Sunday, March 20, 2016

The Writers' League #13: You Give Your Title

Wri-thing Is

God, thank you. After three days of thinking and planning and opening this blog trying to update my post, I have now the courage to write again.

And again.

And again.

Writing. how am I going to define this word?

Maybe, writing is your favorite shirt you always want to wear. It reflects your personality. It tells the world what the color of your heart is. Imprinted on it is your deepest desire, dreams and goals.


Maybe, writing is the last tricycle driver who brought you where you are right now. It brings you to places you've never been before. It gives you a free ride and a free round trip ticket from the 'Katotohanan World' to the 'Kalawakan ng Imahinasyon'.


Maybe,writing is the person next beside you right now. Seen or unseen, it gives you company. Without any reason at all, you feel a sense of comfort because you know that there is someone/something you can turn on to, a way to burst out what you feel on the deepest part of your aorta.

Maybe,writing is as simple as this. Putting the letters together to create words, and words to create phrases, and phrases to create sentences. Thus, the story of writing. Bow.

But it's not it. It's not how I see writing. Writing is more than what is defined in the book or in school... I have learned that writing is more than that...

Writing is giving away a piece of your heart.

Writing is laying down your personality in a piece of paper.

Writing is a gift from God.


My Writing Timeline

It was on my second grade when I started my simple ABC writing on that typical exclusive elementary paper.

It was on my third grade when I learned to write my simple sentences.

It was on my fourth grade when I learned that I need to put a period on my sentence.

It was on my fifth grade when I learned to write my first informal writing.

It was on my sixth grade when I made a Horror Story Book with my self-made horror stories. I made a business out of it. My classmates rent that book for 1 peso per reading.

It was on my 1st year in high school when I did my first full-length novel completing all the 80 leaves of my notebook. It was entitled "I Love You, Goodbye".

It was on my 2nd year when I joined the official publication of Samar National School, The Samarinan, as a feature writer. But, I failed on one contest and I stopped writing.

The rest, was history. Idle years of not experiencing the Writer's Block because I never wrote anything since then.

And here I am, by the grace of God, a third year English student, whose hands are resurrected to get a pen and a paper, and write again.

My Salt and Pepper Writing

I don't consider myself as a good writer. I have many more things to improve. Just like the coffee I'm drinking right now, I wish I have put more cream into it, or maybe add a little sugar... just to get the Starbucks-like coffee taste.

But I realized, just at this very moment while I'm writing this... it doesn't have to taste like Starbucks. So as in writing the best article... it doesn't need to be superficial... you just need to be real and authentic.

My Kind of Salt (Strength)

1. I have God who gives me wisdom
2. Though I can't do anything, God can write on my behalf
3. I involve all the parts of my being to the story I'm writing
4. I love to think out of the box
5. I want to give time in whatever I'm writing (it means facing the computer 7 hours straight)

My Pepper Flaws (Weakness)

1. I don't write immediately
2. I am a couch potato
3. My creative juices are extracted for years
4. My writing madness is only triggered the night before the deadline
5. I lack focus. I love doing things all at the same time. Result? Zero accomplishment.

In my weakness, God is my strength.

Future Panorama of a Pen

I believe I'm a pen. I can't write all by myself. I need someone to hold me tightly, and use me to fulfill my purpose. That someone is Jesus Christ. Therefore, I'd pursue Christ first, everything shall follow. I want to be a writer, God willing.

I want to be a writer not because I want to be famous or rich. I want to write purely for the works of God, to glorify His Name. After all, it's all the reason why we are living in this world.

I want to publish a book not because I want to leave a legacy of my name, but because I want God to be known in all the earth.

This dream could not be accomplished overnight... but in unceasing prayers everyday, we'll be able to reach the place God wants us to be.

An Open Letter of Thanksgiving

Dear Ma'am Sassy,

Hello po Ma'am! Ma'am, I thank God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3) Ma'am salamat han tanan tanan. Usa ka gud nga instrument nga ginhatag ni LORD GOD para mabuligan kami. Ma'am, everything you have done for us is so much appreciated. Babalunon namon ini ngada tam kalagas. Waray mo gud igkahangol an imo wisdom, you have given it very generously. You're an inspiration to us all.

Ma'am sorry la po talaga kun danay maaringasa kami tas pasarawayon... pero grbe po imo patience ha im mga estudyante. Ma'am Sassy, you're one of a kind. You're a very wonderful, creative, brilliant and loving mentor. You've taught us not only the ability to write, but the ability to love what we write.

We love you with the love of the LORD, Ma'am Sassy! We will always pray for youuuuu. God bless Ma'am! <3


Bottomline of Writing

After all, Writing is all about the first word and the last word of this entry.

Thank you, God!

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Original Work (One-Act Drama)

THE UNTOLD STORY OF SARDINES

Characters:
Although gender is mentioned, characters can be male or female and the script adjusted accordingly.

