THE PANG OF MISFORTUNE

Klang. Klang. That's the signal, yes, two hours more is left. Do you hear that? At four this
afternoon I will have my rendezvous with death at the lethal injection chamber. I pledge guilty
to drug trafficking and multiple murder. I know I deserve that ultimate capital punishment, but
listen to my story. You too have a share in forming me into a hoodlum in this dog eat dog
world.

I was a matter of fate by destiny that I grew up in an area fast an accelerating in this orbit of
moral decadence. My mom died a few days after my birth. Lola brought me up as dad, a
policeman was a footloose and fancy-free family man.

Outcast yes, I am, a bitter pill to swallow but more bitter than this was the pang of rejection.
Dad disowned me for the reason he alone knew. Society condemned me of mom's indiscretion,
a fault not of my own making.

I did not ask to be born but they gave me life just to wallow in poverty, in shame and in
anger. All around me were dark shadows of frustrations: pre-marital sex, women of loose
morale in heavy make-up, indecency, gambling, vices of all kinds, graft, corruption. Name them
and we have them all in our place.

At first, I lived as an errand boy then as a messenger for this oldest trade of flesh to sustain a
living. I graduated to selling prohibited drugs while sniffing once in a while to get into the
world of make believe to escape reality of life. That was how life was with one like me who has
no choice but to stay living that hard way.

One night, in my usual routine I had some small packages of prohibited drugs to deliver to
my valued clients. I was intercepted by a man in uniform and was consequently caught in the
act. i could do nothing more but to face the situation. Instead of submitting myself peacefully to
the authority I managed to grab the revolver and shot him flat dead. Once, twice, until several
policemen came to his succor. I shot aimlessly not minding anymore who might get hurt until I
no longer knew how many lives were lost.

God forgive me! But you people of the Philippine Republic who accuse me of drug
trafficking and multiple murder I also accuse you before the seat of the Most High, God the all-
knowing, all wise Judge for:

- having failed me with our lawmakers who themselves are law breakers,
- having taught me life's bitterness just with your words not coupled by your witnessing,
- having done nothing to fight moral decadence that has swept and pestered our country now.

I know I have but few minutes to live. Before I submit myself to face the Maker, I ask you
People of the Philippine Republic to atone for passive participation in the mess and corruption
our country is faced with. Do something to save our country, save the Philippines, save our
youth. Capture the lost values through moral recovery.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)
DIVISION OF LEYTE
BURAUEN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Burauen, Leyte

DECLAMATION CONTEST GUIDELINES

I. Registration
1. There shall only be one (1) declamation contest participant per grade level.
2. All contestant participants must see Mrs. Danymae P. Mercader for orientation on
October 31, 2018 (4PM) at Grade 7 Faculty Room)

II. Contest Proper

1. All contest participants shall be given only one (1) single declamation piece to deliver.
(“The Pang of Misfortune”)
2. The declamation piece must be memorized.
3. All contest participants must arrive at the contest venue and have their presence known
ten minutes before 4PM during the day of the competition. Failure to do so will subject
contest participants for disqualification from the competition.
4. The decision of the judges is considered final and irrevocable.

Criteria for Judging:

Preparedness and Accuracy- 40% (Students is completely prepared and has obviously
rehearsed. Completely memorized and accurate.)

Speaks clearly/Volume- 20% (Speaks clearly all the time. No mispronunciations. Volume is
loud enough to be heard by the audience throughout the presentation.)

Acting- 30% (The student uses consistent voice inflection, facial expression, and movement to
make the piece believable and more entertaining.)

Posture and Eye Contact- 10% (Uses posture appropriate for piece, looks relaxed and
confident. Establishes eye contact with all members of the audience during the presentation.)