The Problem With Women Is That....

In a boy-to-girl relationship, we can’t really avoid misunderstandings. These misunderstandings are caused by either differences in them, the disagreements within them or the actions done by one of them.

Based on what I see in my surroundings, there are really problems about some women and also to men as well. But in this entry, I will specify more on the problems of women.

For me, based on what I see in our society nowadays, here are some problems that I noticed about the opposite sex:

First, some women are indeed sensitive. Sometimes their sensitiveness become over. This is because they rely more in their feelings and emotions. They decide more through their feelings. But I’m not referring this sensitiveness to all women. If the woman is so sensitive, maybe she can’t tolerate what she’s not capable of doing. We often think that women who are sensitive lose hope immediately. They can’t stand on their own. They need help from people to help them solve their problems. They are dependent and easily affected by criticisms.

Second, some women are so talkative and noisy. Women can’t really stop their mouth from talking a lot. Sometimes their talkativeness can lead to spilling one’s beans which results to controversies and lead to trouble.

Third, some women are trouble-maker. Some women do cause trouble especially when it comes to love life. They also cause trouble when they are being overtaken by someone who is of the same sex. A lot of fights are done by women because of insecurities.

Fourth, some women are moody. Some women depend on their emotions which also affects their mood. Some women really can’t control their emotions that’s why women are really unpredictable. Maybe that is also the reason why women are not that approachable.

Fifth, some women are jealous-type of person. They tend to keep things. They don’t want to share things especially if it is related to feelings for example when it comes to their loved ones. They want much attention from these things. Some women became sensitive when they are just taken for granted.

Sixth, some women are extravagant. They do spend money for their personal satisfaction. Women are “kikays”. They are very conscious about their health. They rather enjoy than suffer. They do not think about threats but rather look for people who they can talk with and share their experiences and problems.

Seventh, some women are weak. There self-appraisal is lower than men and they tend to criticize their selves. They have no confidence in their own performance and they tend to go to the suggestions with other people. They are not that independent.

Eight, some women do not think as a whole they think locally and specifically. They only think on what is present and not the future. I wonder why male do excel in a lot of things. Maybe this is because male think as a whole and think for possible risks. Men do take possible risks than some women who think locally and does not take possible risks because they are afraid that their feelings will be affected.

What I am referring above are the problems about some of the women. Based on what I noticed, this is my personal view on the problem of some women. I think men are women are equal in their capabilities and problems as well. The one’s who have problems with men are the women while those of the women are men not mentioning the third sex. We are only the one who are making these problems.

My Last KYSD Experience!

This year will be the end of our high school year. We are now going to college and adjust to a college life. One of the activities that I will miss in UP is the Know Your School Day (KYSD). In this activity, the teachers will give the students a chance to teach their co-students. The KYSD for this school year was held last January 25-26, 2006. This activity is a two-day activity to give time to other activities for this school year. There was a decision in the SC that this activity will not continue but because the students like this, it continued with the full force of SC. This activity was a rush-activity for the SC but still this activity was a success not only to the students but to the teachers as well.

During the opening of the KYSD, the student teachers were presented and introduced to the students. These student teachers will have the authority to discipline and teach their students. During this days, the student teachers will no longer be a student but a teacher but for their period only. Almost all of the students in the first year, participated in this activity actively and least for the fourth years. Maybe, because the fourth years are overloaded nowadays because of their different activities that they will be involved after the KYSD particularly the JS Prom, Sci-Tech Week, Family Day and the DramaFest. After the introducing of the students teachers, a symbolic key was given to the students with higher position such as the principal and the assistant-to-the-principal. These students with higher positions shall govern the UP for two days. These jobs are not easy for they use their brains and their leadership as well for the improvement of the campus.

