Miah Learns to Write

This morning, I happened to stumble upon a hanging ornament of sorts in front of the door which bears a written poem titled "Ask, Seek, Knock". Since I fancied it, I am going to share this one to you. Hope it gives you enlightenment just as it had given me. Ask, Seek, Knock I got up early one morning and rushed right  into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn't  have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier  came each task. "Why doesn't God help me?", I wandered.  He answered, "You didn't ask." I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day  tolled on gray and bleak; I wondered why God didn't show me;  He said, "But you didn't seek." I tried to come into God's presence;  I used all my keys at the lock; God gently and lovingly chided,  "My child, you didn't knock." I woke up early this morning, and pause  before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had...

For most students, today marks the start of their long-awaited semester break where they can spend most of their time whether at home or any other place without having to worry about school. For others, however, a long, unproductive week has passed and perhaps cut short for them. But, everything is the same for me since I spent most of this "break" at school. Today was no different from the other days. Except that it is raining. So, as I thought that we had some sort of meeting in school, I went only to find out that it was cancelled because there is a typhoon today. Reasonable enough I guess. Anyway, I decided to go home. I started walking along the Padre Faura Street on the side of the Supreme Court. I usually walked along the other side but this time, I decided to change it up a bit. Then it took a turn of events. As I neared Robinson's, a guy came up to me asking for some money. He was probably in his late teens or early twenties and he was wearing a loose,...

Just recently, I had finished reading Victor Hugo's world-renowned novel " Les Misérables " or Les Mis for short. To anyone who wants to renew their view on life and humanity as a whole, I recommend you to read this novel. It definitely helped me regain my passion for reading and writing but it also gave me fresh ideas that I would like to tap into. However, before you read it or do anything with the book, you need to be prepared in the sense that you need to have an understanding of the human essence and you need to sit through more than 1,000 pages of the book, patience is a must. The book I read was somewhat abridged but it still contained the fullness of the story and the emotions that are brought about with it. But, if you want to get the whole gist of the fantastic journey of Jean Valjean, then read the 2,000-page novel if you have the time. This novel has truly deeply moved me and touched me. I actually have a last song syndrome on "I Dreamed a Drea...

I'm back! It's been a long time. I actually thought of closing this blog but I decided not to. To tell you the truth, the reason why I wanted to do this in the first place is to set the platform for me to become a freelance writer and to make an income out of it. But now, I have realized that I should write because it makes me come alive. Writing is my passion. Over the past months, I have had an internal struggle which concerns my identity as a writer. As I have learned, a writer has his own personal voice that infuses with his personality to express how and what he feels about the things going on around him. I had to go through many setbacks and disappointments regarding my writing style - I just did not feel that my writing was good enough. After I attended a writing workshop, a spark lit that rejuvenated my whole being and that rekindled my passion for writing. I rediscovered myself and the purpose why I write - I write just for the fun of it. I write because I live...

It was a fine Sunday afternoon and I was walking down the pavement across the avenue toward the museum where I will meet with my friends. I came earlier than the arranged time. So I took a seat in front of the museum cafe while the barista serves two foreigners their coffee and tobacco. To pass the time, I listened to the mellow, soothing sounds of jazz played by a jovial musician whose face was quite familiar to me though it might have been someone else that I have been thinking about. As I sat there, I contemplated on how beautiful life was. Though I have already thought so many times and are attested to by the myriad of beautiful scenery that are laid out for us on open fields, on meadows, on mountaintops, and even on top of the high-rise buildings in the splendor of a bustling, illustrious city. I saw a burly man whose skin was lightly toned walking with his wife dragging her feet behind him. He looked to her as if to ask her whether she would like to stop for a while but ...

It has been a while since I last posted in my blog. Recently, I have been caught up with homework and school activities which means that I have no time to keep a daily update with my blog. Anyway, since today is a very special day, I want to make this post extra special to the people who are entitled to it. Our fathers have stood the test of time; they have made numerous sacrifices to provide for and take care of their family. At times, they would juggle between two or three odd jobs just to make ends meet. But through it all, they continue to persevere and they deserve all the love and respect from their family. Because of what they do, we consider them the supermen in our lives. Every day, they give their best, often more than they can give, just to give us the best kind of life. They serve as our role models and mentors in life. We learn to be good leaders and persons of character from them. They are the epitome of leadership, integrity, justice, and principle. At tim...

