Romeo and Juliet: In Every First Comes a Second

Juliet
(Sees Romeo lying dead)
No, no! Romeo, why? Why? How is this even possible? Friar Lawrence, why did this happen? This is not what you told me. You lied to me! No! No!

Friar Lawrence
I'm sorry, Juliet. Friar John failed to take the letter to Mantua. Please forgive me. But we must go on. We can't stay here any longer. The watch might see us. Juliet, listen to me, we'll take care of this but not right here. Come with me, please. We must go on! Juliet! Let us go!

Juliet
No! I'm not going to leave Romeo behind. I must stay here with him. 

Friar Lawrence
Juliet, I shall make a potion that would wake your husband up from his deep sleep. But we must hurry, or else he would die and we'll lose all our hopes. Come on, Juliet!

Juliet
You mean, he's not dead yet?

Friar Lawrence
Well, of course not! He's just in a deep sleep. But the only way to wake him up is by making him drink this potion I am to create.

Juliet
Do you promise me that he's going to live, Friar Lawrence?

Friar Lawrence
I promise, Juliet. I promise.

Juliet and Friar Lawrence left the tomb and proceeded to Friar Lawrence's quarters.

Friar Lawrence
Juliet, I am so sorry. But you must understand and accept the reality. I know it's hard to take all this in but, you must do it. I'm sorry I lied to you several times. But this is for your own good too, keep that in mind.

Juliet
He's dead, isn't he? And you can't make him live.

Friar Lawrence
I'm just a friar, Juliet. I'm no god. Forgive me.

Juliet
I forgive you, Friar Lawrence. It's myself I can't forgive.

Friar Lawrence
And why is that?

Juliet
I was too selfish. I even dared to commit suicide- I mean, pretend one just to not get married with Paris.

Friar Lawrence
It was my plan, Juliet. Don't blame yourself-

Juliet
No. It was your plan but the decision was still on me. And I agreed with you. It's all my mistake.

Friar Lawrence
Don't be too hard on yourself, Juliet.

Juliet
Can I please stay here with you? I don't want to go home. Ever.

Friar Lawrence
You can stay here as long as you want, Juliet.

----

Benvolio
(Continuously knocks the door)
Friar Lawrence? Are you around? Friar Lawrence? Hello?

Friar Lawrence
Aaaaah, patience! Patience, please!

Benvolio
(His knocking was cut off by Friar Lawrence opening the door)
Friar Lawrence!

Friar Lawrence
Yes, yes. What is it, may I know, that brought you here?

Benvolio
Nothing, really. I just needed someone to talk to.

Friar Lawrence
(Gives a confused look)

Juliet
Friar, who was that?

Friar Lawrence
Aaah, Juliet! Could you please do me a favor and entertain this boy for me? He's Benvolio, Romeo's cousin and-

Juliet
Yes, I know. I know.

Benvolio
Good day, Juliet!

Friar Lawrence
There you go. You two talk while I finish my work.

Juliet
Why don't you come in, Benvolio?

(Friar Lawrence leaves the scene)

Benvolio
It is a pleasure to meet you, Juliet.

Juliet
The pleasure is mine. So, what are you doing here?

Benvolio
I just really needed a friend. You see, I'm all alone now. Mercutio left me first. And now Romeo.

Juliet
I know how you feel, being left out. 

Benvolio
It's nice to know that someone understands me.

Juliet
You know, the only two persons I'm left with whom I know I can trust are Friar Lawrence and my nurse. Unfortunately, the nurse isn't here with me. 

Benvolio
So that makes it only one person, then? One person you can trust for now?

Juliet
Indeed.

Benvolio
Well, why don't we make it two again?

Juliet
What do you mean?

Benvolio
You can always trust me, Juliet.

Juliet
That's so nice of you! Thanks.

Benvolio
It's just the two of us now. We'll finish this journey together.

Juliet
You are the greatest man I've ever known. The way you speak reminds me of Romeo. The way you make me feel so safe is pure heaven. I would like to thank you for that.

Benvolio
It is my honor.

Juliet
Forever?

Benvolio
You and me... forever.