If something is opened, it should also be closed. After two weeks of student teaching the event was successful even though it was for a meanwhile. The students were made to sign in a card designed by SC with teachers on it. In these cards, the students will have the time to thank for the teachers that made them who they are now. The emcee for the closing ceremony was Ella that made the event entertaining to everyone. In the closing program, the students pay a tribute to the teachers of UP High. The students showcased their talents to the teachers through a song. The second year students played their flutes for the teachers while the fourth year students made an original composition for the teachers. While singing the theme song of the KYSD, the students gave the teachers a little token which are the cards where the students had written something. I can see from the faces of the teachers that they were really happy. The students were also flattered because of the smiles of their teachers. The students really prepared for their tribute despite the fact that their time was limited.

After the card-giving, Ella mentioned the names of the different teachers of UP High that made us what we are now including the teachers that already went outside the realms of the school. That time was so emotional for us students and for the teachers as well. I really thanked God that these teachers became a part of my life. They changed me into a better me. They correct my mistakes and give advises. They did not just teach what is on their lesson plans but also the things in life. This would be my last KYSD experience and I hope that I will see these teachers again when I go outside UP High campus. Once again, I salute you my teachers! Thank you and I will never forget all of you! I love you all!

The Week It Was! - Part III

During the second period of our CWTS class, Mdm. Maglasang held a meeting about the UPCAT results and the questions related to UPCAT were given sufficient answers.

Since Yolike was assigned in the card design for the teachers on KYSD closing program, I was assigned to collect the cards which the students have signed in it to give thanks to our beloved teachers. After the KYSD Closing Program, for the third time, we had our Promenade practice. During the practice, we were taught how to do the waltz. The practice almost ended late and already exceeded 6:00 pm. After the Prom practice, the IV-TAN students including me immediately went to our room to finish our projects. Three projects should be submitted: Calculus, Health and Music Periodical. Good for the advisers of these subjects because the deadline would be until 9:00 pm and Sir Basadre had to stay late in the Faculty Room because he practiced the participants of the MTAP, which is a Math contest to be held in Abellana. Hazel, Michael and I were already hungry that’s why we ate our dinner in Royal Café located near the school. We almost ended our dinner by 7:00 pm and hope that no more students are left in school but we were wrong because a lot were still inside the campus to finish their projects and requirements. For the third time, I arrived at home late but I still need to work on our Research revisions from Chapters 1 to 4 to be submitted on Saturday. I almost finished the revisions at 11:00 pm and I have to sleep because I need to wake up early for the Academic Mentoring Program in Hipodromo. I left the house by 7:00 am hoping that there are a lot of MAKE Volunteers but when I arrived, I just saw a few number of volunteers which are all fourth years. We were nine students who went to Hipodromo Elem. School. We will be conducting an evaluation for us to determine if they have learned something from us. The Mentoring Program was supposed to be whole day during that day but I decided to attend the morning session because I have to go to Abellana Sports Complex to take pictures of the place for our CyberFair. When I got there to school, Doanne told me that my group mates were there in the internet Café because I tasked them to print the Research revision that I made. So, I went immediately to the Café and then we passed it to Mdm. Baltazar through the guard because we knew that the principal had just left the school.

I went home and inquire Christine if she already borrowed Olga’s camera for our picture taking. I was sad because she was not able to borrow because the camera was brought by her sister to Manila. That’s why what I did was to sleep for a while and then continue on making the CyberFair web design. After that, I sleep again and my mom woke me up for dinner and I noticed that my eyes were red and I was really stressed. My mom asked me, “Son, how’s your week?”, and I replied her, “Mom, it was a stressful week ever!”

The Week It Was! - Part II

During Thursday, we had an opening of the Know Your School Day. The student teachers were introduced to their students. So after the bell has rung for the first subject, the student teachers began their job. But for IV-TAN, Sir Em-Em gave us the good introduction of our busy day by tackling some sensuous topics. We were all amazed and we have fun during that day. Good that no one replaced Sir Em-Em because he was one of a kind teacher. He is not a boring teacher not like other typical teachers that we see. He is full of sense. He relieved all our stress on that busy day that we had.

