Giving back what is due
Corporate Social Responsibility: Investments for a Sustainable Future

Over 24 million of the 75 million Filipinos or one out of every three among us is poor. And they will likely stay poor and have children and grandchildren who will most likely stay poor unless we do something about it. The Philippine business sector plays a vital role in resolving this issue on poverty through corporate social responsibility with great fortune is great duty. As our corporations profit from the resources of the Philippines, it is deemed just for them to give back what is due to the country. Corporate social responsibility will continue to be relevant as long as the poor are with us.

The philosophy behind corporate social responsibility is the belief that the Filipino is more than a consumer, more than a manual worker, more than an employee. Corporate citizenship acknowledges that we all belong to one society, and that we are all responsible for the welfare of one another – beyond business. It recognizes the special role of institutions such as corporations in being responsible for our people.

What we need is a partnership, a great convergence between corporate social responsibility and government action. We need to have a concrete agenda through the leaders of the league of corporate foundations, the coordinating entity for corporate social responsibility, as well as the presidents and officers of the different business associations all working in concert to fight poverty. A consolidated private sector program is an appropriate strategy as the government is also seeking to form social programs. This assures maximum reach and cost-effectiveness. Resources must be pooled and coordination is expected.

While corporate social responsibility is often seen as the province of private sector companies, it clearly plays a critical role at the Philippine corporate world. CSR is the commitment of our business sector to contribute to sustainable economic development, while working with employees, the local community, and society at large to improve the quality of life. CSR means paying careful attention to the environment, CSR means being aware of the country’s concerns, traditions, and heritage, so that land is used respectfully and in keeping with what is important to the people who inhabit and use it.

Corporations must have a core commitment to CSR because it is, quite simply, the right thing to do. It is right and proper that corporations should be leaders in the field of ethical business practices. Government corporations, like their private-sector counterparts, are indeed expected to be efficient, profitable, and innovative. They can, and they should, demonstrate that it is possible to marry sound business practices with the ethics, openness and responsiveness that are cornerstones of good government

The fact is that CSR is good business. It is clearly not yet evident to all corporate leaders that there is no contradiction between good business and sustainable economic and community development. Our experience shows us that the financial gains of practicing CSR are quantifiable and profound.

There is no trade-off between financial and social goals, and there does not need to be. These goals are not mutually exclusive. They are, for the most part, complementary. It is fitting that corporations should be national leaders in demonstrating both why CSR is good business, and how one integrates CSR principles into one's business so that they are seamlessly and effortlessly a part of it.

Corporate social responsibility remains as Meralco’s nurturing soul to its main line of business that is power distribution. For despite the escalating power issues and debates these days, civic service continues to reach indigent communities within Meralco's franchise area through the company's own Corporate Social Responsibility Office (CSRO).

With much support expected and received from employee volunteers and employee donations, Meralco's CSRO was created in January 2001 to support Meralco's commitment to uplift the quality of life in communities in me company's franchise area by developing, managing, establishing and reporting corporate social responsibility projects in the areas of social investment, community sponsorship, and workplace and environment stewardship.

In 2002, CSRO provided assistance to the "Iwas Tigdas" project of the Department of Health and Philippine Pediatrics Society. Meanwhile, Meralco continues to support classroom needs of indigent students with the CSR month-long book drive dubbed "Libro Ko, Alay Ko". This project aimed to solicit from employees and employee-dependents old and new books, i.e. early readers, reference and encyclopedia, which were donated to selected public elementary and secondary students. Other CSR projects were the corporate-wide Christmas outreach program, the Meralco executive and spouses' Christmas outreach program, livelihood and cooperative development program in coordination with Human Resources, and the teacher education project. They also have a scholarship grant for 100 beneficiaries which aim to assist poor but deserving students. Recipients were fifty fourth-year high school students from the north area of Meralco's franchise. They were awarded one-year educational assistance. Another twenty-five male graduating high school students of SY 2001-02 in the central area got one year technical scholarship while another twenty-five female graduating high school students from the south area received a one-year vocational scholarship. Donations were also made to various institutions from Meralco's north, south, and central areas. Beneficiaries were forty orphanages, twenty-five centers for the handicapped, twenty-five homes for the aged and ten centers for women in crises. Meralco also adopted one hundred schools. Activities for this project included an essay writing contest in twenty-five high schools; a meter reading contest in coordination with the Department of Energy in twenty-five elementary schools; computer donation to twenty-five high schools; and sponsor visits to the Meralco Museum for twenty-five schools. Another project was the planting of 100,000 trees. The objective of which is to plant trees in various parts of the franchise with focus on busy intersections, town squares and ecology parks. Special planting activities also included watersheds. Fifty thousand trees were planted within the third and fourth quarter of 2002 while another 50,000 were planted in the rainy months of 2003. The Meralco-CSRO also did a search for the Meralco centennial tree, a computer literacy program and a medical mission.

There are also corporations currently involved in education reform work. One of these corporations is Coca-Cola through the Coca-Cola Foundation. It has an extensive involvement though their Little Red Schoolhouse Project which aims to improve the public school system. The Little Schoolhouse Project works with the Department of Education in putting up school buildings in public schools that are based in far-flung rural communities. They also provide training to the teachers of the public schools that they have chosen to support. The foundation also provides training for the parents of the students for them to be able to contribute not only to their child's education but more importantly, to the maintenance and continued improvement of the school. Interventions eventually hope to be able to involve the whole community in improving the public schools which would lead to the further enhancing the skills of their students. This initiative has already helped more than fifty public schools nationwide and an estimated 500,000 students and 12,000 teachers have benefited from these programs.

The Makati Business Club is also highly involved in education reform. One of their main projects along with the DepEd, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PBSP and ConnectEd.ph is the PCs for public schools project. The aim of the program is to reduce the computer backlog in public high schools and to help more students gain access to the Internet. Statistics have shown that less than twenty percent of our public high schools have computers that are being used while less than five percent of our public high schools have access to the Internet. Through the help of the member corporations of the MBC and other corporate foundations, more than 120 public schools have already received these personal computer donations. By making our students computer literate, we enable them to gain access to more information and provide them better opportunities.

Add to this list of corporations in education reform the Johnson and Johnson Philippines^ which helps public schools within the vicinity of their office at Parañaque. Their main program is to help put books into the public schools and barangay libraries. They ask their employees to participate in this project by donating books and raising funds. This is one way of enabling their employees to feel a sense of fulfillment in helping their immediate community.

Through these corporations, the problem of public education in our country is not something that the Department of Education can address on its own. It needs the support of the greater community including the parents, the local government and the private sector. The effect of these corporate outreach programs have been felt not only by the beneficiaries but the employees of the companies as well. Studies have shown that employees who are involved in social responsibility programs tend to be happier and more fulfilled compared to those who do not take part in these kinds of activities. Therefore, our corporations should really think about involving themselves together with their staff in projects that would help uplift the plight of our less-fortunate brothers and sisters. Through this synergy of resources, our society will rapidly improve to provide our children with more efficient and effective services, m the end, corporate social responsibility will not only create better schools but more importantly, it will create better citizens.

CSR, if properly defined, is profit making. Corporate social responsibility is a crucial element of international efforts to foster sustainable and equitable development worldwide. We need to address the need for a better understanding of the role of business in society, focusing on issues of competitiveness, social responsibilities, and reputation risk management. We must highlight their importance in relation to poverty reduction, good governance, and a sound investment climate. We also need to address the clear need for broader acceptance of corporate social responsibility as a vital component of corporate strategy, thus facilitating efforts for more equitable development.

Reflections on Organizational Behavior

Management is the body and leadership is the soul. A good manager is never good enough if he cannot transcend into a leader. For me to be a leader, I should be able to take the initiative and engage my subordinates in interactions toward the achievement of the organizational goals. Over time, I should be transformed by my subordinates toward a higher level of expectations and achievement. The leadership process is an avenue for growth both for the leader and the subordinates. For me to lead well, I should be effective in instituting useful changes. Though many believe that the success of a group rests upon the leader, it is best achieved in the synergy of all guided and directed by an efficient leader.

