Life in Saudi Arabia Compare to Philippines

All countries in the world are unique. Living in a country different from one’s native culture could be very difficult. Although living in a country like Saudi Arabia is challenging, we should learn to enjoy that experience and treasure it. Even with cultural differences, there are still some similarities between Saudi Arabia and Philippines.

Although there are a lot of differences between Philippines and Saudi Arabia, they are also similar in some ways. First is the education in Philippines and Saudi Arabia are similar in terms of spending on education. Second, students are free to choose what school they will attend to. Both Philippines and Saudi Arabia have increased awareness on the value/importance of education to its people.

On the other hand, Philippines and Saudi Arabia’s culture is different in terms of freedom. It is impossible to go to a place or travel alone. The dress code is also completely different, girls should wear “abaya” to be able to go somewhere. The rights of women in Saudi Arabia are different compared to Philippines. Saudi Arabia is a very strict country while Philippines is a free country. Prices are lower in Saudi Arabia such as things like oil. One could save more money in Saudi which is why a lot of people choose to work here.

In conclusion, Philippines and Saudi Arabia have a lot of differences and is the opposite of one another. Even though living in a country different from one’s native country is difficult, one can use this opportunity to be able to learn something from this country.

What Now?

SO… anyone still want to continue blogging?

The movie compl…

The movie completes the viewers satisfaction with its battle scenes, dialog’s, locations and the portrial of the characters. This movie is greatly catch the likes of the people, this time is where people create historic movies that is great in actions and adventure.

The story first started when the Greeks welcome the Trojans in there city. It was a warm welcome for them. In return, the Trojans kidnapped the wife of the king of the Greek. And at that moment Greeks declare war on the Trojans. Achilles is the main character of the story. He is the one who is responsible of killing the death. 

All the actor and actresses did a great job of perfecting their role. especially Achilles all the emotions and the facial expression were all excellent.

The only part that I like in the movie are all the battle scenes and especially the dialog’s of the characters. And the part where I don’t like is the part where Achilles died.

The lesson the viewers will learn in the movie is. In every action you take their is an reaction and affect on the society and the environment. This movie will really teach the people and will think about their actions.

The people who will like this movie are the historians, high school student and to those who likes Greek story. I would not recommend this movie to the children and with those who have phobia with blood and violence. 

Book Report: Antigone

Antigone and Ismene. Antigone is a girl that wants to fight for her right and her people. Antigone has a stong personality and have the courage to revolt. And Ismene her sister. Her sister’s character is a lovely one and don’t want her sister to get hurt

The relationships in the story are the kinds of till the death relationship. The relationship of antigone and Ismene are very strong only death will keep them ayaw from each other while the relationship of Antigone to king Oedipus is full of hatred and bitterness.

In my theory the story took place in the lands of the Greeks. It happens in the mythological age of the Greeks. Some of the evidences are their names. The name’s in the story have the mixture of the Goddess names. And their way of living have similarities in the Greek culture.

The main conflict in the story is about Antigone and King Oedipus. Antigone wants her freedom and so she start revolting even though with her action king Oedipus will get mad. And another conflict arises with Antigone and Ismene. Ismene want her sister to not go into revolting but the eagerness of Antigone is strong

The main climax of the story is when Antigone get killed. Full of sadness in the heart of the king and to her sister. Her sister Ismene cannot accept the fact her sister is dead and so as the king which he also blame himself for the death on antigone. The Climax part was full of sorrow and tears as Antigone pass away.

The problem faced in the story is the freedom that in the people where not found. People are tired with their strict life. The problem was solve thwn Antigone has the guts and the courage to fight for their freedom. It is sad when Antigone was found dead but its exchange for the people is worth it.

If I were to write another ending. I would not make it a tradegic and full of sadness. I would make it happy ending story. King Oedipus will realize in the end that his doings are wrong. The revolt of Antigone will be successful. No people will die in the end. 

Troy

Troy is one of the most interesting and a the same time most adventurous movies related to literature. The movie was based in Homer’s work which is “The Iliad”. It gives us a glimpse of how ancient Greeks survived, on how the alliance was built with the other ancient Greek city states and how their way of leaving affected their decisions and motivations.