After the English subject, we went to our Computer class and our subject teacher was Ms. April Dichos which is a look-alike of Ms. Hazel Avergonzado. Again, we had to work on our CyberFair which is a stressful job. We also had test on Economics which was conducted by our four student teachers: Shedyl, Christine N., Eldee and Sunshine. They also included our past lessons which we already forgotten and also the current events that we have no time to watch news on the television because of our hectic schedule. After the Economics test, we proceed immediately to the Practical Law Test which is very hard because it is based on the 1987 Constitution. The answers to the questions should be word by word. After the two consecutive tests, we had our Prom Practice and we ended almost 6:00 pm. Again, I arrived late still with lots of work. First, I studied the two Science Digest because we will be having the test by Friday on the first period of the day. After I finished reading the second digest, I immediately worked on our Research that took me two hours that should be submitted by Friday. I was very tired that time and I don’t know what to do because all the assignments and projects overlapped each other. Good for me, that I finished working on my Music Periodical by Tuesday and my Health that was already printed. There are still things that need to be worked on like the Calculus Bring Home Exam and the KYSD matters. After, I finished doing my Research revisions and also the Chapter IV of it, I went to bed almost 11:30 pm. I have to wake up early because I need to review on my Science Test and also the work on my Calculus Bring Home Exam. Unfortunately, I woke up very late that’s why I’m in a hurry to school to finish it but I still arrived at 7:20 am. I have to review on my Science Test and I set aside the Calculus Bring Home Exam. I didn’t take my snacks because I have to work on my Calculus Bring Home Exam and fortunately, I’ve finished it. After Recess time, we had a test which I find easy because I was able to ask how to solve for problems like that. After the Calculus period, we had the final judgment if we will be having our DramaFest or not and fortunately we had the script that’s why we will continue on this activity. Since we haven’t printed our Research project, I asked my group mates to print it but because of the lack of time and the CWTS class the printing was not that good. We had a technical problem on the Chapter IV that I encoded that night before. That’s why we have to ask an extension to Mdm. Baltazar, which is our Research teacher and our request was granted. We had an extension up to Saturday only. During that lunch time, our Student Council (SC) adviser called for an emergency meeting on the KYSD which will he held by 3:15 pm. I have to double time because the next class will be CWTS and I need to be in the proper uniform so that I will not get a demerit.

The Week It Was! - Part I

Last week, I find myself occupied with lots of stuff! We have no classes last Monday but what I did was to face in front of the computer doing my two remaining entries for the blog. It took me three hours to finish my blog because I ran out of topics. It is really difficult to do this stuff because I really have no interest in narrating my experiences but I find it fun because once I’ve typed a sentence, my hand can’t stop from pressing the keys of the keyboard. I made it on the deadline but here comes again 5 entries for my blog. After the blog, I went immediately to our CyberFair. I find codes and styles for our website. It is really a tough activity since we are still learning it in school and here comes our web designing immediately. It really irritates me because I was assigned in the designing and the arranging of the contents.

The day after that was Tuesday, right? We had our NCAE test. I forgot what the meaning of NCAE is but one thing is for sure, it measures and determines which career is suited for us based on our skills. I was assigned in the Gonzalez room and our test took about 5 hours or more. Personally, I don’t find the test difficult because I know that its aim was to measure our skills into which course we should apply. I think our test ended at 2:30 pm. I also distributed application forms for those who want to be teachers for the Know Your School Day (KYSD). I think the fourth year students were not that active on the two-day KYSD. I was happy because I thought I can go home early and finish our web designing but we are told to stay until 4:30 for the Prom practice. We ended about 5:30 pm and I was very exhausted because of the practice. I arrived at our house late with lots of test especially on Physical Education which is all about the game soccer and the Science Digest.

