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SELF - OBITUARY

"A Life of Service and Resilience"

Written By: DERECK JAY TABIRAO

As a person, I always strived to be helpful to others, often putting the needs of my friends and family before my own. There were times when I neglected to take care of myself, locking myself in a dark room and losing focus on my studies. I sometimes felt overwhelmed by everything happening at once, leading me to question my place in the world.

Despite these struggles, I believe I did my best. I may have felt like a burden to my family at times, but I continued to push myself to do better. Even in moments of despair, I reminded myself to keep trying and never give up. I shed tears on the bathroom floor, wondering if I would make it to college and fearing the thought of leaving my friends behind.

In the end, I still believe I was a good person. I understand that everyone has their own plans and I may not always be a part of them. But I take comfort in the fact that I tried my hardest and made an impact, no matter how small. Furthermore the challenges I faced, I will always strive to be the best version of myself.

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FACIAL RECOGNITION

"Christmas Fun"

Written By: DERECK JAY TABIRAO

Every December, our family had a cherished tradition of gathering for a Christmas edition family reunion. My first visit to Manila was an enchanting experience. The towering buildings and bustling streets filled me with awe. My aunt warmly welcomed us at the bus stop and drove us to her magnificent house, where I was greeted by a loving and extended family.

As Christmas Eve approached, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Relatives arrived from near and far, and my mother proudly introduced me. Despite my occasional shyness, I was drawn into the festive karaoke, even though I resisted their pleas to sing. At the stroke of midnight, we gathered in the living room, laden with gifts.

The games and gift exchanges were a whirlwind of laughter and joy. I received practical kitchen utensils, but the true Christmas gifts were yet to come. I was showered with an abundance of presents that left me feeling utterly spoiled. The delicious food and warm atmosphere made for an unforgettable night, Moving on as I drifted off to sleep only to wake up to another magical Christmas day.

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FACIAL RECOGNITION

"The Quiet and the Extrovert"

Written By: DERECK JAY TABIRAO

Her name is Angel Ann Carbon. I met her at my school, where she was a student in set A, while I was in set B. Due to COVID-19 precautions, we were divided into two sets: A and B. When the sets were finally combined, we happened to sit next to each other.

I was very quiet back then, and I observed her interacting with other people. She was an extroverted individual, while I was an introvert. Initially, I doubted that we could become friends, considering her outgoing nature and my reserved demeanor. However, she had a certain energy about her. She had short hair, often wore a jacket, and possessed a cool swag. One day, I saw her drawings and was amazed by her talent. We also shared a love for music.

As we started talking and getting to know each other, I noticed that she always smiled and seemed genuinely happy. Her positive energy was contagious, and it made me feel happier too. She was like a light that shimmered and that light was contagious in a good way. She was a type of friend that I didn't expect to connect with, but we clicked unexpectedly.

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LITERARY JOURNALISM

"RESCUE"

Written By: DERECK JAY TABIRAO

It was a sunny day, and the sun was scorching hot. I was walking to school with my fellow classmates when suddenly, one of my friends fainted. We quickly jumped into action, trying to wake her up. Unfortunately, she wasn't responding or speaking. I could sense that she was still breathing, but I couldn't tell for sure.

We immediately called for help. The neighbors rushed over and took her to the hospital. We anxiously paced around the waiting room, worried sick about her condition. My classmates and I began praying, hoping that she would regain consciousness.

The doctor eventually approached us and asked for family members. We had contacted her mother, and we were relieved when we overheard the doctor telling her that our friend had passed out due to the extreme heat. We were frightened about her well-being, but the doctor assured us that she was okay.

We informed our adviser that we were at the hospital, and thankfully, she understood our situation and expressed gratitude for our efforts in helping our classmate. As I made my way home, I informed my parents about what had happened, and we all said a prayer for her. This experience taught me the importance of acting quickly and staying hydrated. It also reminded me to always carry water with me and to bring an umbrella when it's extremely hot and sunny outside.

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REFLECTION ESSAY

"Through The Experiences"

Written by: Dereck Jay T. Tabirao

Growing up as an introvert, it was hard for me to communicate with others because I was afraid of being judged. In school, I was always quiet, but through the friendships I made, my self-esteem grew and I made more friends. One experience that stands out to me is when I was bullied in high school for my low grades. They called me stupid and said I wouldn't graduate. Despite this, I worked hard and proved them wrong. Now, I am a grade 12 HUMSS student, one step away from graduating.