The main characters of the movie are Brad Pitt as Achilles, Eric Bana as Hector, Orlando Bloom as Paris, Diane Krugar as Helen, Brian Cox as Agamemnon, and Brendon Gleeson as Menelaus. The conflict started after the peace settlement of the Trojans and the Sparta. Helen went with Paris back to Troy and that made Menelaus furious. He asked his brother Agamemnon to get his wife back and at the same time to kill Paris. Agamemnon sees this as an opportunity to destroy and conquer Troy. Agamemnon then asks for the help of Achilles to join them. Achilles joined because he wanted to be known during his generation. When Menelaus army reached Troy, they were confronted by Hector’s army. Menaluas challenged Paris in a duel and whoever wins would have Helen back. Hector feels pitiful and he killed Menelaus instead.

Brad Pitt did a great job acting as Achilles. I was very impressed with the acting skills of Eric Bana as Hector. He showed the different sides of Hector like being a man, a leader, a son, and a brother.

I didn’t like the part where Achilles wasn’t able to fully express his love to Briseis and he wasn’t able to save her when Sparta conquered and destroyed Troy. I like the scene where Hector tries to protect his brother from Menelaus.

The lesson or the moral teaching of the movie is that, how one’s action or decision can affects the lives of others. Like for example, when Helen went with Paris despite the peace settlement that was agreed and talked about. The whole Trojans were affected and some were killed.

A lot of students who are interested in English literature would enjoy watching this film, together with your family, who would understand the different conflict that arises between city states.

My score or rating for the movie would be four out of five.

Thea Cyndrille B. Obzunar is a fourth year student and is currently studying at Palm Crest International School in Riyadh, K.S.A. She loves and appreciates people who care for her. Her hobbies are playing different sports like badminton and table tennis. She also plays the guitar and a little bit of keyboard.

“The Secret of Islands”

MOVIE ANALYSIS: “ODYSSEY”

A long journey could have lots of excitement through different experiences that you may encounter. Using an enormous ship with lots of crew with you, it might be a fabulous time travelling with the wind. “Odyssey” by Andrey Konchalovskiy that was adadpted from Homer’s epic conveys an adventure and marvelous insight for people that loves voyage. It is about pleased on what you have. Unassuming that things are given to you with a purpose and you must also learn on how to use it correctly. Bragging will only bring you down; therefore, learn know where to stand.

Movie launched about the year of 1997. Protagonist king of the movie named Odysseus with his fellow crew went on an expedition to go to the city of Troy. The film goes as they won the battle in Trojan War with his brothers Agamemnon and Menelaus. As a proverb “Curiosity killed a cat”, one of his fellow crew made a mistake that let them move away from Ithaca. Making their trip longer than what they expected. Years passed and his son Telemachus thought of searching for his father than letting his mother marry again in replacement for a new king. He then encounters the goddess of wisdom, Athena helping him along his own journey in search for his father.

Strong charisma and personality to climb the highest mountains, fight beasts and enemies, I can say Odysseus played by Armand Assante did a wonderful job. Greta Scacchi her wife in the film or Penelope also gave her best as she shown us the true meaning of marriage, love and hope. Telemachus his son, acted by Alan Stenson also deserves to be recognized with his effort. Despite his age as an actor with the other casts, it didn’t become a hindrance for him to act and let us see that he is worth it. As you watch this film, I assure you that you would also observe their greatness and expert towards their roles. They have the passion in acting.

As the movie starts, I was deeply surprised that he, Odysseus himself was carrying his wife into a small house to deliver the baby. Moreover, I wondered why he delivered it by himself. I liked it since not any man could do it. Honestly speaking, in other films you would see them walking in circles and biting their nails until they make sure that the baby is safe or it will cry that would mean that it is over. In addition to that, I also liked the setting wherein he showed his love and care for his crew as they waited for him in the Underworld. It really implies brotherhood and a thing that says, “Nobody gets left behind”. One more thing that made me smile despite the difficulties of him getting back to Ithaca was his perseverance and determination that was showed in the last scenes of the film; he got his kingdom back along with his family. However, the only thing I hate about it was his attitude of being easily hooked by women.

