Trisha’s Autobiography

“I’m a regular person who believes life is simple, and I like a simple life.” – Manny Pacquiao

My name is Trisha Louise Lopez. I was born to be a simple person, in a life full drama. But I’ll get there I‘m striving for a simple life like Manny Pacquiao said, I was born on June 15, 2001 in Davao City, Philippines. My mother’s name is Michelle Gallarde Tabuno, while my father’s name is Ramonito “Diding” Lopez.

My Mother
Me
My Father

The name ‘Trisha’ is Latin which means “noble.” Though it’s also a combination of my mother’s nickname ‘Masyang,’ and my Father’s first name ‘Ramonito.’They came up with my second name ‘Louise’ by watching an action movie, though my parents first had their doubts of naming me after a fictional character, but when they looked it up they found out that the meaning of the name ‘Louise’ in French is “Famous Warrior or Renowned Fighter.”  Once they found out about it my parents just knew that they had to name me after it. So technically if you combined the meaning of my name I am a ‘Noble Renowned Fighter.”

My picture after winning the talent show.

Maybe that’s why I have a strong personality. If I had to describe myself I would say that I am independent, fun to be around with, hyper, clumsy, and downright annoying, though I can also be quite, shy, silly, delightful, calm, brave, jolly, happy, nice, obedient, witty, and active at social activities but never on social media. I like being independent because that way you have no one else to fail but yourself. I also recently found out that I have the uncanny ability of talking anyone in or out of a situation, which is why I want to be a psychologist after graduating. I can also play the Ukulele, as well as the Piano (though I can only play one song in the Piano.) I am an avid singer. Singing has always been my passion since I had the opportunity of holding onto a microphone when I was 2. I once joined a talent search when I was young and won. I would love to perform live on Broadway one day, singing my heart and lungs out if psychology doesn’t work out well for me. I have an irrational fear of needles and blood, I have a sweet tooth, and I love baking pastries like my mom. Since she used to be a pastry chef, in a restaurant in Singapore, but most of all? I love my exasperating family more than anything else in the world.

Mi Familia
Whilst baking cookies
SIXTH SENSE (My Bandmates)
Mi Familia

I have a very complex family (and a huge one at that), so it may take a while to understand. I have 3 sister’s named Tania, Tracy, and Thea. Tracy and Thea are younger and are my half-sisters. We banter a lot, I mean we can’t even sit in a restaurant without throwing insults to one another but we’re always there for each other through the good and the bad, even though there’s an endless amount of childish banter. One thing my sisters and I all have in common is our love for music. My sisters and I are all performers in some way. While I play in a band and occasionally perform in school, my older sister Tania loves to sing and dance, Tracy is on the cheering squad but she can also sing, Thea is taking her sweet little time to discover her passion for music, by singing A.K.A murdering our ear buds with the infamous song “Let it Go” from the movie “Frozen.”

Rachelle Tania Lopez
Tracy Anne Lopez
Princess Thea Lopez

And now let’s backtrack a bit so I can explain why I have 2 half-siblings. Turns out my mother and father fell out of love from each other and can’t stand each other breathing at one another’s direction. They had a divorce. Which then turned into an annulment and they hated each other’s guts ever since. And BAAM it was like they were never in love in the first place. I was 7 months old when my mother walked out of my father, and like movie Cinderella, my father wanted my sister and I to have a mother figure. So he courted my step-mother. She then moved into the house bringing her evil daughter, my step sister, who shall not be named into our humble abode. My sister and step-sister and step-mother would be at each other’s throats all day and all night, having me as their mediator, a child. Maybe that’s why I have the uncanny ability to talk anyone out of a situation because my practice field was two hormonal teenagers and big momma bear always out for each other’s throats.

This happened every day for the last 10 years of my life. I grew up in a very chaotic environment in which I have to constantly choose sides and always be the mediator of the family. One night, my sister and I were studying peacefully for our exams, then my step-mother came barging in the room threatening my sister’s life and almost killing her. While my mother just arrived from Singapore, with the plan of surprising her children, but she came home to having one of us almost killed. By the way, we all got a hold of my step-mother before she could hurt anyone. Shocking? I think not. I think she did it because of all those pent up anger that she couldn’t express. Well, my parents then went on an all-out war for custody over the two of us, my sister already chose her side (which is my mother’s by the way) but little Trisha couldn’t come to her own decision. So the court of law offered my parents to compromise. My father could still get to keep us, and my mother could visit us, but my step-mother would have to go since my sister filed a restraining order against her. My father then moved her into another one of our houses and every night they would be together, while my sister and I live alone in our house with only our nanny to supervise us, and to stop us from burning the house down. 2 years later my half-sister Tracy Anne was born and soon came out Thea. Several months after Thea was born My father and step-mother had a fall out and they now hated each other’s guts. While he and my mother are patching things up as friend. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Thea is in the arms of her mother since she’s till 5 years old and according to the law, she would still be with her mother until she is 7 years old or unless proven that her mother is incapable of taking care of her, and my Sister Tracy is in our custody living as annoyingly as she can.

