imirinie

[imirinie]

IRENE'S CREATIVE COMPILATION

HELLO THERE! THESE ARE MY OUTPUTS IN CREATIVE NONFICTION (PART II)

#creativenonfiction #activities #2nd semester #4th quarter

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CAGAYAN VALLEY: THE SMILING LAND OF BEAUTY

(Travelogue)

On our recent trip to our province, which is Cagayan Valley, we spent almost two weeks. My family and I were being reunited with our relatives after the pandemic and we were as happy as a clam. Cagayan Valley is called as smiling land of beauty, it is because of its natural, cultural, and historical splendor. In addition, it is known for its richly endowed with an abundance of natural resources and growth potential, the country boasts long beaches, renowned rivers and lakes, dense forests, grasslands, and mountain ranges, as well as a workforce that is highly qualified and competent. Even though I was not born and raised in Cagayan Valley, I can still feel the Ilocano blood flowing through my body.

            Cagayan Valley or Region 2 is an administrative region in the Philippines and it’s located at the northeastern section of Luzon. One of the tourist attractions in Cagayan Valley is located at Ballesteros. The Municipality of Ballesteros is consisted of 19 barangays, wherein Barangay Fugu, our relative’s hometown, is also included. In order to get there, first, from Brgy. Alapan 1-B we travel to Patindig Araw riding in a tricycle. Second, from Patindig Araw to Lawton through bus. When we reached Lawton, we ride jeep up to Mabuhay, Quezon City, wherein Ballesteros Bus Line Corporation or BBLC is located. It will take almost 14 hours for us to reach there.

            While traveling to Cagayan Valley, there are lots of beautiful attraction we saw. Those beautiful sceneries are like a work of art. Meanwhile, the bus stop at the restaurant for us to take our dinner. After that, we continued travelling until I did not notice that I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, the sun smiles at me, as if she’s telling we’re near on our destination. At that time, I feel like I was thrilled to pieces. I can’t wait to hug my grandmother and to meet my boyfriend again after two years of not being together.

As what I have said a while ago, Ballesteros, Cagayan Valley is rich in beautiful places. In fact, one of those is Ballesteros Beach Boulevard. From Brgy. Fugu it takes almost one hour in order to reach this beach. Seeing this place was like discovering a hidden gem because of its beautiful sceneries. As far as I can remember, the road to it is not concrete yet. However, when we visited it again, it is concrete now. The beach truly developed and it is more beautiful now. Moreover, after an almost one hour to get there, it was like a breath of fresh air, wake up my soul. My family, relatives and I were very happy because of being reunited and celebrated in this beautiful place. Together with my cousins, we swim and I am happy as a pig in a mud, and it was because, that was the only time we were able to have some fun together again.

On the other hand, there are also cottages where we were able to put our things, rest and eat for a while. While enjoying the beautiful sceneries, we eat patupat and batil patong. Patupat is a bite-sized serving of sweetened glutinous rice wrapped in a balisungsong or a cone shape of a young banana leaf. This food is known for its bite-sized and Ilocanos called it as “isang subo ka lang”. Meanwhile, batil patong is a noodle with egg at the top and other toppings such as onions, chicharron, ground meat and partnered with soy sauce with calamansi. These foods offered a bite of paradise. These are not the only dishes that Ilocanos are proud of, but there are many others that can only be tasted here in the province of Cagayan Valley.

Indeed, Ballesteros, Cagayan Valley is great place and I proudly recommend to others to visit. I am proud to be Ilocano. I am proud to show how beautiful my hometown is. Spending vacation in this place is not a waste of time. I cannot explain how happy I am, enjoying this place and eating my favorite foods that I can only eat when get there. Furthermore, Ballesteros is a place that is peaceful as a virgin lake.

#travelogue #beautiful place #cagayan valley

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LIFE IS FULL OF LEARNINGS

(Reflection Essay)

Life is like a classroom in so many different ways. There is always a chance to learn new things that will help you to cope with the continuous changing of the environment. My life was full of experiences, experiences that gave a big impact in my life. These also built my personality and gave me a positive look in life. Before, I thought that life was easy as pie, however, as time went by, I realized that it’s like a roller coaster ride. From this, I may say that life was full of adventure and full of learnings.