The dilemma of a leader is what to prioritize - task or maintenance orientation. Though productivity is an easy answer, morale boosting is greatly related to productivity. High morale is accompanied by high productivity. It is when I achieve that I can truly claim to be effective. It transforms ideas and information into action. We modify behavior, effect changes and achieve goals through effective communication. It is the organization's key to success. It is of utmost importance that we communicate.

Being assertive of our thoughts and ideas is being frank, candid and sincere without being abrasive. By asserting, we make the other person know how we feel about certain individuals, issues, rules and policies so that we can achieve better understanding. It is laying one's cards on the table and looking at phenomena objectively, explaining and discussing them with the end in view of having a better perspective and arriving at rational conclusions and actions. This should result in better relationship with others instead of just smothering one's individuality and identity or transgressing others' rights.

I believe that the most effective communication results when congruence exists between meanings and symbols as perceived by both communicators. Shared experiences also add to multiply its effect. A very effective feedback will complete the goal of a successful communication.

In analysis, when we educated first ourselves regarding the issue at hand before talking about it or reacting violently, we practiced the "I see, I fell, I think" principle. As Stephen Covey said, being proactive is totally different from being reactive. We saw both sides of the fences before expressing our feelings. Through assertion of these feelings, we were able to form educated opinions.

A very essential factor in the efficient performance and retention of personnel is their motivation and its power. Management should be critical of and recognize their motives in order to guide, lead and direct people well. Motivation is the intrinsic inducement that empowers an individual to think, feel and perform in certain ways. It carries a great weight in determining work behavior. It is also predicated on needs and values of an individual that direct behavior toward goals, specifically organizational goals. Motivation is the important component in boosting the morale of the individual and in improving his productivity. The theory of motivation that one espouses reflects his needs and values. An effective leader endeavors to know and understand the motivation of his subordinates and uses such knowledge to simultaneously achieve their personal and the organization's goals.

Different modes of behavior are displayed when communicating with others: passiveness, aggressiveness and assertiveness. A passive behavior is the most non-progressive and non-developmental. It is when one fails to express his thoughts and feelings and does not stand up for the rights being violated. On the other extremity, aggressiveness is expressing your thoughts and feelings and defending your rights in a way that is usually inappropriate and often violates the rights of others. As Aristotle once claimed, the mean is always the best. Thus, being assertive, which is the midpoint between passiveness and aggressiveness, is the best way to communicate. Assertiveness is standing up for your rights and expressing your thoughts and feelings in a direct appropriate way that does not violate the rights of others.

In training to be assertive, three goals come to mind: knowing how I feel, saying what I need and getting what I want. The "I see, I feel, I think" principle is of high importance with the addition of "I need and I want." It's easy to say but hard to practice, so I vow to exert the most effort in bringing these jewels into my everyday life.

Being male in a double-standard society, I should learn to be less demanding and domineering and more considerate of the needs and feelings of colleagues, especially female ones. I can reform from being aggressive into being assertive, a change which will prepare me in entering the corporate world.

Through the Eyes of Truth
Reaction on W.D. Steele’s “Footfalls”

We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter, says Denis Diderot.

Wilbur Daniel Steele narrated the events of the short story "Footfalls" as to how the blind cobbler, Boaz Negro, heard and felt it. Although told in an omniscient point of view, the author deprived us of all the details and just let us settle in what Boaz heard or fell. In this manner, the author placed the reader in Boaz's shoes to enhance one's grasp of how a blind man sees in through the eyes of truth. Every scene mindfully described. Every footfall carefully analyzed. The reader felt himself partaking in the story; making every sound and vibe essential for better understanding. As one reads, he discovers that a blind man sees more clearly than those who are gifted with sight for Boaz has been offered a chance to eliminate all earthly superficiality and see someone spiritually.

In his constant inquisition as to why didn't Boaz let Manuel have a job, Campbell Wood showed more and more guilt of something illegal and unscrupulous scheme he is planning to execute. It will be reasonable for someone to predict this because why would Campbell want Manuel always out of the house? Of course, so that there won't be disturbances as he carries out his plans.

On the other hand, it was also reasonable for Boaz to let his son be idle since he had already lost three of his sons and he would not bear losing this last person whom he calls family. Manuel was "not stout enough" and not that physically apt for hard labor so Boaz clearly understood that working should be his. In addition, he was the father and he wanted his son to look up to him and recognize him as the breadwinner. He wanted to show that although he's blind, he could perform his duties as a good father.

More than anyone else, he knew his son better than anybody else did and if he claimed his son to be "a good boy", no one can contest that. Ever since, he knew by heart the sound of his son's footsteps, his breath, and every sweat that rolls down his forehead. He knew the warmth of his body whenever he's near him and the feelings stirred up by his movements.

When the fire broke, Boaz was unaware and surprisingly didn't move an inch. Being a workaholic and a focused laborer, he has been so engrossed in his craft that such fatal alarms were so unnoticeable. His attention was on the sounds of the footfalls and not on the smell. Maybe, he wasn't aware of the smell of smoke and burning wood or that he is just uninterested.

Antithetically, maybe he noticed the commotion but didn't know that it was a fire and during those scenes, he was waiting for his son's footfalls or any sign of life. Maybe he felt his son's death and was so petrified to even notice that his house was burning. His immovability was his expression of grief for his dying son.

The law, at all times must always be blind and favor no man. It must strictly be imposed objectively without neither bias nor favor. However, it appears to be blind in only one eye sometimes because it also sees through human nature and understands the less fortunate. Although contrary to its real purpose, it sometimes forgives and finds reason for such crime.

In the story, no one touched Boaz for that murder because they were arrested by the romantic proportions of the act. They felt pity for this man who waited many years to avenge his son's death. They didn't want to ruin the heroism in that act. They didn't want to deprive Boaz Negro the single source of happiness that will get though his life, thinking that he has killed that evil cachorra.

Though one may call this act as justice, what Steele illustrated with his character was poetic justice for surely, one cannot find this in real life. The assumption of his innocence though he had committed a murder was essential for the plot. This developed the protagonist and his victory over his enemy. Quite typical in a fiction, this poetic justice had shown the impossible because in real life, anyone who commits a murder, may he be blind or a pauper, will be punished by the court of law.

W.D. Steele aptly named his hero, Boaz Negro. For like the Biblical character Boaz, who has been full of life and zest, he had "unquenchable exuberance.” While his last name, Negro, clearly describes in what world he lived in, a world of darkness, devoid of colors.

Everyone in the village and perhaps also the reader was puzzled by the name given by Boaz to his archenemy, cachorra. Steele introduced this creature as a kind of dog. Ironically, this dog had not been a man's best friend, rather someone who has taken advantage of his blind neighbor and has been a traitor.

What you see is never what you get. We must be aware that more than anything else, our eyes fool us. Since we can see, every piece of truth is sugarcoated, overflowing with colors that we can't see through it. Our prejudice and judgment rule over reason and logic. We must be mindful that truth will never be easy to find but by paying attention and listening carefully, we can understand more clearly and see through unearthly eyes. Truth can be found in the simplest of things, which is unnoticeable to a typical person, blinded by temporality.

"It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are filling to search for it. " -Goethe

Pursuit for Birds of Prey
Reaction on Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game"

"The greatest enemy of man is man, who by the devil's investigation, is a wolf, a devil to himself and others." -Robert Burton

Man, the most remarkable of God's creatures, is gifted with reason, emotion; compassion and thought. Since the dawn of history, he has been at the top of the hierarchy of animals, superior in mind, body and soul. And yet he finds himself among the savage beasts, bloodhound, numb, ruthless and abominable. He preys upon creatures he finds inferior and takes advantage of his power. Thus, he takes pleasure and delight in this hair-raising game of predator-prey chase. Confident, self-assured and boastful that he can never miss his target, he excels in this sport called hunting. But what if the tables are turned? What if we become the hunted instead of the hunter? What if we were the helpless prey, quivering to the bones with fear, the most au naturel of all senses?