Well that concludes my family’s complicated life story. I am now in Senior High dealing with the best and worst things that life has to offer, and is pursuing the strand HUMSS, working my butt off to graduate. So I can study Psychology, and I have a life of my own, where I can be the best version of me every day. I want to live a simple life without too much stress or drama. I don’t need a lot of things; I just want to be happy. Thanks for listening to my life story.

the missing piece

Every morning, I wake up
In the same room, with the same thoughts
And in my heart, they're all been kept
The same place where my monsters crept
Empty chairs welcomed me
As I'm about to take my meal
Meals with class, yet so bland
I've no one to greet
As I sit in this car, with luxury
I see students outside
Students with their parents walking with them
With pride and gleaming eyes
As I go towards the room
I began to realize
How fortunate they are
To have some kisses and goodbyes
As I take my final meal
With the same old setting
It slowly comes to my mind
That no one even cares
Before I go to sleep
I find my thoughts too deep
I find them hard to keep
Like my heart's about to leak
What if my life will turn upside down?
No money, no cars, no jewelry, no crowns
What does it feel when he's around?
To stand by my side whenever I drown?
What if I finally found the last piece for my heart?
The piece that requires love to fill up
Love that only comes from my father,
Love that can't be given by another

-princess gan

unknown.

I’m a caterpillar that waits for that day
That day when I can be free
Free to spread my wings and fly away
And reveal the real me

All those times I have hidden
From things that harm and hurt me
I can finally lift off the burden
And allow myself to fly with glee

I venture the world, a place I can find peace
To think clearly on my own pace in ease
I will rest and see
Soon the new me

I was awakened by a new day i own
The sun shining bright at me
I have survived the darkness in me
And I am ready to face the unknown

– Pauline P.

Señor Hayskul

By: Peach Grafilo

Senior High School is actually very new to us. Most of us did not like the new curriculum and system because of the additional two years in high school. However, as I entered the Senior High School life I realized a lot of things in life.

In my first year in Senior High School, I am a little bit scared for the subjects will be harder compared to my Junior High School subjects for it is a preparation for College. I am HUMSS student (Hummanites in Social Sciences) because I am into politics and this helped me to decide what strand I will take.

Fast forward to my second and last year in Senior High School. I moved from General Santos City to Davao City for my final year. It was because of family issues. At first, I was really scared to move into a new environment because I hate adjustments. I was really getting a hard time choosing a school for me. My first pick was University of Mindanao because my older brother is studying there and I thought he can help me to adjust in their environment, but unfortunately I was too late for their enrollment. My second choice was University of the Immaculate Conception. This school was my grandmother’s opinion for she is a very religious person, and I thought why not? It may help me to know myself more.

My first day was very unusual to me, because I was not used to the University type of community and environment. My previous school has less students so it was really a hard time to me. Slowly, I had friends and my shy type personality turned into jolly and friendly personality. I was so happy I finally adjust myself into my new school with the help of my new friends.

Along the way, I had a personal issue that affected me so much that my performance in school was also affected. I had a lot of abscences that made me want to stopped my studies. I really had a hard time getting myself back together because I am alone. I felt helpless and useless. Until, our three-day retreat started. I learned so many things that helped me to focus more in the positive things of life. There, I was able to reconciled everything in my life and accept things the way it is.

RETREAT DAY
Sarah, JM, Hannah, Ritzel, Shine, Shan, Chloe, LJ, Karl, Dan, Andrea
Kaye, Gan, Cal, Pau, Salva

I was not really expecting that I will enjoy my student life in UIC, it just happened. There were people I have not expected that I will be closed to, there were things that I did not see coming through, it all just happened and it will always have a special place in my heart. All the unforgettable memories and all that are still coming will always treasured to me.

University of the Immaculate Conception really changed me in so many ways. This school was unexpected in my life, in my journey, and it gave me so much to remember. I am so thankful and overwhelmed I can conside myself as an Ignacian Marian student. To the coming happenings, cheers! To my classmates, friends and teachers, thank you so much for being part of my Grade 12 life.

Many people will walk in and out in your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

Eleanor roosevelt

My name is Karl Francis C. Pastoriza and I was born on the 03rd of April, 2000 in Davao City, Philippines. My parents were Clair Marie C. Pastoriza and Felixberto V. Enriquez. We are triplets, so i have my twins namely Kent Fritz Pastoriza and Kym Fredrique Pastoriza. My mom and dad separated at the year 2000

Unfortunately, because of their separation changed my personality. Fortunately I have been smart enough to avoid that bad habit and didnt use it as a reason to hindet myself to have a perfect life.

My early childhood was the rise of the millenials the 2000’s. My dad is self enployed for he is a dentist and runs his own dental clinic and my mom was a stay at home mother. I had a happy, normal childhood as an only child, leaving me somewhat spoiled. My mom and dad separated when I was six years old and now both have their own relationships and partways. My dad remained a boyfriend to my stepmom Tes until today. My mom engaged lot of relationships and currently having a long distance relationship from singapore to davao. My first stepdad Lemuel which i call him Dad became a big part of my life and I maintained close contact with him until my mom made up his mind to end their relationship in 2009, Yes, that was a very bad week, losing a dad even though he’s not the real one but i treat him like my own.