As far as I can remember, when I was in 6th grade, opportunity knocked at my door. My teacher encouraged me to join campus journalism. I tried to join and undergo training. As time went by, I have realized that being a campus journalist is an opportunity to learn and hone my skills. Every training, I learn new things. Even though it was hard because before my coach considered me as a singsong radio broadcaster, which means my intonation doesn’t fit the qualifications for being a radio broadcaster, my coach did not give up on teaching me until I developed my voice. In addition, he taught me that believing in myself is one of my swords to fight obstacles in my dreams. I have also learned from this experience that no matter how hard it was, if you are dedicated and motivated to do it, you will be able to reach it. Also, doubting yourself will make you stagnant.

When I entered junior high, I joined campus journalism again. The coaches there were very different from my past coach which gave me motivation. I will never forget that day because this changed my mind and perception about joining campus journalism. Before that day, the teacher or coach asked me to make a news report and report it. I immediately did it and passed it to the coach. After hearing the way I report news, he said that I am the one who they need. The next day, I joined trainings. I did not expect that at the end of the day, the coach will tell me that I will not be able to compete anymore because they found someone better. At that time, I feel disappointed like a balloon slowly loosing its air. I sacrificed the whole day not attending classes just to attend in that training. I feel like I was an option. From that, I realized that no matter how good you are in one thing, there will be a time that you will feel not good enough. I felt bad, however, as time went by, I learned to forgive what the teacher had done to me. Additionally, I realized that everything happens for a reason but don’t let that experience hinder you from reaching your dreams.

As a student, I can’t deny that there are also times I felt bad to my teachers. One day, my teacher in General Mathematics gave an activity. That time, my teacher knows that I am the top 1 of the class, however I did not expect that he had high expectation on me. I’ve got a wrong answer on the activity and he compared me to my classmate who is not an honor student. His words really hurt me. That time, the pain is like a dagger stabbing at my heart. I did not able to speak at that time and just go back to my sit and corrected my answer. When I got home, I told to my mother about it. I did not expect that she will also say the same words as my teachers. I ended up crying on my room. However, at the end of the day, I’ve realized that I should not listen on what other saying and I must focus on my goal.

All of these experiences had a big impact on my life. I have learned to be independent and be motivated by myself. Good or bad experiences are a treasure that no one can have, because they will not experience the same. Learnings from these experiences must also be treasured and make as a stepping stone in reaching our dreams.

#creative nonfiction #reflective essay

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THE LAST PAGE OF MY STORY

(Self Obituary) My name is Irene Delos Reyes Mariano, 18 years old and was born on November 14, 2005 at Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center. My family call me “yin” for short. My father’s name is Renie G. Mariano and my mother’s name is Haygie Mariano. I live in Alfonso Village, Alapan 1B Imus City, Cavite. I have two brothers and two sisters, and I am the youngest. They all have own families except to my eldest brother who has a mental illness. Being part of this family made me feel like a princess in the Disneyland. I like to sing, dance, and play piano. I spend my free time with my family and sometimes I do calligraphies. Every time I feel blue and angry, I play my favorite songs in my piano and with this, I’m able to calm down myself. Since I was a kid, I used to listen music and sing along with it. Eating with my family is also one of my favorite routines in everyday life. I am thankful to have a very supportive family even though sometimes they pressure me with my study. Additionally, their presence made me productive in this life and persevere in reaching my dreams. Meanwhile, when I was a kid, I used to tell immediately to my parents when I felt pain in my body, however, there was a time where I was being scolded and they say I am over acting and this causes them to worry about me. Since then, I did not tell it immediately to them and I chose to remain silent because I don’t want them to worry. I will only tell it to them when I can't take the pain anymore. However, that became also a one of the reasons why I get scolded by my parents. On the other hand, when I started to study, I tried my best in order to give satisfaction to my parents. It is like a finding an oasis in a desert. With the help of God, I am able to receive an academic excellence award, such as with honors in elementary, with high honors in junior high school, with high honors in grade 11, and with highest honor the second quarter of first semester in grade 12. In addition, I was able to be a campus journalist when I was in elementary and senior high school. For others, it may be a basic thing, however, I did it like turning water into wine. My experiences in my study and joining campus journalism was very hard, but I did my best to break the chains. I am satisfied on what I have done in this life, because I am able to give honor not only to myself but also to my beloved family. Also, I am able to help others in their needs. Moreover, since I was a kid, my parents taught me to believe in God. I always attend worship services, even though I am sick, because I believe that in worship services, God will heal my illness. In addition, in worship services, I feel safe and that’s the only place I feel at peace. I am very thankful to God for giving me a life that is full blessings, and helping me to overcome challenges. All the experiences in this life, such as happy moments with my family, friends, and loved one, as well as hard times, will always be in my heart and I will cherish it forever. As a matter of fact, I know that you all know that I am the person who does not forget easily. Now that my life has come to its end, I just wanted to say thank you to all the people who stayed with me until my last breath. I wish I had more time to spend happy moments with you, nevertheless, I am still happy and satisfied on what I have been through. We all know that life is uncertain but death is certain. Sometimes it is hard to accept, but such is life, we will all come to our end. Lastly, it is hard to say but, I am happy to say goodbye and this is the last page of my story, you all may now close the book.

