Of wasted days, text messages, and Cory Aquino

I was looking forward to a relaxing day. I woke up at 6:30 and my mom was panicking and asking me, “Papasok ka ba?“.

Well, I was spacing out so I didn’t answer. Mom fell asleep again, so I also went back to bed. BUT! Before sleeping, I checked text messages and I found one that made that hour a little more, uhm, happy? Basta, it made me giddy. Because I know that message is for me, and I know it’s not a group message. and he made an effort to type it (although it was not even a sentence). You know me– silly, a little shallow. Gah. Then everything went wrong.

I am a mess. Like until now. I don’t feel well. I have this ‘girl-sickness’ going on. I was quite sad with our morning greeter from paragraph 2, I just felt chaos forming around my brain. And instead of having a peaceful day, things didn’t turn really great. I’m not even excited to go to school. Crap. Wasted. Even my day, is wasted.

Oh, and another. I am so sad about Former President Cory Aquino. I didn’t even meet her personally. I wanted to go to Ayala Ave. with my mom this morning but we both did not go. May her legacy and her advocacy on democracy continue. Let’s not be trapped on the stupid ideas of some of our rotten government officials. We should always stick to the true law and not on the officials making ‘law-ko‘ of the people (I know, corny but true).

Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!

My fellow bloggers, I invite you to Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino! Very simple:

1. Create an entry entitled:  “Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!“. A link to this original entry will be appreciated, but is not required.

2. Post a yellow ribbon in your blog for President Cory Aquino. Whatever form of yellow ribbon that your creative imagination can come up with.

3. Invite other bloggers to tie a yellow ribbon for Cory.

President Cory Aquino has done a lot for us Filipinos.  She’s suffered more than enough. I might not agree with some of the things that she has done but that is beside the point.  My respect is unconditional and I will thank this great woman for the biggest and most valuable gift that she has given us Filipinos – giving back our freedom and liberty. And as a blogger, there is not much that I can do, other than offer prayers for Cory Aquino. With this, let’s show our love and respect for Cory through our blogs and I invite all the writers of Barrio Siete, readers and commenters to Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino! Thank you!

~La Kapitana~ Barriosiete.com

I hope she will become better. It is so hard to think that a woman of such a strong character would suffer from this kind of disease. I feel her every suffering, like I’m the one experiencing it. I know, very surreal. But come on people, let us all pray for her well-being and also for her family.

Ready to Forgive and Ready to be Forgiven

If anyone was offended with my posts, especially the post ‘Nobody should be fooled to believe a fool’, I am very sorry. I know it is likely that people should get mad at me for sharing those thoughts. i just love my friend/s and I am just sad at the thought of them being unhappy.

If ever you have anything to say to me, anything against me, I accept it wholeheartedly and I hope you forgive me.

If someone have offended me, I am ready to forgive too.

Ciao.

Fabricated Smiles of a Wretched Soul

I lay in my bed a few minutes later, resigned as the pain finally made its
appearance.

It was a crippling thing, this sensation that a huge hole had been punched through my chest, excising my most vital organs and leaving ragged, unhealed gashes around the edges that continued to throb and bleed despite the passage of time. Rationally, I knew my lungs must still be intact, yet I gasped for air and my head spun like my efforts yielded me nothing. My heart must have been beating, too, but I couldn’t hear the sound of my pulse in my ears; my hands felt blue with cold. I curled inward, hugging my ribs to hold myself together. I scrambled for my numbness, my denial, but it evaded me.

And yet, I found I could survive. I was alert, I felt the pain—the aching loss that radiated out from my chest, sending wracking waves of hurt through my limbs and head—but it was manageable. I could live through it. It didn’t feel like the pain had weakened over time, rather that I’d grown strong enough to bear it.