Till Now, I'm Learning From You

She used to be my teacher when I was in 8th grade. I don't love her subject as much as how I love her since she teaches Math. I'm more of a language person. Correcting grammars and reading poems are what I like; not solving for the x or getting the distance from this point to that. But because of her, I learned to understand everything about it.

She didn't just teach me Math. What I loved the most about her, is she taught me how to grow up and be myself inspite what other people say. She taught me to pray every night, and let Jesus help me on all things I can never do on my own. Life isn't about trying to impress people, she'd say. It's about praising God, and sharing His gospel. I took her message with me everyday. Every time I'd hear people judging me behind my back, I just shake that thought off and tell myself, "I don't exist here to impress them. I'm here to worship God." And then I'd feel better. Thanks to her and her inspiring words, I can get through any bad day and smile like nothing happened.

Right now, she's in the United States. She started working there since the first quarter. And I've never been so upset to hear about that. I miss her everyday. I miss her comforting words. I miss her company. Sometimes, she would call my phone and I'd hear her voice once again. And I'd be so happy. She never forgets about me. She's still that caring mother figure to me and to my former classmates. She knows I love her, and I know she loves me. She's Mrs. Evelyn Rojas- Paulo. 

On Focus: Abraham Lincoln and His Fight Against Slavery

If I was given the chance to meet and talk to a historical personality, I'm certain I'd be choosing former US President, Abraham Lincoln. He's known for his admirable intelligence and determination to free the slaves of America. He led the country through one of the worst periods in US history; the Civil War. And during that period of time, he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation to help the Union win the Civil War and thus preserve the Union. The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the states which had rebelled against the Union, thus, at the time it was written, the Union did not have control over the states, which had seceded or rebelled against the Union. The Union states were "free states" as the Northern states had outlawed slavery. The rebel states or Confederate states did surrender to the Union, and became "free states" by virtue of the Emancipation Proclamation. 

I look up to Abe Lincoln so much for his dedication and loyalty to his countrymen. He was successful in bringing the United States together, again, as one nation. He used his power as president for a good cause, observing fairness and equality. 

----------

Trixie: Good day, Mr. Lincoln. 
Pres. Linoln: Good day, too.
Trixie: Congratulations on your success upon issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

Pres. Lincoln: Thank you. It is my obligation and honor to serve each and every person in the United States.
Trixie: Sir, what inspired you to write the Emancipation Proclamation?
Pres. Lincoln: I've always been against slavery, especially because my father was once a slave. I'm not sure if you were told or if you've somehow heard it before, but I am from a poor family. And my parents had my eyes opened to the reality of how Americans aren't treated fairly. Slaves were crucial before in the procedure of living Americans' lives. And these slaves were surprisingly of the same nationality as theirs.
Trixie: I see. Sir, if you weren't the president of the United States of America, would you still pursue your desire to free the slaves?
Pres. Lincoln: Of course. In my own simple ways.
Trixie: Like how, sir?
Pres. Lincoln: Like if I walked past through a slave somewhere in Illinois, I'd help him one way or another. And whisper to him, "You're not worth it."
Trixie: That's a nice one, sir. Could you please give a short message to students like me?
Pres. Lincoln: Sure. Youngsters, you're never too young to fight for what's right. Just because your neighbor's dumb and you're not, doesn't mean you can make him your slave and treat him like he's not human. Don't think that way. We all have something that makes us special and unique. And take note, we were born to be free. 
Trixie: Thank you for that very inspiring message, President Lincoln.
Pres. Lincoln: You are very much welcome.

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Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Summary)

The Burpo's were off to Colorado for a family trip. It was supposed to be fun, but it turned out to be one of their biggest nightmares.

During the trip, almost-four-year-old Colton Burpo suffered from stomachache. No doctor could tell what the exact disease was at first. But then Todd and Sonja, six-year-old Cassie and Colton's parents, brought Colton back to Nebraska to get him checked up and to really know what he's sick of. It took the doctor how many days to figure everything out. And when Colton's temperature rose and he kept on vomiting, the doctor suggested he undergo a surgery, and get the thing out of his system.