#creative nonfiction #self obituary

[imirinie]

LEARNED

(Memoir)

Campus journalism is not only an extracurricular activity at school, but also an avenue to learn and hone skills. Additionally, journalism would open the door of opportunity. This is also a place where I’ve learned to give importance to produce genuine news and from flaws.

          One day in my 6th grade in elementary, my teacher approached me and encouraged me to join campus journalism, specifically radio broadcasting and scriptwriting. At first, I don’t want to join because I thought it was a waste of time. When I joined their trainings, it was like discovering a hidden gem. While I am listening on how they perform as if a professional broadcaster in radio, I am truly amazed. The way anchors and news presenters speak in which accompanied by sound effects operated by the technical was like magic. In addition, they seem to be effortless while airing. Later on, my teacher or coach asked me to read a news in a different way, not using my natural voice. It was hard for me to do it; however, my coach did not let me to give up. He taught me patiently until I gradually learned.

          From that day, I have realized that everything can be reached when you are dedicated, motivated and patient until you get it. Nothing can be acquired immediately. Moreover, learning is like building a house, it will take time in order to acquire those skills you want to. Also, I have learned and understand the importance of being a positive thinker. Even the times get rough and even it feels you cannot acquire what you expect, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Letting go of what you have will make you regret at the end. Furthermore, these learnings will stay in my mind and heart because this is the reason why I became a positive thinker and the reason why I do not let go of the things immediately without trying on it.

#memoir #experiences #learnings #creativenonfiction

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LIGHT OF MY LIFE

(Facial Recognition)

The mole on her face is like a dried papaya seed. Her nose is like a tomato. Her cheeks are very soft. The color of her eyes is brown-black that is quite similar to mine. Those features remind me of her. She’s not only the light of our family, but she’s also my personal light in my life. Her smile gives me an inspiration, inspiration to continue fighting for my dreams. By the way, she is my mother, her name is Haygie Mariano and was born on August 4, 1969. She’s indeed a caring and supportive mother. Additionally, she’s doing her best in order to fulfill her duty as a mother to us and never failed to show her love for us.

I am indeed a momma’s girl. Since I was a child, I am closer to my mother than to my father. Ever since, I am only sharing my feelings and problems to my her. Because every time I share my problems to her, I feel I was relieved. Even though sometimes she scolded me for being pigheaded, which causes for me to feel a little angry with her, I looked at it as her love for me. At the end of the day, I will realize that she’s just doing this for me to grew up disciplined. Inadditionto this, I appreciate the way she teaches me about this life. She always tells me to be careful with who I socialize with and always remember that not everyone accompanies me is true to me. Moreover, she always tells a story about her experiences, wherein I am learning like collecting seashells in the seashore. There are different unique experiences and interesting things she’s telling me and I acquire these through listening and understanding.

