PRECIOUS....

For today,I will post a story all about a father and his daughter that will make us realize that we could show our love for someone not only by means of giving gifts and anything can happen as time pass by so fast.

A BOX FULL OF KISSES 

Some time ago, a father punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the little girl tried to decorate a box. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Father." The father was embarrassed by his earlier over reaction, but his anger flared again when he found out the box was empty. Father yelled at his 3-year-old daughter, stating, "Don't you know, when you give someone a present or gift, there is supposed to be something inside?" The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, "Oh, Father, it's not empty at all. I blew kisses into the box. They're all for you, Father." The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness. Only a short time later, an accident took the life of his little girl. It is also told that her father kept that gold box by his bed for many years and, whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of his little girl who had put it there.

This story tells us that anything made of love is already a very great gift. It is not important how costly or beautiful your gifts are as long as you put all your love and effort in it. Material things are for short-term uses only. Use your time wisely because time passes by very fast and many things can happen. Time is gold! Make use of your time efficiently and enjoy life. And also,think before you say something to someone. Words can also hurt us. For the parents,understand your children and avoid being to harsh to your children. Love them with all your heart and guide them to choose the right path for their life's own sake.

"If you hear words that hurt you, then bow your head before them and they will miss you."

- Imam Ali

PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!!!

Filipino families love to have a feast with the whole family. We celebrate many different occasions here in the Philippines. We are very capable of mingling with other people that we know and not. Filipino families like to reunite with their relatives once in a while. Even though we have problems,we are still fond of smiling because we know that we can solve it and we never lose hope. Filipino families are very hospitable. We welcome everyone in our house when there are parties and celebrations. We always want to make sure that our guests are okay and having fun. And after partying,we make sure that all of our guests are satisfied and give them some food to take home. The Filipino family is very cheerful. The problem of one family member is the problem of the whole family. We show our concern and love. For me,I am proud to be a Filipino and of my family. Family is the greatest thing that God gave to us. Nothing can beat the uniqueness of a Filipino family!

"The family is one of nature's masterpieces."

- George Santayana

UNITY Is A NECESSITY!

Unity means the acting together of people to achieve their goals. Unity is also important in a family. The family members should help one another and work hand in hand. It can help a family to have cooperation and peace. Here are some suggestions to keep your family's unity:

1. Spend time with your family. Socializing and spending most of your time with the family will help you to build a much closer relationship with the family members.

2. Support your family's goals and be proud of their achievements. As a part of the family,you should be happy for the achievements of a family member. Be inspired and make your own achievements.

3. Look for the interests of your family. Knowing the interests of the family can help you know what they would like to do so they will not get bored with you. And also,help your family even in a little way.

4. Lend an ear. Listening is very important. Listen to your family's advices or suggestions or what they tell you to do. Your family knows what's best for you.

5. Be understanding and forgiving. If God knows how to forgive,you should know too. Avoid misunderstandings. Think twice before reacting and making a decision. Each of the members has his/her own strengths and weaknesses.

6. Open-up things to your family. Share experiences and stories to your family. It can make them learn more of your personality. Don't make a gap between you and them.

"To us, family means putting your arms around
each other and being there."

- Barbara Bush

Daisuki! [TV SERIES REVIEW]

DAISUKI!

GENRE: Family,Drama

CATEGORY: Japanese Drama

NUMBER OF EPISODES: 10

BROADCAST PERIOD: January 17, 2008 - March 20, 2008

SYNOPSIS: 

Yuzu, a 23-year-old mentally disabled woman with the mind of an 8-year-old, falls in love with Sosuke, a man with a similar disability. After Sosuke is involved in a fatal accident, Yuzu's family discovers she is 5 months pregnant with his child. Though Yuzu is intent on having the child, her mother, Miyoko, is immediately against it. After her family comes to terms with her pregnancy, Yuzu eventually gives birth to her daughter, Himawari. With many odds against her, Yuzu does her best to care for the daughter she so dearly loves. 

MY REACTION:

This series is very inspiring and touching. Can you imagine that,a disabled parent?!? In this series,you will learn many things about a family. It shows how hard it is to take care of a child until she grows up as a single-parent. Yuzu work hard in taking care of her daughter despite that she is disabled. All of us can be a good parent if we are responsible enough and we take the risk and sacrifice just for the good of the family especially the children. I recommend this series to all of you. Watch it if you're interested!

