Frog in a Milk-Pail

A frog was hopping around a farmyard, when it decided to investigate the barn. Being somewhat careless, and maybe a little too curious, he ended up falling into a pail half-filled with fresh milk.

As he swam about attempting to reach the top of the pail, he found that the sides of the pail were too high and steep to reach.

He tried to stretch his back legs to push off the bottom of the pail but found it too deep.But this frog was determined not to give up, and he continued to struggle.He kicked and squirmed and kicked and squirmed, until at last, all his churning about in the milk had turned the milk into a big hunk of butter.The butter was now solid enough for him to climb onto and get out of the pail!

Moral: Never Give Up!


My words:
Our life is a roller coaster ride.  It is full of twists and turns. There are times that we want to go down and throw up. If you get what I mean, hehe. Life is also just like a sea, there are times that the waves are calm but there are times that it's stormy. Life gives us lots of problems but let's never lose hope.  Every problem has it's own solution. Let's face every challenge with a big smile and come up with a great fighting strategy.

The One-Eyed Doe

A Doe had had the misfortune to lose one of her eyes, and could not see any one approaching her on that side. So to avoid any danger she always used to feed on a high cliff near the sea, with her sound eye looking towards the land. By this means she could see whenever the hunters approached her on land, and often escaped by this means. But the hunters found out that she was blind of one eye, and hiring a boat rowed under the cliff where she used to feed and shot her from the sea.






Moral:

"You cannot escape your fate."




My words:
We are all born for a purpose. We are already given labels and we just need to do our part. Yes, we are free to do what we want to do but, we can't say no to what we NEED to do. No matter how many crossroads in life you take, you will end up in your destined ending. Just like dying, no matter how much you pay for medicines and operations to save your life, it's worthless, you still die.

The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey

A Man and his son were once going with their Donkey to market. As they were walking along by its side a countryman passed them and said: "You fools, what is a Donkey for but to ride upon?" So the Man put the Boy on the Donkey and they went on their way. But soon they passed a group of men, one of whom said: "See that lazy youngster, he lets his father walk while he rides." So the Man ordered his Boy to get off, and got on himself. But they hadn't gone far when they passed two women, one of whom said to the other: "Shame on that lazy lout to let his poor little son trudge along." Well, the Man didn't know what to do, but at last he took his Boy up before him on the Donkey. By this time they had come to the town, and the passers-by began to jeer and point at them. The Man stopped and asked what they were scoffing at. The men said: "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for overloading that poor donkey of yoursu and your hulking son?" The Man and Boy got off and tried to think what to do. They thought and they thought, till at last they cut down a pole, tied the donkey's feet to it, and raised the pole and the donkey to their shoulders. They went along amid the laughter of all who met them till they came to Market Bridge, when the Donkey, getting one of his feet loose, kicked out and caused the Boy to drop his end of the pole. In the struggle the Donkey fell over the bridge, and his fore-feet being tied together he was drowned. "That will teach you," said an old man who had followed them: "Please all, and you will please none."




That emphasized thingy is the moral.




My words: 
You can't please all the people around you. It is inevitable that there are some people who hates you no matter how good you are. Even other people likes you, there would be someone who will find flaws in you.  Instead of pleasing all, maybe we could just use our time to do meaningful things in life. Let's just ignore what they say because it only gives us frustration. As the saying goes, "We are not born to fit in."

The Crow and the Pitcher

A Crow, half-dead with thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the Pitcher he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. At last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting in a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life.

Moral:
 Little by little does the trick.




My words:
We can't always get what we want. But if we want these things so bad, we always find a way to get 'em. Just like the crow who made use of the pebbles to help him drink. We may not get what we want in a snap but a little patience and perseverance, I think, can help in taking a step closer to what we want. As they say, if there's a will, there's a way.

The Ant and the Grasshopper

In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its heart's content. An Ant passed by, bearing along with great toil an ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper, "instead of toiling and moiling in that way?" "I am helping to lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, "and recommend you to do the same." "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on its way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores they had collected in the summer.



 Moral: It is best to prepare for the days of necessity.


My words:
Some people like to waste their time on useless things. They just want to have fun. they don't think about what might happen next and they just rely on other people. I know that we only have a short life and we need to spend this life with fun, but let's live every second of this life doing meaningful things and at the same time enjoying it.

The Big Leap

Two frogs fell into a deep pit, and though they tried very hard they could not hop out. Their comrades peered down from the top and croaked in sympathy. “We feel for you,” they shouted, “ but there’s no way you can get out from there!” On hearing this, one of the frogs lost heart, and died of fear. The other frog was deaf. He thought his comrades were shouting encouragement. Emboldened by their faith in him, he gathered up all his reserves of energy in one great jump that landed him out of the pit. Moral: Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. Reflection:  Words are such powerful weapons. They can kill a person's heart and soul. But good words can be great allies. It gives motivation and it helps us fight for what we want. Just like in the story, we need to encourage a person with words to make him or her feel that she still has importance. Let's use our freedom in speaking in a good way. I've also realized that this fable tells us to make those mean words from other people be our better motivation to what we want to do. Instead of sulking in a corner and give up because of those people's comments, show them that you are not worthy to be pulled down.