Growing up with split parents was especially difficult since each of my parents families are not in good terms. I lived with my mom until I was 15 and in high school. And moved to my dads when i was 16 and upto the present.

By my junior year in high school I had begun to hang around with friends that got me into a lot of trouble with a number of things including rebellious acts and cheating. I was rapidly heading down a negative path, but was fortunate enough that ever in my life i experience this things which i will always cherish.

With the fresh start I was able to move up junior high school without further incident, graduating from University of the Immaculate Conception in 2016. Even with my questionable behavior earlier in my life I had always wanted to become a flight attendant. So, to kill time and stay out of trouble I joined the UIC High pelp squad immediately after turning 16.

I joined the squad and we were sent to prestigous competitions like DACS, Milo, and Ncc and luckily bagged championship titles! After becoming a member of the squad, I was assigned to be the team captain of the UIC High Pep Squad.

What stands out the most about my time in the squad are the extremes of the deadliest stunts that you are subjected to. Some of my happiest memories and some of my worst memories come from my time in the squad. One thing that I am sure of is that it shaped me to become the person that I am now. The squad really straightened me out from my troubled High school years.

Getting through a day can be hard without a motivation. I find that I can face each day of my high school life easier whenever I think about my plans and big dreams. It is one of the reasons I believe I feel like I live for my dreams. I am young and ambitious but I believe that even a teenager should reflect on his high school life. If more youths set their goals and review their routines as high school students, they would be able to achieve more success. This path will reflect on my own life as a high school student to serve as a reminder that I am living for my dreams and I can gain success. It will also serve as an inspiration to my peers who aim for the success.

Being a happy high school student would not be possible without my family. I am a child of two non showy supportive parents. Even though they are separated, They work hard to support our family and do their best to spend time bonding whenever they can. My family values loyalty and responsibility. This is the reason I always try to be honest to my family and tell them my high school activities. It is also why I believe that if more high school students are honest to their parents, they would struggle less with their academic and extra-curricular goals.

Living with a separated yet supportive family encourages me to dream and aim for good grades and a good career.

Every day when I go to school I attend all my classes to learn more. I believe that each lesson there are insights I can gain. There are times some teachers are not professional or do not explain some of the lessons well. But I always strive to gain an understanding of our lessons with the resources I have. I take note to jot down my misunderstandings so that I can find it in the library or online. I can say that I am a responsible high school student that takes my studies seriously because I want to achieve my dreams.

As a high school student, I also enjoy time with my friends. In between classes and sometimes after school, I go out with the gang. We eat food, watch movies, talk a lot, and listen to music. We participate in school events together and a few are with me in club activities. Sometimes I struggle balancing time for family, studies, and friends. There are a ton of times I chose to have a sleepover or check out a new club with the gang over more important activities. I will work on my time management more so that I can accomplish goals that should be prioritized. I realize now that to grasp my dreams I should have friends but I should also manage my time with them well.

To be a successful high school student it is not hard to find motivation. Being motivated helps a youth believe his dreams are possible. All that needs to be done is to value one’s family, studies, and friends. With a positive outlook on the people and environment of a youth’s life, he can do anything. He can overcome struggles like difficult teachers or lack of time management. He can live for his dream and succeed. These are the beliefs that are shaping my life as a high school student now. I will always use this story of mine to help me review what motivates me to live for my dream. I can only hope that it will inspire my peers.

“I am strong person. Everything that hits me in life, I’ve dealth it on my own. Ive cried myself to sleep. Picked myself back up and wiped my own tears. I have grown from things meant to break me. I get stronger by the day, and i always owe it to the mighty one!”

– Pastoriza

Memoirs; High School life

by: Karl Francis C. Pastoriza

     “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return” Leonardo da Vinci.

For me, the fear of the unknown can be very exciting. My best journey was a miraculous one. The fierce lift off, the courteous service of the UIC guards, and the final landing at The University of the Immaculate Conception are memories that I long to repeat. The view of the beauty of the school from within is one memory that only the experience of the beholder can provide.

After I graduate in primary school (the grade school) I felt mixed of emotion excited and nervous. Excited in the sense of I will gain new experience, new friend and new teachers. Nervous, because I don’t know if I can get through this stage of my life.

On my first day of school at UIC high school I felt nervous. I was surrounded with new faces, new environment and new attitude. I remembered the day that everyone need to introduced yourself in front of my new classmates. I was ashamed that time but I was overcome that feelings. I told to myself I will make it this first day and the following day until I can adjust and embrace my new life.   