This is my first time to experience this: Pain — so sharp, so excruciating. It was worse than I’ve imagined. I was too happy to be able to think about pain. But now, how I wish I can turn everything back.The fact that it reaches up to my bones, trying to break it into tiny pieces wasn’t really painful for me. The most painful is that my fragile heart, which is full of love, shatters bit by bit, every fraction of it shouts my undeniable and unequivocal love for her.

Everyday, I am on the verge of  breaking down. But I didn’t tell anyone what happened, so I keep my mouth shut to prevent regrets to come out of it and my eyes closed to hold back any tears from spilling. All the people around me thinks I am happy. I was a little tensed when someone notices that I’ve changed. But I tell them that I just lack sleep. And when I smile at them, it shows the fabricated world I’ve been building to hide the shadows of my pain. No one sees my grief. No one will be able to understand the misery I’m in.

Tonight should I sleep, without knowing what comes in the morning — without the reason to wake up again.

This post is for someone else, and not for me. Just to let you now the agony of a person, who tries to smile even if in pain. Excerpt from Bella in the second Twilight installment New Moon.

Research I handout from Ms. Lyric Sabado

Muntinlupa Science High School

RESEARCH I

HAND OUTS

MICROBIOLOGY

Terminology of Microbial Control

1. The control of microbial growth can prevent infections and food spoilage.

2. Sterilization is the process of destroying all microbial life on an object.

3. Commercial sterilization is heat treatment of canned food s to destroy C. botillinum endospores.

4. Disinfection is the process of reducing or inhibiting microbial growth on a nonliving surface.

5. Antisepsis is the process of reducing or inhibiting microorganisms on living tissue.

6. The suffix –cide means to kill; the suffix –stat means to inhibit.

7. Sepsis is bacterial contamination.

Physical Methods of Microbial Control

Heat

1. Heat is frequently used to eliminate microorganisms.

2. Moist heat kills microbes by denaturing enzymes.

3. Thermal death point (TDP) is the lowest temperature at which all the microbes in a liquid will be killed in 10minutes.

4. Thermal death time (TDT) is the length of time required to kill a bacteria in a liquid culture at a given temperature.

5. Decimal reduction time (DRT) is the length of time in which 90% of a bacterial population will be killed at a given temperature.

6. Boiling (100°C) kills many vegetative e cells and viruses

7. Autoclaving (steam under pressure) is the most effective method of moist heat sterilization. The steam must directly contact the material to be sterilized.

8. In HTST pasteurization, a high temperature is used for short time (72°C for 15 secs) to destroy pathogens without altering the flavor of the food. Ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment (140°C for 30 secs) is us3ed to sterile dairy products.

9. Methods of dry heat sterilization include direct flaming, incerination, and hot air sterilization. Dry heat kills by oxidation.

10. Different methods that produce the same effect (reduction in microbial growth) are called equivalent treatments.

Filtration

1. Filtration is the passage of a liquid or gas through a filter with pores small enough to retain microbes.

2. Microbes can be removed from air by high-efficiency –particulate air filters.

3. Membrane filters compost of nitrocellulose or cellulose acetate are commonly used to filter out bacteria, viruses, and even large proteins.

Low Temperature

1. The effectiveness of low temperatures depends on a particular microorganism and the intensity of the application.

2. Many microbe s survive (but do not grow) at the sub zero temperatures used to store foods.

3. Most microorganisms do not reproduce at ordinary refrigerator temperatures (o-7°C).

Desiccation

1. In the absence of water, microorganisms cannot grow but can remain viable.

2. Viruses and endospores can resist desiccation.

Osmotic Pressure

1. Microorganisms in high concentrations of salts and sugars undergo plsamolysis.

2. Molds and yeast are more capable than bacteria of growing in materials with low moisture or high osmotic pressure.

Radiation

1. The effects of radiation depend on its wavelength, in tensity, and duration.

2. Ionizing radiation (gamma rays, X rays, and high energy electron beams) has a high degree of penetration and exerts its effect primarily by ionizing water and forming highly reactive hydroxyl radicals.