Richard Connell, in his short story "The Most Dangerous Game", revealed the most dangerous prey of all – man. He has shown that man's greatest enemy is himself and, in order to be strong, one must first defeat thy self. And since this is the ultimate challenge, which requires too much strength and courage, he shall never be contended with any lesser feat.

This is what happened to the evil incarnate, General Zaroff. With a stone-cold heart, he has been incapable any other feeling than discontentment since his ultimate pleasure lies in finding the most dangerous game of all. Little did he know that such lust for blood shall only give him an ugly doom, straight to hell, where creatures use their wits to hunt for one another. Quite ironic that his greatest talent brought him his end.

What happened in that island was, in contrast, an epiphany for Rainsford. Since in the beginning of the story, he has shown no feelings whatsoever over the animals he killed, his near death experience has taught him the value of life and rejuvenated his spirit with an overdose of fear. He has achieved aplenty as a protagonist. First, he has shown the ultimate form of courage, embattling and fearing one's self. For you cannot be brave without being afraid. Second, he has honed his skills and used all his resources to fight for survival, a true evidence of wisdom and power. Third, he stood strong by his principles and fought for what he believes is right until the very end. He believed that General Zaroff is committing murder and therefore fearlessly objected in joining him in his madness. Truly, he is a man of virtue and character, who knows his limits and tries to affect the people around him. In the end, he defied himself and proved himself wrong. By being the hunted, he understood more clearly how it is to survive.

The encounter between the two main characters itself gave us lessons to muster. It can be recalled that when Rainsford knocked for the second time, he was so terrified upon sighting the giant and such fear was shown openly. Upon seeing the second man, with a pointed beard and aged face, he was relieved, thinking that he was dealing with a civilized man, at last. But later in the story, you can be sure that he regretted trusting and befriending such a hideous man who is evil to the bones. He should have never been tricked by the facade, for you cannot judge a book by the cover. You will realize that you should have felt more at ease with Ivan, the giant, who is harmless unless provoked, than trusting a well-dressed man but is twice as barbaric and uncivilized as the aborigines.

General Zaroff s biggest mistake was that he underestimated the potentials and intellect of his most dangerous quarry. In the chase, he ironically played more the role of the prey, constantly caught by the traps of Rainsford. He stupidly lost one incident after another, losing one of his best dogs, his beloved Ivan and in the end, his precious life. But most importantly, he stupidly forgot that he was also human, also a member of the species of his game. Their only difference was, the one drew strength from power, wealth and physical ability while the other, from fear, instincts, and the will to survive. Clearly, temporal things can never save you from death.

General Zaroff got what he has been lusting for - the most dangerous game. But it came with a very expensive price - his life.

Perceiving the story literally and philosophically, one should prize life for it is the most precious of possessions. It must not be risk by calling every dangerous chase as recreation. Most importantly, taking it away from another creature shouldn't bring pleasure and satisfaction. And in every encounter, try to be in your prey's shoes. Be in his mind and heart. Feel his fear and hopelessness. In this way, you get to taste what you'll feel in the near future because the world is round and you will not stay as the hunter forever.

In every battle you must know your enemy. And in this unending battle for the fittest, you must be wise enough to know that your most dangerous opponent is yourself. And to be the victor, one must first embattle temptations, urges, desires - and all the evil, which ruin man's essence, in order to achieve bliss and tranquility, which are only found within.

"Man is simply the most formidable of all the beasts of prey, and indeed, the only one that preys systematically on its own species." - William James

Until You Look Into the Core
Reaction on Chekhov ‘s "The Bet"

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for? " - Robert Browning

There are far better things than freedom and wealth. Such caprices, like everything on earth, are temporary, subject to eradication. This world we live in is but an illusion, a fake Utopia that lures earthly souls and materialistic egos. Our spirits are so shallow that they give in to short-lived happiness. Such grandeur blinds us and lets us settle to imperfection. We are not looking forward instead, waste our existence to the uncertainty of deception. We have completely forgotten that life here on earth is but mere preparation for eternity. We have surrendered our souls to our desires and deliberately turned our backs from what is true and ever lasting. All we did is to bring paradise to this grief-stricken life, never realizing that there is life after death, which is more significant because it will be forever.

The setting of the party, which Chekhov has described, is one autumn evening. Autumn symbolizes preparation for death, winter. It also denotes maturity and age. Such setting is perfect for the two characters in the bet. The banker prepares for his death in worry and temporal desires while the young lawyer prepares to give up freedom, which usually means death to liberty-loving people.

During the first year of the lawyer inside his lodge, he refused wine and tobacco. By doing so, he prepares himself for the voluntary solitary confinement. Since wine suggests merriment and earthly happiness while tobacco denotes warmth and comfort, he turned his back and surrendered to the unknown. He needed such refusal so as to fight the urge to be free and be with other people. He read books of light character, which evidently means that he is innocent and is just starting to know life. Like a child, he was fascinated by fictions, which gives hope, joy, love and courage. He needed such elementary nourishment for his rediscovery of life.

In his second year, he was as if turning into an adolescent who just started to read the classics. Though still crafted by the mind, the classics reveal more of life than fantasy itself. They carry immortal themes that apply in all generations. They prepared him for the big game, life, and renewed his understanding and reason.

The zenith of his desperation was reached during the fifth year wherein he asked for wine and lured his body into contentment of earthly luxuries. He became tired and just enjoyed every minute by doing nothing but eat, drink and sleep. It was as if he had given up and succumbed to the banker's belief.

His sixth year can be compared to the sixth day of the creation, when God created Adam, because it was not until this year, he learned the bases of human civilization, language. He understood human reason and mustered the concept that men, though of different races, desire and aim for the same things.

After understanding man, he understood God by reading the Bible in his tenth year. After doing so, he read about theology and the different beliefs of people of different religions. He read about higher sciences and filled his brain with chunks of knowledge that created discord in his overloaded brain. He crammed in his mind every known information since the beginning of history and achieved what was to be called wisdom. In a deeper sense, he understood his very existence and gave reason to every phenomenon.

It was so ironic that after gaining wisdom, he despised it. After reading all the best books, he hated them all. It was ironic that after understanding life, he loathed the very essence of the blessings of this world. Highly ironic that after reading every possible source of knowledge, he realized he is ignorant – the highest level of wisdom!

He realized more than an ordinary man can. He found meaning to everything and loved death more than life itself. He learned that everything here on earth is but an illusion so we must not be contented. We should aim for heaven, which requires sacrifice and unselfish living. He rediscovered the paradox of life and redefined its nature.

The fireproof safe symbolizes captivity and imprisonment. And from this, he took out the key to the lodge. By killing the lawyer, the banker will be free from the two million he was supposed to give while the lawyer shall achieve the ultimate freedom - death. Yet in the end, the lawyer offered a much better solution. By escaping, he freed himself from the bondage of false happiness, and at the same time, freed the banker from the two million he had to pay. The letter, which embodies the two characters, was put into the fireproof safe. Diving deeper, we can say that the lawyer refused freedom while the banker stayed as free yet completely imprisoned by his materialism. Paradoxically, both won the bet. Truly, bliss is found in confinement.

“Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Through the Eyes of a Child
Reaction on Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince"

"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.- " -the fox from "The Little Prince"

A child's purity of thought and simplicity of understanding brings out the true essence of God's creations. Jesus said that until we have the innocence of a child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

Time and age truly steals the innocence from man. The world where he grows blinds him and strips him of his capacity to differentiate beauty from ugliness, truth from falsity and fulfillment from emptiness. It makes him susceptible to snakes, which, according to the pilot, "are vicious creatures. They can bite just for the fan of it." And these snakes are ubiquitous, hidden behind the bushes, ready to take away the life from you. Depriving you to live such a happy life full of laughter and music from the spring of fresh water. They are the devil's advocates who think only of themselves, literally and metaphorically spineless.