High school should be an enjoyable and fascinating period of time for most students. It is the time for one to learn more profound knowledge and to develop oneself more deeply. To me high school was the most important time, unlike the other students; I’ve learned my lessons the hard way. My high school experiences have completely changed me, from inside out. I never regretted anything I’ve done or been through. All I can say is I’ve learned my lessons. Whenever people discuss their high school lives, they usually talk about the happiest moments or the excitement they have encountered. All I can remember about my high school life were the troubles that brought endless fights between my parents and me; the fears and later the pain caused by my lack of confidence. Everything started well when I was a freshman. I went to school and did my homework every day just like the other students. At that time all I could think about was study, because that was the only thing my parents keep telling my about. So I followed their wishes. Being an excellent student, made me felt superior in front of the others, but inside, I felt very lonely and empty. I still remember the feeling of desire and jealousy when I saw my freshman classmates who were hanging out with the “cool” juniors and seniors. They go to cafeterias, eat at lunchtime, as I sat at the cafeteria eating the tasteless school food with a book or homework in front of me, books and papers that I never really paid attention to. As time move on, I became tired of being a good student. Also I didn’t have the patience or desire to study anymore. I felt that was what my parents wanted me to do. For me, being a good student did not get me enough attention. So I began to socialize. I made friends based who could give me more opportunities to experience new things and excitement other than boring, school life.

High school for me was bittersweet. It was filled with some of the best times of my life and also some of the worst. I truly found myself throughout these past six years. I have been told some wise advice that I will live by for the rest of my life and some things I had to find out myself. Whether or not your high school experience was all you hoped it would be or not, be thankful. You learn more about yourself in four years than you probably will for the rest of your life. I never believed people when they said that high school flies by and to appreciate every moment of it until I was the one waiting for my name to be called at graduation. Here is some life long advice that I learned in high school that I will always live my life by.

My most valuable school experiences weren’t academic. They were all about people social skills, respect, self-worth, empathy, and realizing your own potential. On the sports field, I learned about winning and losing graciously. In the classroom, I learned that doing your best counted far more than academic ability.

Because of teachers who believed in me, I also learned that I was capable of more than I thought. I still look back at the lessons I learned and try to pass them on to the children of the future generations. I learned in school is that there are no questions too stupid to ask.

Curiosity and the courage to ask questions are essential to learning. The answers might also evolve as we get older, gather more facts, and view things from different vantage points. The ability to deal with uncertainty is part of learning and growing up. I demonstrate by example by treating every student as a unique resource. Everyone has something to give if we step back, take time to listen, observe, and draw it out.

All during elementary school I was a daydreamer, and it was a struggle for me to achieve. Once I was in high school and involved in cheerdancing, I became more focused, but I continued to struggle academically. Still, I was determined to go to college but also to graduate and find a fulfilling occupation. The lessons I learned centered on the theme of never giving up, even when told by various people who belittle me and people who look down on me that I do not belong and should not expect success.

“Determination, hard work, and a firm belief in who I was allowed me to overcome these obstacles.”

-Pastoriza

In Real Life

Isiah 26: 3-4

An autobiography by yours truly,

I was born on a chilly evening of the 27th of August in the year 2000 while my mother, Cristy Gan, was eating her favorite fruit, durian, with the rest of the family when all of a sudden, her water broke. They rushed to the hospital and it took only 20 minutes for me to come out of my mom’s womb.  I do not remember much of my early childhood years but my mother told me that on the first day of school at Rotary Anns Pre-School, I was so excited and I didn’t even cry like most children do especially being away from their parents for a couple of hours, but I was different. According to my mother, she was just outside the gate and she can clearly hear me introducing myself to everyone with a loud voice and with so much confidence. I am proud to say that when I graduated Senior Kinder, I was the salutatorian in our batch with Best in Reading, Math, and Science awards. My mother who was a graduate of psychology was and always will be my best teacher, she tutored me since day and taught me more and tried to longer her patience when I have a hard time understanding the lesson. Because of my mother, I learned how to study independently and prioritize my studies before anything else because I always put in my mindset how my parents work hard every day just to send me to a decent school. On the other hand, my father, Michael Gan, is a hardworking father, he worked as a taxi operator years ago, my grandparents on my father’s side are known for their taxi business for decades until it stopped in 2016. He graduated with a course on architecture and migrated to Japan for 6 years to work in a construction company. I have Chinese blood; my great grandfather is pure Chinese which pretty much explains why our family is into business and I’m close-fisted as well. I have a younger brother; his name is Prinz Kris Mikhael Gan and he is 6 years younger than me which I find really difficult to bond with him because of how far our age gap is. My brother and I used to bicker over nonsense stuff but I could not deny the fact that I love my brother and I want him to grow as a man with good character. I love dogs and I hate cats because I had a traumatic experience with a cat before when it scratched my hand. My biggest pet peeves are changing plans at the last minute, people who walk slow, and when someone messes with my personal belongings.

Looking back at my childhood days, it was all about playing outside with my friends day and night, watching Totally Spies on Disney when it’s on, looking after my younger cousin who had a disability, birthday celebrations were still a thing before and the Christmas spirit was present back then. My extended family would celebrate every type of celebration together in one house and have other relatives to come over.