3. Microwaves can kill microbes indirectly as materials get hot.

4. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation a form of nonionizing radiation has a low degree of penetration and causes cell damage.

oh ayan na. For FERMI and other juniors.

7 Things at Random

SEVEN THINGS THAT SCARE YOU

1) be in a mortifying situation in front of my crush (noo..)

2) roaches and other disgusting insects (yuck)

3) be kicked-out of my current school (double nooo!..)

4) losing a loved one or be separated from them (aww)

5) the dark (you don’t know what’s in there!)

6) my terror teacher. )

7) failing and low grades

SEVEN THINGS YOU LIKE THE MOST (7 lang?? XD)

1) books! all books!

2) music. it is my passion. ^^

3) the PC. It is so multifunctional. Diba? Diba diba?

4) my phone. The three of them.

5) any FM radio. Boring na ang repetitive music, hahaha. Be random!

6) going out. Going to malls, to parks, anywhere interesting.

7) doing anything artsy like doing arts and crafts, singing, dancing, writing, etc.,

SEVEN IMPORTANT THINGS IN YOUR ROOM

1) clothes and vanity items. hahaha. The reason why I’m always late.

2) my trusted radio.

3) my phone/s

4) scrapbooks and memory box

5) gifts from family and friends

6) my musical instruments

7) my arts and crafts instruments and paraphernalia. )

SEVEN RANDOM FACTS ABOUT YOU

1) When I hear any dance song and I’m alone, I dance. )

2) I turn the fan on even of its so cold. But I still cuddle the covers.

3) I give weird code names to people.

4) I love chocolate even though it’s bad for me.

5) I have scoliosis but I want to learn break dancing. )

6) I become fat when I stay at my Lola’s house in San Pedro . ^^

7) I love Dance Maniacs and Dance Dance Revolution.

SEVEN THINGS YOU PLAN TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE

1) be at peace with all my enemies if I have one.

2) Go to Paris

3) meet my boyfriend, Nick Jonas. )

4) be famous! hahaha

5) travel around the world carrying God’s word.

6) learn all kinds of martial arts

7) swim professionally.

SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN DO

1) cross a busy street or road without anyone guiding me

2) I can sing and dance. Well.. Haha, yabang ko. XD

3) I can be mataray at times. Pero I’m usually friendly.

4) Text w/o looking at my phone screen

5) Be a good friend

6) Do web pages because of HTML

7) Be civil to someone who irritates me

SEVEN THINGS YOU CAN’T DO

1) Talk back to my parents.

2) Hurt someone physicaly.

3) Lie. For example, I have to go to the mall with some friends. I’ll tell Mom the truth. Unlike some of my friends, hahaha. Peace.

4) Talk in straight English and Tagalog. It has to be Taglish! )

5) I can’t seem to pronounce the letters r and l properly

6) Betray someone.

7) Talk about something “green” with my friends. Eew.

SEVEN THINGS THAT ATTRACT YOU TO THE OPPOSITE SEX

1) being a gentleman. Kahit simple things lang like carrying my bag, or opening the door for me.

2) kindness. To everyone.

3) loves God and is passionate about Him.

4) someone who is not recorded and choreographed. I mean someone na nagpapakatotoo sa sarili niya and not like he practices everything that he do.

5) someone who is funny and has a sense of humor.

6) athletic, good dancer, and good singer. ) halos lahat ata ng crush ko varsity at musicians.

7) pagiging hygienic. pero hindi vain!

SEVEN THINGS YOU SAY THE MOST

1)Gosh, Oh gosh, or Oh My Gosh. (OMG)

2) Yep.

3) Putek!

4) Kasi naman e!

5) Ang garfield mo. )

6) Weh. Di nga?

7) yeah. *smug*

SEVEN CELEB CRUSHES

1) Nick Jonas. He’s my boyfriend nga e. Kulit. )

2) Chris Brown.

