Through my eyes (short story)

            With only the dim light shining from the street lamps, I walk silently through the hussle and bussle of the Manila streets. Though my feet are sore and full of blisters, I continue down the streets eager to find my way to the nearest bake shop. On my way there, I can feel stares from people around me. People in cars and on the street look at me with both pity and fear - the fear that I will rob from them. I ignore their stares yet inside I hurt. These people don't know me and yet they judge me by how I look. Yes, I may look scruffy; and I may wear worn-out clothes and slippers but I am still a human being. I deserve to be looked and treated as one. Despite this, I still continue to make my way to the bake shop.
 
             On my way there, I see someone familiar on the other side of the street. Quickly, I realize that it is Gino, the boy living from across our house.

"Jon-jon!" he calls out to me and waves an unsteady hand.
I wave back at him. As I did that, I noticed that he is holding a bottle in the inside of his shirt. By his actions and mannerisms, I can tell that he is probably high from whatever he is sniffing from that bottle.
"Jon-jon" he calls back again, "Come here, I want you to try something"
Quickly, I realize that he would want me to join him though I hurriedly turn away and walk faster.
At a distance, I can hear Gino curse loudly behind me.

                I arrive at the bake shop and as I enter, all eyes stare at me. It's the same look I saw previously - the look of pity and fear. Again, I ignore it despite the pain I feel inside. I get the Ensaymada near the counter and line up in the cashier. A look of surprise and astonishment came to the cashier person as a street kid pays for the snack rather than steal it. I ignore it once again and pay for my purchase. Then, I quickly leave the store.

                 I got home about thirty minutes from the bake shop. As usual, the setting is still the same. Mom is still at work, possibly doing over-time. My father on the other hand, may be on his way home from the construction site he is working on. Grandma, fixes the house as my parents are on their way home.

"Jon-jon, it's 11:30 already, where have you been?" Grandma asks as I enter the house.
"I'm sorry, Grandma" I say as I grab her hand and touch it to my forehead.
"Where's Rita?" I ask and grandma points upstairs. Quickly, I make my way up the stairs and into her room.

"Hi Rita!" I say as I give my sister a gentle pat to her hand.
"I know you really like this snack so I made sure that I'd sell enough Sampaguitas today just I can buy it"

               Slowly, I hand her the piece of bread. Shakily, she moves towards me and with a crooked smile, she says "T-t-t-t-t-t-hank y-o-o-u K-k-k-u-y-ya!"; and I finally get a hug from my sister.

               You see, my sister is autistic and this is the most affectionate that I'd seen her today. With all the crying she does, no one really understands her. Today, I connected with her for the first time so I hug her closer to me and whisper...

               "Happy 7th Birthday Rita, I love you"

Source of photo: http://ih3.redbubble.net/image.5939958.0558/papergc,441x415,w,ffffff.jpg



Movie Reaction - "This Means War"

                Today, I just arrived home from watching the newly released movie, "This Means War," and I've got to say that it was a really good movie. It was action-packed, hilarious and over-all entertaining. Not to mention, it was filled with interesting personalities such as Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy and Chelsea Handler. So what's not to like about this film?

              I honestly cannot think of anything negative regarding this film; and I totally suggest for everyone to go out and see this. It will surely leave you with a smile on your face; and  make you burst a good, hearty laugh during the film and by the end of it. So what have you got to lose? Go out and watch this film while it's still showing in cinemas now!     

Source of Photo: http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/this-means-war.jpg

A Book Review on "Thirteen Reasons Why"

 

     About two weeks ago, one of my classmates recommended me to read the book, "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. At first, I wasn't really sure if I wanted to read it because I was not quite familiar with the author; but after her brief background on the book, I immediately wanted to read it. Because of that, I decided to buy it over the weekend; and when I already bought it, I couldn't stop reading. 

      The story revolved around the suicide of Hannah Baker and the casette tapes she left behind describing the reasons as to why she killed herself. Now I know this story may come off a bit dark and emo (because of my description) though it is one worth to read. What I loved about this book was the sort of exchange of thoughts with Hannah (through the casette tapes) and Clay, who is the reciever and listener of the tapes. Because of this set up, the reader can see the different perspectives of the characters in that given period of time. Can you even imagine being Clay and having to hear the voice of Hannah, who recently died, tell you why she killed herself? I honestly cannot think what I would've done if I was Clay; and the author, Jay Asher, let us experience that first hand (through the eyes of Clay, of course). This, in my opinion, made the story more realistic and gave a bigger impact on the reader. Moreover, I like how the author mentions the "snowball effect," which is when little problems pile up until the person cannot take it anymore. This sends a sort of hidden message to the youth today that all our actions affects someone, either in a good or bad way. In a way, this book also addresses the issues of bullying in schools and makes not only students but parents, as well, to be aware of the current situation of the student. It was very admirable that he decided to address this topic. Lastly, I like how the story builds up in a climactic order and finishes with a tinge of hope for the characters that remain.

       So all-in-all, it was a really good book. One that I wish all of you will read and learn from. I just honestly hope that when the movie comes out (rumors are going around that the book will be turned into a movie) that it gives justice to the book.

Source of Photo: http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/im/13rw_wp_800x600.jpg

The Mamma Mia! Musical Experience

                Through the past years, I've grown to be very fond of musicals. So far, I've watched around three- "Cats", "Cinderella," and "The Little Mermaid" (local production)- and I've enjoyed them all. I even enjoyed performing in one as I was an extra in an adaptation of the broadway musical, "Wicked," done in my high school. I love the music, the props and the performances. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I love musicals in general (though I love to watch it more than be in it) ; so it was a real treat for me to know that I would be watching "Mamma Mia!" the musical in the CCP theater last February 4, 2012.

                Last Saturday, we, my family and I, arrived at Roxas Boulevard around 7 - 7:20 p.m.. We entered the CCP Theater around 7:45 p.m. (since we ate dinner first) and got to our seats almost immediately after we entered. Having only watched the movie, I was excited to finally be able to watch the musical live. I wanted to see the set, listen to the music and enjoy the experience itself. When the orchestra started playing, I knew that it was about to start so I glued myself to the seat with my eyes staring directly at the stage. Then, the musical finally started. Similar to the movie, it opened with the song "I Have A Dream" and with the Sophie sending the letters to her three possible fathers. The story slowly unfolded as every song was sung and the minutes turned to hours. It was a nice show. The singers sang beautifully and the orchestra played flawlessly. However, I would have preferred a more extravagant set and different backdrops per scene to really enhance the story and take the audience to the world of the characters portrayed. Nonetheless, it was a very nice show. I enjoyed it very much and encourage everyone to go out and watch it because it is truly a nice experience.

               This musical can now be added to the list of musicals I've watched and to the whole production of this musical I say "Thank you for the music, For giving it to me"!

Source of Photo: http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00103/playbill_mammamia.jpg