Moving onto my grade school years, those were the days when school works were very light, we were not bombarded with too much information by our teachers, it used to be so light if I’m going to compare it to the present time. If I can describe my 8-12-year-old self, it would be unproblematic and liberated. Sometimes I want to be young again when the only problems I had was wanting to play outside but my mother won’t let me, forcing myself to sleep in the afternoon or early at night when I don’t want to, or not having my favorite box type of stroller bag because it was too big. Sometimes, I want to be a child again and should have played with my neighbors as if it was the last day of being together before we part ways not knowing that that was the last day. I wish I could have savored every moment I had because I regret not living my life to the fullest at that time and I was looking forward of being an adult but little did I know it gets much worse yet thrilling growing up. During this stage, it revealed my talent in dancing which is my passion until now although I stopped joining dance clubs and dance competitions for how many years already.

Moving on to Junior High School (JHS), probably the best 4 years of my life that taught me great life lessons and shaped me into the person that I am today. The first year was definitely nerve-racking because we were the youngest and I thought it was going to be like those cliché high school movies when the freshies are bullied and underestimated which really made me feel anxious but turns out it was not like that after all. The higher years or the ate’s and kuya’s were actually very welcoming and warm to us, “babies”, of JHS. The second year was the first time I had chickenpox, one of the most unforgettable because it was one of the reasons why I broke my goal for perfect in attendance for the whole JHS, so devastating. Also, the second year was my first ever corny experience when I cried over someone for not liking me back because he liked my best friend. Until now I feel ashamed of myself for that stupidity and I know how embarrassing that was for a 14-year-old girl (cringe).

Now reminiscing my third-year memories, my favorite of all, the time when I met the person who means a lot to me, my constant, my touchstone. I never really thought it would go this far, it started from being enemies, hated each other and now we are on our 3-year journey. At first, it was petrifying because it is my first and I have no idea how relationships like this work, everything happened so quickly before my eyes. As months quickly passed by, the longer the relationship, the more it was tested, there were more downsides on our first year together but we did not let those struggles to destroy the foundation we built despite the very shaky situation we were in. The fourth-year or the last year in JHS was the saddest, unforgettable, break the rules kind of year for me. It was sad because we knew that once we’re done with JHS some of us are going to part ways going to different schools for a new start as Senior High School (SHS) students. It sucks to let go of the people you spent four years together making unforgettable memories that I would never trade for anything else.

But what saddens me more was losing a dear friend of mine closest to my heart, we have known each other since Grade 1 but did not talk much until Grade 5 when we became close without any idea how it all started. We both have a lot of similarities, we liked the same famous boyband, One Direction, and the same guy from that band which made our bond tighter and inseparable through fangirling. From that small bond, it grew and grew until it became a larger circle composed of people that I now call as my best friends. Losing a friend feels like a total heartbreak, no one can ever replace the memories we shared together and how lucky I feel to be her friend, a friend who was there with me through my ups and downs, the thick and thin in life. I may have done stupid things in the past due to immaturity but she never judged nor left me behind. She is Shaina and she will always have a special place in my heart and I hope wherever she is right now, she is happy with her mother and I hope to see her soon.

Finally, I am now in the second year in SHS and a graduating student with an Academic track under Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS). My two-year experience with the new basic education implemented by the DepEd is a challenging one because this tested my capabilities, confidence, and readiness for college. It actually made me realize a lot of things, especially what I want to become in the future. At first, I wanted to take up HUMSS because I wanted to become a flight stewardess since I am an adventurous type of person and I dream to travel around the world someday. However, it was too late already when it finally hit me that I am not completely sure of what I want to be because I may not be qualified based on the requirements for aspiring flight stewardess. So, my Plan B is to become a Psychologist specifically Forensic Psychologist, but my parents are not supportive of this chosen course to the point where they are already discouraging me. Both of my parents want me to become an Accountant or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) if ever I passed the board exams. I am not saying that I am following my parents because they are the ones sending me to school but the fact that my mother is a Psychology graduate discouraging me to take the same course is pretty much convincing. I have made up my mind already on what course to take which is Accountancy.

Looking back at my past, one thing that I can do is to pat myself at the back for a job well done. I must say that I have lived my life to the fullest, I made my parents proud because I study hard and have high grades as a way of giving back to them, I have friends that I can trust, I am now independent in making decisions but still seek guidance from my parents and a lot more improvements I had achieved for the past 18 years of my existence. Most importantly, I give my heartfelt gratitude to the One above, Jesus, for always guiding me with his light leading me to the path of success and happiness wherever and whenever it may be in life.

binge; cesh.gen

Jeremiah 29:11

a journal

High school is probably every student’s best memory. This is the time when they come to realize that life has a lot of things to offer, the best times with the best company. Though it is not always rainbows and butterflies, there are times that you are under the weather and I think that’s alright. In life, sadness and happiness are your friends that will stick with you forever. I have so many memories that helped shape my personality today that I’m going to treasure for my whole existence.