3) Robert Pattinson, the Edward Cullen guy. Wiee,

4) Mart Escudero. XD

5) Van from PDA

6) Robert Schwartzman from Princess Diaries 1

7) Miguel Escueta

SEVEN PEOPLE YOU WANT TO SEE TAKE THIS TEST

sorry for breaking the rule but I want everyone to take the test. )

Dreamy Idealists

I got this from Ate Alyzza who got it from Ate Kriselle. If you want one just click here

Dreamy Idealists are very cautious and therefore often appear shy and reserved to others. They share their rich emotional life and their passionate convictions with very few people. But one would be very much mistaken to judge them to be cool and reserved. They have a pronounced inner system of values and clear, honourable principles for which they are willing to sacrifice a great deal. Joan of Arc or Sir Galahad would have been good examples of this personality type. Dreamy Idealists are always at great pains to improve the world. They can be very considerate towards others and do a lot to support them and stand up for them. They are interested in their fellow beings, attentive and generous towards them. Once their enthusiasm for an issue or person is aroused, they can become tireless fighters.

For Dreamy Idealists, practical things are not really so important. They only busy themselves with mundane everyday demands when absolutely necessary. They tend to live according to the motto “the genius controls the chaos” – which is normally the case so that they often have a very successful academic career. They are less interested in details; they prefer to look at something as a whole. This means that they still have a good overview even when things start to become hectic. However, as a result, it can occasionally happen that Dreamy Idealists overlook something important. As they are very peace-loving, they tend not to openly show their dissatisfaction or annoyance but to bottle it up. Assertiveness is not one of their strong points; they hate conflicts and competition. Dreamy Idealists prefer to motivate others with their amicable and enthusiastic nature. Whoever has them as superior will never have to complain about not being given enough praise.

As at work, Dreamy Idealists are helpful and loyal friends and partners, persons of integrity. Obligations are absolutely sacred to them. The feelings of others are important to them and they love making other people happy. They are satisfied with just a small circle of friends; their need for social contact is not very marked as they also need a lot of time to themselves. Superfluous small talk is not their thing. If one wishes to be friends with them or have a relationship with them, one would have to share their world of thought and be willing to participate in profound discussions. If you manage that you will be rewarded with an exceptionally intensive, rich partnership. Due to their high demands on themselves and others, this personality type tends however to sometimes overload the relationship with romantic and idealistic ideas to such an extent that the partner feels overtaxed or inferior. Dreamy Idealists do not fall in love head over heels but when they do fall in love they want this to be a great, eternal love.

Adjectives which describe your type

introverted, theoretical, emotional, spontaneous, idealistic, dreamy, effusive, pleasant, reserved, friendly, passionate, loyal, perfectionist, helpful, creative, composed, curious, obstinate, with integrity, willing to make sacrifices, romantic, cautious, shy, peace-loving, vulnerable, sensitive, communicative, imaginative

These subjects could interest youl

iterature, philosophy, psychology, music, art (museums), writing, drawing/painting, astrology, spiritual things, meditation, handicrafts, writing, voluntary work

Confusing Posts

Okay, so don’t be confused about the short story and the research notes post. I just need to post them for a classmate to print them. Yeah, I know. It’s kinda magulo, Bear with me, I just need to post it here. Thanks everyone!

SHORT STORY –εκδικούμαι(Revenge)

The dark, frigid night sent shivers to our spines. Walking down that road and watching some street lights flicker, we took root on our way home. Feeling the heavy air around us, I start to recollect the events this morning. Amelia needed her pre-natal check-up to ensure our baby’s safety, so we went to the hospital. But all of a sudden, right at that moment, I felt that something was wrong. Is it just me, or is someone rushing upon us? It was an intuition that it was since we left the hospital. He, or maybe a she, is following our every move.

Of course, I alarmed my wife of this. She isn’t saying it to me, but she was sensing it too. I felt my heart, beating faster than the usual. We’re trying to be as calm as we can, but we can’t hide the panic arising from us. Is it only a coincidence,? I have to think clear, maybe this is just a coincidence.

