"If there is a black out, there is a white horse."

"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca



I thought that I will be alone. FOREVER but, I was wrong. 


The first orientation in APC, the first person who greeted me was Kristine then, followed by Kelly. I don't know if its coincidence because, our first name started with the letter "K" and our middle name start with the letter "G". Great, isn't? Coincidence or nah. 

Then, we have the same likes: boy bands especially, One direction and 5 seconds of summer (In short, 5 sos), fangirling, reading some books on wattpad, concerts and so on. When we're at the Auditorium, that only thing that we do is talk, talk, talk and talk. Our endless talking about the hot guy from 5sos which we're talking about was Calum Hood. HAHAHA.

The ship names of One direction like, Larry (Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles), Cake (Calum Hood and Luke Hemmings), Muke (Michael Clifford and Luke Hemmings). 

Talent? yeah. Dancing in the mirror, singing in the shower! La la la di la la

Then, I met Bien who is always photogenic and always taking selfies. Actually, Jillian Valenzuela was my friend and my school mate so, we already did know each others well but, she is not that die-hard fan of boy bands -- she is die hard fan of watching anime. 

Yes, that's sad because, we're opposite. 

Months days passed, I met Nike, Joshua, Charella, Cj, Christian and more...

Actually, I feel comfortable with Tinah because, she's very funny person and you'll never get tired talking with her because, her stories she'd share are endless. Her jokes are priceless and every time that I had this mood to take picture, I always call her and instantly post it on my social media accounts. 

I have to admit it, I'm always one of the boys because, I feel comfortable being with them not like, those girls who are plastic and backstabbers (Opps, sorry). 


The days I got accepted from RAMPage and Bands, I met new people which mostly are from higher year then, some are just like me.... who is FROSH (In short: baby rams). When I got accepted on RAMPage, the first thing that just popped out from my mind was...


"What if I have wrong grammars?"

"Do they appreciate my writing?"

"What if... What if.... Ugh, What if!"

I'm always PESSIMIST because, I'm really scared that someone will criticize my writings? my works? 

"Don't worry, I make mistakes, too. Nobody is perfect, trust me." Olivia said. 

And I believe on what she said, 



"Don't be afraid of taking opportunities because, you'll never know there is a future waiting for you." 









I am Krystelle. A friend. A writer. A blogger. A wild and weird kid... is now signing off. 


- Krystelle 

A night to remember. 

Last Friday, was the most unforgettable experience I shouldn't forget. The APC band featuring APC strings and APC chorale collaborate for the one big concert: The RAMSessions Monochrome: An Acoustic benefit concert. I have to admit it, I was nervous because, 1. Probably, I would mess up. 2. Our drummer wasn't there, yet. 3. Many people will watch our performance. 

"Okay, guys may mangyayari sa December 18... Big event to tas, makikipag collaborate tayo with Strings and Chorale." Jude Daluz said to us. 

"So, bali ganito gagawin natin... isip tayo ng theme then, gawa tayo ng limang grupo. Then, sa limang grupo may year na kakantahin like, start tayo ng 60 hanggang 00's" He continued. 

We agreed and I was in the 90's group and our group leader was, Maki Moises (singer), Alyssa Pagaduan (Singer/Bassist), Vince Jacob (Singer/Bassist), Jomari Taliman (lead guitarist), Emil Estrella (Drummer), David Castro (singer) and me as their pianist. 

I'm proud to shout out their names here because, I've never felt so happy when I spent my one month practicing with them and yes, I love hanging out with them. 

"Feeling ko hindi ko na kakayanin." I blurted out.

"Bakit naman, telle?" Alyssa asked me.

"Nahahati na yung priorities ko.. hindi ko alam kung uunahin ko ba ang bands or speech choir?" I coughed and looked down on the floor, kicking my both feet. 

I remember those days, the days that I almost wanted to quit because, I can't choose which I will prioritize. Should I take risks or nah? 

(c) Luisa Cuevas Aranda

At first, I didn't notice that someone was taking a picture of me whilst, I was playing piano. I have to admit it, my both hands are shaking and I couldn't focus because, my crush was watching at me (No, just kidding. I don't have a crush!). I'm serious, I don't have a crush. Actually, the first thing that popped out from my mind is, to overcome your fears and enjoy! So, I imagined that it's just my band mates who are practicing at the garage of our band mates' house. 

Von and Migs

THE APC Band Family 

"Ang galing mo nga mag-piano eh. Paturo ako minsan!"

"I'm proud of you. Nuks, bumawi sa stitches! HAHAHA."

"Idol!" 

"Nuks, may future!" 