My Senior High School life started really weird. On the first day, I felt excited and nervous at the same time. Excited, because I will be meeting new faces, teachers, and subjects that are different from what we used to have during Junior High School, and also building relationships with people that are from other schools and from far away places. On the other hand, I also felt nervous because what if the lessons are tough, performance tasks are jampacked, less time for oneself and loved ones, and bad influences/temptations will come and ruin my academic excellence.


recollection | st. irenaeus

On the first day of being a Grade 11 student, my section was St. Irenaeus of Lyons and the only friend I had was Pauline because she also took HUMSS and from our group of friends, both of us were the only ones who took up HUMSS as our strand in preparation for our desired course for college. Some of our classmates are already familiar because they also studied at the University of the Immaculate Conception during high school and elementary. As days passed by, I started to interact more with my new classmates, made friends with them and know their unique personalities. Grade 11 was a year full of memorable experiences we did as a class; we had Entrepreneur Day, Intramurals, and we also joined programs such as Nutri-jingle in which we won second place. What I can say from my personal experience during Grade 11 as a whole is that I did not get along much yet with my classmates because the environment was new to me and I’m still on the process of understanding my classmate’s behavior on why they act such way or are they really like that naturally.


reading of honors

When Grade 12 started, it was less nervous but still exciting for me since I already had a grasp on what Senior High School was going to be like but I can’t deny the fact that I felt nervous still because I heard from graduating ate’s and kuya’s that this year is harder than the previous year especially the thesis making part. But let’s talk about how this year was different from the last since I have a closer relationship now with my classmates whom I am not close with last year. Pauline and I became friends with Kaye, she is a close friend of ours that we did not expect who is going to play a huge part in our lives as our best friend. Others might say that she is a bad influence to us but we see her as a source of happiness because of her jolly personality, she is straightforward, she is always there to cheer us up, we do the riskiest thing together even rebellious ones. What I want from a friend is that he/she is true, whatever he/she is showing to me it should come genuinely from the heart, whatever she feels it should also reflect from her words and actions. I want a friend that can understand my personality even though I’m a hard person to deal with and I’m unpredictable. Having a small circle of friends is already enough for me since I know they are the most real since day one and I can count on them when times get rough.


house of hope | 092218

My overall experience in Senior High School may not be the best for me compared from my Junior High School, but it made me realize a couple of things. First, do not judge people right away because you do not know what they are dealing with when they are alone. Second, is to always talk when we have problems with other people, figure out how to solve the issue, and how to meet each other halfway. Third, always treasure time because you might think that there are still a couple of months left for this school year but time goes by so quick so we should do the things we want to do with our friends, classmates, and family. Fourth, keep the people who are worth keeping because you think that they will help you glow and nourish inside and out.


samal shenanigans 1.0 | 103018

samal shenanigans 2.0 | 110118

This 2-year experience is something that will never be forgotten, the memories I had with my classmates and friends, the laughter, the cries, the unending support from each other, the quarrels in our section, and the weirdest moments with my peers. I will never forget my sections, St. Irenaeus of Lyons and St. Frances of Rome. My two advisers who inspired me to do my best, Ms. Ociones and Ms. Templa. My classmates who are hard-headed sometimes but really fun to be with. To my friends, I am genuinely thankful for them for the unforgettable moments we had, they are the closest to my heart. Also, the constant one who never failed to make my SHS life more memorable and the one who motivates and inspires me to do my best in everything that I do and to never give up.


samal shenanigans 3.0 | 111618

From my experiences, I want to remind everyone else including myself that at the end of the day, we should ask ourselves if we lived our life to the fullest without anyone stopping us from doing what we want. I want to say that ‘Yes, I have lived my life the way I want to without anyone dictating what I should do.’ Life is too short, it is not forever that we are going to live, but we should live our lives as if it was the last and the memories will indeed last forever in our hearts.


pawsome | 121918

Small by Pauline P.

I am named Pauline Marie Enriquez Pamaran born to my lovely and hardworking parents; Joel Mondragon Pamaran and Ma. Socorro Enriquez Pamaran. Our family is quite big with six members. I have three older brothers making me the youngest and only girl. My brothers are named Kevin Klyde, Joel Jr., and Kier Paolo, sequentially. I believe my parents did some family planning since the age gap of my brothers are two years each and the age gap of me and my third brother is four years. After my three brothers and before my parents learned they were pregnant, they actually decided to ligate mother, but when they knew that I was going to be a girl, everybody celebrated, “Finally, a girl!”

My name Pauline is the French feminine variation of Paul which means “small”. Unfortunately, this seems to be proven true considering my height of only 5’1. I was named after my mother’s nickname “Paulette”. My own nickname is Niña derived from Sto. Niño. Since I was born in January, the month of Sto. Niño, my grandfather wanted to name me Niña, but my parents already decided to name me Pauline, so as to not sadden my grandfather they made it my nickname. I was born on January 28, 2001 in Pagadian City, stayed for 4 years in Zamboanga City, my parents’ hometown, and resides in Davao City until today.