Pandaka: smallest fish in Bikini Bottom (Catbalogan Branch)

Sardinia: fish in the can; everyone wants to be famous like her

Espada: balikbayan friend of Pandaka; got lost but was brought back to Bikini Bottom (Catbalogan Branch)

Bolinao: leader of the Bulad Bullies Squad; wants to be a superstar

Tamban: member of the Bulad Bullies Squad

Sapsap: member of the Bulad Bullies Squad


Writer's Comment:
I have imagined that the fishes will be played walking upright as humans, and that the actors embody fish-like characteristics in their walk, mannerism, energy, speech, etc. It's a great opportunity for the actor to explore what kind of actions they can utilize to demonstrate that they are fishes.
Ultimately though, how the characters are portrayed is entirely up to the director and the actors!

SCENE 1

Inside the Fishbook Academy. Curtain opens and we see a small fish sitting on a chair in a classroom set-up. This is Pandaka. Other students enter, chattering.

Stude 1: Guys check this out. I downloaded the new photo of Sardinia. She looks so fresh here! I guess she's already famous and rich now!
Stude 2: Yeah I saw her. I want to be a superstar like her!
Stude 3: Harhar, I'll be the first one to get out from this wet place, and I'd be the next famous fish you'll see on that can!

The Bulad Bullies Squad enters. *SFX: suspense*

Tamban:  Hey pretty girls, what's that? (snatches the picture) Oh, it's Sardinia, my love.
Stude 1: Your love?
Tamban: Yeah, you got a problem with that?!
Stude 1: Uh-hhh, no-none...
Bolinao: You see baby, we know how she got there. And we can get you there, too.
Stude 2: How?! Say it!
Sapsap: Today. We will be departing from this place.
Bolinao: Wanna know how?

Pandaka stands up and butts in.

Pandaka: How? I wanna be like... like Sardinia.
Tamban: Ohhhh little Pandaka... You really wanna know how?
Pandaka: Yes. I know there's something more for me. I know a good life is waiting for me outside Bikini Bottom.
Tamban: Hahahahaha. Okay, listen up. (whispers to Pandaka) Try to get an inch bigger.

Everybody laughs.

Tamban: Silly little dreamer! It's impossible. You see, it's easier for a plankton to be caught by the fisherman's net compared to you!
Sapsap: Later, the fisherman will rescue us and you'll be the only one left on this poor place.
Bolinao: How sad! Shooo. C'mon guys, let's go out of here and let's meet the fisherman!

Everybody shouts. They mock Pandaka as they exit.

SCENE 2

Pandaka walks alone.

Pandaka: Is it bad to be small? I hate myself! Why do I need to be different?

Pandaka sits at a coral reef.

Pandaka: Ohhhh, what kind of life is this? They'll all be famous and I'll be stuck here on this... (an engine interrupts Pandaka from speaking and she saw a school of fish crowding near the area)
Pandaka: This is my chance. I'm going out of Bikini Bottom!

Pandaka dives in to the crowd of multitude of fishes wanting to be caught by the net. The fisherman cast the trammel, everybody got caught except Pandaka.

Fisherman exits with all his catch. Pandaka left on stage.

Pandaka: It's so unfair!!!

SCENE 3

At the MARKET. Bolinao, Tamban and Sapsap woke up because of the noise around them.

Bolinao: Where are we?
Tamban: I do

n't know. I can't breathe!
Sapsap: Don't worry. Before becoming famous, we must endure!
Bolinao: You're right. There are so many people here. Oh, there's where we come from! I need to go back, I can't breathe!
Tamban: No, we need to wait. I know we'll be brought to a more comfortable place.

Fisherman arrives. Divides the fishes into groups and put them in different containers.

Tamban: No, no! Please, Sapsap, Bolinao, don't let go!

The three cries as they were carried into different places.

SCENE 4

Tamban wakes up at a home setting.
Father: What do we have for lunch, honey?
Mother: I bought some fresh fishes to fry.

Mother heads to the kitchen. Opens the stove, put cooking oil on the pan, washes the fish
es.

Tamban: W-w-wait. Who are you? What are you doing to me? No! Don't put salt on my sexy body, I'm allergic to that!
Mother: This would be a tasty meal.
Tamban: No!!!

Mother cooks Tamban. Tamban died.

SCENE 5

Sapsap wakes up at an office setting.

Kid: Mommy, what's that?
Mommy: I brought you a new pet! (shows Sapsap to the kid)
Kid: Really, Mommy? Yehay! It's beautiful!
Mommy: Get the aquarium and we'll put it there.

Kid rushes out to get the aquarium.

Sapsap: Woah, aquarium! Sounds cool. I guess that's where they put the fish superstars. Oh yeah baby, I'm on my way to stardom!

Kid comes back with his aquarium. Puts Sapsap inside. Sapsap happily roams around the aquarium but after hundred times of circling the aquarium...

Sapsap: So that's it. I'm stuck here. What a good life! (sarcastic face)

SCENE 6

Tamban wakes up at a factory setting.