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a
tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it,
whoever you are, you need one."

- Jane Howard

Kinds Of Family

Hello guys! What's up? It is very busy in school this days. It's very tiring! Ha ha ha! For this post,I will discuss about the different kinds of family. Enjoy!

1. Nuclear Families

  - It is the most common and ideal type of family.It is consists of both parents and their children.

2. Cohabiting Families

  - It is a kind of family wherein the couple lives together but not legally married. One of them is the biological or adoptive parent and the other is not.

3. Single-Parent Families

  - In this family,there is only one parent and a child or children. The parent was either divorced or doesn't want to marry. Most of the women are single parents than the men.

4. Step Families

  - It is a kind of a family wherein a parent break up and remarried. The child or children will have a step mother or step father. The children in this case are the ones who really needs to adjust in his/her new family.

5. Joint or Shared-Custody Families

  - In this case,the children are legally raised by both parents who are not living together already. The children will be with the mother or father according to their agreement and schedules.

6. Grandparent-Led Families

  - It is a family wherein the children are in the care of their grandmother or grandfather or both because both of their parents are dead or can't take care of them anymore.

7. Foster & Group-Home Families

  - The children are in the care of their foster parents and childcare workers. They are abandoned by their parents when they're still young.

8. Community Families

  - A family wherein a group of people who live and work together and share the responsibilities of raising the children.

9. Commuter Families

  - It is a family wherein the parents live and work in a different city or country. Their children are in the care of their relatives.

"Other things may change us,
but we start and end with the family."  

-Anthony Brandt

Roles Of The Family Members

In a family,each member has their own duties and responsibilities. We should fulfill them to keep our family harmonious.

* FATHER - He is the head of the family. He is the one working and earning money for the family's needs. The father should also help the mother in doing household chores and in taking care of the children. He takes charge of doing heavy works in the house like repairing broken things like appliances and carpentry works.

* MOTHER - The mother is usually the manager of the household. Nowadays,the mother is the one working to earn a living or both of them but most fathers are still the one working. She also helps in guiding the children and in disciplining them. She is the one doing the most in household chores like laundering and house cleaning together with the children or the father.

* CHILDREN - The children also have responsibilities in the family because they cannot be dependent forever with their parents. They should learn to be independent as long as their young enough. As the elder brother or sister,he/she has the great responsibility to also take care of his/her younger siblings. As the younger brother or sister,obey your parents and elder siblings. Even though your the youngest in the family,you should also be mindful of the small things that you can do to help your family.

* RELATIVES - For me,the relatives like the aunt,uncle,niece,and others are also part of the family and have their own duties. They can help in taking care of the children when the parent is not around in the house. We can also get help from them in times of problems and emergency. It is very important to have a good relationship with the relatives.

"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family."

-Lee Iacocca

Common Problems In The Family

In my own opinion,here are the 4 common problems or conflicts in a family:

1. Sibling Rivalry

   - This is one of the most common problem in the family. Rivalry between     your children happens most of the time. Sometimes,one will always get jealous and angry to his or her younger or older sibling/s because of some simple things and the attention you give to each of them. As a part of a family,you should also know how to balance the harmony in your home. For the parents,give fair and adequate attention to your children and avoid favoritism. Practicing favoritism cannot help you in nurturing your family.

2. Financial Problems

  - Most families experience and may experience this problem. In our present days,the value or cost of our necessities becomes higher and higher as time passes by. To avoid this problem,practice good and wise budgeting of your family's money. Buy the things that are important and necessary. Save the excess money in case of emergency. You can always have an opportunity to buy things that you want and have fun.

3. Insecurities

  - A family may also have their insecurities. They may be insecure with their neighbors,friends,or relatives. We might encounter our self asking,"Why is it that he/she goes to a private school and I am not?","Why don't we have a car,a cellphone,an air conditioner?",etc. You should not think of what other people have. Learn to be contented on what you have now. If you want something,work hard to achieve it!

4. Breaking Up Of Parents 

  - This problem is very hard especially for the children. You grow up by the care of your parents and then one day you will know that your mother or father already wants a divorce or annulment. The child will carry this problem as he/she grow up. As a parent,we should think wisely first before making this huge and hard decision. Both of you should think of what will happen and how can it affect your children! Don't decide only for your own happiness!