Todd is a pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan Church. Sonja was in charge of the music ministry in there. While Colton was being operated on, Todd decided to talk to God in a chapel inside the hospital. Sonja contacted several Christians and asked them to pray for Colton. As Todd was in the chapel, he yelled at God and blamed Him for all that was happening. He could not believe God was actually getting his son from him. Every single Christian that Sonja contacted prayed for little Colton. He was too young, indeed, to leave.

After all, Colton survived. The surgery was successful, and the Burpo's couldn't be any more happier. The most interesting part about this story, though, happened months after the operation. 

The fourth of July, 2003 was a big deal for Todd and Sonja. They had planned to take the kids to visit Sonja's brother, Steve, and his family in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On their way to Sioux Falls, they passed by Plains Regional Medical Center, where Colton's surgery took place. Sonja asked Colton if he remembers the hospital. He shortly replied, "Yes, Mommy, I remember. That's where the angels sang to me."

This is exactly where everything started. Todd frequently asks Colton about what had happened during his operation. And according to him, he was lifted up, and he could see himself being operated on. He even saw his own dad in the chapel, yelling at God; and his mom on the phone, asking people to pray for him. Colt0n was able to describe every detail about what Todd and Sonja were doing by the time of his surgery. It's quite impossible, of course, but it's real. 

Colton said that he was all alone when he went to church, and that's where he saw Jesus. That's where he held His hand and went together to Heaven. He described Heaven as a very beautiful place, where all the colors are. Jesus had a horse. And He didn't have wings. But everybody else has. Jesus just went up and down like an elevator. And he had "red markers", according to Colton. This is how he called Jesus' scars from His crucifixion.  

Back to Colorado, after his operation, Colton asked Sonja if she knew he had a sister. His mom said yes, since Cassie is in fact his elder sister. But Colton shook his head. He claims he has another sister, and she died when she was still inside his mom's tummy. He saw her in Heaven. 

This startled Sonja. She and Todd didn't even know their second baby was a she. When Sonja asked Colton what her name was, he simply said she doesn't have one because they haven't named her yet. 

Colton constantly told Todd that God loves us so much. In Heaven, Colton's wings were small. And he played all the time. And he's oftentimes sitting on Jesus' lap. What shocked Todd the most is when Colton brought up this man he saw in Heaven whom he referred to as "Pop". He was Todd's grandfather, and he was like his own dad. Pop died in 1975. He's in Heaven! Todd was curious and he wanted to make sure if his son really saw his beloved grandfather. So he showed Colton a picture of Pop where he's old and wearing glasses. Colton immediately said, "Nobody's old in Heaven, and nobody wears glasses." 

Todd asked his mom if she somehow had kept a picture of Pop where he's young. Fortunately, she has one. She reproduced a copy of it for Todd, and he showed it again to Colton. "Yes. That's him," said Colton. 

Colton was also able to get into God's throne room. He said His throne was really, really big because God was the biggest one there is. Jesus' throne was right next to his dad's, he said. Basically, Jesus sits on the right side of God the Father. On the left side, however, is the angel Gabriel. Colton said he's really nice. 

He also told Todd that the very first person you'll see when you die is Jesus. No one else but Him. Colton said Jesus told him about the future. There will be a war. And every Christian man must fight against evil, while the women and children must stand back and watch. But there's nothing to worry about. God wins. He throws Satan back to hell in the end.





We all probably accepted the idea of Heaven before, but now because of Colton, we're able to visualize it. And every individual who doubts it may be encouraged at this moment. And everybody who believes may be thrilled. 

I Think Continually Of Those Who Were Truly Great

You'll Be Okay

Click this: "You'll Be Okay" (original composition)

Lyrics:

I know you're tired

Of all the trials

Same old problem

You face from time to time

It's not so easy

But still, you're in denial

You say you can get through it

You force yourself to smile

Pre-chorus:

I sing this song to tell you 

You're not alone

You're facing all these with

Some friends of your own

I'm always here

I am your shoulder to cry on

Don't you forget

One day the pain will be gone

Chorus:

Don't you give up

It's just a wall that

Has to be broken

Don't you say no

It's just a small game

That you have to play

And in the end, you'll be okay

Hey, hey, hey

I know you're scared

Of what might happen

You keep on running

From all your big mistakes

But now I tell you

That all you need is prayer

Watch and He will guide you

And lead you to the right path

(Repeat pre-chorus)

(Repeat chorus)

Hey, hey, hey

Oh, oh, oh 

Bridge:

God wouldn't give you

A challenge you

Can't get through

Life's full of them

You just have to

Get used

So used

(Repeat chorus twice) 

I Am The Song

Do you see how amazing it is to come up on stage hearing thousands of people screaming your name in a sold-out stadium? Or how awesome that feeling is when your own songs are playing on the radio? What about that one time onstage when you just stand there, pointing out your mic to all those people singing the lyrics to a song you wrote by yourself? 