Poseidon said, “Without gods men are nothing”. And since I only have one God then I’ll say, “Without God we are all nothing.” That is one of the major lesson I learned in this movie. Poseidon was correct about this, because we humans are worthless without God. We may execute so many efforts in life, but if it is not according to His will, He will not allow it. I guess aside from this, people will learn patience, like what Odysseus did when he already came inside his palace dressed like a beggar. Hope and loyalty, like what Penelope did as she waits for her husband to come back.

This movie contains scenes that may not be suitable for young audience for it contains morbid scenes and love scenes. Therefore, parents or guardians should be with their children. PG-13. This film let us visualize some of the things that Homer wanted us to imagine.

Out of 100, it is 96.

Trisha Mae R. Labsan is currently studying in Riyadh, K.S.A. She is a senior in Palm Crest International School. She is originally from Bulacan, Philippines. She was raised in the Philippines and graduated in kindergarten. Her plan is to graduate high school with something worth giving for her parents. Besides writing stories, she is delighted with cooking and reading novels or anything that desires her attitude. Right now, her only purpose is to study hard and don’t let distractions stand in her way.

“Troy” The Trojans Got Horsed

During our English class our teacher let us watch a movie called “Troy”. I just seen the movie and I am not really interested in Greek themed movies. It was set on the ancient times of Trojans and Sparta where the Trojan war is going to happen. It was an action movie full of warriors and archers trying to fight for what they believe in.

The movie stars Orlando Bloom as Paris a Trojan Prince who have fallen in love with Diane Kruger as Helen the wife of a Spartan King Menelaus who is being played by Brendan Gleeson. Now Paris and Helen fell inlove and Paris took Helen to be his wife in Troy. Now his brother Hector who is being played by Eric Bana needs to hep his brother for its treachery on the Spartans. King Menelaus now seeks help to his brother King Agamemnon played by Brian Cox to get his wife back from paris and so the war begins. Now the Spartans summons there greatest warrior Achilles played by Brad Pitt a demi god to fight the Trojans.

Now Brad Pitt did a good job the character really suits him and how he acts was great. Orlando Bloom however didn’t really fits the role as Paris he kind of feels like always overreacts the scene which makes his character weak all throughout the movie. I think Eric Bana,Diane Kruger and Brian Cox did very well in the movie they kind of build there character specially Hector. I don’t think they’ve given Brendan Gleeson enough screen time because he is not really a memorable character in this movie.

Since this movie was release back in 2004 I didn’t really expect that this will be a good movie but to my surprise it really got beyond from what I expected. The cast was great, the story is great even the cgi is great from its age. The way they show the fight scene was fantastic how they portray the war between the Trojans and Spartans is incredible. I think the movie is excellent except that the of the way the character of Briseis was built I think she is not really an important part of the movie but all in all the movie did a great job.

I think the moral of the story is don’t get lust ruin your life like what Paris and Helen did. They let million of lifes to be ruin because of there love for one another. Another thing is don’t be impulsive like Achilles when he killed Hector because it will lead you to something you will be guilty about.

If you’re a big fan of greek mythology and literature Im sure you will love this. But I Highly recommend this for everyone who are 13 and above specially high school students who loves action and a great story line. I wouldn’t recommend this to a younger audience for it contains partial nudity and violence. I would rate this a PG 13 movie and a 9/10 for its great story line and action scene.

Ronneal F. Cantos is 16 year old boy and a 4^TH year student studying at Palm Crest International School. Living in Riyadh but was born in the Philippines.

Compare and Contrast “Two Famous Politician”

It is often we see politicians trying to get the peoples vote during the campaigning period. But are they really trying to make a change or are they just lust with power? There are two individuals who comes in mind which I found both of them as similar. They both got elected due to the fact that they are a well know person for being a “makabayan” . Those individuals are Noynoy Aquino and Noli de Castro.

First is their party and position they are running during their time of campaign. Noynoy runs as a president in the liberal party. While Noli de Castro run as Vice president under the political party. But in this they both promise change . they took different party and position.

Next is their image Noynoy Aquino is famous for being the son of Ninoy Aquino a Filipino hero and the brother of Kris Aquino a famous t.v. host/actress. This led Noynoy Aquino as the peoples vote. Similarly with Noli de Castro being a famouse t.v. host have led him to the hearts of the peoples. Making them candidates of their own façade image.