          Every time I see her, it gives me a sense of inspiration and motivation. Even though there are times that it was hard for me to continue this life because of hindrances, she serves as a key to the door of success. I am determined to reach my dreams because I want her to experience the life that she’s not able to experience because of financial problems. A positive thinker like her is a role model and I want to imitate the way she looked at this life.

         Indeed, she’s my mother and my role model. I am motivated to strive hard and reach my dreams. Her smile and her eyes reminding me that I must do my best in everything I do. Furthermore, her presence is very important for me and I consider her as a priceless gift from God. The mole on her face, the way she smiles, her rosy cheeks, and her beautiful eyes are very remarkable for me.

#facial recognition #creative nonfiction #literary elements

[imirinie]

DepEd Launched the New Curriculum and Catch-Up Fridays

 (Literary Journalism)

Learning different skills are very important nowadays. Sad to say but some of the children nowadays are being left behind. As a matter of fact, according to the Department of Education, based on the PISA result in 2023, students in the Philippines are five to six years behind in learning competencies. Basic skills such as reading comprehension and problem solving are indicated in this assessment, however it shows that some students are lack of these skills. Because of this, the Department of Education implemented the MATATAG curriculum and established Catch-Up Fridays in order to address this issue.

          MATATAG curriculum is the new proposed curriculum of the Department of Education, headed by its secretary and Vice President Sarah Duterte. According to the DepEd, the MATATAG curriculum aims to make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, active, and responsible citizen. It also aims to take a good care to the learners by promoting learner’s well-being, inclusiveness learning, and positive learning environment. In addition, it will give support to the teachers to teach better. Moreover, as stated also by the DepEd, its objectives are to decongest the overcrowded curriculum that resulted in compromised fundamental skills among learners, to make learning competencies age-appropriate and properly sequenced in terms of progression, and to strengthen foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy, and intensify values information among learners. This new curriculum is considered as a stepping stone in enhancing the K-12 Basic Education Program in the Philippines as it acknowledges the challenges faced by the learners.

          On the other hand, DepEd also launched the Catch-Up Fridays which is a weekly learning intervention program that requires schools to dedicate half of the day to reading activities and the other half to values, health and peace education. This program both focuses on non-readers and students who are able to read with the help of teachers through their teaching strategy that matches the need of the learner. Learning how to read is very important because it is like breathing in. At a very young age, a child is expected to learned this skill because it is very important aspect in daily life. In addition, in this program, the students are expected to learn not only reading but also, they should be able to comprehend what they are reading. The teachers give reading materials to the students and after reading it, the students will be given some questions in relation to what they have read. This strategy will help the teachers in order to distinguish if their students are able to comprehend what they read correctly.

          Moreover, after learning how to read, it is also important that the teachers are able to assess if their students are able to comprehend what they read by writing it on their own. If reading is like breathing in, writhing is like breathing out. Additionally, according to studies, writing will help us to improve our cognitive skills as it requires focusing of attention, planning a forethought, organizations of one’s thinking, and reflective thought. Also, according to psychology research and learning experts, writing things down leads to better learning. Indeed, programs launched by the DepEd are like bricks that are used in order create a strong foundation into learners’ future success. Students must participate in this kind of programs, especially Catch-Up Fridays, wherein their learning competencies will be improved. A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. If a student wants to learn something new, she or he must go and start learning. Furthermore, the problem of being left behind is easy to conquer if there’s a motivation and dedication among learners to learn and improve their skills in order to keep up with the trend.

#literary journalism #creativenonfiction

[imirinie]

IRENE'S CREATIVE COMPILATION

HELLO THERE! THESE ARE MY OUTPUTS IN CREATIVE NONFICTION (PART I)

#creative nonfiction #literary elements

[imirinie]

REMINISCING HER CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

(Reaction to a Personal Narrative) 

           Venice Lorraine Chiong is an 18 years old girl who was born on October 28, 2005. She was born in the province of Mindanao, but she and her mother moved to Cavite when she was only seven years old. She’s not able to remember everything about her hometown, however, she cannot forget how peaceful and nicer to live there compared to where she lives right now. In her childhood, she remembers that she’s watering their plants every morning and even though she had no friends, she had cousins that she could visit and play with. There are also times that they go to farm and have a picnic. The grass was as green as emerald and the sky was brighter than ever. The most memorable experience for her was the days she captured dragon flies and tie their tails with a piece of a thread. Nowadays, she used to reminisce those moments because it gives her a lingering feeling that soon everything will change and become different once she graduated in high school. Indeed, she’s not afraid of facing new chapters in her life and ready to do anything to reach her dreams.

