Hustle and Bustle(2 of 2)

How 1st semester turned out?

6

This fourth year, I took an opportunity in a radio broadcasting contest, one of the contests in a District School Press Conference, out of interest in the said media. We practiced scriptwriting and news delivery for days. And at the day of the contest, the pressure was on. It was a challenging match for 2 hours, and we arrived at a script that's nice despite of the errors. Then, we delivered the script in a form of a 5-minute news broadcast. There was good teamwork working among our team of 7. Despite of the difficulties and slip-offs, I can say that we've done a great job.

But with this I had a doubt if I could do this further when while we're in this contest, my classmates are busy in the classroom with our teachers. I fear of the activities and seatworks and quizzes that I'll miss. I'm unsure if I can handle the matters in both sides—the curricular and the extra-curricular. I prayed that others will be picked for the team to compete on the next contest that will be in the regional level. I hoped that I won't reach the top spots.

7

2 days after the contest, the winners were awarded. I had that strong hope that others will win. It turned out that we won 3rd in scriptwriting, and I won 3rd in best news presenter, of which I'm thankful. With that I'm assured that I'm not picked for the next contest, finally looking up to working back in the classroom. But our school paper adviser has to confirm that first, as I've learned last Friday.

I was alarmed again. Shocked. Don't know what to do. Nothing to do but to brace myself. I thought, I've had enough. I'm now contented with what I've got. Do I have to do this?

I'm afraid that I probably have to attend another extra-curricular activity. In a school where the expectations are high and maybe can explode a galvanometer, where seatwork+homework+other works=a seemingly exhausting game to play, balancing the curricular and the extra-curricular seems to be overwhelming. That's why I pray that I could finally settle on my chair and do what has to be done so that I won't miss anything, and also so that I'll learn more. I hope I'll get working more inside the classroom rather than out of it.

But if ever I'm needed in the contest, if ever God will challenge me in the following days, I hope I won't forget what He says in the Bible:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"—Romans 8:28(NIV)

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.""—2 Corinthians 12:9(NIV)

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."—2 Corinthians 4:17(NIV)

""For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.""—Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

8

Third quarter is just starting, and the hustle and bustle will continue after this one-week break. Things are soon to unfold, but I hope that I'll get through. I just have to go on facing the music. But I'm not alone.  

Hustle and Bustle(1 of 2)

How 1st semester turned out?

1

'Semester' is more applicable in college, but as a high school student, 'semestral break' rings as a sign of relief and repose after the hustle and bustle of first and second quarters. It always turns out, though, to be a one-week holiday when it could have been two weeks, because the suspension of classes during the devastating monsoons takes those days away. More suspension equates to less sembreak.

I should be thankful, anyway. It's good enough to rest and relax for a week before we, science high school students, ignite our engines and start functioning again. Another thing, the fear and anticipation for another week will be relieved for at least one Sunday. And we can take longer rests at last, although it still depends on the person.

As I take the time to both work and play this sembreak, I also reminisce the past two quarters. We've just started on third quarter, and I think it's now time for me to improve in the last two parts of my final year in high school.

2

As long as I can remember, first quarter went well. After so much hardship and stress that I've been through last school year, I had a restart.

Fourth year is not much easy, but every piece of hard work, every exertion of effort helps me get through. Though I fail sometimes, I still do my best to do better. Every end of the week is a victory, and a preparation for the next.

Of course, there is still play behind the work. I've met and got close to new classmates, most of them I get to know more. There were laughs, talks, and teamwork.

3

Throughout the first quarter, there were still times where I have to stay late at night just to get things done. As always, there's the work in TLE, where we now work on our own houses(more about that later).

At some nights I'll deal with our research study. That was really the time where I really worked overnight, while listening to either Jam 88.3 or Absolute 80s. As a student in a high school like ours, it's often normal to work overnight, unless you really want to use your time efficiently and not starve yourself of sleep, unless you're quicker than I am.

All I've been through at "first stage" lead me to a grade of 88.78, which is good enough for me. Besides, we're just starting. With that I've ranked near the 3 topnotchers. Aren't those blessings? They are.

4

Then, I reached to the point that I'm really facing the music. 2nd quarter brought more and more work and opportunities. The weight that I carry increased. The battle became more challenging. Each day of class I push myself to wake up before 5 a.m., and then strive to get things finished throughout the day. Like in first quarter, I stayed awake in the early mornings, and I even sacrificed sleep one morning(actually, for many nights this school year I've already sacrificed sleep).

That morning was when I have to finish a project in TLE. I've mentioned earlier that we're working on our houses. So, my project was blueprints which consist of plans, elevations and details, from doors to beam. That was the time when some of us in the class were already done with those, and many of us are catching up. That was the time when I realized a lesson I have to learn again and again—the value of time.

The realization came while I did those blueprints and listened to 98.7 DZFE, the classical music station. I heard something like an infomercial about time itself and how it relates to a student, to an editor, to an athlete, etc. The message is simply this: value your time, it's only borrowed.

5

I also found out that we're ignoring Research, and so I now pray that we won't miss time and opportunities to have a successful study. It's one of the tickets to high school victory.