I remember those lines that truly flatters me. My friends who've supported me on the first day that I was accepted on this organization. I have to share this thing to you before, I really don't like to join this organization because, I know that it was only for the "mamaw's" or Pro musician. I'm really scared to show to other people what talent I may have but, for me it wasn't a talent it's just a skill. 

I would like to thank my friends, Kristine Ringor & Kelly Torres who've been my supporters since, I got accepted here in APC Band. They encourage me to join and without them, I wouldn't be here as a musician. There is no Krystelle right in front of you. 

Being a part of APC Band, I realized that I overcome my fears right now. I've been active in listening to any genre of music and I feel so much alive right now. 

Without my friends and without my dad, I wouldn't be here. 

Music is my world. How about yours? 

- Krystelle 

From left to right: Jelee Llarenas (MA 151) 1st runner up, Benjamin Bajet (BM 151) Champion & Nicole Timbol 2nd runner up (AC 151)

"Good luck, guys. I know you can do it!"

Jelee Llarenas is one of my dorm mates in school. I saw her memorizing her speech whilst, I was doing my journal in World Literature. She asked me before the competition about my friend, Charella who was also one of the chosen participants in Ignite Speech because, she saw Charella was good in memorizing. 

She seemed nervous last night and she always repeating her words she'd forgotten. When it was her turn to deliver her speech, I watched her as my jaw dropped. 

Her speech was about "A Soldier's Daughter". I almost cried when she was talking about her dad -- who is in service. As a soldier's daughter like her, I've always wanted that my parents will be there for me when I needed them. I understand my parents if they're always busy and always late at night. Sometimes, I could feel them that they're watching me sleeping in my bedroom and placed a kiss on my forehead. Sometimes, we don't have time to see each other during dinner and sometimes, we don't have family bonding because, they're always busy in their work. 


Benjamin Bajet talks about his block mates' personality. For example: The clowns -- who always make funny jokes inside the classroom. His speech was entertaining as the audience couldn't stop from laughing because, all of us relate to his speech. 


And lastly, Nicole Timbol talks about the "Unconditional love" but, unfortunately I didn't finish her speech because, our block was preparing for the Speech choir. But, I know that her speech was great! :) I just heard her first lines, a song from Katy Perry called, "Unconditionally".


So, Congratulations!  






- Krystelle

"And the champion is... 

We are TM151
We will beat everyone 
We are gonna win this fight
We will do it with all our might

Strength or weakness
We're still together
We are the youth of tomorrow
In bigger places 
We are the champions
We are the beginning of the end

Congratulations, TM151!"

The first and last day we'll see each other's. Again. No, just kidding! Actually, I didn't expect that we'll win because, we know that MA will be better than us. But, I was wrong... 

Our block won, we won! I said to myself. 

I've never been so happy when our block was announced as champion. I remember, my friend Zen, Moises and David who've supported us during the competition. My guy friends went there and cheer for us. 

"Sa tingin ko, mananalo ang MA." I said to Zen while, he was typing something on his phone.

"Hindi. Kayo ang mananalo!" He said, looking up at me.

"Bakit naman?" My eyebrows scrunched together at him. 

"Kasi, nandito ako." He swallowed, looking and a smile on his face at me. 

AC 152

BM 151 

AC 151

MA 151

TM 151

Find me guys! Just kidding.  Actually, when Prof. Ceres (Ms. Pam) that Tourism students were the winners... I jumped non-stop (I could feel that my skirt reveals my black shorts). I couldn't stop from saying, omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg!!!

Now, I could say that I'm really proud that I'm part of this block even though, we had fights and misunderstanding during our practice still, our effort has been rewarded with a smile. 

- Krystelle 

High school students from different school present their each speeches in front of the Frosh students. I salute to those high school whom memorized their speeches. I know, for sure they're nervous yet, they overcome their fears. Presenting each speeches expresses a person's ideas and expand with our own minds. 

I took a one picture on that event because, I listened and watched the participants of their inspiring speeches. I remember once, the girl who wore a formal attire and high heels on -- I could see in her eyes that she was about to cry. Actually, her speech has sense and truly remarkable. 

After two hours, the host introduced a game called, "Speed speech" wherein the SOM students enjoyed the game. On this game, there will be a word that will be given to the contestant and each word has 15 seconds to talk about, to make it challenging, the next word should be connected using of transitional words. 

It was fun and entertaining on how these students looked confused and rambled the words. One of the English Professors went to the stage as his students wanted him to try that game. He was almost ranting the words, already yet, he was successfully to do it. 

The winner from that competition was the girl who wore a formal attire. She is aware on what she is saying and you could feel her vibe that she is confident on delivering her speech in front of the crowd. I saw her crying as her mentor clapped for joy. 

She overcome her fears and she prove to us that everything is possible if you believe and trust him. 

- Krystelle 

A young soprano becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. 

