“I did my best” says Aquino, “No you didn’t” says Estrada

  Good leaders are needed in our country for a prosperous life, achieve our economic goals and to have a better life. They are instruments given by God to help us. In certain ways, not all are given a chance to lead us. Even if Noynoy Aquino won the presidency, Estrada too could have won and perhaps could have done better things for us.

            In both aspects, they can help us in terms of making our country a better one. Aquino knows how to motivate people in achieving goals and so is Estrada since the masses are in favor him. Aquino can prioritize our needs and that is to alleviate the people from poverty, same with Estrada as he builds organizations to help the poor. Lastly, they both want our country to be known as a place to live away from problems, corruption ad negligence to other countries.

            Despite of its similarities they can do to improve our country, not both are perfectly the same in terms of their plans. First, Aquino implements better projects for our environment however what is wrong about it is that he himself is a smoker. He motivates, encourages his people to maintain peace and harmony in their family to have a better living, wherein in his case, he is single and had been already with three women that didn’t end up well. For Estrada, he tries to decrease the people who are smoking and drinking alcohol but he is a drinker too. Moreover, his presence in television as a gambler and a drinker possesses negative effects on other people.

            As a conclusion, nobody is perfect. Whether it comes in early life and personal life, some person tends to do things in their way without looking at the outcome. We can say therefore that even our great leaders and heroes have attitude and habit that holds them. In choosing a leader, you must determine first their abilities and perspectives. Both have their minds set for the improvements of our country, but both have weaknesses in certain aspects.

“Living in the Philippines or living in Saudi Arabia”

 You have to work in order to live. One reason why people their own country is to work and earn more money that what they usually receive to give more adequate supply to their family’s essential needs. Furthermore, in some cases it is not an easy job to be away from your dear family, friends and other relatives. Some OFW’s even tend to sacrifice almost everything (especially women) they have in return to get higher wage and salaries; however, we often hear on news that they are killed by their own employers. It is a devastating fact that is happening nowadays that we must all know. Even if there are benefits when living in Saudi Arabia and living in your own country (Philippines), living in Saudi Arabia also has negative effects than living in the Philippines.

            Living in Saudi Arabia and living in your own country are the same in some situations and ways. First, the qualities of good Filipino citizens are still manifested that are still being practiced which we cannot hide in the reality that we are helpful, hospitable and cheerful when gathered around. Just like going to Batha or Divisoria, you will encounter and see people who will be there to help and be if service. More likely, in time of security, a single shout or scream that serves as a threat in your case will let them offer helping hands. Second, we can also give a day to talk about spiritual aspects. In Saudi Arabia or in the Philippines, you are given a free will to attend masses that will strengthen your relationship towards God; In addition to that, the numbers of rest days are equal to the weekends in the Philippines. As long as you can agree to their terms and condition and will pay according to the accord, a house in your own country is suitable enough, just like in Saudi Arabia.

            Despite the benefits it give, there are also some disadvantages too when living in Saudi Arabia and living in the Philippines. Firstly, in terms of protection against kidnapping, carnapping and any form of threat in your property, hundreds of question will be asked first plus the patience that you have to give since not all can speak in English. Not like in the Philippines, you could easily understand each other and will work on it as they can. Secondly, unlike in your country; freedom in Saudi Arabia is only about 20% where single men and women are strictly not allowed to join in the same room. Dating in public as an example is also forbidden.

            In conclusion, there are both some benefits, like practicing our strong quality as Filipinos and enhance our relationship towards God and disadvantage, like the protection and freedom between living in Saudi Arabia and living in the Philippines. Living in Saudi Arabia had been done by our Filipino citizens years ago, whether it is because of brain drain or brawn drain I still hope that they will reconsider the solutions that the state are implementing to help our own country rise from great hardships. People too must decide about all the possible good and negative effects in their lives, once they have decided whether to work abroad and help our country develop its economic growth in terms of productivity.

“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.

“He, himself is the Pollution”

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A king in the city of Thebes was called as Oedipus. Impatient, stubborn and wants to find answers immediately. Good at blaming others however greedy to those who accuse him. A loyal, diligent, obedient brother-in-law that was tasked to do some investigation about the problem that was happening in their palace, he was Creon. Has a personality of being tolerant despite the cold attitude Oedipus is screening. A brave seer that was requested by the king, he was brave, honest and speaks only the truth, he is known for his name Tiresias. Even knowing that he could be penalized and be sentenced to death, he still notified Oedipus who the real demolisher of his kingdom was.

Living inside the palace was a female with great care towards her king and family. She is Iocasta, the queen of Oedipus. Creon, who was her brother have been completely loyal with his words and deeds to Oedipus. However, Oedipus doubts about it. Making them feel uncomfortable in certain issues.

Continent of Europe that is a part of Greece, it happened in the city of Thebes and Corinth where I supposed it took place in 19^th t 20^th century, wherein Shakespeare language already existed. Using it as a basis, I made it as a source that it happened during the era of Shakespeare.