As we approach our house, the presence of our “stalker” suddenly disappeared. With a sigh of relief, we walked down our front lawn. Thinking about it, maybe we have the same way in heading home. Out path way is clear and Amelia’s potted plants are on the sides.

Amelia suddenly grabbed my arm. I know that she isn’t feeling well that certain afternoon. I clasped her hand, but I noticed the difference in the way she grasped it. It was cold, and shaking. She told me that she doesn’t want to go inside. I hesitated, so we headed towards the door.

We were taken aback by a tall man clad in black. He was standing in front of us after we opened the door. We were so afraid to utter even a single word. I realized that the man wasn’t alone. There were three of them. And the two other men were in our living room, searching for something.

I felt that I was in a trance that’s why I didn’t realize that our unexpected guests grabbed our arms. I can’t barely move, but I tried to get free from my captors. When I saw my wife being held by one of them, I kicked the man who grabbed Amelia’s arm and kicked him. She ran as fast as she can to the back of our house, but the man who was holding her followed as she disappeared in the back. I caught a glimpse of the man who followed my wife, he was pulling a gun! I tried to get free again, but he was grasping my arms so tight that the idea of moving was improbable.

I can’t think of anything else but my wife and our child that she is carrying. With the man trailing on her, I know that she isn’t safe. I prayed a silent prayer, O Lord, please keep my wife safe. It’s okay if I’ll be the one to die, but not her. Please guide her Father. Let her live. As I was ending my prayer, I heard gunshots. It came from the back of our house. My tears flowed from my eyes. Another gunshot was fired slowly, I felt hot coals burning in my stomach, but then, I sensed a cold pain and I blacked-out.

———————————————————————————————————————————–

It is 8 o’clock in the morning, still, the president of the Computer Technology Elite Society is not yet awake. The sun blazes its light through his room’s windows but still he hugged the sheets, dreaming of some things.

“Wake up, sleepy head!” Adam said. Adam Wilson is Eithreim’s old and trusted friend. “Eithreim! You must wake up now. Your secretary told me that you have a meeting today. You’re one lucky guy, I just happen to pass by and found you under these covers, dreaming. I got some Chinese dumplings, if you want. I’m going to the office now.” he explained hastily.

Scratching his messy, brown hair, Eithreim stood up.

“You really know how to wake a guy. Hey! How did you get in here?” Eithreim said with a shocked expression on his face.

“Because of your recurring amnesia, you forgot to lock the door! Good thing you’re living here in Sunny Drive. Guess no one would like to enter your filthy house!” Adam said as he observed his friend’s room. “Let me guess, you were at the bar last night, weren’t you? Man, forget about Amelia! It’s been two years since she died. You just have to move on and let go!” he said while shaking his head.

“I can’t Adam,” Eithreim said. “I can’t forget my wife that easily, especially with the child she was bearing that time. I was there but I did nothing for them.”

“That’s not your fault. The thieves should regret their mistake!” Adam replied

“After these years, no one gets blamed for the crime. No one goes to jail! I still want justice. Until now, I’m still confused. That night, they were searching for something, not stealing.”

Putting his cap down, his brown hair cascaded, the sun-catching, blond highlights, Adam tried to calm his friend.

“You better hurry. Your clients will not wait for you.” Adam muttered. “Oh. and another thing. There is a pretty lady waiting for you. I let her in because she is sitting in your porch. Thought she was getting cold there.”

“Huh? Who is she?” Eithreim asked, trying to figure out who the woman is.

“Just check her out, man.” Adam said as helloked into his watch. “Now I’m late for my meeting! See you in the office!”

They waved goodbye to each other. He’s still sleepy but he cannot leave his visitor.

Who is she? What does she want?

————————————————————————————————————————————

“Mr. Harrison, I suppose. I’m Fujiko Hanozawa, Executive Secretary in CTES Japan. I came all the way to Tokyo just to see you.” Fujiko smiled.