During Wednesday, it was the start of our regular class, the first day of our Fourth Grading Period. Supposed to be it should the start of the Know Your School Day but unfortunately, it was transferred to Thursday. So, we had a two day, KYSD. I will talk more on the KYSD on the next entry of my blog. Our classmates were very busy preparing for the Science Digest test but our professor didn’t come that morning. April and I met him 30 minutes after the bell has rang. He said that our test will be postponed to Friday. The people who didn’t study well were so happy including me but for those who did were so disappointed. We also had our homeroom with the agenda of the KYSD and the Dramafest. I distributed and received application forms from a few people of IV-TAN. We had a 50-50 chance on the DramaFest. If we can’t submit a script on Friday, then the decision of the Production Manager is that there will be no DramaFest for IV-TAN and we will continue on our Filipino Periodical Test. This is because the DramaFest is equal to our Filipino Periodical Test. After our last period, all the boys of UP High went to the covered court for the P.E. test. All of us from First Year to Fourth Year had the same test. The questions were indeed difficult because I didn’t study well. So I deserve a low grade on that test. My answers were an educated guess, I think! Now, I remember why I didn’t study my P.E. lessons; it was because I did my research, CyberFair and Music Periodical before the day of the P.E. test!

A Warm Welcome!

Hi! Good day bloggers! I'm Nathaniel Lopez Gopinathan, 16 years old. I live in 1529 J. Labra Street Guadalupe, Cebu City. I am the only child of Emelda Lopez. My name's quite strange, right? Both my first and last name has Nathan in it. I am living together with my mom and my grandma. We are only three living in our house but my neighbors are our relatives so I'm not quite bored. My cousins always visit our house day and night. I was born on August 30, 1990. My zodiac sign is Virgo and my Chinese Sign is Horse. My motto in life is "Continue to live by your dreams". My priority in life is God, my family, my studies and my friends as well.

I am a serious type of person, a very mysterious one. They say that silent persons have an awkward mind. For me, it is definitely true. I usually stay at home. When I was still in the elementary years, I used to go out and play with my friends but now not anymore. My friends have grown big. They are now busy with their studies and their private lives just like me.

Let me share you my favorites. My favorite color is blue and white but it depends on my mood. My favorite American show is Charmed- the three gorgeous good witches of San Francisco. My favorite hangout is my home because it is where I eat a lot, sleep a lot and play a lot. There's no pressure here except for the errands that my parents always asked. Sometimes, it is boring here in my house because everyday I clean. My mother has been always strict about cleanliness of our house. Sometimes, I become disappointed with my mom because she always asked me to clean. But that's alright because she gives me my personal and basic needs. She does her responsibilities on me.

I am a moody person. I don't laugh a lot. I used to laugh a lot when I am with my friends. My favorite music is todays hits. Rock is not really my type. It irritates me unless the lyrics penetrates me, deep down inside! I am a religious person and not a happy-go-lucky but I tell you I'm not Kill Joy. My favorite pet is Lassie, a dog of my cousin. She is like a German Sheperd. My favorite station is ABS-CBN. Fruit salad has been always my favorite desert and oh, also ice cream. Actually, I have a pharyngitis, an allergy due to dust, smoke and other strong odors. When I am attacked by my allergy, I can feel the aching of my ear.

When I was in Elementary, I used to study in Guadalupe Elem. School and we were classmates with Michael Angelo. He was our valedictorian and I was the salutatorian. UP High School was my high school destination. I realized that high school was tougher than elementary. I started to change. Well brought about by puberty! After one year of stay in UP, I started to have many friends and learn to interact with them. UP has been a quality school for me. The teachers here are very friendly and very thoughtful.

My hobbies are watching T.V., listening to the radio, playing any games, internet surfing and texting. Reading has not been my interest that's why I'm practicing it now because I know that it can really help me a lot. I easily get bored in our house because I don't have any younger siblings. If my mom would be given the chance to have a baby again its alright with me. Our gap would be so much far. Even though I am the only child, I am not a spoiled brat because my parents disciplined me.