Billions of adults are empty and lonely. They are like the king, geographer, businessman, drunkard, and lamplighter. All of whom are alone in their respective planets, no one to mind but their selves yet finding contentment seems impossible. They all are blind and cannot see beauty. They are so engrossed in their work that they forgot the reason why they are doing such things. Thought and reason departs a man once he works for self-satisfaction that he himself cannot be satisfied by his work.

For the author, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, flying symbolizes comradeship, and the attempt to surpass human limitations. His masterpiece, "The Little Prince," is an allegory of human nature, beauty, truth and life. In such story, he gave rise to unforgettable characters, which in deeper sense are the different facets of man.

The king is the hidden side of us, which point blank see all other men as our subjects - inferior, ready to use. This is the side, which makes us manipulative, bossy, and domineering. We all are gifted with the ability to lead, the strength to govern and the power to rule. But all these endowment will go to waste if we have no one to lead. The magnificent ermine robe covers the whole planet so as to symbolize the king's absolute power over the small planet. This also symbolizes self-centeredness and dominance which makes no room for another individual. The planet was too small yet he has not seen the whole of it. Quite ironic that he has all the power yet he still feels insecure with the rat. This king seems to make no sense yet when he said that one shall be given what he asked for "but in accordance with scientific government, ... until conditions are favorable." This carries the message that in praying, we should believe that our prayers shall be answered, but we must wait for the right rime, and God only knows when.

The conceited man is quite the most obvious side of man for everyone wants to be admired and enjoys receiving compliments. Everyone wants to feel beautiful, popular and renowned. For someone whose conceited man side plays the major role, his purpose in life is to receive praises. Such achievement shall be empty and of no value for no man is perfect. Everyone is flawed and sinful and admiration is nothing without truth and appreciation.

The weirdest of characters is the drunkard. He drinks to forget that he is drinking. It may be hard to admit but man most closely resembles the drunkard. Man is too ashamed of himself that he lives the life he wants to forget. He was never proud of the beauty of his life, never grateful of his blessings and talents, but most of all, never conscious of his essence and importance.

The most common side shown often by adults is their businessman side, too numb, too engrossed in their useless labor. They work for a living yet forget to live, therefore defeating the purpose of working. Their unending toil will only go to waste since they work for nothing and achieve nothing.

The peculiar side of man is his lamplighter side - the side which lights the lamp then blow it off after a minute then turn it on again. He fails to think and reason clearly. He just accepts what has been given to him - no questions asked. This is the side which lacks common sense. What he has perceived is true in a physical understanding.

The doubtful yet scientific side of man is his geographer side, which needs proofs before accepting the truth. He believes "To see is to believe." Quite ironic that he has been writing voluminous geography books, which contains places he hasn't even seen. How can one believe that there are magnificent landscapes at a particular planet if such a man has always been at his office and only listened to explorers' accounts. By this, we are truly the geographer. Nonetheless, Thomas the Unbeliever, when he did not believe the scars of Jesus during His apparition.

Although Saint-Exupery extensively described the bad side of man, he did commend his mystery and hidden kindness when he said, "What is so special about the desert, is that somewhere it hides a well..." Such hidden character is brought out once you tame this particular individual amongst millions of other individuals and he will be special to you - unique in every way.

The author celebrated the joy of individuality. He was able to portray it in the most artistic way and presented it like no other writer can. He was able to bring out the best in the man - believing that we all are once children and will somehow believe. And I think he succeeded since the book has been an all-time bestseller and every single reader would look up to the stars upon finishing the novelette. He was right, because of the little prince, I will never look at the stars the same way again...

All journeys has an end, all lives has death. The little prince himself is an allegory of a struggle to discover the pains and tears of life, trying to evaluate the theories about predestination, fate and free will.

But one thing is for sure. We can always trust God. All we need is to ask with faith that it will be heard. And if we feel that we are getting older and starting to lose that thought and reason, just look up at Asteroid B-612. He is there, laughing, giving life to our lonely hearts. All we need is to believe. After all, what is essential is invisible to the eye.

The Fabric of Humanity
Reaction to Hugo’s “Les Miserables”

Les Miserables, is a humanitarian novel about the different struggling stories of characters such as Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, Cosette, the Thenardiers and Marius. The most interesting and amazing character in the book was Jean Valjean, who spent nineteen years of his life in prison for stealing a loaf of bread and for subsequent attempts to escape from prison. When Valjean arrived at the town of Digne, no one is willing to accommodate him for shelter because he was tagged as an ex-convict. A bishop of Digne, M. Myriel opened his door for Valjean and treated him with full kindness. He have learned, from the bishop, to become an honest man as he started his venture towards his life recovery. Eager to fulfill his promise, Valjean masked his own identity and started to transform himself from thief and ex-convict into an honest, resourceful and valuable man. Then he started to help poor and misfortune people like himself who have been victims of poverty and social injustice. Major of which, was when he helped Fantine for her life misfortune and then adopted her daughter as if it is his own. Soon Valjean's fortune changed because he found love, happiness and satisfaction. Even though he became a rich, famous and happy man, he never forgot to help needy people and also never been forgotten by them during the rest of his life.

The general story takes place at France in the 1800's during the period of restoration. The major action is in Paris, but some episodes take place in the cities of Arras, Digne, Montreuil-sur-mer, Montfermeil and Toulon.

The novel is about the unforgettable characters that share different experiences and depicts social interaction. The most interesting and amazing character in the novel is Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, who is after the kindness of the bishop, M. Myriel, transformed himself to being good, helpful and honest person. His great attitude of showing kindness to others was evident on how he secured Fantine, an innocent woman and abandoned mother who tried to leave her hometown and seek her fortune in Paris then failed. She entrusted her own daughter, Cosette, to the Thenardiers, a family that runs the local inn, and demanded for monthly allowance/and other false expenditures in exchange of looking after to her daughter. Fantine died in a great shock with an unstoppable love and care to her daughter. Cosette lives as Valjean's adopted daughter after her mother died. She spend her childhood life in serving the Thenardiers, but even this awful experience does not make her hardened or cynical. Under the care of Valjean and nuns of Petitpicpus, Cosette ultimately blossoms into a beautiful, educated young woman. She found fulfillment in her love for Marius Pontmercy, son of George Pontmercy a colonel in Napoleon's army. Marius is an innocent young man who has manage both fight against the barricades and successfully court the love of his life, Cosette. Another character that sets amazingly was Javert, a police inspector who strictly believes in the law and order and will stop at nothing to enforce France's harsh peril codes. He cares for an especially strong desire to recapture Valjean, who escapes and prosperity he sees as an affront to justice.

General characterization uses a mixture of symbolic and realistic styles. Baudelaire wrote: "It is obvious that in Les Miserables, the author wished to create living abstractions, ideal figures, each one of which representing one of the principal types necessary for the development of his thesis, was elevated to an epic height. It is a novel constructed like a poem, where each character is only exceptional because of the hyperbolic manner in which he represents a generality (P.C. Baudelaire, 1862). Thus, we can consider that the book represents satirical and symbolic characters of what general socio-political issues arising from the time the novel was written. However, it is not purely a work of symbolism and imagination. Some episodes were also taken from reality. For such the strong of Msgr. Myriel receiving Jean Valjean reproduces with amazing fidelity the real experiences of a bishop of Digne, Msgr. Miollis and the convict, Pierre Mausin (P. Benechou, 1964).

Among the great characters, I can distinctively identify myself with Jean Valjean. His attitudes and actions toward his fulfillment of his promise to transform himself somehow goes near with my life learning experiences. Before, I only think of myself alone not considering friends and other people around except for my family. Not until this present time that I tried to open my doors to acquaintances that started deep friendship. I realized that somehow people need another for harmony and sharing. I am now putting my best to change my selfish like attitude to doing and sharing good things to others as Valjean struggles for love of his fellowship.