For the second time around, his heart was strucked by Cupid’s arrow. He can’t explain why he was mesmerized by Fujiko’s beauty. Eithreim felt that the whole world stopped. He had never seen a lady so radiant and beautiful yet has a strong personality. She has red cheeks and full lips. I can’t help but stare at her. She looks so modest with her black, shoulder-length hair. Those shining eyes has a hidden person waiting to be known. To be loved.

She looks like Amelia.

“Mr. Eithreim, I’m not here to be stared at. I’m here because we have a serious problem.” She said with an impatient tone in her voice.

“I’m sorry. What seems to be the problem?”

“It’s been a month since someone from our branch is illegally making transactions to some countries. That means the money will not manifest in any financial statement of our company that will soon lead to our bankruptcy. I’m terrified that the news will spread to other branches and terminate CTES Japan,”

Fujiko replied. “I’m afraid that the military secrets of our allied countries will be known to enemy countries. I have these reports that the culprit of this illegal transactions is located in Japan. You’re the only person I can think of that has the capability to help us. You must come with me to Japan, our company needs you.”

“Right. This company needs me. I owe these all to Sir William, in this way, I can show my gratitude to him.” Eithreim said.

“Good. We’ll leave tomorrow,” Amelia said while turning to leave “I’ll pick you up by five in the morning. Goodbye, sir.”

Ms. Hanozawa left Eithreim with a serious yet confused expression.

————————————————————————————————————————————-

For weeks, they investigated in Japan, searching for clues. But all they found was crumpled pieces of paper in the computer laboratory. These pieces of paper has encrypted codes that looks like it came from the Greek alphabet. εκδικούμαι

Although this may be a turning point on their investigation, their attention was turned to each other. Fujiko softened. And her cold heart learned to love Eithreim, as well as Eithreim fell in love with Fujiko. Charmed for the second time, Eithreim’s heart once again found a new rhythm.

Who could betray my company? Why this time?

“Eithreim, let’s continue our search tomorrow. You look so tired and you badly need a rest.” Fujiko said.

“I must not stop now. I can’t rest knowing that my company is in danger of facing bankruptcy,” he replied. “And another thing is that someone is following us on our investigation.”

“How did you know that?” Fujiko appeared shocked.

“I can sense it. Someone wants something from us. But we will know who they are, right Fujiko?”

“Yeah. Yes, of course!” She said while avoiding his gaze.

She seems so nervous. Like she is hiding something.

Fujiko, on the other hand was thinking too.

How will I tell him? I’m so sorry Eithreim.

“”Eithreim, I’ll just get something in my room. Just wait for me, okay?” Fujiko said sweetly.

“Sure. but come back fast or the restaurant will be closing before we can eat.” Eithreim replied then smiled.

Eithreim waited impatiently for Fujiko. Ten minutes passed by.

“What took you so long?”

“I’m sorry!” Fujiko replied, with a sense of guilt in her voice. “It was an emergency. Don’t ask anymore.”

“Right. Let’s go.” Eithreim said, confused.

————————————————————————————————————————————

“Beep.. beep… beep…”

The sound came from Eithreim’s cellphone. He quickly woke up from his deep slumber and answered the phone.

“Eithreim!” He heard a familiar voice.

“Who is this?” Eithreim was quick to reply.

“It’s Fujiko! You got to come here, quick! I’m in Mr. Ashford’s mansion. He’s the one making all those transactions. There’s no time to explain now, they’re after me.” Fujiko said nervously.

“I’ll be there. Be careful.” he said.

Fujiko didn’t reply. There was silence on the other end of the line. He dashed for his keys and drove off to the mansion.

It was dark inside the mansion. He traced his steps, careful not to make a sound. Then all the lights turned on.

“Finally! You’re here Mr. Harrison. I was expecting you.” Mr. Ashford said.

“I didn’t know you so well. I know Fujiko is in here, where is she?” Eithreim demanded.