            The personal narrative of Venice about her childhood was indeed creatively narrated and made me reminisce my childhood too. Childhood memories build her personality and made her strong as a horse and very independent woman. Also, her childhood memories must have been very meaningful to her and I really appreciate how genuine she was in sharing her experiences. In addition, at a very young age she was exposed to a new environment but she was able to cope with it. All I can say about this is, Venice is very flexible at a very young age. Moreover, while I am reading her personal narrative, I feel happy as a clam because I also remember my childhood wherein life seems to be easy as pie.

            On the other hand, from her personal narrative, I’ve realized that childhood memories have a big part and impact to one’s life. Furthermore, I also realized that it is very important for us to be flexible in order to adapt or cope with the challenges and the consistent change of our environment.

#reaction to a personal narrative #creative nonfiction #figurative elements

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THEY SAID, I MUST DO MY BEST

(Personal Narrative)

            My parents always tell me to do my best. They always expect me to have an achievement in school and this pressures me. At first, I am having a hard time to cope with it and I didn’t know how to respond to them, until I realized the very important reason why they are doing it. This reason also motivates me to soar like an eagle.

            When I was in elementary, I always in the star section, however, I did not usually get an academic achievement. The awards that I only got that time was, most trustworthy, best in writing and most polite. Whenever I got an award, my parents were very proud and happy as a clam. However, as time goes by, they started to compare me with other child who had an academic achievement. Every time they compare me with others, my heart sinks, but, because I don’t want to experience it anymore, I study hard and do my best. I started to receive an academic achievement when I was in the 6th grade. My parents were very proud of me and was very happy for my achievement. I thought, they will not compare me anymore. Even if I graduated with honors and top 7 of the class, it is still not enough for them and demand for more.

            When I studied Junior High, I tried to become more active in school and gave my best to every activity. In my junior high life, I started to discover my skill in doing calligraphy. I was able to use this skill to make my outputs prettier than before. Since in my 7th grade, I received academic excellence awards and graduated with high honors. On the other hand, the most memorable experience in my junior high years was in the time of pandemic and conducting online classes. At first, it was very hard for me to cope with it. There are lots of obstacles and pressures in my surrounding. As a matter of fact, my parents were still expecting me to get an academic achievement, however, they also support me. In addition to this, at that time, I was able to develop and discover my other skills and these made me easy to comply with the requirement in school. As time goes by, I learned to cope with the challenges, however, there are also times that I felt disappointed in myself and started to flee blue. Luckily, I survived that school year.

            As time goes by, the pressure from my parents started to get higher and higher, especially when I became the top 1 of the class in my grade 11. Before, I always wonder why do they have to pressure me, why don’t they just let me achieve my dreams, until I realized that it is just for me. Whenever they pressure me, I do my best and it gives me a sense of challenge. The pressure they give makes me productive. Moreover, I realized that the reason why they pressure me is because they see that I have the ability to do more better.

            Furthermore, I’ve realized that doing something with motivation makes you more productive. In addition, since I’ve started to do things for myself, and not only to meet my parent’s expectation, it was easier for me to accomplish things. Parental involvement is very important and having a supportive parent makes me feel lucky liked winning in the lottery.