"All I wanted was to be loved for myself." Gaston Leroux (Phantom of the Opera) 

The Phantom of the Opera (French: Le Fantome de I'Opera) is a novel by French writer Gaston Leroux. It was first published as a serialization in Le Gaulois from September 23, 1909 to January 9, 1910. It was published in volume form in April 1910 by Pierre Lafitte. The novel is partly inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera during the nineteenth century and an apocryphal tale concerning the use of a former ballet pupil's skeleton in Carl Maria Von Weber's 1841 production of Der Freischutz. Nowadays, it is featuring Lon Chaney and Andrew Llyod Webber's 1986 musical. 

I have to admit, I've never been a fan of musical plays but, I mostly admire the performers. 

When Professor Eliz wanted us to watched this, I was curious because, I haven't watched any major performance especially, musical plays. I remember, Charella who was a big fan of classical plays even Joshua because, both of them are in (Teatro Phileo), which I admire people who are involve in plays. 


Angel of music, hide no longer
secret and strange angel 


"Oh Christine, christine." Most of my block mates always sing this line so am I because, I remember "Kristine" my friend as we kept teasing her name and she just laughed at us. We were curious because, in the end of the play, we didn't even see the "Phantom" (Actually, some of my friends wanted to see his handsome face). For me, the play was inspiring because, it reminds me of those aspirant actresses and actors who wanted to be in the play. 

I can see their effort in singing and the way they act professionally. 

Oh, I wish I was one of those actresses who will stunning in the night but, it was impossible because, I know that I am not of them who is good in acting. 







- Krystelle

Live. Die. Repeat.

EDGE OF TOMORROW

"Come find me when you wake up!" Rita said as Cage seemed confused. Suddenly, a big explosion behind her back, realizing that he should woke up. Again. I remember, Roanne said, "Sus, paulit-ulit lang yan!" My eyebrows scrunched up together as I wanted to ask her why she's saying that. Then, when Cage die, I realized that he went back yesterday -- the day he fell asleep on the soldier's bag. 

Days repeated like his mistakes. People always commit mistakes and failures but, should we give up already? No. Just like what Cage did, he always do his mistakes when he goes to the battle -- fighting with aliens but, he didn't give up. The day he skip his training, he immediately find Rita also known as "The Angel of Verdun". Her screen name was popular because, she is strong than the other soldiers and fierce than ever. Probably, the head of mighty soldiers against the aliens? 

Live. Die. Repeat. That's what Rita said to Cage as he feels wanted to give up and really exhausted. I remember, Rita promised to him that she will help him as he agreed to her -- Rita will train him, everyday and Cage will help her to find the master of evil and to kill all the giant aliens. 

He always fail. "Try and try until you'll succeed." -- famous lines of common people nowadays. But, as Filipinos we didn't easily give up even though, we have problems still, we kept on smiling and laughing then, we'll cry. Later. 

Should we give up, already? No. "Just trust him and he will help you." As a religious person, if you have problems, don't be afraid to ask God. Yes, I always cry and feeling alone still, don't ever forget to thank him for what he did to you. 

His first failure

Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise

(last lines)
Rita Vrataski: (Cage walks up to her) What do you want?
(Cage smiles) 

Wise words from the blogger: 

"It's fine to take risks because, you didn't know that you're on the way to success. Just trust him and he'll find a way. Conquer your fears and face the reality!" 

-Krystelle 

What’s the last thing you’ve ever posted?

Instagram, Facebook and twitter are the common social media that we always use when we’re wanted to tweet something, to be updated local and international news or posting a lot of selfies with friends.

Last Wednesday, the RAMPage organization welcomed the SoM students under the English term classes that held at the Auditorium. As a part of this organization, we make sure that the seminar will be successfully, and it ended well.

From GMA Network, three guest speakers had invited to present a speech that is noble and inspiring. The first speaker was Ms. Lian Buan, talked about on how to write a good essay. As a writer/journalist, she emphasized the things when writing and to be specific when writing on a piece paper. I remember that the essential key to be a good writer is to write that has sense and people will entertain or relate to your situation.

The second speaker was Sophia Balod, she talked about the use of social media – which people didn’t have time to know the things that happened usually everyday like for example: The terrorists (ISIS) from Syria killed many innocent people during that day and the same day, (from other country) people were celebrating and having fun. Also, when Typhoon Ineng came here in the P.A.R. many families lost their houses as ‘Aldub’ was trending on the same day.

Some people didn’t recognize what happen through their surroundings and it’s really sad that as Filipinos seemed that we don’t care for our own country. It’s a shame!

And last speaker, Ms. Edmalynne Remillano, tackled on what we should post through our own social media accounts. She then, present a short video about a lady who always show her body through her Instagram account as people comment with negative insights. After the video ended, she commented on how the lady was really showy and it’s obvious that she needs to put a lot of captions. If you wanted your feed to look better than others, then why do you need to try to be fake?