To my mother and to all moms out there, may you continue to love and to be loved by those around you, by your family, your friends, and may God continue to bless you with the strength and the wisdom to lead your children and to protect your family. A personal poem for my mom that I just did at this moment. Mom, do you know how much I love you each day? Though I may not say it in words or express it through my ways deep down inside, I will love you Always and Forever. Do you know how much I cried when you are not with me? How I longed for your embrace, Just the sight of your face was enough for me or when I hear your soft, gentle voice telling me, "It's okay". Have I ever told you how much you mean to me? Every day you work hard every day you give your all and at times, I am insensitive but you love me anyway I know it in my heart and I just want to show it too. Without you, I would not be here From the time I was in you You cared an...

I was meaning to write something about this months ago. I finished reading the novel, though I have not seen the movie, I am fully content with the written story. Basically, this is about two sisters, both of which have interesting characteristics, habits, and thoughts about love and romance. Although they seem totally different in their personalities, one preferring silence and resolve, while the other leans toward strong emotional conviction and carefree living. But as I went along the story, I felt the connection and concern of both sisters with each other as they tread a path of pain from heartbreak and treachery. All the while, their bond becomes stronger, and their respect for each other more so. The elder of the two is Elinor and she is more reserved with her feelings than her ostentatious younger sister, Marianne who always finds a time to express her extreme emotions. However, they are equally passionate in their pursuits, only they show it in different ways. More...

I know many older people would know how it was to be a teenager. I know that gives them the right to boss the younger ones but times have changed. The traditional teenager is different from the teenagers of this generation. I believe that older people have the wisdom to guide the youth but they need to know how to influence them and they can do that only if they know how to connect properly with the youth of this age. I know the older generation would contest that their time was better. But we live in a constantly changing world so we have to learn to adapt and there are now many factors that can affect the behavior of teenagers today. So, there are good points in their side but I would contest that they have many things to learn about us. Based from my previous article, ' Misunderstood ' which was my first appeal regarding this topic, I believe I gave an idea of how it is to be a teenager. From that, we can say that the fundamental want of an ordinary teenager is freedo...

I just finished reading the book Tuesdays with Morrie and it is as inspiring as what people have said about it. I have read Mitch Albom's Have a Little Faith as well, two years ago. And they are very inspiring, why? Because, for one, it's non-fiction which brings out more emotion to the readers. You feel like you have met the same people and you have been with the author in his journey right where you're sitting. For those who do not know the story, here is the gist of it. In college, Morrie Schwartz was Mitch's psychology professor. But to Mitch, he was more of a mentor. As the story progressed, they became almost like relatives. Often, Mitch calls him "coach" and likewise, Morrie calls him "player". After graduating from college, Mitch started to seek a job but with no success until the death of his uncle drove him to go back to school. Eventually, he got a master's degree in journalism and became a sports writer. He went from Ne...

One can really feel the heat already here in the tropics. It is summer time and people are getting out under the sun and having fun. Now, I'm guessing most of you guys have your flights booked and your reservations fixed in some of the finest hotels and the whitest sand beaches in the world. But for those who are not, do not fret; there are a lot of cool stuff to do in the summer. So, make a list, and try to do them one day at a time. In my experience over the years, it is much better to do something in the summer than just lay around the house doing nothing all day. Even if you are in the house, you should make the habit of being productive so that you would not waste a minute of your precious time, especially for the students who are on vacation in summer. Now, I have had days when I really have nothing to do but I try to find something worthwhile to do. So, here's my list of stuff I have done and plan to do in the summer: 1. Travel around the world. Whether it...

I have been so happy and ecstatic lately. Someone just pulled a very good prank on me last April Fools, which gave me inspiration to write this. Note: Sometimes, I am quite curious about what tickles a person's funny bone? Mine is definitely quite easy to persuade. But I would like to know what makes people laugh especially in bad situations. I love to laugh. I love laughing with other people and just making a big, boisterous uproar of laughter with them. It brings me happiness and relief. Once in a while, we need to laugh. We need to pause a moment in the midst of all the busyness of the world and take our time to laugh and to enjoy with friends and family. We need to learn to look at the brighter side of things for every dark cloud has a silver lining. From a snicker, to a giggle, to a chuckle, until it becomes laughter, it is so relieving. Whenever I hear laughter, I would just want to join right in because it takes the tensions away. I love the energy and the go...

"Good friends must not always be together.  It is the feeling of oneness when distant that proves lasting friendship." In the spur of the moment, I decide to write this. We may be a thousand miles apart, separated by the oceans, the skies, the mountains, and any physical barrier that keeps us distant. Yet still no matter how far apart our friends might be from us, we will never forget them and the good times you shared with them even if it was just a short period of time. Hopefully, when someone leaves us behind, it is for the best. We cannot really say what opportunities lie ahead for them nor for us but we can hope that some day we will meet again. Though everything will have changed by then, our looks, our attitudes, our interests; one thing is certain, your friendship will still remain and probably grow stronger. And besides, you know you will have to go your separate ways some day. You cannot be together forever. There is still Facebook or Twitter anyways....

