism isn’t necessarily evil in nature. It is a form of
communication that helps us see things in a different light. People will never criticize us
if they care about our business. They critique because they care. They think that we are
worth to be criticized because deep inside, those actions suggest that we are worth
caring for and being noticed for. The truth is, expressing constructive thoughts without
hurting anyone is not an easy thing to do. What we can do to use this skill for good, is to
take the guts to critique and be critiqued. Life is not a sailing cruise on a calm beach,
but rather it is a rowing canoe in the middle of the rough sea and if we ever have to deal
with people saying things that we cannot bear, then let us never forget that we are not
alone in this struggle. We are never alone since we are welcomed in this cruel or
wonderful world — it depends on how we look in it.

Advocacy: In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity. We are

encouraging every aspiring writer to write because it doesn’t matter
who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins
with you. Always.

Motto: Either write something worth reading or do something worth

writing.