My family once owned a banana and a shipping company. When I was six, and still doesn’t have a mind in the world, I was photographed by my tita and tito. I didn’t know that they would use it for one company box that would be shipped to different countries! That was the only time “I” (because it was just my face and was not physically present) that I got to go outside Philippines. The only time I also got to go outside Davao (and I mean Mindanao, since we go to Zamboanga occasionally) is when I get to represent Davao in competitions.

I can say that I am true to people who are true to me. I am a good friend who would be there when someon needs me and wouldn’t leave them behind. I am shy but hyper when comfortable. I want to say that I am a late bloomer, and I believe that someday, I would stand out and show my skills and potentials without hesitation. I believe that my mistakes prove that I still have room for improvement. I always bear in mind to learn from these mistakes to do better in the future.

My family means a lot to me because I believe that when everything goes downhill, and when everyone will turn their backs on me, my family would always be there for me. My family is my constant. I always liked to believe that I look like my mother but many people say otherwise and that I look like my father. Maybe it is because of the face shape but my momdefend that I get my intellect from her. One can clearly say that I’m a mommy’s girl but I am actually a lowkey Papa’s girl since my mom is strict but dad lets me have some fun sometimes (he is the most likely to allow me to join activities).

I love pets, especially dogs. When we still lived in Nova Tierra, our garden was big and we had many, many, pets. Dogs, birds, fishes, and even 2 snakes (that we donated to Crocodile Park and got free tix for a month!). All my life, I guess we had a maximum of 20+ dogs, some died, some were given to friends, and some unfortunately was caught by the pound. My favorit were our Labradors and our bulldog-shitzu breed, Princess, who died 3 years ago. She was our longest living and last pet. When we have our own place again and not just a rent that does not allow pets, I would want to take care of a Pomeranian Husky or a Chowchow, they are just too cute.

My extended family both in mother’s and father’s side lives in Zamboanga City. My mother actually has a Batangeña blood, while my father has Yakan blood. I am more close to my mother’s side of the family since I grew up with them, and you could actually just enumerate them. Until today, I still get confused with my family tree on the Pamaran side since my father has other 11 siblings that has many grandchildren already having children, also I don’t interact with them often since most of them live in Basilan. I only get to see my relatives in reunions, if we visit Zamboanga, or when they travel for a vacation here in Davao.

I really trust easily and I find it hard to see the real people surrounding me. So far, my group of friends right now, are who I can say that I will be thankful for for being part of my life. I realized that people change, and although we may not always be as close right now in the future, I still hope that we won’t forget each other and still get in touch from time to time. I also had a bestfriend, I still consider one of the closest people to my heart even if she is not anymore with us, but with God. I know that she still guides us from above and is happy with her mom. The special friends I have right now are really for keeps and I know we’ve got each other’s backs.

I find it cute that I got my first kiss (which is not from my parents, ps. cheeks only) from our neighbor’s baby that was born minutes after me. I also remember my first visit to the dentist, I was crying real hard because of a loose tooth. I never learned how to ride a bike because my first attempt made a huge bruise on my knees. My first trip outside Mindanao was in Manila, and it was my first experience with snow (artificial, ice) in Snow World. My first trip with the family is when we went to Camiguin, we swam in a falls and visited the Sunken Cemetery. My most memorable first is my first ballet and piano recital, where my family was in the audience and proudly clapping for me.

There are two songs that I can relate to. First is “I Can” by Donna Cruz. I can deeply and sicerely connect to. The lyrics goes like this,”I can live, I can love I can reach the heavens above, I can right what is wrong, I can sing just any song, I can dance, I can fly, And touch the rainbow in the sky, I can be your good friend, I can love you until the end.” Second is “This is Me” by Keala Settle in the Gretest Showman Ensemble with the lyrics, “I am not a stranger to the dark, Hide away, they say, ‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts, I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars, Run away, they say, No one’ll love you as you are, But I won’t let them break me down to dust, I know that there’s a place for us, For we are glorious.”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time nare not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evila but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” Psalm 46:5 “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” These are Bible verses that help me throughout my everyday life.

My 17 years of existence proved to me that life is a roller coaster of emotions, a wheel of ups and downs and a one hell of a journey. I may live for 40 more years, in these years I hope to find what my purpose in life is and come close to self-actualization or the realization or fulfillment of my talents and potentialities. I will live my life based on what Walt Disney said, “Keep moving forward.” My life story does not end with the period of the last sentence of this text, I have still lots of time to make the next chapter of this journey a meaningful one and with the right people, at the right moments. I may be named “small” but with my will I can achieve big.

Milestones: A Journal by Pauline P.