Nobody likes to say goodbye. Nobody likes to leave behind their friends and family. But the inevitable fact is that someday, in one way or another, we will have to bid farewell to those whom we love and care about. We will have to go our separate ways, and just hope that fate will bring us back together again. Being separated from your best friends, or those whom you consider your family, is so painful. It is like whenever you are not with them, there is something missing in you. There is a gap, a sense of emptiness that fills your heart. Many times in the past did I have to say goodbye to people whom I love, and it is such a weird feeling, like a thorn piercing through my heart. My eyes will start to well with tears. Others may not see me do so because I try to hide my feelings as best as I could. Then, when I am alone in a corner, there will I burst into tears. You will not fully realize the true value of a person until you are separated from them. Every day, thing...

The other night, I was browsing through the internet as I searched for something to inspire me to write a good speech with the theme: "Education, Our Tool for Nation Building". Eventually, I found one. The discussion was focused around the topic, "How can it be changed by the youth?" . This was the initial statement: (Source: http://www.fnf.org.ph/talakayan/liberal_topic.php?id=226) "...The youth is said to be the catalyst of change. It is said that the youth is the hope of changing and bringing an ideal system. But how exactly can the youth change the present system when he is surrounded by a corrupt system?  How can he do it when not all can study and get themselves involved in worthy activities? How can he do his advocacy when his freedom are suppressed? How can the youth fight the pain of a corrupt system and maintain his idealism for an ideal system?"  Then Mr. Friedrich Naumann replied: "Don't be too pessimistic - change has ha...

Teenage life is the "awkward stage" of a person's development. This is the transition from being an innocent, playful child to becoming a fully-grown and fully-matured adult. However, when on this stage, one cannot truly call himself an adult yet nor can he call himself a child. This is why there is often a barrier or a gap for teenagers. Oftentimes, we teenagers feel that our parents, relatives, or adults in general do not understand why we say or do certain things. It is quite ironic since naturally, they should be the first people to understand us because first of all, they have already experienced what we are currently experiencing so they already know how to deal with it. Plus, our parents know us intimately since they were there since birth. But, in reality, there are many more factors that should be taken into consideration when dealing with teenagers especially since change constantly happens during this stage. Sometimes I feel that my parents do not u...

Everyday of my life, I try to plan the activities that I will do and the work that I have to finish for the day. I try to manage my time as wisely as I can so that not one minute will be wasted. And I believe that I am not the only one who does the same thing. My plan becomes a routine for me; I get up in the morning, eat breakfast, go to school, then when I get home, eat supper, do my homework, study a little then sleep. That's basically what I do almost each day. There's not a day that I will let pass without being productive or doing some meaningful thing because life is precious, we should not waste it. However, when something disrupts the normal flow of my schedule, everything else tends to fall apart. I would get less time to do all the activities I have to do for the day and in turn, I have to compromise my sleep to get everything finished. This could also lead to procrastination. And, based from my own experience, results of crammed work are disastrous. So, ...

This song is really good and inspiring. Truly, love is the answer to our problems. It uplifts us, it gives us courage and motivation. As was in my previous posts, love is a powerful thing. It is not just an emotion, it is an attitude. Love can solve most, if not all, our burdens and worries.

Look at the photo and notice what is written on it. It says, "You will never notice me, you will never know, I will never be what you want. But I'll always love you from afar." Some of us cannot bear to know that we feel some intense emotion toward someone, later realizing that he or she does not reciprocate the kind of feelings towards us. You would feel that it is unfair for you that you would give your whole self to that person and not get anything, even just a simple hello. Often, when people think that he or she is the right one, they would never let go of that feeling. They will chase their dream guy or girl to the ends of the earth only to find out that he or she was meant for someone else. I have felt that in a way, though not with someone, and I have chosen to ignore the fact that it was not meant to be. But, looking back, I think it would have been better for that person to at least know how I felt. I regret not doing so, if ever there was a time in ...

In only a few days away, I would be hearing sweet serenades from the cherubs above. I would be feeling the warmth of the eternal bond between two hearts. I would see the sun rise yet I would never notice that time is slowly passing. I would feel my heart pounding out of my chest when I am close to that special person; and most of all, love will once again fill the air. Valentine's Day has been a tradition for many people. Giving gifts, roses, and chocolates to that special someone to whom your heart belongs. Writing poems and just letting your mind freely express what you really feel. These may sound cliche but, well, what can we do? The heart doth protests. We can never deny the fact that each one of us has the need to love and to be loved because love is the essence of being human. However, there are risks that you have to take when you try to love someone. But if you are willing to take them, then you should be prepared to accept whatever might happen in your relationshi...