The major conflict that threaded from the novel were: Valjean's struggles to transforms himself from an thief into an honest man; over the years he struggles to stay a step ahead of the zealous determined police officer Javert and tries to raise his adopted daughter Cosette. Valjean finds to resolve this by; disclosure of his identity at Champmathiue's trial, hiding and avoiding Javert to give protection for her adopted daughter Cosette and hid fatherly relationship with him.

The story arises to the dramatic interaction between Marius, Valjean, and Javert. Valjean came to the barricade and volunteer to execute Javert. He secretly free Javert and go. As the army storms the barricade, Valjean grabs the wounded Marius and flees through the sewer. When Valjean came hours later, Javert arrested him. Valjean requested Javert to let the injured Marius to his Grandfather, and then he agreed. Javert felt tormented between his duty to his profession and the debt he owes Valjean for saving his life. Ultimately, Javert let Valjean go and throws himself into the river, when he drowns.

The story ends with Valjean's final words that indicate the fulfillment of the Promise he made to Myriel, the bishop of Digne at the first part of the novel. With Cosset and Marius, Valjean preaches forgiveness, explaining that love is the most important thing that there is and that even people such as the Thenardiers must be forgiven. The description of the scene also evokes the physical setting and other components of Valjean's stay at Myriel's house in Digne. The death of Valjean resembles and reminds me of the sleeping Myriel; "the light from the candlesticks fell across (Valjean), his white face looked up towards heaven."

Thenadier's final appearance in the novel resolves the story's last major conflict and gives rise to question of injustices elsewhere. Thenadier intends to extort money from Marius and defame both Cossete and Valjean, but instead he ends up bringing about their reconciliation.

Les, Miserables, is indeed a great humanitarian work that encourages compassion and hope in the face of adversity and injustices. It also, however, a historical novel of great scope and analysis, and provides a detailed vision of the nineteenth-century French politics and society.

Importance of Love and Compassion. Hugo asserts that love and compassion are the most important gifts one person can give to another and that always showing these qualities to should be the important goal in life. Valjean's transformation from a hate-filled and hardened criminal into a well-respected philanthropist exemplifies Hugo's emphasis on love, for it is only by learning to love others that Valjean is able to improve himself. This wonderful virtue of loves that Hugo emphasis is carried out through other characters like Cosette, Marius and the Thenardiers.

Social Injustice in the Nineteenth-Century France. Hugo uses his novel to condemn the unjust class-based structure of nineteenth-century France, showing time and again that the society's structure turns good, innocent people into beggars and criminals. Hugo focuses on three areas that particularly need reform: education, criminal justice, and the treatment of women. He conveys much of his message through the character of Fantine, who symbolizes that being female and poor in this society can drive a good person to despair and, ultimately, led to death. After her aristocratic lover, Tholomyes abandons Fantine her reputation is indelibly soiled by the fact that she has illegitimate child. Her efforts to hide this fact was ruined by her lack of education: the scribe to whom Fantine dictates her letters reveals her secret to the whole town. Ironically, it is not until the factory fires Fantine for alleged immorality that she resorts to prostitution. In the character of Fantine, Hugo demonstrates the hypocrisy of a society that fails to educate girls and encourages the behavior of men like Tholomyes, and then criticizes and ostracizes women such as Fantine for alleged immorality.

The Long-Term Effects of the French Revolution of French Society. In Les Miserables, Hugo traces the social impact of the numerous revolutions, insurrections, and executions that took place in the late eighteen- and early nineteenth-century France. Hugo describes the Battle of Waterloo, for instance, in glowing terms, but reminds us that at the end of the glorious battle, the old afflictions of society, like the grave robbers, still remain. Similarly, the battle at the barricade is both heroic and futile - few soldiers are killed, but the insurgents are slaughtered without achieving anything. The revolution that Hugo champions is a moral one, which the old system of greed and corruption is replaced by one of compassion. Although both Napoleon and the students at the barricade come closer to espousing these values that the French monarchs do, these are not values than can be imposed through violence.

Reaction on the Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale"

The play is open as King Leontes of Sicilia, asks his childhood friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia to stay in his court for a visit and the latter declines. But when Hermione, Leontes' pregnant wife persuades Polixenes, he suddenly approves. This and the sight of Hermione and Polixenes talking intimately with hands held made him doubt his wife's fidelity. Leontes is suddenly certain that his wife is pregnant not with his own child, but with that of Polixenes. The King of Bohemia quickly returned home, leaving Hermione to suffer Leontes' jealousy. Imprisoned, she gives birth to a daughter, Perdita, whom Leontes orders to be abandoned in the countryside far from Sicilia. Certain of his wife's guilt, Leontes refuses to believe the oracle of Apollo, which declares her innocence. As he does, the death of his only son Mamillius is announced, and Hermione appears to die of grief. The oracle proclaims: "the King shall live without an heir if that which is lost be found." A kingdom without an heir to the throne is a kingdom in danger.

The audience is bedazzled as something extraordinary happens. The character Time appears onstage, informing the audience that sixteen years have passed and that Perdita, abandoned on the seacoast of Bohemia, has survived. Suddenly, instead of the wintry world of Leontes' Sicilian court, the play bursts with the energies of a sheep shearing festival, and Florizel, King Polixenes' son, has fallen in love with Perdita. Unimaginable events return the young couple to Leontes' court, where Perdita's true status as his child and heir is revealed. More surprises follow. Taken to see what they believe to be a statue of the long-dead Hermione, the play ends as the King and his newly recovered daughter witness the seeming miracle of the statue's transformation into flesh and blood - a happy ending after all.

The play may be described as primitive and simple yet it dazzled the audience quite extraordinarily. The use of the lights was exceptional. Every light used in every scene clearly depicted the emotions and set the mood particularly. Costumes were not as expensive. The characters only used simple white or black textiles. Even Hermione's transformation was not that magical. The set, props and furniture used were not impressive. The Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero Theater, though, was very conducive for the play. For a Php200.00 (regular price, Phpl30.00 for students) the play may appear so expensive since the audience expected something more technologically advanced - something more Broadway-like. The use of Old English as a medium became an offshoot since the audience couldn't clearly grasp the lines, although Shakespeare's version is more poetic, more awe-striking. The actors though were quite good in showing emotions. Generally speaking, judging the play technology-wise, it is not quite that stunning. On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest, I give the play a 4.5.

Of Balance and Scales
Reaction on Bjornstjerne Bjornson's "The Father"

Everyone is responsible for his own destiny. "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul," says Ernest Henley.

Bjornstjerne Bjornson, in his short story, "The Father", tackled (he most perplex questions in society. Where does the parent's accountability to his son end? How much is too much? Where do you draw the line?

In the story, Thord, the father, never knew his limits. From the baptism of his only begotten son, to his confirmation, even to his wedding, Thord carried the responsibility of doing everything out of love. Never did he realize that he is making his son weak, dependent and spoiled. Never did he give his son a chance to stand by his own feet instead carried him all through out. He had taken away his son's right to live and face the world on his own. He became selfish and regarded his son as his personal possession, a trophy of his achievement as a parent. He was totally misled by his obsession and choked his son with his own two fists.

Patriarchal Norway hazed the role of the mother in the story. Perhaps because of Thord's misguided principles, his wife left. Since it's not directly stated, she may also be dead. But the mere point of not mentioning the mother proves that Thord truly crossed the line and monopolized a puppeteer's role on his son.

In holding a bird, one must not hold it loosely for it might fly away. Nor must one hold it tightly that it might die. In Thord's case, the son died a sudden death from drowning he himself caused. It is but innate to man to seek freedom. That is the reason why imprisonment is the punishment given to criminals because when you put someone in a cage, you take away the rights God has given to him. A prisoner cannot fulfill his essence as God's most important creation - to see the world and appreciate His blessings. And the biggest regret one must have is what he missed and might have done in that span of time that could have contributed to his growth and development.