Another experience that broke my heart was when my grandma was diagnosed with a stroke. She couldn't speak or move her body, except for her hand. In 2020, she was brought home to our province, and I would visit her often, reading her stories and keeping her updated on what was happening in Manila. One day, I was playing with friends and lost track of time. When I returned home, I found a crowd of people outside our house, and my heart sank. My grandma had passed away, holding a rosary in her hand. The pain of losing her was unbearable, and I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest.

Through these experiences, I learned the importance of cherishing the people you love and spending time with them. You never know what tomorrow may bring, so it's essential to make the most of every moment. I hope my grandma is happy in heaven, watching over me and my achievements. In conclusion, these experiences have taught me valuable lessons that will benefit me in the future.

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REACTION TO PERSONAL NARRATIVE

"The Journey of a Scaredy Cat on a Dark Forest"

Written by: Dereck Jay T. Tabirao

In this my reaction to the personal narrative title "The Journey of a scaredy cat on a dark forest" by Cirilo Lagrosa, the author reflects on their journey as a shy person who overcame their fears through the support of friends. From joining church activities at the encouragement of their neighbor to bonding over lyre playing with a close classmate, the author experienced a sense of belonging that illuminated the path forward. However, they also faced challenges in navigating the unknown during senior high school.

The author's journey is an inspiring reminder that even in the darkest of times, the companionship of others can serve as a guiding light. Like a lighthouse shining through a storm, their friends provided comfort, encouragement, and a sense of direction when they felt lost and alone. Moving on, the author's determination to venture into the unknown despite their initial fears is a metaphor for the resilience we all possess. Just as a brave wanderer can overcome the obstacles of a treacherous forest with the right support, we too can navigate the challenges of life with the help of those who care about us.

I relate deeply to this message because I have experienced the transformative power of friendship firsthand. As an introverted and shy child, I felt timid and isolated much of the time. However, as I grew older, I made a conscious effort to step outside of my comfort zone and connect with others. I joined clubs, took classes, and participated in activities that interested me. Through these experiences, I met people who shared my passions, supported my ambitions, and cheered me on every step of the way. Their presence in my life has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, embrace new challenges, and become a more well-rounded individual. I am eternally grateful for the friends who have helped me navigate the complexities of life and made me the person I am today.

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PERSONAL NARRATIVE

"Adventures in a Bicol Town Childhood Memories of Outdoor Fun and Games"

Written by: Dereck Jay T. Tabirao

Growing up in a small town in Bicol province, I made friends who were always up for some outdoor fun. On weekend mornings, I would wake up early, rush through my morning routine, and head downstairs for breakfast. My dad would often bring home freshly baked bread from the nearby bakery, still warm from the oven. After devouring our morning meal, I would sprint over to my friends' houses to gather them for a morning swim in the ocean.

We would walk together to the beach, spending hours swimming and playing in the water. The ocean was like a wide canvas, waiting to be painted with the vibrant colors of our laughter and splashes. However, our adventures didn't end there. After drying off and showering at home, we would play traditional Filipino games like "luksong baka" and "Tumbang Preso." I always seemed to end up as the "baka" in the jumping game, much to my annoyance. One time, I even lost a slipper in a canal while playing "Tumbang Preso," watching helplessly as the water dragged it into the abyss.

We would then move on to play "piko," a game that required us to draw boxes on the cement floor with charcoal. One of my friends had a stash of charcoals at her house, so we quickly got to work setting up the game. I found myself getting very competitive during these matches, even though I often ended up losing.

As the sun began to set and darkness settled in, I would return home, exhausted but smiling. I would sit down to a delicious dinner cooked by my mom, reminiscing on the day's adventures. Those weekends spent with my friends in our small town were some of the best times of my childhood, filled with laughter, competition, and unforgettable memories.

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BIOGRAPHY

"Her Dream"

Written by: Dereck Jay T. Tabirao

Growing up in the quaint town of Noveleta, Kryztal Alliah Ong, a bright and determined young girl, harbored a dream of serving her country as a valiant soldier. With a strong sense of purpose, she envisioned a life of peace and stability, driven by her unwavering commitment to education. Throughout her high school years, Kryztal excelled academically, earning honors for her dedication and perseverance. However, as she embarked on her senior year, the world was struck by the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her aspirations.