It also alarmed me that I'm still losing some momentum to achieve high, or simply passing scores on exams. I failed in Research, I failed in Math(but still passing on the final grade), but got a high score in Physics, which I really didn't expect. I just hope that I've received passing grades in 2nd quarter, and pray that I'll do better in 3rd and 4th.

I don't want to do the same things again. I hope for a better time management. It's vital for me, and for everyone too. I'm looking forward to well-spent productivity this time, but how if something else just come around and may get me out of balance?


To be continued

101 Songs of My Third Year (Part 10)

We're finally at the final 10! At last! What to expect? It's yours to unfold. Well, you really have to listen. You may find these songs nice and put it in your cellphones—ahem—smartphones. So why don't you give them a try?

Let's unfold these remarkable songs I listened at third year.

10. "You got to push, got to shove"

Life On The Nickel|Foster The People

Yeah yeah yeah. We have FTP again...or FTPs. Anyway, aside from the unique electronic and pop-ish sound of FTP, the words of "Hustling", a.k.a. "Life On The Nickel", is relative to how my day to day life turned out before.

For me, the word hustling is like working in the wee hours of the night and staying awake like an insomniac. Working here, working there.

I also like the pumped-up live version.

9. "But then I act like I know everything"

Broken Jaw|Foster The People

Yeah yeah...A slow progression followed by a DJ-like upbeat tempo. That's how I'll describe "Broken Jaw".

8. "Your social guides give you swollen eyes /But what I've got can't be bought"

Call It What You Want|Foster The People

Yeah. 3 songs in a row from FTP. Because they're really the band that I can relate myself to.

Here, we have a classic piano riff combined with things electro. Also, we hear what it conveys. And what it conveys to me is something I can grasp at an instant.

Otis(autistic). Serious. Demure. Formal. Whatever. Call me what you want. What's important is that I am being myself and not "themselves".

7. "Most nights I don't know anymore"

Some Nights|Fun.

It's a cry that I'll cry aloud. It's a battle hymn I'll hum.

Coming from their second album, "Some Nights" reveals a more powerful power pop that's really fun.'s.

Look at it. Some nights. And it's true. Some nights I stay up late in the dark. And some nights I think that life's so uncertain.

6. "And I'll kneel down/Know my ground"

I Will Wait|Mumford and Sons

A very energetic folk rock song from an emerging band named Mumford and Sons.

It's unusual for me to see orchestrated guitars, banjo, bass, piano, and even membranophones...until I saw Mumford and Sons on Late Show with David Letterman. So great. Harmonic vocals and heartwarming words summed up into 3 words: I will wait.

I will wait for the completion of third year, I thought. I will wait for the completion of my academic life. I will wait for the fulfillment of my dreams. I will wait for love (I don't even have time to think of that in the meantime). Seriously. Everything is settled in God's timetable.

5. "There's been a lot of talk of love/But that don't amount to nothing"

Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It|Stars

The first song I've ever heard from Stars, thanks to Jam 88.3. A very heartfelt and heartwarming song colored with synthesizer lines and New Wave-ish guitars and drums.

It's true. It's a lesson I've learned and even learning—so far. Give without asking back. Accept when you're given. How simple to read, but how challenging to do.

4. "If you're lost and alone/Or you're sinking like a stone."

Carry On|Fun.

A lever that will wake you up and push you through. It's an encouragement brought to you by fun.

No matter how hard life is, we have to carry on. We have to go on and go forward with God's help.

Power pop again...From a piano line to a pulsating interference of beats and rock sounds.

3. "I played soldier, you played king"

Burn It Down|Linkin Park

"Burn It Down", one of LP's current singles, is the most electrifying among the tracks in their latest album Living Things. More of synths, and more of LP's energy.

And more of LP's meaningful words. And I've sensed that I can relate to this one.

Like a wave, we're brought up, then we learn that we're being put down. We're lifted up, then in time we're down below.

2. "...Ayoko maging robot"

Otomatik|Pedicab

The band's recent single, which also introduced me to the band. Not only do I like the homegrown electronic sound made by the 5-piece band of a guitar, a professional drums, a bass synth, a touch-here-touch-there effects, and a different kind of vocals.

I also like the the content of it: the reality that we tend to burn out and still working on something. It's such a burden, because we're humans. Not robots. Therefore, we have limitations, and we hope that we will take a break from this daily routine of work and being restless.

I can't afford being stressed for a long time, and how stressful the last school year has been!

1. "Do you need you take my youth to.."

Turn It Well|Up Dharma Down

And finally, we have reached #1...with Up Dharma Down's "Turn It Well", out from their currently released album Capacities.

It is the song that rekindled my awareness about UDD. A great and harmonious combination of 80's-like keyboard sounds, drum-pad-played loops, good guitars, and a sweet voice.

Also, "Turn It Well" is a nice reminder for all of us to take a break from our busyness and get relaxed for some time. I refer this thought to the title of the song.


And here it goes..My 101 songs in third year. It's been a hard series to work on because I lost the time to consequently post part after part. Finally, it's done. I hope you've found something new to listen out of all these songs.

Let's keep the music going.