During their campaign both the peoples choice promising change. Ninoy Aquino and Noli de Castro.are both public figures occupying public office. Both are subjects of controversies, harsh criticisms and baseless speculations. They are both being mentioned in the news with negative feedback from the people.Noli de castro did not do much in his time being VP as for Noynoy he has yet to prove his worth

In the end both of them got elected by theyre popularity and notas  theyre own person.Noli de castro have his time done.But noynoy still have a chance to make change. This led me to thinking in whether people do realy vote for change? Or just voting for popularity.Making our government just another popularity contest.

Compare and Contrast “Living life in the Philippines or living life in Riyadh”

Living life in the Philippines or living life in Riyadh

Many people prefers to live in Riyadh rather than to live in the Philippines. There will come a day for us to decide where we want to live and have a stable family. Living in one place determines your status in life. Nowadays majority of people wants to go to Riyadh with their family and work here. However, both  living in Riyadh and Philippines have their benefits.

The Climate in Riyadh and the Philippines are very different. Here in Riyadh we don’t frequently experience rain and storms. Although there are hail storms it usually occur during winter and the temperature is usually extreme. It’s extremely cold in winter and very hot during summer. The common bad weather condition is a sand storm. While in the Phillipines they frequently experience rain and the weather is not too cold and not too hot. But the down side is that they always experience flood and storms.

Despite their difference in their weather they also have different culture. Riyadh is  a Muslim country known for being conservative and old fashioned. Women mostly just stay at home while men work. Only men are given the freedom while women are mostly conservative wearing “abaya” and tarha when in public. People are not allowed to go outside without carrying an ikama. While in the Philippines people always loiter around wearing shorts and sando in public. Also women are given the same rights as the men being a democratic and a open country.

Finally is the difference between the status of living. In Riyadh it gives you a large amount of job opportunity with company and family benefits. This can help in to having a comfortable life,  financially. However being in Riyadh makes you away from your relatives and home town. While in the Philippines you feel happy even though with all the calamity happening. You are close with your relatives and you have a feeling of joy inside you.

There will come a day for us to decide where we want to live and have a stable family. In the end it still doesn’t matter where you live as long as your happy and contented. May you be in a dessert or beach, in a hot or tropic place, In  Riyadh or the Philippines it all matter to you as long as your happy living in that place with your family.

Oedipus the King

In the story, the most important characters are Oedipus the King, Teiresias, and Creon. Oedipus the King, the King of Thebes is a selfish kind of king. He somehow cursed or asked the Gods to kill the former king, which is King Lauis. Teiresias, the seer, was the one who predicted and saith that, Oedipus the King was the one who killed King Lauis. Creon, the brother of Iocasta, the Queen of Thebes, was accused that he is the one who killed King Lauis.

The relationship between the characters in the story to one another is that, they are all part of the royal family. They are somehow connected with each other. Oedipus didn’t know that his wife was his mother and King Lauis, whom he killed was his father.

The story took place during the ancient Greece. The people of Thebes, including Oedipus, believed in the gods and goddesses. They ask guidance and protection from Apollo, Athena, and Artemis.

The conflict in the story was when, the people of Thebes was suffering from this plague. They ask ask the help of Oedipus to solve the problem. Oedipus told his people that he ordered Creon to find the answers to their conflict. When Creon returned, he said that the only solution to their problem is to find the killer or murderer of their former king, King Lauis.

The story arises when, Oedipus finds out that he was the one who killed King Lauis. When Creon said that there is a blind prophet who could help them answer and solve their conflict. Teiresias, the blind prophet was accosted by Oedipus and he has no plans of telling him what he knows. Through out their conversation, more like an argument, Teiresias spilled out the answer that Oedipus was the one who killed King Lauis.  Moreover, he also found out that King Lauis was his real father and Iocasta was his real mother, through his visitor, the Corinthian.

In my opinion, the problem wasn’t really that solved. Creon as a good brother-in-law to Oedipus,  he took over the responsibility of a king to Oedipus. The daughters of Oedipus, Antigone and Ismene were also left to Creon. Oedipus wasn’t true to his words because, according to him, whoever killed King Lauis would be killed too.

I’d like the ending to be unexpected. Like for example, when Oedipus finds out that Iocasta was his mother, he would have killed Creon because, there would be a possibility that Creon would overthrow him. Despite the fact that, Creon wouldn’t really like to rule the Theban people.