Just be yourself. And why in the world people blaming social media?

Is it because social media is updated now? OR we should blame ourselves by posting before we decided to share it with others?

Actually, as humans we should know our limitations, too.

And that’s the reason why our organization and also the speakers wanted to share knowledge to everyone because…

‘Not all the things we wanted to say is always be posted because, somehow for some reasons, we’re the ones who are making our own decisions to post behind our past and share with others’. Just remember, ‘Think before you click!’

Lastly, the guest speakers told us by their wisdom words: ‘If you wanted to become a journalist, just enjoy your job… Don’t hesitate to do something that makes you happy.’

-Krystelle 

Plagiarism

[pley-juh-riz-uhm]

Having trouble to create own words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs?

What if your professor assign you a task and copy the whole information from the internet as you didn’t try to understand and analyze the answers? Well, you have a major problem in creating your own ideas.

Stealing someone’s works considered to be called, “Plagiarism” and what is that?

According to Merriam-webster online dictionary, to “Plagiarize” means into four ways:

1.   To steal and pass off the ideas and words of another as one’s own.

2.   To use another’s production without crediting the source.

3.   To commit literary theft.

4.   To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

Each year our technology was improving and getting fashionable. Iphone, Ipad, Ipod and other technologies made by Apple Company. Technology has been a huge influence not just us but, also the kids who always holding gadgets and doesn’t have time to eat with their families during dinner or decided to play with their friends outside their houses.

Well, when I was young, I always wanted to go out of our house and play different games outside like: Hide and seek, Hopscotch, Ice-ice water, Langit and Lupa, Tumbang Preso, Luksong Tinik and so on. These are the best childhood games I’ve ever encountered in my whole life. I’ve never dreamed lots of gadgets and play all night.

But, how we can lessen these?

As students, technology made us lazy because, it’s really easy for us to grab all the information without understanding it why and that’s how “plagiarism” works. Based on what I’ve researched, I saw a lot of comments of students that technology makes their life easy free! But, how about the others who doesn’t have internet and laptops?

The answer is, they don’t have communication at all. Actually, there are other solutions to get information like for example, dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedia or probably, past book lessons.

Here are the types of Plagiarism (all without acknowledging the author):

1.     Copy and Paste

Actually, the first type of plagiarism is kind of related in Biology. If you could remember the relationships of species? One of the example is, Commensalism. When the student grabs the information, the author doesn’t know that someone steals it OR probably, inside the classroom, when someone has a homework, his/her classmates will copy as the person who will not benefit from them

2.   Paraphrasing

When the teacher assign his students, the students directly went to the computer shop and type the question through the google and waits for the answers. Once, the student have already found the exact answers, he’ll copy and paraphrase the paragraph. STILL, it’s a form of plagiarism!

3.   Reasoning style copying

Let’s brought our high school memories slash THE bad days. That moment when your teacher asked you and you didn’t know the answer, well you should probably look around and wait until your friend help you in sign language. Funny, right? Cheers to the person who always copy the answer!

4.   Copying analogies or metaphors

“The person who always sleeps, his grades will also sleep and the teacher will magic your grade.” BOOM! Actually, I’ve experienced that “our” valedictorian copied my assignments because, he was absent yesterday and he doesn’t know the answers. One word: LAZY

5.   Copying creative ideas or solutions

During math lessons, when the teacher ask his students, the students will answer him that everyone gets his lessons. Then, suddenly there’s a surprise quiz as the students screaming at the top of their lungs, asking for ¼ intermediate pad paper and look for a friend who is smart in Math. Here is the trick, ask him that you didn’t know how to solve it, then pretend that you understand then, tell that you’ll understand on what he’s saying but, actually you’re copying the whole answers because, you’re too lazy to analyze and solve. One word: BUFFERRING (at the moment)

6.   Buying papers

Asking your friend that you’re asking for a paper but, actually you’re asking for the WHOLE answers. Trust me, we’ve experienced ALL DAY!

7.   Presenting other people’s works

Admit it, some teachers will download some other works of authors from the internet, (sad but true) but, I’m not saying that teachers are also LAZY (but, actually there are also lazy too). The important here is, they tackle the lessons as the students understand the lesson in easy way. (If you know what I mean).

Tips from the blogger:

Remember, if you’re lazy doing paper works, don’t at least try to copy ALL the information and paraphrase it. Why? Because, authors really worked hard for sharing the information. It’s actually a good tip for those people who doesn’t have ideas, yet.

Also, if you’re unsure with your answers, you can make bullets in a whole sheet of paper and try to check the source as it gives you some information.

-Krystelle