The Filipino Youth of Today

By: Ellaiza Mae T. Gravanza

We are now existing in a modern world – a world where morals are slowly decaying.
I agree that this generation is somehow proud of being “Pinoy”, however their
nationalism had been gone. Gone are the days when Filipinos admire the locals.
Gone are the good old days when the youth cherishes their homeland. This!
Historical period is truly affecting the individuals.

Years ago, when I always watch my neighborhood, I could see kids playing Filipino
games such as tumbang preso, luksong tinik, patintero, Chinese garter and so much
more with smiles plastered on their faces. Even though how envious I was of the
thing called fun they had, atleast they had lived the Filipino’s way.

Nowadays, what do kids do? From cellphones to laptops, Xbox to iPods; the system
of technology is slowly eating their senses! If too much love can kill, then too much
technology can wreak havoc! And just like any form of influence, it made them sit all
day, worshipping the virtual world, where Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are a
must.

Life’s essence is not always about the everyday trends. It is about how our spirit is
burning to resist the impact of modernization. We are not just Filipinos by blood – we
are Filipinos carrying the value of the Pearl of the Orient Seas to always make a
difference to prove other nations that their judgments are wrong. So instead of
disputing, we should rather widen their narrow minds that we are not only good in
abrasive ways but we do have intelligence, abilities, and skills which are better than
the yesteryears.

Remember our national heroes did not sacrifice their blood for nothing. Now is the
time to stop the improper habits and replace it with proper ones as to always accept
the differences of individuals. Live and imprint in your minds that he who does not
look back from where he came will never reach his destination.

We must not then fail the hard works of our victors. Instead, we should resolve the
broken roads to raise again the pride of our nation for each trial we tackle molds us
to be ready to face the bygones. Aim high and strive for improvement because no
matter what happens, the future lies in our hands.

Face to face, heart to heart and soul to soul. We, the Filipino youth of today, are the
backbone of this land I call, Philippines.
 The Resiliency of a Filipino
by William G. Bacani

B : Filipino is resilient
G : Since time immemorial, we are tested by countless calamities; volcanic
eruptions, devastating earthquakes and lahar flows, super typhoons, flash floods and
landslides.
B : Victoriously, we surmounted these ordeals and pains, beyond imagination of the
human race
G : Instant death of our loved ones, claimed by transportation mishaps and natural
disasters. Thousands also die in hunger and malnutrition.
All : Including ambushes and endless wars in Mindanao. They trampled our basic
human rights, such as the right to live
G (solo) : I lost my loving husband, who didn't want to join Abu Sayyaf.
G (solo) : I lost my only son, who opted to become a military man.
G : We lost our innocent children and women, we lost our homes and properties.
B : Survivors are Filipinos. The wrath of nature and cruel destiny may steal
everything from us.
B (solo) : Wealth, properties, and family
All : But the Filipinos never give up
B : For us we are continuously scourged by the test of time. The spirit to survive and
to bounce back remains undefeated
All : I'm as pliant as a bamboo for I'm a man of Earth
G : My hair may all be blown away by the winds
B : And my legs may be crippled by the smash of waves
All : But I will stand and pick up the shattered pieces of myself and continue to live
B : Resolute to survive, clothed with an inspiration to live, not only for my family but
also for my beloved country
All : Filipinos unite in the midst of crisis, regardless of socio-economic status,
tradition and creed
G : The world has seen the magnanimous spirit of the Filipinos in crucial times.
All : The gap between the rich and the poor was narrowed
G (solo) : Envy was replaced by sympathy
G (solo) : Hatred was conquered by love
B (solo) : Selfishness was set aside
B : And saving one's live is the ultimate desire
All : History tells us that the Filipinos have captured innumerable foes, natural and
not. And shall always strive to champion in all odds. Because innate in the Filipino is
the will to survive
B : We may be daunted by the horrible scenes around us. But certainly, we will be
strengthened by our unwavering faith in God.
G : We have been lotted by many nations in the world, for our resiliency during
disasters, others die in saving lives.
All : But only few realize, that we are able to survive, because our spirit to fight is
deeply anchored from faith, that God Almighty will never forsake us.
B (solo) : I believe that Filipinos, divided by varied doctrines and cultures, are
capable to be on top of any situation, if united
All : Together, we can face any challenge ahead of us.
B : We may stumble and fall
All : But we will bounce back, arms stronger with vision and faith, that after darkness,
after pains and sufferings, the Filipino survives, the Filipino is resilient.
This is a popular declamation piece about a "bad girl" who becomes bad because of
the negligence of her family, school, and society
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-----Bad Girl

Hey! Everybody seems to be staring at me.

You! You! All of you!
How dare you to stare at me?!
Why? Is it because I`m a bad girl?
A bad girl I am, a good-for-nothing teenager—a problem child?
That's what you call me!
I smoke. I drink. I gamble at my young tender age.
I lie. I cheat, and I could even kill, if I have to.
Yes, I`m a bad girl, but where are my parents?
You! You! You are my good parents?
My good elder brother and sister in this society where I live?
Look! Look at me.... What have you done to me?
You have pampered and spoiled me, neglected me when I needed you most!
Entrusted me to a yaya, whose intelligence was much lower than mine!
While you go about your parties, your meetings and gambling session.
Thus... I drifted away from you!
Longing for a father`s love, yearning for a mother`s care!
As I grew up, everything changed!
You too have changed!
You spent more time in your poker, majong tables, bars and night clubs.
You even landed on the headlines of the newspaper as crooks, pedlars and
racketeers.
Now, you call me names, accuse me of everything I do to myself?
Tell me! How good are you?
If you really wish to ensure my future...
Then hurry....hurry back home! Where I await you, because I need you.
Protect me from all evil influences that will threaten me at my very own
understanding.
But if I am bad, really bad...then, you've got to help me!
Help me! Oh please... Help me!
 Examples Tongue Twisters

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,
Where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
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I saw Susie sitting in a shoe shine shop.
Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits.
-------
How many boards
Could the Mongols hoard
If the Mongol hordes got bored?
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How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?
------
Denise sees the fleece,
Denise sees the fleas.
At least Denise could sneeze
and feed and freeze the fleas.
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I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes,
I won't wish the wish you wish to wish.
-------
There was a fisherman named Fisher
who fished for some fish in a fissure.
Till a fish with a grin,
pulled the fisherman in.
Now they're fishing the fissure for Fisher.
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Picky people pick Peter Pan Peanut-Butter, 'tis the peanut-butter picky people pick.