Amidst the global crisis, Kryztal faced an additional personal tragedy, losing a cherished loved one, leaving her heartbroken and filled with sorrow. Despite the overwhelming challenges, she displayed remarkable resilience, striving to maintain focus on her studies. Yet, the emotional toll took its toll, and she narrowly missed achieving honors. Undeterred, Kryztal entered grade 12 with renewed determination, pouring her heart and soul into her coursework and extracurricular activities. Her unwavering efforts paid off, and when the honors list was announced, she was overjoyed to find her name once again among the distinguished students, marking a significant step closer to realizing her dream.

Like a shining star illuminating the darkness, Kryztal's spirit burned brightly, gradually illuminating the path towards her desired future as a soldier. With every obstacle she overcame, she grew stronger and more resolute, proving that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and unwavering determination can lead to triumph. Kryztal's story serves as an inspiration to us all, demonstrating the transformative power of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering belief in one's dreams.

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Autobiography

"From Bullying to Breaking Barriers A Journey of Resilience and Dreams"

Written by: Dereck Jay T. Tabirao

My name is Dereck Jay Tabirao, and I was born in Virac, Catanduanes in the Bicol province. My life there was amazing, and I made many friends growing up. I lived there from kindergarten to grade 3. Sometimes, my classmates would bully me and call me "gay" because I enjoyed spending time with girls. I would often ignore them because I didn't really know my sexual orientation at that time. I questioned myself if I was normal because I felt more comfortable and understood by the girls. It's not that I didn't enjoy the company of my male classmates; they were just too boyish, and I didn't feel like I fit in because I was softer and couldn't fight back. They would also call me "adopted," which is true, and I'm not afraid to hide it because I found a new family.

I remember asking my mom where I came from, and she told me that God gave me to them. She explained that she couldn't deliver a baby, so a friend of hers gave me to her and adopted me. My real mom couldn't handle too many babies due to financial problems, so she gave me to my parents instead. We then moved and lived with my auntie and uncle in Fairview, Quezon City, in a big house with seven people. It was hard living with them and missing my parents every day, but my auntie and uncle would spoil me with things.

I studied in a private Catholic school from grade 4 to grade 5 in Quezon City, where I made new friends who were filthy rich. The school brought me closer to God, and I joined the singing choir. At first, it was nerve-wracking, but I got used to it. We sang in church every Friday, and it's where I discovered my passion for singing. Then, my dad came home and bought a house in Imus, Cavite. I was sad again leaving some of my new friends, but I had to accept it. Imus was very far from Quezon City, so everything was new for me again. My parents enrolled me in a private school, where I was treated poorly. People talked behind my back, and it was challenging for me to make friends because everyone was smart and knew what to do. I am a slow learner, so I felt like I was the slowest in the class. Despite all of this, I graduated from elementary school.

In grade 7, some of my classmates changed schools, and the bullying got worse. They would hide my belongings and blame it on me, saying I forgot where I put them. This was a lie because I am a very organized person and wouldn't forget my belongings. Because of their actions, I learned not to trust anyone. Due to financial problems, I transferred to a public school, where I felt more at home. Although I still got bullied, my overall experience in that school was memorable. However, everything went downhill when my grandparents passed away in the same year. I became extremely sad and missed a lot of school. My classmates teased me, saying I wouldn't graduate high school. Despite it all, I tried my best from grade 8 to grade 10, and I finally graduated, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

After that, I researched which strand to choose for senior high school, and I found humss (Humanities and Social Sciences). I picked humss because I aspire to become a famous journalist someday. Growing up, whenever I felt bored, I would grab a pen and paper and write stories, express my feelings, or even create song lyrics. So, I knew choosing humss would be perfect for me, and I was right. Now, I am a grade 12 student, almost graduating, and I'm still standing strong, following my dreams. I wish I could tell my bullies that I have made it this far and show them that I can do anything.

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Dereck Jay Tabirao

P-erfect

O-ne of a kind

E-legant

T-ouching hearts with every line

R-ejoicing in it's own rhyme

Y-our acrostic poem, devine✨