I am an independent person because based on my experience, I used to live with no siblings at all but my parents have been always there to support. When I am with my parents I become dependent. I think that's normal because I am longing to see them because they also go to work.

My mom is the breadwinner of our family. She does the work outside. She is an office clerk of an export company- the Cebu Flamingo Inc. Meanwhile, my grandma does the household chores and I also help her in doing it because she is old and she needs my help in doing these tough jobs.
I have my cousins with me during day and night who have been always there to play with me. In fact, my two other cousins have babies now but still we act like the same before.

I have plans of taking Psychology, Computer Science and Business Management. My first priority is Psychology. I have already taken a test in University of San Jose Recoletos. If I will not pass the UPCAT, then I would go to USJR. I already took the test in USJR and i thank God that i passed. My mom and I both like San Jose because a lot in our family and relatives including my mom graduated from this school.

I have so many things to type on this blog but unfortunately it takes everyday to remember all the things in myself. Once again, WELCOME!!

The Pressure Is In The End

Last January 19, we formally ended our Third Periodical Test. The Third Grading was a time of holidays and a time for catching up especially for the subjects that we missed because of the ASEAN Summit. We had to take an early vacation because of it.

This week up to March, i think, will be the start of the last quarter of our studying in UP. The Fourth Grading Period will surely pressure us all especially to the Seniors. I think every week there will activities and preparations to be done. The activities include Know Your School Day (KYSD), Junoir-Senior Promenade, Sci-Tech Week, Family Day and the Drama Fest. Let me introduce to you the different activities we will be conducting.

First is the Know Your School Day (KYSD). In cooperation with the Student Council, the student body of UP High, this activity is made possible wherein it showcases the role of our dear teachers, faculty and staff. It is somewhat like a Teacher's Day. The students will apply for the position of a teacher or staff. They will be the one to teach their co-students. For consecutive two days , this activity will go through. On the opening ceremony, will be an introducing part of the students with their corresponding positions. The teachers already assigned topics for the student applicants. On the closing ceremony, a tribute to the teachers will be made wherein the students showcase their talents.

Second activity would be the JS Prom. JS Prom is held every February where the Seniors and Juniors interact with each other in a social and good manner like young ladies and gentlemen. Their will be series of preparations for this activity like the pairing, the Prophecy (where the Juniors present a prediction of the Seniors 10 years from now) and the Legacy (where the Seniors pass their titles to the Juniors or the passing of responsibilities to the next batch). During this activity, the ladies wear their glamorous gowns while the gentlemen wear their fabulous tuxedo.

Third, would be the Sci-Tech Week where different studies and informations related to science are displayed in a very presentable way. Also, during this event there will be games following the principle of Science. On the Senior's part, we will be having a defense on our Research projects wherein all UP students, teachers and even parents will be their to witness. The Seniors have been so very busy preparing for this research since summer. The Sci-Tech Week was supposed to be held during September but unfortunately transferred to February to give way to the researches of the Fourth Year.

Fourth, would be the Family Day wherein the families of the UP students will have a gathering together in UP High grounds. Different activities happen during Family Day. The activity is started with a Holy Mass. Next would be the presentations of the different year levels through dance. There will be also games like Social Bingo and Raffle Draw but I don't know what activities will be done because the PTA are the one's in charge of it. This is done during Sunday which is actually a Family Day affair.

The Last Activity is for the Seniors which is the Drama fest wherein the students will present and showcase a production where knowledge and hard work can be seen. This activity is like a work in an opera where there are technical lightings, music coordination and performers involved. This has been a very tough job for Seniors. This production is equivalent to one periodical test in Filipino.

You see the pressure is really in the end!

Adios UP Familia!