The Beatles. They are legends. They're not just a band. They are the ones who introduced to the world what real music is. It is them who made us realize that there is definitely more to music. Music is not just a simple tune you hum while cleaning, or a simple tap on your desk. It is what we feel. It is a reflection of who we truly are. 

I have been listening to The Beatles since I was a little kid because of my dad. He is a big fan, and he is my mentor in terms of singing and playing musical instruments. He told me that The Beatles won several awards because of their dedication and great talent. They had lots of fans around the world, including him, who admired their songwriting skills. Fans like my dad sing The Beatles' songs almost everyday, and play them on his guitar. Since then, I thought I found out what my dream is. And that is to become a famous singer. 

It wasn't just The Beatles who influenced me in songwriting. There's Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, who gave me the idea of what to write about. Michael loved to write songs about making a change for the children. I see that Michael wanted to deliver his message of healing the world by means of writing a song. And that's how I wanted to deliver mine too. 

Growing up, I found out about Taylor Swift. It was in 2009 when I heard her song on the radio and fell completely in love with it. As I researched on the net about her, I figured out that her songs were all based from real-life experiences. Her album was always like diary. Each song expresses her exact thoughts and feelings when she was under these situations. And this gave me another idea of how to express myself in writing a song.

Paramore, a punk-rock band, is also one of my influences in songwriting. Hayley Williams, the band's vocalist and lyricist, taught me that I can also write songs about other people. Like, how would I get through those obstacles if I were that person? What would I do if I were in his shoes? This way, I can express myself as well. 

All these bands and solo artists have become successful because of their talents and hard work. And all of them have at least been nominated for the Grammy Awards. Besides my dream of becoming a famous singer, I also want to win a Grammy. I want to be remembered the same way The Beatles and Michael Jackson were. 

Soon, my concert tickets will be sold out in a minute and I'll have fans all over the world. They'll buy my albums and vote for me on award shows. And most of all, they'll sing all my songs loud and love music the way I do. 

I'll be a legend someday. I'll be remembered because of my songs. 

“The only truth is music.”  ― Jack Kerouac

His Story is History

He's my hero as he said I was his.

Eighteenth of March, 2000- the day he told me he'll never forget. It was one of those extraordinary days when he felt so blessed. He said he was very excited and nervous at the same time. His palms were sweaty and his heart full of joy. 

It was seven in the evening when I was born. And my daddy believed it was the start of his wonderful journey. 

I was always a stubborn child to both mom and dad. I've been causing their terrible headaches for a long time now. But still they held on and raised me as to who I am today.

My hero was the one who took care of me. He suffered every day and night, not being able to sleep and rest. He sterilized the bottles, changed my diapers, gave me a bath, and experienced all the things a mother should have done to her child. Yes, my father was my mother since mom had to work. 

Dad and I shared the best friendship anyone could ever ask for. We were interested in the same things especially music. They say it's hard to be close with your dad. But in my case, it was the other way around. 

When I turned seven, things became complicated. Mom and dad often fought. I always hear them yell at each other during my bedtime. From that night on, I knew something was wrong. And not long after that, my parents separated. 

I wasn't able to see dad for a long time. Months have passed, and I miss him so much. But I couldn't do anything but cry. 

Just when I thought I was going to live the rest of my life with no father, that is when I started believing in miracles as a 7-year old. 

My dad came back to us. 

When I asked him what made him do such thing, he said "You are my hero. You saved me from doing the wrong thing. You are the reason why I came back." 

I swore I'd never forget what he said.

For me, he is the hero. 

Dad loved to talk about his childhood. And I loved to listen to him.