For Finn, death is the only wedge that can cut the strings that bind him to his father, Thord has made his son so impotent that he even forgot to teach him how to swim. Bjornson described his death ironically. First, it is ironic that the drowning happened when the boat was steady and the lake was tranquil. Second, a drowning person will struggle yet Finn deliberately turned his back and sank after giving his father one final look. It was more of a suicide, a rebellion to his jailer, his way of expressing how unhappy he was. What a pity! When Thord has finally reached the supposed end of his responsibility, his son died. Ironic isn't it? Surely, after his father has taken away all the reasons for him to live, he sees himself as useless in this world so there is nothing to do but succumb to death. He was dissatisfied, a dog on a leash, a little boy who was always told of what he must and must not do. It is even probable that his father has chosen a fiancée for him whom he didn’t truly love. Such action has a great chance of transpiring since the father has always done everything for his son. Thord might even have wooed the girl for him. Ironically, just when the father was thinking he is giving everything for the welfare of his son, he destroyed him.

The more you try to keep something girded to you, the more it struggles to escape. Too much of something is just as bad as inadequate. In everything there are limits. One must always learn to be in between, to know what enough is. We must always put in mind that it is only by setting our love free do we prove how great that love is.

The boat symbolizes the father's control over his son and when Finn fell off it, he was trying to abandon that control and set free. The bubbles that appear symbolize Finn's efforts to understand his father yet his human nature drives him to seek liberty. And with one final giant bubble, he gave up. The three days of lurking in the pond until Finn's body floated on the third day is comparable to the death of Christ. Christ died but rose on the third day and was carried into heaven, just like how Finn was carried by his father up the hill. It is also noticeable that Christ wandered the desert, praying, for forty days until He came down and was crucified. Likewise, it was forty days after the last visit of Thord to the priest when Finn drowned when they were rowing.

The money Thord gave to the priest for charity symbolizes sacrifice. It also symbolizes his enlightenment. At last, he realized that it is only through sacrifice that we gain inner bliss that we must not invest in anything that is temporary, instead in something that will last for eternity. When he gave up his yard to put up the money, he finally moved on. He let go. He let himself fall freely.

God will always let us remember that He has the only power to plan and change one's future, that He is the only omnipotent and omniscient. He will always wake us up and come in times we least expect Him to. He will give us sufferings yet reward us a deeper sense of happiness that will change our lives forever.

As the Crucible Tests Silver and the Furnace Gold
Reaction on O. Henry's "After Twenty Years"

It's impressive how time changes things. And change is but innate to man. However, change is not necessarily progress. Twenty years made an enormous change to the two characters in the story. It proved that time truly offers infinite possibilities and that the search for success brings us to self-discovery.

O. Henry writes with a strong sense of irony and symbolism. In the beginning, he brought us to this mysterious setting, a dark avenue with chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain. The streets were depeopled and doors were early closed. Such place signifies a sanctuary, private to the outside world, a place of secrets - man's psyche, where one communes without corruption.

The doorway of a darkened hardware store, where Bob leans as he waits for Jimmy, signifies the entrance to Bob's past, dark of evil, which he is guarding from anyone to see. It is evident when he became defensive upon seeing the policeman approaching. He is hiding in shadow because he is ashamed of what has become of the once law-abiding and trustworthy 18-year old. He prefers to be unnoticed since guilt and liability haunts his once good soul. The scar near his right eyebrow, revealed when he lighted his cigar, gives an idea that the waiting character is a criminal. A white scar is something we see in goons, prisoners and people who can't be trusted. It is supported by a square-jawed face with keen eyes, features of someone who is rough and hardened, a typical rascal. Yet it is so ironic that behind these intimidating tough guy alfresco, lies beneath a fervid loyalty and devotion to his friend. Highly ironic that such a wanted man, constantly running from the law, went out his way and fulfills such promise made twenty years ago. The biggest irony in the story is that he has been branded as "Silky" Bob for consistently escaping arrest yet he was arrested at New York, his home town, where one was supposed to feel secure. Even worse, the person who recognized him was his best friend.

Bob seems to have a special correlation with diamonds. His scarf pin is a big diamond and his watch is embedded with diamonds. The diamond is a precious stone made from carbon, an ebony element found in magma and molten rocks, literally dirt yet transforms into the most valuable jewel. It heavily signifies Bob's character, depicting his rise from humble beginnings to wealth and success. The diamond, having many facets, is like Bob of many faces in different perspectives - a loyal friend, a silky crook, someone who honors his promise, and a greedy selfish pig. It also illuminates Bob's opulence. Richness blinded him and he did anything just to satisfy his earthly desire. The diamond scarf pin chokes him and becomes the barrier for him not to see the evil in his business. Proverbs 24:28 says, "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall."

Crippled not by the darkness of the night and the cold drizzle, Jimmy Wells knew that metaphorically, he must change his nose from a Roman to a pug, or from a loyal friend to an opponent or rival. He was in a predicament, choosing between friendship and honor. Yet in the end, his ethereal ego, touched by the light of the Lord, made him choose the latter. And such decision is apt to his name, a source of water hidden deep down the ground yet water drawn from it is cool, clear and safe. He cleansed his friend and let him change his life when he had him arrested. He saved him from further thirst of what is right and true. He woke him up from slumber in darkness.

In this dark world we live in, we cannot discern who really the person we are dealing with is. It is only through light, the blinding answer which takes away all masks do we really see. Only God's light can banish all pretensions and deceit. Through Him can we only see the truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the light." You cannot really trust anyone in this survival of the fittest. Even the people closest to your heart are a threat to your safety. It is only He, the light of this world, whom we can assure security.

I think we all have our own Jimmy Wells - Jesus. And we are perpetually waiting for Him with our unclean souls and immoral characters. Then He would use our neighbors as instruments for waking us up from this malady. He would always be on the right time and the right place we want Him to be and every time He that sees we have sinned. He will do something for us not to sin again and grant us a chance to begin anew.

Until We Swim a Different Current
Reaction on Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Prejudice commences at home. Since family is the smallest unit of society, a child learns and develops it first at home before experiencing it in the community. It is in the family that values and convictions are molded into fresh clay, shaping it to be perfect and flawless. However, if such clay be molded by an unskilled hand, then imperfections and defects must be expected for in this world, you are who your parents raised you to be.

The living witness of this is Scout Finch, the narrator. Her principles, beliefs, and even judgments were products of her father's righteous and educated thinking. Everything she absorbed from family conversations and encounters became the backbone of her humanity.

It is highly evident in the children of Maycomb like Walter Cunningham. One can reminisce that Walter rejected the quarter offered by Miss Caroline and Scout explained, "...you'll get to know all the county folks after a while. The Cunninghams never took anything off of anybody; they get along on what they have. They don't have much, but they get along on it."(p.27)

Maycomb is a county which is paralyzed by tradition and prejudice. Everything is inherited and established customary pattern of thought and action. Prejudice is handed down from generation to generation, creating an endless line of cowards who can't stand and correct their family's twisted philosophy.

The title is apt to its simplest sense. Lee used mockingbirds to represent innocence. Like hunters who kill mockingbirds for sport, people kill innocence, or other people who are innocent, without thinking about what they are doing. Atticus stood firm in his defense of innocence and urged his children not to shoot mockingbirds both literally and figuratively. The mockingbird motif arisen four times during To Kill a Mockingbird. First, when Atticus gave Jem and Scout air guns for Christmas and instructed them not to kill mockingbirds. Second, when B.B. Underwood wrote about Tom Robinson's death in his column. Third, a mockingbird sang right before Bob Ewell attacks Jem and Scout. Finally, Scout agreed with Atticus that prosecuting Boo for Ewell's murder would be like killing a mockingbird.