Creon informed Oedipus that Polybus (52) told him that if they will not do something about the contaminated crisis, their kingdom will no longer attained peace and will befall towards success. However, the hindrance of solving this was a man they cannot figure out who. Knowing this he spread the news to look for whoever can tell him answers. Frightened, more than surprise, Tiresias gave him a puzzle advice. (Verse 550, 60). Annoyed, outraged, he almost ordered his man to kill the seer with thoughts lurking around his head that Creon was behind all of this. Creon, who denies the charge as soon as he heard the information, immediately finds Oedipus and the two busted out their own principles (V. 150, 66). In the end, Oedipus’ question was finally solved coming up with a solution wherein he ordered Creon to help him with it, taking everything he had worked hard for (V. I 440, 98).

When Iocasta talked about things to Oedipus that was only the moment when he had begin thinking of the real scenario (V. 750, 72). With that, he knew that he was destined to kill his father, marry his mother. To sum it all up, he was the monster of his own fantasy. He was the main pollution of everything.

A true man can handle situations as long as he is dignified and determined on where he stands. The dilemma concerning about the people and the kingdom itself, man can find a way to deal with it. Face the reality. Sacrifice. To discuss it with his family and let them know that it was his fate that he must finish of.

If I would be given a chance to come up with another ending, I liked it to be a happy one. I want Oedipus to return back to his family right after he had suffered and paid for what he had done unintentionally. I want Iocasta to help her husband recover and once more rejoice the people of Thebes and their castle once and for all. As for Creon, I want him to develop and enhance his skills and relationship towards Oedipus.

“A face that launched thousand ships”

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When you are in a battle, there is a chance of fifty percent of you getting alive after it or not. If you think about it, it can be a battle between individuals, between states just to get power and wealth. A movie entitled, “Troy” that was inspired from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey made me wonder why does it has to end in a tragic way wherein thousands of people suffered. The show tells us of how the two city states destroy each mankind to win against the other. It is all about love, power, wealth and great heroes. This movie is one of the greatest hits, mostly about fighting. It tells us both too much and too little about what is going on and keeps reminding us about who the characters are and why their fate are entangled.

The epic war film was released in the year 2004. Starring Menelaus, who was the king of Sparta, who wants to get Helen back from Paris, who was a prince of Troy. With the help of his brother Agamemnon, a king of Mycenae who have his eyes on Troy ever since. The leader of Myrmidons, Achilles was present making up his decision to join the battle and be remembered.  Hector, another prince of Troy is considered to be the best warrior of the Trojan will be the cause that will mark the beginning of the downfall of Troy. It embarks the cruelty of people to win and conquer places despite the presence of innocent people.

A prince of Troy, Paris took Helen away from her kingdom that result warfare with the Spartans. With thousands of ship arriving towards the castle of Troy, a duel was set before a war urged. Paris declaring to fight against the husband of Helen and thus whoever wins keeps Helen. Things didn’t go well and off came the Trojan War. Another prince of troy that is considered as the great warrior was Hector. Being worried about their defeat, he dashed up and looked for Achilles, a great leader of Myrmidons. Accidentally killing Patroclus, cousin and student of Achilles, Hector instructed his wife about the way things will happen, knowing that he would die. The conflict launched as they entered the castle using the Trojan horse. Burning everything and killing everyone. However, at the end of the show a coward would be called a hero.

It is intricate to give comments about the attitude and behavior of each person however, I didn’t like the way king Priam believes so purely about the priest verbalizing the future. The way he trust them is just like he accepts everything they say. Also, I didn’t like the way Achilles dragged Hector with his feet tied up. I feel wretched as I imagine myself being the father of Hector. It was too much harsh. In addition to that, the way Achilles died was quaint for me although I understand why he breaks down. Unfortunately, the only three things that I liked in the movie was, one; when Achilles gave the wish of the king; including the twelve days of mourning and giving back his son and niece. Two, when he looked for Briseis hurriedly as they he came in. Three, the successful escape of the Helen and the wife of Hector together with the other villagers and Aeneas, a lad who would continue the story in Homer’s other stories.

The idea of the film is to let people understand the value of its own belongings. It might be a precious item, a valuable location or a cherished individual. In addition, we must able to protect, save and use it into progress and development. We shouldn’t allow anyone taking it for no reason and taking it for his own advantage. In life, there are certain things that we must do first and sacrifice ourselves to get the gold. Moreover, there will be a time that all of these points will fade and diminished. It is up to you to nurture it and take care of it until the time comes to an end. To relate it in real life, we must all be thankful enough of what we have. Stop the cruelty, stop the morbidity, stop the discrimination, and stop the violence. We should all live equal and help one another stand on its own feet to experience what others encounter.

The motion picture is PG-13, teens and kids are allowed with warnings coming from their parents to understand the meaning of the film. It is strongly recommended that the presence of guardians is present to avoid negative effects and influence of it to children when it comes to the scenes of morbidity and nudity.

I enjoyed watching epic movies so to rate it 1 to 10, I think I will give it 8. I will make it a perfect score, If Achilles didn’t die.

Trisha Mae R. Labsan was born on October 7, 1996. She studied in the Philippines from nursery to grade 5 and moved to Saudi Arabia and continued her studies. She is in senior level today and she enjoys reading fantasies, epics, mythologies and other stories that will widen her vocabulary. She has a passion in playing different sports and activities, like volleyball, swimming under the sea, dancing on stage and exploring around the world. Right now, she considers herself who is too young to be called a woman but to old to be called a miss.

wOw!