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

- Desmond Tutu

What is a FAMILY?

Hello guys! I miss my blog,ha ha ha! It's been a long time and now I'm back! My main topic for my next series of blogs is family. What is a family by the way?

According to Wikipedia,family came from the Latin word "familia". It is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity,affinity,or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children. But for me,family is composed of different members,the mother,the father,the child or children,and the relatives,who will help us in our life. Your family will always be there by your side. Sometimes,you may have problems with your family but whatever happens,they will still be the one who will be with you. If you're the one who has a problem,you can also get good advices from them aside from your friends. A family is a place where we will always be belong. Your parents and siblings are there to encourage you and give hope. They also help us in knowing who we are and find our true self. They discipline us to be a successful person and be a good model to others. As we grow old,we will thank them for helping us building our morality and outlook in life. Your family loves you like the way you love them. We will also have our own family in the future that we have to build and nurture. Some says that you will be like what your mother or father was like when you were still a child. I agree with that statement because we will carry the values we learn from our family as we grow old. If your mother or father is not responsible enough when you are still a child and you don't want to be like them,be a good and responsible person enough as long as you are young so you won't make the same mistakes they have done. Even though,still be thankful to them because you are here on earth because of them and they made you realized and be awakened from the true meaning of life and the place where you will live and grow old. Always remember that your family is one of the precious people in your life. You should treasure and love them because without them,your life will never be complete. 

"I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich."

- Dan Wilcox & Thad Mumford

Dear Friends [MOVIE REVIEW]

DEAR FRIENDS

DIRECTOR: Kazuyuki Morosawa 

WRITER: YOSHI   

STARRING: Keiko Kitagawa as Rina and Yuika Motokariya as Maki 

RELEASED DATE: February 3, 2007 

RUN TIME: 115 Minutes 
LANGUAGE: Japanese 

MY SUMMARY: The film is about Rina (Keiko Kitagawa) who believes that friends are not necessary and that they can only be used in times of need. Her relationship with her family is also lacking. Rina is a very outgoing girl that's why she spends most of her time in the club. One night,Rina collapses in the dance floor of the club while dancing. She and her family learned that Rina has a cancer. She is hospitalized for an indefinite period of time. No one visits her except one day when one of her classmate named Maki (Yuka Motokariya) came to visit her and tell Rina that she wants to be a friend of her.After that,many things happened to Rina that made her to realize the true meaning of life and friend that will truly change her.  

TRAILER:

MY REACTION: All in all,the film is very great and toching. The film really depicts the true meaning of friendship and the importance of life. The acting of the actors and actresses is fine. Something happened that you won't expect. In some scenes,you may hate Rina because of her rude attitude. It also teaches us that we are not alone in life,there will always be people beside us who truly love us. And most importantly,everyone needs a friend because a friend is a person who you can lean on not only in times of need,but in your whole life

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton 

My Best of Friends

Hello again to everyone. It is so cold and rainy again. This would be my last blog for our project in English,but I will still continue blogging because I am really having fun. For today's blog,I will introduce to all of you my best of friends.Let's go!

MY BESTFRIENDS 

The person in the picture above is my bestfriend since when I transferred in Grace Montessori School of Novaliches,Hans Hubert L. Aban. We've been friends for 8 years already. Until now,we still keep in touch with each other. Last Sunday,July 24,we celebrated his birthday together with our other bestfriend,Byron,in SM North Edsa to watch Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 in IMAX. It has been a long time not seeing each other so I was really excited for that day. Me and Hans never had a problem with our friendship. We are just very easy going. Sometimes,we tease each other but with no hard feelings. I think our friendship will last even when we are old already and have our own family and grandchildren,ha ha ha!I am very to have a friend like him. Always take care and thank you very much my friend!

The persons above are also my bestfriends. Our group is called Full Hauz. Our group is composed of Loren Jean Ceneta,Marvin Lebres,Loverly Anne Ganola,Matthew Jules Quiazon,Christine Joy Cerafica,Argel Carlo Tamargo(me),Ma. Clarisa Capre,Shermaene Renee Baguio,Hillary Honey Genoves,and Erica Zwayne Madrid. Our group is the largest in class,fun,hilarious,NOT controversial,peaceful,approachable,etc. Full Hauz was established since our first year. I also hope that we will still be together in the future. I am really having a good time with them. I love you and God bless you guys!