The characters in the novel are mockingbirds in their distinct characterization. They are figures of innocence in all aspects. Scout, who illustrated it obviously and was not harmed nor affected of social maladies because of it. Another is Tom Robinson, who was unjustly accused, but was truly innocent, yet continuously received unlawful prejudice because of his skin color. Boo Radley, who never did anything wrong and even saved Scout's life, was also a mockingbird which was constantly the talk of the town and subject of ridiculous gossips.

Education, bravery, and prejudice are the ascendant concepts of the novel. It was Atticus who appreciated the meaning of education. During his closing arguments, Atticus explicitly acknowledged the ignorance blinding people's minds and hearts, "the witnesses for the state...have presented themselves to you gentlemen... in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the...evil assumption...that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber" (217). Education is the key to unlocking the ignorance that causes such prejudice. Jem began to understand this lesson toward the end of the book when he wondered whether family status could be based more on education than on bloodlines.

Atticus also disproved the false perception that guns demonstrate bravery. He opened his children's eyes to the real meaning of such word. He sent Jem to read for Mrs. Dubose who struggled to beat her morphine addiction before she died. 'When you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what" (121) is true bravery, says Atticus. Atticus also demonstrated his sense of bravery by refusing to carry a gun to protect Tom Robinson from a furious group of farmers and by refusing to carry a gun to protect himself after Bob Ewell terrorized him. But bravery runs deeper than the decision to carry a gun. Atticus showed bravery when he took Tom's case despite knowing that this would make his family a subject of talk on corners, Jem showed bravery when the children intervened on behalf of Atticus and Jem refused to leave his father's side during the showdown with the farmers at the jailhouse. And, perhaps the biggest lesson Scout must muster is that bravery is not shown by being aggressive nor facing physical brawls rather by saying no to such confrontations and by controlling one's anger.

Clearly, with the Tom Robinson case, Lee's characters dealt with racial prejudice seriously. Black people occupied the lowest class level of Maycomb society as Maycomb's white population of every class wasted no time reinforcing their rigid caste system. The fact that Atticus realized that he had no chance to win his case defending Tom because Tom is black offered the most explicit indicator of deep-rooted racism. His closing argument in Chapter 20 clearly outlined Atticus's views on racism. However, Lee also showed us prejudice as it pertains to gender and social class.

Although the entire town subscribed outwardly to traditional gender roles and class distinctions, Aunt Alexandra played the greatest role in reinforcing these notions within the Finch family. Alexandra believed that because the Finch family came from a long line of landowners who have been in the county for generations, they deserve greater respect than other people and they must conduct themselves according to their status. She refused to associate with both black and white citizens alike because they do not fill the same social position. Atticus, on the other hand, influenced his children to sympathize with others and to "walk in their skin" before they judge or criticize others.

Scout suffered acutely from the stereotypes imposed upon her because of the rigid sexism and gender rules that governed southern life. Scout hated to wear dresses and found the accusation that she "acts like a girl" highly offensive. Although the characters do not explicitly deal with gender issues, Lee did offer several characters: Miss Maudie and Miss Stephanie in particular, who illustrated the broad spectrum of southern womanhood that lies beneath the simplistic "southern belle" stereotype.

Maycomb is the society we have from generation to generation. Characters we're handed down to posterity to create a great chain of the same old maladies and social injustice. Until we learn to become Atticus or Scout, two of the few people who give enlightenment amidst the dark, can we banish this twisted social classes and judgmental persecutions. Until we swim a different current, Maycomb will always be a place of injustice and prejudice.

I Hate Masci
written in 2000

Don’t get me wrong. But there are really things in Masci that I am sure you’ll also agree as vexatious. People like me, they say, are the root of the destruction of school spirit and conviction, which are the pillars of our success. But we’re not. Sure, I believe in its principles and values, I also salute its unending list of people who brought glory to its name. I also want it to be looked upon and envied by other mediocre institutions. I still love Masci. But hey, nothing manmade is perfect.

I hate the fact that I cannot express my sense of individuality. I can’t wear the hair color I want; I can’t make my hair grow longer since I look better in longer hair. Last time I tried it, I ended up in the Guidance Office, signing my name in there almost every other day. I can’t use a different style of shoes – something that would fit my personality and I can’t walk around, talking on my mobile phone. Most especially, I hate having a haircut like almost all the boys in school.

I hate being treated as a 24-hour slave. I am slave to my school works, I am slave to my lessons and assignments and especially, I am enslaved by the limited time of sleep which usually ends up to dreams about getting a ten out of 40 items in the big Math exam that eventually came true. I don’t have time for myself anymore. I hate having these gross pimples because I can’t find the time for proper facial care and I don’t get enough rest. I feel like a water buffalo, working without any leisure.

I hate my 7am-6pm schedule because it drains every calorie I earned from yesterday’s meals combined, as if I’m working out 12 hours in the gym. I have only one hour for my lunch, which becomes a study period for the next period’s test. Why? I was up until 2am last night memorizing 178 countries and their capitals. Why? It’s because we are dismissed at 6pm in the evening to come home at 8:30.

I hate the fact that Masci cannot afford to provide lockers. Imagine life with a locker, you won’t be worrying about carrying those fat Chemistry and Physics books which are inevitable because you’ll copy the sample problems from them. I won’t be worrying about a stressed out back or scoliosis for that matter. I would just be walking around freely with no excess baggage that ruins my poise and bearing.

But then again, why did I enroll in this institution I loathe so much? It’s because it teaches you the value of sacrifice to achieve the pedestal. It cultivates your perseverance, patience and courage, which you need in the game called life. It teaches you to face the consequences of your actions and be prudent of everything you do because life does not hold auditions. It teaches you to be simple and learn the value of money because it believes that what’s simple is true. It keeps you away from vanity, which will ruin your self-direction and values. It protects you from any possible evil that may bring detriment of any form.

Given a chance to be a First Year enrollee again, I will still enroll myself in Manila Science because it has molded me into a gentleman I always wanted to be.

Life’s a Beach

Looking back, there’s only one day I can completely remember – the day when I woke up with a smile on my face. It had been a long night since I was too excited about the next day. Though still groggy, I couldn’t help but greet my obnoxious sister a pleasant morning. They day’s date was particularly encircled on my calendar. This day would be unforgettable. I knew it. It was my first visit to Boracay, a graduation gift from my parents. I couldn’t wait for the ship to dock. I was eager to see paradise.

After twelve hours of travel, the ship finally reached the port. Antique’s pier was full of people – passengers, ship crew, kargadors, vendors and by-standers – all excited for the docking of M/V Superferry. The happy sun was shining across the horizon and the strong scent of the sea welcomed me. We rode a bus to the market where the boats to Boracay were docked. Upon arriving, we visited the tourist center to inquire about the island – the available hotels, hot spots and the like. We were then ferried to the Main Beach, where we decided to stay on the tri-faceted white-sand island. After settling on the duplex house we rented, I had nothing to do but run towards the beach.

Boracay was an amazing sight. The urban and congested Manila is nothing compared to where I was standing on. Although the sun was directly above me, the white sand felt cool beneath my feet. The clear water was peacefully dancing with the wind. I took a plunge into the emerald sea and felt my spirits rejuvenated. Finally, I knew how it felt to be in paradise.

The beach was adorned with countless foreigners. Most of them were just sunbathing. I put on my sandals and took a look around. On queue were bars, souvenir shops and restaurants. People were walking half-naked in their swimsuits. I even chanced upon a Caucasian girl topless. I realized how differently we looked from the whites. While my complexion was getting darker and darker beneath the sun, they only seemed to turn red. Even in discretion, you could easily tell them from us. Many Europeans were unabashedly kissing everywhere. Watching people from a different perspective made me see a world unknown to me before.

