Give Peace a Chance

            Violence, war, riots, terrorism and any chaos you can think of. Those things could never get absent in the daily news. Aren’t we tired of hearing the same things all over again? We wouldn’t know, but it can happen in our community anytime. Why does these things happen and we’re just looking around without any plans on stopping this mess? I just laugh when I hear someone answer “All I wanted was world peace.” Yes, it’s just too easy to say but it’s too difficult to attain. Why? We’re just good at blabbing those words but look at you. Did you even contribute something to make peace possible? That is the major problem. We don’t put our words into actions. We’re just waiting for that superhero that will come and save the day. But, let’s face the reality that there is no such thing as a superhero. Everything that we get into is all ours to solve. We’re too blind to see that we have the guts to restore peace. We’re too scared to make a move. Let’s just accept the fact that peace is in our own hands and we all have the choice to do that. Do you want this mess to continue until the end of time?

            As what I have said, we have the choice and make a move. Peace is found within our very self. For us to attain self-peace, forget all the things that trigger trouble like anger, vengeance, hatred, pride and greed. Try not to hold grudges to people. Everything we do and feel affects how the world goes around.  

            When self-peace is attained, you can interact with the people in a peaceful manner. It keeps you in getting into trouble. The first step to spread peace is to think and understand other people’s feelings. Know what they are experiencing. Don’t be too self-centered. Give a pleasant smile to people you meet. Maybe a smile can brighten up other people’s world. Never criticize the people around you. Don’t judge them on what they have done wrong. Never promote discrimination. Keep in mind that everyone of us is equal. Never talk behind other people’s backs and spread rumors. If you have noticed something wrong with a person, tell them directly in a nice way. Respect each and every human in this world no matter how mean or good they are. Forgive other’s offenses the same way you ask for forgiveness from the people whom you have offended. Be a peacemaker in our own way. If someone needs help, help them. Do not join conflicts as it may get bigger. Encourage others to be peacemakers too. And never, ever forget to ask the Almighty’s guidance for us to do the right thing to do.

            Those little deeds can make up a world of peace. It may also inspire others to do something for the betterment of our world. It may open up other’s hearts and feel the world’s cry and misery. Imagine your world at peace. Isn’t it relaxing? But it would feel better if you know that you’ll be one of the people who gave peace a chance to live in this world full of mess.

Rikamae S. Castro

The Not-so-Enjoying-but-Memorable-Trip (travelogue)

August 27,2010:

It wasn't really a fun experience but it's worth remembering. On this day, we had our so-called EDUCATIONAL TRIP at Malaybalay City and Maramag, Bukidnon. We had to wake up at 3am just for us to arrive at school on time. We were really excited that we came to school very early. They said that we need to be at school before 5pm. I arrived at school at around 4:30am.  And as what I have expected, the schedule of departure still wasn't followed. This is what always happens.

 I was assigned in van 7. Our chaperone was Mrs. Lour-Jean Calva.  Before the trip, I was really mad because I'm not with with my friends who also live in Manolo Fortich. I dunno why I was separated with them. I thought we were arranged by places. So, what I have really expected in this trip was I would enjoy all the itineraries with my close friends and classmates and I would be bored at the van with no one to talk to. As it turned out, I had fun talking with my van mates, especially Liezl and I enjoyed only few of the places we went to.

On our way to Malaybalay City, we had our rosary prayer and after that, some fell asleep. The SVPnians(including me) who were sitting at the back part of the van were very noisy. We were laughing and talking and it's like we didn't feel any drowse at all, but that didn't last. Some of us backed down and fell asleep too. I wasn't feeling sleepy so I got my phone and just tuned in to my favorite songs. 

Our first destination was the Pope John 23rd Seminary. The place was really peaceful and quiet. I spent my time taking pictures with my friends. But others spent their time eating their breakfast.  The next stop was the Carmelite Monastery. The place was really holy and peaceful. We were given the chance to pray and reflect there. After that, we went to Bukidnon State University where we were given a warm welcome and big smiles from the people there. Then we went to the Kaamulan grounds. At that time, I was very disappointed 'cause we only stayed in that place at a short time. I didn't come out of the van to take pictures because I was tired of going in and out. I wasn't able to explore the place and honestly, I love that place. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan was our next stop which is only near the Kaamulan grounds. I planned not to go out and join in the exploration of the office and my other van mates heard that. Then all of us didn't come down and we got a scolded by Ms. Magadan telling us that maybe it was better that we didn't join the trip if we would stay inside our vans. So we had no choice but to go down. There, we met Mr. Libed who told us everything about their jobs in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Next, we visited San Isidro college where I saw their complete facilities and I was like 'whoa, cool!'. Then, we had a long trip on our way to Maramag, Bukidnon and visited the RR Family Resort where we were only given a few minutes to enjoy the place and take pictures. Some of us had fun playing around and fishing. I enjoyed the place. It was colorful, huge and awesome! Then, we went to Waig Crystal Spring Resort where we had our lunch. We were only given 30 to 45 minutes to enjoy and cool down in their pools. And that's why I didn't take a splash onto their pools. I really hated it.  With twisty slides, cool swimming pools, cable cars and restobar, You would surely enjoy it. I had that "bitin" feeling because I really wanted to swim and have fun with my friends and classmates. Then we visited the Crystal Sugar Milling Co. where I learned that it's very complicated to make sugar. Then we took a round to Central Mindanao University. We have learned that the trip to Transfiguration Chapel and I hated that. That last itinerary was one of the places that I want to spend time with my classmates and take pictures. But, we had our stop in the stalls on the streets and some of us bought fruits and everything.  I was transferred in van 10 and I still dunno why but I enjoyed there. They were so noisy and they had fun singing. I was just in the corner listening to them.  They also shared food. The fun part was when we were trying to find where the longest bridge was and I was laughing because every time we pass bridges, they hold their breaths and they had that expression "Halaka! Di man to mao na bridge!" Haha! After that, Ms. Magadan, the van 10's chaperon requested if we could sleep. I think she was irritated with our noise. So, that's it almost all of them slept and just the same, I tuned in to my favorite songs. 

After hours of traveling, at last, we arrived in our homes with big smiles and unforgettable memories inside our hearts and minds. To all the people who spent time with me in that trip, thank you for being a part of my memories. That wasn't really the trip that I have expected but at least I was given the opportunity to meet the other sophies and have fun with all of them. I'd take back what I have said that it was a failed trip. I guess I was too blind to
remember that at least I bonded with my friends and learn more things about our Bukidnon.  I hope our trip next time would be more fun. And that's what happened on the trip. Ta-da!