My Senior High School journey was not all rainbows and butterflies yet I cannot deny that it was so far the best years of my schooling life. Mistakes were done, lessons were learned, and memories were made. Despite some emotional, mental, and physical breakdowns, it does not compare to the many happy moments I experienced with people that are true. Below are some events, experiences, people that will surely leave a mark to my existence:

February 19-22, 2018

The top 1 highlight of my Senior High School life: #DumagueteDreams. I have been a member of the Filipino school publication since I was in Grade 8. Ever since, I competed at the Division School Press Conference as the Layout Artist of the Collaborative Publishing for 5 straight years now. For the first 3 years, we never won first place and never got to proceed to the regional. As the oldest member of the group, I was brokenhearted. Nervous and at the same time hopeful to make a break, I joined again in Grade 11 (my fourth year in the team) and finally, I-we got a taste of victory. We were overwhelmed and just content to have won, that we did not really expect much in the regionals. So imagine the shock we had that from winning the first time in DSPC, we proceeded to RSPC, and we actually won, all in one year!! SO, we practiced, flew to Cebu, rode a bus to Dumaguete, and wasted no second in enjoying every moment. Although we did not win (we expected this as our rivals are very, very, veeery good), still meeting acquaintances is a good experience. Of course, being not hard losers, we decided not to dwell to much on the loss and just be grateful for the opportunity. That is why, the day after the awarding, we visited some famous spots in Negros Occidental, namely, the Casaroro Falls; which requires you to take 365 steps and a long, rocky journey to see its glory, and Pulang Bato Falls; a mystery and a beauty, where the rocks submerged in water are colored red. Not to mention the awarding was held at Siliman University, I was astounded by its vintage Filipino vibe, it was so beautiful and the ambiance of the place was great. Lastly, thing I would never forget in Dumaguete is the feeling of peace, the place was just so quiet and peaceful you would imagine yourself settling in the small city. The overall experience was surreal and would always be in my heart.

March 24, 2018

Bye Grade 11, Hello Grade 12. March 24 was the day when our Grade 11 efforts and hard work were recognized. I was just happy to have passed Grade 11 with high honors, literary and excellence awards, and perfect in attendance (which I am awarded with since Grade 8 **I still don’t know how I managed). Aside from being ecstatic that fav friends (what we call ourselves; origin unknown) all got awarded, I am very much happy to see my parents’ face light up with pride and beaming proudly over my achievements.

April 9-15, 2018

Love these days! My friends and I got to join a regional camp held at Mangima Resort at Bukidnon. Oh, it was not all fun, there were more struggles than pleasure, but still it was bearable since I was with the best people. It was a five-day camp with a jam-packed schedule of activities. We had horseback riding, orienteering, firefighting demonstration, ABC; Be Yourself Symposium, bonfires, First Aid demonstration (includes CPR and water safety). We were also taught a traditional dance and some artworks. And of course, the best day was the last, we went to Dahilayan Forest Park and tried their zipline which was the longest zipline in Asia! On our way home, we stopped by Buda and tried their famous hot chocolate and suman. It was the most memorable and meaningful camp eveeer.

July 6, 2018

Acquaintance Party: Retro Fusion. I was unexpectedly elected (well, not elected more like appointed, since we did not have rivals lol) as the Assistant Secretary and Treasurer of the Supreme Student Government. The acquaintance party was the group’s first major event of the school year and we believe that it was a success. Activities like Battle of the Bands, Pop Superstar, and Music Video Parody were done by each year level of each campus. The highlight was the rave retro fusion party, it was so hype, fun, and loud. The positive feedbacks of the students were enough to keep us going for the rest of the school year.

September 8, 2018

BSI Completely Worn!! So, my friends were members of the Red Cross Youth since they were in Grade School, I was not. But, in my last year in Senior High School, I decided to join the Bandaging Relay (I passed the screening!!) Days of going home late, practicing until we dropped, and literally being sweaty was done with the aim to win in the Interschool First Aid Competition. And alas, our efforts were paid off for the school won 1st runner up!! And our Bandaging team was ranked second with only point something points to win Best in Bandaging (s-a-y-a-n-g) but we were still happy to have won two places higher than last year. Not only did we learn first aid, had fun in the competition, but we also brought honor to the school.

November 15-18, 2018

Thank you G for another win. My latest journey has got to be the Regional Schools Press Conference 2018 held at Digos City. After winning first place for the second time at DSPC, we were again sent to RSPC as Davao City’s representative for collaborative publishing. This time, though, neither the English nor the Filipino team won. We were hopeful because almost all of us are Grade 12 students (fav friends); meaning our last year in this journalism competition. But, we are still grateful to have won third place, the English – second place, and overjoyed for one friend who won in the individual category and will be sent to Pangasinan for NSPC. So here are some pictures of me, my teammates, and collab squad aka fav friends (nyark). PS. Hoping that the next jump pic would be with our togas on (:P)

I don’t really have note-worthy SHS experience in 2019 yet but I look forward to it. All these experiences made me believe the Bible passage, Romans 8:18, “The sadness you feel now cannot compare to the joy you would feel tomorrow.” That is why I don’t dwell with mistakes but learn from it, don’t stay sad over a loss but improve to win, and don’t overthink but do what my mind and heart tells me to do.