The Cat and the Fox

One day a cat and a fox were having a conversation. The fox, who was a conceited creature, boasted how clever she was. 'Why, I know at least a hundred tricks to get away from our mutual enemies, the dogs,' she said.

'I know only one trick to get away from dogs,' said the cat. 'You should teach me some of yours!'

'Well, maybe someday, when I have the time, I may teach you a few of the simpler ones,' replied the fox airily.

Just then they heard the barking of a pack of dogs in the distance. The barking grew louder and louder - the dogs were coming in their direction! At once the cat ran to the nearest tree and climbed into its branches, well out of reach of any dog. 'This is the trick I told you about, the only one I know,' she called down to the fox. 'Which one of your hundred tricks are you going to use?'

The fox sat silently under the tree, wondering which trick she should use. Before she could make up her mind, the dogs arrived. They fell upon the fox and tore her to pieces.

Moral: A single plan that works is better than a hundred doubtful plans.

My Words: 

I experience this EVERYTIME I need to finish a project or something. I have lots of nice plans but they never get to work. I  would always end up passing works that are so simple and common. It is because I always change my mind. I always think of what ifs that makes me confused and change my plans again and again and again and it results to messy,messy outcomes. I can't stick to one perfect plan for doing my schoolwork, even my schedule gets messed up! 

The Three Fishes

Once, three fishes lived in a pond. One evening, some fishermen passed by the pond and saw the fishes. 'This pond is full of fish', they told each other excitedly. 'We have never fished here before. We must come back tomorrow morning with our nets and catch these fish!' So saying, the fishermen left.

When the eldest of the three fishes heard this, he was troubled. He called the other fishes together and said, 'Did you hear what the fishermen said? We must leave this pond at once. The fishermen will return tomorrow and kill us all!' 

      The second of the three fishes agreed. 'You are right', he said. 'We must leave the pond.'

But the youngest fish laughed. 'You are worrying without reason', he said. 'We have lived in this pond all our lives, and no fisherman has ever come here. Why should these men return? I am not going anywhere - my luck will keep me safe.'

The eldest of the fishes left the pond that very evening with his entire family. The second fish saw the fishermen coming in the distance early next morning and left the pond at once with all his family. The third fish refused to leave even then.

The fishermen arrived and caught all the fish left in the pond. The third fish's luck did not help him - he too was caught and killed.

The fish who saw trouble ahead and acted before it arrived as well as the fish who acted as soon as it came both survived. But the fish who relied only on luck and did nothing at all died. So also in life.


Moral: Don't just trust in luck, move!


My Words:
It's funny how people say, "Oh, let's just rely on our luck." They expect good things to happen to them yet they don't even do things that could help them take a step closer to what they want. We make our own destiny, our own fate, our own luck. We must not rely on superstitions. Let's face reality, we don't get what we want if we do nothing. Let's not be like Juan Tamad who waited for the guava to fall. 

The Bear and the Two Travelers

Two Friends were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly appeared before them. One of them, thinking of his own safety climbed up quickly into a tree, without trying to help his friend do the same. The other, not having time to hide, fell flat on the ground, without moving at all, as if he were dead. The Bear came up and smelled him all over, and after a while, thinking he was dead, walked away. When the danger was gone, the other Traveler climbed down from the tree, and, laughing at his friend asked him: 
“What did the bear whisper in your ear?”
“He gave me this advice," the other replied. "Never travel with a friend who leaves you in the lurch." 

Moral: Misfortune reveals the true nature of friends.




My words:
We are lucky if we have friends who are there to support us or help us stand up when  we're about to give up. Some people have lots of friends but the trusted ones can be counted. Some are just great pretenders who only think about what you can give to them but do not think of how they can repay your kindness . As a lesson, let's choose our friends well and also, be a selfless friend to others.

The Hares and the Frogs

The Hares, persecuted by the other beasts and afraid even of their own shadows, had a council to decide what to do. The conclusion they came to was to die rather than live on with this shame. So, they went to a pond, determined to drown themselves.
But when they were just about to jump, some Frogs who had been sitting on a water lily, startled by the noise they made, rushed to the deep water for safety. 
“Look,” cried a Hare, “there are creatures who are even afraid of us, so things are not so bad, after all. We don’t need to die any more.”


Moral: However unfortunate we may think we are, there is always someone worse off than ourselves.

My words:
Do you ever think about how miserable your life is? Just think about it again.

 I have also experienced having this feeling of giving up because I always think that my life is the most miserable life EVER. I always fail to meet up with the expectations of other people. When I encounter a problem or face such great humiliation, I want to run away from the world and hide my face forever. But I start to think, why hide? I'm lucky that I live in this world having family and friends beside me who loves me for what I am. There are other people out there who experience worse situations like being abandoned by parents, being abused, being discriminated in the society or at school or being bullied. At least I still have something to stand up for. I'm also lucky to live with a home, enough food, and a good education unlike those kids out there who dig for their own food with no parents to help them and living inside boxes.

