Nikki Marie B.

Patnubay Grade 12-HUMSS 2 Voltaire

A day with my Family
It was a fine day. I woke very early and prepared my things up. We’re
heading to the beach for family bonding. After a long tiring school days, finally I
can relax and loosen up. Our destination was Susan’s Beach resort at Maasim
Saranggani.
It was a long ride but it was fun. During heading our destination, we have
seen a lot of beautiful sceneries that captured our hearts and we took a lot of
pictures. The road was like a roller coaster, it goes up and down, and unending
winding road lane.
Upon entering the resort, we were greeted with a profusion of bougainvilleas
in all colors of the rainbow. It was really a pretty sight! There were lots of them
all as the sun was having a field day that day. Perhaps it was just me, but down
south the sun seemed like shooting little arrows aimed exactly to whoever
crosses its path. The resort was also a lover of statues.
One thing peculiar about Susan’s Beach was the timing of its low tide. I don’t
know much about tides, but I think it was a bit off. Other beaches normally have
low tide in the late afternoon or early morning. When we reached the place it
was around 12 noon and the water was already receding. High tide came much
later.
We choose the nearest cottage from the sea shore to have the clear view of
the coastal clear sea water. The sand is the most gentle hue of gold, earthen
and muted. I love this beach. I love the driftwood that comes upon the buoyant
waves as tiny rescue boats. Then there is the seaweed, that flora of those salty
waves, as deeply green as any high summer foliage.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t resist exploring the dried up part of the beach— never
mind that it was midday. Thankfully, someone was quick with the camera and I
was able to have pictures. You’ll never really run out of photo options there. The
mountains in the background make it picture-perfect.
However, there were a lot of sea hedgehogs or the so called “tuyom”.
Somehow these spiky creatures fascinated me. Better wear protective footwear.
There were also many sea creatures that look so horrible and it was so
terrifying. Somehow, I felt uneasy and unsafe thinking that there were like sea
monsters roaming around under the sea.
Indeed, the Susan’s Beach was really a great resort to have fun and
relaxation. Aside from its clean surrounding, clear sea water and complete
facilities, it was also rich in sea creatures that would widen our knowledge and
experiences about encountering unusual creatures.
Nikki Marie B. Patnubay Grade 12- HUMSS 2 Voltaire
Un Residente de Filipinas
I was born Filipino Citizen, both of my parents were Filipino. Philippines was
a great country to live in. My country was rich in natural resources that really
sustained my needs. Many people across the globe have expressed their
opinions and appreciations on how progressive the Philippines is and how kind
and good we Filipinos are. I was really proud that I am a resident and pure
Filipino citizen.
For 19 years of my existence, I have grown up living here in the Philippines
having the beliefs, cultures and traditions of my country. My personality was an
aggregate of the teachings and principles I have acquired from living here.
The Philippines is a tropical country in Pacific Ocean, blessed with beautiful
natural landscapes and active volcanoes and extreme weather patterns. My
country is known of being a unique and beautiful country where kindness and
respect towards others is part of the culture, and all are willing to help you to
have a wonderful experience in our country. Our nation has endless natural
beauty, yet also skills and modern infrastructure to make it home to many of the
world’s largest companies. Stress is not a palpable in my country as in others,
but rather it feels that there is balance among most. Work, family, religion, are
all present in our everyday and all three play an important part in achieving the
sense of peace you feel here. We, Filipino people, are known to be fast and
intelligent and live well-structured lives while at the same time preserving a calm
and relaxing environment, making our nation a joy to visit.
However, just like any other country, our nation has many unpleasant side
particularly the internal wrangling, religious overtones, dynasty political stalling
and international intervention. The violence and corruption are rampant in the
country. I have even experienced social oppression from some of the masters
of my mother, since she was once a housemaid and she often bought me to
where she worked. Here in the Philippines, some wealthy people will really
discriminate you specially if you belong to the lower class.
Despite of the dark sides my nation has, I am still greatful to be a resident
here. After all, it isn’t the country that’s unpleasant but it is the people who made
things wrong to make seamy things.