I dedicate this song to them:

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend."
- Albert Camus

TiuRaMente

Hi again everyone! I am back for another blog.Just what like I have said in my first blog,I will tell and share to all of  you the story of my three girls classmates who have been friends for a long time now and my interview with them. Let's begin!

The TiuRaMente:

TiuRaMente is a group composed of three girl classmates of mine. The name of the group was derived from each of their surnames. They have been friends for 2 years and a half already since 1st year high school. Actually,they have another group before but a teacher wanted them to break apart. But then,the three of them decided to continue their friendship. These three girls are very close with each other. Before proceeding to my interview with them,I will give you some information about each of them.

NAME: Shaira Jane S. Tiu

AGE: 15

BIRTHDAY: September 28, 1996

  

NAME: Ma. Clarence Victoria D. Clemente

AGE: 14

BIRTHDAY: October 5, 1996

NAME: Ma. Elyn Joyce F. Ramirez

AGE: 14

BIRTHDAY: November 2, 1996

I had a short interview with the TiuRamente. I had fun in interviewing them. It's just that Shaira is absent so I only interviewed Elyn and Clarence only so some of the questions were not answered completely. But Shaira already came to school after a few days. Here's my interview with them:

QUESTION #1: What were your first impressions to each other?

ANSWER: 

 Elyn said,"At first,I thought that Clarence was ill-tempered and feeling close to me and the others. For Shaira,she was very beautiful for me when I first saw her."

Shaira said,"I thought that Elyn was ill-tempered. Clarence was also feeling close for me when I first met her. " 

Clarence said,"Shaira was very beautiful for me and Elyn was not approachable."

QUESTION #2: How does each of you maintain your friendship with each other?

ANSWER:  

 They said,"We maintain our friendship with each other by always keeping in touch,respecting each other,and having trust in all of us."

QUESTION #3: What was the most hard situation that happened in your friendship?

ANSWER:

 They said,"We think that the most hard situation that happened to us was during our first year,when someone wanted our first group with more members to break apart. It was really hard to think of a solution."

QUESTION #4: What are your hobbies?

ANSWER:

They said,"We like to share gossips with each other,tell stories or secrets,"mamburaot" (Ha ha ha!),etc."

QUESTION #5: Who is or was the crush of the group?

ANSWER:

They said,"Zoey! Zoey Bautista of first year!"

QUESTION #6: What is the group's theme song?

ANSWER:

They said,"Our group's theme song is "Awit ng Barkada" by Itchyworms (originally sang by Apo Hiking Society)."

QUESTION #7: What is the motto of your group?

ANSWER: 

They said,"Buraot a day makes our hunger away! Ha ha ha!"

That's the end of my interview with them. Bye! ^_^

"Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit." 

-Aristotle

Symbols and Some Facts Regarding Friendship

Hello! It's so rainy and cold today. Classes were suspended that's why I am very happy today because I can create a blog. For today,I will share something very interesting. After reading this,you will have some ideas on what you can give or share with your friends.

SYMBOLS OF FRIENDSHIP:

1. The Jade Plant or "Friendship Tree"

Some people mistake the Jade Plant to be the money plant. This plant has pink and white flowers and it's succulent green leaves, signify the joy and energy between two friends. The plant is said to have the capacity to spread joy, positive energy and add happiness in any environment. It is an ideal gift to be given to a friend.

2. Yellow Rose

The meaning of a yellow rose stands for joy and happiness, but most of all,  yellow roses mean friendship. The meaning of yellow roses are very special because it's associated with true friendship. A true friend is so important to people of all ages; it's like a gift from God.

 

3. Dolphins

Dolphins are a symbol of friendship, intelligence, and good luck. Its status of luck was likely related to the fact that the dolphin was most commonly seen on the seas when the weather and waves were calm and fair. The Celts innately understood the intimate relationship between nature and beast.

4. Lapis Lazuli (Stone of Fidelity)

For many people all over the world, Lapis lazuli is considered a stone of universal truth and friendship. The blue stone is reputed to bring about harmony in relationships and to help its wearer being an authentic individual who may openly state his or her opinion. Lapis Lazuli is a powerful stone for those who seek spiritual development. It brings mental clarity & emotional healing, and enhances judgment and wisdom. This stone is also considered strengthening to mind and body. Lapis lazuli allows us to tap our own inner power while purifying the soul and the thoughts. It helps us contact our spirit guardians.