I remember my friend Samantha telling me that talking to one's self is healthy. So, it is really quite normal to talk to yourself but it would probably be more appropriate if you talk to yourself inconspicuously since many people try to keep their intrapersonal conversations to themselves. So, talking to one's self isn't really weird. I believe that it can help us improve ourselves, our personality, our communication skills, and our self-esteem. There are benefits that one can receive by doing this, both in children and in adults. One can actually develop self-confidence and self-esteem to help him be an active member of the society and also to easily socialize with other people. There's really nothing to worry about. In my opinion, talking to one's self is one way of expressing one's self. I get to say what I want to say without anyone criticizing me for it. I get to talk and ease the tension inside. I also get the time to reflect on my past actions. ...

"Gazing at the long, winding road, his eyes, dark, mysterious, and bewildered. Observing each infinitesimal speck of dust in the wind, on the road; looking at the sky, slowly losing its wonderful azure color. Stumbling upon a rock, he starts to question his ability, his courage deteriorates and the vibrance, which once was in his lips, escapes. Tired and weary, now, he weeps soulfully.  A fog envelops his whole being. His essence, dwindling and his vitality, diminishing. Stuck between a cliff and swift forest fire, he suddenly feels his senses becoming numb. What he will do, no one knows, except one. Now, the shadows are hovering over him. His eyes, now drooped, looks in the distance, mindlessly. His fears have overwhelmed him. No longer does he know where to go. A road forked into two, yet still he knows not where to go. Definitely, one leads to success while the other, to devastation. But, doubting his own abilities, he takes none of the roads. Instead, he turns his he...

The next four words might be a shock to you, they might surprise you and they might leave you wondering why: I don't drink coffee. It is not that I totally dislike coffee. I am just not used to it. I have never actually thought of drinking it even in the face of sleepless nights. In the same way, I am not fond of soft drinks. The latter may be because of its acidity and low nutritional value. But anyway, that may just be me; I am really more of a cocoa-type of person or tea whichever is available. My taste buds are used to those kinds of beverages, just not coffee. Most people like coffee in the morning, sometimes even at lunch or dinner, that, I think, might be weird. Some people even feel disappointed when they do not get their cup of coffee at breakfast or when the coffee is already cold, or when what's left is just the cup. Coffee has this component called caffeine which gives energy to a person, the reason why people feel more awake when they drink coffee. T...

The spotlight is a clever aesthetic tool, most frequently used on theaters to direct the attention of the audience to the actors on stage. It gives a sense of focus and depth in the play, since, if you would notice, the other lights are dimmed. During awarding ceremonies, usually the spotlight is on the person receiving the award, or the emcee. In life, I bet each person has been under the spotlight, in one way or another. Oftentimes, it denotes popularity of a person. It is a form of publicity. Most people love to be famous that is why they would do anything just to be publicized. Although, there are also people who want to live quiet lives. They want to be "under the radar". In my case, I choose to just keep silent. For me, I would rather be a normal civilian, unknown to the world, while helping others the best way I can. And when you have good friends around you, they will be the ones supporting you in your times of need. They will be the ones holding your hand...

Lately, I have been thinking, everything in life has its own opposite quality or being. And because of this, life is balanced. The two things balance each other so that not one can dominate the other. Sadness and happiness, these two are the best example. In life, there are ups and downs; there are times when you will be happy and there are times when you will be sad. And that's normal, it happens. You cannot be sad all the time nor can you be so happy all the time either. One cannot have too much of one thing. So, the question is whether it is one or the other? Personally, I would much prefer the positives more. Why? Simply because, they give out a positive energy and it shows good effects not only to the people around you but to you as well. It is much like smiling. I would rather smile than frown because less muscles are needed to smile than to frown, thus, reducing the chances of wrinkling on my face. The same thing goes for love and everything else. Your chest fee...

"Because things are the way they are, they will not stay the way they are." ~ Bertolt Brecht It has been a rough first week for me. Classes had resumed last Tuesday so I would be taking a little rest from writing. I expect that we will have a hectic schedule, since our classes are now from 7 o'clock in the morning until 7 o'clock in the evening, as it was in the first semester. I am also looking forward to piles of homework, but thankfully, that was not the case last week. Well, at least I have time to recuperate and revert to my "normal" day-to-day self. Believe me, this last quarter in school would not be a stroll in the park. This is the period that we dread the most but when we get through it, it will be euphoric. Anyways, before that, we would have to undergo the most excruciatingly difficult time. Since we are nearing the end of the year, a lot of requirements are needed in each subject and we have to finish all of them or we will be sayin...