7- Tomato Red

Tomato Red

Everyone has that moment where people – be it someone you know or not – would most likely be remember by his or her acts. The three most common reasons are the following: 

1.       Something you did right;

2.       A bad act; or

3.       An embarrassing event

Every individual has a story to narrate, and this is my story to tell.

This story of mine is not worth remembering on my part because thinking about it makes me want to cover myself in shame.This event happened during summer, while I was on a vacation on my father’s side. As I recall, I was still in Grade Six at that time. My cousin had a school event – recognition day, specifically – and she offered me to come along. I accepted the offer since I had nothing to do. The venue wasn’t that grand as I hoped it would be. The place was boring as all I could see was only shades of grey – monoblock chairs, concrete roads (the event was hosted in an open area), and gravel. I was expecting something that would match the vibe like a grass field, garlands, or banners. All I saw was an outdoor gym with its minimal decorations. 

My cousin assisted me to sit on the front row and there was at least four rows behind me. The event started with the usual. Opening speech, national anthem, speech, intermission, and so on. Halfway during the event, I felt like I wanted to at least eat (or have a breather). Fortunately, there’s a sari-sari store located just across the street. To satisfy my hunger, I decided to go for it. As I was walking midway to my destination, I instinctively touched the small of my back and realized that my shirt was lifted up. But that’s not all! I felt the strap of my T-back (“Curiosity killed the cat”) all the way to my waist which was exposed to the visible eye! The realization dawned on me that I just flashed it to the people who were facing my back. My assumption was I might have been fidgeting frequently on my chair out of boredom but I don’t know how my underwear went ‘that’ far.

With that said, I bet you could imagine my walk of shame as I made my way back. This is one story out of seven billion. How about you? What’s your story?

6- Friend

"Friend"

Have you had that one friend that calls you out of the blue just to ask a favor or something from you? And later on, after you have given them what they needed, they'll poof and retreat to their cave or whatever their hide out is. Or Have you experienced being judged by your own friends from only one mistake that you didn't mean to do?

I have had companions that took my friendship for granted. I gave them more chances than I can ever count and it aches my heart when I know that they just wanted me for something I could give. 

I had this friend that would only be there when she needed me. When she has issues with her family, friends, boyfriend or anyone; she would call me and ask for my aid. As a good friend, I would be there for her no matter what but after we solve a certain problem, she would be gone the minute we separate. If I had a problem and I really needed someone to talk to, she was always the one I called first but when she picks up the phone, she would constantly reply, "Sorry, I'm busy right now! Call me at five." And I would but then she would never pick it up again. That has happened more than once but I would forgive her the minute she's the one who'll call me.

There was another time where we planned to meet up at a mall because she wanted to see me and hang out - and it had been a long time since we've last seen each other. I was at the mall at one pm and was waiting for her while I walked in and out different shops. It was already after an hour to our designated time, and I decided to call her and she said, "I'm almost there! Sorry." then hanged up. I decided to go to a bookstore and I texted her where I was located but after more than an hour - I didn't notice the time because I was busy reading a book -, She still wasn't there. 

I called her and I said, "Where are you? It's already been two hours!". 

She said, "I don't have money to come there" 

I angrily replied, "But you said you were almost here! Why didn't you tell me?" 

She replied, "I'm sorry." and I ended the call.

It definitely stung that I called my friends and told them what happened. They went to the rescue and was at the mall less than an hour, we watched a movie and ate in a restaurant until it was almost closing time. I got home better but there's still this aching feeling that I lost someone that I held dear. My friends retorted that she wasn't worth it, I should forget about these kinds of people.

Never forget to appreciate a person who gives importance to your well-being. This has taught me that I shouldn't never use a person for my needs because it's inhumane to do such actions which is why I never expected anyone to do something for me, I don't want to take advantage of their kindness and solidarity.

5- Techy Word

Tech-y World

As you all know, Technology plays a big role in our society. Almost everyone in the world owns one or numerous gadgets. We use our phones, laptops and other electronics for our social networking sites, reading novels - also known as E-Books -, playing or using game applications, searching information's for school works or presentations for work and heaps more.

http://www.hotmessmamas.com/2015/01/kids-and-screens-the-lost-art-of-boredom/

There's a study where it shows that majority of the people, don't have a day of not using these machinery. Let's face it, we hardly see a person that doesn't own any gadgets, as they call it an endangered species.

We all know the advantages and disadvantages of this but I highly want to stress the use of electronics while being with other people. When I spend time at my grandparent's house, all my cousins would be too busy on their phones and Ipads that it saddens me that they can't see how technology is taking over their life. We were there to spend time together with our loved ones, not lazily sit in a couch and be occupied with our phones and other technologies.

Reunions or hang-outs with family and friends are quite different now because of technology. Instead of talking and catching up with each others life, people would look at their phones or any gadgets to do something else which is why the interaction or communication is hindered and the sense of reunions is gone. That's a fact, observe the people around you and you shall witness what the world has become because of such electronics.

So, How do you try to stop this problematic issue? Well, put your gadget inside your bag, pocket or don't use it in front of people.

My family has taught me one thing, it's rude to use your gadget while someone is in front of you or talking to you. At home, we make it a point to have quality time together; we watch a movie in the flat-screen TV, talk endlessly about different topics and so much more. I was taught not to use my phone or any gadgets while eating in the table, we interact and that's important.

I'm glad that I'm not in one of the majority of people that can't put down their phones or would die of boredom without it. I have experienced not having a phone for a year, because I was grounded but it was able to teach me the importance of interaction with people.

So please, take a break from your devices and catch up with the people around you.