Tamban sees numerous cans with the face of Sardinia imprinted on it.

Tamban: Thi is it! I'll be thte most famous fish in the whole wide world!

Tamban's head was cut and he was immediately put inside the can.

SCENE 7

In the BIKINI BOTTOM. Pandaka is so lonely.

Pandaka: I wonder what had happened to them. Maybe they're already enjoying a good life.

Espada enters.

Espada: Pandaka, my friend! I miss you so much!
Pandaka: Espada, is that you? Espada! I thought you'd never come back.
Espada: I'm so glad that I was able to go back. If only you know what I've gone through. Where are the others?
Pandaka: They're all gone. They left Bikini Bottom to be famous and rich like Sardinia. And I'm left all alone here, 'cause I'm too small to go there, on the real world.
Espada: Huh! You're blessed that you were not able to go there. Be thankful, 'cause anyone who goes there dies. Sardinia? She's already dead. She was put into a can to be sold and be eaten. And the others? They all have the same fate.
Pandaka: And how about you? How did you survive?
Espada: Because I'm also small, I fell from the fishnet and I crawled hard to go back to the sea. That's why, I'm here. Alive, kicking and swimming!
Pandaka: Now, we know the truth. Thanks, Pandaka!

Immediate blackout and curtains close.

-THE END-


Tuesday, March 8, 2016

The Writers' League #12: Not Another Ordinary Story (A Short Story)

"God is dead!"
                I never knew the meaning of joy, freedom or love. I hated my life for making me like this --- a wretched street child abandoned  by the people I once called family. I don't have a home but I can occupy every street corners I want to. You may say my plate is always empty but you're wrong. I really don't own a plate, literally, but I can eat wherever I want and I give special courtesy to the restaurant consumers who don't have the appetite to finish their food. People walking in the street may see me indiffirent and would look at me as the most unloved person in the planet, but do they know that I am the superior in the wild streets of this town? In fact, my name is written in red in police stations and that makes me famously infamous. Yes, I have a name. At least I can say that I own something.
                I don't believe in God. I call Him dead in a metaphorical sense that He never really died because He never really lived in the first place.
                "Greg! The police are coming, hide yourself while you still can!" One of the street children exclaimed as he run in sweat and blood.
                I'm not afraid of them, they can shoot me if they want. I don't want to live anymore, I already want to end up this misery.
                "Bang!"
                I can see blood, surrounding all over me. They're running towards me. Run. I need to run still. I am so afraid and I'm struggling to death but I need to escape.
                I can't do it, I lied down and crawled, until I was able to hide inside a small building. I looked up and I saw a cross. I'm in a Church. My tears rolled down and my heart sank. Maybe, this is by the grace of God that He took me here. I closed my eyes and saw the face of Jesus looking at me. I can hear Him saying, "My Child, I love you and I'm here for you."
                That day, I found myself surrendering to God before the police. After that incident, I came to know God and I built an intimate relationship with Him. Now I know the meaning of love, joy and freedom. I'm not an orphan anymore, I'm now a legitimate child of God. Yes, I have a name, and it's still written in red... but not in precincts anymore. I believe, God already have my name written in His Book of Life. This is my second chance, and I would live it all for Him, because God is alive.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

The Writers' League #11: Espresso Guide (English People)

"It all starts with a coffee." -Nescafe

These days, we have been so sleepless. Especially the print group. Special mention to Mikmik (the very hardworking paper person), Trans (the up-all-night guy who is determined to finish everything), Mamita Erica (the makata queen who can fight the sleeping neurons that attack her), and Pepang (the guy who was stolen the right to sleep).

Prayers, with cups of coffee, saved us. ;) Thus, I want you to meet these people I've been with for 3 years and forever. They're my share of Starbucks that keeps me awake.

1. Espresso
2. Espresso Doppio
3. Ristretto


4. Lungo

5. Cafe Macchiato
6. Cafe Creme
7. Cafe Noisette
8. Cafe Cortado
9. Cappucino
10. Dry Cappucino
11. Cafe Americano
12. Cafe con Hielo
13. Cafe Latte
14. Flat White
15. Con Panna
16. Caffe Au Lait
17. Breve
18. Cafe Affocato
19. Viennois
19. Cafe Mocha
20. Con Panna
21. Crappa

22. Irish
23. Granita con Panna
24. Correto
25. Coffee Amazetto
26. Carribean
28. Hawaiian
29. Kopiko
30. Milk Punch
31. Submarine
32. Viennese
33. Chamomile
34. Peppermint
35. Echinnacea
36. Dandelion
37. Lemon Balm
38. Thyme
39. Rosemary
40. Sage
41. Passionflower
42. Ginseng
43. Lavender

And of course, our very dear Professor.


Thank God for the victory! We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. (Romans 8:37) <3

"Guys, dudrungan kita pag'graduate ha?" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

God bless us all! To GOD be all the glory!