Three months to go and we, together with my batch mates, will graduate from a school full of dreams and highly respected. UP has been very kind to all of us. In this school, we learn to accept mistakes and pursue on our dreams. During our high school years, we began to develop ourselves and discover our strengths and weaknesses. We find our companions and true friends. Students are so friendly and the teachers as well who are just like the students.

High School life has been so good and bad for me. I think it prepares me for the coming of such a big challenge. I’ve learn to understand myself by observing and learning my society. School has been my second home. For me, it is a ground for becoming a more improved person. It is a stage where infatuations, crushes, puppy love and even your love begin. We are all growing and we are starting to act like gentlemen and ladies. And in the coming months, what we are all going to do is to treasure the memories we have shared to each other because we are going to another stage in life- the college life. I will remember the times of my ups and downs together with my friends. The laughter and the sorrows we experienced and we helped to solve together. Each step in life becomes tougher. And to conquer these defeats is not accomplished by one’s self but rather the help of others as well. Unity brings us closer. We need each other. I learned all of these when I reached high school and it’s times for us to level-up to a tougher and challenging one.

I am so lucky that I studied in UP because I have the chance to meet very nice and comforting classmates. They are always there to support. They are not selfish. We don’t mind of our mistakes, we make them as a tool for improvement. Without them, my life would be meaningless, colorless and dull.

UP family has been one my inspirations to move forward and aim for the best. They shaped me and developed me into a better person.

When I graduate in high school, I will never forget. I will never forget the memories of people who give meaning to my life. Even though being in fourth year is exhausting especially that I am a student leader, I don’t easily lose hope because my friends are there to advice.

Time is really fast, isn’t it? When I enter the realms of UP, I was still naïve that time. But I realized that being naïve can bring you to danger and that you must fight for your right and continue to adjust because only one thing is constant in this world and that is what we call CHANGE.

UP Family taught me to change. Change to become better. Change to become greater and change for the common good. I thank my batch mates, the faculty, the students and the people who became a part of the UP family because without them, I am not like now. When I set my foot outside the realms of UP High, I will treasure the memories we have put up together and I promise if I have the time, I will go back to UP. I will miss my batch mates and the faculty who have been so caring and so friendly. Until next time, UP, my Alma Mater! Adios!

The Sinulog Fever

After the ASEAN Summit, Cebuanos were all excited for the coming of what is known as the “Festival of All the Festivals”, the Sinulog. Sinulog is celebrated during the 3^rd Sunday of January. This is one of my favorite festivals.

During the coming of Sinulog, my family and I, have a devotion to the Blessed Child, Sr, Santo Niño, that we will attend mass in the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño during the “vesperas” that is held before the fiesta. Usually we attend the mass in dawn. The mass has been very solemn and I can see a lot of devotees that was once touched by the Holy Child. What I like most in that part of the mass is the singing of the “BatoBalani sa Gugma”. The song really touches my heart and I feel like I’m going to cry because I realized how grateful I am because of the blessings and graces he had given to me. For all the years, Sr. Santo Niño didn’t leave me behind in times of trouble and has always been there to guide and protect me and my family from danger. What I just wanted to ask from him is good health and in good social and family relationship. In addition, it makes me happy that a lot of balloons will be freed by people who have wishes written in a paper attached to its strings.

Many activities took place during the “Vesperas”. Some of these activities are the fluvial parade, solemn procession that is ended by a mass in the Basilica Minor del Santo Niño. The fluvial parade has been one of the most awaited parts of the Cebuanos where the Blessed Child together with his mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, reaches the shores of Cebu that started the spread of Christianity in the Philippines. These two religious figures are placed in a yacht or boat and are being turned over to Mandaue where they meet San Jose, the Blessed Child’s father, where there is a reunion of the Sacred Family. This has been a very nice moment for all the Cebuanos who were there in the wharfs and pier to witness this event. There is also a reenactment of the first Baptism that is held in the basilica with the Blessed Mother and Child. This activity will end in the morning and the people will have to take their rest for another religious activity they will be attending in the afternoon which is the solemn procession.