#personal narrative #nonfiction #creative

[imirinie]

THE MOST OUTSTANDING

(Biography)

            Mrs. Fredeliza D. Elorta is a great and outstanding teacher. She was born on May 30, 1982 and currently lives in Bacoor, Cavite. She was a former counselor and member of Philippines Guidance and Counseling Association. She dedicated herself to help people who needs the services of counseling. Currently, she is teaching at Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School.             Mrs. Fredeliza Studied at Digman Elementary School in Bacoor, Cavite. She graduated as salutatorian and receive an award, Best in Music. She continued her study for secondary level at St. Michael’s Institute. She was a consistent honor student until she graduated. Moreover, in college, she studied at Philippine Normal University at Taft Avenue, Manila. She graduated or completed Bachelor of Science in Psychology Major in Guidance and Counseling. In addition, she graduated as Cum Laude. She did not stop to study; she studied again for her master’s degree and took the course Master of Arts in Education Major in Guidance and Counseling – CARMA.             Currently, she is a teacher III and work for Department of Education. As a teacher, she received an award last 2021 as Most Outstanding Teacher in Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School. Moreover, in Division Level, she received Best Lesson Exemplar in Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao award. Furthermore, as a teacher she is doing her best to transfer her intellectual assets. She is like a diamond that shines in front of the class during discussions. She advocated for the life of animals, because she believes that animal’s lives are important as your life.

#biography #creativenonfiction #inspiration

[imirinie]

SUCH IS LIFE

(My Autobiography)

My name is Irene Delos Reyes Mariano and I am 18 years old. I was born on November 14, 2005 in Las Pinas general Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center. My mother’s name is Haygie Mariano and my father’s name is Renie Mariano. I have two brothers and two sisters, and I am the youngest. They all have own families except to my eldest brother who has a mental illness. My family and I are currently living in Alfonso Village Alapan 1-B, Imus City, Cavite. Being part of this family making me feel like a princess.       When I was a kid, I like to sing in the front of the electric fan as if I am in a concert. I also really like to show my talents and learn new things from my playmates. At that time, I thought that life was simple as that, not knowing that this world will test me in every aspect of my life. My childhood memories are countless just like a star in the sky. Those memories build my personality and taught me the importance of socialization. When I was in elementary, I joined journalism-radio broadcasting and scriptwriting. In that organization, I learned to trust myself, be open-minded and willing to accept advices from others. In my first time joining the Division Schools Press Conference, I did not expect to be awarded as 2nd Place Best News Presenter and became one of the qualifiers to represent Division of Ims to Regional Schools Press Conference. I will never forget those days because even if I did not win the competition, I experienced a lot of trials that gave me many learnings and realizations. One of those is learning to prioritize God at all times. My parents taught me that nothing is impossible with God, which is also written in the bible. In addition to this, I believed in the saying “Do your best and God will do the rest”, because at that time, God never disappointed me.        As I grow up, I realized that there are things that we may not expected to happen. Sometimes those things are good and there are also times that it hurst, however, the important thing is we learned from those experiences. I am now a Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences student at Gen. Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School. In my 18 years of existence and almost 14 years of studying, I faced different difficulties and trials. There are times that it’s hard to accept because I don’t expect it to happen. In fact, there was a time that my grades dropped a few points from my previous grade and my parents scold me. but thanks to God because he listened to my prayers. I graduated from Junior High School at Imus National High School with High Honors and until now I am an honor student because of hard work and trust in God. However, as a person, I also have limitations and I cannot avoid failures and sometimes hearing judgments from other people. Sometimes I also lose hope because of the circumstances and find it difficult to cope with it. With those experiences, which if I were to tell everything in detailed, it might take five years, I realized that such is life. In this world, we must learn to accept and let go of the past. As I remember, when I joined journalism for the second time in Junior High School, I felt bad because the coach did not let me to join the competition even if in the first place, he told me that I have the characteristics that they are looking for. But now, I learned to forget those bad memories and keeping my journey to achieve success.

#autobiography #creativenonfiction

[imirinie]

The Nature

The sky were smiling

While the grasses are dancing

Oh! It's amazing!

#haiku #poetry

[imirinie]

Ang taong naninira

Ng kanyang kapwa

Kasing lansa ng isda.

#diona #poetry

[imirinie]

Binitawang Pangako

Bakit biglang naglaho

Lahat ng 'yong pangako.

Sabi mo'y walang hanggan

Ating pagmamahalan.

#tanaga

[imirinie]

#foundpoem

[imirinie]

JOSEPH

Just like the sun, you give me light,

Once the days started, only you what I wanted.

Starting the day with your good morning,

Ending the day smiling.

Please never get tired of making me feel like this,

Having you in my life is my only wish.

#acrostic poem