“You will see her later. But I don’t know if you’ll get out of here… alive.” Mr. Ashford chuckled.

“Don’t you dare hurt her!”

“I won’t,” He said. “But someone will. I think you know each other.”

Who could it be?

———————————————————————————————————————————-

“Don’t you remember me? Thought we were friends.” Eithreim turned around to see a person from his past. Daniel Graves.

My wife’s ex-boyfriend!

Amelia loves Daniel so much even with his street-like attitude. With his unruly hair and tattoos all over, you are sure that he won’t be doing any good.

He just want Amelia for her money.

“Why are you here? What do you want?” An angry Eithreim spoke.

“I need my revenge. ” Daniel said.

“So do I!” Mr. Ashford interrupted.

“I can’t understand this. Why are you doing this?”

“Before your wedding with my princess,” Daniel said. “A group of men came to my house. They were beating my wits of! Then an old man, who happens to be Amelia’s father went inside my house and told me never to show my dirty face to the both of you. I agree on his terms. And not only that! He made me executive of CTES Japan. I was waiting for a person with so much hatred with your family. And here we are! Ready to get our revenge. You’ll see what we mean later.”

“Don’t mention my wife for your stupid decisions. I know you just want her for fame, for fortune!”

“I think your wife and her family owes me more than that. Because of me, there will be no CTES. They owe me everything!” Mr. Ashford interrupted.

“What?”

———————————————————————————————————————————–

“Before CTES opened, my company was the leading information center. All was well before William’s company stole my show. He got my ideas on fast-linnk technology! And when they established CTES, it lead to our bankruptcy and my downfall. I pleaded William to give me a position. He told me to kneel down before him and I followed! I have no choice but to follow his orders, or else, I won’tt have anything to feed my family.” Mr. Ashford said. “That old bastard will pay!”

“Don’t call him that!”

“But he is!” Mr. Ashford said while lighting his tobacco. “Did you know why Amelia died?”

“What do you mean? There were thieves that night.” Eithreim said, trying to recall that painful day.

“It was not a robbery, you fool. That was murder! Thanks to my very good friend who also happens to be your best friend!” Mr. Ashford laughed.

Adam?

Adam suddenly stood in front of them, holding Fujiko as captive.

“Sorry, Eithreim. I needed the money. They offered it to me years ago. And because of you, i didn’t have the chance to show Amelia that i love her!” Adam said bitterly.

“Eithreim, help me!” Fujiko said.

“If you want her safe, agree on going with us. But if you won’t, we’ll take her.”

“I agree,” Eithreim said. “Take me instead.”

Daniel went behind Fujiko and Adam went to Eithreim’s back. Adam pointed a gun on Eithreim and Daniel put his hands on Fujiko’s shoulder and kissed her on the cheeks.

“Well done, dear.” Daniel said with an evil glint in his eyes.

Fujiko smiled.

“So this is all a trap!” He said. “You all planned this!”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Mr. Ashford said. “We needed to get our revenge. And because of all the money that the countries gave us for their payment, we are as rich as you.”

“Even way over you!” Adam laughed.

“What? You’re the one who stole informations? How could you!” Fujiko said.

Mr. Ashford said. “We needed to get our revenge. And because of all the money that the countries gave us for their payment, we are as rich as you.”

“Even way over you!” Adam laughed.

“Of course! Who could it be? Either money, or no money at all.” Mr. Ashford said.

“I can’t believe it! I didn’t know that you stole all of those information! And a murderer too? No…” Fujiko started.

“Shut up!” Daniel said, as he slapped her face. “If it wasn’t because of me, you won’t be in your position. You should be as ow as a rat!”

“Daniel…”

“He doesn’t love you Fujiko. It’s all in our plan. We just used you.” Adam said.

“No!…” she cried, runnning towards the door.