He's from a poor family. He was forced to sell eggs early in the morning before going to school. After class hours, he has to be home immediately and start with the cleaning of their house. It was tiring for him, and he said he never had time to play with his friends. But he never complained. 

Dad wanted to be an accountant. He was already enrolled for college but then stopped eventually because they don't have enough money to spare. It must have been so painful on his part, I thought. He wanted so bad to fulfill his dream, but now it is quite impossible for him to achieve it.

He worked as a waiter on a resort in Cavite to help his parents for the meantime. "This is for my college." he often told himself. 

When they finally had money, dad went to college again. But this time, not to reach his goal of being an accountant. He had to shift because their saved money is not enough for an accountancy course. But still, he never complained.

And here he is now, teaching business management to college students. "Aren't you sad you did not become an accountant?" I asked dad. "I am." he said. "But this is what God has planned for me." 

Thank you, dad for inspiring me with your beautiful story. Thank you, Giezi R. Mangoba, my hero. 

The 3 Stages of High School Life

High School is like learning how to drive

You don't know anything at first, you're scared

You seek help from someone who can teach you

And you force yourself to understand, although you know

You can't. 

First, you have to start the engine

It's like when you're in seventh grade

You try to twist the key and make a difference

You're frightened, nervous as a performer, suddenly,

You can't. 

Day by day, you practice

You twist it carefully with a wish of luck

Then you wake up and you realize, 

You have done it, you have adjusted. This time, 

You can. 

Second, you choose the gear

Not a difference with being an eighth grader

You must find out who your true friends are

In order to be safe from danger. You think you cannot do it, but no,

You can. 

You choose another gear and shift it,

Making sure it is the right one. 

You do this for your own good and safety

Now, you have chosen the right friends. I told you,

You can. 

Third, you step on the accelerator

It needs great practice and courage

Just like when you're in ninth grade

It's a new beginning for a student like you. Now you're thinking,

You can't.

But just when you get the perfect attack,

And when you are able to stop and hit brakes,

Then dear student, it won't be hard anymore.

The next steps are easier for you and for me. Don't you ever worry, because

You can. 

There's a whole lot of other journeys to fulfill,

A whole lot of other adventures

Like learning how to steer the steering wheel

But just remember that in each and every step, dear student,

You can. 

Sophomore No More

A week has already gone and still, I could not believe that the old beige and green walls I used to lay eyes upon everyday has been replaced by shades of red. I see new faces of both classmates and teachers. And most of all, I see a new level of difficulty in academics. 

During our first day of school, our class was undoubtedly quiet and calm. It was obvious that we were still shy around each other and that we were under the adjustment period. Even so, I still enjoyed my first day since I was reunited with my classmates from my grade 8 class as well as with some other friends from other year levels. That day, we also introduced ourselves to some grade 9 teachers and listed what we remember from the lessons we had last school year in some particular subjects. I thought to myself that this school year would be a lot of fun, and a lot difficult at the same time when we talk of the lessons we are about to discuss. 

Second day, or the first diagnostic test day, was a little bit stressful for me because we took exams for four subjects to diagnose how much we know regarding the lessons we are to take. Later that afternoon, we had regular classes. But most of the time, we just went on to watch videos on our new LED TV. And yes, it was super fun bonding with my new classmates. I took the chance to know their personalities more, making it easy for me to to get along with them. 

Third day was wonderful. In the morning, we took exams. In the afternoon, my new classmates and I did not just talk about stuff we were interested in. We were ranting about them! We shared our own opinions about American bands and solo artists. Aside from that, we also talked about some merchandise we were planning to purchase. The old "quiet and calm" Grade 9- Hydrogen became "loud and crazy". 

Fourth day? It was rad. I was just laughing the whole time! My seatmate, Allen had lots of jokes she shared with the whole class. Every joke, whether funny or not, had me laughing big time. It was superb. I'd never want to be in any other section but here. 

Friday, the last day of the school week, I wasn't present. I was sick of headache and slight fever. My mom was the one who made me stay at home to rest. I hesitated at first because I didn't want to miss anything. But in the end, I realized my mom was right. 

My first week was so amazing, I know it will just get better everyday.