FRIENDSHIP FACTS:

* February is International Friendship Month.

* Having friends helps you live longer.

* Winnie the Pooh was named as the world's Ambassador of Friendship by the United Nations in 1997.

* If your best friend eats healthy,you have better than a 5 to 1 change of eating healthy.

* Friendship bracelets, cards, and gifts have become a poplular way to celebrate friendship day.

* Best Friends Day is June 23.

* National Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in August in the U.S. 

* If you have a good friend at work,you are 7 times more likely to enjoy your job.

 "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
- Anais Nin 

Some Points on How to Maintain a Friendship

Hi guys! It's been a long time now since my last blog. I would like to apologize to all of you because I am still not finish in preparing my interview with the TiuRaMente. It's not yet finalized,so for now,I will share tips on how to maintain friendships. You will really learn a lot in it especially for those who are bad in having a friendship (Not a romantic relationship! Ha ha ha!) with someone. I get it from a site and I just changed the explanations so you can relate with me. Enjoy!

TIPS ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A FRIENDSHIP:

1. Focus on what you can give to a friend,not what you can get out of a friendship. - A real or a true friend is someone who can always get help from and you can lean on,not someone who wants to be your friend so he/she can have what they want like having gifts during their birthdays,have someone to tease,have someone to gather secrets and reveal it to others,etc. Yeah,it is very true that having a friend is fun,but as a person,you should know your limitations. NEVER use someone just for your own good and fun.

2. Encourage your friend. - This means that never look down and discourage your friend. Always tell him/her that he/she can and be there for your friend. In life,sometimes we win,and sometimes we lose. Even if we lose,keep up the good work and never lose hope. Tell him/her that there are many people around who also love your friend as much as you love him/her.

3. Be willing to forgive. - Don't always have a grudge with your friend for a very long time. It can cause the destruction of your friendship. If God and Jesus know how to forgive people who commit sins,how about you? Of course you should also know. Everyone of us make mistakes sometimes,you cannot avoid it. And if you are a real friend,you cannot handle or say that you can live without him/her because he/she is already a part of your life.

4. Honestly point out their mistakes. - I know that some of you are afraid to tell your friends that they are doing something wrong because they might get angry with you. I also think of that sometimes. What we are doing is wrong. Rather than keeping quiet,we have to tell them the truth. Telling the truth will make them angry but it can also help them to improve and learn a lesson. It is also a way of showing concern,not a way of humiliation.

Oh.it looks like this blog is long enough. Hope you learn something new again. Wait for my next blog! I will just rest and relax for a while. Bye! 

"Remember,the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree,but in the hearts of true friends" - Cindy Lew

Meaning of Friendship

Hello everyone! I am Argel,the blogger of this blog. Nice to meet you all and thanks for viewing my blog. Enjoy!

         Everyone has his or her own meaning of friendship. According to a website I have seen,friendship is a feeling of comfort and emotional safety with a person. It is when you do not have to weigh your thoughts and measure of words,before keeping it forth before your friend. It is when someone knows you better than yourself and assures to be in your side in every crisis.

          

          Having a friendly relationship with someone will not be very hard for a person if he or she has enough confidence and courage to introduce his self and talk to others. You will also gain friends if you can show to them that you're someone that will be loyal,honest,and can be trusted.

           

             What is  a TRUE FRIENDSHIP? A true friendship is a friendship that still survives even in the very hardest situation and conflicts friends will encounter. In a true friendship,your qualities blend with the other person. You will understand and know the feelings of each other very easily. Both of you feels like that you are tied always with him or her.

          For me,the most important factors of maintaining friendships are communication or socialization and respect. Make sure that you and your friend/s always keep in touch with each other. You should also learn how to be a good listener,speaker,and confidant. Never say bad and false things to your friends because he or she might be hurt. Always listen and respect your friend's point of view and comments to you and to others. And as a great and true friend,never forget your duty to be always in your friends side in times of need because you should know by yourself that they will also be with you when you need help.

  

           This is the end of my first blog. Thanks for reading it. I hope you learned something valuable from it. In my next blog,I will introduce you and tell you the story of TiuRaMente,composed of my three girls classmates who have been friends for a long time already and encountered and surpassed problems with each other. See you next time. Goodbye!!! =) 

"Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it." - Cicero