In the solemn procession, people will have to walk the long streets of Cebu City together with Sr. Santo Niño. Not like the fluvial parade where there are lots of boat in the channel, the procession on the other hand has the many devotees of the patron saint of Cebu just like in Quiapo. The final destination of the said procession will be on the basilica where a mass is held in the presence of the Archbishop of Cebu, Reverend Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. This mass will reveal the many devotees of Señor Santo Niño including those outside of Cebu.

On that next day, a grand Mardi gras is celebrated where the people offer a devotion to Señor Santo Niño through dance. Sinulog Dance has been known to be two steps forward and one step backward. This step is very symbolic because for every regress there is twice the progress. A lot of people join the Sinulog Dance where they dance starting in the busy streets of Cebu that is 4.8 km until they reach the Cebu City Sports Center where they do there greatest performances. I said busy streets because a lot of people do watch this very colorful and exciting parade. There are also creative floats and magnificent giants who will be joining the parade. It really tempts me to go to these places but I can’t due to the presence of numerous people. I am contented to see the full coverage of the said event in the T.V. At least, it is safe and even though I am inside our house, I can still feel the Sinulog fever, the event I am always waiting for during the month of January. Viva Pit Señor!!

ASEAN Summit: For Better or For Worse?

Cebu, Philippines has been chosen to be the host of the 12^th ASEAN Summit that started last January 11 up to 15. The Cebu Government had been very busy preparing for this prestigious event. The Government made some improvements in Cebu. They had to import the best goods and services from the different countries. They spent lots of money to make this event and memorable and successful one. Does the ASEAN Summit made a positive effect on us, Filipinos, especially here in Cebu? In this, I would like to express my opinion on the pros and cons of the said event.

The ASEAN Summit was a gathering of the heads of the Southeast Asian Nations. It was of great honor for me, to welcome the leaders and the delegates of the said event. During the 5 days of conference, Cebu had its tight security over the whole place. Even though, bomb threats and terrorists surround the Philippines, this was not a hindrance to the meeting. After all the leaders flew safe to their respective countries, it will make Cebu a nice venue for international conferences because of its tight security and the warm welcome of the people. Because the ASEAN Summit was successful here, it made Cebu a “fragrant” place for foreign investors to have their businesses here. It opened Cebu to business opportunities.

The first schedule of the ASEAN Summit was December of last year. It was postponed due to security purposes. The government already confirmed that there will be a 4-day holiday throughout Cebu. Filipino workers who need money were affected this 4-day holiday. But since it was postponed, this made them glad but a frustration for the students who were supposed to have their early vacation.

Based on studies, it was estimated that at least 1 billion had been used during the ASEAN Summit. Quite a big amount isn’t it! It is very insulting to know that the Cebu Government had to import decorative lamps from other countries which cost thousands of pesos. Isn’t it insulting to know that our country has no such deco-lamps that we can be proud of? There are a lot of creative Filipino workers who can create better deco-lamps than what the government bought from other countries. In addition, flowers and plants were also imported. These were ordered last year that was supposed to be used during the first schedule of the event. Because there was no enough time, they only ordered flowers from Busay, Cebu.

The Cebu City International Convention (CCIC) is a result of a corrupt government, which was hurriedly constructed. Shangri-La Mactan would have been a very nice venue for their opening ceremony. Each food during the Gala Dinner was estimated to be millions of pesos. Just imagine, EACH FOOD!! These millions can help a lot of poor people throughout the Philippines. All these expenses were from the Filipino taxes that were supposed to be for social services that were unfortunately allocated to the ASEAN Summit.

I can say that during the ASEAN Summit, corruption was obvious. But even though we experienced crisis, we still welcome them with open arms hoping that their agenda will make the Filipino people’s lives improve.

I think the ASEAN Summit was worth spending for because these pacts they agreed on will be really implanted. Hoping to be really implemented!