There Goes my Hero... Watch Him as He Goes

Heroes are known to have superpowers and good looks with skin-tight costumes and capes. But let's get back to reality. There are no heroes with those qualities but heroes do exist. They are those people who just live a simple life. Like every human, they eat, they work, they live quietly. 


Actually, we were just tasked to write an essay about our own hero. But, I don't know if this would turn out great. But, I'd like to share a story of someone who I treat as my hero. My hero is my father. It's not just for the sake of writing something for the requirement but he really is my hero. Let me share some things about him.


Francisco Natividad Castro was born on  the 1st of September 1958. He is the son of Juan M. Castro and Paulina G. Natvidad. He grew up in a barren town of Paniqui, Tarlac. He grew up experiencing poverty but that never stopped him. He was so determined to get out of that place and live a better life. At the age of 17, went to military and everything went well. Then she met my mother and got married. Had 4 little girls, built their own home and started their small business. Every part of that is because of his and my mother's perseverance and patience. He served the country for like thirty-two years at the same time he was a full-time husband/father/businessman/househusband :]. He did that all at the same time. But as a person, he also gets tired and gave up his job. He retired at the age of 49 but still he never stopped being a good husband and father. Now, do you wanna know what's more heroic of him? 


I chose him as my hero because he was always there ready to support us. He was there to cheer us up, especially me who is the weakest of us siblings. When I want to give up, he encourages me to go up top. When I don't achieve what I need to achieve, he tells me to persevere and never lose hope. When I get many achievement, he tells me not to put these things up to my head. If ever I'm a mess, he is always there to lend a hand. He may not help me with my schoolwork but at least he tells me to manage my time well. Now, I'm living up to his teachings and I'm trying to become a better me. Every time I go beyond my limits, he's there to correct and discipline me. I know some of those things are supposed to be my mother's obligations, but they are both my teachers but sometimes, me and my mother argue so that's why I run to my father. Anyways, I'm on both sides. 


 Let us keep this in mind: Everyone can be heroes. Just prove yourself to be worthy to be called as a hero. Do simple things for others with no payments may be a good start. Just be yourself and let life bring you where you need to go. Being a hero is standing up for what you believe in.

MEGAmind beybeh ^^

After super-villain Megamind kills his good-guy nemesis, Metro Man, he becomes bored since there is no one left to fight. He creates a new foe, Titan, who, instead of using his powers for good, sets out to destroy the world, positioning Megamind to save the day for the first time in his life (imdb.com)

Ok...I still haven't watched the whole movie yet but we were tasked to make a review about the movie so here it goes. 

I've learned one particular lesson in this movie. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LOOK BACK. Even though how many mistakes we have done or how big the damage was, it's never too late to do good for others. Life's given us enough time to prove ourselves so let's use them for good.

I just read the plot summary of the movie on the internet. I love how the story goes. There were lots of twists and turns in the story but at least they have connected with each other. The story's kinda unique too. Just imagine a villain who killed the hero just for him to become a hero but then he became bored being good that he made a new hero which that hero turned into a new villain and it left him no choice but to become the town's hero.. Yeah right, you get my point. :] I was a bit bored at the first quarter of the story but as the story goes on and on and on...It was getting more thrilling and exciting. Even I was thrilled just reading. Oh, the animations were super-duper-ooper cool, the characters were funny, and the movie has a good lesson. I can say that the movie was very entertaining. This is totally jaw-dropping film we don't really wanna miss.

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!  

Just a Plain Autobiography

On the 10th day of May 1996, a baby girl was welcomed to the world. The happy parents, Marilou and Francisco Castro named her Rikamae S. Castro.The family with four siblings lived happily in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Well, this is my life story. Ta-da!

My life is kinda boring, but I'm contented with it. Some people said that I'm friendly, optimistic, funny and a happy-go-lucky person. I kinda agree with that. I just go where the wind blows. When people are mean to me, well, just watch out, I am more monstrous than you. But don't worry, I don't hold grudges. I'm also kinda stubborn but that can only last for a minute or two. I'm also impatient so don't make me wait. I'm also talkative but at least I can keep your darkest secrets. I'm so lazy that I don't do anything at home. I love to surf the internet. I love books, actually writing the word "book" makes me excited. I really get crazy over sweets, especially ice cream, chocolates and gummy bears. I'm also fond of making jokes to people. I really have no true talent at all. But, I have little skills in writing, drawing and dancing. That's it.

We all have our experiences, right? I can say that my life can be compared to a rainbow. I've had dark and bright experiences. I can also compare my life to a roller coaster. I've experienced lots of ups and downs.  I've lost and made new friends. I've been betrayed by persons that I have trusted the most.  I've been scolded a lot of times because of my flaws. I've also been in lots of places already. I've joined random competitions where I experienced losing and winning. I got lots of achievements since kindergarten until in my freshman year(hope I'd get more soon..). I've been lost in my way, almost drowned and went to dangerous places. I'm sorry if I can't tell them all here. It's just I'm tired of writing 'em. They're too many to remember. Anyways, because of those experiences, I become a better person everyday. I've learned to correct my mistakes from the past. I've learned new skills and strategies to survive in this life. I've learned to stand up when I fall down. And I couldn't survive this roller coaster ride without the people who are important to me. The end.