Their evil revenge was short-lived. The police mobiles rushed in the mansion. Before Eithreim went there, he informed the police about the kidnapping and alleged stealing. Adam tried to escape, but he was shot in the back. The mansion was now empty, except for Eithreim, crying his heart out.

————————————————————————————————————————————

“Fujiko, I can’t file you a case. I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel right. I’ll withdraw the charges on you.” Eithreim said.

“No. I must pay for everything. This is too much. It isn’t fair.” Fujiko sobbed

“Forget your past. You still have your future… You still have me.” Eithreim said.

“I don’t know Eithreim, I’m still in love with Daniel. I just don’t know, Eithreim, I don’t.”

“If that’s what you feel, it’s alright with me. Maybe this is the end for the two of us.” Eithreim replied with a sad look on his face.

“No. It won’t be. If we’re meant for each other, fate will find a way to bring us together.” Fujiko exclaimed.

“I guess, this is goodbye…” Eithreim said.

“Hey Eithreim! Don’t be like that. Just say see you.” Fujiko tried to smile. She kissed Eithreim on his lips.

I’ll always be there for you Eithreim.

Fujiko started to walk away when Eithreim shouted, “Hey! I love you, Fujiko!”

Fujiko laughed and said, “Yeah right!”

Letting go is hard enough. But it doesn’t mean it’s over. Maybe this is our fate. Our destiny. love will find the way to bring the two of us together.

———————————————————————————————————————————–

In a small, dark room, a man was sitting in a couch, watching television. His body was slumped, showing his tattoos on the left arm. Only the light from the screen illuminated in his face.

“We interrupt you with this short news. Daniel Graves escaped from Burlington prison. The police is now having a search for the dangerous man…”

From the darkness, his face appeared. He was wearing a devilish smile.

“I will come back for you Eithreim. I shall get my revenge. I will!”

His eyes widened as he laughed while tearing Eithreim’s pictures. His evil laughter echoes in the room, like the police sirens sounding throughout the day…

I’ll be his worst nightmare.

— story made and edited by ELIZ CUENCO and NIKKI MERLE

Can you come up with a Good Research Problem?

The Research Problem

An investigator knows that a problem is really researchable if:

• there is no known solution to the problem
• the problem can be answered by using statistical methods and techniques
• there are probable solutions but they are not yet tested
• the occurrence of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at a precise solution

A good research problem should be SMART, that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound whether it is historical, descriptive, experimental, or case-study.

• Specific. The problem should be specifically stated;
• Measurable. It is easy to measure by using research instruments (i.e., questionnare, test, etc.) in collecting data;
• Achievable. The data are achievable using correct statistical techniques to arrive at precise results;
• Realistic. Real results are not manipulated and;
• Time-Bound. Time frame is required in every activity because the shorter the completion of the activity the better.

Criteria of a Good Research Problem

A good research problem should be

• Interesting. An interesting research problem attracts the attention of the investigator to study the problem further. It also makes him determined to work on until its completion.
• Relevant to the needs of people. Researchers must keep in mind that they work not for themselves but for other people.
• Innovative. A good research problem may not be necessarily new. It maybe a restatement and a restructuring of an old problem to make it new. In this manner, results will be more relevant and useful to a great number of people.

• Cost Effective. The 4M’s — Man, Money, Materials, and Machinery are neede in conducting research. A research problem should be economical and effective in solving the problems of the society; it should also augment social, economical, and health conditions of the people and many others. There are funding institutions which grant financial assistance to a good quality of research studies. To name a few, NRCP or National Research Council of the Philippines, DOST or Department of Science and Technology, PCAMARRD or Philippine Council for Aquaculture and Marine Resources and Research Development, IFS or International Foundation for Science, JICA or Japan International Cooperatiing Agency and many others.
• Measurable and Time-Bound. A good research problem is measurable by using research instruments like tests, questionnaires, rating scales, observation schedule or interviews, and statistical treatment to arrive at scientific and meaningful results. A good research can be completed within a time frame stated. The shorter the completion of the project, the better.