The seafood in Boracay seemed more scrumptious even if it was also served in Manila. I believe the ambience made it more like nectar and ambrosia of the Olympian gods. At nightfall, the beach glamorously transformed into a Libis-like Party Avenue. The lights everywhere and the deafening techno music made it impossible for me not to party. The chilly air and crisp aroma of the ocean made dancing while drinking alcohol more fun. Getting drunk and losing myself was even more intense. The whole day, I didn’t think of home a bit.

As I lay down the bed, I couldn’t help but smile. This day had been breath-taking. At that moment, I never thought of tomorrow. When will I go back to paradise – I can only wonder. But the memory of that unforgettable day will last forever.

Mocking Medicine
Reaction on the play “The Imaginary Invalid” by Moliere

“I leave you to your vile constitution,
I let your bowels take their retribution,
Corrupt your blood, embitter bile, enslave
You to the feculence which you so crave!”
-Moliere, “The Imaginary Invalid”

The play is a satire on the medical profession in which doctors and patients alike come under scrutiny. It centers on Argan, a hypochondriac, who decides his daughter must marry a physician so he will always have a doctor around. The Imaginary Invalid (1673) is about a man obsessed with his health and money that he ends up neglecting his family. The play may be considered another of Moliere’s great character plays, in which the entire development of the action centered on a single trait of character upon which everything turns, in this case, that of the hypochondriac. The story involves several different themes and plots within one family.

As fashioned by Moliere, the hypochondriac is someone who wants to be sick. To tell Argan that he is looking well is considered a rude offense in this household. The Invalid confuses religion and medicine. There is a sanctity given to medicine that echoes the mysteries of religion. Also, the father wants to marry the daughter off to the person who will do him the most good, in this case, a doctor, who will be able to give Argan free medical treatment.

Written by a dying Moliere in 1673, the play targets the medical profession and its cynical and hypocritical practitioners. The incurable hypochondriac Argan is determined to marry off Angelique, his daughter but Angelique is appalled by her husband-to-be and his rather peculiar father, Dr. Diafoirus, and joins forces with the maid Toinette in persuading Argan to let her marry Cleante, her true love. The two women are finally successful after convincing the hypochondriac father that he can himself become a doctor. Schooling is superfluous, they tell him, since the medical profession is all about bluffing: “Anything you say, they’ll believe you.” These “medical” characters are, for the most part, quacks that see an easy source of money in the old man. He refuses to listen to the sensible people around him and continues to patronize the fakes.

But Moliere’s comedy is not only about and against doctors. It is also a loving portrayal of a man who, like his literary predecessor Don Quixote, invents his own reality and is happy as long as his illusory world is upheld.

Through this comedy, Moliere highlights our reliance on chemical remedies for our spiritual ailments and illustrates the need to find a cure from within.

The dominant theme of this play is body versus mind. The play is about a wealthy, but stingy man who believes that he is constantly sick. However, there is an obvious doubt to whether he is really sick or if he is just imagining his illness. Therefore, the primary theme is Argan’s internal struggle of body vs. mind. This theme is developed throughout the play into smaller themes such as masculinity versus femininity, greed versus love and death versus life.

"The Canal" by Bernard Buffet

The painting's subject is a canal where the town and trees are reflected in the water. There are a few colors used in the painting and it is almost achromatic. The use of the achromate color scheme gives the scene a somber and gloomy mood. Two-dimensional lines were used to define the buildings from the background. Form and structure of the buildings were meticulously emphasized. The painting uses linear perspective to define space as it stretches farther "in". Overlapping planes are present in the buildings, boat and tres to emphasize space. Balance is also present as you can divide the painting horizontally as the water reflects the town facade. This is formal balance. Because of too much light present in the painting, it appears rather flat. Details were given importance in this representational art except for the leaves of trees which are rather abstracted to imitate movement because of the wind. The buildings look light and big because of the predominance of white.

"Church at Auvers" by Vincent van Gogh

The subject of the painting is the facade of the church at Auvers with a woman walking on its front path. The painting has primary and secondary colors. The cool color blue violet makes the sky or background recede as warm colors are used in the church's facade to make it advance. Van Gogh used the technique impasto as the viewer clearly discerns his brush strokes and thick application of paint. Space is implied through overlapping planes as the church covers the dirt road behind. The predominance of shadows gives the church a grotesque feeling. It also provides its volume and mass. Space was again implied as the length of the church underwent foreshortening on the right side. The predominance of vertical lines suggests stability, strength, uprightness and may also mean pointing to heaven. Details were neglected as there are no clear edges or patterns. Formal balance is present in the painting. The dominance of the Catholic Church during Van Gogh's time gave this painting of his an obvious superiority of the church behind its background. The woman in the dirt road functions for formal balance.

Katsura Palace

Katsura Palace is in Japan. Medium used was wood which was preferred for a cooler and lighter atmosphere. Wood was respected as its qualities were utilized to an advantage. Technique used was post-and-lintel which can be seen in both exterior and interior. Style is very Japanese with the presence of transluscent walls, geometric panels, and thin materials. The Katsura Palace is a building that breathes as it embodies a space surrounded by space. Organization is formal and homogenous from the facade to the interior decoration and design. This palace suggests a feeling of lightness, space and relaxation. Peace seems to radiate from wall to wall. The vast expanse of this palace is a symbol of power and authority. This building is one with nature as it is surrounded by tall trees. The effect of space is also enhanced by the building's reflection on the body of water in front. Japanese culture is embodied all through the building - its simplicity, peacefulness and being one with nature. This is truly a work of art. Less is more.

Fontainedleue Palace

Fontainedleue Palais is in France. Medium used was stone. In the interior, the dominance of wood on the floor, walls and ceiling is also decipherable. Technique used ranged from the post-and-lintel in the gallery to the tunnel vault in the library. Style of the facade is dominantly Neo-classic with Baroque-inspired cornices and columns. Interior decoration is dominantly Baroque in motif and design. Gold is the dominant color of interior decoration which suggests extravagance, grandiose and wealth. Sculptures in relief are decorative to the architecture of the palace. As this building houses the most powerful people in Frnace, it exudes the regal lifestyle of Napoleon and Marie Antoinette. Power can never be less wealthy. From room to ballroom to the halls, the arrogant feeling of pride and money is very obvoius. However, the palace appears to be so heavy in spite of its large available space. Rooms appear to be cramped because of heavy furnitures and decorations. The largest space inside is the courtyard which is also anclosed by the walls. The Fontainedleue Palace is the evidence of the extravagant and grandiose lifestyle of Franch royalty - its pride and elegance admired by the world. For them, more is definitely better.

Sino Ako?
written in 2000

Ako si Jonas Esguerra
Sa Sampaloc nakatira
Ako’y palakaibigan
Masayahin at maaasahan.

Hilig ko’y manood sa telebisyon
Mga programang may aral at leksyon
Gawain ko ring magbasa
Ng mga kwento’t nobela.

Gusto ko ng kaibigang totoo
Tapat at may inisyatibo
Gusto ko ng mga masasaya
Maunawai’t matitiyaga.

Ayaw ko sa mga taong gahaman
At sa mga mananaksak sa likuran
Ayokong kumakain ng okra
Pati na rin talong at ampalaya.

Sa pag-aaral, ako’y seryoso
Hilig ko ang paggawa ng proyekto
Masipag kong binabasa
Pinag-aralan sa asignatura.

Pasensy ko’y mahaba
Nagtitimpi’t umuunawa
Mahirap akong patumbahin
Kahit nadapa’y bumabangon pa rin.

Ako’y ‘di maramot
Sa mga taong umaabot
Makiusap lang nang maayos
Sunod agad sa utos.

Ako’y taong ‘di pikon
‘Di takot sa hamon
Basta’t nasa lugar at katwiran
Siguradong ipaglalaban.

Sa sandaling may problema
Sa Maykapal tumatalima
Nandiyan lagi ang mga kaibigan
Dalahi’y pinapagaan.

Kahit kela’y ‘di susuko
‘Di uurong at yuyuko
Haharapin ang anuman
Ipakikilala ang katapangan.